Dear ICF Hong Kong members and friends,
I’m delighted to be introduced as the new Director of Professional Development for the ICF Hong Kong Chapter! In this role, I aim to create impactful programs and facilitate best practices that empower coaches to thrive.
As I step into this role, I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of a dear member of our community, Chris Chan. His dedication and contributions to ICF Hong Kong were invaluable, and his presence will be greatly missed within our community. We have shared more details in the newsletter announcements below.
Since returning from Singapore in 2023, I’ve been actively involved with the HK chapter, and the positive rapport and local support encouraged me to join the board. ICF HK holds a unique position to connect members from the Greater Bay Area and mainland China, and I look forward to fostering collaboration across borders.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that planning is underway for International Coaching Week (ICW) in May. This global celebration of coaching is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the power of coaching, connect with our vibrant community, and inspire positive change.
Warmest regards,
Elizabeth (Lisa) Wong
Director of Professional Development
ICF Hong Kong
In Memoriam: Chris Chan
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Chris Chan, a cherished member of our community.
Chris held an enduring passion for our shared mission, serving with dedication on the Board Nomination Committee for ICF Hong Kong and previously as Treasurer during his time on the Board.
Chris’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering support left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him. Many of us will remember his kind spirit and the moments we shared. One such moment is captured here—at the 2024 Christmas social, where Chris, surrounded by fellow board members, received a well-earned Certificate of Appreciation.
As we mourn his loss, we also honour and celebrate the remarkable person Chris was, and the lasting impact he has made on our community.
Chris, you will be deeply missed.
Details of his Celebration of Life on Wed, 23 April can be found here.
2025 Core Competencies Series
We’re excited to announce the upcoming dates for our Core Competencies series in English and Mandarin.
For those pursuing credential renewal, this series is a great way to earn Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits—an essential requirement for maintaining your ICF credential.
You need to earn 40 CCE credits during each three-year renewal cycle to keep your credential active. More information on credential renewal is available at ICF Credential Renewal.
Registration details for July onwards will be posted on the ICF HK Events page and shared in upcoming newsletters.
Congratulations to 8 Newly Credentialed Coaches!
We’re thrilled to celebrate another group of newly credentialed coaches this month.
It’s wonderful to welcome you into our professional community, and we look forward to the positive impact you’ll bring through your work.
ICF Core Competencies, Visual Coaching (1.5 CCE credits), 23 April
Enhancing Presence & Active Listening Through Visual Thinking
Session Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Discover their unique approach to visual note-taking for coaching.
- Explore how imagery, sketchnotes, templates, and metaphors enhance coaching conversations.
- Gain new visual tools to enrich their coaching practice.
- Increase self-awareness of their coaching process.
Strengthen ICF Core Competencies, specifically:
- Competency #5: Maintain Presence – Deepen engagement and focus in conversations.
- Competency #6: Listen Actively – Use visuals to capture, reflect, and clarify key insights.
Speaker: Tim Hamons
The session is eligible for you to claim 1.5 CCE credits (1 for Resource Development and 0.5 for Core Competencies).
Register here.
New Members Meet, 24 April
Join us for our first New Members Meet of the year—open to both new and existing members—to connect, share insights, and strengthen our ICF HK coaching community!
This online gathering is designed to warmly welcome our new members, while also providing a space for all members to connect, share insights, and strengthen our coaching community.
Exclusive to ICF HK members, this event offers a supportive and focused environment to foster meaningful connections. We’ll also feature a special segment on ICF Engage, highlighting how it can elevate your coaching practice and business.
Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, learn, and grow together. We can’t wait to see you there!
Click link to register.
HK and Mainland China Member Exchange, 2 May
Join ICF HK’s 2nd in-person gathering of 2025 to connect Hong Kong and Mainland members, share insights, and enhance our services together.
We’re excited for an evening of casual drinks and relaxed conversations as we celebrate new beginnings and a purposeful year together. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow coaches, share experiences, and build friendships in a friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned member or new to ICF HK, we would love to see you there!
Ticket includes 2 drinks and light snacks.
Please RSVP by April 30.
We have limited tickets, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
This is open to all members, attendees will be English, Cantonese and Mandarin speaking (amongst other languages)!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
参与ICF-HK 2025年第二次线下聚会，与香港及内地会员建立联系，分享见解，共同提升我们的服务。
我们诚挚邀请您参加：
请加入我们，一起享受一个轻松的夜晚，畅饮美酒，闲聊畅谈，共同庆祝新的开始和充满意义的一年。这次聚会是与教练同行们建立联系、分享经验并在友好氛围中结交友谊的绝佳机会。无论您是ICF HK的资深会员还是新加入我们，我们都期待在那里见到您！
门票包括2杯饮品和轻食小吃。
请于4月30日前回复确认。由于座位有限，请尽早预订，以免错过。
期待与您相见！
Click here to register.
International Coaching Week (ICW), May 12-16
We are pleased to announce that the ICF Hong Kong Chapter is partnering with the Taiwan and Malaysia Chapters for ICW, taking place from 14–16 May 2025, featuring Mandarin-speaking events.
More details will follow—please stay tuned.
For a full list of available webinars organised globally by ICF Chapters and available to ICF members, please click here.
15th Anniversary Save the Date
We are thrilled to confirm the date for our 15th Anniversary Celebration—mark your calendars for September 19, 2025!
This milestone event will bring together coaches, leaders, and professionals to explore the evolving impact of coaching in organisations and society.
Ealy-Bird registration
Specially discounted Early Bird tickets will be announced soon, stay posted!
March CCE events
We ran 2 CCE events in English and Mandarin in March. The sessions were a deep dive into a fascinating and often complex aspect of coaching: Transference.
Some of our takeaways:
What is Transference in Coaching?
Transference occurs when a client unconsciously redirects emotions, thoughts, and feelings from past relationships onto their coach.
This dynamic can shape the coaching relationship in profound ways, manifesting as:
- Emotional Reactions: Past experiences can trigger strong feelings that clients may associate with their coach.
- Projection: Clients might see their coach as a reflection of past figures, such as mentors or even family members.
- Displacement: Unresolved emotions from previous relationships can resurface, influencing communication and trust.
Why It Matters
Understanding and identifying transference is essential for building a productive coaching relationship. When coaches recognise these dynamics, they can skillfully guide clients to work through their emotions, ultimately enhancing trust, self-awareness, and the coaching process itself.
ICF Engage - Connect with fellow ICF Coaches Globally
ICF Engage offers a dynamic way to connect globally with fellow coaches, deepen professional development, and leverage valuable coaching resources!
Key Features:
- Networking & relationship building: Connect with peers using the directory and private messaging features.
- Knowledge sharing & skill development: Tap into the global membership’s diverse knowledge and stay updated on industry trends via a dynamic home page feed.
- Events & resources: Find learning opportunities and browse resource libraries to support your growth as a professional coach.
To access, logon directly at engage.coachingfederation.org using your ICF membership credentials, or via your ICF Member Benefits page.
Join ICF Hong Kong and Elevate Your Coaching Career!
By joining the ICF Hong Kong Chapter, you’ll access:
- Professional Development: Attend regular ICF Core Competencies CCEU events and coaching tools learning sessions.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect at quarterly in-person social events with like-minded coaches, industry leaders, and potential clients.
- Credentialing Support: Engage in ICF Credentialing Tutorial sessions.
- Peer-to-Peer Coaching: Join a supportive group of coaches for mutual professional growth.
- Exclusive Indemnity Insurance: Enjoy discounted rates for better professional protection.
- Member Materials: Access exclusive content, including research, tools, and best practices in coaching.
- Discounted Fees: Save on ICF credentialing, events, conferences, and training programs.
- Leadership Opportunities: Contribute to the coaching community in Hong Kong through chapter leadership roles.
- Social Impact Initiatives: Participate in pro bono coaching projects and social impact initiatives.
- Partnership Projects: Collaborate on low bono coaching projects and partnership initiatives.
Act Now: Join ICF Hong Kong today and start enhancing your coaching journey immediately!
Join us at ICF HK Social Media Groups
To better connect with our members, we created two social chat groups: WhatsApp (link as below) and WeChat (name: ICFhongkong, QR code as shown on the right). Welcome to click the link or scan the QR code to join the social communities. If you have any questions on WhatsApp or WeChat groups, please contact us at communications@icfhk.org.
Building on the momentum of growing our community of coaches and increasing our presence and visibility across channels, ICF HK invites you to follow us on Instagram where you can stay updated on the trending news on coaching and leadership development. Tag us at @icfhongkong if you have anything valuable to share!