Three outstanding women legal leaders who each marked historic milestones in their respective jurisdictions gathered on Tuesday at The Chinese University of Hong Kong to share insights on leadership, inclusion, and justice at the Symposium on Diversity and Inclusion – “First But Not Last: Women Leaders Reimagining Justice in Asia.”
Hosted by The Law Society of Hong Kong, with the support of CUHK and its Faculty of Law, the symposium was held alongside the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2026, which brought together more than 100 global legal leaders and representatives from 54 lawyers’ associations and legal organizations across 24 jurisdictions.
The symposium featured three pioneering women who were the first to assume some of the most influential legal leadership roles in Asia: Tun Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat, the First Female Chief Justice of Malaysia during 2019 to 2025; Elsie Leung Oi-sie, the First Female Secretary for Justice of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region between 1997 and 2005; and Melissa Pang, the First Female President of The Law Society of Hong Kong from 2018 to 2021.
Moderated by Roden Tong Man-lung, president of The Law Society of Hong Kong, the discussion examined how women leaders are driving meaningful and lasting change within legal institutions across Asia, and how the next generation of legal professionals can help shape a more inclusive and equitable future.
Each speaker reflected on her professional journey, the challenges of leadership within legal systems, and the structural reforms needed to advance equality and inclusion in the justice sector.
“While my appointment was celebrated as a breakthrough for women, it was never about personal glory. Leadership is not about personal glory or popularity. It is about leading an institution with courage, integrity and perseverance,” Tengku Maimun said at the symposium.
“At this challenging time, it is very important to advocate inclusiveness and diversity. Leaders in Asia, whether men or women, should come together to advance justice through inclusiveness and diversity for the sake of peace and development in the region,” Leung remarked.
