The Opening Remarks at the CAEA Feb. 2007 Event - Celebrating Refined Leadership and Social Civility

True leaders inspire in whatever context they are in. They find some way to balance their responsibilities and master new things. For everyone who leads or aspires to lead, it is important to have role models from which to draw inspiration. China in particular is finally reaching a place of confidence in its development, which allows people to cultivate additional pursuits (golf, travel, cooking) to their daily grind. Tonight we have someone who embodies this sense of refined leadership. Cooking of course has long been seen as both a labor and a love.

Tonight we profile someone who has managed to cultivate his culinary acumen while consistently succeeding in his primary role as an investor. I think you’ll agree that Henry Wong is a rather unique individual who is not only interested in sharing how he prepares a meal or close a deal . . . but in finding new ways from others as well.

CAEA and the Pride Institute are all about celebrating refined leadership wherever it is found. Henry has graciously offered to make the proceeds of this event available to the Pride Institute and we thank him and all of you, for that. Giving is also a part of staying balanced.

The Pride Institute has helped hundreds Chinese individuals to chart a course for a future of social refinement. Lu Chin is another true leader who balances work and family life with the will to give. Not content to simply donate to charity, she built something, from nothing with her own resources and has personally touched the lives hundreds of individuals. Efforts such as hers push the Chinese people forward.

All of us have seen people spitting in the street, littering, being loud and abrasive and felt compelled to say something. But Lu Chin took that compulsion and built a platform around it to train people who want to know better about international standards of public etiquette. Everyone here tonight can and may benefit from this tireless effort of hers.

In conclusion, this is a leadership event about social refinement which has a particular relevance for China. We’re all leaders. We all take these issues seriously and we all showed initiative in getting here. We care about our community and the society we share. With a passion to contribute let’s turn our attention now to Henry who will hopefully stimulate not only our appetites but our discussions on refinement and sharing, as well.