The HKU-UBS Sustainable and Social Innovation Leadership Programme (SSILP) successfully celebrated the conclusion of its 2025 cohort on 19th September. The event was a celebration of innovation, leadership, and collaboration, bringing together 29 nonprofit leaders from Hong Kong and across the Greater Bay Area to showcase their visionary projects for social impact.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Professor Cheryl Chui, Co-Director of SSILP, and remarks from Professor the HON Cheung Kin-chung Matthew, GBM, GBS, JP, Honorary Advisor of SSILP. Both emphasised the programme’s commitment to equipping nonprofit leaders with the skills, networks, and resources to address pressing social issues through sustainable and innovative solutions.
Welcoming remarks by Professor Cheryl Chui, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, HKU and Co-director of HKU-UBS SSILP
Professor The HON Cheung Kin-chung Matthew, GBM, GBS, JP, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong; Former Chief Secretary for Administration and Secretary for Labour and Welfare, HKSAR Government; and Honorary Advisor, HKU-UBS SSILP, sharing his thoughts on social innovation in Hong Kong.
A distinguished panel of judges lent their expertise to evaluate the fellows’ projects and select this year’s awardees:
- Mr. Ho Kai-ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Labour and Welfare Bureau, HKSAR Government
- Ms. Grace Chan Man Yee, Chief Executive, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service
- Mr. Wilson Shum Ho-kit, BBS, JP, Chairman, Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee
- Ms. Ming Geng, Head of Social Impact and Philanthropy, Greater China, UBS and Steering Committee of HKU-UBS SSILP
- Professor Cheryl Chui, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, HKU and Co-director of HKU-UBS SSILP
Their guidance and insights were invaluable in recognising projects with the strongest potential for long-term social impact.
(From left to right) Ms. Grace Chan, Mr. Ho Kai Ming, JP and Mr. Wilson Shum, BBS, JP, co-adjudicating for their projects
Ms. Ming Geng listening attentively to the pitches as one of the judging panelists
This year, 29 fellows presented 25 pioneering projects. After rigorous deliberation and audience voting, the judging panel selected two outstanding projects to be the Champions. Each was awarded HK$400,000 in incubation funding to develop and implement their charitable projects. The champions were:
“Stories That Stay” – Ms. Christy Wong from YouPath Foundation Limited
A school-based storytelling programme that empowers underprivileged adolescents to reconnect with their parents through guided interviews and narrative writing. Each participant produces a printed biography enriched with voice recordings and personal reflections, creating both a treasured keepsake and a bridge for intergenerational communication. The programme aims to serve 80 students aged 15–16 across two cohorts, supporting emotional openness, empathy, and identity development. By combining workshops, mentorship, and AI-assisted writing tools, the project not only strengthens family bonds but also equips youth with communication and future-ready skills. In the long term, it will scale through paid school programmes, a digital storybook platform, and public exhibitions, promoting sustainable social value.
Ms. Christy Wong (second left) receiving the Champion Award from Mrs. Amy Lo, JP (first right), Mr. Ho Kai Ming, JP (second right) and Ms. Ming Geng (first left).
“Fundflow” – Mr. Aaron Au Yeung from Fullness Social Enterprises Society Limited and Mr. Alan Lau from Johnson Stokes & Master
An AI-powered matchmaking platform designed to connect Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs) with funders more efficiently. By integrating real-time AI tracking of funding opportunities, the platform enables SPOs to showcase their projects while allowing funders to discreetly set preferences and receive curated project profiles. The initiative aims to reduce the administrative burden on both sides, enhance exposure for smaller SPOs, and improve due diligence processes for funders. Over three years, the project targets to onboard 60 SPOs and 10 funders, matching over HK$19 million in funding. By bridging the gap between social projects and capital, Fund Flow seeks to accelerate philanthropic connections and foster more impactful collaborations.
Mr. Aaron Au Yeung (middle) and Mr. Alan Lau (second left) receiving the Champion Award from Mr. Ho Kai Ming, JP (first right), Mrs. Amy Lo, JP (second right) and Ms. Ming Geng (first left).
In addition, the audience also cast their votes for the two Audience Choice Awards, which were awarded to:
“EMbassadors From Field to Stage” – Ms. Mag Hung from Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation and Mr. Medard Koya from Sports For Life
A youth leadership and inclusion project that unites 30 “Youth EMbassadors” — half local Chinese and half ethnic minority youth aged 15–25 — through a year-long programme integrating sports and performing arts. The initiative addresses discrimination and social isolation by fostering friendships, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. Youth EMbassadors participate in cross-disciplinary workshops, two school outreach programmes, and three community theatrical performances, reaching around 300 audience members. By blending athletic teamwork with creative expression, the project reduces stereotypes, empowers young leaders to advocate for multiculturalism, and promotes lasting social cohesion across communities in Hong Kong
Ms. Mag Hung (second left) and Mr. Medard Koya (second right) receiving the Champion Award from Professor Cheryl Chui (first right) and Ms. Grace Chan (first left).
Aaron Au Yeung and Alan Lau, one of the Champions, also won the other Audience Choice award.
The Final Pitching Day capped a comprehensive programme where 12 senior UBS leaders and 6 alumni practitioners provided dedicated mentorship, guiding fellows in strategy, resource management, and pitching skills.
Mentoring is an essential part of the SSILP. Mentors have been with the fellows since April to provide support throughout the Programme.
As highlighted by Mrs Amy Lo, JP, Chairman of UBS Global Wealth Management Asia, Head and Chief Executive of UBS Hong Kong, SSILP remains a cornerstone in nurturing forward-looking nonprofit leaders who can drive meaningful transformation. The programme continues its unique mission of bridging academia, the corporate sector, and the nonprofit community, fostering a more integrated approach to social innovation and creating enduring impact in Hong Kong and the wider Greater Bay Area.
Mrs. Amy Lo, JP, speaking to the audience at the Final Pitching Day
As we celebrate the achievements of the 2025 cohort, we look ahead with great anticipation. The groundbreaking ideas presented today are not endpoints, but powerful beginnings. We are confident that these leaders, equipped with new skills and strengthened networks, will drive meaningful transformation across our communities. The HKU-UBS SSILP remains committed to supporting this vital ecosystem, and we eagerly await the tangible impact these projects will create in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area in the years to come.