Dan Cheung, 2023 HKU-UBS Sustainable and Social Innovation Leadership Programme Champion on the Final Pitching Day, shared how the Programme has benefited him as the Chief Catalyst of Asia Pacific Youth Development Foundation Limited during the Information Session on 9 January.
‘One interesting thing about SSILP was that we could meet other social innovation practitioners in different development stages,’ Dan said.. ‘Coming from a relatively small NGO, I had learnt from established practitioners and discussed issues with peers who face the similar challenges as I do. I find it particularly useful because I learnt how to leverage on the insights and resources and grow my organization sustainably,’ he added.
Dan also gave tips to interested applicants, ‘To make the most from SSILP, you have to open up yourself to learn new things and interact with others. It is also helpful if you could think about the social problem that you are passionate about solving before attending the course, so that you could find and make the best use of network and apply the academic framework you’re your project design.’
Passionate about empowering underprivileged youth in Hong Kong, Dan partnered with Till Kraemer, another 2023 participant who shares the same vision and passion, to co-present their social project named D-Generation: Impact Career Programme on SSILP 2023 Final Pitching Day. The project was selected as one of the two Champion projects by the judging panel and awarded $400,000HKD as the project funding.
‘SSILP was an excellent opportunity for me to sit down and think how to solve the social issue in my mind systematically,’ Dan concluded. If you are also passionate about making social impacts too, act now! Submit the online application form, endorsement form, and a 1-minute self-introduction video before 7 February 2024 (Wed) 23:59. We look forward to creating changes with you.