Many Hong Kong young people no longer believe in upward mobility and are desperate about their future because of recent political events and economic insecurity. In my case, I’m the type of person who always sees opportunities in desperation. We cannot change the situation, but we can change our minds and attitudes.
I would not say it is a turning point, but a new insight for me after going overseas for study and work. You will find yourself very small and insufficient after putting yourself in a new environment, a place with different cultures, languages, history, and landscapes. The problem you are facing is indeed not so big if you know more about the issues in the world, because many people are suffering and encountering a similar or even bigger problem that you can never imagine.
When you are young, you have the energy, time, and opportunities to explore new things, which show you can make something impossible possible. That’s why, no matter how desperate the youth may feel, I see them as the future of our nation. I am passionate about youth work and care about the well-being of their daily life. Working for the youth is my calling.
For example, at the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), which I worked at after graduating from the University of Hong Kong, I empowered youth and advocated for the creation of social capital and ventures through innovation. I also participated in Leaders to Leaders, a program that provides face-to-face training and inspires young leaders to co-create positive social impacts both locally and globally. And in the past seven years, I assisted the establishment of the first Leadership Institute in Hong Kong and raised over 50 billion Hong Kong dollars in funds for projects that support changes like social entrepreneurship, responsible tourism,*10 human rights, social equality, and nature and wildlife conservation.
I have no idea what exactly the world will be, but I am sure it will be full of uncertainty as always. I believe that by bringing people together for changes and empowering our next generations, it will move our society to prosperity and unity. It is my dream to make this a reality.