Youth Hong Kong - March 2014 by Education Post

a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups

March 2014

Volume 6 Number 1

Youth HONG

KONG

Qianhai incubating ideas accelerating entrepreneurship

Youth

YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

EDITORIAL BOARD Rosanna Wong Elaine Morgan (Editor) Ada Chau (Assistant Editor) Angela Ngai Lakshmi Jacotă William Chung Henry Poon

Hong Kong

OVERVIEW

March 2014 Volume 6 Number 1

Another Choice Another Opportunity

Contents

CIRCULATION (unaudited)

REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS without written permission from the publisher is prohibited INTERVIEWS Elaine Morgan Ada Chau OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Chun Yu-yiu Pradyumn Dayal Bonnie Chiu Lakshmi and Shakti Jacotă Jimin Kang Education Post HKFYG unit staff TRANSLATION Henry Poon Ada Chau

6-13 INTERVIEWS Director General Zhang Bei Authority of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen

by Old Onliner

VIEWS EXPRESSED are the authors’ and interviewees' may come from official sources, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board or publisher

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldonliner/3452964172/

11,000-12,000 in Hong Kong, throughout the region and overseas

14-23 YOUTH SPEAK Boosting entrepreneurs Youth Business Hong Kong

PHOTOGRAPHS Cover image by Fortune Live Media. Other photographs by Elaine Morgan, Berton Chang/SCMP, acknowledged as captioned, or in public domain.

Theodore Ma: CoCoon

ARTWORK

WEB youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk CORRESPONDENCE to The Editor, Youth Hong Kong, 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong TEL 3755 7084, 3755 7108 FAX 3755 7155

20-29 YOUTH WATCH Asian incubators and accelerators China, India Indonesia, Korea Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan , Thailand, Vietnam

EMAIL youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk ADVERTISING enquiries to Ada Chau 3755 7108

30-43

THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS was founded in 1960 and is one of the city’s largest non-profit youth organizations. Its programmes and activities at over 60 locations are attended by 5 million participants every year.

PERSPECTIVE Ada Wong: The Good Lab

CORE SERVICES Counselling, Creativity Education & Youth Exchange, e-Services, Education Services, Leadership Training, Leisure, Cultural & Sports Services, Parent-child Mediation, Research & Publications, Services for Youth at Risk, Volunteer Services, Youth Employment, Youth SPOTs, www.hkfyg.org.hk, www.m21.hk

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fortunelivemedia/9346574807/

by Fortune Live Media

MEDIA PARTNER Education Post

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesdphotography/4299580067/

ISSN 2071-3193

by Old Onliner

DG3 Asia Ltd

http://www.flickr.com/photos/loudtiger/4631255798/

DESIGN, LAYOUT & PRINTING

by loudtiger

Sam Suen, DG3

44-49 FEATURES Women Waste Music

The cover image is of a Chinese yoyo ( 扯鈴 chě lıng)

OVERVIEW 4 Another choice . another opportunity INTERVIEWS 8 Qianhai entrepreneurial hub Mr Zhang Bei, Director General, Authority of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone YOUTH SPEAK 14 Grasping opportunities in Qianhai Young entrepreneurs and a business student respond 15 Youth Business Hong Kong Boosting entrepreneurs 16 Shirley Mak: InnSight 17 Gary Hui & Xavier Tsang: BeCandle 18 Ronnie Cheng: Lab Made Barry Chen: Shenzhen Haochuang Investments 19 Invigorating entrepreneurship Theodore Ma: CoCoon 21 Hong Kong incubators 22 Education Post Young designer with a business mind YOUTH WATCH 24 Asian incubators and accelerators PERSPECTIVE 27 Ada Wong: The Good Lab with Chun Yu-yiu and Pradyumn Dayal Innovative solutions PROFILE 30 Bonnie Chiu Empowering women through photography TALKING POINT 34 Lakshmi and Shakti Jacotă The long battle: mother vs. daughter CITY SPACE 36 Charging for garbage ARTS & CULTURE Jimin Kang 38 Why play music? 40 Gabriel Lee HKFYG Hong Kong International a cappella festival HKFYG 43 Summer’s coming: book now at Outdoor Training Camp Sai Kung 44 KK Cheng Kindergarten now open 46 Easyvolunteer.hk: a new volunteering app 48 M21 School Net HSBC Financial Dialogue 52 English Public Speaking Contest winners’ tips 54 Jade Art: new jewellery shop at PMQ

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Editorial

Qianhai: new opportunities for young people

ore than a decade ago, the United Nations (UN) put youth employment on its agenda, with the creation of the Youth Employment Network. The organization proposed four strategic measures, including the promotion and

support of youth entrepreneurship. The UN urged countries and cities around the world to adopt similar measures to help alleviate the problem of unemployment among young people. In fact, it is estimated that between 2016 and 2030 nearly 425 million young people will be joining the work force, requiring at least half a billion jobs globally. To help meet this challenge, according to the UN Secretary General, the world needs to “encourage, educate and empower young entrepreneurs.” The Federation has heeded this clarion call and since 2002, began its initiatives to promote entrepreneurship as ‘Another Choice ∙ Another Opportunity’ for young people’s employability. The theme of this issue of Youth Hong Kong is youth entrepreneurship in general, with a special focus on an exciting venture across the border in Qianhai, in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen. Within this venue we will establish the Qianhai Youth Entrepreneur Hub with an academy for entrepreneurial training and education, an incubation centre, and an exhibition hall, all with the purpose of fostering innovative start-ups. Encouraging, promoting and supporting entrepreneurship, especially for young people, is something that we believe cannot be delayed or postponed. And we very much hope that if you too have similar stories or experiences, you will share them with us.

Dr Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP Executive Director, HKFYG March 2014

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Overview

Another choice • Another opportunity

ntrepreneurship has become the global dream for many young people, but only a few are bold enough to turn their dream into reality. With its commitment to the promotion of entrepreneurial spirit, the Federation is now expanding the scope of support it offers them.

As early as 2002, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) began its initiatives to promote entrepreneurship as “Another Choice . Another Opportunity”, for young people’s employment. The LiveWIRE project, supported by Shell Hong Kong, offered training and other programmes to help youth realize their business dreams. Then, in 2005, the Federation enlisted the support of Youth Business International to help set up the dynamic Youth Business Hong Kong (YBHK) which was accredited the following year. See page 15 for more details.

Our commitment to training programmes and workshops on entrepreneurship, to research and publications, as well as our advocacy, motivates, supports, and publicizes young entrepreneurs' efforts. The Federation also encourages them to get involved in competitions, such as the HKFYG's HSBC Youth Business Award 1. These can help them make their business dreams into practical reality. Almost all of these initiatives have been conducted with partners including the government and business sector.

Model of Qianhai Youth Entrepreneur Hub (E Hub)

1. Convention and Exhibition Centre

5. Incubator Building A

2. Academy

6. Incubator Building B

3. Residence

7. Incubator Building C

4. Multi-Purpose Innovation Centre

8. U-Square

p Image courtesy of Barrie Ho Architecture Interiors Ltd

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Overview

Now HKFYG’s efforts are being extended to the Pearl River Delta, to creating the new Qianhai Youth Entrepreneur Hub (E Hub), within the Shenzhen special economic zone. Official information on developments there can be on pages 8-13. The E Hub will be developed over the next few years with the mission to foster about 200 innovative startup companies, all run by young people from Hong Kong, the mainland and overseas. It will incorporate an academy for youth entrepreneurship, where courses, workshops and forums will take place, stimulating the free flow of ideas that generates innovation.

Entrepreneurs and innovation This vibrant hub for entrepreneurial activity will have a floor area of about 26,000 square metres. Start-up support in the form of mentorship, business consultation and networking will be available.

The E Hub will also try to match young entrepreneurs with angel investors and other forms of financing. Office space with state-of-the-art facilities will be offered rentfree for the first year and at half-price for the second year. Innovative young entrepreneurs are desirable in any economy because they stimulate growth, contribute to productivity, create jobs, increase competitiveness and spur innovation. The drive that pushes them to achieve their dreams is often inborn, but guidance and support go a long way to help smooth the path to success. That is why the fundamental role of the E Hub will be to incubate and accelerate entrepreneurship. These functions are explained in more detail in the next few pages. What is entrepreneurship A common view is that entrepreneurs are selfemployed or run small businesses. This type of entrepreneurship is about flexible employment in the context of poor opportunities. The second view is that entrepreneurs are innovators. They have new ideas and embody them in high-growth companies. The two types of entrepreneurship have been called “replicative” and “innovative.”2 Both have an important role in a successful economy. Figure 1 Number of billionaire entrepreneurs per million inhabitants, 1996–2010: the top ten

Hong Kong Israel United States Switzerland Singapore Norway Ireland Taiwan Canada Australia

0.5 2

1.5

2.5

How entrepreneurial are we? Efforts have been made to measure how entrepreneurial a society is according to the number of its small businesses, its self-employed people and the number of start-ups, but this produces a highly distorted picture. New research** ranks entrepreneurial vigour according to the number of self-made billionaires who made money by founding innovative companies. It shows that “entrepreneur density” correlates with economic dynamism, including the number of patents per head or the flow of venture capital. Hong Kong has a long history of entrepreneurship and according to this measure, Hong Kong comes top, Singapore is fifth and Taiwan is eighth. Sources *http://www.economist.com/blogs/schumpeter/2014/02/our-schumpeter-columnist ** http://www.ifn.se/wfiles/wp/wp959.p

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Overview

Hatching start-ups and speeding growth

Creating a community

Starting up any new business is usually fraught with uncertainty and heavy financial burdens. This is particularly true for innovators, due to the complexity of their products and services. Business incubators help them progress from an initial concept, make prototypes and turn them into products. By offering common work space with other start-ups, then suitable mentoring and finance, they provide a safe haven and a support system. Value-added services come in the form of in-house consulting and access to a network for marketing, business planning, and both legal and accounting services.3 HKFYG’s Youth Business Hong Kong is one example of an incubator and the concept will be integral to the E Hub in Qianhai.

Developing entrepreneurial capacity in defined localities, by focusing on policies, structures and programmes that foster entrepreneurship, can result in the creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Within such a system, the conditions exist where value-creating entrepreneurial ventures can thrive.

The terms “incubator” and “accelerator” have been used interchangeably and some of their functions overlap, depending on the sophistication, variety and complexity of services offered. Accelerators take highpotential entrepreneurs, already in business, and help them grow more quickly. The programmes are shorter and usually more intense than incubators’. Early-stage funding may also be offered, sometimes in return for equity. However, business acceleration is, ultimately, the goal of all true business incubation and thereby also one of HKFYG’s central goals in Qianhai.

Isenberg says, “Entrepreneurship is always surprising: in fact, if it’s predictable, it’s probably not entrepreneurship…The entrepreneur is almost always swimming against the current.”6 However, the good news, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2013 Global Report,7 is that entrepreneurs report high levels of well-being despite the challenges.

Both business incubators and accelerators provide supportive education and training. They are not the same as business schools, although they are sometimes called “start-up schools.” Some private companies launch them to tap into the start-up community or as an exercise in corporate social responsibility. Governments and NGOs may also subsidize them to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Healthy entrepreneurial communities need to be tailored around a unique environment. Actively encouraging investment in new businesses, they are reinforced – but not created – by government, academic or commercial organizations. Entrepreneurial ecosystems operate best with reduced bureaucratic obstacles, with government policy that supports the needs of entrepreneurs, offers them incentives and tolerates failed ventures.8

Taking the lead

What incubators do

What accelerators do

foster entrepreneurial climate

invite applicants in a competitive process that is open to all

offer nurture and instruction during early start-up stages

provide investment funding, usually in exchange for equity

provide co-working space for start-ups

focus on small teams, not individual founders

give access to hands-on business support

give time-limited support comprising programmed events and intensive mentoring

provide access to finance and expertise help build industry clusters create jobs and wealth Based on

Scaling up production and services is a key factor and, according to Daniel Isenberg, founder of the Babson Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Project, this step is much harder to take than starting up.4 Silicon Valley is the world’s strongest ecosystem. Few others existed till about ten years ago. In Asia, Singapore is said to have great current potential as an entrepreneurship ecosystem, ranking seventeenth worldwide, according to Telefonica’s Startup Ecosytem Report.5

http://www.ukbi.co.uk/resources/business-incubation.aspx http://www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/business-incubator http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_incubator

engage cohorts or "classes" of startups rather than individual companies Based on information from NESTA, (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts), an independent charity that works to increase innovation in UK. http://www.theguardian.com/small-businessnetwork/2013/oct/24/business-accelerators-financial-startups

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Overview

Brad Feld, venture capitalist and co-founder of TechStars, has useful advice. Writing of cities that want to build vibrant entrepreneurial communities or ecosystems, he pinpoints four main factors:

of support it gives to assist in such a learning process, and in the smooth transition to entrepreneurial self-employment for youth.

To continue in Drucker’s words, “the entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity.” In the new venture with Qianhai, the Federation recognizes and responds to the demands of a fast-changing economic environment. Its purpose, by forging expanded Fundamentally, he says that “entrepreneurship cannot be cooperation with the mainland, is to provide exciting imposed from the top.”9 He emphasizes that “the leaders opportunities for purposeful, innovative youth. have to be entrepreneurs... If you’re in a city where there’s no clear start-up community, the goal is ... In 2011, HKFYG published A Study on Youth Entrepreneurship, to start finding the other entrepreneurial leaders who are on young people’s attitudes towards entrepreneurship, the committed to being in your city over the next 20 years.”10 factors they considered before starting a business, the major

they are fundamentally driven by entrepreneurs they take a long-term view they encourage inclusive engagement they offer a continuum of activities and events

The GEM 2012 Global Report estimates that nearly half of the world’s entrepreneurs are aged 25-44 and in all geographic regions surveyed, 25-34 year olds showed the highest rates of entrepreneurial activity.11 When a critical mass of these young entrepreneurs has access to appropriate support, an entrepreneurial ecosystem can grow and flourish. First, there needs to be a magnet that attracts them to a central hub, whether in the form of incentives, or a vibrant community of like-minded young people. Then there has to be long-term commitment from stakeholders.

From Hong Kong to Qianhai The world’s most dynamic societies are also its most entrepreneurial. When HKFYG set up Youth Business Hong Kong to promote entrepreneurial spirit, it was in the vanguard. Now, at the exciting moment of setting up a new cooperative venture on the mainland, its past experience shows the way and throws light on how young people can be encouraged to set out in business on their own. Management guru Peter Drucker points out that “people who need certainty are unlikely to make good entrepreneurs... but everyone who can face up to decision-making can learn to be an entrepreneur.”12 The Federation wishes to broaden the scope

obstacles and challenges, and the kinds of support they needed. Findings showed that the majority approved of the idea but only a minority had actually started a business. Their main concerns were lack of capital, lack of space, lack of business skills and knowledge of running a business. More details at http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news. aspx?id=2661d8c1-4046-40df-a7c1-4ad221eb99 53&corpname=yrc&i=2527&locale=en-US]

Sources 1. http://ybhk2.hkfyg.org.hk/ybaward2013/en/home 2. Naudé, W (ed). A Commentary on Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. United Nations University http://wider.unu.edu/ publications/newsletter/articles-2011/en_GB/04-2011/ 3. Chandra, A, He, W, and Fealey, T. "Business Incubators in China: A Financial Services Perspective," International Journal of Entrepreneurship, Volume 13, Special Issue, 67-86. 4. http://www.forbes.com/sites/danisenberg/2011/02/03/dear-presidentobama-suggestions-for-how-to-make-start-up-america-really-succeed/ 5. https://s3.amazonaws.com/startupcompass-public/ StartupEcosystemReportPart1v1.2.pdf 6. http://www.economist.com/blogs/schumpeter/2014/01/invitation-daniel-isenberg 7. Amoros, JE & Bosma, N. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2013 Global Report. January 2014 http://www.babson.edu/Academics/centers/blank-center/ global-research/gem/Documents/GEM%202013%20Global%20Report.pdf 8. http://www.technologyreview.com/news/516521/its-up-to-you-entrepreneurs/ 9. https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/techstars-bradfeld-a-startup-community-needs-a-20-year-time-horizon/ 10. http://www.feld.com/wp/archives/2013/07/startupcommunities-are-up-to-the-entrepreneurs.html 11. http://www.gemconsortium.org/docs/2645/gem-2012-global-report 12. Drucker, Peter F. Innovation and entrepreneurship. New York: Harper & Row. 1985

7 p Qianhai Youth Entrepreneur Hub Conference and Exhibition Centre

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Interview

Qianhai:

a hub for international

youth entrepreneurship

ianhai is at the major development axis of the Pearl River Delta region in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, adjacent to Hong Kong and Macau. It is easily accessed by air, land and sea. It is intended as a pilot area for Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation in modern service industries, to lead and foster the development and upgrading of national modern service industries. Mr Zhang Bei, Director General of the Authority of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen, explained its importance for national development and as an attractive hub for international youth entrepreneurship.

Can you tell us about Qianhai’s role as an YHK innovative zone for modern services? Mr Zhang explained that as a special zone within a special zone1, Qianhai, will forward the unique functions of Shenzhen by implementing an early pilot scheme for experiments in “innovative mechanisms for reform and services. There will be a Qianhai Entrepreneur Hub that can help actualize the Chinese dream.”2

YHK

How will Qianhai achieve this?

“First, It will serve a unique Mr function and have a special Zhang role by being open to reform, innovation and development. It will be a platform and an exemplary window

Ten Priorities 1. 2.

Perfecting the basic economic system. Deepening reform of the economic system. 3. Helping to transform government functions. 4. Implementing land management reform. 5. Building a socialist country 3 under the rule of law. 6. Fostering innovative systems in cultural development and institutions. 7. Accelerating reform of the social system. 8. Deepening reform of environmental and resource management. 9. Strengthening clean governance. 10. Building and furthering reform of China’s Communist Party system and organization.

for national opening-up strategy. It will also fully implement the ten priorities of The Third Plenary Session [‘Third Plenum’] of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), with the main focus on making the process of reform replicable and scalable in other cities. “Second, Qianhai will serve a unique function and perform a special role by innovating in the area of modern service industries.4 It holds a place of national strategic importance because of its focus on modern service industry development. By integrating modern

services in a cluster zone, we will provide a replicable and scalable model and bring wisdom and experience to reform service industries elsewhere in the country. “Third, Qianhai will serve a unique function and have a special role for Guangdong-Hong Kong cooperation and Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation. President Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, has pointed out that Qianhai is the new platform for such cooperation. Qianhai’s role, as given by the central government, is to be ‘the pioneer zone of Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation’. This follows the Third Plenum, where it was pointed out clearly that the government would further expand and open up cooperation with Hong Kong. Qianhai, as an important strategic platform for multi-level, wide-spectrum cooperation that involves systems, industry, and talent, will launch its plan very soon.”

Three unique functions for Qianhai To be a platform and an exemplary window for national opening-up strategy To innovate in modern service industries To serve Guangdong-Hong Kong cooperation and ShenzhenHong Kong cooperation

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Interview

In what ways do you What needs does think Hong Kong’s Qianhai have which can YHK YHK experience is most helpbe fulfilled by learning ful for enhancing Qianhai’s from Hong Kong in these future development and Shen- ways? zhen-Hong Kong cooperation for mutual benefit? “The State Council confirmed Mr Zhang emphasized three ways in which Qianhai, as an important strategic platform, is significant for deepening cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and building on the strengths of both places for mutual benefit, while also comprehensively deepening economic reform. “First, Qianhai can learn from

Mr Hong Kong’s experience of an Zhang

independent and effective judicial system, clean civil service and good public order. Second, Hong Kong has accumulated much experience in internationalization, as an international, cosmopolitan city, an important international financial and trading centre, a shipping centre and an air transport hub. All its market operations and regulations are up to international standards, bringing together key elements from around the world. Third, there is Hong Kong’s experience of marketization. It has a well-developed, free economy, simple business regulations, a simple taxation system, and a free and open market.”

Mr two important strategic needs Zhang

for Qianhai. First, it needs to implement national strategy. For this, Hong Kong’s experience of leveraging the comparative advantages of both places will be of mutual benefit. Second, because modern service industries are institution-intensive, Qianhai needs law enforcement to safeguard a free, market-driven economy, corruption-free, efficient public services and international operations and regulations. In order to achieve this, Qianhai needs to learn from Hong Kong’s experience.”

Positioning factors for Qianhai’s implementation of national strategy Demonstration of opening up in financial services Innovative experimental zone for cross-border RMB business Model for building a socialist rule of law Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation zone for talent Cooperation zone for Shenzhen and Hong Kong New modern service industry zone

Factors in Hong Kong for Qianhai to learn from Rule of law independent and effective judicial system, successful anti-corruption measures and good public order International hub an important international financial and trading centre, a shipping centre and an air transport hub Marketization free trade and economy, simple business regulations, a simple taxation system, free and open market

p Mr Zhang Bei, Director General of the Authority of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Interview

Shenzhen

Qianhai

Hong Kong

It is said that Qianhai has the potential to YHK become an innovative financial centre like that in Zürich and to have latent qualities equivalent to Canary Wharf. Is this realistic? Qianhai has four key advantages which make this realistic, Mr Zhang explained. “First, the size of its economy.

Mr Qianhai is located in the highly Zhang

developed Pearl River Delta. The GDP of the Pearl River Delta reached 4.8 trillion RMB last year, while the GDP of Hong Kong was HK$2 trillion. The GDP of Beijing was 1.7 trillion RMB and that of Shanghai was 2 trillion RMB. With its economy supported by the strength of Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong, Qianhai’s cooperation with Hong Kong could lead to the creation of a base for modern service industries worldwide.

“Second, its geographic location is an advantage. Qianhai is located on a major axis between Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. It is close to Shenzhen Airport and Hong Kong Airport and there are 12 urban railway lines which enable people to reach Shenzhen Airport from Qianhai in 10

minutes. In the future, it will take 13 minutes to reach Hong Kong Airport, and half an hour trip to reach Hong Kong’s Central District. We will also learn from the check-in facilities at the International Finance Centre in Central. In addition, given the 15 square kilometres of land in Qianhai, an underground space can be developed into a total potential multi-storey area of a further 7,800,000 square metres. “Third, it has cost advantages. These include land costs, initial financing and labour costs. Take land prices, for example. The cost of land is much less than in Hong Kong and cheaper than either Beijing or Shanghai. Take start-up financing as another example. Qianhai is to be a pioneer for cross-border RMB loans and the interest on loans is 2-3% lower than the average rate in Mainland China. Furthermore, we have over 15 billion RMB earmarked already, and enterprises registered in Qianhai will be supported by the central government in the issue of yuan bonds in Hong Kong.

“Fourth, significant events took place in Qianhai in 2012 and 2013. On 7 December 2012, President Xi Jinping made Qianhai the first stop on the first official tour of his presidency. He pointed out that Qianhai would be the new starting point for reform and opening up of China. He said that Qianhai can leverage the strengths of Hong Kong and serve Mainland China’s aim of further opening up to the world. As led by the Inter-ministries Joint Conference, with 27 departments, a committee for the development of Qianhai was then formed. In October 2013 when Shenzhen’s Mayor Xu Qin was in Beijing to receive an award, Premier Li Keqiang also made special reference to developments in Qianhai.”

Qianhai’s four key advantages Size of its economy Location on the axis between Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong Cost advantages including land costs, initial financing and labour costs Significant visitors to Qianhai and related events of national significance

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Interview

p Qianhai Youth Entrepreneur Hub Academy

“Qianhai will bring golden

Mr opportunities to young people Zhang

YHK

What are the main challenges for Qianhai in the immediate future?

Three key areas of concern were stressed by Mr Zhang.

Three main challenges for Qianhai Competition led by the Shanghai pilot free trade zone Increased demand for innovation and reform Greater cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong

“First, the window of

Mr opportunity is getting Zhang

narrower. Competition, led by the Shanghai pilot free trade zone, is intensifying. Qianhai needs to use the coming two to three years to build a clear competitive advantage. “Second, the pressure to innovate and reform has increased. The Third Plenum of the CPC deployed a master plan to deepen comprehensive reforms, mentioning the concept of “A Three-fold Process and One Platform” 5 （三化一平台）. This concept was put forward by the 18th Plenary Session of the 5th Shenzhen Committee of the CPC（市委五屆）, with Qianhai serving as the platform for national strategy. “Third, we need greater cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. We certainly have a lot now, but we need to improve in terms of Hong Kong capital investment, cooperation mechanisms and the attraction of talent.”

Can you tell us about the opportunities that YHK Qianhai might open up for young people in Hong Kong and on the Mainland? Supported by good development trends in service industries, a solid foundation in manufacturing industries in the Pearl River Delta, as well as government support, according to Mr Zhang, Qianhai can certainly provide good opportunities for young people. It is the only new national strategic area focusing on modern service industry development. It emphasizes Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation and will certainly emerge as a key part of China’s service industry sector, providing young people in Mainland China and in Hong Kong with good opportunities.

from both Mainland China and Hong Kong. The structure of economies changes with the shift to service industries. In around 30 OECD6 countries, the value added to GDP by service industries is more than 70%. The amount of labour involved has reached 69% of the total working population. “In developing countries, the value added to GDP by service industries accounts for more than 50% of total GDP. According to authoritative statistics, the proportion of GDP in this sector in Mainland China grew from 43.2% in 2010 to 44.6% in 2012. The proportion of the working population in these service industries varied from 34.6% in 2010 to 35.7% in 2011 and the proportion in modern service industries is even lower. “According to the national 12th Five Year Plan, the amount of value added by service industries in GDP terms will reach 47%, by 2015. As was pointed out in the 12th Five Year Plan for Shenzhen's Modern Services Industries Development, the value of service industries will have grown to 900 billion RMB by then. This will be around 60% of the total GDP. Foreign investment in service industries will account for about 70% of Shenzhen’s the total in use. Also, about 55% of the total working population will be employed in service industries.”

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Interview

YHK

In what ways will Qianhai attract young people? “First, it will be a modern

Mr service industry development Zhang

cluster zone. According to the overall Development Plan for Hong Kong and Shenzhen Cooperation on Modern Service Industries in the Qianhai Area, with cooperation from Shenzhen and Hong Kong, its GDP will reach 150 billion RMB, while the estimated working population will reach about 650,000 (with an upper limit of about 750,000). By 2020 it will be competitive internationally and be a modern services regional centre on the waterfront. “Second, Qianhai will be an important platform for establishing a two-way international-mainland market. As an international platform, Qianhai will be a jumping-off point, bringing together Hong Kong business and business from around the world to explore a bigger Chinese market. It can also serve as a platform for Mainland China business to expand worldwide.”

Can you tell us about the collaboration YHK between HKFYG and Qianhai for youth entrepreneurship? The Qianhai Authority (QA), The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) and the Shenzhen Youth Federation (SYF) have entered a partnership to create the Qianhai Youth Entrepreneur Hub (E Hub), Mr Zhang explained.

“First, there will be a tailored-

Mr made platform to attract Zhang

talented, innovative young entrepreneurs from Shenzhen, Hong Kong and around the world. We will establish the “Young Talent Ambassadors” to attract innovative entrepreneurs, especially those aged under 35. “Second, there is to be a service platform for start-ups seeking investment financing. We will establish a charitable trust fund to receive donations and a development fund integrated with marketized operations, plus investment from venture capitalists and angel investors. We will also seek financial support from the provincial government. “Third, there will be a platform to further promote innovative entrepreneurship in a practical way. We will invite mentors for entrepreneurs aged under 35 who are still in the early stages of setting up in business. We will help them build their own special characteristics, and professionalize their services. We will also help mature businesses to become market leaders. “Fourth, there will be a platform that ensures the social mission of this initiative is carried out through marketization. We will solicit resources and establish an institutional structure with the three parties.”

What kinds of advantageous tax YHK regimes or other financial incentives do you envisage for young entrepreneurs in Qianhai? “Although land prices in

Mr Qianhai have generally been Zhang

very high, we will be able to provide concessionary rates to attract entrepreneurs. There will also be favourable tax arrangements and efforts to create a tax environment similar to that of Hong Kong. Individual income tax will be only 15% for eligible young entrepreneurs. We will also launch a concessionary corporate income tax rate of 15%. The intention is to actively promote taxation arrangements that are more favourable than Hong Kong’s in order to attract the city’s youth entrepreneurs. “Another policy will be to provide investment financing to help young entrepreneurs. We will tailor-make a financing system for the HKFYG's Qianhai Youth Entrepreneur Hub by setting up a development fund. There will also be a charitable support platform for it and plus other support services, including mentorship and integrated professional services.”

Four important platforms of the Qianhai Authority, HKFYG and Shenzhen Youth Federation E Hub

To attract talent To give investment financing to start-ups To promote innovative entrepreneurship in practical way To carry out its social mission

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Interview

In what ways can the Youth Entrepreneur YHK Hub serve the interests of development in Qianhai? Mr Zhang stressed that the E Hub would be a very important element in Qianhai’s development as a whole and would foster ShenzhenHong Kong cooperation. “The project is attracting a lot

Mr of attention in both Shenzhen Zhang

and Hong Kong. It will explore a way to operate a charitable social mission based on an exploratory model which supports innovative entrepreneurship and business incubation. All these will contribute to marketization and internationalization in Qianhai via a new Hong Kong and Shenzhen cooperation platform.

“This cooperation is multi-dimensional and multi-faceted. The idea was initiated by the QA, the HKFYG, and the China Communist Youth League Shenzhen Committee which formed the SYF. Their participation facilitates a tripartite collaboration. “As confirmed by the State Council and Organization Department (of the CPC Central Committee), Qianhai is to be a special zone for Shenzhen and Hong Kong talent. The new E Hub will provide a platform to explore the concept of gathering talent from both places. It will mean that Qianhai can explore the industrialization of the incubator and accelerator processes as a new kind of service producer industry.”

p Dr Rosanna Wong, Executive Director, HKFYG and Mr Zhang Bei, Director General, Authority of the Qianhai Shenzhen - Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone

Is there any reason to fear a brain-drain of YHK young Hong Kong talent to Qianhai? “While Qianhai will attract

Mr high-end young talent Zhang

worldwide, it will also serve as a base to help them grow. We will help to foster high quality talent for Hong Kong and provide space for its development as well as attracting talent from all around the world. “Qianhai will be able to help Hong Kong and its people to enjoy stability and prosperity, as laid down by the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy. It will do this via the Shenzhen and Hong Kong cooperation zone, giving access to Mainland China for Hong Kong talent enterprise to allow further expansion. By providing a space where young talent can shine, it will encourage talented young people to contribute further to Hong Kong. As an open platform for Shenzhen and Hong Kong cooperation, it will also attract talent internationally, thus also serving Hong Kong’s interests.”

前海的開發與發展是國家改革開放的新起點，同時亦為深圳和香港青年帶來無限機遇。為了讓《香港青年》讀者更了解前海發展的重點及願景，我們訪問了前海管理局局長張備先生。張局長詳細地向讀者介紹了前海未來的發展，特別為青年創業家提供的優惠、前海對深港合作的影響，以及深港緊密合作為兩地帶來的優勢等。

Notes and Sources 1. Qianhai is also spoken of as a special economic zone (SEZ) within the SEZ of Shenzhen. 2. The “Chinese dream” was proposed by President Xi Jinping, targeting the goal of the "great renewal of the Chinese nation". It is about realizing a prosperous and strong country, rejuvenation of the nation and the well-being of the people. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/special/chinesedream/ 3. The term "rule of law" is used in this interview for the Mainland China exclusively . It does not carry the meaning of the Rule of Law as it is understood in jurisdictions where there is separation of powers. 4. The four modern service industries referred to are finance, logistics, IT, technology services and other professional services. http://www.sz.gov.cn/cn/xxgk/xwfyr/wqhg/20101220/201012/t20101220_1618969.htm 5. The 3 processes referred to are legalization, internationalization and marketization, understood to be the Wikipedia definition: ‘Marketization is a restructuring process that enables state enterprises to operate as market-oriented firms by changing the legal environment in which they operate. The platform is Qianhai. 6. OECD: Oragnisation For Economic Cooperation and Development.

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Youth speak

Grasping opportunities in Qianhai

our young people took part in the sharing session and interview given by Mr Zhang Bei. A second year Chinese University business student writes about his impressions and then three young entrepreneurs give their views. All of them are quite positive.

Leaving the comfort zone “On the early train to Shenzhen one morning, I googled for information about Qianhai. Little did I know that I was going to witness progress in one of the most influential projects in southern China. Qianhai is definitely a pioneering effort for the Chinese government, with unprecedented collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. After the sharing session with Mr Zhang Bei, I concluded that a very aggressive yet sustainable plan was being implemented. As a business student, my focus was on how it would affect the Hong Kong economy. Indeed, with the establishment of the Qianhai special economic region, there will be another competitor in Hong Kong’s vicinity. However, I believe competition forces improvement. Hong Kong has done very well in the past, and with the development of Qianhai, it will be able to maximize its potential, using its strengths and home-grown talent to the full. There will be many new opportunities for Hong Kong people. It is high time we started thinking about how to seize our chances.”

Cedric Leung

p From left to right, Anthony, Kelvin, Johnny and Cedric (with a guide)

hree YBHK entrepreneurs also visited Qianhai and went to the interview with Mr Zhang Bei. Kelvin Woo and Johnny Luk are in the IT sector, and Anthony Lam runs a business in e-marketing. They commented on what they heard and the plans for an HKFYG Qianhai Youth Entrepreneur Hub. “The speed of both ‘hardware' and ‘software' development in Qianhai far exceeded my expectations. In fact, we would consider moving our business there because Qianhai is strongly supported by the Central People's Government and the Shenzhen government. There is to be new, tailored government policy and law reform in Qianhai as well as tax benefits. Furthermore, it has a strategic location in the Pearl River Delta, close to Hong Kong.”

Johnny Luk

“I was impressed by the effort and resources put into the development by the Chinese government. From setting legislative policies to creating synergy among enterprises, I believe Qianhai will be a successful economical pioneer project in China. As an entrepreneur, I look forward to making Qianhai a stepping stone for my business expansion in China. Apart from the tax benefits and streamlined company registration process that is proposed, we are particularly interested in the Federation’s incubation programme which will provide tremendous opportunities for young entrepreneurs.”

Anthony Lam

“I think it will be a perfect gateway to mainland China for information technology businesses. The pace and determination with which developments are taking place are unbelievable. We are now evaluating whether to setup a branch in Qianhai. Transport links with Hong Kong, taxation policy and legal policies are the three key factors for us. We would have fewer concerns if we qualified for the new HKFYG entrepreneurship support centre. The facilities and support would be extremely important for us, and for many other young people in the Hong Kong business world.”

Kelvin Woo

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth speak

Boosting entrepreneurs

認可機構 Authorized Institution

n 2005, with Youth Business International support, HKFYG set up Youth Business Hong Kong (YBHK) to promote entrepreneurial spirit. It was Hong Kong’s first business startup incubator and the Federation’s commitment to entrepreneurship as an alternative to other work is now continuing in partnership with the local business community as a one-stop service for young start-ups. Key services from YBHK

YBHK Facts & Figures

• interest-free seed funding

• over 1,450 applicants to date

• sourcing support for business hardware and resources

• over 135 start-up companies funded

• business mentorships and professional consultancies

• maximum amount of seed funding HK100,000 each

• networking and information on industry, trade, finance and the law related to business operations

• support for businesses from recycling to candle-making

• entrepreneurship courses, training programmes, brainstorming

• over 60% of supported start-ups still in business after 3 years

• dialogue series with successful entrepreneurs • four annual HSBC Youth Business Awards supported by HSBC Commercial Banking

New initiatives from YBHK YBHK works with many organizations to promote entrepreneurship. The TVB programme, I Am Boss, is one example, where advice is given by professional consultants to the team of judges. More information at http:// mytv.tvb.com/variety/ iamboss/172207. HKFYG is also a partner in Entrepreneur Day, organized by the Hong Kong Trade & Development Council on 2-3 May 2014. A competition called Entrepreneur Arena, co-organized by HKFYG will be held. More information at http://ybhk.hkfyg.org.hk/files/ybhk/eday/index.html More information on YBHK The next few pages have examples of some successful start-ups and the results of seed funding, mentoring and support from YBHK. Tel 3113 7999

email ybhk@hkfyg.org.hk

web http://ybhk.hkfyg.org.hk/?locale=en-US

• over HK$8 million in seed funds allocated

Key features of YBHK business plans • original idea • good quality service or product • achievable rate of return and break-even ability • potential exit routes • knowledge of existing market and potential growth • awareness of existing competition • contingency plan

HKFYG believes that entrepreneurship will enhance Hong Kong's economy and provide more job opportunities. By working in partnership with local businesses, its YBHK programme provides financial access for business start-ups and support through business mentoring. The YBHK scheme is open to any young person aged 18-35 who is a Hong Kong permanent resident, a viable business plan or an existing business that has been running for less than 3 years with a demonstrated commitment to run a business, but has no access to seed money.

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Youth speak

Youth Business Hong Kong

Interviews by Ada Chau

A new kind of place to stay

ow in her mid-twenties, Shirley Mak has been her own boss for a year. Charles Ho, her partner and fiancé, keen to start up his own business, found out about YBHK which helped them make their dreams a reality. Now they run a new kind of guesthouse. It has personal service and a homely feel. It’s called InnSight.

“I’ve always wanted to try working for myself,” said Shirley, “not because I didn’t like working for a boss, but rather because I wanted to try something new. After all, if the worst comes to the worst I can always find another job!”

By making good profits, Shirley and Charles have already expanded. “We had eight rooms originally but now we rent another floor in the same building. That has doubled our capacity. Very soon, we will open a new small hotel in Chatham Road.”

First of a cluster

Nevertheless, Shirley is cautious. “We are still learning and although we have confidence in our business success so far, finding financial stability is more and more important than further growth.”

Shirley and Charles realized that there are very few cosy little hotels in Hong Kong like the ones they had stayed at in Taiwan, Japan and Korea. They offer style and comfort without being too expensive. So, in 2011, they started to plan InnSight. “We were among the first of a very small number of young people who now run small guesthouse hotels like this. We found a floor of a Tsim Sha Tsui building to start with. It’s a prime tourist area and we think it really can give visitors the sense of being at home.” Other young people followed in their footsteps, but Shirley and Charles were the first to make a name for themselves. “Our clients love to come back again and they tell their friends about us too. I would say we have the edge when it comes to good service. In fact, sometimes our guests even leave a thank you note when they leave. We also make sure we keep in touch with them on Facebook.”

Support when they needed it Shirley and Charles found YBHK on the internet and value their YBHK mentor highly, especially for help in planning and day-to-day operations. Shirley’s parents also had experience of running a small business and they offered moral and financial support, but they say that the seed funding and expertise from YBHK was essential.

Shirley Mak graduated from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Business Management, then trained as a merchandiser for two years. Co-founder of InnSight, Charles Ho, did Mechanical Engineering, also at HKUST.

More information Address 3/F, 9 Lock Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, HK Room charges HK$400-HK$850 per night

Tel 2369 1151 Email Innsight.info@gmail.com Web www.innsight.hk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/InnSight/396227493724584

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

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BeCandle of Hong Kong the melting art

wo designers, Gary Hui and Xavier Tsang, are co-founders of BeCandle, a very original candle-making business. Both in their early thirties, they have built an international reputation, with support from YBHK.

“I already had my own design service company before I met Gary,” said Xavier. “I worked in Italy for other companies before we got together. It was very good experience. It also helped us build our customer base and gain the confidence to go freelance.” With financial support from Xavier’s first business and income from freelance jobs, they started to plan their dream for real – establishing their own brand and making their own products.

Burnishing the candle brand Xavier has always been fond of making candles and he loves contemporary design. “Italian craftsmanship inspired me and when we founded BeCandle we kept trying new things and displaying products at international exhibitions.” Happy to show customers his wares, Xavier also has developed a performance to match his candles . He first presented it in Berlin last year. (See link to Way of the Candle below). However, progress has not been straightforward. “Even though we try to plan ahead, we have had to react quickly to problems,” says Xavier. “Originally we targeted the European market, but there were too many competitors. It’s hard for a new brand to break into an established market, so we changed our plan, and now focus on Asia, like Taiwan, Japan and Korea.”

Gary and Xavier, while realizing that entrepreneurs have to be willing to take risks, don’t think of themselves as risk-takers. “Financial stability is very important for both of us,” says Gary. “Perhaps we were more willing to take risks a few years ago, but now we both want families of our own. That changes your perspective. For us, being entrepreneurs is not just about making a profit, it’s about a shared passion and artistic vision.” Philosophy in a candle BeCandle already has several popular series of products, like the “Lost in Time Series” which takes ideas and makes them into a new kind of candles. The old-fashioned phone candle with a dial is one example. As the candle melts, the whole phone disappears as well. It’s a symbol for what can happen to things from the past.

Gary Hui and Xavier Tsang graduated from the University of Technologyin Sydney and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, respectively. Gary did industrial design and Xavier did engineering. Xavier also studied at the Accademia Italiana D’arte, Moda e Design in Florence. His first design service Atelier Poesia is still in business.

More information about BeCandle Tel 3586 0320 Email info@becandle.com.hk Web www.becandle.com.hk Facebook www.facebook.com/becandlehongkong *Watch the Way of the Candle video at http://vimeo.com/74079760

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Youth speak

Award-winning ice-cream

ab Made, the first shop in Hong Kong selling made-to-order ice cream using liquid nitrogen, also called dry ice, was launched by Ronnie Cheng Hong-wang and Jennifer Chiu in 2011. Liquid nitrogen is super cold, according to Ronnie. This means the ice cream freezes very fast and has a smooth texture. Lab Made ice cream has become very popular, not only because it’s different but also because it comes in a wide range of flavours. Ronnie Cheng and his girlfriend Jennifer Chiu first tasted liquid nitrogen ice cream in Britain. Their popular shop now has two outlets, one in Tsim Sha Tsui and the other in Tai Hang. Ronnie and Jennifer attended YBHK courses and enjoyed its help for business networking. Last year, with the support of YBHK, Lab Made became a Silver Awardwinner in of HSBC Youth Business Award 2013.

One taster reports, “...frozen desserts are made to order at the display counter, in clouds of liquid nitrogen... The use of liquid nitrogen takes away the need for eggs and additional fat, making it a healthier option.” Innovative flavours include Hong Kong custard bun (lai wong bao), crunchy sea salt caramel, Horlicks and wheatgerm, lychee and longan yoghurt, mango and coconut sticky rice, mooncake and sticky toffee pudding. However, if you go to the shop, expect to see something new. The flavours on sale change all the time.

More information Address

6 Brown Street, Tai Hang, Causeway Bay, HK G/F, Junction of Kimberley Road and Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, HK Web www.labmade.com.hk watch the video ice cream being made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUnLxyqsJSw

Shenzhen investment lift off

o conclude this section, we talked to a Shenzhen start-up, Barry Chen, who set up an asset management business after graduating in finance a few years ago. As young stock broker, he saved enough to start out with his own investment business.

“My company has a team of five from similar professional backgrounds and a great passion for investment. Disposable incomes and savings have increased rapidly and their demand for asset management has grown along with their appetite for risk.” Barry, who considers himself quite tolerant of risk, is nevertheless very aware of the need for financial security. “ Our aim is to provide a professional service to clients with stable, mature investment concepts. At present, our return from investment is 26%, far more than the market average.” “In the short-term, we have begun to issue our first ‘sunshine private equity’ products* and our long-

term aim is to become a powerful company, through stable, sustainable investment strategies. Although our clients are predominantly on the mainland now, we hope to expand our customer base to Hong Kong.” He believes that both Shenzhen and Hong Kong are good options for start-ups and is confident of the potential for his business to grow and prosper. Barry Chen’s company is the Shenzhen Haochuang Investment Group. Co. Ltd. His initial contact with HKFYG was through the Shenzhen Youth Federation. *For more on "sunshine private equity", go to http://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/ knowledge/publications/59008/assetmanagement-business-in-china-in-a-nutshell

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Youth speak

Invigorating

entrepreneurship with Theodore Ma

heodore Ma comes from a family in the jewellery business. A young entrepreneur himself, he is also the co-founder of CoCoon, the well-known Hong Kong co-working space and mecca for early-stage entrepreneurs.

CoCoon’s spacious 14,000 square-foot home in Tin Hau has big worktables, a library, meeting rooms, lockers, a photography studio, a 3-D printer, relaxing corners and ... a ping-pong table. But far more than a place to play or unwind, CoCoon is a place where innovative ideas are generated, business concepts are crystallized and like-minded people hatch inspired ideas.

CoCoon’s aims Fundamentally, a large co-working space, one of CoCoon’s aims is to team up business founders with potential co-founders. “They share the burdens and they share the joys,” said Theodore, “I’ve seen it happen many times right there at the ping pong table!” An online platform called CoCoon Market is central to another of CoCoon’s aims. It’s a place where members can post job ads, for writers, designers, find freelancers, and find work themselves. This brings in cash flow and that makes businesses sustainable. Putting investors and start-ups together is the third aim of CoCoon. That happens at regular inhouse events such as pitch nights, seminars, meetups and workshops, with invited organizations like Google Start-up Weekend. At CoCoon pitch nights, entrepreneurs present their products or services to potential funders and co-founders alike.

Cross-pollinating ideas When asked where the ideas behind CoCoon came from, Theodore answered, “...there has been a lot of cross-pollination of ideas,” but the idea for a co-working space in Hong Kong originally came from American entrepreneur, John Buford. He needed HK$100,000 to pay a rental deposit on a 1,000 square-foot space in Wanchai. “My father and I were there when he made his pitch at Cyberport. Right away we decided to underwrite him and that was when he started up the first ever Hong Kong co-working space, Boot.HK.” CoCoon followed suit on a much bigger scale in a building owned by the Ma family. “Now we have over 110 members and income from their fees amounts to about HK$200,000 per month. It’s not enough to pay market rent but it pays to keep the lights on!” joked Theodore. “This is where start-ups take the first step. It’s just before the incubation process, for people who want to start a business but don’t know where to begin. ”

Emerging strengths Before potential members join, they have to give the right kind of answers to two open-ended questions. First, they are asked what they would like to contribute to CoCoon. “We believe everyone has something to bring to the table and everyone has something to share.

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Youth speak

The more you share the more you get. If they can’t tell us what they want to share, they are not ready. Their ideas may be just emerging, but I believe that great people always want to work with other great people.” The next question for applicants is more of an aptitude test. They are asked what their pitch is, even though they may not have a business pitch ready at that stage. “We want people who recognize their own strengths and can sum up briefly what they can offer. That’s what pitching is about. If they can answer well, they get access to the CoCoon community. It is based on word of mouth. It’s the most important aspect of all our services.”

Caterpillars to butterflies CoCoon also has a programme called EIRs (Entrepreneurs in Residence) which gives free consultations. When asked if this was mentorship Theodore hesitated. “A lot of start-ups don’t know how to work with mentors and vice versa. Imagine startups that are looking for funding. They won’t want to express their doubts or say they need help. They may not ask the right questions and they may not be ready to listen to a mentor. Mentors, for their part, will not want to shoot down ideas. For the mentorship relationship to work there needs to be the right chemistry. It is an area we are working on. It’s difficult to get it right.” Theodore summed up what CoCoon does by saying, “Our members come here without business plans. You might say they are at a stage somewhere between caterpillars and butterflies. Most of them stay with us for 6-9 months and when the successful ones leave, we can see they were born to fly.” CoCoon is there to help those butterflies emerge from the chrysalis, break out of the protective cocoon, spread their wings and fly.

Four innovative businesses from CoCoon Carshare.hk http://carshare.hk/ For Hong Kong owners who want to rent out their cars and for drivers who want a car at a specific time and place. Shopline http://www.shoplineapp.com/ Connects Hong Kong buyers and sellers through social media on mobile and web-based applications. Ambiclimate www.ambiclimate.com A device that controls and monitors airconditioners by infra-red to adjust settings. Playroll http://www.playroll.me/ Offers pre-sale bookings and last-minute discounts for shows in Hong Kong.

馬衡是「浩觀」（英文名為CoCoon）的創辦人，公司為新晉創業者提供一個空間和平台，方便志同道合人士交流新意念，並讓有意創業者找尋投資伙伴。會員須願意與人分享，並對創業有獨特的構思和優勢。公司的英文名叫CoCoon（繭的意思），就是希望幫助像毛蟲一樣的新手，通過公司的協助，能成功破繭，變作蝴蝶，創業成功。

CoCoon 3/F, Citicorp Centre, 18 Whitfield Rd, Causeway Bay tel 3158 2999 web www.hkcocoon.org Membership fees Full-time members: HK$2,000 per month, all services

Connector members: HK$500 per month for partial services

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

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Some other Hong Kong incubators Boot.HK was Hong Kong’s first co-working space and was originally located in Wanchai. It has merged with HK Commons in Sheung Wan and Lai Chi Kok. HK Commons targets technology start-ups and developers and is one of Hong Kong’s largest start-up and entrepreneur communities. HK Commons’ services include lectures with well-known speakers and classes on tax-efficient strategies. They also help with incorporating new companies, registering websites, designing business cards and advising on government paperwork.

design, branding and packaging, and the visual and media arts. HKSTP also has a three-year Incu-Tech Programme, a four-year Incu-Bio Programme and the 18-month Incu-App Programme. The Cyberport Incubation Programme supports the development of the Hong Kong information and communications industry by providing incubated companies with access to advanced facilities and resources, support in business development, and training. Both HKSTP and Cyberport offer significant financial support.

Nest provides shared office space, holds monthly pitch days, and some funding and mentoring. The Hive is a co-worker space for creative industries. Equipped with kitchens, lounges, sun terraces, and meeting rooms, it offers workshops, legal clinics, customer relationship management courses and fashion shows. The Good Lab is described on pages 27-29.

For more information on these, other coworking spaces and start-up help organizations, see box below and preceding article.

The EYE Program (Empowering Young Entrepreneurs) is a free incubation, training and mentorship programme, open to all young people in Hong Kong. It was designed by The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Center for Entrepreneurship with Google. Its one-year programme is focused on empowering and enabling young entrepreneurs and giving them access to mentors. Sponsored trips are arranged for outstanding participants to Google headquarters in Mountain View, US. The Hong Kong Science & Technology Park (HKSTP) InnoCentre offers a two-year Incu-Design programme, which is part of the HKSTP Incubation Programme, supporting start-up companies involved in product design, fashion and jewellery, interior

Some Hong Kong start-up services in alphabetical order Boot.hk http://boot.hk/boothk-home/ CoCoon www.hkcocoon .org Cyberport http://www.cyberport.hk/en/about_cyberport/our_5_centres/ entrepreneurship_centre Chinese University Center for Entrepreneurship http://entrepreneurship.baf.cuhk.edu.hk/ The Good Lab www.goodabhk The Hive http://thehive.com.hk/ HK Commons www.hkcommons.com Hong Kong Science & Technology Park http://www.hkstp.org/en-US/Services-Programmes/Incubation-Programme/ Overview.aspx#.UvCaIT3WLwo Nest http://nestideas.com/ StartupsHK http://www.startupshk.com/ Youth Business Hong Kong (HKFYG) http://ybhk.hkfyg.org.hk/

And if the plan fails... In contrast to the other young entrepreneurs interviewed, one brave young entrepreneur told Youth Hong Kong a different kind of story, echoing famous entrepreneur Henry Ford, who said, “Failure is just a resting place… an opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” "In 2003 and 2004, I and my partners started two businesses. However, things did not go according to my business plan and we lost HK$50,000. We were so frustrated and felt hopeless. In

2008, due to a great opportunity, we started a company again that sold clothes in Kwai Chung. But we under estimated the size of the competition and when the economy collapsed in 2008, we lost HK$300,000. Then, luckily, we joined YBHK and our mentor gave us lots of advice and new opportunities. We changed our business model to mall decoration and we have now been in operation for over 5 years. We are so glad that we didn’t give up because we learned a lot from all the challenges. The experience gained definitely helped us build the success we have today."

Youth Hong Kong | March June 2013 2014

Youth speak

Young designer with a

business mind

a contribution from Education Post

hailie Ho was used to being put on the waiting list during the school application process. She was never considered a bright student – until her design talent blew away interviewers from Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, a prestigious British art school.

“From a young age I dreamt about being a university student, but study was not my strong point,” says Chailie. “I ended up on the waiting list, first while trying for a place in Form Six because I finished my HKCEE with only 13 points and I needed 14. Then I found myself on the waiting list once again when trying to get a place to do a Higher Diploma in fashion retail at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.”

Emerging talent

“My route to fashion school went like a dream. Everything came together so quickly and smoothly. First, I met a girl who was studying at Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design and she helped me with my application. At that time, I had no idea that it was such a prestigious school. If I had I known, I don’t think I would have applied, because of my underwhelming academic record. When I did A-level Chailie got her place though, and in her final year on the art, I kept a design diary, so that I would have a record Higher Diploma programme, she started thinking about of all the art projects that I had done. The diary did not becoming a fashion buyer, until her friends persuaded earn me high marks in my A-level, but the interviewers her that she had the talent to be a fashion designer. “My from Saint Martins loved it! Going to school was never friends told me a designer is the irreplaceable soul of a a smooth ride for me, but now all of a sudden I got the brand so I began to look up fashion design programmes.” chance to attend one of the best in the world,” she says.

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

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After graduating, Chailie studied for a postgraduate certificate in innovative pattern cutting. “A pattern cutter is someone who transforms a great design idea into reality. I received many offers from designers to cut patterns for them and I learned a great deal from them. The designers were very willing to share their design concepts with me, in order to enable me do my job properly. I was having a great time in Britain, but I missed my mother so in 2008 I decided to return to Hong Kong,” she says.

I don’t think local kids enjoy art. They do it because it enhances their résumé. Creative education should not be like this. Everyone has their own style

After working as a fashion designer in Hong Kong, Chailie decided to fulfill her dream to start her own brand. With limited capital, she started her own business, Chailie Ho Fashion Studio, in 2010 with the support of a design incubating project by Hong Kong Science Park.

boutique owners to sell my dresses in their shops. My income was unstable. But soon people began to take notice. Approaching boutique owners has become easier. Then some actresses asked me to tailor-make dresses for them to attend important functions and my business began to take off,” she says. Besides tailor-made dresses, Chailie also designs Hong Kongthemed scarves which are highly popular. “Many firms have ordered the scarves to be presented to foreign guests as souvenirs. I do most of the sales of scarves online and have been receiving orders from retailers and individual customers from around the globe.”

Incubated at Hong Kong Science Park

Promoting arts education

When, at the age of 27 Chailie launched her own label, the sophisticated and elegant design of her dresses took the local fashion scene by storm. Many celebrities ordered tailor-made dresses from her to attend redcarpet events. But despite her success, she did not forget about her humble beginnings and her early struggles.

Chailie plans to open her first boutique at the former Hollywood Road police married quarters in April. However, she is thinking of doing more than simply operating a clothing store. “The boutique will not only be a place to showcase my designs, it will also be a space for me to promote art education. I have collaborated with institutes before to run fashion workshops for children and I hope that with my new shop I can host more such workshops on a consistent basis,” she says.

I would go from shop to shop, trying to convince boutique owners to sell my dresses

The education system in Hong Kong has a lot of room for improvement, Chailie says, and that she hopes to contribute to it. “Having gone through so many obstacles at school, I want to help. I don’t think local kids enjoy art. They do it because it enhances their résumé. Creative education should not be like this. Everyone has their own style; some are good at cooking, music or design. I hope I can inspire children to love art. It is not something that they have to do, but I want to let them know that they may have a talent for it and it is something that they can pursue.” Photo by Berton Chang/SCMP

“When I first started, nobody knew about me. I would go from shop to shop, trying to convince

More information Chailie Fashion Studio Shop 409, Former Police Married Quarters No. 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2319 2082

www.educationpost.com.hk

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Youth watch

Asian

incubators and accelerators

getting down to business

he first incubator was set up in 1959 at the Batavia Industrial Center in New York, providing start-ups with shared office space for a fee.1 Accelerators originated in Silicon Valley with Y Combinator in 2005. In the UK, Seedcamp was first to launch, in 2007. Today about half of all business incubators and accelerators globally serve the technology sector. This article gives snapshots of the situation in mainland China and elsewhere in Asia.

China China’s Torch Program from the MOST (Ministry of Science and Technology) began in the 1990s. The MOST made incubator construction a core part of its 10th Five Year Plan (2001-2005).2 The Torch Program has four major parts: Innovation Clusters with Science & Technology Innovation Parks, Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), Seed Funding (Innofund) and Venture Guiding Fund. Another key part of China’s cluster strategy involves a national network of 1,000+ Productivity Promotion Centers. They provide consulting, promotion, product testing, hiring, training and incubation services to start-ups.3 The big, globally active Microsoft Ventures Accelerator has been in Beijing since 2012, providing start-ups with free cloud services, work space, market exposure, expert mentorship and strong technical support.4 Other global entrepreneurship support services that operate in China include Startupbootcamp, which partners Chinacclerator5. Telefónica is in partnership with Chinese incubator VIV-Virtue Inno Valley.6 Others include Innovation Works7, and Haxlr8r.8

Vietnam In November 2013 the Ministry of Science and Technology secured US$110 million, mostly from the World Bank, for a five-year programme called FIRST, which supports Vietnamese start-ups. The aim is to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem of its own, like Silicon Valley.27 Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have established incubator centres, which include 5Desire, FICO by FPT, and Topica Founder’s Institute. In Saigon the big five are The Start Center and Saigon Hub, Egg Agency, mLab, which also has support from the World Bank, and Skynet. Saigon also has Quang Trung Software City – an IT business park, designed for Vietnamese technology start-ups from universities. In 2013, Hatch.vn and Hub.IT opened in Hanoi. Apart from these, there are other government programmes to accelerate and support the start-up scene.

Thailand Thailand is actively encouraging investment in a range of industries, particularly for projects that bring in new technology and those that invest in less-developed provinces.23 The Thai Business Incubators and Science Parks Association was founded in 2009,24 when there were already over 70 business incubators. In 2010, it became part of the National Science and Technology Development Agency25 with four national research centres: Biotech, Mtech, NanoTech and NECTEC, with a technology management centre and a business incubator centre focusing on IT and technology incubation. By 2010, the centre had nurtured more than 320 preincubatees and more than 155 incubatees for IT and Technology businesses. AIS, Dtac and True Corporation all run incubation programmes to encourage start-ups.26

Taiwan Taiwan encourages high-tech industry productivity and innovation capabilities. In 2010, it ranked 5th in the world for approved inventive patents.19 New investment opportunities include industrial parks, such as Neihu Technology Park, Nangang Bio-technology Park and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. To encourage investment, the government offers a variety of incentives20 and low-interest loan schemes for R&D activities and headquarters establishment. It also offers a lower corporate tax rate for foreign investors and special incentives for Chinese investors. The Taipei City Government offers subsidies and tax incentives for SMEs21 if their investment projects are innovative, creative or hold development potential. It also subsidizes R&D in order to encourage technology innovation and research. Incubation centres include Appworks Venture and YSeed.22

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

India The Federation of Indian Young Entrepreneurs9 supports young entrepreneurs to promote their businesses. It also concentrates on skill development, planning, financing and incubation. India has institute-based technology incubators supported by the government, private business incubators started by industry veterans and start-up accelerators supported by companies and venture capital funds. For example, the Indian Angel Network (IAN) incubator was established with the support of the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board and the Department of Science and Technology. More than 50% of India’s incubators are in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. Nearly 60% are managed by institutes or colleges. Some well-known college-based incubators include SINE (Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay), Villgro (IIT Madras), CIIE (Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad).10 Only 25% are investor-driven, including GSF, The Morpheus, and the Startup Center. Other accelerators and incubators include the Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust,11 Global Superangels Forum (GSF), and IDEX Accelerator.12

Youth watch

Indonesia A BBC survey by international polling firm GlobeScan and the University of Maryland found Indonesia to be the most entrepreneur-friendly of the 24 countries surveyed. It was ahead of the United States, India, China and Australia. It also had the most people, 85%, saying their country valued innovation and creativity.13 The government is implementing a Startup Incubator programme14 to bridge the gap between entrepreneurship and business mentoring. It is also implementing regulation for incubator programmes in four major Indonesian universities. In 2011 four entrepreneurs launched the start-up community StartupLokal as an incubator or accelerator for start-up entrepreneurs. Other incubators include Project Eden, MerahPutih. Investidea, Bandung Ventures, Raja Capital, Ideosource and Batavia Incubator.

Philippines Kickstart* was one of the first incubators launched in the Philippines, in March 2012. It provides funds, mentorship and education. Launchgarage, a 6-month accelerator programme in partnership with ProudCloud and Kickstart, provides a network of mentors. IdeaSpace holds a national competition, provides funding support, and offers crash courses on business. The UP Enterprise Center for Technopreneurship offers an Enterprise Business Incubator Programme, focusing on services in various technology fields. The Ayala Technology Business Incubator, or AyalaTBI Network, is a private sector incubator dealing with technology business incubation. It is in partnership with the University of the Philippines and the Asian Institute of Management. 15 *To be distinguished from Kickstarter, a popular crowd-funding platform

Singapore South Korea The number of start-up businesses in South Korea has grown steadily in recent years and President Park Geunhye pledged US$2.9 billion in funding, particularly in the technology sector.17 Private investors in start-ups receive government incentives, such as tax cuts and delayed deadlines for paying income taxes, if investors recycle their returns into new businesses. Through the Banks Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs, a group of 20 Korean banks provides financing, mentorship and business education to entrepreneurs. Each bank has committed between US$10 million and US$20 million to assist young Koreans in their 20s and 30s who have started ventures in the past three years. Incubators include SparkLabs, Strong Ventures, KStartup, Primer, IgniteSpark, Fast Track Asia, TJ Heaven, Founders Camp.18

The Singapore Government’s Incubator Development Programme (IDP) provides incubators and accelerators with grants to enhance capability development for innovative start-ups. IDP provides up to 70% in grants to be used in areas such as the development of new products/services, business financing, improved market access, mentoring, operating expenses, training and marketing. Incubators in the programme include Get2Volume, Golden Gate Venture Investments, Incuvest, Jungle Ventures, Red Dot Ventures, The Biofactory, and WaveMaker Labs. Singapore also has a governmentbacked entrepreneurial ecosystem of about 100 start-ups, tightly packed into a cluster in a former industrial building. Youth Business Singapore, an accredited member of Youth Business International, is also prominent, but JFDI is probably Singapore’s best known, with its quirky, difficultto-forget name: The Joyful Frog Digital Incubator.16

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Youth watch

Bridging the pioneer gap A 2013 report from the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), part of the Aspen Institute, highlights the fact that thousands of early-stage innovators try to launch start-ups every year in less-developed areas but very few are able to build the teams, find the customer base, or raise the necessary investment funding. Entitled, Bridging the Pioneer Gap: The Role of Accelerators in Launching High-Impact Enterprises, the report – which focuses on social entrepreneurship – concludes, “The number of incubators and accelerators providing tailored support to social enterprises continues to grow. In many countries, these incubators and accelerators are the first entry point for social enterprises into a broader ecosystem and they play a critical role in bridging the pioneer gap.” Nevertheless, as the authors point out in their conclusion, “We have very little systematic data on how accelerators are performing – and many are not even collecting data ... we need much more data on incubator and accelerator effectiveness to assess the quality of services provided as well as the importance of selection and networks.”28

Entrepreneurial hubs and ecosystems For those who have their “big idea,” want to take the plunge, but need guidance and support, applying to a start-up incubator may be a better option than going to a business school. Choosing the right one is the key.

As an article in the Harvard Business Review pointed out, “There is a very real knowledge gap in the earlystage start-up game, on both sides of the table. Firsttime entrepreneurs lack the seasoning to captain a steady ship through turbulent waters. Inexperienced friends and family (and, increasingly, crowd-sourced investors) lack the ability to gauge the viability of a business, or to mentor naïve entrepreneurs ... However, there are over 7,500 business incubators around the world. Most of them fail.”29 Leveraging for early-stage companies can achieve good results, as can building entrepreneurial ecosystems to support them. However, innovation will always be the key element in any successful start-up hub. For that there have to be innovative entrepreneurs with the freedom to express ideas. Given opportunities and freedom, there is great scope for innovation-led growth in fields such as education, IT, environment, health, transport, energy and food. The Global Innovation Index 2013 reports that Hong Kong ranks 7th for innovation and comes first among all southeast Asian economies. Singapore is ranked 8th. The top ten rankings all go high-income economies. Among other countries covered by this article in either south or southeast Asia, South Korea ranks 18th, mainland China 35th, Thailand 57th, India 66th, Vietnam 76th, Indonesia 85th and the Philippines 90th. [Taiwan was not ranked.] Of the middle-income countries, China, India and Vietnam are the most outstanding for innovation.

Sources 1. http://www.avcj.com/avcj/analysis/2292527/asia-incubators-from-acorns-to-oaks 2. Chandra, A & Fealey, Tim. Business Incubation in the United States, China and Brazil. International Journal of Entrepreneurship, Volume 13, Special Issue, 2009, 67-87 3. http://steveblank.com/2013/04/11/chinas-torch-programthe-glow-that-can-light-the-world-part-2-of-5/

17. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB1000142412 7887323393804578554681586293800 18. http://thebridge.jp/en/2013/06/startup-incubators-accelerators-asia-pacific

4. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/microsoft-ventures-empowers-startupsin-china-and-asia-turns-brilliant-ideas-into-great-companies-240231861.html

19. http://www.startup.taipei.gov.tw/en/page3-1.htm

5. http://chinaccelerator.com/blog/110

21. http://www.startup.taipei.gov.tw/en/page2-1.htm

6. http://techcrunch.com/2014/02/18/wayra-reaches-into-china/ 7. http://en.chuangxin.com/ 8. http://www.economist.com/news/special-report/21593590-whysouthern-china-best-place-world-hardware-innovator-be-hacking 9. http://www.youngceoindia.com/Default.aspx 10. http://www.flexingit.com/blog/incubators-accelerators-in-india-driving-orsupporting-innovation-unpeeling-the-start-up-ecosystem-part-ii-18/ 11. http://www.youthbusiness.org/where-we-work/ 12. http://www.economist.com/blogs/schumpeter/2013/04/start-up-incubators-india 13. http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/archive/the-rise-of-the-tech-start-ups-in-indonesia/

16. http://www.techinasia.com/eight-more-incubators-joinsingapores-technology-incubation-scheme/

14. http://www.globalindonesianvoices.com/10897/the-indonesiangovernments-support-for-start-up-companies/ 15. http://webgeek.ph/startup-incubators-accelerators-philippines/

20. http://www.startup.taipei.gov.tw/en/page1-5.htm 22. http://thebridge.jp/en/2013/06/startup-incubators-accelerators-asia-pacific 23. http://www.thailand-business-news.com/investment-climatein-thailand/performance-requirements-and-incentives 24. http://www.wainova.org/members/thai-bispa 25. http://www.nstda.or.th/bic/index.php/th/about-us 26. http://www.techinasia.com/thailand-big-3-telcos-power-startup-ecosystem/ 27. http://www.techinasia.com/ministry-science-tech-vietnam-pours-110-millionstartupsministry-science-tech-vietnam-pours-110-million-startupsministry-sciencetech-vietnam-pours-110-million-startupsministry-science-tech-vietnam-po/ 28. http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/docs/ande/ Bridging%20the%20Pioneer%20Gap%20The%20Role%20of%20Accelerators%20 in%20Launching%20High%20Impact%20Enterprises%20.pdf 29. http://blogs.hbr.org/2013/08/the-problems-with-incubators-a/ 30. http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/freepublications/en/economics/gii/gii 2013.pdf

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Perspective

Innovative solutions to social problems

with Ada Wong

ocial entrepreneurship involves setting up companies that pursue innovative solutions to social problems. The Good Lab’s convenor and one of its founding directors, Ms Ada Wong,, explained that her goal is to create a hub where fledgling entrepreneurs can start up ventures with sustainable social value. Two students respond.

Fine-tuning business plans, working out how to market products and creating an online presence are all part of hatching any new business. But unlike other start-ups, would-be social enterprises also have to work out how to measure performance when the value of their goals cannot be counted in dollars, how to attract appropriate investors, and whether to take on the complex challenges of ventures that give a positive return to society.

Finding meaning in work For the last of those questions, Ada Wong has a simple answer “People naturally seek meaning in their work,” she told Youth Hong Kong. “That’s why the idea of social enterprise is attractive, especially to young people. It has inherent meaning and can give a sense of fulfilment that being an employee cannot bring.” The Good Lab is a hub for people and organizations with new methods and mindsets. Founded about two years ago as a place where people with entrepreneurial flair could meet, it has tri-sector collaboration and social change is fostered. Its members identify innovative and creative solutions for social issues and The Good Lab helps nurture them with talks, workshops, networking and mentorship which teach them how to implement their ideas.

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Perspective

Qualities of social entrepreneurs

Chun Yu Yiu writes about Ada Wong's work

As standards of living in Hong Kong have improved, so people have become less desperate for money than they once were. Hence their primary consideration when seeking work does not need to be salary. Instead, they have the chance to seek meaningful work. Moreover, society should not rely solely on the government to provide help for the less fortunate. Social entrepreneurs have a mission to promote social justice, create job opportunities and ensure that fewer people are left behind. Sceptics may argue that social entrepreneurs cannot make a huge difference to society, but as numbers increase their merits will become increasingly evident.

Learning from mistakes, not fearing failure Successful social entrepreneurs should be dedicated, committed, passionate, out-of-the-box thinkers with many ideas and a positive attitude. They should work with the aim of changing the world for the better, by upgrading other people’s lives, never being afraid that their enterprise will fold or fail, and never seeing

failure as something negative. In fact, by learning from their mistakes, and by evaluating them, they can ensure that the same mistakes are never repeated.

Encouraging young social entrepreneurs Ms Wong believes that there are many aspiring individuals in Hong Kong who are born entrepreneurs but have not yet had the chance to set up in business. “You can’t force it but you can encourage it. If it’s in you and you try, even if you are not very successful the fact that you have actually started up your own company when you were young will do you no harm in a future career. I want to encourage the confidence and the broader vision that comes with trying and the further horizons that come with imagination.”

Chun Yu Yiu Year 11 Island School

Hong Kong Social entrepreneurship Doris Leung, the CEO of Diamond Cab in Hong Kong opened her company about two years ago, providing a taxi service for disabled people in wheelchairs. Today, not only is it profit-making, it also successfully fills a previously un-served need of a disadvantaged sector of society. In Diamond Cabs, families with disabled members can travel together a lot more easily. This promotes better relationships between the disabled, their family members and carers. More information at http://www.diamondcab.com.hk/en/

p Diamond Cabs for wheelchairs

Dialogue in the Dark provides jobs to the disabled. The enterprise originated in Germany and raises awareness by employing blind guides to lead visitors in absolute darkness. They learn how to interact by using their other senses and experience what it is like to be blind. The enterprise is committed to promoting social inclusion, tolerance, respect and appreciation of individual differences. More information at http://www.dialogue-in-the-dark.hk/web/?lang=en and in Taipei at http://www.dialogue-in-the-dark-tpe.com/

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Perspective

Reducing risk Pradyumn Dayal discusses strategies Entrepreneurship is a high-risk, high-reward challenge. Roughly 70% of new businesses fail and their creators are likely lose everything they have worked on. Is it any surprise then that an increasing number of young people are afraid to put everything on the line and prefer a stable career like medicine or law? “Of course, there is nothing wrong with being a professional rather than an entrepreneur – I work as a lawyer,” says Ms Wong. However, she hastens to add that young people have almost nothing to lose. They are full of energy and aren’t bogged down with responsibilities like children or mortgages. In fact, the best time to be an entrepreneur is probably in your mid-twenties – look at Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and many other famous innovators of our time. Every product you use, from the laptop this article was written on to the bus you ride to school , started off with an entrepreneur who took risks. In the past, when there were not enough jobs around, people created jobs for themselves. After all, she says, “How did Hong Kong become the amazing place it is today? It was partly through the work of entrepreneurs like Li Kashing. Now, everyone wants to do a BBA and study law.” Pradyumn Dayal Year 10, German Swiss International School

1. http://www.entre-ed.org/_teach/busrisks.htm 2. http://www.forbes.com/sites/actiontrumpseverything/2013/11/06/ entrepreneurs-are-not-risk-takers-they-are-calculated-risk-takers-that-oneadditional-word-can-be-the-difference-between-failure-and-success/

Risk in small steps It is important to note the vital difference between taking random risks and being a “calculated” risk-taker. Leonard C. Green, an astute entrepreneur and investor, and a teacher at Babson College, one of the best schools globally for teaching entrepreneurship and business, claims that the best entrepreneurs try to reduce risk every step of the way. In fact, he goes so far as to describe great entrepreneurs as risk-averse, always taking small steps so that if they fail, the effect is minimal.1 The upside to the risky business of entrepreneurship is the high rewards it can bring. If a new business does well, the growth and increase in value is phenomenal – and the entrepreneur gets most of the money, respect and fame. Henry Ford had a net worth of US$180-200 billion, and was famous for his revolutionary assembly line concept.

Four ways to minimize loss How does one manage risks so as to avoid losing large amounts of resources? There are four main strategies.2 Risk avoidance, risk reduction, risk transfer and risk assumption. Risk avoidance is refusing to take part in an activity that seems too risky, such as refusing to open a new outlet that will require huge loans. Risk reduction is just lowering the chance a negative thing will happen, such as installing sprinklers to reduce the risk of fire. Risk transfer is shifting the consequences of risk to something outside the business, most commonly insurance. Finally, risk assumption is planning your budget by expecting the worst, assuming you will fail and working from there.

The Good Lab The Sparkle, 500 Tung Chau St, Cheung Sha Wan, West Kowloon tel 3996 1933 web http://goodlab.hk/contact-us/

Membership plans 20 hours per month: 50 hours per month: 20 hours per month: Start-ups per month: Networking & programme members:

HK$380 HK$880 HK$1,900 HK$2,900

「好單位」 (The Good Lab) 的創辦人黃英琦女士認為，創業不應只針對公司的賺錢能力，更應周詳考慮公司對社會的貢獻。故此，兩年前成立的「好單位」致力為一些有宏大目標的新晉公司提供發展平台。我們更邀請了跟我們一同進行訪問的學生，表達他們對創業的意見，包括對社會企業的看法以及如何減低創業的風險。

HK$500 per month

See the next article for a story about an HKFYG-fostered social entrepreneur.

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Profile

Empowering women through photography by Bonnie Chiu co-founder of Lensational

e take photographs every day – to capture memories, thoughts and emotions. What we see as a necessity, however, is a luxury in the developing world. This is why a young entrepreneur and her co-founder set up Lensational, a non-profit social enterprise founded on the principle that giving underprivileged women cameras and training in photography can empower them emotionally and economically. When I was In Istanbul, Turkey, two years ago, a girl came up to me and asked if she could take a look at my camera. She’d never had the chance to use a camera before. The sheer joy on her face as she learned how to use one inspired me to use photography as an agent of social change. Photography is a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects cultures.

“She’d never had the chance to use a camera before

p A young Turkish photography student

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Profile

Witness to change This inspiration led to the birth of Lensational. The name, Lensational, is a combination of “lens” and “sensational.” My co-founder, Peggy Tse, and I believe that the model of social entrepreneurship holds potential for empowering women emotionally and economically. Lensational allows women to share their sensations through photography by giving them an outlet for the expression of their emotional needs as well as their natural talent for doing so.

Since Lensational’s establishment on 8 March 2013, International Women’s Day, we have taught photography to 120 women in Hong Kong, Myanmar and Pakistan. Seeing the change in Lensational students is what keeps Lensational going. Here are some stories I would like to share with you.

so poor that she has no clothes, no toys, no chance to go to school…

The issue: gender inequality Our belief in gender equality and the need to empower women to overcome inequality underlies our work. The reason can be seen in this photo of a little girl which I took when teaching photography in the urban slums of Pakistan. This girl is so poor that she has no clothes to wear, no chance to go to school, no toys whatsoever. The limited resources at home are allocated first to her brothers. Without any opportunities, she will grow up to be one of 517 million illiterate women in the world*1. She is likely to be extremely dependent on her family. After all, women only earn 10% of all income worldwide. Almost three-quarters of the world's 775 million illiterate adults are found in only ten countries. The top two countries are China and Pakistan.2

p A little girl so poor that she has no clothes, no chance to go to school, no toys

Equality between women and men, or gender equality, refers to the equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of males and females. It means that women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female. Gender equality implies that the interests, needs and priorities of both women and men are taken into consideration, recognizing the diversity of different groups of women and men. Gender equality is not a women’s issue but should concern and fully engage everyone. It is seen both as a human rights issue and as a precondition for, and indicator of, sustainable people-centered development. Based on http://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/conceptsandefinitions.htm

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Profile

Inequality in Pakistan In Pakistan, I taught photography to school children in the rural villages. During a one-hour session, I witnessed how photography has given girls the courage to dream the impossible. First, I gave the children disposable cameras and let them take whatever photos they wanted. These are the results.

p Who holds the power?

The moto-taxi seen in these photographs is a common form of transport in Pakistan but women rarely ride on them ... or drive them. So I asked if anyone wanted to pose on the moto-taxi. But one girl raised her hand. You can see she how has the confidence to sit on the motor-taxi, and hold the handlebars. Look at the expressions on the boys’ faces! But she has the courage to drive.

A lot of girls hesitated p

She had the courage to drive p

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Profile

Inequality in Hong Kong Even though Hong Kong appears to be rather progressive on women’s rights, during my internship at Amnesty International, I discovered that the apparently rosy picture masks some murky issues. Hong Kong is home to 300,000 migrant domestic workers, mainly from Indonesia and the Philippines. Despite making up 4% of Hong Kong’s population, these women are seen as second-class citizens. The research I conducted on the rights of migrant domestic workers show that gender equality is still yet to be achieved in Hong Kong. Lensational aims to tackle gender inequality on both the local and global levels. Hence, we started

the first photography education workshop in May 2013 targeted domestic helpers in Hong Kong and later expanded to two developing Asian countries, Myanmar and Indonesia in summer 2013. Wherever the need for women’s empowerment exists, Lensational will go. We believe we can change the world for women and girls, one camera at a time. There have been Lensational photography education workshops in London this year. They are followed by exhibitions in Hong Kong in April 2014. Stay tuned and visit http://lensational.org for more information and more stories of women and girls worldwide.

Global Gender Gap

The highest possible score is 1 (equality) and the lowest possible score is 0 (inequality). 1 - 0.75

0.74 - 0.72

0.71 - 0.70

0.69 - 0.68

0.67 - 0.66

0.65 - 0.60

0.59 - 0

Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gender_Gap_Report_2012.svg

Bonnie Chiu, a past participant in HKFYG’s Hong Kong 200, completed a BBA at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and is now doing a Master in International Relations at the London School of Economics.

1. 2011 Global Gender Gap Report, the World Economic Forum: http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GenderGap_Report_2011.pdf 2. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2103.html

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Talking point

The Long Battle

mother vs. daughter by Lakshmi and Shakti Jacotă I am a mother in the throes of one of life’s greatest challenges: trying to parent an about-to-be teenage girl. What is it about this stage of life that completely reduces me to someone I’ve fought all my life not to be, a screaming shrew with little self-control, patience, calm, and most of all, rationality?

This was a shock in itself. But what happened to my adorable little girl, the one with the chubby cheeks and the big doe eyes who thought I was the be all and end all of her life? The one whose little portrait of a stick-figure mother holding the hand of a stickfigure daughter adorned with the words, ‘I love you Mama’ is stuck up in my office? Why can’t she just be a younger version of my self-perceived present-day self: aware, mature, moderate and oh so empathetic?

...what happened to my adorable little girl, the one with the chubby cheeks and the big doe eyes?

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Talking point

...every time my mother opens her mouth it is to say ‘No’.

According to experts, including psychologists, doctors, teachers and even experienced parents, this is a passing phase. Something to be endured for as long as one to eight years. “Just bear with it,” is the comforting refrain, “it’ll soon pass.” Not soon enough for me. On those rare occasions when there is a truce and an uneasy quiet prevails, I try to think. And what I’ve concluded is rather awkward to confess. I now believe that much of this adolescent volatility is due to our own – meaning adult – denial and contradiction. Denial because it is not easy to see this baby girl slowly growing up and metamorphosing into a beautiful young adult, yet still unblighted and unsullied by potential sorrows and hardships that I know await. I do not want her to grow up because I know I cannot protect her as I could when all that was required was a kiss and a band-aid to make everything better. And, of course, denial because as she grows older, so do I. Contradiction because from the earliest moments of her life, I’ve stressed independence: independence in sleeping, independence in eating, in walking, even in reasoning. And now when she tries to assert her obviously independent mind, I protest. And the battle begins. Contradiction because for all the exhortations to “be yourself ”, I still want her to be a recognizable, rather than unfamiliar, reflection of my own dreams and hopes.

What was I like to my mother at the same age? I’ve cloaked the memories in such a way that I cannot really recall the battles, the screeching, the slamming of doors. I can’t remember as much passion in my relationship with my mother as a pre-teen as my daughter seems to induce in me. And it is too late to ask my own mother now. But I know it is selective memory. I also know that as she passes through – oh please, let it be sooner rather than later – this phase, culling these moments of carnage from the mind will also occur. They have to. Otherwise how does one explain adult mother-daughter relationships that are so full of love and joy, and, on the part of the mother, admiration, for what our child has become?

What is wrong with my mother? It seems that every time my mother opens her mouth it is to say “No”. No, you can’t have this. No, you can’t do this. No. No. No. And then when I ask, “Why not?” I get an answer so long and complicated, I give up wanting to know why in the first place. My mother just can’t seem to make up her mind. Sometimes she tells me she wants me to be an independent individual and to have my own identity. Then when I try, she just gets all worked up! I don’t really understand why she is so unreasonable. I just want her to mellow out and be like she was before. Until that happens, I’ll just keep doing my thing and be happy that I’ve got my really cool headphones for company at home!

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

City space

Charging for garbage

isposing of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Hong Kong is a serious problem. Government statistics estimated that 9000 tonnes of MSW are sent to landfills every day and the situation continues to worsen. In order to deal with the situation the government has proposed charging to show how important it is to reduce waste. Recently, the Hong Kong Council for Sustainable Development conducted a public consultation about the best way to implement MSW charging and invited the public to share their views.

Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rubbish today

from home ...

...to the bin on landing

Proposed charging mechanisms charges paid by each household according to volume, with each household taking filled pre-paid garbage bags to designated point for disposal charges paid by each building management company according to weight and passing on charges to individual households via management fees charges paid by each building management company according to volume and passing on charges to individual households via management fees

...and down to the depot

...into a skip ...or a pile on the street

... then into a truck old tyres and food all together

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

City space

PAYT programmes began in the US the 1970s, although there was a pioneer scheme in operation in San Francisco by 1932. In Europe, Austria was first. Most other European countries had PAYT by the 1980s when efficient and secure electronic identification systems became available. Policy in Britain varies. PAYT has been implemented in some mainland cities, in Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Taiwan but the burden carried by households around Asia varies. Guangzhou residents pay 15 yuan (approx HK$19) a month per household for waste disposal, and charging for waste disposal according to the number of rubbish bags used began in July 2012. Government-made bags are collected from distribution points and used to take waste to the garbage trucks. Every household gets 60 bags per month and more can be bought for 0.5 yuan. The bags even have anti-counterfeiting marks, along with serial numbers, so that they can be matched to individual households. Seoul householders have been taking filled prepaid garbage bags to designated collection points for disposal since 1995. Bag capacity ranges from 2-100 litres and the price of bags varies accordingly at roughly Korean won 16.5 (HK$0.11) per litre. Taipei has implemented a per-bag charging system in 2000. Bags vary from 3-120 litre sizes and cost 5-20 TWD (approx HK$1-5 each). Sorted recyclables are taken by waste collection trucks free of charge. Sources https://www.chinadialogue.net/article/show/single/en/5057 http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr12-13/english/ panels/ea/duty_v/eavp1304-3-e.pdf

http://www.susdev.org.hk/english/index.php (Council for Sustainable Development)

http://www.greenpower.org.hk/html/Eng/2012_2.shtml

In Hong Kong, there has been a charge for disposing of demolition waste since 2006, but no charges are made for commercial, household or industrial waste disposal although about 13,400 tonnes of waste are collected and sent to landfills every day. About 67% of it is municipal solid waste. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enough to fill at least four Olympic size swimming pools. It cannot continue and targets in the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013-2022 has set targets to reduce per capita disposal rates at source by 20% in 2017 and 40% by 2022. http://www.susdev.org.hk/english/irdoc/irdoc_1.php

Solution: pay as you throw (PAYT)

Various charging levels have been suggested, including basing charges on levels used in other counties or cities. (See box.) The public consultation period on the topic ended in January.

Options for household rubbish

HK$30 - $74

per month for a typical household. Source: South China Morning Post, 10 February 2014, C4. Public Consultation on cash for trash.

Decision-making Finding a solution to our waste problem is of paramount importance and discussions between all stakeholders need to take place. Then, the best fit in environmental policy can be identified and implemented. The underlying message behind MSW Charging is to think before you buy and share non-necessities with others. Waste charging is not intended as punishment. Rather, it is meant to show how important it is to reduce waste while providing an economic incentive for behavioural change. The most desirable outcome would be a more sustainable lifestyle and less use of disposable non-essentials. In other words, if you use less and waste less, in the end you will pay less.

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Arts & culture

Why We Play by Jimin Kang by loudtiger

http://www.flickr.com/photos/loudtiger/4631255798/

The ability to play an arpeggio or pizzicato is increasingly common in a vast number of students. In fact, more children are learning to play musical instruments than ever before. With 40 million students currently practicing the piano in China alone, it isn’t hard to see how big a phenomenon it has become. But beyond the solidity of the statistics, one unquantifiable question remains: what is fuelling the growth in musical skills? Have 40 million children been born with an innate passion for music? Or is it something else entirely?

Who decides on lessons? Let’s face it: not everyone who plays an instrument enjoys doing so, especially in a place like Hong Kong, where knowing how to play is considered to be ability on par with, say, understanding algebra. In fact, it is the parents of a large number of students who decide they should learn to play. According to Dr Ann Mok, a secondary school counsellor at Chinese International School, there are several reasons. “Some parents view learning about music as a good thing to do ... others may have learnt music themselves and realized the benefits.” On the other hand, they may feel that music was a lost opportunity for them, and don’t want their children to miss it as well. However, even if parents make their children learn music from a young age, it doesn’t mean that they will continue playing. Dr Mok agrees that “music needs good discipline”, and thus, “it creates tension at home

when parents have to start nagging [their children] to practice. When kids begin to lose momentum, they might eventually give up.” So many individuals today are choosing to continue to play, regardless of why they started out in the first place. What is the incentive?

Twin incentive One answer was given by the members of Twincapella, an a cappella group consisting of two sets of twins, Sonia and Hillary Yuen, and Caitlin and Maegan Yeung. They were introduced to various musical instruments by their respective parents when young. According to both sets of twins, the parents wanted to provide their children with something they never had themselves: the chance to create music, a feat deemed, according to Maegan, “beneficial to [their] growth as young people.” However, music lacked personal allure to begin with. “Back then, we didn’t really understand why we had to play a musical instrument,” says Caitlin. ‘But later,

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Arts & culture

by robleto

http://www.flickr.com/photos/grobleto/1591178423/

we realized that music would become a very important part of our school life.” As the musical careers of all four girls developed - from joining the Junior Programme of the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts as Piano and Violin Majors, all the way to creating their own successful a cappella group - they were able to discover what truly kept the fire alive. It was the people they met. “I got so much encouragement and inspiration from people. This cultivated my love and passion for music.” says Hillary. “People power” motivated the other girls too. “The fact that we took part in extra-curricular music activities such as orchestra and choir both inside school and outside school helped us meet new people and make new friends,” claims Maegan. Sonia believes that her motivation to continue with music is how she gets “to appreciate and share music with the community.” Their audiences and supporters showed them they could make people smile with the power of their music. Maegan says “I know it’s cheesy, but I wholeheartedly agree when people say music is a universal language.”

Universal experience I too have come to embrace the universality of music as an incentive. As someone who started playing the piano at a young age under the all-too-ubiquitous parental influence, I often found myself placing the piano at the bottom of my list of priorities and rarely practicing, much to the frustration of my parents and teacher. Why? To put it simply, I just couldn’t will myself to practice. Was there anything to look forward to? A personal principle to uphold? The answer, unfortunately, to both questions was: no.

However, it all changed last summer. I found myself becoming more and more enthralled by the piano. It happened after a friend from Spain taught me how to play a song by one of Asia’s famous young pianists, the Korean, Yiruma. I then spent three days at the piano, trying to perfect the song. Today, whenever I sit down at the key board, I think of the way music can transcend borders and I marvel at the thought of future opportunities to pass on what I have learned. And, of course, much to the delight of the stakeholders involved, I am now practicing, perfecting and performing more than ever.

Keeping going It is undeniable that among the 40 million students learning the piano today, a fair number are doing so at the direction of their parents. But what is also undeniable is that for the majority, there is a personal reason why they continue to play, right to the last note. It’s because as they develop as musicians, so they develop as people, with the passions and motivation that keep them going in the long run. Many see music through the lens of statistics... the millions of students, the number of pieces they can play. Perhaps it is time to realize what really makes music most wonderful. And what is that? Ask any musician why they play, and you’ll be sure find out.

Jimin Kang, Year 11 Chinese International School

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Arts & culture

2014 HKFYG Jockey Club Hong Kong International a cappella Festival from Gabriel Lee Music Administrator

The Idea of North (Australia) Australia’s best and most successful contemporary vocal quartet is giving the festival’s a cappella Master Series show this year. Their name, The Idea of North, came from a 1960s radio show and their sound and style crosses many genres including jazz, folk, gospel, pop, classical and comedy. The Idea of North has a significant local and international fan base and perform frequently in Australia and abroad. With many awardwinning recordings, their 2010 release, in collaboration with jazz great James Morrison, won the 2010 ARIA award (Australian Recording Industry Association) for Best Jazz Album. As Morrison puts it, “A cappella is sometimes thought of as being minimalist, but when you can sing and entertain like The Idea of North, a band [with musical instruments] would just get in the way.” web www.idea.com.au watch them at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tadkhuwNgRs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onHTTy0Gp9k

Musae (US) From as far south as Atlanta and as far north as Boston, Musae comes together to give their audiences a party. Founded in 2011, Musae has already gained acclaim for performances at various a cappella festivals and placing at the Boston Harmony Sweepstakes. As a powerhouse, allfemale vocal band, Musae shares a fresh and fun sound while playing on their sense of femininity and womanhood. True to the original Latin, these "muses" seek not just to inspire but also to breathe new life into the professional vocal scene in the United States and abroad. web www.musaevocal.com watch them at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVI6rwhM38Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RbH2S_rq7c

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

Arts & culture

our visiting groups from overseas will feature at the Federation’s a cappella festival, sponsored again by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust this year. Three of them will be performing alongside the HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers at the Grand Opening concert when local stars Justin Lo and Robynn & Kendy will also be on stage. (See next page for full programme details.)

JARNZΩ (Japan)

The Sons of Pitches (UK) This British a cappella group got together at the University of Birmingham, UK, in 2010. Since then, The Sons of Pitches have been gigging regularly around Britain and won the regional round of the Voice Festival UK in 2012 and 2013, going on to compete in the National Finals in London. Stylistically, they use vowel sounds and mouth shapes to control the audible harmonics of a note, producing an “electronic”, untraditional sound. They have received awards for Outstanding Arrangement, Outstanding Choreography/Stagecraft, Outstanding Performance, and Outstanding Vocal Percussion and were invited to represent the rest of world category at finals of the International Championship of Collegiate Acapella (ICCA) in New York.

Hailing from Hokkaido in Japan, the five-member male a cappella group, JARNZΩ, brings laughter and tears to audiences through their songs. Their music has been played regularly on the radio and they won the Japanese National a cappella Championship in 2008. In 2011, they released their first single, Donzoko Heaven, on a single that also a theme song used on TV Hokkaido. The group has regularly toured in Japan, with gigs in Sapporo, Tokyo, and Osaka. web www.jarnz.com watch them at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN2rdiPkJIs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTmFXW1RRCs

web www.thesonsofpitches.co.uk watch them at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elb0cIna9Os http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRyNECtOiPA

With many thanks to our major sponsor, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

Arts & culture

2014 International a cappella Extravaganza Grand Opening with: Musae, The Sons of Pitches, JARNZΩ, Justin Lo, Robynn & Kendy and the Hong Kong Melody Makers Friday 28 March 2014 8:00pm Saturday 29 March 2014 8:00pm Arena, Queen Elizabeth Stadium Tickets $100 from www.urbtix.hk

Robynn & Kendy

Justin Lo

After releasing the a cappella version of the theme song to Taiwanese blockbuster You Are the Apple of My Eye, Robynn & Kendy became immensely popular. Robynn studied psychology at Northwestern University in the US when she became fascinated by choral singing and took up a cappella. Kendy joined the Youth Music Theatre and started performing when she was at the London School of Economics. She wrote the theme song to the popular Hong Kong movie Love in a Puff. The duo joined up in 2011 and now has their own unique crossover take of popular film songs and lesser known songs that are rich in warmth and passion.

After completing a degree in the US, Justin Lo began his career in music in 2003. In 2005, he performed in an a cappella section with Leo Ku. His outstanding performance was appreciated by Paco Wong, a soughtafter artiste manager in Hong Kong, who signed him up as a singer and he released his debut album the same year. Justin writes many of his own songs and has performed in Macau, Malaysia and Sydney, as well as Hong Kong where he collaborated with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra in 2007. His 2013 concert tours brought further acclaim and he is now based in mainland China.

HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers

HKFYG Hong Kong Youth Dance

The HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers (HKMM) youth choir was established in 2004 with sponsorship from The Dragon Foundation. The singers reflect Hong Kong's vivacity and give voice to the city's cosmopolitan spirit. Their shared passion for music can benefit the entire community, enrich Hong Kong's cultural life and promote a cappella music.

The HKFYG Hong Kong Youth Dance (HKYD) troupe was founded in 2008 and performs modern dance, hip hop and jazz funk, with the vitality and confidence of youth. The dancers embody Hong Kong’s flexibility and energy with their graceful moves, vigour and diversity, bringing dance culture to all with great zest and enthusiasm.

2014 International a cappella Marathon with: Musae, The Son of Pitches, JARNZΩ and local a cappella groups

Sunday 30 March 2014 4:00pm Piazza C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Admission free

Magical Moment – Multi-Media Theatre with: The Hong Kong Melody Makers and Hong Kong Youth Dance

Saturday 5 April 2014 8:00pm Sunday 6 April 2014 8:00pm Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall Tickets $220, $150 from www.urbtix.hk

2014 a cappella Master Series with: The Idea of North

Thursday 10 April 2014 8:00pm Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall Tickets $350, $250, $150 from www.urbtix.hk

2014 a cappella at Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza with: Musae, The Son of Pitches, JARNZΩ and local a cappella groups Sunday 13 April 2014 4:00pm Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza Admission free Tickets are available at Urbtix now Web: acappella.hkfyg.org.hk Tel: 2395 5753

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG

Summer’s coming

at our bigger, upgraded Sai Kung camp

he newly expanded and refurbished HKFYG Jockey Club Outdoor Training Camp in Tai Mong Tsai is now open for summer booking. Located in the Sai Kung Country Park neighbourhood, it occupies 14,400 square meters, can accommodate 230 people overnight plus 200 for daytime or twilight activities.

Built between the mountains and the shore, with selfcontained and dormitory-style accommodation, the Federation’s Tai Mong Tsai camp has a green, tranquil setting that invites you to relax and have fun. Take advantage of all it has to offer, with glimpses of marine life and seabirds, mangrove wetlands and coastal variety. Courtesy of Phase III redevelopment funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, visitors can then relax in the camp’s stylish café for refreshments and its comfortable rooms for the night. With its nearby villages and easy access to Sai Kung town, it is the ideal venue for outdoor training and educational activities. Please follow the booking tips below well ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Rooms

NGOs Peak season Duplex Guestroom for 28 $3360 Deluxe Guestroom for 12** $1440 Standard Guestroom for 12 $1200 Guestroom for 8*** $800 Guestroom for 2 $330 Day camp / evening camp $30 per person

Off-peak $2800 $1200 $960 $640 $310 $25 per person

To make a reservation 1. Call 2792 2727 to check for availability 2. Download a booking form at http://otc.hkfyg.org.hk 3. Fill it in and return it: • by email to otc@hkfyg.org.hk • by fax to 2792 6363 • by post to HKFYG Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp DD256, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung We will check details and make your reservation and staff will contact you if further details are needed. They will also give you information on completing the booking.

Private groups, families and companies Peak Off-peak $3920 $3360 $1680 $1440 $1440 $1200 $960 $800 $480 $400 $40 per person $35 per person

For activity charges, information about catering, food and beverage outlets and other news, go to http://otc.hkfyg.org.hk Go to Facebook https://www.facebook.com/otc.hkfyg to find more

Notes Peak times for rooms 1 June-31 August; all Saturday nights and all nights preceding public holidays Peak times for day and evening camps 1 June-31 August all Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays Deluxe en suite guestrooms have an approximate floor area of 60m2 Standard en suite guestrooms have an approximate floor area of 56m2 All rates exclude meals Air conditioning free 1900-0700 May-October

Book now and enjoy our new-look camp with fun, comfortable lodgings and outdoor activities.

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

City space

Welcome to

HKFYG KK Cheng Kindergarten

The new non-profit making HKFYG KK Cheng Kindergarten ( 香港青年協會鄭堅固幼稚園 ) in Ngau Tau Kok occupies nearly 740 square metres on the G/F of Choi Shing House, Choi Tak Estate. It is the estate’s only kindergarten and its catchment includes mainly working-class families. Over 90% of its students come from new immigrant families living in the area. Whole-day classes began in September last year with pupils aged 3 to 6. Nursery classes for students aged 2 and 3 are planned for the near future.

Learning with picture books, multimedia and projects The principal and teachers are supported by teaching assistants and the integrated approach to teaching and learning is delivered via a curriculum characterized by projects and picture books. In the project approach, topics vary widely and include snack food, animals and transport. If, for example, the pupils choose food as the topic, the teacher will introduce different kinds of food, show them the food pyramid, and explain the difference between healthy food and unhealthy food. Moreover, students are given opportunities to grow their own food by planting seeds, watering the plants and making observation reports. Students may then go with their class to buy a healthy snack at a nearby supermarket or have a healthy snack party at school. This experience-oriented method not only arouses interest in learning, but also helps students to develop self-learning abilities.

The Kindergarten was set up with a donation from the Verdant Foundation and named after the donar's father.

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

City space

In the picture book approach, students learn through stories, and teachers develop a variety of learning activities based on the stories. This builds a habit of reading and enhances trilingual language proficiency in Cantonese, English and Putonghua. Multimedia learning aids such as iPads are provided for pupils to share for learning activities. They can also be used in free time for play, including matching games, memory games and English vocabulary quizzes. There is physical activity too which complements learning and cultivates a healthy lifestyle. Cycling, playing on the slide, and running give the children a healthy appetite so there is a healthy menu to match, with extra vegetables for lunch.

Some key features at KK Cheng developing logical thinking through basic maths, solving riddles, and discussing stories building communication skills with group projects and communication between students and teachers exploring creativity with art, drawing and crafts, plus group projects enjoying a stimulating learning environment with wall decorations changed to match learning themes emphasising language development through a variety of reading activities encouraging students to share their views and thoughts by providing opportunities for them to speak in front of others

HKFYG KK Cheng Kindergarten Address Shop 1, Choi Sing House, Choi Tak Estate, 8 Choi Hing Road, Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm, Saturday 9:00am to 1:00pm Fees HK$ 3,799 per month, including meals Note As a member of the voucher scheme, the school offers a subsidized fee of HK$2,340 per month to voucher holders. Needy families apply for the Kindergarten and Child Care Centre Fee Remission Scheme in addition to being members of the voucher scheme. Contact tel 2385 2622 email kkc@hkfyg.org.hk Web http://kkc.hkfyg.org.hk/

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

HKFYG

Volunteering

Letting Love Fill Life

olunteering is big in Hong Kong and easyvolunteer.hk is a new search engine from HKFYG for popularizing volunteering and mobilizing young volunteers. As a bridge between volunteers and voluntary work Service Opportunity Providers (SOPs), easyvolunteer.hk matches preferences with opportunities. Once registered, both volunteers and SOPs can enjoy the matching service.

Why use easyvolunteer.hk ? This new search engine from the Federation is user friendly, online and interactive. You can access it anywhere on a smartphone or tablet. Volunteers use it to search for their preferred services and SOPs can choose suitable volunteers from those registered.

3 Steps to Registration If you want to be a volunteer

If you want to be a Service Opportunity Provider

Visit easyvolunteer.hk

Click “Register as Volunteer”

Click “Register as Service Opportunity Provider”

Fill in personal information and submit, then receive an activation email.

Fill in details and submit supporting documents.

Apply for voluntary work immediately after activation.

Successful SOPs will receive a confirmation email and can then upload volunteer service information and recruit volunteers.

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG

With the latest volunteer updates and news, easyvolunteer.hk is about sharing experiences and inspiring others to volunteer. It’s also about making friends and volunteering together, connecting volunteers and spreading the news of easyvolunteer.hk on social media.

What else?

Visit easyvolunteer.hk to enjoy the service matching experience!

Volunteers can record completed service hours approved by SOPs. They have access to self-enhancement through online training materials. They can also enjoy recognition and privileges through accumulated points gained by volunteering and sharing experiences.

捐助機構 Funded by

Download the HKFYG App to access easyvolunteer.hk, and receive the latest HKFYG news.

More Infomation The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: Youth Volunteer Network Tel (852)2169 0032 Fax (852)2893 3034 Email yvn@hkfyg.org.hk Web yvn.hkfyg.org.hk

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

HKFYG

HKFYG Jockey Club

Media 21 School Net

onnect with media, create with media and produce with media: all at M21, and all available on the M21 School Net. It is now equipping member schools to watch the HKFYG’s tailor-made youth-produced programmes streamed on the internet.

Free to air programmes Topics of free M21 School Net programmes include liberal studies programmes such as Youth Speak and Policy Online. Feedback from students is on the opposite page. Social issues are covered in news reports from young reporters and there is language learning with pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and idiom in two languages and three dialects.

Features •• Values education video library with real-life examples •• Intra-school sharing platform •• Enhancement of current awareness for liberal studies

Study and careers are discussed in interviews with professionals and successful young entrepreneurs. Reinforcing core values, the “life education” programmes, produced by youth, encourage facing difficulties bravely. Going green discusses the healthy, environmentally friendly lifestyle, with green clothing, eating and transport in daily life. Entertainment includes new songs, new CDs, new drama, new books, and weekly sports features with invited guest artistes. Arts and culture explores the performing arts scene with well-known local directors and actors, band sound, beat box, a cappella and jam, with dancing, magic, drama and film.

•• Engagement with policymakers on Youth Speak and Policy Online TV series •• Support for campus TV with training and practice of transferable skills •• Following media trends via exchange with the media industry •• Advance entry to M21 competitions to encourage creativity •• Discounts for early booking of media production facilities •• Free advertising time slots to promote your school

More information at www.m21.hk

Address HKFYG Hong Kong Jockey Club Media 21, LG 2/F, Shek Pai Wan Shopping Centre, Shek Pai Wan Estate, Aberdeen, Hong Kong. Contact Nelson Chung, tel 3979 0022 or Karina Chan, tel 39790042, for more details

Sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG

M21 Current Affairs Programmes on School Net

Housing: today’s policy and tomorrow’s alternatives

Two students who took part in M21 TV discussion programmes, Policy Online and Youth Speak, write here about topics discussed and then shown on School Net. All programmes are available to watch on School Net.

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Not surprisingly, Chief Executive CY Leung put housing and land development at the top of his agenda, recommending 470,000 extra housing units to be built in the next ten years in a 60:40 ratio of public to private. However, in reality, flats are too expensive for working class people. Sales of flats generate huge revenue for property developers and benefit speculators, but they do nothing to rectify the problem of misallocation of flats or really help people in need.

The Budget: spending, deficits and taxation

The crux of the matter is Hong Kong’s narrow tax base. Some economists say that the simple taxation system in Hong Kong is a great advantage, but only with a broader tax base can public spending be made affordable and sustainable at present levels. A “green tax” has been suggested, offering incentives for reduced emissions and a levy on environmentally harmful products. Such forms of taxation are designed to encourage individuals, families and businesses to use resources efficiently and to discourage practices that damage the environment. However, in my view, many other remedies need to be discussed. A “green tax” is not enough. Rex Lai Tat-shing Year 4, Hang Seng Management College

How to apply for membership • Go to http://membership.m21.hk/school • Take out a School Membership subscription • Join the M21 School Net

by 401 (K) 2013 http://www.flickr.com/photos/68751915@N05/6869762317

Young people like me should be aware of the annual budget and its expenditure projections. They will have a direct impact on our future. So, in preparation for the M21 Youth Speak programme. I looked at discussion forums on the internet and many people seemed to be putting too much emphasis on the HK$20 billionworth of sweeteners. These one-off handouts include tax rebates and rates waivers for about 1.74 million taxpayers. Nevertheless, the Financial Secretary warned that a structural budget deficit in seven years’ time is inevitable.

In fact, I believe the government should follow alternative housing models, such as encouraging more affordable rental property with rent control. Better regulation can protect both owners and tenants, and reduce some of the incentives for speculative property purchase. Affordable social housing, owned by insurance companies and managed by cooperatives, is another alternative. Shared management brings a sense of responsibility and commitment in tenants and could, ultimately, relieve some of the problems caused by an aging population and the dispersal of the traditional extended family. Hong Kong had such social housing from the 1950s-1980s in the form of Civil Servants' Cooperative Building Societies. Nevertheless, although alternatives like these exist, in reality, people’s deep-rooted dream of home-ownership, plus the vested interests of developers and the government policy of setting high prices on land sales, are unlikely to change soon. Eric Lee Year 3, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Fees • First 200 schools • Sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust • Enrollment FREE • Set-top box and installation FREE Download free M21 School Net programmes at http://m21.hk/schoolnet

Youth Hong Kong | March 2014

HKFYG

HSBC Financial Dialogue Series 2013/14

he HSBC Financial Dialogue Series, organized by HKFYG and sponsored by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, aims to nurture Hong Kong’s future financial leaders by engaging local university students and selected HSBC Scholars, especially those studying finance, business and economics. Prestigious leaders and financial experts are invited as guest speakers to interact with participants, share insights with them, and give in-depth analyses on current business issues.

More information on the HSBC Financial Dialogue Series Email leadership21@hkfyg.org.hk Tel 2169 0255 Web leadership21.hkfyg.org.hk

At the first session, on “Renminbi’s role in the world economy going forward”, the speakers were:

Guest Speaker

The major components of the Series are four Financial Dialogues, a Global Lecture and exclusive insight into HSBC’s operations. The intention is to develop more global vision and to sharpen critical thinking in young people. About 200 students attend each session and they also have the opportunity to learn about the functions and operations of HSBC.

Prof Liu Ming-kang Former Chairman, China Banking Regulatory Commission

Mr Peter Wong Tung-shun Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Guest Moderator Mr George Leung Siu-kay Advisor, Asia Pacific (Strategy & Economics), The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

At the fourth session “Going forward: Global economics in 2050”, Professor KC Chan, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, HKSAR Government, Mr Andrew Sheng, President, Fung Global Institute and Mr Joe Ngai, Director and Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company Hong Kong, were the speakers . Two students at the session, Rebecca Yip Sin-yu and Mary Fung Yu-yan, share what they learned from the session.

March 2014 | Youth Hong Kong

HKFYG