Message from the President

First of all, as this is my first message to you as re-elected President, I would like to thank all of you for the support and encouragement that you have given me during my first two terms of office.

As we begin a new year, it seems appropriate to mention our old faithful friend, the Ox. According to my research, the Ox is encouragingly a sign of prosperity – but only through endurance and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. Such people are dependable, calm, and modest. My very best to those who were are born during the Year of the Ox.

In the past, many of you have expressed dismay at being unable to attend the Society's International Congresses because they have been so far from Hong Kong. Well, please be reminded that the next International Congress is being held between March 23 and 28, 2009 in Hangzhou, China – close enough for many of us to attend! I sincerely hope you will find the time to attend the Congress and represent the interests of your Chapter.

Before the Congress, of course, there are other Society events to attend and enjoy, including our Spring Dinner on February 5^th. As always, I will appreciate your participation and support in making this the best Spring Dinner ever, and of course your comments and feedback after the event. And looking ahead, I know I can count on all of you to make the effort to attend as many general meetings and dinners as possible during the next year.

Looking ahead, there are signs that the next 12 months will be particularly challenging for the hospitality industry worldwide as both business and leisure travelers review their travel plans in the light of difficult and uncertain times. Things will undoubtedly get better and we should at all times remain optimistic, but for the time being, accept the difficult situation as a challenge.

Now more than ever the resourcefulness and ingenuity which we demonstrate daily through our work will be under the spotlight - we will be called on to be even more inventive and imaginative and I am confident that – even during the challenging year ahead, I can count on each and every member of the Society to carry our mantra: “Service through Friendship”.

Fred Lui
President, The Society of the Golden Keys of Hong Kong

Chief Concierge, The Royal Garden