In the spirit of promoting global entrepreneurship, WZCC held its annual Global Meet on 17 December, 2016 at Regal Hong Kong Hotel, for the first time in Hong Kong. The event was attended by Zarathushtis from the host country and globally, and was supported by the Hong Kong Anjuman led by President Neville Shroff and Trustees Dilnavaz Daver, Viraf Parekh, Rustom Jokhi and Homiar Poonawalla.

Global President Edul Daver, in his opening address, spoke of the new Board’s objective to make all regions more inclusive and improve global communication. He welcomed two new WZCC chapters – Bangalore (India) and Florida (USA). Other objectives included new improved website, Iran Trade Mission, etc. Corporate Secretary Adi Siganporia conducted the proceedings comprising presentations made by various WZCC Directors who spelled out opportunities for Zoroastrian youth to launch out into businesses and professions in various fields.

Next was a Panel discussion titled, ‘The Impact of Doing Business in a Globally Volatile and Political Environment – The Challenges and Opportunities in Shaping Business Success’ moderated by Neville Shroff with panelists Siavosh Kaviani  (Iran), Arzan Wadia (USA), Jehaan Kotwal (India) and Thrity Kenny, Danny Khursigara and Rasheed Shroff (Hong Kong). The take away from the panelists was that 2017 would be a year facing the decisions from the outcome of Geopolitics of Brexit and from the incoming Presidency of Donald Trump – leading to a higher degree of uncertainty; and that there would be regulation in the financial sector. Lunch followed at the Craigengower Cricket Club.

Every year, WZCC honours achievers in our community and presents them Outstanding Awards of the year. At this year’s Awards Gala Nite, conducted by Behroze Daruwalla (Chairperson, ‘WE’ Sub-Committee, International Board), the Guest of Honour was Nadir Godrej, MD, Godrej Industries Ltd., who gave an amusing keynote address in poetry form, and received a standing ovation! Chief Guests were Puneet Agrawal, Indian Consul General, Hong Kong and Mehdi Fakheri, Iranian Consul General, Hong Kong. Eminent keynote speakers from Hong Kong – Stephen Ng, Chairman and MD of Wharf Holdings and Chairman of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; and YK Pang, Dy. Chairman of Jardine Matheson and Hong Kong Land Ltd. – spoke highly of the Parsi Community, sharing how some of Hong Kong’s great organisations were founded by the Parsis in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Awards for 2016, were given in categories including Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur to Delna Bhesania from USA, CEO and Co-Founder of Bardel  Entertainment Inc.; Outstanding Zarathushti Professional to two winners – Dr.  Arnavaz  Havewala from India for her commitment towards innovative dental solutions and Arzan Wadia from USA for displaying rare professional qualities in Collaborative Designs, Architecture Projects and Digital Media and IT; Outstanding Young Zarathushti Entrepreneur/Professional to Hanoz  Tarapore from India for excellence in higher education and his ability to plan, process and leverage relations across multiple geographies.

After the Awards Ceremony, all were treated to a magical entertainment show by Zeenia Bhumgara (Merlin Award Winner) and her father, Magician and Mentalist, Mhelly Bhumgara. The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Adi Siganporia to all for their support and patronage.

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Photo Courtesy: Jasmine D Driver