The Asia Pacific Youth Development Foundation (AYF) marks a significant year in 2024, featuring impactful initiatives and strategic partnerships aimed at empowering youth and enhancing the transition from education to employment.
Fostering regional youth exchange
In April 2024, AYF concluded the first part of the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Cultural Ambassador Exchange Programme. This initiative facilitated cultural exchanges between 15 students from Macao and Hong Kong youth, enriching their understanding of various ethnic backgrounds. Activities included visits to cultural institutions, engaging with local entrepreneurs, and exploring Islamic culture at the Kowloon Mosque. The programme emphasized the importance of multiculturalism and emotional well-being, inspiring participants to build an inclusive community.
Dan Cheung, our co-founder, continued to attend and support the Business and Philanthropy Forum in Singapore, reinforcing our commitment to addressing vital topics such as global philanthropy, social innovation, and sustainable business practices.
This exclusive gathering brings together influential leaders from various sectors to forge impactful connections and explore innovative solutions that integrate business and philanthropy perspectives. The forum aims to channel wealth and capital for social good, making it a pivotal event in the realm of philanthropy and business collaboration.
Exploring New Perspectives in Social Innovation: Insights from our RTHK CIBS programme
The RTHK CIBS programme “Social Innovators 2.0,” launched on July 5, 2024, aims to illuminate the evolving landscape of social innovation in Hong Kong. This radio show not only invited various guests to discuss pressing social issues and explore innovative solutions from multiple perspectives, but also allowed different student talents to participate have their first broadcasting experiences. As emphasised by our guests, understanding a problem requires looking beyond a single viewpoint and drawing insights from different sectors. By continually questioning and examining challenges, the programme encourages emerging social innovators to refine their ideas and implement effective solutions.
Bridging School-to-Work Transitions
The DGen initiative has maintained its momentum and made significant strides in bridging the school-to-work transition for young students. Supported by Operation Santa Claus, the revamped community internship programme launched in August 2024 successfully recruited and trained 25 students from nearly 100 applicants. Participants engaged in various community projects addressing key issues such as mental health, climate change, and public design, helping to enhance their professional development and build their confidence.
Feedback from participants highlighted the focus of the programme on personal growth and the importance of mental preparation for embracing workplace challenges. The initiative not only uplifts youth from diverse backgrounds but also promotes community inclusivity.
Recognition by the community
AYF’s commitment to youth development and community engagement has not gone unnoticed. The DGen initiative was recognized as a finalist in the 2024 Community Business Awards, highlighting its dedication to creating social impact in Hong Kong and beyond. Furthermore, we were honoured to be awarded by the ReThink Foundation in October 2024. This award has enabled us to support more young individuals in their transition from education to employment. By matching participants with community practice projects, AYF empowers youth to develop essential skills and experiences for future success.
During the ReThink HK 2024 conference, AYF also showcased innovative solutions and impactful stories to over 6,500 attendees, highlighting the significant contributions of NGOs and corporations to the community development in Hong Kong and beyond. Alumna Kaur Navpreet shared her thoughts during the event, emphasising the importance of collective effort to improve the community.
As we conclude year 2024, we would like to thank for all your support, and we look forward to working with all of you more closely in 2025.