The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has appointed Sophia Chong as deputy executive director, a role in which she will oversee international trade fairs and digital business, and succeed Benjamin Chau, who is retiring after 37 years at the HKTDC.

Chong, who joined the council in the 1990s, was previously an assistant executive director at the council, responsible for supervising approximately 30 annual exhibitions, a number of which are the largest marketplaces of their kind in Asia or the world.

Prior to that, she served as director of exhibitions and worked with the HKTDC's global network of offices and industry multipliers worldwide. She has also served as the director of publications and e-commerce, overseeing the council's online marketplace, product magazines and industry supplements.

"Chan is an industry veteran whose drive, commitment and talent have contributed to Hong Kong's role as a global leader in international trade fairs and conferences," says Margaret Fong, executive director, HKTDC. "Her experience in all aspects of the council's work has given her a broad perspective and insights that will be crucial in helping Hong Kong's SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises] ride through this period of unprecedented challenge and capture new opportunities."