The Zubin Foundation’s Ethnic Minority Youth Summit: Inspiring Leadership 

Agenda & Event Rundown 

Date: 14 June 2025 (Saturday) 

Event Time: 2:00 – 6:30 pm (Formal Event) | 6.30 – 7.30 (Peer Networking) 

Venue:  2/F, Tower B, Manulife Financial Centre 223-231 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong 

Time 

Details 

2:00 – 2:30 pm  

Networking & Registration 

2:30 – 2:45 pm

Inauguration and Opening Remarks 

Welcome Remarks by Shalini Mahtani, MH, MBE, Founder & CEO​, The Zubin Foundation

Opening Remarks by The Hon. Alice Mak, ​SBS, JP​, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs​, HKSAR

2:45 – 2:50 pm

Group Photos

2:50 – 3:00 pm 

 

Knowledge Share 

Speaker:  

Gary Wong MH JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Qianhai Authority

Positioning for Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area 

Learn how to effectively position opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and gain insights into identifying key sectors for growth, networking strategies, and leveraging regional resources to maximize their potential and achieve career success. 

3:00 – 3:05 pm 

Personal Story 

Speaker:  

Lamia Sreya, Co-founder @seekr 

The Grit Factor: How Perseverance Shapes Our Destiny” 

Discover how resilience emerges from overcoming personal and professional challenges. Explore the transformative power of grit in shaping a meaningful impact for our communities. 

3:05 – 3:35 pm  

 

Panel Discussion 

 

My Identity: We All Are Not the Same 

A compelling discussion that delves into the confluence of diverse identities, exploring the positives and challenges of navigating cultural heritage, educational experiences, and adapting to the vibrant city of Hong Kong. 

Moderator: Soyena Dhakal 

Director, Funds, Finex Hong Kong Limited; Diversity List, 2024 

 

Speakers:  

  1. Iqbaal Saana Batool, ‘My Hijab Story’; Trained Kindergarten Teacher
  2. Khalil Mahmood, ‘Where do I get my identity from?’; Undergraduate Student at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 
  3. Kyla Danella Fernandez, Where do I belong?;  Juris Doctor Student at City University of Hong Kong 
  4. Saleema Aafiya Muhammad Ibrahim, ‘Internationalisation is my Superpower’; Postgraduate Student at City University of Hong Kong 

3.40 – 4:10 pm 

Professional Networking Session 

Cafe Conversations on Career Exploration– Round 1 

Opportunity for youth to interact with professionals from various fields and network with experts to gain valuable insights for future career paths. 

4:15 – 4:25 pm  

Knowledge Share 

Speaker:  

Kevin Pereira, Managing Director at Blu Ltd- Artificial Intelligence 

What AI Means for Future Jobs & Careers 

Discover how AI is transforming job markets. Gain insights into the sectors most affected, explore where new jobs are being created, consider ethical implications, and learn strategies to future-proof your career in an AI-driven world. 

4:25 – 4.40 pm 

 

Youth Conversations 

Speakers: 

  1. Gurdial Singh, Undergraduate Student at City University of Hong Kong 
  2. Marrium Bibi, Primary School Teacher & Content Creator 
  3. Qureshi Muhammad Talha, Senior Project Officer at The Zubin Foundation 

Family First 

An engaging and interactive discussion featuring three speakers who will share their unique perspectives on balancing family and personal aspirations. Topics will include prioritizing family over education, pursuing personal goals such as solo travel and content creation, and navigating family expectations while achieving career objectives. 

4.40 – 4:45 pm 

 

Personal Story 

Speaker:  

Tayyeba, Undergraduate Student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong 

Sharing Makes the Heart Lighter 

Explore how opening to friends or mental health professionals can provide comfort and improve well-being through shared experiences. 

4.45– 4:55 pm 

Knowledge Share 

Speaker:  

Aldric Chau, General Manager Digital at Cathay Pacific 

Leveraging AI for Digital Transformation in Workplace 

Discover how AI is enhancing workplace tasks and learn effective methods to optimize your productivity in an AI-integrated environment. 

5:00– 5:30 pm 

 

Professional Networking Session 

Cafe Conversations on Career Exploration– Round 2 

Opportunity for youth to interact with professionals from various fields and network with experts to gain valuable insights for future career paths.  

5:35 – 5:45 pm 

Knowledge Share 

Speaker: 

Diana Wu David, CEO The Future Proof Lab 

Enhancing Productivity: Practical Tips for Action 

Gain practical productivity tips to enhance daily efficiency, prioritize tasks, stay organized, minimize distractions, and maintain a healthy work-life balance for improved overall productivity. 

5.45 – 5.50 pm  

Personal Story 

Speaker:  

Christian Karlos Espiritu Pua, Teacher at Li Sing Tai Hang School 

Power of Connections & Mentorships 

Learn how strong connections and mentorship can enhance personal and professional growth, offering guidance and support to navigate challenges and achieve one’s goals 

5:50 – 6:00 pm  

Knowledge Share 

Speaker:  

Dr. Ullah Rizwan, Vice Principal & District Councillor, Kowloon City District, HKSARG 

Closing Remarks on Work Etiquette: Key Practices and Hidden Norms 

Gain insights into essential work etiquette and hidden norms that influence professional success. Learn about effective communication, appropriate workplace behavior, and cultural nuances to enhance interactions and support career growth. 

 

END OF OFFICIAL SUMMIT

6:00 – 6:30 pm 

RECEPTION

 

Professional Networking 

Cafe Conversations on Career Exploration– Round 3 

Opportunity for youth to interact with professionals from various fields and network with experts to gain valuable insights for future career paths. 

 

6:30– 7:30 pm

Peer Networking + Interactive Group Activities with Refreshments 

Enjoy light snacks and beverages while connecting with fellow attendees. Expand your professional and social network in a friendly atmosphere by sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and building valuable relationships with your fellow attendees.  

Facilitators for Interactive activities 

  1. Anju Ghising , Registered Social Worker
  2. Khanna Akshit, Registered Social Worker 

 

List of Speakers

  • Aldric Chau, General Manager Digital at Cathay Pacific
  • Alice Mak, ​SBS, JP​, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs​, HKSARG
  • Anju Ghising , Registered Social Worker
  • Christian Karlos Espiritu Pua, Teacher at Li Sing Tai Hang School
  • Deepmala Dhakal, Investment Analyst at BlackRock
  • Diana Wu David, CEO, The Future Proof Lab
  • Dr. Ullah Rizwan, Vice Principal & District Councillor, Kowloon City District, HKSARG
  • Ehsan Nawaz, Ex Hong Kong Cricketer, First Pakistani, KMB Bus Driver
  • Gary Wong, MH JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Qianhai Authority
  • Gurdial Singh, Undergraduate Student at City University of Hong Kong
  • Hibban Ahmed, Lawyer at Linklaters
  • Iqbaal Saana Batool, Trained Kindergarten Teacher
  • Jasper Hilkhuijsen, Innovation and Sustainability Development Manager from Arup
  • Kevin Pereira, Managing Director at Blu Ltd- Artificial Intelligence
  • Khalil Mahmood, Undergraduate Student at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Khanna Akshit, Registered Social Worker
  • Kyla Danella Fernandez, Juris Doctor Student at City University of Hong Kong
  • Lamia Sreya, Co-founder @seekr
  • Marrium Bibi, Primary School Teacher & Content Creator
  • Nishant Prasad, Trainee Solicitor at A&O Shearman
  • Pranali Gupta (New Dellily), Digital Content Creator, Youtuber
  • Qureshi Muhammad Talha, Senior Project Officer at The Zubin Foundation
  • Saleema Aafiya Muhammad Ibrahim, Postgraduate Student at City University of Hong Kong
  • Shalini Mahtani, MH, MBE, Founder & CEO​, The Zubin Foundation
  • Soyena Dhakal, Director, Funds, Finex Hong Kong Limited; Diversity List, 2024
  • Surin Barua, Mathematics Teacher in Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo)
  • Tayyeba, Undergraduate Student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Thapa Sumit, IT Specialist
  • Waqas Butt, Registered Social Worker

Bio of Speakers >>

 

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