theceomagazine.com | 143needs to be ongoing. “There are still many
things that can be done through education,
promotion and immigration to get more
interested people into Hong Kong’s maritime
cluster. They are all still being discussed.”
Sabrina has played a part in advocating
for the industry through her role as chair
of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association
(HKSOA). She was elected to this role in
2015, another marker of how much
experience, respect and visibility she had
gained in the industry. The Association is
the largest of its type in the world, bringing
together owners who collectively manage
some 178 million deadweight tonnes of
maritime fleet.
“Not only was chairing the HKSOA
a tremendous honour, it also provided an
incredible platform for me locally, nationally
and internationally. As chairman, aside from
meeting people all over the world from
our industry, I also met with officials and
diplomats to discuss issues and trends in our
industry. It was an eye-opening experience,
and it most definitely brought many new
and valuable ideas to Wah Kwong.”
Sabrina stayed in the role until 2017.
“That was probably the most valuable thing
I did since joining Wah Kwong,” she says.
During her time as chair, she advocated for
Hong Kong’s position as an international
maritime centre.
Wah Kwong remains one of the major
players in an industry seen as pivotal to Hong
Kong’s economic standing. In her five-year
plan for the territory, Hong Kong’s Chief
Executive, Carrie Lam, discussed the city in
terms of its three pillars – finance, trading
and maritime. The port still boasts world-class
facilities and a high level of access to finance
and support services.“ Not only was being chair
a tremendous honour, it also
provided an incredible platform
for me locally, nationally
and internationally.”
Wah Kwong Maritime operates ships
around the world. Sabrina points out that
as the fourth-largest shipping registry
internationally, Hong Kong’s maritime
industry is heavily dependent on global
conditions. After years of post-GFC
sluggishness, the shipping industry now
appears to be resurgent. “The demand side
is showing steady growth on the back of
global economic recovery led by the US,”
she reports. On the supply side, there are
ongoing concerns about a glut of
shipbuilding capacity; however, Sabrina is
“cautiously optimistic” on balance. “Hong
Kong is strong, but there is plenty of room
for improvement,” she concludes.
As the company continues to forge
partnerships, particularly in mainland China
and the developing markets of Asia–Pacific,
Sabrina’s financial nous will again come to
the fore. She says doing due diligence on the
financial stability of potential partners will
continue to be foundational, as will assessing
the long-term prospects of potential partners,
and the strength and experience of the
company’s core management group.
“Most importantly, we strive for win-win
situations in any partnership, meaning both
parties can make money, bring value and
grow together. That is the foundation of
any strong partnership.”Interview | INVEST