The 2026 Spring cohort of Impact Lab students gathered on the 23rd of March for a second seminar focused on one of the most challenging yet overlooked aspects of entrepreneurship: failure and risk management.

Contrary to societal norms where success is emphasized and setbacks are hidden or even discouraged, the seminar started by encouraging students to rethink a mindset that’s commonly captured in the Chinese proverb:

“Hide the bad; glorify the good.”

Instead, students were encouraged to confront failure openly, to understand it, learn from it, and ultimately use it as a tool for growth.

Understanding Why Startups Fail

The session began with an interactive Mentimeter exercise, asking participants a simple yet important question: Why do most startups fail?

Many responses pointed to familiar challenges such as flawed business models or running out of capital. While these answers reflected common perceptions and real-life cases, the discussion was deepened by comparing them with other insights. 

Five key reasons emerged:

Running out of cash or failing to raise capital still remains one of the leading causes of failure, with many entrepreneurs struggling to secure funding or communicate their value to investors. 

Closely related is the issue of no market need, which accounts for a significant proportion of startup failures. Even well-developed ideas can fail if they do not address real demands. 

Startups also often face the risk of being outcompeted, particularly in crowded markets where differentiation is limited and competitive advantages are difficult to sustain. 

A flawed business model – such as relying on a single revenue stream or failing to scale effectively – can further undermine its long-term viability. Finally, regulatory and legal challenges, including unexpected policy changes or broader geopolitical factors such as trade tensions, can create external pressures that are difficult for early-stage ventures to navigate.

The Hong Kong Context

The conversation then shifted to the realities of building a startup in Hong Kong.

Participants identified several structural challenges, including the high operating costs, limited access to funding, and legal and administrative complexities that can slow down or even restrict growth. At the same time, many entrepreneurs are often conditioned to think in small, incremental ways rather than developing broader solutions that can grow sustainably over time. 

Recognizing these constraints is a critical step in understanding risk and also in designing businesses that can adapt to them. Under the instructions of David Bishop, Impact Lab Instructor and Co-founder of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) as well as multiple social impact businesses, students were told to think outside the box.

Learning Through Case Studies

To bring these ideas into practice, David introduced a series of case studies, allowing students to analyze real and hypothetical ventures and identify why they failed.

One case explored a sustainability initiative centred around a revolving green loan fund, designed to support long-term environmental projects. Despite its compelling vision, the initiative faced challenges, including insufficient fundraising, bureaucratic barriers, and limited institutional support. The discussion highlighted how even impactful ideas can struggle without the right financial and structural foundations. 

Another case focused on a venture that failed due to ease of replication and governance challenges. Without a clear competitive advantage, the business was quickly outcompeted. This example showed the importance of building not only innovative solutions but also defensible and well-managed organizations, said David

Through these discussions, students were encouraged to form groups and think critically. Students had a few minutes to get into their groups and think – not just about what went wrong but also about what could have been done differently.

Failing Forward: Managing Feedback and Growth

Beyond analyzing failure, the session focused on how entrepreneurs can respond to challenges in a constructive way. One of the main points was managing negative feedback, which is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. Rather than reacting defensively, students were introduced to a practical approach:

Staying calm and listening actively, seeking clarification when needed, and taking time to reflect before responding. By focusing on understanding rather than reacting, feedback becomes a valuable source of insight rather than a barrier.

Participants were encouraged to view feedback not as criticism but as an opportunity to strengthen their strategies and improve their decision-making.

A central takeaway from the session was that failure is not something to avoid, but something to understand. By examining why startups fail, whether it is due to market misalignment, financial challenges, or external reasons, entrepreneurs can better anticipate risks and make more informed decisions.

More importantly, failure can build the resilience needed to navigate uncertainty.

In entrepreneurship, success is usually non-linear but built through experimentation, setbacks, and continuous learning.

By creating a space where failure can be discussed openly and constructively, the Impact Lab seminar empowers students who might want to enter the entrepreneurial world to move forward with greater confidence, not despite challenges, but because of what they learn from them.

Stay Tuned

Through our Impact Lab Course, we support students to develop themselves and enhance essential human skills through experiential learning internships with impact startups as well as informative seminars. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming seminar on systems change. 

This blog post was drafted by Sofia Becerra Liang, Communications and Marketing intern at the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) during the Spring 2026 semester of the Impact Lab Course.

The post Impact Lab: Helping Youth Learn from Failure and Building Resilient Entrepreneurs appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

With the population of ethnically diverse youth increasing significantly by 37% from 2011 to 2021, and Hong Kong facing an impending talent shortage of 180,000 workers by 2028, it is no longer just a moral obligation but an economic and social imperative to nurture this invaluable pool of homegrown talents. 

Realizing that equitable access to resources, knowledge, information, and networks is key to unlocking the potential of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse youths, we inaugurated our Community Business Internship (CBI) Program in 2023 to empower ethnically diverse youth, aged 16-24 years, coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, to become future leaders and business consultants. 

The beauty and sustainability of this program lie in its mutually beneficial nature: while under-resourced youths gain equitable access to hands-on training in entrepreneurship, skills building, and career development, they are also providing valuable business consultations and solutions to grassroots and socially impactful businesses in Hong Kong.

With the dedicated support of Linklaters Asia for the second year, we launched the 2025 CBI Program from October to December for five ethnically diverse youths. To enhance the effectiveness of the engagements between the youth and the business owners/entrepreneurs, we matched them based on an alignment of skill-sets and business challenges, so that youths skilled in marketing and storytelling could support business owners looking to increase their business’ visibility and reach, for example.  

Meet the 2025 October-December Cohort of CBI Interns

Each representing a unique cultural background, the five CBI interns brought with them respective skills and multidisciplinary knowledge, ranging from Social Policy and Social Governance to English Literature, Business Management, and Sociology, to support under-resourced grassroots businesses through community-led entrepreneurship. 

Before reading about the youths’ internship experience and the impact they created, meet them here:

1. Richelle Gabucan

• Ethnicity: Filipino
• Education: Currently studying English Literature at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU).
• Self-intro: An “open book” and passionate about social impact. She brought strong technical skills in photography, videography, and Canva to the team. With a prior background in creating zines, she specialized in storytelling and leadership, often taking the lead in group presentations.

2. Rafida Naqiyatur Rahmah

• Ethnicity: Indonesian
• Education: Currently a Year 2 student at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), majoring in Social Policy and Social Governance.
• Self-intro: Originally motivated by “top-down” social change, she sought to explore “bottom-up” community impact. She is highly proficient in organizational tools like Notion and has a keen interest in urban planning and graphic design.

3. Imama Dawood

• Ethnicity: Pakistani
• Education: Recently graduated from Islamic Kasim Tuet Memorial College (HKDSE); currently a Year 1 student at The University of Hong Kong.
• Self-intro: Having arrived in Hong Kong in 2018, she has a deep understanding of the Yau Tsim Mong community. She is skilled in content creation via CapCut and Canva. Though she describes herself as appearing introverted, she is highly communicative and extroverted in professional outreach settings.

4. Angeela Gurung

• Ethnicity: Nepali
• Education: Currently a Year 2 student pursuing a degree in Business Management.
• Self-intro: A polyglot who speaks six languages. She has a strong creative background in music, painting, and design, which she applied to her branding projects for grassroots shops.

5. Gurneev Maria Singh

• Ethnicity: Indian (Punjabi)
• Education: Currently a Year 1 student at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), planning to major in Psychology and Sociology.
• Self-into: Gurneev is fluent in six languages. His background in social sciences makes him particularly interested in human interaction and the sociological challenges faced by marginalized entrepreneurs in Hong Kong.

CBI Program: Where Disadvantaged Youth Build Confidence, Clarify Career Pathways, and Create Social Impact through Small Business Support

Describing themselves as beginners in their professional journeys in communications, marketing, research, and project coordination, the five CBI interns were selected amongst dozens of applicants for their unequivocal desire to support Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse small businesses as well as their interest in learning more about creating positive social impact. 

It was also through the CBI Program that the interns hoped to clarify their career direction and pathways, and hone their respective skills and become workplace-ready through the support and deliverables they were going to provide to under-resourced entrepreneurs. 

Our CBI Program, now in its fifth iteration, is designed precisely to respond to common challenges facing Hong Kong’s disadvantaged youth and empower them to resolve those challenges through experiential learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and building self-awareness. 

Throughout the two-month internship, we led multiple GuideFong Tours and community outreach sessions to connect the interns with ethnically diverse entrepreneurs who run micro and small businesses in Hong Kong. The interns were tasked with identifying lesser-known ethnically diverse-owned businesses in target districts, building trust and collecting stories through in-person interviews with the business owners, and co-designing practical marketing and branding solutions with the business owners.

Across the cohort, the interns worked individually and collaborated as a team to contribute dozens of hours of work toward: 

• 35+ new ethnically diverse-owned businesses listed on FSI’s GuideFong Directory; 
• Five “Meet the Entrepreneur” stories published on GuideFong’s website;
• Multiple newly designed or refreshed menus, logos, banners, and business cards; and
• Tailored marketing strategies, Google profile optimization, and other “light consulting” outputs.

A Mutually Beneficial Program Empowering Youth and Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs

The 2025 October-December CBI Program’s success was encapsulated in the interns’ ratings: 9 out of 10 stars for career relevance, 8 stars for skill gains, and 10 stars for gaining an in-depth understanding of the challenges facing ethnically diverse business owners, such as digital invisibility, language barriers, high rental fees, market saturation and domination by local franchises. 

“I observed two main challenges facing ethnically diverse entrepreneurs: a lack of foundational support and a reliance on informal labor,” said Richelle Gabucan. “Many owners exit their businesses prematurely because they lack the resources to navigate failures. Additionally, relying on family members for technical tasks like menu and logo design often leads to bottlenecks, as these ‘helpers’ have other commitments.”

Notably, the interns said the program enabled them to gain and hone their skills in stakeholder communication, adaptability, cultural competence, graphic design, and copywriting. 

Said Richelle Gabucan: “The most significant takeaway from my internship was the necessity of adaptability. While I began with an ambitious plan, I learned that external variables can shift outcomes despite my best efforts. This experience taught me to pivot gracefully, seek help when needed, and maintain productivity independently even when leadership was occupied. Ultimately, it deepened my connection to my community and strengthened my ability to communicate through professional uncertainty.”

Rating the CBI Program a 10 out of 10 for the autonomy it gives them, the interns felt an immense sense of accomplishment from the business projects and solutions that they took ownership of, collectively adding 35+ new business listings to the GuideFong Directory, curating five comprehensive branding kits, five narrative case studies, and a series of targeted social media reels.

Said Imama Dawood: “Seeing firsthand how practical, tangible support like a well-designed menu can immediately boost a small business owner’s confidence and professionalism was incredibly rewarding.” 

The sentiment is echoed by Rafida Naqiyatur Rahmah: “My objective was to bridge the gap between social policy theory and grassroots reality. In addition to adding seven business listings to the GuideFong Directory and producing a series of ‘Meet the Entrepreneur’ case stories and reels, I also focused on storytelling to help business owners combat the ‘saturation’ of the market and stand out through their personal histories. Through this, I provided these entrepreneurs with a digital platform they previously lacked the time or technical expertise to manage.”

In addition to gaining sharpened professional aspirations, the interns also expressed a stronger commitment to supporting under-resourced entrepreneurs and building a more inclusive Hong Kong business community. In particular, they described feeling more confident in client communication, stakeholder management, and independent project work, and they reported a stronger sense of agency in driving positive change. 

“Coming from a social policy and governance background, I used to think that change only happens from top down,” said Rafida Naqiyatur Rahmah. “This internship proved me wrong. My takeaway is that community-level support is the most direct way to foster social inclusion.”

Said Angeela Gurung: “My work had a meaningful impact by equipping two local businesses, Maiti Ghar and Hamro Fancy, with effective marketing strategies and professional branding. I shared insights on digital audience engagement, crafted targeted approaches for the owners, and designed logos, banners, and business cards, which I  believe have helped them to establish a stronger online presence and professional identity, enhancing visibility and customer appeal.”

Expressing utmost satisfaction about the CBI Program, all interns agree that they would recommend the program to their peers as a highly valuable youth development experience.

“This internship is perfect for someone who wants to get out of the office, connect directly with the community, and see the very concrete results of their work,” said Imama Dawood. “You gain real skills in communication, content creation, and design while making a visible difference for local businesses.”

“I would highly recommend this internship, particularly for students or those early in their careers,” said Richelle Gabucan. “The freedom to choose from a diverse range of projects allows interns to customize the experience to their interests, helping to build a versatile skill set while making a meaningful impact on the community.”

The impact we create to empower disadvantaged youth would not have been possible without the dedicated support of funders and skilled volunteers. If you would like to support our youth empowerment initiatives by engaging your employees or leveraging your professional skills and expertise, get in touch with us at info@shared-impact.com! 

The post FSI x Linklaters: Equipping HK Youth with Work Readiness, Intercultural Competence, and Essential Human Skills appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

The graduation event brought together 42 participants — mentees, mentors, coaches, community members, partners, and sponsors — alongside six Impact Lab interns and the FSI team. 

Together, participants reflected on the past months of collaboration, celebrating the progress made by the entrepreneurs who participated in the program and the mutually beneficial relationships that were formed throughout this process. 

A Six-Month Journey of Mutual Learning and Support

From September 2025 to March 2026, 11 mentee entrepreneurs worked closely with 10 mentors and 10 coaches to identify their businesses’ missions, market positioning, and growth strategies while developing heightened self-awareness as entrepreneurs, leaders, and human beings.

In its fourth iteration, our Mentorship Program for Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs further contributes to the strength of the community. For instance, two mentors in this cohort were once mentees themselves, which is a testament to the reciprocal nature of the FSI community, and that the shared impact philosophy of generously sharing resources, information, and knowledge to drive systems change is not only feasible, but also an effective way to build strong communities. 

Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs Celebrating Success and Failures

The event kicked off with an acknowledgement of the cohort’s achievements and progress. Each mentee was invited to go on stage and share their reflections on their experiences in their program, offering honest insights into both the challenges and breakthroughs they encountered.

One of the most valuable aspects of the program, according to the mentees, is the sense of belonging that arises from becoming part of a supportive entrepreneurial community. As Kaylini Naidoo, Founder of Upeeling said, “Without the Mentorship Program, Upeeling would not be what it is today. I want to thank my mentor, who sat there with me and helped me develop the skills entrepreneurs need — making decisions, knowing when to ask for help, and understanding how much time to give to different decisions. Finding this community was also amazing because we were able to support each other and celebrate our wins together.” 

The sentiment was echoed by Latha Chandrakant, Director of Minmini Early Learning Solutions: “There are no words to express the feeling — it was shared impact through and through.”

Some mentees reflected on how the program pushed them beyond their comfort zone, which is “an essential step in the professional and personal development as an entrepreneur”, to quote Shamsa Bibi, an aspiring entrepreneur. 

Strengthening the FSI Ecosystem

Beyond celebrating the achievements of individual entrepreneurs, the event offered a chance for group reflection on the future of the FSI ecosystem.  

Participants were divided into mixed stakeholder groups — including mentors, partners, sponsors, and community members — to discuss how this FSI ecosystem could become even more resourceful, inclusive, and supportive for ethnically diverse entrepreneurs in Hong Kong.

From different feasible approaches to enhance teamwork, more efficient sharing of resources, to increasing opportunities for business owners facing structural limitations, the discussions again underscored the principles of FSI’s shared impact philosophy: broad cross-sector collaboration and a culture of radical candour enable a community to explore solutions to drive systems change. 

Concluding a Six-month Journey with Hopes Abound for the Future

The event concluded with a graduation ceremony, where mentees received their diplomas recognizing their commitment, perseverance, and growth over the past six months. What started out as individual entrepreneurs exploring concepts and possibilities in September 2025 had developed into a group of confident founders and aspiring entrepreneurs, equipped with the wisdom gained from trials and errors, to carve their next steps forward. 

At the networking event following the graduation ceremony, participants continued to discuss the Mentorship Program’s impact, exchanged perspectives, and took part in interviews conducted by FSI’s Impact Lab interns, reflecting on both the program’s impact and their personal growth. The room was filled with indescribable emotions: happiness, compassion, and gratitude. 

While the graduation ceremony marked the official end of the 2025-26 Mentorship Program, it also represented the beginning of the next chapter. 

The relationships formed within the cohort will continue to grow through FSI’s Entrepreneur’s Hub and future events. As shown by this year’s cohort — as well as the mentors who once stood in their shoes as mentees — shared impact multiplies when knowledge, information, and resources are passed forward. Through collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, the FSI community will continue to build a more equitable business ecosystem in Hong Kong.

None of this would have been possible without the funding support of the Hong Kong Club Foundation and the Drs Richard Charles and Esther Yewpick Lee Charitable Foundation, whose trust in our expertise and capabilities in community building and effective program design enables us to empower under-resourced ethnically diverse entrepreneurs in Hong Kong.

We would like to thank our corporate partner, Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM), for allowing us to host the graduation ceremony and networking event at its office, in addition to its long-time support through the Virtual Legal Clinic, which has benefited numerous under-resourced entrepreneurs in the FSI community, including the mentee entrepreneurs of our Mentorship Program.

We would also like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated program partners, including ICF Hong Kong Chapter, the Hive Hong Kong, FundFluent, Africa Center Hong Kong, Foodie Explorerz, and our Impact Lab interns, whose unwavering support is crucial to the success of the program.

Get involved

As the cohort prepares to step onto the finale stage, one thing is evident: these entrepreneurs are no longer just aspiring entrepreneurs with ideas and concepts; they are confident communicators and community builders ready to make their next ask. If you would like to support our community of under-resourced ethnically diverse entrepreneurs, whether as a sponsor, subject matter expert, or skills-based volunteer, get in touch with us at cbs@shared-impact.com.

*This blog post was drafted by Sofia Becerra Liang, Communications and Marketing intern at the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) during the Spring 2026 semester of the Impact Lab Course.

The post FSI 2025-26 Mentorship Program Concluding with a Celebration of Growth, Community, and Shared Impact appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

Titled “Rethinking Sustainability Actions for Hong Kong SMEs”, our workshop kick-started with a panel discussion, where Jerwine Que, Co-founder and Managing Director of The Blomstre; Pia Wong, Founder and CEO, Purpose Impact Action; and Dennis Ngai, Senior Vice President Sustainable Finance, Institutional Banking Group DBS Hong Kong, shared their knowledge and insights on the current landscape of sustainability actions by Hong Kong SMEs, the challenges facing SMEs when implementing and communicating meaningful sustainability actions, as well as the solutions, resources, and tools available to help them accelerate their sustainability agendas and actions. 

The Rising Trend of SME Sustainability Actions and Consumer Preferences

Drawing on his professional experience in supporting companies of various sizes to achieve sustainability actions, Dennis shared the findings from a 2024 DBS Bank survey on Hong Kong SMEs’ sustainability readiness. 

“A majority of Hong Kong SMEs (70%) aspire to integrate sustainability into their business operations, in which 28% have already taken action,” said Dennis. “Meanwhile, 68% of consumers actively seek out sustainable options when choosing F&B outlets or retailers. What we also found is that 60% of SMEs said that they adopted a sustainable business model due to social and ethical responsibility, 51% said it was to create a positive brand image, 47% did so to comply with government regulations, while 31% said it was in response to demand from customers and other stakeholders.” 

Encouragingly, consumer preference for sustainable businesses is on the rise. Said Dennis: “According to the DBS survey, 91% consumers said they had a positive impression of businesses embracing sustainability, and 88% considered sustainability important in their purchasing decisions. 79% of the consumers said they were willing to pay more for sustainable options, with 13% expressing that they were prepared to pay a premium of 10% or more for sustainable options.”

This is corroborated by the observation of Jerwine, who co-founded The Blomstre with her husband, Aaron Que, and set out from the start to create positive social and environmental impact through their social enterprise: “When we started The Blomstre, our mission was – and still is – to capture, illuminate, and celebrate moments of human connection with scents that anchor us. From day one, we have built sustainability into how we work, and I have seen firsthand how much it matters to customers. More SMEs in Hong Kong are now embracing sustainability. Sustainability isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ anymore; it is what helps SMEs like us grow and stand out.”

Challenges Facing Hong Kong SMEs

However, SMEs face numerous challenges when it comes to implementing and communicating their sustainability actions. This is reflected in a white paper released by Purpose Impact Action in May this year, which zoomed in on the social impact measurement gap in Hong Kong. 

Said Pia, who founded Purpose Impact Action to help purpose-driven businesses and social impact organizations evaluate, improve, measure, and communicate their social impact. “One of the key sector challenges we see is measuring output versus measuring outcomes, the latter of which signifies actual behavioural changes and meaningful impact. While two-thirds of the respondents said they measured their impact, the majority of them (83%) tracked outputs and only half (57%) measured outcomes. 

“In general, SMEs struggle to quantify their social contributions alongside financial performance. But when done well, impact measurement shifts the conversation from ‘prove your worth’ to ‘let’s amplify your impact’, or from ‘compliance cost’ to ‘competitive advantage’.” 

On the challenges, Jerwine readily agreed. “Growing a sustainable business in a practical way is tough. Some of the biggest challenges I have faced as a social entrepreneur are financial constraints and higher operational costs. Many social entrepreneurs would agree on the same struggles: limited manpower, resource constraints, and not enough know‑how to truly integrate ESG goals. Sometimes I wish SMEs could tap into a fractional Chief Sustainability Officer to guide us in scaling more meaningfully!” 

From his experience in supporting SMEs’ sustainability journeys, Dennis observed two major challenges facing SME owners when integrating meaningful sustainability actions into their business operations. “There is a lack of knowledge and capacity within SMEs. Many small business owners simply don’t have the time, resources, or expertise to navigate the complex world of ESG reporting and compliance. They may not fully understand the benefits of ESG, or how to effectively integrate it into their operations. This knowledge gap can be a significant barrier to implementation. 

“Another challenge is the fragmented bargaining power of SMEs. Unlike larger corporations, SMEs often lack the clout to influence their suppliers, customers, or industry associations when it comes to ESG-related matters. They may need to rely on these external organizations or even banks to help them navigate the ESG landscape. This can make it more difficult for SMEs to implement ESG practices that are tailored to their specific needs and challenges.” 

No Better Time than Now to Integrate Meaningful Sustainability Actions

These challenges are further compounded by the rollback of sustainability regulations and policies in some parts of the world, namely the US and parts of the EU. 

At the same time, however, opportunities abound. For example, since January this year, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has required listed firms to disclose their Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the indirect (Scope 3) emissions that occur in their supply chains. The rigorous standards of the ESG Code have prompted more companies to work with suppliers that are equipped with climate-related data tracking systems. 

Moreover, the Hong Kong government’s launch of the Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure in Hong Kong: Ambition Assurance Enablement in December 2024, outlining the government’s vision for Hong Kong to be among the first jurisdictions to align the local sustainability requirements with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), marked a significant step forward for ESG reporting in Hong Kong. 

The increase in sustainability and ESG efforts in the Hong Kong business sector is reflected in the HKTDC ESG Index 2025 survey, where 90% of respondents said that ESG considerations are integral to their business decision-making, and ESG-compliant products and services can both command higher prices and deliver wider profit margins. 

This is largely because people are increasingly demanding more sustainability actions from businesses and governments. According to the 89 Percent Project, a year-long, global journalistic initiative launched in April this year, 80-89% of people all around the world demand stronger climate actions from their governments.

Amidst seemingly conflicting forces, the panelists were nonetheless optimistic about the continuous upward trend for sustainability actions by SMEs. 

Said Jerwine: “I see this as a real window of opportunity for SMEs. With the HKEX disclosure rules, larger companies are under pressure to track emissions across their supply chains, which means they are actively looking for SME partners who can provide climate‑related data and sustainable solutions. This creates a competitive edge for small businesses that invest in ESG readiness, and it is very encouraging for purpose‑driven brands like The Blomstre. In general, it is clear: people want stronger sustainability actions, and SMEs that step up now can position themselves not just as suppliers, but as trusted businesses.”

“The HKEX ESG disclosure requirements, though only applied to listed companies, have a wider impact due to the Scope 3 and supply chain disclosure requirements,” said Dennis. “This will cascade down the supply or value chain, affecting a broader group of businesses, including SMEs. This presents both risks and opportunities for SMEs. For those who are less prepared or lack the necessary resources, the ESG disclosure requirements may feel overwhelming to keep up with. However, in the long run, as the economy continues transitioning towards greater climate and ESG awareness – an inevitable trend – this ‘initial pain’ can benefit those SMEs who are able to effectively integrate ESG into their business. By doing so, these SMEs can better future-proof themselves and unlock new business opportunities. Companies that excel at ESG implementation will be well-positioned to meet the evolving expectations of customers, investors, and regulators. They may also gain a competitive edge by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.”

In agreement was Pia, who added that SMEs in Asia, in particular, have a huge opportunity to leverage the evolving social impact landscape to redefine sustainability development on our own terms. “Where Western frameworks tend to be more structured and rigid, according to research by the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), Asian ecosystems thrive on informal networks, trust, and long-term partnerships. Businesses, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofits can collaborate more effectively by adopting outcomes-based frameworks, aligning on shared goals, like the UN SDG goals.”

Pia encouraged companies to consider working with nonprofits and charities to help these organizations build capacity while achieving sustainability goals for their companies. “For example, Bring Me a Book Hong Kong, a nonprofit, entered into a partnership with EPAM, a tech solution and consultation provider, where EPAM helped the nonprofit revamp its website, enhance its digital programs, and create the world’s first bilingual search engine for kids’ books. This partnership not only enabled EPAM and Bring Me a Book Hong Kong to achieve SDG Goal 4: Quality Education, but it also boosted operational efficiency and employee engagement for EPAM.” 

Empowering HK SMEs to Accelerate Sustainability Agendas and Actions

From their respective experiences and perspectives, Jerwine, Pia, and Dennis have discovered and developed effective solutions, tools, and resources that can empower Hong Kong SMEs to accelerate their sustainability agendas and actions. 

Said Jerwine: “Collaborating with larger companies and stakeholders through strategic partnerships can provide SMEs with insights into their customers’ ESG data requirements, sustainability expectations, and opportunities for growth. For example, at The Blomstre, we have worked with corporate partners and clients who not only support our products but also share their sustainability and compliance requirements. This has guided us in refining our processes and made our offerings more relevant to both business and community needs. Partnerships like these turn sustainability from a challenge into a real growth solution.”

Additionally, various grants such as government funding or private funding, like those offered by the DBS Foundation focusing on social enterprise and purpose-driven SME, can be helpful too. Said Dennis: “DBS also offers sustainability capacity building initiatives for SMEs from time to time. In Singapore, DBS is running a large-scale ESG SME capacity building program called ‘Queenbee’ to engage SMEs, leveraging a local government initiative. In the Hong Kong context, DBS contributes to SME sustainability development through the SME Sustainability Bootcamp. This program is designed to equip SMEs with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate ESG practices into their business operations.”

Cross-sector Roundtable Discussions on Sustainability 

The panel discussion was followed by roundtable discussions, where participants at the seven tables shared the challenges they faced and solutions they found when integrating meaningful sustainability actions into their business operations or supporting SMEs to do so. 

Representatives from MYSC, a South Korea-based initiative that offers outcome-based no-strings financing to impact-driven enterprises, shared a vision for changing the impact financing system, including here in Hong Kong, not least by attracting more like-minded funders through the success of MYSC’s model. 

Yulia Kim, Founder and Floral Designer of Blooms Forever, which specializes in sustainable, handcrafted, preserved, and dried flower creations, said that while it is hard to be connected to large corporates to build strategic partnerships, being connected with organizations like FSI helps expand Blooms Forever’s network. 

Pauline Dutertre, GEFE Project Manager and Head of Marketing and Communications at the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, said that there is generally a high level of awareness among SMEs to implement sustainability actions, but they often don’t know where to find relevant information and support services, highlighting the importance of consolidated information. 

This is echoed by other participants, who emphasized the importance of broad collaboration, sharing of resources and information, as well as cooperation to achieve greater sustainability actions despite challenges such as a lack of human and financial resources, and a lower pace of digital transformation. 

Joining one of the roundtables, Jerwine added her vision for the Hong Kong government to consider creating a system to audit businesses for their sustainability practices. 

Work with FSI to Achieve Sustainability Goals

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Jerwine, Pia, and Dennis for sharing their invaluable insights to help participants plan and implement lasting sustainability actions through their companies and organizations. We would also like to thank all those who participated in our roundtable workshop, and we are glad to hear that the workshop was informative and helpful. 

Said Kaisha Woo, Founder of the social enterprise, Gowld Art Centre: “Sometimes when you are just figuring out how to implement sustainability initiatives and creating on a personal level from the bottom up, it can be overwhelming to consider the statistics and regulations and work backwards. The session served as a good reminder to think more on a societal level to scale the impact.”

Johit Das, Managing Director of Atlas Plastics, named innovative collaboration, knowledge sharing, resource management, co-creation, and human-centric design and development as some of the actionable plans to be implemented after the workshop. 

Kaylini Naidoo, Founder of Upeeling and a mentee entrepreneur of our 2025-26 Mentorship Program for Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs, said: “An incredibly insightful roundtable, thanks FSI and to the panelists for the thoughtful discussions and practical resources to look into!”

If you are a corporate looking to create win-win solutions to achieve ESG and sustainability goals while engaging and developing your talents in fun and interactive ways, get in touch with us at info@shared-impact.com. 

If you are a small business owner or startup founder looking to up your sustainability and impact measurement game and expand your network to build strategic partnerships, contact us at cbs@shared-impact.com. 

If you are new to sustainable business practices and ESG, sign up for the online course, HKUx: ESG Essentials: Sustainable Business Strategies for a Changing World, to learn how today’s business leaders must navigate the complexities of ESG to align their company’s economic, financial, and ethical purposes with its overall performance. This course is produced by some members of the FSI team in collaboration with some of our social impact partners, using real-life examples to help learners explore corporate governance practices that align with ESG materiality, develop leadership skills to make positive changes through ESG integration, and understand how ESG relates to ethical business models, both now and in the future.

*Photo Credit: Gigi Cheuk Chi Ng

The post Rethinking Sustainability Actions for HK SMEs appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

Know Your GuideFong is an immersive and community-driven event series that celebrates the multicultural spirit and vibrant entrepreneurial community quintessential to Hong Kong. For those who don’t know, “guidefong“ is the Cantonese word for “neighbors” or “friends in the community”. The Know Your GuideFong event was a truly wholesome and one-of-a-kind experience that brought Tsim Sha Tsui’s vibrant community to life.

The event showcased 31 small, ethnically diverse businesses from our vibrant community and was attended by more than 150 visitors who came to support and participate in other activities, such as the Treasure Hunt, Walking Tour, and Pop-up Market, each designed to provide participants with an immersive experience in the heart of Hong Kong.

17 HSBC Scholars from the Hub for the Future community volunteered at the event. The Hub volunteers were involved in various tasks, including engaging with vendors and attendees, promoting the event on the streets, managing guest registration, distributing raffle tickets and discount coupons, setting up stalls, and providing guests with brief overviews of the event schedule. Additionally, the volunteers took on rotating and active roles throughout both the morning and afternoon to enhance the event’s visibility and boost foot traffic.

 “The food cooked and sold by some GuideFong businesses is really good. I love the food very much,” said Wing Yan Wong, a 2024 HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship recipient currently studying a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese and History, who thought the event was wonderful as she could network with different people and enhance her understanding of the ethnically diverse community. “The ethnically diverse entrepreneurs were really talented. When I walked around the market, I really appreciated their handicrafts and merchandise!” 

“When we say ‘local Hong Kong’, it is not just the Cantonese, it’s also the diverse cultures that are here,” said Davide Andrea Rongji Sallustro, who received HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship in 2024 and is studying Global Economics and Finance 

The sentiment is echoed by Siu Man Angela Chan, a HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship recipient in 2024 and currently studying Economics: “I have learnt to be inclusive. We need to respect the different cultures in Hong Kong and support our local economy.”

“The event is amazing as I could meet people from various backgrounds, and have nice chats about community and culture,” said Tsz Wun Wu, who received the HSBC Social Work Scholarship in 2024 and is studying social work. “The biggest takeaway from this event is that as long as we connect with people from different backgrounds, we can be a powerful and impactful community.”

The post HSBC Scholars Actively Engage and Volunteer at Know Your GuideFong: TST appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

With a solid track record in empowering youth through an impact-based experiential learning model, we at Foundation for Shared Impact know that youth are inherently curious and many are driven by a strong sense of purpose to build a better future for all.

This prompted us to launch the Summer Impact Fellowship Program in 2024, with the aim of nurturing high school and early-university students (age 15-20) into tomorrow’s impact-driven leaders and entrepreneurs. 

Essentially, the two-week or four-week program gives young fellows the space and opportunities to develop themselves and plant the seeds for an impact-driven future ahead. Incorporating educational workshops, meaningful placements, and exploratory field trips, and more, the program allows fellows to engage in discussions with their peers and supervisors on important topics surrounding diverse social and environmental issues, and work directly with startups and social impact organizations to support their work while enhancing essential soft skills and human skills such as communication, resilience, creativity, teamwork, and leadership.

First Week’s Learning: Food Waste, Human Trafficking, Filipino Community in Hong Kong 

In the first week of our 2025 Summer Impact Fellowship Program, Samara Anand, Lea El-Asmar, and Owen Lee gained an understanding of shared impact and worked together to brainstorm socially impactful solutions. At the “Failing Fast and Building Resilience” workshop, they learned the importance of failure and ways to fail smart and thrive by reframing failures into motivation and learning opportunities. 

Through their placement at GREEN Hospitality, an FSI community partner on a mission to transform the hospitality industry into a catalyst for sustainability, the three fellows were exposed to the urgent sustainability challenges that GREEN Hospitality addresses through broad collaboration and innovative solutions, such as food waste reduction and the negative environmental impact of the hospitality industry.

Channeling their newly gained knowledge and skills into assignments, Samara wrote a blog post on plastic waste, Lea created an Instagram reel for GREEN Hospitality’s recently released Conscious Cooking – Asian Delights cookbook with smart food waste reduction tips, and Owen created a video of his interviews with students at The University of Hong Kong on their knowledge and awareness of food waste. 

The fellows also attended a lecture where Isla Wilson, Chief Program Officer at Migrasia, spoke about current trends of human trafficking, issues and challenges facing migrant workers, and the important work done by Migrasia to end forced labor and support fair labor practices through data, technology, enforcement, research, and education. 

To give the fellows a glimpse of the Filipino community in Hong Kong, we took them to World-Wide Plaza, a shopping arcade on the lower levels of the World-Wide House, to engage with the Filipino business owners and patrons there.

A Win-Win for Social Impact Organizations and Young Fellows

The fellows’ deep concern for their community was demonstrated through their engagement with the people they engaged with through the first week of the program. Their eagerness to learn and create positive social impact can be seen in their active participation in the workshop, placement, and field visit. We are also delighted to see their readiness in acquiring new skills and stepping outside their comfort zones. 

Similar to other FSI programs, the Summer Impact Fellowship was designed to be mutually beneficial for all involved. While the social impact organizations and startups benefit from quality work produced by the young fellows, the young fellows gain an in-depth exposure to social, cultural, and environmental issues and skills development that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to in the conventional classroom setting.

Said Lucia Loposova, Executive Director of GREEN Hospitality, “Even though this is only the first week of their fellowship, all three fellows did well. Despite having never written a blog post before, Samara was quick to grasp the concept and finalized a draft in just three days. Owen produced a good-quality video even though it meant that he had to interview three students at The University of Hong Kong, who were complete strangers to him. In spite of having no prior experience in video-making, Lea was able to create a very professional video in just three days, and we will consider publishing it on our social media channels.”

Lucia’s observations are corroborated by the enthusiasm expressed by the three fellows.

“I really enjoyed the time we spent on making the project for GREEN Hospitality,” said Lea. “I enjoyed going to World-Wide House as well as listening to Isla’s sharing of Migrasia’s work.”

“I especially loved the day with Migrasia,” said Samara. “The World-Wide House experience has affected how I view the domestic helpers in Hong Kong.” 

Said Owen: “I enjoyed interviewing the students at HKU and learning more about other people’s perspectives.”

Stay tuned for our next update on the Summer Impact Fellowship Program as the fellows learn about personal motivation and wider perspectives in social impact and delve into their work for their placement with Gowld Art Centre.

If you would like to sponsor youth for our Summer Impact Fellowship Program or support our other youth empowerment initiatives, get in touch with us at info@shared-impact.com! 

The post FSI Kicks Off 2025 Summer Impact Fellowship Program to Nurture Young Aspiring Leaders and Entrepreneurs appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

Know Your GuideFong is an immersive and community-driven event series that celebrates the multicultural spirit and vibrant entrepreneurial community quintessential to Hong Kong. For those who don’t know, guidefong is the Cantonese word for “neighbors” or “friends in the community” – the people who would look out for each other through thick and thin. 

Uplifting Local Under-resourced Entrepreneurs Through Enhanced Visibility and Connection with Local Communities

Through the TST edition of the event series, we were able to scale up our successful GuideFong Bazaar last year and doubled the number of small businesses we support to 31 this year. Our partnership with event sponsors, Heath Hong Kong and PayPal Hong Kong; payment partners, PayMe and KPay Group; media partner, The Beat Asia; and content partner, KOLture, has enabled us to welcome 150+ visitors, who generated a collective HK$33,000+ in sales revenue for the participating GuideFong businesses. A big shout-out to PayPal Hong Kong, who granted us a sponsorship to purchase products and services from selected GuideFong businesses to be included in the goodie bags, which PayPal Hong Kong’s employees helped prepare (see more below)!

Moreover, the event has also raised HK$3,000+ in ticket sales, which will be used to fund the ongoing direct business support we provide to under-resourced entrepreneurs through our Project GuideFong. 

On GuideFong’s Instagram alone, the promotional content engaged 470+ accounts and recorded 280+ content shares, increasing the GuideFong businesses’ visibility even before the event. The success of this year’s event is corroborated by the participating GuideFong businesses: 

• Kerry’s Collections: “As a vendor at the Pop-up Market, I enjoyed this amazing event. The venue was perfect, and I would like to say thank you to our sponsors for the great hospitality and professional support.”
• Sher-E-Punjab: “The youths and guests were really friendly and kind. We enjoyed the FSI and GuideFong teams’ support and promotion of our restaurant, it was a memorable experience for us.”
• Chakwal International Hair Salon: “People from different backgrounds and cultures came to visit us, and it was quite nice to see new faces.” 
• YogabyRicha: “The whole event was very well organized, and the volunteers were very approachable and helpful. Also, the way social media platforms were actively used was very helpful in increasing the reach.”

Take a look at how we uplift participating GuideFong businesses through the initiatives of Know your GuideFong: TST:

• Treasure Hunt Equipped with the TST GuideFong Map designed by our pro-bono designer, Joy Lee, visitors went on a Treasure Hunt to discover the 12 hidden gems in the TST neighborhood. In addition to sales revenue, visitors also supported the GuideFong businesses with beneficial actions, such as leaving a Google Review. For the support they provided, visitors gained stamps to redeem goodie bags. 

• Walking Tour The 16 participants who joined the two Walking Tours at 3pm and 5pm visited and interacted with the business owners of Golden Sports at the Far East Mansion Shopping Arcade, and OBC Mart, Kamal’s Sweet Corner, Moti Palace, Paul’S Kitchen, and the Diversity Hub Hong Kong by Christian Action at Chungking Mansions.

• Pop-up Market 19 GuideFong businesses, including four GuideFong Lab businesses that were trying out their business concepts, gained visibility and sales revenue at the Pop-up Market held at Heath Hong Kong, benefiting also from the foot traffic along the bustling Nathan Road. 

• Goodie Bags Each and every one of the 70 Goodie Bags, prepared by our event sponsor PayPal Hong Kong on their Impact Day this year, was packed with gifts and vouchers sponsored by our GuideFong businesses: Cesta House of Healing, EMC Hub, Kerry’s Collections, Nepcha, Nourish Scrubs, Priyo Shaad, Sababu, Shilpa’s Masala Mill, The Blomstre, and YogabyRicha.

• Media Coverage Our partnership with The Beat Asia, in addition to shining a spotlight on the ethnically diverse women entrepreneurs in our community, further uplifted our broader entrepreneurial community through the pre-event promotion and on-site coverage of the Know Your GuideFong: TST event. 

A Fun and Mutually Beneficial Event 

The Know Your GuideFong event was a truly wholesome and one-of-a-kind experience that brought Tsim Sha Tsui’s vibrant community to life, to quote Adnan Riaz, FSI’s Community Business Support Assistant who led the two Walking Tours on the event day, introducing participants to the lesser-known parts and people of Hong Kong, as he always does when leading our regular GuideFong Tours. 

Said Adnan: “From the laughter and excitement of the Treasure Hunt to the bustling energy of the Pop-up Market, and the insightful discoveries on our Walking Tours – every moment created unforgettable memories. We weren’t just celebrating a day; we were celebrating the inspiring stories of ethnically diverse entrepreneurs and the incredible journey they are on.”

Apart from our event sponsors, payment partners, and media and content partners, we would also like to thank the 27 youth volunteers – the GuideFong Ambassadors and HSBC Scholars and Hub for the Future members – who supported us with photography, content creation, on-site logistics support, set-up and clean-up, as well as the nine local KOLs who created engaging content to support the city’s small local businesses. 

Said Fahad Tanveer, a GuideFong Ambassador: “The event was truly an eye-opening and enriching experience for me. I had the incredible opportunity to help local ethnically diverse businesses showcase their unique products to everyone. This event wasn’t just about shopping; it was a celebration of culture and community. It taught me the importance of a diverse marketplace in Hong Kong and its role in our community. Witnessing the passion and creativity of the business owners inspired me deeply. The energy of the event and the smiles on the faces of both vendors and shoppers made every effort worthwhile.” 

Also seeing the event as an incredible opportunity is Syed Abeer, a GuideFong Ambassador: “From assisting in external communications with checkpoint vendors for the Treasure Hunt, to planning and creating content to promote the event, it gave me the chance to interact with various groups of people, giving me a greater understanding of the importance of GuideFong. It was rewarding to see all of our hard work pay off, observing the liveliness and success of the Know Your GuideFong event, promoting the importance of shopping local and celebrating neighborhood gems!”  

The sentiment was echoed by Yan Lok Lau, a HSBC Scholar and a member of the Hub for the Future, managed by FSI: “It was such a rewarding experience that I got to interact with budding entrepreneurs from diverse cultures. The biggest takeaway was the communication skills that I developed through intercultural communication. Rarely do I get the chance to experience all Hong Kong has to offer in its entirety, but I was able to at such an event!”

As was the case with our GuideFong Bazaar last year, the HSBC Scholars and Hub for the Future members found the volunteering experience meaningful. Said Michelle Phagami: “Volunteering in my free time helps lighten my mood and refocuses my attention on things that bring impact to the community that I care about.”

Get Involved

Know Your GuideFong: TST may have come to an end, but our work to support under-resourced ethnically diverse entrepreneurs and youth doesn’t stop. In case you want to catch the highlights of the event, check out this photo album! Stay tuned to our 2025-26 Mentorship Program for Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs, updates on our regular GuideFong Tours, and in the meantime, find out how you can get involved with our work to support causes that align with your personal values or corporate sustainability strategy. 

The post Know Your GuideFong: TST – Bringing HK’s Multicultural Community Together to Support Local Small Businesses appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

This summer, on 6 July, join other curious minds to explore Tsim Sha Tsui like a local at the Know Your GuideFong: TST event! 

An immersive and community-driven event series, Know Your GuideFong celebrates the multicultural spirit and vibrant entrepreneurial community that makes Hong Kong unique. For those who don’t know, guidefong is the Cantonese word for “neighbors” or “friends in the community”. Through the TST edition, we invite locals and visitors alike to uncover the city’s cultural landmarks, explore the diverse landscape and stories of small businesses, and directly contribute to the vibrant local economy.

Support and Connect with Hong Kong’s Multicultural Community

Passionate about supporting and connecting with Hong Kong’s multicultural community? Good, because you will find opportunities galore to do so at Know Your GuideFong: TST. 

Organized under Project GuideFong by Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI), Know Your GuideFong: TST offers a fun and interactive way for Hongkongers to experience “retail therapy” anew by making meaningful connections with the city’s ethnically diverse entrepreneurs. 

From the Treasure Hunt to the Walking Tour and Pop-up Market, the event will take you on a memorable journey, meeting the ethnically diverse founders and entrepreneurs behind long-standing local businesses, supporting the local economy to your heart’s and stomach’s content, and stepping foot inside historical cultural establishments right smack in the center of Hong Kong. (Find out how you can make the best of the event in the “Be a Real Hong Kong GuideFong” section below.)

In our attempt to encourage more Hongkongers to shop local and shop HomeKong, we also hope to facilitate intercultural exchange and social inclusion. And we can’t achieve what we set out to do without the support of our partners.

“Here at Heath, we are all about nurturing relationships with local artists and businesses, providing them with a space and platform to showcase their works and products to a wider audience,” said Kenny Li, Cultural Manager at Heath Hong Kong. “We are very happy to support FSI and Guidefong with their meaningful cause.”

Said Bill Lau, Technical Account Manager at PayPal, who joined our Discover Ramadan in TST GuideFong Tour earlier this year: “We are looking forward to unite as a community for PayPal Impact Day — a meaningful opportunity to connect, engage with local small businesses, and give back through our nonprofit partner, FSI, which is committed to empowering local enterprises. We are excited to support their mission by packing goody bags for their upcoming Know Your GuideFong: TST event.”

“We are delighted to work alongside FSI to support the important work they are doing, lifting up the city’s business owners, entrepreneurs, and founders,” said Hannah Taylor, Managing Editor, The Beat Asia – FSI’s media partner who shone a spotlight on FSI’s community of impact-driven women entrepreneurs through this listicle. “Their upcoming ‘Know Your GuideFong: TST’ event is an exciting opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the diversity that makes Hong Kong so unique.” 

“Many of the businesses here were started by people who came to Hong Kong with big dreams and a lot of heart. That’s why partnering with GuideFong means so much to us — it supports the hardworking entrepreneurs, who bring so much life and energy to what makes Hong Kong unique. KPay is proud to play a small part in helping them grow by making payments simple and stress-free. After all, it’s not just about payments — it’s about people, and the communities they help build,” said Richard Wong, Co-Founder and Global Head of Partnerships, KPay Group

Secure Your Tickets and Spread the News

Your participation in Know Your GuideFong: TST will more than give a welcoming boost to Hong Kong’s retail industry and economy. By making meaningful connections with members of the city’s multicultural community, you – as a guidefong – can contribute to building a more inclusive and resilient Hong Kong. Share the event within your network and invite your friends and family to experience TST like a local.

Feel free to register for your tickets at Heath Hong Kong on 6 July, or better still, secure your tickets (and your slot for the Walking Tour) in advance to join the lucky draw and enjoy sweet deals! 

• Date and Time: 6 July 2025, noon to 7pm
• Location: Heath Hong Kong and various checkpoints across Tsim Sha Tsui
• Registration: Secure your tickets here!

Be a Real Hong Kong GuideFong

Here is how you can experience TST like a real local guidefong: 

• Check in at the Heath Mall
  • Upon arrival, check in at the “Base Camp” at Heath Hong Kong. Present your e-ticket or purchase one on the spot. 
  • This is where you can learn all about how to make the best of your experience of the event and purchase discount vouchers, which you can use when making purchases at designated GuideFong businesses.
  • Get your TST GuideFong Map to start your Treasure Hunt! The Base Camp is where you can redeem the prizes you stand to win for supporting local businesses.
  • If you are securing your tickets in advance, you will be entitled to join the lucky draw on 6 July to win prizes sponsored by GuideFong businesses and supporters.
• Treasure Hunt
  • Use the TST GuideFong Map to uncover “hidden gems” in the bustling neighborhood! Visit multicultural GuideFong businesses and owners, treat yourself to a hearty meal or even a haircut, and start a conversation with the business owners to find out how you can support them.
  • Whether by making a purchase or supporting a GuideFong business with what they need – psst, like submitting a Google review – you can collect stamps on your TST GuideFong Map and stand to win goodie bags filled with products from GuideFong-listed businesses. Only the first 70 participants with more than 10 stamps will get the goodie bags, so act fast! 
  • Make sure you also check out the cultural sites in TST with the map.
• Walking Tour
  • Want a one-of-a-kind experience of TST? Join our Walking Tour at 3pm or 5pm to meet ethnically diverse business owners at bustling street markets, and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of a religious establishment that welcomes over one million visitors every year. The deep-dive tour is capped at 15 pax each, and slots are given out on a first-come-first-served basis. Be sure to secure your slots when registering for the event today or at the Base Camp at Heath Hong Kong upon arrival!
• Pop-up Market
  • At Heath Hong Kong, deck up, feed, and entertain yourself and your friends at the pop-up booths showcasing local crafts and accessories, fragrances and home appliances, personal care and beauty products, fashion and wellness products, culinary delights, spices and condiments, and cultural activities offered by small businesses from all over Hong Kong. 
• Yoga and African Drum Workshops
  • Join the yoga session led by Curiouslyoga between 2pm and 3:30pm and the African drum workshop led by Africa Center Hong Kong from 4pm to 6:30pm.

If you can’t join our Know Your GuideFong event this time, consider making a tax-deductible donation to Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) to support our work in empowering under-resourced, ethnically diverse entrepreneurs in Hong Kong. Follow GuideFong on Instagram to stay tuned to our next events!

About the Organizers

Foundation for Shared Impact and Project GuideFong 街坊商店

Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) is a Section 88 tax-exempt charity that addresses society’s most challenging problems by connecting different sectors to facilitate broad collaboration and free sharing of resources, knowledge, and information to drive systems change, build resilient communities, and change the way we do business for good.

One way we do this is by championing community empowerment through entrepreneurship. Our flagship project, GuideFong 街坊商店, named after the Cantonese word for neighbor/neighborhood, promotes and supports Hong Kong’s micro and small businesses run by ethnically diverse entrepreneurs. 

GuideFong is more than just Hong Kong’s first-ever online directory for ethnically diverse businesses. We aim to shine a spotlight on the stories of the diverse entrepreneurs who are the driving force behind Hong Kong’s vibrant economy. Through connecting communities, celebrating diversity, and empowering Hong Kong’s small businesses, we enhance visibility, promote social integration, and break down language and cultural barriers for Hong Kong’s small businesses. 

Check out our inaugural GuideFong Bazaar, featured in the South China Morning Post here, and our Ramadan-themed GuideFong Tour, featured in the SCMP Young Post here.

Meet the Sponsors and Partners

Heath Hong Kong – Venue Sponsor

Sprawling across 40,000 square feet in the basement of Chungking Mansions, Heath is designed to be a microcosm of Hong Kong – trendy cafés and generations-old noodle shops, hidden art spaces and buzzy food courts, all grounded in an unfussy and uniquely Hong Kong sensibility. More than just a retail space, Heath also functions as a vibrant arts and culture destination, featuring regular art exhibitions, unique cultural events, and more.

PayPal – Event Sponsor

PayPal is a global leader in the digital payments industry, offering unparalleled security, convenience, and global reach that empowers millions of businesses and consumers to transact effortlessly across borders.

PayMe – Payment Partner

PayMe is Hong Kong’s wallet that makes payments simple and rewarding. You can pay at thousands of businesses in Hong Kong, big and small, and enjoy an array of offers, vouchers and discounts with PayMe. As the Payment Partner of Know Your GuideFong: TST, PayMe is offering visitors an HK$3 discount on a purchase of HK$60 or more at GuideFong businesses.

KPay Group – Payment Partner

KPay Group (KPay) is a leading fintech company dedicated to empowering businesses of all sizes with simple, smart, seamless and secure technology solutions. Serving over 57,000 merchants across Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore, KPay is unleashing merchants’ growth potential by building a one-stop platform for financial management, business operations and digital transformation. KPay secures a record USD55 million in 2024, marking the largest series A fundraise globally in the payments sector of the year.

The Beat Asia – Media Partner

The Beat Asia was created to inform, inspire, and engage those exploring Asia’s evolving lifestyle scene. By 2025, we’ve become a go-to source for culture, trends, and stories across Hong Kong, Manila, Macau, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. Our mission remains clear: to keep readers updated on Asia’s most exciting developments, transforming how they see the world.

Meet the GuideFong Businesses

Pop-up Vendors at Heath Hong Kong

Kerry’s Collections

Curiouslyoga

GrabNat

EMC Hub

YogabyRicha

Sababu

Matbakh

Shilpa’s Masala Mill

Shing Fook Jade

Foodie Explorerz

Chomade

The Blomstre

Africa Center Hong Kong

Yogaholic Studio

Cesta House of Healing

Treasure Hunt Checkpoint Vendors 

Uncle Centre

Chakwal International Hair Salon

Sher-e-punjab

OBC Mart

Thee Sweet Little Things

Chinese Custom Tailor 

Golden Sports HK

Pakeeza Food Restaurant

Saravana Pure Veg

Ghana Locals

The post Summer 2025: Shop HomeKong, Support Local Businesses, Know Your GuideFong appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

Read our interview with Andrea to learn more about what brought her back to the organization, her new role and responsibilities at FSI, and what makes a supportive nonprofit board member, as demonstrated by her continuous endeavors to help FSI build capacity and expand our reach.

When and why did you first join FSI?

I joined FSI in 2021. Interestingly, it wasn’t a formal process. I was working with David Bishop, co-founder of FSI and Associate Professor of Teaching at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), on a HKU project and got looped into another project and then another. Before I realized it, I was joining FSI’s weekly meetings and representing FSI at events. So I guess I was part of FSI by then

How would you describe FSI as an organization? Do FSI’s vision and mission align with your personal values? If yes, in what ways?

I value sharing and enjoy connecting people with resources that can help them overcome challenges. So FSI’s vision of everyone having access to opportunities really clicks with me. To me, FSI is an organization that connects people, information, and resources to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential.

What was your role and what were your responsibilities? 

In my previous role at FSI, my primary responsibility was to develop corporate training programs as a revenue stream. My biggest accomplishment was the FSI Board Director Training Program, which has graduated more than 500 people from both private and social sectors. 

Were there any memorable moments (e.g., the time spent with your colleagues, learning, inspiration etc.)?

My fondest memory at FSI was having people (Vivian, Anna, Erika, and TC) over at my place to work together. This was because we were not just colleagues or friends; we genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, although we were very different. On those days, we’d be doing our own things but occasionally stopped to talk about random stuff – for example, the fact that an air fryer is just an oven with a fan The best thing about FSI is its people – I simply enjoyed spending time with them.

You recently rejoined FSI as a board member. Why? 

The reality is that I never left FSI. During my past few years working as a corporate professional, I had more opportunities to introduce FSI to my colleagues and engage them in skills-based volunteering and board placement. I valued the platform and network that enabled me to support FSI on a larger scale. Joining the board was a natural next step – it gave me an official title and the accountability to continue supporting FSI in all ways possible.

What are your aspirations for your role and the organization?

Develop and expand FSI’s revenue-generating programs to create sustainable income that reduces reliance on donor funding and contributions. I believe that just as businesses need income to thrive, non-profits must also secure financial independence to operate effectively. By focusing on self-generated income, we can ensure long-term strategic success and empower both the organization and the individuals we serve.

Tell us a bit more about yourself – your hobbies, self-care routine, passion etc.?

In the past 15 months, most of my time out of work has been spent with my precious one-year-old daughter, Juno. Playing with her and watching her smile have been the best self-care routine ever! 

In your opinion, what is needed to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient society? 

Educated, informed, and empowered youth who dare to take action towards change. As a coach offering pro-bono services to youth and young professionals, I see many talented individuals with ambition, curiosity, and a genuine desire to improve the world. They just need a little nudge and encouragement—a voice to remind them that it’s okay to try and to fail. Their time is far better spent pursuing meaningful efforts than worrying about which path leads to success as defined by society.

What is the best thing about being Andrea Qi right now? 

Out-of-this-world-level-self-awareness. Turning 30 was the most amazing year of my life, and everything has only gotten better since then. I have a clearer understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, my values and beliefs, and my desires and aversions. And this makes me very comfortable saying no to things that don’t align with my priorities.

The post Andrea Qi: The Best Thing about FSI is its People appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

That prompted the HKEX to ban all single-gender boards in 2022, a rule that companies listed or looking to be listed on the HKEX had until the end of 2024 to comply. Although 85 companies – accounting for 3% of the exchange’s 2,650 listed companies – failed to comply with the rule as of January 2025, the endeavor has yielded positive results: compared to just 16.1% in 2022, the percentage of female directors at HKEX-listed companies has risen to 20.4% in 2025. By reducing the number of companies with single-gender boards from 800 to 400, the HKEX’s effort has created 400 new positions for female directors.

As acknowledged by Bonnie Y Chan, the gradual removal of the glass ceiling allows the emergence of more women leaders, especially in the financial services industry. This could shorten the time it takes to close the global economic gender gap, which currently stands at 152 years, not least by imbuing in girls and young women the message that they, too, can be in leadership positions across industries. 

FSI Equipping Goldman Sachs Women Executives with Boardroom Readiness

At Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI), our widely acclaimed Board Director Training Program has trained and nurtured numerous women executives who are aspiring or current board members at multinational firms and social impact organizations.   

On 15 February, we hosted a “Boardroom Readiness” training workshop for 25 women executives of Goldman Sachs, our long-time corporate partner for our Impact Jam initiative. With career lengths spanning between five years to more than 15 years, the participants joined the session with little or no prior knowledge of board governance. 

The women executives joined the workshop for a variety of reasons ranging from enhancing their leadership skills to board directorship being a career goal, and interest in joining a nonprofit board.

An “Excellent” Workshop with Plenty of Takeaways

The workshop, conducted by David Bishop, FSI Co-founder and Associate Professor of Teaching at The University of Hong Kong, concluded with positive feedback from the participants, the majority of whom rated the training as “excellent”. 

“A huge takeaway for me was realizing that being a board director is actually very accessible and I am more than capable of being effective in this role,” said one participant. “It helped me dispel a lot of the assumptions I had about what a director should be! The confidence gained from this program is an awesome byproduct. Finally, the network and connections we made are so invaluable. I’ll definitely reach out to David and the FSI team soon to explore opportunities to support great organizations in Hong Kong!” 

Another participant commented: “The case studies are very thought-provoking and truly engage us for deeper reflections on our roles and broader stakeholders’ roles in impacting changes.”

“The training was a realistic look at board directorships for non-profits in Hong Kong,” said another participant. “Charities with limited accountability can benefit greatly from more rigorous processes, and a good board director can probably drive change, albeit slowly.” 

Train, Develop, and Retain Your Talents to Achieve ESG Goals 

Building effective leaders is more urgent now than ever before. Regardless of our roles and industries and sectors, it is our responsibility to gain an in-depth understanding of the polycrisis we face today, determine where systems change is needed, collaborate with others to design and implement effective solutions, and lead organizations through constant change to success. 

Work with FSI to train, develop, and retain your talents so that you can increase your organization’s productivity and resilience, nurture meaningful engagements with your employees, grow independent employees capable of developing new mindsets, and cultivate the next generation of leaders. 

Get in touch with us at classes@shared-impact.com to learn more about our corporate training programs, how our programs can help your organization build or reinforce a purpose-driven culture, and how we can customize our offerings to suit your respective needs and goals. 
To facilitate knowledge transfer, we also have a nonprofit board placement program to place corporate professionals in board director roles at value-aligned nonprofits. Email our Community Connections team at communityconnections@shared-impact.com to learn more.

The post FSI x Goldman Sachs: Preparing Women Executives for Boardroom Success appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.