As one of the longest-standing philanthropic organizations in the city, The Hongkong Bank Foundation deemed it necessary to shine a light on the unsung heroes who were uplifting the underserved and the community as a whole. 

That is why, in 2012, the HSBC Hong Kong Community Partnership Programme (CPP) was inaugurated to promote social inclusion by strengthening collaboration with community partners, addressing district-specific needs, and supporting the capacity building of NGOs and community organizations. 

Since its launch, CPP, supported by the Home Affairs Department, the Social Welfare Department, and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), has empowered over 1,400 projects, benefiting more than six million people.

HSBC Hong Kong Community Festival: Celebrating Everyday Heroes 

In 2025 alone, The Hongkong Bank Foundation allocated HK$18 million to support 21 district-based projects, designed to help disadvantaged communities build resilience and become future-ready. The 21 outstanding projects also received a bespoke award at this year’s CCP, themed “Celebrating Everyday Heroes”, for their collective achievements as well as dedication and innovative spirit in supporting the community.

The CCP’s endeavor to honor everyday heroes did not stop at that. The HSBC Hong Kong Community Festival, held on 25 and 26 April at the Central Market, served as a bridge between the 21 community partners and members of the public to foster meaningful engagement, showcase socially and environmentally impactful work, promote knowledge exchange, while enabling participants to join hands in shaping a brighter future for all.

HSBC Scholars and FSI Volunteering Their Support at the Community Festival

Across the two-day HSBC Hong Kong Community Festival, 20 HSBC Scholars and Hub for the Future members, and two FSI staff, Toni Leung, HSBC Scholarship Scheme Program Manager, and Mandy Yeung, Program Officer, volunteered their support.

From introducing the event to the public and inviting them to participate in interactive games, from assisting with workshop set-up to registration, from promoting community organizations’ booths to crowd management, the HSBC Scholars and Hub members’ enthusiasm and resourcefulness played a significant role in ensuring the smooth running of the event, packed with interactive and informative activities and workshops throughout the three floors of the Central Market. 

At the ground-floor Oasis Space, participants were welcomed by a photo booth, a space where they could put up messages of gratitude for the everyday heroes, and the Supercharge Hub, where information on the 21 projects and community organizations was displayed.

The first floor likewise greeted participants with a photo booth before they browsed and stopped by various community partner booths for games and activities, curated to help participants gain an in-depth understanding of the work of the everyday heroes. 

In addition to the digital screen showcasing the CCP-awarded community organizations, the second floor also featured a Connection Kiosk, where participants could stand inside a phone booth to listen to community stories read by celebrities such as Nancy Sit, Adekunbi Salako, and Aiden Tsang. 

Amongst the highlights of the event was the Communi-tea session on the first day, where HSBC expressed gratitude to the community organizations for supporting the Hong Kong community.

HSBC Scholars: A Privilege to be Part of an Impactful Event

The great turnout also meant plenty of ceaseless volunteering work for the HSBC Scholars and Hub members, but that did not dampen their spirit to support community organizations and to take a deep dive into the positive social impact generated by the CCP. 

Said Iris Tam, recipient of the 2022 HSBC Vocational Education Scholarship: “I think this is a truly great event for the public, and I really appreciate HSBC for their efforts in making it happen. It was a privilege to be part of it! Many parents and children were genuinely amazed by the experiences offered at the NGO booths. I especially loved how the booths educated visitors on protecting the environment and animals — it really warmed my heart. My biggest takeaway was witnessing how a well-organized community event can bring generations together. Watching children light up with joy and families engage meaningfully with NGO booths showed me the real impact volunteering can have. It reinforced how education, compassion, and community spirit can make a lasting difference in people’s lives.”

Also learning more about HSBC’s social impact through volunteering at the Community Festival was Mimi Wong, recipient of the 2024 HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship: “I learned more about how HSBC contributed to the community by providing grants to different NGOs and even helped NGOs promote their projects. I realized that supporting a community project required a lot of work. Apart from funding the organizations, HSBC also cooperated with NGOs and managed their projects. This activity allowed me to interact with individuals from different backgrounds, which enabled me to improve my communication skills and speaking skills.”

Indeed, interacting with people from diverse backgrounds benefited the volunteering scholars in unexpected ways. Said Jolin Ho, recipient of the 2018 HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship: “During the volunteering event, I met people from diverse backgrounds, such as HSBC staff members and NGO partners. Their generous sharing has widened my horizons and inspired my future research and social good projects. I have also gained knowledge of birds in Hong Kong, as well as the perspectives of older adults within our community, when assisting the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. It’s truly a fruitful and rewarding volunteering experience! I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

As the secretariat of the HSBC Scholarship Scheme and the coordinator for Hub for the Future – a community of past and current recipients of HSBC Scholarships – FSI works to transform the Hub community into a force for good. Since July 2024, we have provided the Hub community with opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, skills acquisition, and community service activities. Learn more about our youth empowerment work here.

The post HSBC Hong Kong Community Festival 2026: Engaging the Hong Kong Public to Celebrate Everyday Heroes appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

Find out how Daniel, currently on the Hub for the Future Leadership Committee (a group of leaders for our community of past and present HSBC Scholars), is actively involved in community engagements and exploring ways to become an impactful leader. 

When you applied for the scholarship, what did you set out to achieve? Have the goals and objectives changed after you received the scholarship?

When I first applied for the scholarship, my primary goal was practical: I wanted to ease the financial burden of pursuing my associate degree and, eventually, my university degree. In 2021, my family’s income was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, making financial support a necessity for my education. 

However, after becoming an HSBC Scholar, my perspective shifted. I realized that the scholarship was more than just financial aid; it was an open door to opportunities for personal and professional growth. Now, my goal is to maximize every opportunity as a scholar, learning as much as possible to identify my strengths so I can contribute meaningfully to society.

Reflecting on your time as an HSBC Scholar, what was your greatest learning experience that contributed to your personal or professional growth?

My greatest learning experience has been the opportunity to connect with the Hub for the Future community — a group of some of the brightest young minds in Hong Kong. Before receiving the scholarship, I was primarily focused on my textbooks and didn’t engage much in extracurricular or professional activities. Interacting with fellow scholars taught me that academic success is only one part of a fulfilling journey. Their encouragement pushed me to explore new horizons and step out of my comfort zone, which has been instrumental in my personal growth and professional outlook.

What is the most memorable part of your journey as an HSBC Scholar? Was there a specific event, interaction, or achievement that stands out to you?

The most memorable moments of my journey are those where I stepped up to engage with others. Serving as the fireside chat MC for the 2024 Scholars Day, hosting games at the mentoring program finale, and even inviting passersby to join the Mums@Play market outside the Hive are experiences I will never forget. Each of these moments required me to be brave and communicative. These hands-on roles significantly built my confidence and presentation skills, which are assets I will carry forward into my future career.

What support have you received through the HSBC Scholarship Program, and how has this assisted you in reaching your professional goals?

I have received immense support and trust from the managers at both The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) and Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI), the past and current secretariat for the HSBC Scholarship Scheme. 

Being given the responsibility to help manage major events enhanced my confidence and validated my potential. While I am still refining my specific professional path, acting as a helper at Hub events has allowed me to be recognized by other scholars. This has opened up countless opportunities to communicate with and learn from future leaders, helping me broaden my horizons and adopt the strategic thinking necessary for my career development.

In what ways do you believe the HSBC Scholarship has equipped you to make a positive impact in your community?

The annual HSBC Scholars Day is a powerful reminder of the impact young people can have. Inspired by the resilience and positivity of the Hub community, I felt a strong urge to give back. In 2022, I provided 80 hours of free tutoring to underprivileged children. During those sessions, I saw my younger self – someone searching for direction. My goal was to offer them the same guidance and encouragement I received. Today, I continue to focus on empowering younger students who are still finding their way, helping them navigate their paths with a positive mindset.

What current volunteer or social impact initiatives are you involved in, and how do they align with the values you embrace as an HSBC Scholar? 

I primarily assist with school activities, serving as the MC for various events, and acting as a mentor for freshmen, guiding them through their university experience concerning internships and studies. Additionally, I aim to be a positive and encouraging presence for those in need. Having received support from HSBC both financially and in terms of personal development, I aspire to give back to the next generation of youth in a similar manner whenever I can. 

How do you intend to apply the lessons and skills you’ve gained as an HSBC Scholar to build a more sustainable and resilient society for Hong Kong?

As I embark on my professional journey, I am committed to looking beyond financial performance to maintain sustainable social impact in my decision-making, through understanding the strength of different people, treating them with respect and kindness no matter their role, and encouraging collaboration and synergies between them.

Inspired by Hub alumni before me, I hope to initiate positive changes personally and encourage a culture of goodwill. Together, we can make meaningful contributions that ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for Hong Kong.

The post HSBC Scholar Impact Story: Building Fortitude and Paying It Forward Through Community Engagement appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

Read about Jessie’s journey from the dance studio to the clinic, and how the HSBC Scholarship has inspired her to shape a healthier future for Hong Kong. 

When you applied for the scholarship, what did you set out to achieve? Have the goals and objectives changed after you received the scholarship? 

When I applied for the HSBC Scholarship during my second year at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2021, my goal was to pursue excellence in my training while broadening my horizons beyond the studio and performing stage. 

Receiving the scholarship encouraged me to dream bigger, to connect with people from different disciplines, and explore how I could create a positive impact beyond dance. After graduating from HKAPA, this mindset inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy in the UK, stepping into a completely new discipline. While I have moved into a new field, the motivation to strive for excellence and create a positive impact has remained unchanged throughout my journey. 

Reflecting on your time as an HSBC Scholar, what was your greatest learning experience that contributed to your personal or professional growth?

One of my most valuable learning experiences as an HSBC Scholar was being encouraged to step beyond my comfort zone and pursue opportunities with confidence. The Hub for the Future community inspired me to think broadly and embrace interdisciplinary learning. This mindset proved invaluable when I pursued a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy in the UK after graduating from HKAPA. Entering a totally new field required curiosity, resilience, and initiative. “Don’t be afraid to ask and try!” became my biggest takeaway. I actively sought mentorship and even had the chance to observe orthopaedic surgeries, which further strengthened my curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning. 

What is the most memorable part of your journey as an HSBC Scholar? Was there a specific event, interaction, or achievement that stands out to you?

One of the most memorable aspects of my journey as an HSBC Scholar has been the opportunity to connect with other scholars at volunteering events. Through gatherings and exchanges, I was constantly inspired by people who were passionate about their own fields while also striving to make a positive contribution to society. These interactions broadened my horizons and encouraged me to think beyond the boundaries of my own profession. They reminded me that making a meaningful impact often comes from collaboration and openness to new ideas. The Hub community continues to motivate me to dream bigger, pursue excellence, and remain curious about opportunities that extend beyond my original path. 

What support have you received through the HSBC Scholarship Program, and how has this assisted you in reaching your professional goals?

The HSBC Scholarship Program provided both financial support and an inspiring community that played an important role in my development. The scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies and pursue excellence during my training at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Beyond financial assistance, the program offered opportunities to connect with individuals from different disciplines, which broadened my perspectives and encouraged me to explore new possibilities. This support strengthened my confidence to pursue further education overseas – I later completed a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy in the UK with Distinction, carrying forward the same drive for excellence and curiosity that the scholarship inspired in me. 

In what ways do you believe the HSBC Scholarship has equipped you to make a positive impact in your community? 

I believe the HSBC Scholarship has equipped me with skills that are valuable both in the community and the workplace. I have participated in volunteering events, including working with SEN children, where I applied my collaboration and leadership skills to create inclusive and supportive experiences. These opportunities taught me how to work effectively with others, communicate clearly, and achieve shared goals that are directly transferable to professional settings. The scholarship continues to inspire me to give back, reminding me that the knowledge, skills, and support I have received can be used to empower others and make a meaningful impact. 

What current volunteer or social impact initiatives are you involved in, and how do they align with the values you embrace as an HSBC scholar?

I am currently teaching dance while promoting well-being through movement, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for local students. This initiative reflects the values I embrace as an HSBC scholar: striving for excellence while positively contributing to the community. Drawing on my background in dance and physiotherapy, I emphasize safe and mindful practices, helping students build confidence, improve their physical abilities, and enjoy the benefits of holistic well-being. For example, I recently promoted safe warm-up techniques at community events supported by the Hong Kong Association of Dance Medicine and Science. Through this work, I also strengthen my leadership and collaboration skills, empowering others while fostering personal growth.

How do you intend to apply the lessons and skills you’ve gained as an HSBC Scholar to build a more sustainable and resilient society for Hong Kong?

The journey as an HSBC Scholar has taught me the importance of resilience, curiosity, and contributing to the community. I hope to apply these lessons through my future work in physiotherapy by promoting injury prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term physical health. 

I am also passionate about bridging performing arts and healthcare, particularly by promoting safer training practices within dance communities. Through education, collaboration, and continuous learning, I hope to contribute to a society where individuals are empowered to care for their well-being and pursue their ambitions sustainably.

The post HSBC Scholar Impact Story: Bridging the Arts and Healthcare for a Resilient Community appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

On 11 April, we engaged Kevin Farley, an AI trainer and consultant, to host an informational workshop for 18 HSBC Scholars and four FSI staff on the language of Large Language Models (LLMs), why AI matters in their careers, how AI can be used in career applications, as well as the risks, integrity, and professional standards when it comes to AI applications. 

Treating AI As An Assistant

With experience in delivering AI workshops to clients in Taiwan, Canada, South Africa, and the UK, helping people save time, reduce frustration, and move from idea to AI execution faster, Kevin kickstarted the workshop by teaching HSBC Scholars and Hub for the Future community members how to set up their personal Gemini profiles, to ensure more tailored responses from Gemini as it remembers preferences and past queries as well as accessing data across Google apps. 

Mindful about AI as a powerful tool encompassing areas from work task execution to personal schedule planning, Kevin stressed the importance of treating AI as assistants or interns to augment the users’ capabilities. 

“Think about what information you would share with your interns on the first day of work,” prompted Kevin. “This could include their role in the team, what to be aware of and avoid, such as relevant policies and regulations. With the appropriate prompts and input, AI would be able to generate the information you need.”

HSBC Scholars Using A Gemini Custom AI Assistant to Refine and Review CVs

Next, Kevin demonstrated ways to create prompts for the AI to think from the perspectives of a career coach and a recruiter, in order to help HSBC Scholars and Hub members refine their own CVs. 

By providing HSBC Scholars and Hub members with a guide on writing and refining CVs, Kevin enabled them to tailor and rate the CV with the help of a “Gem” – a Gemini custom AI expert for specific tasks. 

“The prompts can provide an analysis of the CV, flag any gaps, and highlight any skills on the CV that would be helpful to proceed to the next round of assessment to a specific job application,” instructed Kevin. With Kevin’s tips on what to include and avoid when writing AI prompts, HSBC Scholars and Hub members tested out and practiced using these prompts on the CVs. 

To equip HSBC Scholars and Hub members with the AI skills for their career planning, Kevin guided them on creating personalized Gems that can be used outside of CV writing and job applications, specific to their professional needs, while highlighting that with the suitable prompts, AI can provide assistance to repetitive tasks and enhance efficiency. With that, HSBC Scholars and Hub members went on to create their own Gems and tested them out to see if they were suitable for the purpose.

Kevin also shared a prompt library with HSBC Scholars and Hub members that can be used on AI tools to avoid any hallucinations and ensure a certain level of accuracy, such as editing the original prompt, and prompting AI to ask questions to clarify on the task before proceeding to the next steps.

Concluding the workshop, Kevin introduced other useful AI tools, such as Notebook LM, Beaver, and Granola, that can be helpful to the HSBC Scholars’ personal and professional development.

An Educational AI Workshop Supporting HSBC Scholars’ Personal and Professional Growth

The AI workshop proved immensely useful for the participating HSBC Scholars and HUB members. 

Said Hubert Wong, recipient of the 2023 HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship: “I got useful tips on how to improve the effectiveness of my prompts, as the workshop provided a useful framework for prompting. My biggest takeaway was the ‘ask me first’ strategy, which forces AI to ask me clarifying questions. This improves the quality of the response and makes it more consistent with what I expect.”

“I really enjoyed the workshop because it helped me learn more about different types of AI,” said Natalie Ng, recipient of the 2022 HSBC Greater Bay Area Scholarship. “Since AI is an inevitable trend, this workshop was very meaningful.”

“I learned how to actually maximize the use of AI, and avoid common mistakes like trusting their response without any verification or without counterthinking,” said Zach Koo, recipient of the 2021 HSBC Vocational Education Scholarship. 

Said Pui Kwan Lam, recipient of the 2024 HSBC Vocational Education Scholarship: “I used to get very frustrated trying to use AI for daily tasks, but this training section taught me useful skills to use AI more efficiently now. The workshop was organized well, and the content selection is perfect. I learned a lot and feel more confident in using AI to help with job seeking.” 

As the secretariat of the HSBC Scholarship Scheme and the coordinator for Hub for the Future – a community of past and current recipients of HSBC Scholarships – Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) works to transform the Hub community into a force for good. Since July 2024, we have provided the Hub community with opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, skills acquisition, and community service activities. Learn more about our youth empowerment work here.

The post FSI Equipping HSBC Scholars with Essential AI Skills for the Workplace appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

On 15 March, 13 HSBC Scholars and Hub for the Future members participated in the inaugural Inclusive Sports Day, hosted by RunOurCity Foundation Limited and initiated by SENSportsAlliance, which looks to pool together the resources of founding member organizations to build a sustainable platform for SEN youths, to increase their confidence and realize their potential through sports, and to develop an inclusive education ecosystem.

Seeing Sports Through an Inclusive Lens for SEN Youths 

Coordinated by one of our HUB Leaders, Daniel Lee, HUB members volunteered as event helpers at the Inclusive Sports Day to provide assistance at activity booths and guide participants through games and wayfinding, while interacting with SEN youths and their families to ensure they could safely enjoy the day. 

Aiming to promote and raise public awareness on the importance of movement and sports for SEN youths and to create a safe environment for them to enjoy movement in, the Inclusive Sports Day also planted a seed for advocating for the right of every youth to enjoy movement and sports, regardless of their background and abilities.

Collectively hosted by the Alliance’s founding members – RunOutCity Foundation Limited, Zone A, Snaildy, Hong Kong Special Needs Sports Institute (HKSNSI), and HK Roller Skating School – the event featured a wide range of sports activities such as Boccia, Mölkky, Karate, Brompton Cycling, Virtual Cycling, obstacle courses, roller skating, VR Fencing, rope skipping, exergame, stretching, and mobility. 

To ensure holistic wellness, there was also a booth for Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment consultation.

In addition to sports activities, a panel discussion convened subject matter experts and academic professionals, as they weighed in and exchanged knowledge on the benefits of sports for SEN youths, with topics including the mental and physical health of people with disabilities; the importance of multi-sports; sports participation for holistic children development; making sports accessible for SEN youths with technology like AI; as well as ways to integrate a 10-minute exercise regimen into daily routines.

HSBC Scholars Witnessing Inclusion in Action

As Hong Kong’s first-ever Inclusive Sports Day concluded with success, HSBC Scholars and HUB members reflected on their participation and the event itself with gratitude and learning.

“What initially drew me to the Inclusive Sports Day was its uniqueness — an event that brings together people from diverse backgrounds to experience sports in a truly inclusive way,” said Daniel Lee, recipient of the 2021 HSBC Vocational Education Scholarship 2021 and the Hub Leader who coordinated the Hub’s participation in the event. “My connection with the organizer also made this experience personally meaningful, as it opened up potential opportunities for Hub scholars to get involved.” 

Daniel continued: “This event highlighted the growing societal support for the SEN community and how collective efforts can bring together previously dispersed resources into a more integrated support network. Beyond physical activity, it offered participants a chance for self-discovery — enabling them to build self-discipline, confidence, and self-esteem over time through positive sporting experiences. 

Equally important, it provided caregivers with a valuable opportunity to de-stress under the guidance of professionals trained in both sports and SEN education. For Hub members, the event provided a new perspective on inclusivity in sports and deepened our understanding of the SEN community. It also created a platform for ambitious scholars to connect directly with practitioners from the sports industry, opening doors for future collaborations.

From this volunteering experience, I was reminded that sports are a powerful and universal language,” said Daniel. “Whether someone is SEN or not, sports can engage people positively and bring out the best in them.”

Also finding the volunteering experience rewarding was Wendy Jian, recipient of the 2025 HSBC Greater Bay Area Scholarship. “This past Sunday, I traded my usual therapy room setting for something far more dynamic. As a SEN therapist, my work often involves structured, one-on-one sessions focused on building specific skills. So, when I volunteered at the Inclusive Sports Day, I was curious to see their philosophy of using ‘the power of running to help youth find their focus in life’ applied on such a grand, community-wide scale.

From the strategic precision of Boccia to the playful skill of Mölkky and the rhythmic joy of rope skipping, every activity was an open invitation. There were no barriers to entry, just a genuine welcome to experience the joy of movement. This, I realized, is inclusion in action. It is not just about making a sport accessible; it’s about creating a space where a young person feels empowered to simply try, to connect, and to belong.

The event reinforced a vital lesson for me: therapeutic progress doesn’t only happen in clinics. It happens on playgrounds and starting lines. It happens when families feel welcomed, when young people are seen for their potential, not their diagnosis, and when an entire community comes together to say, ‘This space is for you.’”

The post HSBC Scholars and HUB Members Volunteering Their Support at Inaugural Inclusive Sports Day appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

Here, art comes in as therapy. Bypassing verbal communication and leveraging nonverbal expression, art therapy enables SEN children (and adults) to externalize their emotions and inner experiences through various artistic mediums ranging from drawing and painting to sculpting and collage-making. In many ways, artistic creation empowers SEN children to process, recognize, and express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions without the pressure of identifying the right words. 

Helping SEN Children Transcend Verbal Communication Barriers with Art Journal

On 1 March, 15 HSBC Hub for the Future community members and three FSI staff gathered at the Hong Kong Disneyland before the clock even struck 10 in the morning. The occasion? To volunteer our support for a day trip organized by the Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) for approximately 227 individuals from 60 families with SEN children.

Founded in 2003, the Sovereign Art Foundation runs community outreach programs that use Expressive Arts Therapy to support children with different needs. Notably, its Make It Better Programme is a Hong Kong-based community outreach program that provides SEN children living in vulnerable communities with access to the therapeutic benefits of Expressive Arts Therapy, and the day trip to Disneyland is organized under this program. 

Having received the SEN families upon their arrival, Hub members distributed the Art Journal designed by SAF to help SEN children express their feelings and experiences during their time at Disneyland. As the families folded the A3 sheet into a journal under the instructions of Hub members, they also learned about the activities planned for the day: There were six tasks to be completed, such as documenting their experiences through writing or painting, and families who completed more than four tasks would find a small prize await at the end of the day.

Hub members also explained the safety protocols to the SEN children. For example, the children were advised to have their parents’ phone number handy and to seek help from an adult in case they became separated from their parents.

Winding Down a Fun Day Out with Gifts and Interaction

As the families returned to the meeting points after completing the day’s activities, they also received gifts from Hub members, who made meaningful conversations with the children and their parents to learn about their unique experiences as documented in the journals.

“I was very happy to accompany a SEN family to Disneyland,” said Rachel Cheng Ka Shuen, recipient of the 2025 HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship. “While waiting in line for the rides, I took the time to chat with the children and found that they were very willing to express their feelings. When I gave them compliments, they became happier and more confident. I learned how to show empathy and patience. Disneyland is a great place that allows them to be in a relaxed environment and be willing to open up. Thank you for offering this chance to me!”

Also finding the volunteering experience rewarding was Evelyne So Long Ching, recipient of the 2021 HSBC Greater Bay Area Scholarship. “This experience allowed us to help out and interact with families with SEN children in a way that wouldn’t be too overwhelming for those of us who are first-timers.

It’s great that there are organizations like SAF that do this type of work for low-income SEN kids and their families. I understand that there is a spectrum to the levels of support different SEN kids require, but after today, I realized that family structure and dynamics also play a huge role in shaping their education and future paths.”

Gratitude also flowed from SAF to the volunteering HSBC Scholars. Said Charles Chan, Expressive Arts Therapist, The Sovereign Art Foundation: “To our volunteers and FSI, thank you for showing your heart. I will remember your crouching, listening, and laughing with families, and how even a sheet of tattoo stickers became a gentle way for some children with special educational needs (SEN) to share their feelings. Your care made this Disney day a rare, treasured memory for the families we supported.”

“Our magical trip to Disneyland, in collaboration with FSI, offered the children from our Make It Better Programme a deeper and more meaningful experience through interactions with caring volunteers beyond their usual community,” said Christina Lum, Senior Art Facilitator, The Sovereign Art Foundation. “The Art Journal’s expressive arts challenges encouraged mindfulness, observation, and self-expression as they explored the park. Seeing the children’s joy, confidence, and pride grow through these supportive connections with the volunteers was truly heartwarming.” 

As the secretariat of the HSBC Scholarship Scheme and the coordinator for Hub for the Future – a community of past and current recipients of HSBC Scholarships – FSI works to transform the Hub community into a force for good. Since July 2024, we have provided the Hub community with opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, skills acquisition, and community service activities. Learn more about our youth empowerment work here.

The post HSBC Scholars Supporting SEN Children’s Self-expression through Art Therapy at Disneyland appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

The shelters, while striving to provide abandoned animals with a loving home albeit temporarily, are often under-resourced and under-staffed, and many are run by volunteers. The urge to give these compassionate individuals a helping hand prompted us to partner with a local dog rescue shelter, House of Joy and Mercy for Rescue Dogs, to organize a volunteering activity for HSBC Scholars and Hub for the Future community members.

Hands-on Care and Support for Abandoned Dogs 

On 21 February, 10 HSBC Scholars and Mandy Yeung, FSI’s HSBC Scholarship Scheme Programme Officer, arrived at House of Joy and Mercy’s Ko Po Dog Adoption Centre in Yuen Long at 10am in the morning, sleeves all rolled up, ready to provide the shelter with much-needed support. 

Founded in 2015, House of Joy and Mercy for Rescue Dogs is a nonprofit organization committed to the care of stray animals in life, healing in sickness, and offering dignity in death. In addition to helping stray animals find loving homes and offering them a place to live in, the nonprofit also provides stray animals with free clinical treatment and humane end-of-life services. To prevent abandonment, House of Joy and Mercy offers free short-term animal foster services to owners in emergencies alongside regularly organized public education programs on animal welfare and companionship.

Initiated and led by Stephanie Chan, recipient of the HSBC Greater Bay Area Scholarship in 2023 and a current Hub Leadership Committee member, the activity kick-started with an introduction to House of Joy and Mercy by its staff, Ar Tung. 

The Ko Po Dog Adoption Centre is home to approximately 50 dogs, the majority of whom are middle- and large-sized stay dogs, abandoned by puppy mills or their owners. “The health condition of the dogs abandoned by the puppy mills is worse than that of other dogs, as they were forced to breed before they were sent here,” said Ar Tung. This is why the centre endeavors to provide the dogs with a good living environment: ample clean space with comfort added in the form of air-conditioning during the city’s hot and humid summer.

Dog Care 101: Cleaning the Kennels and Discerning Canine Emotions

After a tour of the center, Ar Tung showed HSBC Scholars how to clean the kennels and discern canine emotions by observing their tails. HSBC Scholars then followed Ar Tung to visit the dogs at each kennel, learn about their personalities and history, and the precautions to take when interacting with the dogs.

“Clean the kennels one after another, and never open more than one kennel at the same time,” said Ar Tung. “After you have cleaned the kennel, avoid pushing the dog back inside the kennel from their back, as that could frighten the dog.”

Once the cleaning was over, Ar Tung encouraged HSBC Scholars to interact with several purebred and mongrel dogs, including those abandoned by their owners and puppy mills. To say the dogs melted the scholars’ hearts is an understatement. 

“Cleaning the kennel wasn’t easy at all — the dogs sometimes barked suddenly or were reluctant to go back into their kennels,” said Stephanie Chan, our HUB leader who proposed and took the lead in this event. “It was important to be patient. I am glad that I could help with cleaning and daily care for the dogs, as a clean kennel is the foundation of a healthy rescue. As a law student, I have realized that animal law is rarely touched upon in our curriculum, yet it’s an area that has always sparked my curiosity and concern. This year, as a HUB Leader, I felt a deep desire to create a bridge—not just between our HUB members, but also between us and the voiceless. I wanted us to step beyond our textbooks into the real world, to understand not only how shelters operate, but also the quiet struggles of homeless dogs in Hong Kong.” 

Reflecting on the kennel cleaning session, Stephanie thought it was where the Scholars’ hearts and hands truly came together. “We guided the dogs out, cleaned their kennel, refilled the water, and gently led them back inside the kennel. Guiding them back in was not always easy—some barked and resisted—but we learned that patience and kindness speak louder than urgency, no matter how long it took. That moment reminded me that love is not rushed; it is shown in the small, steady acts of care. I watched our members step out of their comfort zones, clean with care, and connect with dogs who have long been forgotten. What stayed with me was the sight of purebred dogs waiting just as long for a home as any other. It reminded me that every dog, regardless of breed, is simply waiting for someone to say, ‘You matter.’” 

This volunteering experience also opened Stephanie’s eyes to the painful truths that abandonment and illegal breeding are not distant issues but are happening right now, here in Hong Kong. “I met dogs who were once used for breeding and then discarded when they were no longer ‘useful’. Some had lost their sight. Others bore physical scars. Yet their spirits remained gentle. It broke my heart and also strengthened my resolve to help with these animal friends..” 

The hardest thing to witness, for Stephanie, was the reality of long-term shelter life: “Many dogs have been waiting for over two or three years. And for mixed-breed dogs—our beloved ‘village dogs’, the wait is even longer. Seeing their hopeful eyes in person, I realized that behind every statistic is a living being longing for a second chance. I truly wish for a world with fewer abandoned animals and fewer dogs bred for profit. Dogs are lives, not commodities.”

“The main reason I participated in this event is that I really love animals,” said Tommy Wong, recipient of the 2025 HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship. “I didn’t have much knowledge about animal adoption or the process behind it. This volunteering event helped me understand how adoption centers are run and how the dogs are cared for. I don’t have a pet now, but I love animals. With today’s experience, I learned more about how to take care of and interact with animals.”

“What really inspired me is that the dog adoption center is very clean,” said Orane Lee, recipient of the 2025 HSBC Social Work Scholarship. “Although there are many different types of dogs here, mostly large dogs, the center is still very clean. There are also many different stories behind the dogs, such as abandoned dogs, stray dogs, and even sick dogs. In fact, every story behind the dogs is a human story, but the dogs can’t control these things. We need to reflect on these stories and find ways to prevent abandonment in the first place.”

The same thing dawned on Mimi Wong, recipient of the 2024 HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship, “I have learnt that there are some people in Hong Kong caring for stray animals. We should think twice before buying a pet. Instead of buying a dog from a pet shop, we should adopt one. We should support more dog shelters in Hong Kong.” 

Said Daniel Lee, recipient of the 2021 Vocational Education Scholarship: “It was a really enjoyable experience, and it was my first time interacting with dogs and helping with the dog shelter. Even though cleaning the shelter was tiring, I have developed more empathy and patience for animals in need.”

“It was a meaningful experience,” said Tasha Lam, recipient of the 2025 Innovation and Technology Scholarship. “I am a dog lover, so I am very glad that I could help. Seeing the dogs enjoying a hygienic environment at the site made me feel like my effort paid off.”

As the secretariat of the HSBC Scholarship Scheme and the coordinator for Hub for the Future – a community of past and current recipients of HSBC Scholarships – FSI works to transform the Hub community into a force for good. Since July 2024, we have provided the Hub community with opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, skills acquisition, and community service activities. Learn more about our youth empowerment work here.

The post All Paws On Deck: HSBC Scholars Supporting Local Dog Shelter’s Lifelong Care for Abandoned Dogs appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

Gathered here in the indoor baseball facility were 14 HSBC Scholars and Hub for the Future community members; Nivey Tsang, Co-founder and Business Development Director of Eldpathy; “Ken Sir”, a social worker and baseball coach at Eldpathy; three elderly volunteer baseball players; and, from the FSI team, Toni Leung, Program Manager, and Mandy Yeung, Program Officer of the HSBC Scholarship Scheme. 

Incorporated as a social enterprise in 2013, Eldpathy was founded on the belief that strong intergenerational power can be created by combining the experience and wisdom of the elderly and the passion and creativity of young people. The name, combining “elderly” and “empathy”, explains the social enterprise’s mission: to nurture the public’s empathy and understanding toward the mental and physical needs of the elderly, as a compassionate response to Hong Kong’s ageing population. 

Initially started by Nivey and his two schoolmates at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as a physical simulation for Hong Kong youth to experience old age, the social enterprise has grown to offer corporate training workshops and education workshops to expand its mission since the project won the Championship and Best Presenter Awards at the Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge in 2012. 

Said Nivey: “Eldpathy is a social enterprise dedicated to promoting active ageing by bridging generational divides via innovative intergenerational programs. Our baseball workshops are a core part of this mission, fostering empathy and dismantling stereotypes through shared activity.” 

Intergenerational Interaction Through Baseball 

Forming a big circle with the three elderly volunteer baseball players, HSBC Scholars took turns to introduce themselves and share their thoughts on interacting with the over-60 amateur athletes.

All eyes then turned to “Ken Sir”, the baseball coach, who showed HSBC Scholars the correct way to pitch the baseball, with the support of the elderly baseball players.

Once the HSBC Scholars got the hang of pitching, they were split into two groups to learn about throwing and batting the baseball with Ken Sir and the elderly players. HSBC Scholars also took turns to hit the baseball dispatched from an automatic pitching machine, and each successful hit was celebrated by a round of applause from the crowd. 

When a Fun Baseball Game Offers a Glimpse of Active Ageing

The two-hour event not only introduced HSBC Scholars to the game of baseball, but also offered them a glimpse of what active ageing is and how it is being achieved by Hong Kong’s elderly. 

Said Hubert Ching Ho Wong, a recipient of the HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship in 2023: “I am very happy to join this indoor baseball event today. It allows me to communicate with the elderly, and I can see that they are very dedicated and active in participating in this baseball event. This is a demonstration of the concept of active ageing. I have gained a lot from this event.”

Hubert’s sentiment is echoed by Mimi Wing Yan Wong, a recipient of the HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship in 2024: “I feel very grateful for this event because I learned a lot from the elderly.

I realized that the elderly are really talented and they have a lot of skills to share with us.”

“The event today is a very meaningful opportunity to know the other HSBC Scholars and the elderly,” said Rooney Long Hin Chow, a recipient of the HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship in 2021. “It was a very good opportunity to also play baseball with them and learn about their habits and lifestyle.”

“I learned how to actually play baseball, which is actually very impressive to me, because I am not an athletic person,” said Tasha Ka Yin Lam, a recipient of the HSBC Innovation and Technology Scholarship in 2025. “But with the elderly, fellow HUB members, and the trainers, we were able to experience at least part of the baseball game, which is very rewarding.”

HSBC Scholars weren’t the only ones who found the event rewarding. Nivey, the Co-founder of Eldpathy, and his team were duly inspired, too. “We were truly inspired by today’s session with the Hub for the Future members. Watching the young participants connect so genuinely with our senior players over baseball was powerful. Laughter and encouragement filled the field, transforming a simple game into a meaningful exchange of energy and stories. We look forward to seeing more inspired young HSBC Scholars taking a step toward building a more inclusive and age-friendly community for all with their skills and profession in the future.”

The post HSBC Scholars Building Empathy Towards the Elderly Through Intergenerational Baseball Game appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

As we slowly wind down towards the end of the year, we at Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) collaborated with the Land Education Foundation (LEF) to organize the “Farm-to-Table Land Education Foundation One-day Trip” on 13 December to give 16 HSBC Scholars and one HSBC staff the opportunity to take a breather in nature. 

Led by Hayden Chan, Operation and Development Officer, and KC, apprentice at LEF, the one-day trip opened participants’ eyes to the agricultural history of Mui Wo and its community, connected them with the owner of a regenerative farm, and ended with a shared Christmas-themed lunch made with locally produced vegetables. 

LEF: The New Generation of Stewards Safeguarding Ecological Health and Wisdom of the Land

Tucked away on the eastern coast of Lantau Island, Mui Wo is a rural town with an agricultural history dating back to the 16th century. From the cultivation of rice, Mui Wo’s farmers transitioned to vegetables in the 1950s, when local rice production was negatively impacted by the import of foreign rice, and the construction of the Shek Pik Reservoir in 1957 led to the significant loss of water sources for irrigation. 

It was also around this period that Chinese immigrants from Bao’an and Dongguan introduced local farmers to the skills and techniques of vegetable production. The Mui Wo Agricultural Products Marketing and Credit Co-operative Society was established to help Mui Wo farmers sell their produce directly to the government-managed Vegetable Marketing Organisation (VMO), so that farmers could receive a fair value for their produce and efforts.

As we arrived at the iconic Lin Fung Building located in the heart of Mui Wo, Hayden and KC explained that the building has been at the center of local life for more than 60 years. A variety store that sold rice and oil in the past, Lin Fung has now evolved into a cultural center in Mui Wo, hosting cafés, weekend markets, and other community connection activities. 

Next, Hayden and KC took us to Good Old Soil, a new brand established by young people returning from the city to the countryside, supported by the non-profit LEF. “Based in Lantau Island, Good Old Soil aims to gain traditional wisdom from the land, assist farmers and villages, restore better soil health, and preserve the village culture,” explained Hayden. “Central to the work of the organization is helping farmers sell their produce and promoting local farming to the wider community in Hong Kong.”

Naturally, Good Old Soil’s vision and mission are aligned with that of LEF: Protecting natural ecosystems and cultural heritage, improving the quality of living of the poor and the marginalized, and educating the public on the importance of protecting the natural environment and preserving cultural heritage.

Nature Resilience and Regeneratively Produced Floral Tea

Continuing on our walking tour, we stopped by Winne the Farm, which honors the regenerative agriculture approach focused on restoring and enhancing ecosystem health, and is home to a variety of vegetables and fruits such as radish, papaya, and passion fruit, as well as flowers and even coffee. With her produce, like calendula and butterfly pea, Winnie also makes and sells floral tea packs and skin care products.

“I took an interest in starting a farm, but I had no idea how to go about it,” said Winnie Kong, the farmer and owner who took an early retirement from an office job following an injury. “My brother helped me build the basic structures around the farm, and the local community gave me advice on seeding and harvesting. Good Old Soil then encouraged me to promote my farm by arranging farm tours. That was nine years ago.”

Sipping the three types of floral tea brewed by Winnie with the roselle, butterfly pea, and calendula flowers on her farm, the HSBC Scholars learned about the regenerative farming approach that uses natural input, minimizes soil disturbance, and increases biodiversity, which is under threat in Hong Kong and all over the world. 

Here, Winnie explained how solitary bees benefit the nature-based farming approach she adopts, with practices including using egg shells and coffee grounds as natural fertilizers. She also shared a recent story of Mother Nature’s resilience. “One of the papaya trees was destroyed during a typhoon this year. I thought the tree had died. A few months later, however, the tree started bearing fruit!”

Touched and inspired by the beauty of nature, under Winnie’s guidance, the HSBC Scholars began mixing compost soil, which was then placed in pots for cosmos plants. What the Scholars did not know while working the soil was that the potted plants were their gifts to bring home. 

A Taste of Nature, in Nature

Concluding the one-day trip was a moreish Christmas-themed lunch, made with vegetables freshly harvested by Mui Wo’s local farmers, hosted by the Pause Cafe. 

“The Farm-to-Table event was a wonderful experience,” said Francis King, a 2025 HSBC Hong Kong Scholar and student at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. “We learned the agricultural history of Mui Wo and its current form at Winnie’s farm. The variety of her harvest was impressive, and her life reminded us how one could find serenity in bustling Hong Kong.”

Francis’s sentiment was echoed by Stephanie Chan, a 2023 HSBC Scholar who received the Greater Bay Area Scholarship and a student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. “The farm owner, Winnie, has run her business for over nine years. Her passion and dedication are motivating. I am surprised and impressed by someone with such a strong connection to the land and plants. She started everything by herself with her brother. Now, she is selling her agricultural products. I am truly touched and inspired by her.”

Also inspired by Winnie’s journey was Jason Chan, a 2025 HSBC Hong Kong Scholar and student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong: “I was especially fascinated by Ms Winnie’s sharing about her personal journey from a banker to a farmer. Her story reminded me that with enough determination and patience, we can all make a difference to our community and the city we love.” 

As the secretariat of the HSBC Scholarship Scheme and the coordinator for Hub for the Future – a community of past and current recipients of HSBC Scholarships – FSI works to transform the Hub community into a force for good. Since July 2024, we have provided the Hub community with opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, skills acquisition, and community service activities. Learn more about our youth empowerment work here.

The post HSBC Scholars Celebrating Christmas Immersed in Nature in Mui Wo appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.

Kickstarting the workshop, Ronald Ho, Soap Cycling’s General Manager, shared the organization’s mission and mission with the HSBC Scholars: “Soap Cycling was founded to collect lightly used soap bars from hotels, recycle them into new soap bars, and distribute these precious hygiene resources to communities in need in Hong Kong and beyond.”

To help the HSBC Scholars retain their newly gained knowledge about the power of soap, Ronald quizzed them on things like why washing hands with soap doesn’t spread diseases, and why soap bar carries a lower environmental footprint than liquid soap. 

HSBC Scholars Contributing to Hygiene Equity Under the Leadership of Veteran Volunteers 

Although established as a youth-led impact organization, Soap Cycling also empowers ethnic minority and senior citizens through dignified work opportunities offered by its MEY Programme. In fact, it was under the guidance of the three senior citizen volunteers, Mr and Mrs Leung and Ms Fung, that the HSBC Scholars learned to make the soap art. 

Led by the veteran volunteers, the HSBC scholars mixed soap powder with water before adding colors. Once the mixture reached a sticky consistency, the HSBC Scholars poured it into a cookie mould for the soap to set.  

Through collective efforts made amidst laughter and learning, the HSBC Scholars created 110 pieces of soap art, which will be packed along with educational toys and daily essentials, and distributed to children in impoverished communities this festive season.

But the recipients are not the only beneficiaries – the HSBC Scholars who participated in the workshop found an immense sense of fulfilment, too. 

Said Eric Tsui, 2025 HSBC Hong Kong Scholar: “I feel very glad that I met so many wonderful people, as well as the elderly who taught us how to make the soap. It is a really interesting experience, and I definitely encourage others to join this workshop.”

The sentiment was echoed by Athena Wong and Iman Hussain, 2025 HSBC Hong Kong Scholar and 2025 HSBC Greater Bay Area Scholar, respectively. 

“I found the workshop very meaningful,” said Athena. “Ronald is very nice; he introduced us to the soap recycling workshop, its purpose, and where the soap goes. Then we got to make the soap ourselves, knowing that the soap will ultimately go to underprivileged children.”

“It was a great experience today at Soap Cycling because we got to make so many different types of soap for underprivileged children all over the world,” said Iman. “It was a very fulfilling experience.”

“Today was fun!” said Ayeisha Shafana, 2025 HSBC Hong Kong Scholar. “It was really interesting to see how Soap Cycling creates social impact, not just in Hong Kong, but also in the Philippines, and I am happy to contribute to creating social impact.”

As the secretariat of the HSBC Scholarship Scheme and the coordinator for Hub for the Future – a community of past and current recipients of HSBC Scholarships – FSI works to transform the Hub community into a force for good. Since July 2024, we have provided the Hub community with opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, skills acquisition, and community service activities. Learn more about our youth empowerment work here.

The post HSBC Scholars x Soap Cycling: Enhancing Hygiene Equity for the People in Need appeared first on Foundation for Shared Impact.