Hong Kong answers the challenges of the modern world through the work of individuals and organisations pulling together for positive change
Change is at the heart of the Asia’s Most Influential list. As the modern world faces existential challenges, the solutions needed require innovation and ingenuity, along with courage and hope. Realistic solutions also need to backed by power, to answer these urgent issues with magnitude and speed. The changemakers that we honour may work within their own spheres of influence, but often their work crosses boundaries, as the challenges that they tackle are complex and interrelated. Importantly, too, their work opens doors for other people, allowing everyone to contribute toward the solutions that we all need.
Also read: How Asia’s wealthiest billionaires are using their great wealth to help people rise out of poverty
Victoria Tang-Owen and the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association
When Victoria Tang-Owen (Asia’s Most Influential 2023, 2022, 2021) first spoke to Tatler about her role as the president of the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association in February 2018, she had only had the role for a few months, having stepped up in November 2017. But she’d been unofficially involved for years, and had pretty much been familiar with the organisation for decades: her father, the respected philanthropist and businessman Sir David Tang, had held the role from 1993 to 2017.
Since it was founded in 1986, HKDSA has offered support to persons with Down Syndrome as well as those with other disabilities, and to their family members. Through the organisation, members are able to access integrated family support activities, which includes counselling for parents, workshops for caretakers and family activities; and vocational training services to help individuals develop career skills.
For the August 2023 issue of Tatler, almost six years after she assumed leadership of HKDSA, Tang-Owen appeared on the cover with members of the organisation. She spoke confidently of the HKDSA’s achievements since she assumed the office, and of the road ahead. “HKDSA has achieved great things since it was founded,” she said. “It counts on an amazing team of people, both full-time and volunteers, and our centres really offer essential support for so many—including families, who often are incredibly dedicated and our number one fundraisers. What I am now trying to do is bring us to the next phase: greater involvement from the public at large, a stronger digital presence, engaging events that can hopefully take the stigma around the condition away and create a positive attitude instead.”
Jeff Rotmeyer and Love 21 Foundation and ImpactHK
