OREANDA-NEWS. May 4, 2012. UC RUSAL (SEHK: 486, Euronext: RUSAL/RUAL, MICEX and RTS: RUALR), the world's largest aluminium producer and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted the UC RUSAL President's Forum on 'Making a Difference, a Stitch at a Time' featuring Ms Marjorie Yang, Chairman of Esquel Group and one of Fortune's Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. Ms. Yang shared insights regarding how a traditional industry could become a catalyst for societal change.

Despite many civilizations having evolved from patriarchal philosophies, the role of modern women has significantly changed in recent decades. Successful women have brought fundamental changes to the world, whether in the political or global economic spheres or other international fronts. Thus, women have now become a major force in shaping today's society. UC RUSAL and HKUST have invited Ms. Marjorie Yang to share her story of success.

Elaborating with her experience in the textile and apparel industry as well as her personal growth story, Ms. Yang shared her passion, vision and journey with much inspiration on achieving excellence through innovative ideas. Ms. Yang also elaborated how boosting productivity could lead to sustainable development and how breeding talents could contribute to the development of the industry and the society at large.

Ms. Marjorie Yang inspired the audience with her philosophy and said, "Young people nowadays are facing tremendous challenges from globalization. It is our duty to encourage and educate our next generation to step out from their comfort zone and not to be afraid of failures but to confront all those challenges with courage. Above all, growth stems from learning through failures."

HKUST President Tony F. Chan said: "HKUST's mission is to foster education and research in science, technology and business management to assist in economic and social development. Dedicated to encouraging partnerships between research institutes, industries and enterprises, the University is most grateful to its partner UC RUSAL for fostering exchange of ideas and sharing of insights via UC RUSAL President's Forum."

Ms. Yang is Chairman of Esquel Group, a leading textile and apparel manufacturer with operations throughout the world, annually producing 100 million cotton shirts for internationally well-acclaimed brands. She was recently listed on Forbes Asia's 50 Power Business Women and was named on Fortune as among the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Business in 2009, 2005, 2004 and 2000. With a Bachelor of Science degree from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School, she is also a recipient of HKUST's Honorary Fellowship in 2006, an Honorary Member of HKUST's Court and an advisor to the Hang Lung Center for Organizational Research at the University. In 2010, she was appointed as Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.