In early November, SIP celebrated a remarkable milestone with its 10th Anniversary Stakeholders Gathering, bringing together Board Members, pro-bono partners, SPOs, and industry friends to honor a decade of collaboration and impact within the social impact community. The evening was enriched with shared stories, reflections on achievements, and forward-looking conversations that highlighted the spirit of partnership and progress. Special thanks to EQT Group for providing a fantastic venue and to LBS Communications for their exceptional on-site support. The event truly showcased the power of collective efforts. Here’s to many more years of meaningful connections and transformative impact!

The SIP running team, featuring SPO leaders, SIP staff, and pro bono partners, proudly completed the unique 10km route of the Kerry Hong Kong Streetathon 2024, hosted by SPO RunOurCity. This groundbreaking “Five-Senses Marathon” took runners from Tseung Kwan O, across the picturesque Cross Bay Bridge, through the Tseung Kwan O–Lam Tin Tunnel, and into the vibrant Kwun Tong district. With perfect weather enhancing the experience, the team celebrated the joy of running, the power of endorphins, and the spirit of community in this unforgettable event.

The HKVCA webinar, “How the Private Equity Model is Used in Philanthropy and Driving Social Impact in Hong Kong,” brought together experts to explore how private equity principles are reshaping philanthropy. Moderated by Tristan Ace ,Chief Engagement Officer, Policy Head and Northeast Asia Coordinator of AVPN, the panel featured Patrick Cordes, COO of EQT Group, Josephine Price, Chair of SIP, and Simon Chow , Co-Founder of KIBO. Discussions centered on bridging the funding “missing middle” for social purpose organizations, the importance of ESG practices, and SIP’s innovative approach to deploying funds for impact. The session underscored the transformative potential of private equity in fostering measurable, sustainable social change.

SIP partnered with JSM's Hong Kong Corporate & Securities team to host an engaging Founders Club Gathering focused on "How SPOs Should Handle Potential Investments." This session provided SPO leaders with valuable insights into funding options, investment exit strategies, and managing investor relationships. Special thanks to JSM Partner Jeckle Chiu for his opening remarks, Senior Associate Andrew Koon and Fiona Ham for their expert guidance, and Alan Lau, Pro Bono and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, for coordinating the event. JSM’s thoughtful support continues to empower SPOs in driving sustainable social impact in Hong Kong.

Josephine Price, Chair of SIP, joined an insightful panel discussion on “Exit Strategies – Opening New Doors to Success” alongside Andreas Hartono of ASNP Law Office and Marzio Morgante of Asian Tax Advisory, moderated by Katerina Haslam-Jones of PHJ Partners LLP. Hosted by HNWI Planning during the Wealth Strategies in Global Transformation event, the panel explored critical aspects of business transitions, including succession planning, engaging buyers, conducting valuations, and optimizing negotiations. Thank you to HNWI Planning and co-panelists for a dynamic session focused on securing future opportunities! 

Lillian Li, Executive Director of SIP, recently participated as a judge on the Innovator Farm Joint Intermediary and Task Force Vetting Committee (JVC). Innovator Farm, a flagship program of Fullness Social Enterprises Society, supports social innovation projects focused on alleviating poverty and social exclusion in Hong Kong. The JVC reviewed and recommended sustainable projects with significant potential for community impact. Lillian’s expertise in social impact and dedication to sustainable solutions made her an invaluable contributor to this important initiative.

Congratulations to Walter Tsui, Co-Founder and CEO of CareER, on receiving the Medal of Honor (MH) from the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government on November 23, 2024.

The MH title is awarded in recognition of Walter’s significant contributions to the community with disabilities in Hong Kong. This achievement not only honours Walter but also represents a milestone for CareER and all those who have worked towards advancing employment opportunities for highly educated individuals with disabilities in the region.

The CareER Disability Inclusion Index Forum and Inclusive Recruitment Fair 2024 brought together over 150 employers and nearly 100 CareER members to champion workplace inclusion for tertiary-educated individuals with disabilities. Insights from the CareER Disability Inclusion Index highlighted a significant improvement in inclusiveness, with scores rising from 18.65 to 27.38 out of 35 between 2022 and 2024. Among 33 participating corporations, 18 local companies earned the CareER Disability Inclusive Employer Badge 2024 for their exemplary efforts, showcasing how inclusive practices are growing among major employers in Hong Kong. Let’s continue this momentum—complete the Employer Intake Survey today!

MilMill is pleased to announce the successful completion and transition to the commissioning phase of its newly installed textile pulping machine, made possible through the sponsorship of Crystal Climate Charity Foundation and Crystal International Group Limited. This milestone represents a significant step forward in MilMill's commitment to advancing local recycling initiatives. With this pulping machine, discarded textiles can be transformed into valuable resources, reducing pressure in landfill and promoting sustainability within the community. This achievement reflects not only our dedication to local waste reduction and textile waste recycling but also the hard work of the MilMill team, whose efforts have brought this project to life. Together, they are paving the way for a greener future!

This holiday season, sustainable footwear brand KIBO is partnering with the family of Freya Maclay, a two-year-old diagnosed with the rare Tay-Sachs disease, to raise awareness for this life-limiting condition. KIBO has released a limited-edition sneaker collection featuring the distinctive Frey Frey logo, designed by Australian artist Alana, to honor Freya's courage and resilience. Each pair is adorned with a red dot, symbolizing Freya’s strength and the rare condition. 15% of the proceeds will be donated to Lifewire, a Hong Kong charity supporting families affected by rare diseases. This collaboration aims to spread hope, solidarity, and the message to cherish every moment.

Rooftop Republic continues to create vibrant spaces that blend sustainability, community engagement and fresh organic produce.

The company has the opportunity to work with a diverse group of clients (including Hang Seng Bank, Swire Properties, Henderson Land Development, Sino Land, Fortune REIT, West Kowloon Cultural District, Kowloon Commerce Centre, the International Culinary Institute, Kellett School, Canadian International School of Hong Kong and more) to transform some of their existing spaces into thriving urban gardens, encouraging their tenants, employees and stakeholders to access and enjoy edible greenery within their workplace, providing an avenue for them to cultivate their green fingers, improve their wellbeing, as well as to establish stronger connections with their colleagues and the community.

Contact Rooftop Republic to set up a farm for your business in the new year: hello@rooftoprepublic.com