Calvin Chan, a 48-year-old vice-president of The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, is the leading candidate to succeed its outgoing president, according to HK01 and Star Headline. The formal election is still to come.
HK01 reports that the chamber has coordinated internally in Chan’s favour and expects him to face no opposing candidate. Its account says the current standing vice-president will not seek the presidency; a chamber insider cited by the outlet said he was concerned about the demands of the role.
The reported choice would depart from the recent pattern: the two previous presidents both moved up from the standing vice-president role. But the chamber’s rules do not guarantee that succession. Eligible members elect the board, which then elects the president.
The reported timetable sets the board election for 6 November and the presidential election for 20 November. The incumbent’s term ends on 31 December.
The presidency carries responsibility for an organisation with about 600 employees. The chamber operates an exhibition company, a testing centre, a technology-business incubator and schools, according to HK01.
A chamber source told HK01 that, if elected, Chan is expected to make cooperation between industry, academia and research, as well as vocational training, among his priorities.