The Moodie Davitt Report may bear the names of its Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and long-time President (and since 2015 Co-Owner) Dermot Davitt, but there is a lot more to the company than its two leaders.
Our diverse and inclusive, multi-talented, multi-cultural 24-member team (including regular freelancers and consultants) is based across numerous locations, including Hong Kong, Hainan, Ireland, Rhodes (Greece), Wales, England and the Philippines.
They speak eight languages between them and collectively represent the leading travel retail B2B publisher and events company with distinction across administration & finance, editorial, events, film, research, sales and technology.
We are pleased to introduce the team in this regular column. Please meet our Hong Kong-based Associate Director Events Vincci Chung.
Tell us a little about yourself
I was raised by a single mom in Hong Kong, alongside my two elder brothers. Life wasn’t always easy for us though as my father passed away when I was just four years old. Despite the difficult times, my mom showed incredible strength and determination in raising the three of us on her own.
She made sure that we had access to a good education and, more importantly, she taught us the importance of being good-hearted individuals, even when times were tough. Her love and guidance shaped me into the person I am today; someone who values resilience and kindness in every aspect of life.
I have always had a deep love for working on events and projects, and an exciting journey started for me when I joined the Hong Kong Development Council early on in my career. It was there that I had the opportunity to manage several exhibitions, which allowed me to hone my skills in event coordination.
A new adventure followed when I joined the Financial Times Board Director Training Programme. There my passion for organising and executing impactful events truly blossomed. I not only gained valuable insights into corporate governance but also had the privilege of networking with influential individuals from around the world who were dedicated to running companies effectively and making a positive impact in their communities.
As my career progressed, I was entrusted with increasing responsibilities which included the honour of launching the FT Women in Business Asia Forum. This inspiring initiative aimed to empower talented women in middle-management positions, providing them with the tools and support they needed to accelerate their professional growth. The experience deepened my commitment to gender equality and fuelled my passion for advocating for women in the professional sphere.
When did you join The Moodie Davitt Report?
I joined early in 2023 after The Moodie Davitt Report expressed interest in building a team in Hong Kong specifically for events.
I embraced the challenge of dealing with an entirely different industry and am thoroughly enjoying the experience. I love this vibrant industry, which is filled with passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference in the travel retail sector.
What is your role?
I head the events team, organising and marketing FAB, The Trinity Forum and various awards programmes.
I strive to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment, where ideas are encouraged and teamwork is valued.
Highlights of your time with The Moodie Davitt Report?
I have organised three events which stand out as highlights. Just two months after joining the company, we hosted the Smile Raising Charity Dinner in Singapore. That marked my introduction to the industry, and I was truly impressed by the passion and friendliness of the participants and donors. Together, we raised over US$200,000 for the Smile Train cleft charity.
Organising a charity event was a new experience for me, and it was incredibly rewarding and meaningful to see how our efforts could make such a difference in people’s lives.
I then had the opportunity to organise the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference and Awards, which was my first conference with The Moodie Davitt Report. It was no easy task to coordinate a conference and award programme in an in-person format for the first time in four years, especially with the tight timeline. However, the event went exceptionally well and it was my great pleasure to work with The Moodie Davitt Report team.
We are in different countries and for me it was the first time we really gathered in one place. Being part of this industry, and experiencing the excitement and enjoyment it brings, is a true privilege.
Lastly, The Trinity Forum 2023 took place in my much-loved hometown of Hong Kong. That not only provided the most prestigious platform for businesses in the global industry to get together, it also gave me a deep sense of pride and passion to host such a prominent event in my own city.
The Hong Kong edition of The Trinity Forum attracted over 400 delegates, captivated by the city’s stunning harbours and city views and delighted to receive a free flight ticket courtesy of Hong Kong International Airport.
I take great pride in the successful organisation of these events and the opportunities they provide to connect, inspire and to make a positive impact in the industry.
What is your approach to work, your business philosophy?
I value integrity, transparency and collaboration. I believe in building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect, both with colleagues, vendors and clients. I strive to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment, where ideas are encouraged and teamwork is valued.
Additionally, I believe in continuous learning and personal growth, staying updated with industry trends and embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
The importance of leisure time and out of work interests?
Maintaining a good work-life balance is extremely important to me as it plays a crucial role in keeping me motivated. I find great satisfaction in working hard and achieving my goals, but I also cherish my leisure time. And I make the most of it. I enjoy yoga, hiking, kayaking and diving. I love to read and take in art exhibitions and I also enjoy good food and wine and good company, which all help me unwind and recharge.
Travelling is another passion. I thoroughly enjoy exploring different places, immersing myself in diverse cultural experiences and embracing new adventures.
Not only do these experiences bring me immense pleasure, but they also provide invaluable life lessons and broaden my perspectives, fostering personal growth and an open-minded outlook.
Spending time with my family and friends is equally important to me. I value the connections I have with people and find comfort in being part of a supportive community. Being able to share moments and create lasting memories with loved ones is something I hold dear.
A must-have in duty free?
That’s easy, a bottle of whisky. I have been drinking whisky since I was in university and my favourite distillery is Lagavulin. I buy a bottle of whisky at the duty-free shop every time I travel.
And a desert island choice of music/book/something else? A good wine or whisky, any of the classics written by Jane Austen and jazz music. I could happily listen to legend Ella Fitzgerald all day. ✈
Previously on Meet The Moodie Davitt team
Introducing Associate Editor Camille Bersola
Introducing Development and Systems Operations Director Matt Willey
Introducing Reporter Ameesha Raizada
Introducing China Chief Representative Zhang Yimei
Introducing Vice President Sales Sarah Genest
