With spring’s arrival comes a promise of renewal—a season that invites us to grow, connect, and reflect. The upcoming month of March holds a special place in my heart, not only for its blossoming energy but also for the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8—a day that fills me with gratitude for the women who have paved the way forward, for those breaking barriers every day, and for our shared journey toward a world where every voice is heard and valued. This month, I am reminded that empowerment is not a solo act, but a collective strength forged from sharing stories of courage and community.

A Bit More Than Arts Festival 2025: My Visit with Ida Lam

The JES Network is a platform which we created to bring together women from our Most Successful Women Award recipients, like-minded individuals who share the passion of living life fully, meaningfully, with purpose.  Earlier this month, I attended the opening ceremony of the A Bit More Than Arts Festival 2025, hosted by the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong.  Chaired by Ms. Ida Lam, a 2024 JESSICA Success Women Awards honoree, the festival embodies the association’s mission of “Art for All, Abilities Unlimited.”  For years, they have championed equal opportunities for people with disabilities to explore art, hone their talents, and foster inclusion.

Themed “The Things Around Us,” the festival featured works from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant – Inclusive Arts Initiative. Artists shared their stories through paintings, ceramics, and lanterns, weaving together memories and emotions. The opening, inspired by The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, showcased performances by a band, percussionists, and dancers—all individuals with disabilities. Their passion was electric, captivating everyone present.

A highlight of the event was the fashion show, where models wore costumes designed by participants of the Costume Design and Production Workshop. The creativity and care in every stitch spoke volumes about the artists’ dedication. The inclusion of sign language interpreters ensured accessibility for hearing and visually impaired attendees, emphasizing the event’s commitment to inclusion.

Watching these artists tell their stories through movement, music, and design, I came to understand that true art transcends physical limitations. Beyond just art, it was a bridge that connected us across differences, inviting a deep sense of empathy and teaching me how much we can learn from those who see the world differently. I left feeling grateful for the reminder that true strength lies in lifting each other up and making space for every voice to be heard.

Nurturing Tomorrow: The Children’s Character Festival

Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate the Children’s Character Festival, a ground-breaking initiative brought to life by StorySeeds and CCF2025 by three extraordinary members of the JES Network — Christine Ma, Joanna Hotung, and Vivian Chung.  Supported by JEMS Academy, this festival celebrates compassion, resilience, and responsibility.  As a mother of three, its mission resonates deeply: raising children who are not only successful but also empathetic, confident, and dedicated to bettering their communities.

The Children’s Character Festival invites children aged 3 to 10 to craft stories about kindness through illustrations, writing, or any medium of their choosing. Participants then present their stories in English during the competition, sharing their experiences with judges and the audience. It is a beautiful blend of creativity and character-building for the next generation.

Christine Ma-Lau, a 2018 JESSICA Success Women Awards honoree and a friend of more than 30 years (!), founded the JEMS Character Academy in 2009 and the Character Education Foundation in 2016. Her work focuses on helping children develop responsibility, empathy, resilience, and confidence — qualities that are increasingly important in a world where artificial intelligence may handle tasks but cannot replicate human virtues.

Joanna Hotung, a 2015 JESSICA Success Women Awards recipient, brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education.  She has established a children’s gallery, a kindergarten, and the Hotung Mills Education Foundation, making significant contributions to the field of children’s education.

Vivian Chung, a 2020 JESSICA Women of Excellence Awards honoree, is a longtime friend who founded Story Jungle in 2005.  Her organization provides English reading programs and workshops in primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong.  In 2015, she established the charity REACH to offer English reading opportunities to underprivileged communities.

Together, these women are sowing seeds for a future where knowledge and kindness flourish.  Through the JES Network—focused on entrepreneurship, mentorship, sustainability, impact, and sports—they’re creating a space for women and youth to learn and grow.

A Legacy of Impact: MSW 2025

As March unfolds, we are also preparing to unveil the JESSICA Most Successful Women Awards (MSW) 2025 — a tradition that has honoured women who inspire, innovate, and uplift for over two decades. More than just an award, MSW is a movement to amplify voices and ignite change across Asia.  Each honoree’s story plays a role in the larger narrative of possibility, a reminder that when women come together, we create something greater.

The winners of the 2025 JESSICA Successful Women Awards will be announced on March 3.  As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, our mission and values remain unchanged: celebrate women’s achievements and promote women's empowerment, inspiring women to courageously pursue their dreams.

With gratitude,
Jessica