Ms. Iris Ji, Deputy Secretary-General at the Guoqiang Public Welfare Foundation (国强公益基金会) in Guangzhou and dedicated to education, innovation, and nurturing new-generation talent, shared her experiences as a fellow of the SSILP 2025 Cohort during our Information Session on 7 January 2026.
“Meeting other fellows from different organizations in Hong Kong helped me learn a lot about Hong Kong’s social service landscape. Each person brings their unique perspective.” She highlighted that SSILP is a great platform for immersive experiences, enabling her to connect with fellow nonprofit leaders and gain valuable insights to apply at her organization in Guangzhou “I have already invited a few fellows to visit my organization, and a few collaborations will hopefully be formed.”
Iris (most left) attending the mentoring session with her mentors and group mates
Iris emphasized the importance of being committed to the programme, saying, “It wasn’t the travel that was hard, but really the commitment to fully engage in the sessions. The more you engage, the more you gain.” She feels that every session enables her to gain new perspectives, develop skills and competencies, and generate fresh ideas, leaving her energized and inspired. “It’s about looking at things from different angles and stepping away from the daily routine.”
Iris attentively engaged in a session at the UBS office
For prospective applicants, Iris advised, “Just be yourself and believe in the work you do. Show who you are, and you’ll find your place here.”
Iris (right) presenting her final project with her partner at the SSILP 2025 Final Pitching Day
Iris’s experience reflects the transformative impact of SSILP in fostering a supportive community and creating opportunities for collaboration to drive social change. As she prepares to open a new office in Hong Kong, she is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead through the connections made in the programme.
If you feel inspired and wish to join, be sure to apply by 4 February 2026 (Wednesday) at 1:00 PM. You will need to submit the application form, endorsement form, and a 1-minute self-introduction video on https://ssilp.hk/apply-now/.
We look forward to welcoming you to SSILP 2026!
