Edwina Chau, Vice-President, Company Secretary and ESG of BC Group, shares with WiFA how she promotes diversity and gender equality, her experience with mentors, what gives her hope every day, and much more.
Tell us about your background and the journey to your current position and organization.
I am the Company Secretary and Vice President of ESG at BC Group, Asia’s leading public fintech and digital asset company. In my role, I focused on promoting and implementing effective corporate governance and sustainable development of the company.
I am an accounting professional with over 10 years of experience in accounting and finance, auditing, internal control and company secretarial services. Prior to joining BC Group, I held several senior internal control and auditing roles at leading global organizations and professional firms.
How do you promote diversity and gender equality in your own life and workplace?
In my organization, I am a core member of the ESG Committee, supporting our Group CEO in overseeing the development and implementation of the Group’s sustainability strategy and initiatives. We have been working with functional departments throughout the year to host a range of diversity and inclusion in addition to well-being workshops. We also regularly review the employee entitlement benefits to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace.
Mentors play an important role in the development of many careers. If you have/had a mentor, what is the one take away message or inspiration that he/she passed on to you?
I am fortunate to have several mentors at different stages of my career, who gave me invaluable advice on personal and professional development. One important message that inspires me the most is, “Don’t be afraid to expand yourself, and to step out of your comfort zone.” This quote has always been in my mind, motivating me to treasure every single opportunity to grow and progress continuously.
What gets you out of bed every day, either professionally or personally? What gives you hope?
Professionally – Working in a listed company, being the parent of the first SFC-licensed digital asset trading platform is my key driver. I love the exciting challenges we face every day from ever-changing regulations as well as businesses and product expansion. I am excited to collaborate with so many seasoned, high-caliber professionals across different teams to accelerate our global expansion and take our business performance to the next level.
Personally – I am energized by my two daughters. I would like to be a positive role model for my children, to show them how to live with integrity, optimism, hope, determination, and compassion and to inspire them towards meaningful lives.