In an exciting culmination of community efforts, the HSBC Hong Kong Community Festival recently attracted over 10,000 attendees to the Central Market, marking the end of the HSBC Hong Kong Community Partnership Programme. The two-day event showcased an impressive 31 inter-generational community projects across all 18 districts of Hong Kong.

A highlight of the festival was the announcement of a new youth-focused initiative by the Hongkong Bank Foundation, which will devote HK$18 million in 2024 to support these projects, all led by 29 innovative NGOs in collaboration with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

This ambitious youth development initiative, to be launched in September 2025 after a pilot phase from April to August, will be managed by Time Auction and St. James' Settlement. The program is designed to foster a growth mindset among young people and provide them with invaluable opportunities, targeting 16,000 local students from secondary schools to sub-degree programs. Through a series of workshops and volunteer activities, participants will gain essential skills and perspectives vital for navigating the complexities of modern life.

During the opening ceremony, Peter Wong, chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and The Hongkong Bank Foundation, emphasized HSBC’s dedication to community engagement. "Over the past year, the HSBC Hong Kong Community Partnership Programme supported 31 projects that benefitted 430,000 individuals—doubling the impact from 2023," he remarked. "As we celebrate our 160th anniversary, we are thrilled to introduce this initiative aimed at empowering the next generation."

Grace Chan, the chief executive of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, expressed gratitude towards HSBC for its sustained commitment to the community. She stated, "The HSBC Hong Kong Community Partnership Programme has significantly energized our city, fostering unity and encouraging collaboration across various sectors."

Notably, last year's projects included educational efforts that transformed elderly citizens into green ambassadors, enhancing their mental well-being, alongside initiatives focused on career planning for deaf students. Such projects not only uplift marginalized groups, but also aim to promote a more inclusive and harmonious society.

The theme of this year's festival, "One Community. Building Together," resonates deeply with HSBC's mission to strengthen ties within the Hong Kong community. The historic backdrop of the Central Market added an extra layer of significance, where attendees were treated to creative displays including two pairs of bamboo lion sculptures crafted by local artists alongside HSBC volunteers—an inspiring representation of intergenerational support.

As the Hongkong Bank Foundation continues to invest in the future, the early response to the new youth initiative has already sparked excitement throughout the community, suggesting a promising future for Hong Kong's youth as they are equipped to thrive in an increasingly dynamic world.