Shirley Whing Chow, hailing from Hong Kong, epitomizes resilience. As a prominent figure in the world of music, she has amassed titles that many can only dream of. Shirley’s journey, however, is more than just about her accolades. It is a story of survival, transformation, and empowerment.
A prodigious musical talent from an early age, Shirley began her career at just 13. Her aptitude earned her a coveted scholarship and teaching assistantship at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati by the age of 22. Upon completing her Master of Music in Piano Accompanying, she transitioned to Austin, Texas. Here, she honed her craft further, contributing as a staff and faculty opera coach- pianist, musical director, and adjudicator for esteemed institutions such as The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Lutheran University, Utah Opera, Virginia Opera, and the Austrian- American Mozart Academy. Her talents saw her performing and coaching across the U.S. and Austria, captivating audiences with her soulful renditions.
In 2007, Shirley accepted the position of Supervisor for the Yip’s Children’s Choir & Musical Theater in Hong Kong, guiding international performance tours and masterclasses across countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Italy, and Norway.
But Shirley’s journey, laced with challenges, became her inspiration. Recognizing the pressing issues of children’s mental health, she founded the performance society Shirley Whing & Fine Voices in 2017. This initiative aimed to produce empowerment fundraising concerts for NGOs, weaving together her love for music with a deeper purpose. Shirley’s advocacy for emotional wellness and Social-Emotional Intelligence (SEI) did not go unnoticed. The Women Economic Forums have honored her efforts with titles like “Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All” & “Exceptional Women of Excellence.” She’s also been recognized by the Women of Heart Foundation with awards such as “2021 Woman of Resilience & Motivation,” “Diversity Ambassador Leader,” and “Exceptional Leader.” A testament to her dedication, she was also awarded the “2020 Outstanding Woman Award” by Jessica Magazine, Hong Kong.
Evolving further, in 2019, Shirley embraced the role of a Jack Canfield Success Principles Trainer and became a certified SEI Coach, as well as a Keep Smiling Ambassador. Her literary contributions have enriched books like the Amazon Bestseller “Ignite Your Life for Women,” “Keep Smiling – Leadership 4.0 Edition,” and “Women Going Global.”
Adding to her impressive portfolio, Shirley is the Hong Kong City Chair for G100 Global Networking and the President of the Hong Kong – India Business Council at WICCI. She founded Whing Resilience Success Coaching, where she empowers girls and professional women with Confident Voice Workshops and Success Principles training.
Shirley Whing Chow’s story is not just about her accomplishments. It’s about overcoming adversity, rediscovering oneself, and using one’s journey to light the way for others. Through her music, advocacy, and teachings, she continues to inspire and empower countless individuals, making the world a brighter place.
