Rockefeller Foundation has announced the appointment of Laura May-Lung Cha, Chair of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, to its Board of Trustees. With a strong background in the international financial sector and a fervent advocate for workplace diversity, Lung Cha brings her wealth of experience to the Foundation’s mission of advancing human opportunity and combating the climate crisis, the Rockefeller Foundation said in a press release.

In a statement, Dr Rajiv J Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, lauded Lung Cha’s appointment, highlighting her proven leadership in business, government and philanthropy. He expressed excitement about welcoming her to the board, emphasising her alignment with the Foundation’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis and advancing human opportunity through significant investments.

James Stavridis, retired four-star US Navy Admiral and Chair of the Rockefeller Foundation Board of Trustees, praised Lung Cha’s expertise, saying, “Her regional and financial expertise, as well as her dedication to public service, complements that of our current Trustees well.”

“It is a pleasure and great privilege to join The Rockefeller Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Lung Cha. She expressed optimism that her extensive international experience and specific expertise in Asia will contribute to the Rockefeller Foundation's initiatives, aiming “to build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”

Who is Laura May-Lung Cha?

Global financial leader Laura May-Lung Cha, originally from Shanghai and raised in Hong Kong, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Juris Doctorate degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. In addition to her role at HKEX, she serves on the board of many renowned multinational companies, including the Ant Group and Sotheby’s International.

She is also the Vice Chairman of the International Advisory Council of the China Securities Regulatory Commission and Director of the World Federation of Exchanges.

Laura May-Lung Cha, recognised globally as the first chairwoman of HKEX, boasts an illustrious career marked by leadership roles, including Vice Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission in Beijing and Chairman of the Financial Services Development Council of Hong Kong. Her contributions to public service have been acknowledged with prestigious awards such as the Silver Bauhinia Star, Gold Bauhinia Star and Grand Bauhinia Medal from the Government of Hong Kong.

The Rockefeller Foundation, a pioneering philanthropy known for its collaborative partnerships and innovative initiatives, is dedicated to advancing human opportunity and addressing the climate crisis. According to the press release, with the addition of Laura May-Lung Cha to its Board of Trustees, the Foundation is poised to make significant strides in its mission to create a more equitable and sustainable world for everyone.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)

First Published:Nov 7, 2023 4:33 PM IST