HKUST Alumna Jeanette MAO Shared Leadership Journey in Woman CEO Fireside Chat

Guest speaker Ms. Jeanette Mao (center), CEO of HK Express Airways and HKUST alumna, received a souvenir from Prof. Tam Kar-Yan (right), HKUST Vice-President for Administration and Business, at the fireside chat, along with moderator Ms. Helen Chen (left), Head of External and Alumni Relations, School of Business and Management. [Download Photo]

To explore how values and purpose shape both company culture and senior leadership, the HKUST Diversity and Equal Opportunities Unit, together with the School of Business and Management and the School of Engineering, brought members of the university community together for a thought-provoking woman CEO event on February 10, 2026, featuring Ms. Jeanette MAO, Chief Executive Officer of HK Express Airways and HKUST alumna.

Titled “Fireside Chat with Woman CEO in Hong Kong: Leadership and DEI”, the event commenced with opening remarks by HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP and was moderated by Ms. Helen CHEN, Head of External and Alumni Relations, School of Business and Management.

Ms. Mao holds a BEng in Computer Science (Information Engineering) and MSc in Financial Analysis from HKUST. She was appointed HK Express CEO, Hong Kong’s low-cost carrier, in April 2023. She started her career as a Management Trainee in 2002 with the Cathay Pacific Group, and later held leadership positions across various areas of the aviation business.

During the event, Ms. Mao shared her personal leadership journey from a HKUST alumna to the C-suite of one of Hong Kong’s most iconic companies, and offered candid insights into what diversity and inclusion look like in practice. The discussion inspired staff, students, and alumni to strengthen human connections, lead with empathy, and embrace shared purpose — reminding us that even as AI reshapes the workplace, it is values-driven leadership that sustains innovation.