Ms. Sabrina S. M. Chao, Executive Chairman of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Ltd. has been named as the 2018 Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) Commodore. The 2018 Commodore Award will be presented on March 14, 2018 at the Gala Dinner marking the conclusion of the annual Connecticut Maritime Association conference and trade exposition, at the Hilton Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut, USA.
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The CMA's Commodore Award is given each year to a person in the international maritime industry who has contributed to the growth and development of the industry. Founded in 1990, this Award has been awarded to 28 Commodores all over the world.
Followed by IMC Group Chairman Frank Tsao, COSCO Group President and CEO Capt Wei Jiafu, Sabrina Chao became the third Asia to receive this award. "The CMA is honored to present Ms. Sabrina Chao with the 2018 Commodore Award," said Joe Gross, President of the CMA. "Sabrina's story is a personal and corporate story of commercial success and personal contribution to the health and future of the industry. Wah Kwong is of course a global brand and has been through generations, a distinction saved for only the most nimble, effective and forward looking businesses. Her family has always contributed to the industry and local maritime community as well, a commitment to service that has continued with her recent role, through November 2017, as Chairperson at the Hong Kong Shipowners Association. The CMA has been honored to have had the support and participation of the HKSOA over our own decades of industry participation. The Board believes that the engagement with multiple aspects of the industry, commercial standing and generosity of time and effort on behalf of community make for the perfect Commodore. “For us here on the East Coast of the U.S. the central role in and understanding of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the remarkable One Belt One Road initiative is just icing on the cake for our community.”
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Ms. Sabrina Chao is a prominent leader in the global maritime industry and a good example of the successful modern women. She has a balanced international perspective, and has deep knowledge and insight into the world of shipping. Sabrina is the Executive Chairman of Wah Kwong Holdings Limited and the past Chairman of Hong Kong Shipowners Association and the Asian Shipowners’ Association. She has also served as a member of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board, and is presently the Chairman of the Maritime Services Training Board of the Hong Kong Vocational Training Council.
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Wah Kwong Group, led by Sabrina, was founded in 1952 and has always demonstrated the great tradition of the Chao family, which has represented value, stability, promise and responsibility. It has a diversified fleet, and experienced and dedicated staff. In addition to being a famous shipowner in the world, Wah Kwong Group provides services in other shipping sectors, such as newbuildings, fleet management, business operations, and consulting services for sale and purchase. Currently, Wah Kwong Group operates a large fleet of 18 bulk carriers, six VLCCs, four Aframax tankers, and five LPG carriers, with a total capacity of over 3.9 million deadweight tons.
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Sabrina not only steers the Wah Kwong Group; she is also a leader in the global maritime industry. She is a very influential shipping figure in Hong Kong, Asia and the international shipping arena. She took over the chairmanship of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association in 2015, and under her capable leadership, the Association has undertaken reforms and innovation. With the support of its members, the Association has seen many breakthroughs at all levels. While the global maritime industry has faced tremendous challenging times in recent years, Hong Kong shipping is no exception. Internally, Sabrina has re-organised and re-energised the Association, with an enhanced committee structure and an expanded secretariat with board expertise to help members tackle issues of common interest and concern. Externally, the Association has remained pro-active at the international and regional arenas, but become more active in the national arena. The Association participates actively in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and has strengthened liaison with the central government authorities in Beijing, as well as key maritime cities including Shanghai, Zhoushan and Dalian.
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A professional woman as well as the mother of two children, Sabrina has been active in corporate social responsibility projects and has taken part in and made donations to many public welfare service projects in both Hong Kong and her hometown - Jiangsu province. She is an advocate for children welfare, elderly health and women’s equality.
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Sabrina also has a strong interest in youth work. During her tenure as Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Jiangsu Youth, she led a delegation of young people to visit Nanjing and Wuxi, promoting university student exchange, establishing a platform for the Hong Kong and Jiangsu youth to communicate in culture, the economy, trade, science and technology and other fields. Her commitment and support to China and Hong Kong youth work helped to build up many profound youth development programs and also provided many valuable opportunities to the next generation.
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In addition to above, Sabrina is a member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC in Jiangsu Province; Honourary President of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association a member of the Logistics Services Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; a trustee of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum; Chairman of the Departmental Advisory Committee of the Logistics and Shipping Department of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Advisor for the Wuxi Hong Kong Residents Association, Deputy Chairman of the Federation of HK Jiangsu Community Organisations, a member of Young Presidents’ Organization, and Global Young Leaders awarded by the World Economic Forum.
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Sources:XINDE MARINE NEWS
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