Iris Kwan is a Certified Public Accountant. She earned her MBA in Accounting and Management Information Systems at Indiana University; and her BA in Finance and Data Processing and Management at University of Texas.

Iris began her career as an auditor with Price Waterhouse in San Jose and took on key roles in global financial systems implementation projects for multi-national companies. In 2001, Iris joined Hutchison Ports Holdings (“HPH”). She was then appointed Head of Strategy and Change at Yantian International Container Terminal, General Finance Manager at HUD, a joint venture between HPH and Swire Group. She also took up the role of Senior Investor Relations Manager for Hutchison Ports Holdings Trust, a company listed on the Singapore Exchange. 

Iris combines her passion in singing with giving back to the community.  She has been Treasurer and Exco member of the Hong Kong Women’s Choir since 2022 and has participated in performances to raise funds for various local charities.  She was a choir member of the True Colours Symphony, the first all-inclusive orchestra in Hong Kong which aims to nurture the musical talent of the differently-abled and provide them with various platforms to shine.

In 2020, Iris was appointed Acting Treasurer for Friends of the Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong “Friends”, to promote the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture through sponsoring lectures, study groups and tours to places of interest in Hong Kong and throughout Asia. Friends also support the Chinese University through donations and scholarships.

What is your first memory of the school, (and if relevant, how did that influence you)?

I was in awe of red brick buildings, the courtyard and the cobble-stoned walk-ways and considered myself very lucky to be a Maryknoller.  I spent pretty much all my formative years at MCS.  I remember fondly of teachers who encouraged us to be creative, to participate, to share, and to take on challenges.  The school instilled in me values of serving, and to believe that there is strength and potential in everyone.  Through persistence and leveraging the right opportunities, everyone can participate to the fullest and be their best. 

As a Councillor, what ambition or aspirations do you have?

The 4 strategic pillars focused infrastructure development, staff development, student development and development of the MCS community.  To achieve this, council members need to listen to different stakeholders and based on their input, work as a team to map out the best strategy, and sometimes make difficult trade-offs decisions, but always endeavour to do what is best for MCS, our beloved alma mater. 

As Council member of the MCS Foundation, I will continue to uphold the ethos and values of the Maryknoll Sisters.  To quote the lyrics from a song I learnt at MCS, “ It only takes a spark to get a fire going”, I want to be a part of that spark and I want to “Pass it On”.

What kind of skills, knowledge, or contribution do you bring to the school as a Councillor?

Over the past few years, I have been able to contribute my information management and accounting skills to various school projects.  Going forward as Councilor of the MCS Foundation, I hope to support the development of the school at a more strategic level.