Starting with Education: Committed to Nurturing Future Women Leaders

Behind every success story is a leader who dares to dream big and pave the way for others. And education is more than just a pathway to nurturing leaders - it is the foundation upon which societies thrive. As the International Women’s Day on 8 March approaches, we had the privilege of speaking with Mrs. Jennifer Yu Cheng, a visionary female leader revolutionising Hong Kong’s education landscape. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment, she is shaping the future for young women, ensuring they have the tools to lead in a rapidly evolving world.

Transforming Education: A Vision Fueled by Resilience

For over 15 years, Jennifer has been a driving force in reshaping the educational experience. In 2009, she co-founded the ARCH Education to provide students with diversified educational services and overseas study consultation. Not stopping there, in recent years, she has been leading the CTF Education Group, a forward-thinking K-12 education group dedicated to providing future-focused, high quality educational services to students, parents, and educators. She believes that K-12 education is key and the talent pipeline for future leaders begins early in childhood. By using innovative teaching methods and offering skills development, it helps empower young girls by building confidence and preparing for the future. This approach not only equips them for the workforce but also inspires them to break barriers and pursue their dreams.

Jennifer highlights that the key to navigating change as a leader lies in mobilising the right people who share a common vision. “Despite encountering various challenges in the past, our team has remained steadfast in their beliefs, overcoming difficulties to create more flexible and ‘future-ready’ learning approaches for students.” she reflected.

The “ABCDE” Leadership Framework: People-Oriented Approach to Success

Leading with heart and purpose, Jennifer believes that genuine leadership is about inspiring and uplifting others to their full potential. She has developed an “ABCDE” leadership framework, a guiding blueprint for success:

• Acknowledge every voice
• Balance priorities
• Inspire Creativity through innovation
• Drive with purpose and vision
• Embrace diverse Experiences with a growth mindset

“The best leaders aren’t the ones with all the answers,” Jennifer said. “They’re the ones who listen, adapt, and transform challenges into opportunities. Leadership isn’t about power – it’s about making a meaningful impact for positive change.”

“Becoming a mother transformed my leadership approach. This experience deepened my empathy, allowing me to better understand the perspectives of parents, students, and families. It also reinforced my belief that having children strengthens mothers as individuals and as a community. By continuing to work hard and stay passionate, I hope to encourage other career-focused women to see motherhood not as a setback, but as a source of strength,” she added.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Women Leaders

During the pandemic, Jennifer gained a profound understanding of the vital role that technology plays in the functioning of society and recognised the urgent need for future talent in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). As the pandemic accelerated digital transformation and, in recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, STEM-related industries are now embracing unprecedented opportunities. She firmly believes that expanding the talent pool and nurturing more female leaders are essential for the future. Jennifer has highlighted that adolescence is a critical window of opportunity for young girls, enabling them to break down biases, reshape perspectives, and build a strong sense of self. She aspires to provide support and resources to enable young women to engage with STEM at an early stage, seize development opportunities, realise their potential, and become a driving force in the advancement of society.

With this vision, Jennifer decided to establish the JYC Girls Impact Foundation (JYCGIF) in 2021. Since its launch, the foundation has hosted over 100 events, including leadership summits, digital workshops, and inspirational school talks. More than 7,000 female participants from over 100 schools across Hong Kong have benefited, leaving each event not just with knowledge, but also with the belief that they, too, can lead. With ongoing education reforms and their continued efforts in nurturing the next generation, Jennifer envisions that, over the next decade, more women pioneering breakthroughs in STEM research and entrepreneurship.

“Future-Ready” Female Leaders

When asked what defines a “future-ready” female leader, Jennifer’s answer was clear, “future-ready” leaders embrace the digital era with confidence, adaptability, and purpose. While digital skills are key, it is the human-centered competencies – people skills, visionary leadership, problem-solving, and a deep sense of empathy – that truly set them apart.”

She added, “I believe every girl has the potential to be a leader because leadership is an attitude, a behavior, and the ability to create meaningful impact. It’s about confidence, self-motivation, and the drive to contribute wherever life takes you.”

“As a member of the Women's Commission (WoC), I am pleased to see the Government launching the ‘She Inspires’ Mentorship Programme to support young women in their career development,” said Jennifer. Announced in the 2024 Policy Address, the Programme is a joint initiative of the WoC and the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau. The pairing of female university students with senior management mentors, alongside with training and networking activities, will help nurture “future-ready” female leaders by fostering workplace readiness and leadership skills, encouraging collaboration between accomplished women and aspiring young talents.

Conclusion

Jennifer’s journey is a testament to what is possible when vision meets action. Through her unwavering determination and relentless efforts, she has dedicated herself to education while providing invaluable resources and support to the next generation of women. “The future of women in leadership isn’t over the horizon – it’s already being built, one curious mind at a time.”