We are thrilled to announce the launch of the third cohort of HKU-UBS SSILP!
The response to SSILP this year has been overwhelming. After round of interviews, 30 exceptional NGO leaders were selected to be this year SSILP fellows. They come from diverse backgrounds and different sectors of the industry. The 30 fellows, in which 5 are from mainland NPOs, reflecting the growing regional impact of this transformative programme, joined the first day of their six month training Program on April 11.
The day began with the fellows’ first training lesson, ‘Leadership Exploration & Adaptability’, led by communications expert and 2020 cohort champion, Ms. Zamira Monteiro, Founder of Amplifying Consulting. Zamira led the cohort to explore the fellows to define their leadership vision, recognize leadership challenges and practice adaptability.
An opening ceremony was also organized, following their lesson, to officially welcome the fellows onboard and enable their friends and colleagues to celebrate this occasion with them. The Programme officially kickstarted with speeches by SSILP Programme co-director Prof. Cheryl Chui and SSILP Steering Committee member Mr. Rob Stewart.
One of the key highlights of SSILP 2025 is the introduction of a new training session on government relations. Recognizing the critical role that effective collaboration with government departments plays in the success of non-profit organizations (NPOs), the Programme is thrilled to welcome Professor Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, the former Chief Secretary for Administration, as a distinguished speaker to share his vast expertise in this domain.
“The non-profit sector is facing an increasingly competitive landscape, with the number of registered charities in Hong Kong nearly doubling from 2006 to 2016, and further surging to over 17,000 by 2025,” Professor Chui also mentioned. “In this context, the need for effective leadership has never been more critical. Together with UBS, we are committed to enhancing the competence and capacity of NPO leaders through a structured curriculum, with the ultimate goal of nurturing innovative and sustainable social projects and collaborations.”
Rob Stewart, Head Corporate Communications APAC, UBS and SSILP Steering Committee, expressed UBS’s enthusiasm for the programme, stating, “The HKU-UBS SSILP was initiated out of a passion for making a positive impact in the non-profit sector and giving back to the community. This mentorship program not only enriches non-profits but also allows our staff to contribute meaningfully, while fostering stronger ties with our community.”
At the culmination of the program, two winners will be selected to receive HK$400,000 incubation funding to develop and implement their innovative projects, further emphasizing the program’s commitment to supporting sustainable social impact.
We were thrilled to welcome Ms. Tracy Li, a 2024 SSILP alumna from St. James’ Settlement, for an inspiring fireside chat with SSILP Program Consultant Ms. Lena Wong. Tracy’s journey with SSILP exemplifies how the program’s true value extends far beyond immediate outcomes—highlighting resilience, collaboration, and the power of purpose-driven innovation.
Reflecting on her SSILP experience, Tracy emphasized the transformative power of peer learning. For future cohorts, Tracy’s advice was simple yet profound: “Be here and now.” She encouraged participants to immerse themselves fully in classes, workshops, and discussions, as the collective energy of engaged peers fuels creativity and growth.
While Tracy’s final SSILP project was not awarded the $400,000 incubation funding in 2024, her story took an exciting turn post-program. Her initiative, deeply rooted in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), caught the attention of UBS. Not only did UBS recognize the project’s potential to create meaningful social impact, but they also saw an opportunity to engage their employees as volunteers, amplifying its reach. This unexpected partnership stands as a testament to the program’s ripple effect—proving that SSILP’s lessons and connections often unlock doors in surprising, impactful ways.
The day wrapped up with an engaging meet-and-greet mentoring session, where fellows connected with their mentors. Each group consists of two UBS mentors, one alumni mentor, and five fellows. These mentoring sessions are a key feature of the SSILP, fostering a supportive environment that encourages the exchange of insights between the commercial and non-profit sectors. By facilitating these connections, the program empowers fellows to develop more impactful social projects collaboratively, enhancing their skills and broadening their perspectives for future challenges. This unique mentoring approach is instrumental in shaping effective leaders in social innovation.
We are thrilled to embark on another remarkable year with the SSILP 2025 fellows and look forward to updating you on their inspiring journey!