Author: Joyce Francis

POSTS BY Joyce Francis

Successful International Women’s Day Charity Luncheon: Inspire Inclusion

[Macao, Mar 8, 2024] – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Macao, in collaboration with the ABC chambers (AustCham, Britcham & CanCham), successfully hosted the International Women’s Day (IWD) Charity Luncheon on [Date] at the St. Regis Hotel’s Astor Ballroom. The event brought together women speakers with vast experiences and backgrounds in sharing parts of their life journey, focusing on this year’s theme – Inspire Inclusion.

“CanCham, was excited to be invited to join in with AustCham and BritCham in co-organizing this meaningful ABC InterChamber Charity event.   We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and support received for the International Women’s Day Charity Luncheon,” said Joyce Francis, Executive Director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Macao. 

The IWD Charity Luncheon was a resounding success, with attendees from various industries and sectors coming together to support women’s empowerment and the local women’s charity, The Good Shepherd Center, who support women victims of domestic violence.

We are thrilled to announce that a total amount of MOP70,000 was raised, which will directly contribute to the invaluable work carried out by this charitable organization.

Distinguished speakers graced the stage, sharing their insights and experiences on topics that inspire and promote inclusivity. The lineup included prominent individuals who contributed significantly in their respective fields.  Our guest speakers were Ms. Catarina Cottinelli da Costa, Fundacão Oriente Macau Delegation Director; Ms. Gabriella Chang, the Senior Vice President of Security at Sands China Limited; and Ms. Helen Kok, a partner at MdME.

The International Women’s Day Charity Luncheon provided a platform for networking, learning, and inspiration. Attendees actively engaged in conversations while enjoying a delightful luncheon, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.

“By celebrating the achievements of women and promoting inclusivity, we are taking significant steps toward creating a more equitable and prosperous society, we are happy to support such a worthwhile event,” said Crystal Kuan, Chief Operating Officer of The International School of Macao.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), The International School of Macao (TIS), Lord Stow Bakery, and Casa Wing Tai for their commitment to empowering women and making a positive impact on our community.

For more about the event, here’s a TDM coverage of the event.

Canada in Asia Conference (CIAC) Recap

[Feb. 26-29, Singapore]

The Vice President of CanCham Macao, Lorne Schmidt, was invited by Global Affairs Canada to attend the Canada in Asia Conference in Singapore in February. The conference focus was hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF). This is the second year that APF has hosted a conference of this nature. Last year’s event was a general conference with representatives from industry and universities. It was determined that this year, the conference focus would be on targeted industries: Agri-Food (Feb. 26-27) and Climate Solutions (Feb. 28-29). This conference brought together “experts, investors, policy-makers, researchers, business leaders, and innovators from across Asia and Canada to exchange perspectives, knowledge, and ideas and to create collaborative partnerships in these two critical sectors”. More details can be accessed via the conference website: https://www.canada-in-asia.ca/.


Within the conference was a face-to-face dialogue, hosted by Global Affairs Canada for over 20 Canadian Chambers to discuss opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting was led by Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner, and Paul Thoppil, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative Global Affairs Canada. This is the first time such an initiative has been undertaken, providing for discussion and strategic collaboration on expanded business opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.
The event included a special virtual appearance by Mary Ng (Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development) who highlighted Canada’s commitment to deepen engagement across the region. Minister Ng reiterated Canada’s dedication to fostering strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth for businesses on both sides of the Pacific, especially in areas such as clean technology, minerals, and agricultural technology and products. Priority areas for investors include reliable supply chains, sustainable economies, and innovative solutions for current and future challenges.

The meeting was attended by several regional Canadian Trade Commissioners and almost 20 Chambers from the region including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China & Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore. This collaborative initiative provided Canadian Chambers the opportunity to share challenges and opportunities within each country. The result of the meeting was a shared commitment to facilitating market access and business expansion opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore hosted a dinner for the CanCham reps and Trade Commissioners in attendance at the meeting earlier in the day. This event provided an opportunity for continued networking, collaboration, and fostering stronger ties among the binational Canadian Chambers of Commerce across the Indo-Pacific region.

Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore President Randall Quinn and Executive Director Dorys Fierro, the event highlighted the chamber’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and partnership in alignment with the broader goals of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. By bringing together chambers from various countries, the dinner provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to exchange insights, explore potential collaboration, and forge new connections.

More details can be accessed via the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Singapore website:

https://www.cancham.org.sg/post/moving-forward-together-canadian-chambers-join-forces-for-indo-pacific-business-success

Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIACs)

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), in partnership with Universities Canada, invite you to join us for the first two thematic Canada-in-Asia Conferences (CIACs), which will be held back-to-back in February 2024 in Singapore: 

CIAC2024: Agri-food on February 26-27 (Pan Pacific Singapore)

CIAC2024: Climate Solutions on February 27-29 (Pan Pacific Singapore)

CanCham Macao members can enjoy a 20% discount on registrations.

Go to https://www.canada-in-asia.ca/  and click ‘register now’.

Populate the registration form, and on the Order Summary page at the end of the form, enter discount code PARTNER2024. This will apply a 20% discount.

Welcoming the Year of the Dragon: Best Wishes from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Macao

Happy Lunar New Year! On behalf of the executive team of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Macao, we would like to extend our warmest greetings to all of you on this Year of the Dragon 2024!

The Year of the Dragon symbolizes strength, wisdom, and good fortune. We sincerely wish that the new year brings you endless luck and success. May you find courage and wisdom in the Year of the Dragon to conquer new heights and create a brilliant future.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Macao will continue to strive for promoting business exchanges and cooperation, providing full support to our members and business partners. We look forward to joining hands with you in the new year, creating more opportunities and successes together.

We wish you and your family joy, happiness, and good health as you gather together. May the Year of the Dragon bring you prosperity and happiness for your entire family.

Once again, we wish you a Happy New Year and may the Year of the Dragon bring you great fortune!

Best regards,

Executive Team
Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Macao