From THE PrESiDEnT

Let me begin by saying what an honour and privilege it has been to serve as President for the past four years. Ever since I began my association with the Federation in 1987, I have been able to see and understand first hand the concerns, hopes and aspirations of Hong Kong’s young people, while also seeing how the services of the Federation have grown and adapted to meet these changing needs.

What has struck me is how services have become more inclusive and complementary, amalgamating different areas into one. Take two new initiatives that have been implemented in the last four years as examples. NEIGHBOURHOOD First, which combines leadership training, volunteer services, online connectivity with very specific care for one’s neighbours. Or M21, the Federation’s flagship multimedia centre that not only provides young people the opportunity to be creative and innovative in producing their own broadcasts or films, but also through topical and interesting programmes, educates and enlightens, as well as counsels and assists.

These are just two examples, but they illustrate the vision and the passion of the Federation for always ensuring that young people come first.

For me, have most enjoyed seeing young people’s creativity in the arts, music, science, technology and innovation. The Federation’s numerous programmes and activities that cater to these areas have showcased great talents which continue to make us all proud.

None of this would have been possible without the hard work and commitment of the staff under the able leadership of the Executive Director. I am overwhelmed by all they do and from the bottom of my heart I say ‘thank you’ to them all.

As an organisation, we have also been blessed by the support of many in the community. They encourage us, assist us and put their trust in what we do. To each and every individual and organisation I also say a heartfelt ‘thank you’.

I would particularly like to mention the various government departments and agencies, including the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Social Welfare Department, the Labour Department, the Home Affairs Bureau, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Education Bureau, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Innovation and Technology Commission, Environmental Protection Department, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, the Tourism Commission, Narcotics Division, Airport Authority Hong Kong and Hong Kong Arts Development Council. I must also thank the Lotteries Fund, The Community Chest of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Quality Education Fund, the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund, Beat Drugs Fund, the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation, The Verdant Foundation, Hongkong Bank Foundation, The Keswick Foundation, Lee Hysan Foundation, Li Ka Shing Foundation and Au Bak Ling Charity Trust. We are equally grateful for the support from Hang Seng Bank, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Prudential Hong Kong Limited and Lisa’s Collection.

Finally, my colleagues on the Council. They have helped me carry out my responsibilities with great love and patience. I am so appreciative of all their time and expertise and I know that they will continue their helping hand to my successor.

In 2010 the Federation celebrated its Golden Jubilee. This was a wonderful occasion when we could look back in celebration and joy to thank our friends, partners and the general public for their trust in us. As I step down, I can only wish the Federation continued success for the next 50 years and beyond, always determined in their selfless service to the youth of Hong Kong. Thank you.

There are three particular areas of programmes and activities that come to mind and which encapsulate the past year: social media, social innovation and social service.

Social Media: We are all familiar with the interconnectedness between young people and their technological devises. It has become their default method of communication and interactive engagement on all manner of issues, news, information, leisure, work and even relationships.

As a result we have adapted our own way of work to make full use of this new media, including for counselling and support services, volunteering and membership drives, educational and interest programmes, as well as exchanges and networking, competitions and creative activities.

M21, our multimedia hub, both on-and off-line, has been central to these endeavours and it has been a pleasure to see how its popularity has grown and how involved young people are in the process of production, as well as consumption. Through M21 and its different channels, we are connected to young people in schools and in the community, but far more importantly, young people are connected to us. Social media is here to stay and I know that we have a strong foundation on which to build as new developments occur in this ever changing field.

Social Innovation: Young people have always wanted to make a difference in the world, while also helping themselves. Today we see this especially when youth make the transition from school to the work place, seeking jobs that offer both security on the one hand and satisfaction on the other.

Because of this, we have been working towards setting up new initiatives that focus on social innovation, which can be easily defined as the creation and development of work and jobs that address social needs. For all of us in Hong Kong, social innovation presents a real alternative possibility of public engagement through entrepreneurship to meet many of our present challenges.

Currently we are building on our experience in incubating youth start-up businesses by looking to set up The HKFYG Social Innovation Centre , which will provide start-up services for social innovators to turn their ideas into socially beneficial businesses. We have also signed an agreement with the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, in partnership with Shenzhen Youth Federation, to set up the Qianhai Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub . Both these initiatives take the Federation into new areas of service, but more importantly, take us where young people want to go.

Social Services: At the heart of our work is our commitment and dedication to serving the youth of Hong Kong. Our services are all social, in that they are in relation to young people, their concerns, their challenges and their hopes and dreams. This is what inspires us everyday.

Through our 12 Core Services we have – and will continue – to nurture, enable and encourage young people to maximise their potential so that they may look forward in hope and expectation of being the best they can be. Our members are able to connect to the Federation in areas of their own interest and concern, while our volunteers extend their strengths and gifts to others.

None of what we do is possible without the utter dedication of the staff. They keep the heart of the Federation beating in the provision of services. I am so proud of all that they do and I do not have the words to adequately thank them for all their hard work.

We have also been supported by our wonderful Officers, Council Members, partners and the community. You trust us with your children and young people, and we honour that trust by trying to be responsive, pro-active and innovative in our services.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, The purpose of life is … to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference … This is what we have tried to do in the last year and what we will continue to strive for in the years ahead. Thank you.

r osanna wong yick-ming