Great strides have been made in recognizing and developing talented young women, and the “Hang Lung Future Women Leaders Program” – which rounded off with a graduation ceremony on June 9 – is taking female empowerment a significant step further.
The “Hang Lung Future Women Leaders Program” culminated in a graduation ceremony on June 9. Initiated and organized by Hang Lung Properties and co-organized by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Leadership Institute, and the Xuhui District and Jing’an District Women’s Federation in Shanghai, this nationwide community investment project seeks to nurture the next generation of women leaders in Hong Kong and mainland China through training, mentorship and a practical sustainable community project.
The graduation ceremony was attended by over 100 audiences including the participating students and their mentors, who are all elite female leaders in their organizations. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Properties, took to the stage to give welcome remarks: “I am glad to see students of the nationwide ‘Hang Lung Future Women Leaders Program’ demonstrate their potential as future leaders. Today’s graduation ceremony is not the end – it’s just the beginning of the journey.”
Andy Ho, Executive Director of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, offered his congratulations to participating students in the following welcome remarks: “I am impressed by participants’ enthusiastic contribution and their keen desire to realize diversity and inclusivity.” He also thanked Hang Lung Properties for spearheading this impactful program.
In her keynote address, Louise Ho, Commissioner of Customs and Excise, told the audience that she understood deeply the challenges young women encounter in this increasingly complex world. “Setting realistic ideals and life goals, and making use of time wisely for self-betterment, would help you navigate adult lives more effectively,” she advised.
Ho was then joined on stage by three program participants in a heartfelt dialogue, allowing students to gain experiences and insights that would be valuable for life. Sabrina Chu, from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, asked how strength and gentleness can be balanced, to which Ho answered: “Gentleness is borne out in emotional intelligence and personal charm, while strength cultivates resilience, confidence and leadership. Both qualities combine and come into play in the professional, relationship and personal realms.”
Sharing her own experience in leading the Customs and Excise, Ho noted that “by giving youth opportunities to express their opinions and actualize innovative ideas, we empower them to face challenges head-on.” She also pinpointed exercising, excellent time management skills and a priority of one’s wellbeing as the key to balancing work with life commitments.
The three top performers among the Hong Kong students of the “Hang Lung Future Women Leaders Program” will be able to further broaden their perspectives as they set out for Shanghai to meet and exchange with students in mainland China, as well as to visit Hang Lung projects to learn about opportunities beyond Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the graduation was a joyous and fulfilling opportunity to recognize participants for helping society through 31 meaningful sustainable community projects.
“Thanks to this program I get to build friendships with my teammates and mentors. These personal rapports are one of the most valuable things one can benefit from this program,” said Sally Hong, from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Hong and her group’s “Second-hand Clothing Recycling Activity for Charity” is recognized as one of the two outstanding projects for raising public awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion.
“Tai Chi Humpty Dumpty”, which helps underprivileged elderly to build strength and prevent falls, is another project awarded. Teammate Jane Wong, of The University of Hong Kong, shared: “I’m proud to say that the program has enhanced my self-confidence. I believe that when women join forces with other women, together we can create lasting social impacts.”
