We recently concluded a valuable Lunch & Learn seminar focused on helping NGOs and social purpose organizations avoid corporate scams. Led by Dominic Wai, Partner at ONC Lawyers, the session explored real-world examples of scams and emerging trends that target these sectors. Key preventive tips included being cautious with data requests, monitoring finances regularly, safeguarding passwords through updates and two-factor authentication, using social media wisely by limiting personal data sharing, verifying caller identities, and staying informed on fraud prevention practices to protect vulnerable communities. By staying vigilant, organizations can protect themselves from potential threats.

SIP Chair Josephine Price participated in in-depth discussions at the AVPN Southeast Asia Thought Leaders Forum 2024, on pressing regional challenges, including the net-zero transition and the role of impact investing in driving systemic change. She highlighted the critical need to enhance the capacity of impact organizations—ranging from non-profits to civil society groups—to ensure their long-term financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and efficiency in creating meaningful, lasting impact. By addressing these complexities, Josephine emphasized the importance of building resilient structures to empower these organizations in achieving scalable and sustainable solutions.

Lillian Li, Executive Director of SIP, served as an alumni mentor for the 2024 Sustainable and Social Innovation Leadership Programme (SSILP), a capacity-building initiative co-founded by HKU and UBS aimed at nurturing current and future leaders of NPOs. Over the past six months, her mentorship sessions covered key themes such as strategic thinking, organizational culture, inclusive leadership, cross-sector collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and social innovation. The 2024 cohort successfully completed their learning journey, culminating in a series of innovative and impactful final projects, which were presented during the Final Pitching Day held at the UBS office.

Cherry Cheung, Head of Community Engagement at SIP, joined KIBO Co-founder Natalie Chow for a panel discussion at the She Loves Tech Final Pitch Competition moderated by Inès Gafsi. The discussion, titled "Funder vs Founder Fireside Chat," explored how funders and founders can align their visions to create impactful partnerships. Cherry emphasized the importance of building sustainable revenue models for Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) amid economic challenges and highlighted the value of trust-based relationships between funders and SPOs. Looking ahead, SIP aims to foster more partnerships built on trust and balance to drive lasting social impact.

Hugo is a rising penultimate-year student at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), majoring in International Business and Global Management (IBGM). He is also serving as a green citizen youth ambassador in the UNESCO Hong Kong Association. Being involved in various social innovation programmes, Hugo is determined to drive social impact and support social purpose organizations (SPOs) to make a difference and achieve sustainability. He holds firm to the belief that interdisciplinary skills and innovation are the keys to successful social changes. We are excited to welcome him to our team and anticipate his contributions to our team.

After a year of searching for land and rebuilding, MilMill has officially put its new pulp factory into operation. During the process, the team dismantled most of the old factory’s machinery, reusing available resources as much as possible, while also acquiring new equipment and redesigning the factory space. Meanwhile, they continued collecting waste paper and beverage cartons, and prepared to launch new circular economy project MilCycle.

Although the new factory in Ping Che is quite different from the old one in Yuen Long, MilMill's commitment remains unchanged. The team looks forward to having everyone witness the new face of MilMill. The pulp factory is now officially operational and open for group tours, welcoming schools and organizations. The new facility includes a recycling pulping system and an education center, and organizations and educational groups are invited to visit ahead of the new school year.

In late August to early September, OnMyGrad conducted a series of successful roadshows and workshops at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU), and the ACE.SG Hybrid Career Fair. Despite initial reservations about allowing job platforms, these universities embraced OnMyGrad's innovative approach, expressing interest in further promoting the platform.

The events drew attention from career services teams at other institutions, eager to explore potential partnerships. A major highlight was the launch of OnMyGrad's AI Interview Coaching tool, AIinterviewCoach.io, which garnered significant interest from more than a dozen institutions in Hong Kong and Singapore.

The response to the roadshows was impressive, with nearly 1,000 students registering on OnMyGrad within just two days. This overwhelming participation underscored the high demand for effective interview preparation tools.

Snaildy has launched the "Inclusive Communication - Parent Version" mobile app to enhance collaboration between schools and parents of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The app helps parents understand the support their children receive in school, such as classroom assistance and accommodations, while providing access to community resources, rights, and benefits. It serves as a central database within a cross-departmental case management system, ensuring continuity of support from kindergarten to higher education. The app aims to improve home-school communication, streamline service planning, and ensure that parents have the resources they need throughout their child’s educational journey.

Social Enterprise Season  invites tenants and neighbors in Kwun Tong to explore a more purposeful, sustainable path. Focused on the themes of Wellness, Impact, and Sustainability, the campaign offers free talks and showcases impactful Hong Kong brands and resources. From now until 1 November, tenants, business partners, and the public are welcomed to engage with local social enterprises through exhibits and events at the AIA Kowloon Tower lobby.

Make sure you join the global private equity community when they gather in Hong Kong on 18-21 November for the 37th Annual AVCJ Private Equity Forum. Once again, we have assembled an unparalleled lineup of elite investors from market leading GPs and LPs, including Affinity, Apollo, Bain

Capital and Warburg Pincus, to share their views on finding growth opportunities in the current climate and pathways for returns.

Register now to meet with 1,600 senior investment professionals in-person. From the largest sovereign wealth funds to the emerging family offices, the active capital allocators with Asia front of mind will be in attendance.

Enjoy a 15% discount by entering promo code “SIPHK15” for registration

The Opening Ceremony of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program is taking place on October 24, 2024, in Hong Kong. AWE is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs worldwide. With the support of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Womentors is pleased to be the local implementer of the first cohort of AWE in Hong Kong. We invite you to join us in this global movement that equips women with the essential skills and resources to launch and grow successful businesses.