MEET THE BOARD 2.023

This year there are fewer new faces than usual on the Board of Governors following the elections in May, but – not entirely surprisingly – each of them has a tale to tell.

Karly Cox Correspondent Member Governor

Despite having joined the FCC when I was a fresh-faced 20-something under the excellent Young Journalist scheme, I am somewhat shamed by having not contributed much to the club other than an enthusiastic presence at wine dinners. But as a third-culture and Hong Kong kid, I feel a particular resonance with the FCC: it is an indelible part of the city’s history, and it is the con uence of so many people and stories and beliefs, and I am excited, as a less young and less wideeyed new Board member, to play a role in its continuing narrative.

Having spent the greater part of my career at the South China Morning Post working with young people through and in journalism, and mentoring several teenagers who went on to work for some of the world’s best news outlets, I hope to continue to support young journalists and encourage them to join the club, increase their networks and nd crucial expert advice and assistance from the myriad member professionals. Whatever considerations may exist in this post-NSL era, journalism is still a crucial craft and, perhaps now more than ever, those entering the eld should feel that there is support available; and I’d love them to realise that exists at the FCC.

Karen Koh Correspondent Member Governor

I’m honoured and delighted to have been elected to the Board. I’ve been an FCC member since 1995, and the club has always been a place where I’ve felt I can drop in any time and feel welcome. Over the years I’ve enjoyed many events, parties, special occasions and just regular days having lunch or meeting friends at the bar.

I’ve worked in TV news and current a airs most of my career, as a producer, presenter, reporter, editor and bureau chief, and also as a journalist trainer and coach. After seven+ years with CNBC Asia I started freelancing in 2001, and have worked with CNNI, Star TV, omson Reuters and WSJ Digital.

I transitioned to radio in the last nine years and host various programmes on RTHK Radio 3. I love helping people tell their stories, and in particular giving a platform to those in Hong Kong whose voices are often not heard. I’m interested in everything, from technology, the environment and business to gender issues, music and sport, and talking to a wide range of people keeps me motivated and inspired.

My other lines of work are media and presentation skills training, and MCing events – which means I end up watching more than a healthy dose of PowerPoint presentations.

I am currently the regional managing print editor at Tatler Asia , supporting its continuing evolution from a society magazine to a publication that celebrates the best of Asia and stories that matter. When I’m not at my desk, I can often be found backstage: I frequently crew and stage manage community theatre productions, and this year (shameless plug) am co-writing and assistant directing the Hong Kong Players’ panto, Dick Whittington (oh yes I am!). I also hope, now that I’m no longer working in news, to have more time to re ne a key FCC member skill: that of propping up the bar!

I’m pleased to be joining the Press Freedom, Professional and Finance Committees, and look forward to helping the club navigate current and upcoming challenges in Hong Kong’s media environment, while continuing to o er quality events and speakers, and keeping in the black.

I look forward to encouraging more young journalists and correspondents to join, and o ering them support. I’m originally from Australia, and have also lived in Singapore and London, but Hong Kong has been home for the last 29 years. I have three adult sons who all now work in the US.

Lynne Mulholland Associate Member Governor

I was introduced to the FCC in 2000 by my friend, mentor and long-term FCC member Sarah Monks, who was also responsible for recruiting me to move to Hong Kong from Baku, Azerbaijan, down a crackly landline (thankfully there were no Zoom interviews then). From my rst evening at the Main Bar, I fell in love with the club, its ambience, its colourful characters and history. I decided to join, which took a few years on the waitlist for Associates in those days.

My day job is looking after corporate a airs for e Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, owner and operator of e Peninsula Hotels, the Peak Tram and other luxury properties around the world. I’m excited about serving on the FCC Board, taking on the role of co-convenor of the Finance and House/F&B committees and by the prospect of lively discussions on these compelling matters with members around the bar.

Outside of the FCC, I am Vice Chair of the Special Needs Network Hong Kong, which supports parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and special educational needs, and am committed to advocating for more inclusion in Hong Kong. I’m also a board trustee of the Institute for Public Relations, based in New York. I love watching horse racing and try to visit the racetracks at Happy Valley and Sha Tin whenever I can, although I won’t be able to retire any time soon on my winnings. My hometown is the beautiful coastal village of Portaferry in Northern Ireland (which has the claim to fame of once being featured in Game of rones). I have two children who were born in Hong Kong and are currently teaching me about the delights of Minecraft and Roblox.

The Board of Governors 2023-2024

e new Board of Governors, as approved at the AGM in May, appears below together with the number of votes for each candidate. e Board is searching for an eighth Correspondent Governor.