Letter From Our Founder and CEO
Shalini Mahtani
Shukr: A Decade of Caring, Collaboration and Impact
As we celebrate 10 years of The Zubin Foundation, one word comes to mind: Shukur – the word for gratitude in Hindi and Urdu. Over the past decade, we have remained committed to our mission of reducing suffering and providing opportunities for Hong Kong’s marginalised ethnically diverse communities. We knew the challenges were significant. Too many individuals and families were facing barriers to education, employment, healthcare and social support. Too many were navigating these challenges unseen and unheard. What we did not know then was how much could be achieved when communities – including government, NGO partners, volunteers, funders and service users – come together with a shared purpose of improving lives.
Two Profound Contributions to Hong Kong
Looking back, I believe we have made two important contributions to Hong Kong. First, we have provided direct support to individuals facing hardship, helping them navigate challenges ranging from mental health and domestic violence to education, employment and elderly care. Second, we have amplified the voices and representation of ethnically diverse communities through advocacy, research and leadership development.
Lives Changed, Futures Shaped
While impact can be measured in numbers, it is ultimately reflected in people.It is seen in women rebuilding their lives with confidence and dignity through support groups. In young people pursuing higher education and meaningful careers via scholarships. In families and children finding support during difficult times with counselling. And in elderly community members finding friendship, connection and belonging through weekly gatherings.
I am proud of what we have achieved together, but even more proud of the resilience, courage and determination shown by the communities we serve. They continue to inspire us every day.
Shukur – Thank You
This anniversary is also an opportunity to say thank you. To my team, board members, committee members, government, donors, NGO partners, volunteers and supporters: your generosity and trust have made every achievement possible. As we begin our next chapter, we remain hopeful for a future where every person in Hong Kong can thrive, regardless of ethnicity or background.
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
Shalini Mahtani, MH, MBE
2025: HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Zubin Foundation is a registered charity with a mission to improve the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse individuals by reducing suffering and providing opportunities. These impactful numbers reflect the power of support – made possible by every donor, partner, and volunteer who stood with us.
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763 Women provided with a safe space to share, build friendships, and learn new skills. |
716 Youth given opportunities in education, employment and capacity building to empower and equip them with the skills to succeed. |
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1,089 Children and families including children at the end of lifereceived counselling, occupational speech, and behavioural therapies, storytelling sessions, emotional support groups and outings. |
1,336 Hours of one-on-one counselling service for 144 adults helping them manage their stress, depression, and anxiety, enabling them to better deal with challenges. |
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6,955 Elderly individuals provided with opportunities to build friendships, stay active, and reduce social isolation through gatherings and community activities. |
133 Professional and community engagement provided to universities, public and international schools and companies, about the status of ethnic minorities and the importance of racial diversity, equity and inclusion. |
To read our full annual 2024 Impact Report, please visit:
https://issuu.com/zubinfoundation/docs/2024_the_zubin_foundation_impact_report
Figures in the impact report based on activity attendance. Individual participants may be included multiple times.
About Shalini Mahtani
Shalini Mahtani
Founder and CEO, The Zubin Foundation
Shalini Mahtani, MH, MBE is one of Hong Kong’s most authoritative and respected voices on social issues, particularly diversity and inclusion. In addition to founding The Zubin Foundation, among the city’s most accomplished think tanks on issues related to ethnically diverse communities’ welfare and patient welfare, Shalini is the founder of Community Business, the first organisation in Asia that brings together companies and their management around women, LGBT and disabilities at work. In 2009, Shalini was honoured by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader, and a year prior she was awarded an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her services in corporate social responsibility in Hong Kong. She was also recognised by the HKSAR Government for her contribution to issues related to ethnically diverse communities in Hong Kong. Shalini has authored research and opinion pieces on diversity and inclusion and is a frequent speaker on the topic. She is also a co-host on both BBC World Service and RTHK Radio 3. Shalini is from Hong Kong. She is a graduate of The London School of Economics. She is married and has three children.
Email: mummy@zubinfoundation.org
Photo credit: SCMP
