Hitting a critical crossroads where he felt professionally successful yet personally unfulfilled, Harinder Singh stumbled upon an opening at Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI). For Harinder, becoming FSI’s Community Business Support Program Manager is more than a career pivot; it is aligning his career with his values of supporting and empowering under-resourced entrepreneurs and other individuals in the community.
Read our interview with Harinder to get to know him as FSI’s CBS Manager and beyond, including the memorable on-the-job moments, and find out why he genuinely loves the work he does at FSI.
When and why did you join Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)?
I joined FSI in late May 2026 at a pivotal moment in my career. After years in the corporate sector, I realized I had reached a critical crossroads.
I was professionally successful, but personally unfulfilled. Despite my expertise and resources, I had no direct path to apply them where they mattered most: with people and communities who genuinely needed support.
I was simultaneously pursuing my entrepreneurial ambitions, and I recognized that my experience could become a powerful asset for entrepreneurs. That’s when I discovered FSI, an organization and a community committed to translating knowledge into tangible support for entrepreneurs scaling their ideas.
For me, joining FSI wasn’t just joining an organization; it was aligning my career with my values of supporting and providing help to those who need it.
What are your role and responsibilities?
As the Community Business Support Program Manager, I wear a few hats, all towards one goal: making business support accessible to those who need it.
I drive FSI’s mission to empower grassroots entrepreneurs through three interconnected pillars:
- Program Leadership and Strategy: I design and execute end-to-end initiatives that bridge business expertise with community needs, from concept development to logistics management, ensuring every program delivers measurable value.
- Community Engagement and Growth: I work on designing and co-leading Project GuideFong’s walking tours and outreach sessions to build authentic relationships with ethnically diverse small businesses. Beyond sourcing direct business support projects, I cultivate a thriving community through our GuideFong directory and social media presence, creating content that spotlights entrepreneurs and amplifies their stories.
- Talent Development and Impact: I work on designing and running the “GuideFong Ambassador” program, recruiting and training youth interns and volunteers, many from underprivileged backgrounds, to become the next generation of community leaders. This creates a ripple effect: empowering young people while scaling our capacity to support businesses.
How would you describe FSI as an organization? Do FSI’s vision and mission align with your personal values? If yes, in what ways?
FSI is a mission-driven organization that is genuinely committed to community impact, inclusion, and practical support for grassroots entrepreneurs. Its vision and mission align closely with my values because I believe in service, empowerment, and using my experience to create meaningful change.
What resonates with me most is FSI’s focus on building long-term capacity rather than offering short-term support.
Were there any memorable moments since joining FSI so far (e.g., in the work you do, the time spent with your colleagues, learning, inspiration etc.)?
One of the most memorable moments for me was attending TEDxHong Kong shortly after joining FSI. I was truly in awe to see so many social organizations and individuals dedicated to helping those in need. In a city like Hong Kong—where efficiency and time are often prioritized above all else—it was incredibly moving to meet people who choose to take time out of their busy lives to uplift others. It opened my eyes to the fact that there’s a whole community of people who find joy in service, and it made me feel so fortunate to be part of that world.
Another moment that stays with me is walking through the Yau Tsim Mong (YTM) district, scouting businesses to feature on GuideFong. I was greeted by so many entrepreneurs whom we had helped before, who insisted I try their food or drinks and then refused to let me pay. They shared how FSI had played a pivotal role in giving their businesses visibility and opportunities. Seeing their gratitude and knowing that our work had directly contributed to their growth was incredibly fulfilling. It’s one thing to talk about impact, but it’s another to feel it in those small, human moments.
How do you find your work and the company culture at FSI so far?
I genuinely love the work. As someone new to the social sector, every day feels like a learning experience, and I mean that in the best way.
There’s a real sense of purpose in what we do, whether it’s walking through the communities in Hong Kong and finding hidden gems, meeting entrepreneurs, or helping a small business get the visibility it deserves. It doesn’t feel like a job; it feels like I’m part of something meaningful, and that’s a rare thing.
The culture at FSI is exactly what I hoped it would be. From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed and supported by the team. There’s a genuine spirit of collaboration, everyone is working toward the same mission, and you can feel it in the way people share ideas, help each other out, and celebrate each other’s wins. For someone still learning the ropes, that kind of environment makes all the difference.
Tell us a bit more about yourself – your hobbies, self-care routine, passion etc.?
I’m quite an active person, the gym is my go-to place, and I’m there at least five days a week, always at 6am to beat the crowd. It’s a routine that I need to follow.
I’ve also recently picked up reading again as part of my self-care, deliberately cutting down my time on social media. I aim for at least two chapters a week, modest, but I’m building the habit back up. And on weekends, I always look forward to the beach.
I think all of these habits, the discipline of early mornings, the mindfulness of reading, the freedom of the water, they all feed into who I am as a person and how I approach my work.
In your opinion, what is needed to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient society? Alternatively, what is the kind of change you want to see in Hong Kong? How does your and FSI’s work contribute to that change?
I believe building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient society in Hong Kong starts with creating stronger connections between people, businesses, and communities.
I want to see a city where small entrepreneurs thrive with visibility and resources, where social organizations collaborate for the same goals of uplifting the needy.
My work at FSI, like scouting businesses for GuideFong and witnessing their gratitude for the opportunities we create, directly contributes to fostering that visibility and interconnectedness. Together with the broader network of social groups I meet during my work, we’re all pulling in the same direction to build a more inclusive Hong Kong, one relationship and one business at a time.
What is the best thing about being Harinder Singh right now?
The best thing about being Harinder Singh right now? I’m exactly where I am supposed to be, doing purposeful work, investing in myself, and surrounded by a community that shares my vision. I’d say that’s a pretty wonderful place to be.
