Embark on a new chapter of “Future-Ready”
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CareerXplore – WeStrive&Shine Workshop
Category: JYCGIF
On April 13 and 20, the CareerXplore – WeStrive&Shine workshop brought together 30 inspiring attendees, including teen girls and women, for an empowering experience aimed at boosting confidence, bridging generational gaps, and promoting inclusivity in tech. Supported by the Women Empowerment Fund and funded by the HYAB and WoC, this workshop successfully provided participants with the tools they need to thrive in diverse fields.
Empowering Women and Girls to Shine
The workshop began with an engaging talk by JYCGIF, addressing the future of the workplace and the critical competencies needed to navigate an ever-evolving career landscape. Titled “The Future World of Work: How Does It Impact You Now?”, the session focused on the top 10 essential skills professionals must develop to succeed. These included creative and analytical thinking, along with technology literacy—skills that are becoming increasingly vital as the workplace continues to evolve with technological advancements and shifting job roles.
Bridging Generational Gaps Through Collaboration
A key feature of the workshop was the use of LEGO®️ SERIOUS PLAY®️, a unique tool designed to foster connection and collaboration across generations. By engaging teen girls, women and seasoned professionals in creative activities, the workshop bridged generational gaps, allowing participants to learn from one another’s experiences, share insights, and build lasting relationships.
Promoting Inclusivity in Tech
The workshop also sought to promote inclusivity in the tech industry by introducing AI to participants who were new to the field. By showcasing the accessibility of AI, the workshop aimed to inspire women and girls to feel confident in embracing technology
Building Personal Brands
In addition to technical and professional development, the workshop also focused on helping participants build their personal brands. Through tailored exercises and discussions, attendees were encouraged to express their unique strengths and potential, empowering them to navigate their careers with authenticity and confidence.
Professional Image and Etiquette
Appearance and etiquette are essential components of cultivating a professional image. This segment emphasized the importance of presenting oneself with confidence and professionalism in various settings.
A Path Forward
The CareerXplore – WeStrive&Shine workshop was a powerful reminder that empowering women and girls is essential for creating a brighter, more inclusive future. By fostering confidence, bridging generational gaps, and promoting inclusivity in tech, the workshop set the stage for meaningful personal and professional growth.
As we continue to champion women’s empowerment, initiatives like this pave the way for the next generation of leaders to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Let’s continue to inspire, empower, and lead the way forward.
Inspires 300+ Teen Girls to “Act for Their Futures”
In its third year, the FGG Summit became a member of 2024 youthfest@HK, empowering teen girls to identify strengths, embrace challenges as opportunities, and take bold action
The FutureGEN Girls Leadership Summit 2024 (the Summit), organized by the JYC Girls Impact Foundation (JYCGIF) and supported by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, Hang Seng Bank , CTF Education Group and 13 other organizations, took place on November 9, 2024, at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, drawing over 300 teen girls to discover their “superpowers” and take purposeful action to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Now in its third year, the Summit was recognised by the Youth Development Commission as an official partner event of the 2024 youthfest@HK, “engaging and helping the youth to develop their potential, enhance their knowledge, and share their experiences.” The Summit’s theme this year, “Find Your Superpower: Aspiring Future Leaders for Action,” encouraged teens to identify their unique gifts, face challenges head-on, and take proactive steps toward shaping their futures. In the past three years, JYCGIF has organized over 100 events, drawing more than 7,000 participants.
Miss. Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, served as Summit Guest of Honour. Officiating at the Opening Ceremony, Ms. Mak said: “The new initiative in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address emphasizes women’s workplace development. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will establish a network with female leaders from various sectors and launch the ‘She Inspires’ mentorship program, pairing female university students with senior management mentors, and providing relevant training and activities to cultivate more ‘hold up half the sky’ talent, allowing women to shine in the workplace. Additionally, the Bureau has implemented several initiatives related to women in the past few months, including hosting the first Family and Women’s Development Summit on October 9 and launching a one-stop information portal for families and women earlier last month, which consolidates information on family education, women’s health, and shares relevant legal information.”
In her Keynote Speech, Ms. Diana Cesar, JP, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, said, “I believe that unlimited potential lies within every individual, when we dare to explore and try new things, we’ll always gain something valuable along the way.” She also encouraged young people to seize every opportunity and live life to the fullest.
A Powerhouse of Inspiring Leaders
Meanwhile, the Summit’s Main Panel, “Superpower in Action: From Challenges to Leadership,” moderated by Ms. Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director, FutureGen Girls Foundation, brought together a powerhouse of women leaders and trailblazers, including: Ms. Janice Lee, CEO of Viu & PCCW Media Group and Chairman of HKTVE Ltd (Viu TV); Ms Joanna Kwok Chief Engineer at Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd, the first woman in Hong Kong to pass the licensing exam for Chief Engineer Officer on oceangoing vessels; Ms. Donna Tang, Executive Manager, Charities (Talent & Sector Development), The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Deputy Secretary-General (Secretariat and Core Operations), Institute of Philanthropy; and Ms. Ho Yuen Kei , China 2024 Paris Paralympic Games Double Gold Medalist and Boccia Athlete from Team Hong Kong. Each panelist shared her own personal journey, offering stories of resilience, growth, and determination, encouraging teen girls to embrace challenges, build confidence, and seize opportunities for the future.
The Summit also featured a “Future Readiness Lab”, designed to empower participants with digital and soft skills, as well as practical career advice for the future. Dr. Alfred Tse from Preface led a session on embracing AI, introducing participants to the vast potential of artificial intelligence to shape their futures. Ms. Gigi Li, Founder of the Curated Style conducted a workshop on how the “power of color” can boost confidence and enhance self-expression; and Professor Ava Kwong, Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry, and Professor Terence Wong, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, guided participants in a session on career flexibility and adaptability, offering strategies to navigate an ever-evolving professional landscape with agility and confidence.
At the Summit, the New Technology Interactive Zone offered a lively space for teen girls to connect with industry leaders and explore future-focused tech. Highlights included music, art, and robotics, featuring a performance by the Musical Chaos Foundation ambassador and a project from Dr. Roberto Alonso Trillo and Dr. Peter Nelson from Hong Kong Baptist University. The Metabow, a sensor-equipped violin bow, showcased tech-enhanced music. Illumina’s DNA sequencing advancements were featured in the Biotechnology Showcase, while Prenetics provided hands-on biotech workshops and career insights.
The IdeaGO Ideathon Finale
The highlight of the day was the IdeaGO Ideathon Finale, where 5 teams of teen girls presented innovative solutions to societal challenges they had been working on for months! Before the audience and judging panel, teams presented their projects, which covered: Challenges and / or opportunities faced by women in society, Environment and sustainable living, Health and wellbeing, and Sports and Fitness. The winners took home awards for their innovative solutions:
The Champion – Deeply Hidden (Cotton Spinners Association Secondary School): A Smart Compost Bin combines Arduino programming and 3D printing to efficiently process kitchen waste using earthworms.
1st Runner-up – Eagle Eye (St. Paul’s Secondary School): BIRD is an automated drone that patrols wetlands, using AI to detect large machinery and lingering individuals. It triggers alarms and captures evidence while monitoring environmental conditions and increasing patrols in damaged areas.
2nd Runner-up Winner – Thyme (Carmel Pak U Secondary School): “Move It” is a free fitness app designed to help users exercise correctly at home, featuring AI posture correction and rewards for low-income individuals. It will also support seniors with voice navigation in familiar dialects to encourage regular physical activity.
“You are the future leaders, the ones who will help shape the Greater Bay Area into a global innovation hub; but leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about having the courage to act, to take the first step, learn from your experiences, and keep moving forward no matter the obstacles,” Mrs. Jennifer Yu Cheng, FGG Summit Organizing Committee Chairperson and CTF Education Group President and Deputy Vice Chairwoman, told a packed audience of teen girls. “Today isn’t the end of your journey – it’s the beginning of a new chapter. When you leave here, I hope you carry with you the tools, the confidence, and the belief in your own abilities to continue discovering who you are, growing your skills, and leading with your superpowers!”
At the Closing Ceremony, the Summit organizer invited Ms. Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director, FutureGen Girls Foundation, to unveil the FutureGen Young Women Leaders Award, recognizing teen girls who have dedicated themselves to realizing their full potential through the development of future-ready skills and leadership experiences culminating in empowering accomplishments. The Award is organized by the FutureGen Girls Foundation, a charitable organization on a mission to inspire, equip, and educate girls with the essential skills to navigate life’s challenges and cultivate their unique strengths and talents; and empower teen girls and young women to become leaders who drive positive change in society. The Award currently has nearly 60 supporting organizations, including JYC Girls Impact Foundation, and an advisory group of over 30 leaders from 20 industries. On 1st November 2024, enrollment in the Award opened to all teen girls aged between 12-18 at the time of registration, studying at a school registered with the Education Bureau of HKSAR.
Making waves of inspiration!
On Friday, 11 October, 40 young women from 18 schools across Hong Kong came together for an unforgettable “Empower Hour” with Siobhán Haughey, Hong Kong’s first Olympic swimming medalist!
The day kicked off with a powerful Fireside Chat, where Siobhán shared her journey of resilience, passion, and determination, offering priceless insights to inspire the next generation of leaders. Following the conversation, students participated in an interactive workshop on passion and self-discovery, where they explored their own potential and pathways to success.
Our future leaders are now ready to dive into their own challenges and swim towards success. We can’t wait to see how far they’ll go!
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IdeaGO Ideathon 2024
The IdeaGO Ideathon 2024 (“Ideathon”) organized by JYC Girls Impact Foundation (“JYCGIF”), aims to provide teen girls with a platform to learn and develop Innovation and Technology (“I&T”) capabilities, and to demonstrate leadership and creativity in the field of I&T. Through the application of project management, design thinking, and I&T tools, participants have the opportunity to propose innovative solutions to contemporary social issues. Ideathon participants will benefit from the support of industry professionals, who will guide participants in devising and implementing their end-to-end solutions. Riding on the success of Ideathon 2023, we have introduced a new theme to our roster, to further tap into students’ skills and competencies.
Competition Themes (Choose 1):
- Challenges and / or opportunities faced by women in society
Explore the challenges and pressures faced by women in modern society and encourage participants to discover opportunities within these challenges. Participants can research and share insights from a scientific perspective on women’s leadership, self-worth, and personal growth. - Environment and sustainable living
Encourage awareness of environmental issues and consider how technology can protect the environment, achieve sustainable development, and promote environmental consciousness and action. Participants research and propose solutions to address challenges related to climate change, energy issues, resource management, and environmental conservation. - Health and wellbeing
Promote positive health and wellbeing, including mental health and encourage participants to focus on and care for their own well-being. This is an important topic of lifelong concern for urban residents. Participants research and share information and practices related to stress management, emotional wellbeing, psychological balance, and happiness. - Sports and Fitness
Encourage participants to prioritize their physical health and promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Participants research and share knowledge and experiences related to exercise, nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and athletic competition.
Important Dates (Participants are highly encouraged to join ALL workshops, which are interrelated to complete the Ideathon journey. Those marked with * are compulsory.:
Participating in the Ideathon not only enhances individual skills and knowledge but also paves the way for future academic and career opportunities . Participants will demonstrate:
- Project management skills and a design thinking process: Participants will learn how to effectively manage projects, from planning to execution, and apply design thinking methods to problem-solving. They will be able to propose end-to-end solutions, including ideation, design, prototyping, testing, and evaluation.
- An in-depth understanding of the chosen theme under the guidance of industry experts: Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts to gain deeper insights into relevant knowledge and trends of the chosen theme. This will stay informed and up to date on latest developments in the respective field.
- Their knowledge of innovative technology tools: Participants will have the chance to learn how to use innovative technology tools such as 3D printing, AI applications, robotics, and programming, and apply these tools flexibly to real-life solutions.
- Essential skills: Participants will have the opportunity to cultivate various essential skills, including creativity, innovation, collaboration, problem-solving, confidence, adaptability, and public speaking. These skills are valuable for their future learning and career development.
- An ability to network: The competition provides an opportunity for participants to interact with peers from different schools and organizations, which helps expand their network of connections and establish valuable relationships.
- The potential to contribute to society: By providing innovative solutions, participants unleash their potential to make a positive impact on society. Their ideas and achievements may be be of value to the community.
Language: Cantonese-, Mandarin- and English-speaking students are welcome. The training workshops will be mainly conducted in Cantonese, while presentation materials and key messages will be recapped in English. Students can use their language of choice to present their projects.
Team Formation and Eligibility:
- Team Size: Each team consists of 3-4 participants.
- Facilitator: Each team will have an adult coordinator who is a schoolteacher or an authorized representative of a non-profit organization. The facilitator is responsible for communication, facilitation, and supervision.
- Limitation: Each school/non-profit organization can send a maximum of two teams. A participant can only participate in one team.
Award :
- Teams will compete for Champion, First Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up, The Most Popular and Social Impact awards at the Ideathon. The winning teams may have a chance to be nominated to take part in a student exchange in the Greater Bay Area.
Certificate:
- Certificates of Participation will be issued to participants who fulfill at least 70% attendance from Day 1 – 5.
Frequently Asked Questions (Click here)
For Enquiries: info@jycgirlsimpact.org or +852 2119 3158.
Organiser: JYC Girls Impact Foundation
Supported By: Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park
Supporting Organisations (Rankings are not listed in any particular order and will be continuously updated.) :
- Agent of Change Foundation
- City University of Hong Kong
- HKU Business School, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Hong Kong 3D Printing Association
- Hong Kong Association for Computer Education
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology
- InspiringHK Sports Foundation Limited
- Integrated Solutions Limited
- Po Leung Kuk
- Pok Oi Hospital
- Project Management Institute Hong Kong Chapter
- St. James’ Settlement
- Tencent Holdings Ltd.
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong
- WomenX Biotech Ltd.
Remarks: JYC Girls Impact Foundation Limited reserves the right to elaborate, change, or modify any of the above details.
Don’t waste your energy! (No, really — don’t!)
At our latest CareerXplorer event, teen participants from TWGHs C Y Ma Memorial College and TWGHs Kap Yan Directors’ College experienced “Green Culture” firsthand at T • PARK, a sewage sludge treatment facility that converts waste into energy!
T • PARK is more than just a plant. It is also a recreational and educational resource on sustainability, recycling, and conservation. T • PARK is making a positive change in the community’s approach to waste management – and our students were inspired by its impact and empowered to pursue green career opportunities!
“I realized that green technology is very important to our future,”
said one participant from TWGHs Kap Yan Directors’ College.
“This activity gives me a deeper understanding of green technology!”
To Read More:
Financial #SuperSkills!
At the latest CareerXplorer event, 15 teen girls from Wa Ying College and S.K.H. All Saints’ Middle School enjoyed a hands-on experiential visit to @HSBCHK!
HSBC’s PayMe team introduced their mobile payment app at a special student workshop, where they also assisted girls in visualizing and realizing their financial goals. The HSBC team shared personal journeys to success, and students asked engaging questions!
Thanks to HSBC for welcoming our explorers with open arms!
To read more:
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Changing the FUTURE OF BANKING!
In our latest CareerXplorer event, teen girls discovered the past, present, and FUTURE of banking in Hong Kong!
Thanks to HSBC for guiding our CareerXplorers on a trip down memory lane through HSBC’s rich history in Hong Kong, as well as showcasing the mobile banking innovations – PayMe – @hsbc introduced to make mobile payments accessible and convenient for all.
After hearing directly from HSBC professionals about their personal journeys in finance, our CareerXplorers aced a special banking trivia pop quiz!
Click to follow:
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Feeling empowered @microsofthk!
At our sixth CareerXplorer event, Microsoft HK hosted students from schools across Hong Kong for an office tour, inspirational career talks, and Al demos!
Our JYCGIF CareerXplorers explored the application of Al and how it impacts the workplace and society, with an first-hand look at how Al is used in Minecraft, Medtech (X-Ray), Clear Bot, Facial Recognition, and Copilot programmes.
An amazing experience had by all! Thanks again to Microsoft HK for empowering teen girls to expand and deepen their interest in tech fields and careers!
Stay tuned for more #CareerXplorer events around the corner!
For more details:
Partnership Focused on Developing Female Talent Pipeline for Hong Kong’s I&T Ecosystems
- Summer “Ideathon” between HKSTP and JYCGIF targets female secondary school students.
- Participants will compete in groups to propose innovative I&T end-to-end solutions, under the guidance of leading entrepreneurs.
- A MoU was also signed between the two organizations that aims to organize other such I&T related activities in the future to help draw female secondary school students to the I&T field.
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (“HKSTP”) and Jennifer Yu Cheng Girls Impact Foundation (“JYCGIF”) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) that aims to draw female secondary school students to the field of Innovation and Technology (“I&T”), promote gender diversity in the industry and empower women as influential figures promoting Hong Kong as an international I&T hub.
The partnership will involve organising and conducting various I&T-related activities to allow female secondary school students to experience first-hand the opportunities made available by Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem. The hope is such exposure spurs more young women opting for I&T-related tertiary courses and a career in these industries.
One of the collaboration highlights is the “Ideathon”, a programme scheduled to launch in the summer through November 2023. Under the guidance of leading entrepreneurs, female secondary school participants will compete in groups to propose innovative end-to-end solutions involving planning, prototype production and marketing to address specific challenges in society. The programme aims to nurture greater understanding and interest in I&T, new industrialisation, and grow entrepreneurship among female students.
Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, said, “We have entered a golden era of innovation and technology in Hong Kong, providing a platform for young people to realise their full potential. Within HKSTP’s thriving I&T ecosystem, many of the founders or senior management of Park companies are women, demonstrating exemplary contributions made by women in the industry. I sincerely hope that this collaboration with JYCGIF will enable more female students to experience what Hong Kong’s I&T sector has to offer to attract them to become advocates for the city’s innovation scene, and thereby contribute to Hong Kong becoming an international I&T hub.”
Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, Founder of JYCGIF, said, “Hong Kong is poised to develop into an international I&T hub. Considering the opportunities ahead in the changing landscape of the future world of work, there is an urgency to level the playing field for women across industries and sectors, particularly in I&T fields. Through our new partnership with HKSTP, we hope to help teen girls map out their educational and extracurricular goals leading to future careers, particularly in I&T. By empowering teen girls today, we are working together build a strong pipeline of future women talents motivated to drive the development of Hong Kong as a world-class I&T hub.”
Archireef Co-founder and CEO, Vriko Yu, shared her insights along her journey in innovation and technology during a panel discussion: “Many people have stereotypes about women in the workplace in which they would perceive women to be mostly work in nursing and teaching. However, by sharing my experience, I hope we can see that young women can also become CEOs of I&T companies. Furthermore, I wish for female students to be able to discover and develop their strengths through the innovation experience, as well as to explore the limitless possibilities.”
Mr Chu Ka Tim, Vice-principal of Hong Kong True Light College (left), said the school observed markedly increased enthusiasm about STEM among its students after their participation in JYCGIF’s programmes.
Among the programmes’ avid participants was Ms Chan Oi Yiu (right) of Hong Kong True Light College. She said that CareerXplorer and other programmes inspired her to contemplate the close link between empathy and design thinking, which is driving her to pursue opportunities in the I&T field.
Ms Fanny Wong, Head of Talents & Human Resources of HKSTP(left), and Ms Cecilia Hon, Executive Director of JYCGIF(right), highlighted the essence of their collaboration programme. The two organisations plan to hold an “Ideathon” from summer to November, to allow female students to deepen their understanding and interest in I&T, new industrialisation, and entrepreneurship through group competitions under the guidance of entrepreneurs.
Ideathon Details:
Campaign period: July to November, 2023 (Finale: November)
Target: Girls from secondary three to secondary five in 2023/24 academic year in Hong Kong
Requirements: A team of four, with school teachers/youth organisation representatives as advisors and liaison
Stay Tune For More Details
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