A graduate in Business Management from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ms Sophia Kao Ching-chi has enjoyed a dynamic and remarkable career in human resources management spanning over 25 years. Before becoming fully engaged in public and community service, she was Human Resources and Administration Director of the Airport Authority from 1991 to 1999 where she was was instrumental in building the organization and the team which designed, built and commissioned the new Hong Kong International Airport. Prior to that Ms Kao headed the Human Resources function for the former Hong Kong Telephone Group and Hong Kong Telecom.

Throughout her many years of distinguished public service, Ms Kao has devoted herself to social development, aiming at fostering a harmonious society. She is particularly committed to advancing the status and interests of women and works closely with a number of major women organizations in Hong Kong towards achieving this mission. She is a Founding Member of the HKSAR Women’s Commission and since 2006 has chaired that Commission; She is currently Chairperson of the Financial Reporting Council and Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Lingnan University, a Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Federation of Women, a Vice President of Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association, a Member of the Commission on Strategic Development and of the Family Council; she also serves on the English Schools Foundation Board of Governors and the Governing Committee of the United Christian Hospital. Ms Kao is a Member of the Executive Committee of the All-China Women's Federation and has previously served on the HKSAR Government’s Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee as Vice Chairperson, Advisory Committee on Social Work Training and Manpower Planning as Member, and Central Policy Unit as part-time Member, among others.

In parallel with her social development work, Ms Kao has dedicated herself to charitable fundraising. In 2003 she became Joint President of the Society of the Academy for Performing Arts (SAPA). Under her leadership with fellow Joint President Alison Lusher, the Society has raised over HK$44 million for Academy student scholarships. Many other charities and institutions have also benefited from Ms Kao’s tireless efforts in the past.

Actually Ms Kao began her association with the Academy in 1990, as a parent. Both of her daughters attended the Pre-Junior and Junior music programmes from the age of 5 until 18 and their music education at the Academy has greatly enriched family life.

In 2009 Ms Kao was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government in recognition of her dedication to public service. In 2010 she was awarded an Honorary University Fellowship from the Open University of Hong Kong for her support to that institution’s development. Back in 2006 she was also conferred an Honorary Fellowship by the Lingnan University.