The Zubin Foundation successfully hosted its first-ever Ethnic Minority Youth Summit 2025: Inspiring Leadership, marking a significant milestone in our journey. This event brought youth to the forefront, fostering meaningful conversations about empowerment, connections, and leadership.
We were thrilled to see over 200 participants for the summit, alongside 30+ inspiring speakers who joined us to share their insights and experiences. The summit provided a unique platform for young individuals in the community to share their experiences, achievements, challenges, and dreams, highlighting the opportunities that await them.
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary of transforming lives at The Zubin Foundation, we are more committed than ever to fostering connections and understanding within the community. Together, we inspired one another and created a vision for a future where everyone can thrive. Your presence and participation made a difference – thank you for being part of this empowering journey.
Objectives | Audience & Focus Areas | Why Support | Speakers and Moderators
High-level Summit Details and Agenda | Youth Committee | Sponsors and Supporting Organisations
Objectives of the Youth Summit 2025
- To Inspire: Empower and motivate ethnic minority youth
- To Prepare: Highlight relevant skills and knowledge needed for future opportunities
- To Initiate: Explore opportunities and challenges collaboratively with a growth mindset
- To Connect: Develop a network of support and engagement beyond the summit
Target Audience
We brought together 200+ ethnic minority youth (ages 16-35) in Hong Kong for an unforgettable experience.
We invited:
- Youth aspiring to pursue tertiary education in Hong Kong
- Youth currently enrolled in universities and colleges in Hong Kong
- Graduates from universities and colleges seeking inspiration
- Young professionals focused on skill development and career advancement
Focus Areas
Speakers and Moderators
Aldric Chau
General Manager Digital at Cathay Pacific
Aldric currently leads Cathay’s efforts in data science and analytics, enterprise technology innovation and digital transformation across the organisation. Aldric started his career with Cathay’s inflight services team in 2008. As part of the Swire Management Programme, he has held a number of managerial positions in customer relationship and retail, e-commerce and Lean process improvement in Hong Kong, and overseas as the airline’s Country Manager in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Aldric graduated from MBA programme at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Alice Mak, SBS, JP
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs
HKSAR
Miss Alice Mak was appointed the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs on 1 July 2022.
Prior to joining the Government, Miss Mak has been actively participating in public affairs for many years. She is well-acquainted with district and community affairs for having served as Legislative Council Member from 2012 to 2022 and in six terms of the Kwai Tsing District Council. Miss Mak was also the Vice President of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, the Chairman of Hong Kong Ladies Dynamic Association and Member of the Council of The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Miss Mak holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Anju Ghising
Registered Social Worker
Anju Ghising is a Registered Social Worker (HKU), Life Coach and Cultural Diversity Competency Trainer. With a humanistic approach, Anju facilitates meaningful growth and transformation through mental health counselling and coaching in areas such as mindset, wellness, relationship, online dating, and solo travel. Dedicated to building an inclusive community, she works with ethnically diverse communities to unlock their true potential and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and diverse perspectives.
Christian Karlos Espiritu Pua
English Teacher at
Li Sing Tai Hang School
Christian Karlos Pua is an individual who embraces new challenges and has studied, worked, and lived across three different continents. He has gained valuable experience in the education, government, and non-government sectors, contributing to organizations in Hong Kong and internationally.
Deepmala Dhakal
Investment Analyst at
BlackRock
Deepmala KD is an Investment Analyst at BlackRock and a Professional Multilingual Emcee. A first-generation Nepalese Hong Konger, she holds a bachelor's degree in finance and politics from the University of Hong Kong. Deepmala is passionate about financial literacy and social justice. She is a TED Speaker, AmCham Ignite Speaker, 2024 HKSAR Diversity List Awardee, 2023 United Nations Millennium Fellow, and 2021 President of the World University Service, where she advocated for socioeconomic development and cross-cultural understanding.
Diana Wu David
Chief Executive Officer at
The Future Proof Lab
Diana is ranked #2 futurist in the world by Global Gurus, a top 50 future of work expert, an international keynote speaker, and a certified C-suite Executive Leadership Coach, sought after by leaders who want to change the game and prepare their organizations to disrupt themselves and drive breakthrough results. A former Financial Times executive, she is now CEO of Future Proof Lab, which provides insights and future-ready talent development. She is the best-selling author of the Inc. magazine Top 10 Innovation book, Future Proof: Reinventing Work in the Age of Acceleration, and writes about metabolizing change, including AI, web3, and demographics, for Harvard Business Review, FastCompany, Inc., and Nikkei. She began her career and leadership education as an assistant to Dr. Henry Kissinger.
Dr. Rizwan Ullah
Vice Principal & District Councillor, Kowloon City District, HKSARG
Dr. Rizwan Ullah, M.H., is a distinguished educator and District Councillor for Kowloon City, possessing extensive experience in school administration, multicultural education, and student development. He earned a PhD from The University of Hong Kong and has held the position of Vice Principal at HKBU Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School. A recipient of the Medal of Honor in 2021 and numerous government commendations, Dr. Ullah actively participates in various advisory boards, significantly contributing to youth development, racial harmony, and education policy in Hong Kong.
Ehsan Nawaz
Ex Hong Kong Cricketer, First Pakistani KMB Bus Driver
Ehsan developed a passion for cricket at a very young age, beginning his journey by playing with a tape ball. Later, his good friend introduced him to hard ball cricket. He joined the Pakistan Cricket Club and, in 2014, was selected for the Hong Kong national team, where he played professionally for five years. Due to injuries, Ehsan had to step away from cricket. His other interest, driving large vehicles, led him to apply for a job at KMB. After passing the driving test, he became the first ethnic minority bus driver to join KMB breaking the barrier and opening doors for more ethnic minorities in Hong Kong to pursue their passion.
Gary Wong MH JP
Chief HK & Macao Liaison Expert,
Qianhai Authority
Gary Wong Chi-him has been the Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert of Qianhai Authority of Shenzhen since December 2024, following a distinguished private sector career at Gaw Capital, GLG, and Yip’s Chemical. His contributions to public service have earned him recognition from the Hong Kong SAR Government, including appointments as Justice of the Peace (JP) in 2022 and the Medal of Honour (MH) in 2024. He has also played key roles in various committees and public bodies in Hong Kong, such as the Commission on Children and Equal Opportunities Commission, alongside political consultative positions and board memberships on the Mainland.
Beyond his governmental work, Gary founded InspiringHK Sports Foundation, which fosters equal opportunities, gender equality, and healthy lifestyles for underprivileged youth. Academically, he holds degrees from The University of Hong Kong, the University of London, and the University of Oxford, and is a doctoral candidate in Sociology at Tsinghua University, where he was named Student of the Year in 2021. His dedication to both China and Hong Kong is reflected in his broad engagement across governance, education, and social initiatives.
Gurdial Singh
Undergraduate Student at City University of Hong Kong
Gurdial Singh, a 26-year-old Sikh Indian, he is currently pursuing a degree in BBA Global Business and Finance at City University of Hong Kong. With over eight years of experience in the textile industry, he started Chardikala Ltd out of a passion for the field. Alongside his work and studies, he values learning, connecting with people, and making a positive impact through community engagement.
Hibban Ahmed
Lawyer at Linklaters
Hibban is the head of the Linklaters Hong Kong Investment Funds practice. He is a specialist in the structuring and establishment of alternative investment funds and represents investors across the world including institutional investors, pension funds, financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds and multilateral organisations. He was based in the firm’s London office between 2004 and 2011 and has been based in the firm’s Hong Kong office permanently since 2011. He holds the role of DEI partner champion and is a strong supporter of diversity in the workplace.
Iqbaal Saana Batool
Trained Kindergarten Teacher
Saana, a 26-year-old Pakistani, Saana holds a bachelor's degree in applied child development from The University of Hong Kong and a Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education.
Jasper Hilkhuijsen
Innovation and Sustainability Development Manager from Arup
Jasper is Arup’s Senior APAC Sustainable Development and Innovation Manager, driving both agendas across the region. He acts as a super-connector inspiring colleagues, clients and other stakeholders to make a positive difference through collaboration, progressive thinking and the application of innovative solutions.
Originally from the Netherlands, and trained as an architect and urban designer, Jasper has been living in Hong Kong for the past 12 years, working on projects across APAC.
Kevin Pereira
Managing Director at
Blu Ltd- Artificial Intelligence
Kevin is also an Adjunct Professor at several universities in Hong Kong including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) amongst a few others. He teaches classes related to the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and different areas of business such as Marketing and Finance. In terms of lecturing in the larger Asia Pacific region, Kevin is also an Adjunct Faculty at the Asian Institute of technology in Thailand. In addition to his education work in academia, Kevin has delivered numerous corporate AI workshops to innovation and strategy teams from a myriad of industries in multiple locations around the world.
Kevin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with concentrations in Finance, Management, and Marketing from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He also has an MBA from INSEAD.
Khalil Mahmood
Undergraduate Student at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Khalil, a 22-year-old Pakistani, Khalil has diverse work experience in finance, real estate management, and the tech industry. He also shares financial market insights with the aim of making them more accessible to people.
Khanna Akshit
– Registered Social Worker
Akshit is a multilingual social worker and the Team Leader for Employment Service Development, dedicated to empowering ethnically diverse adults and youth through career guidance and job matching. With extensive experience in substance rehabilitation, youth wellness, and service innovation, Akshit has consistently pushed boundaries, challenging stereotypes about his ability to serve diverse communities. His unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and opportunity has made a significant impact on those he serves.
Kyla Danella Fernandez ,
Juris Doctor Student at
City University of Hong Kong
Kyla is a 25-year-old Filipino currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in law (Juris Doctor). She has interned at leading companies and law firms, and worked with various NGOs in Hong Kong. Kyla is also the founder and president of the Filipino Student Association in Hong Kong. She brings a unique perspective shaped by her cultural background and dedication to creating inclusive spaces for diverse communities.
Lamia Sreya
Co-founder @seekr
Lamia is the co-founder of Vidi Labs - Seekr, an award-winning startup focused on developing innovative technology for the visually impaired in Hong Kong. She holds the distinction of being the first Hong Kong-born Bangladeshi to earn both a Juris Doctor and a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. With a decade of active community service beginning at the age of 16, Lamia has made significant contributions to her community. In recognition of her efforts, she received the AmCham Women of Influence Young Changemaker Award in 2024.
Marrium Bibi
Primary School Teacher & Content Creator
Marrium Bibi, a 27-year-old educator in Hong Kong, works as an ELTA in a local primary school. With a bachelor's degree in science focused on food and nutrition, she promotes healthy living despite not pursuing a career in nutrition. Marrium enjoys creating content on Instagram, sharing halal options in Hong Kong, her travels, and how she balances faith and life in the city. Recently, she moved out, marking a significant milestone for her family. She looks forward to discussing this in her upcoming talk. Stay tuned.
Nishant Prasad
Trainee Solicitor at
A&O Shearman
Nishant is a Trainee Solicitor at A&O Shearman who was seconded to Hong Kong from London. After studying Physics at Imperial College London, Nishant started working for startup based at then Allen & Overy’s tech incubator “Fuse”.
After seeing the potential for technology to transform transactional work, he was offered a training contract at the firm. Following a law degree, he started his training contract in September 2023 and has completed seats in Leverage Finance, Tax and Private Equity - now sitting in M&A in Hong Kong.
Pranali Gupta (New Dellily)
Digital Content Creator, Youtuber
Pranali Gupta, born in Hong Kong, embodies a strong Indian spirit. Known as New Dellily on YouTube, she speaks fluent Cantonese. In 2019, she leveraged this skill to launch her YouTube channel, using her irresistible sense of humor to educate people in Hong Kong about Indian culture. Her channel quickly gained popularity, amassing over 66,300 subscribers. Pranali's career as a YouTuber took off, and she continues to break stereotypes and share her heritage with a diverse audience.
Qureshi Muhammad Talha
Senior Project Officer at
The Zubin Foundation
Talha, a 29-year-old, works as a Senior Project Officer at The Zubin Foundation. Born in Pakistan, he moved to Hong Kong in 2008 and balanced full-time work with part-time studies to support his family while earning a BA (Hons) in Business Studies. Passionate about community service, he has worked with four NGOs in Hong Kong and has over 8 years of experience in Ethnic Minority (EM) youth outreach, employment support, event coordination, public advocacy, and youth mentorship. Talha also pursues music, sharing covers and vlogs on YouTube and performing at cultural events. He aims to empower youth and serve the community to help them thrive in Hong Kong.
Saleema Aafiya Muhammad Ibrahim
Postgraduate Student at City University Hong Kong
Saleema Aafiya, a 24-year-old Indian, Saleema holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws from the City University of Hong Kong. Throughout her studies, she interned at various firms before interning and now working at Hugill and Ip.
Shalini Mahtani
Founder & Chief Executive Officer at
The Zubin Foundation
Shalini is the Founder and CEO of The Zubin Foundation and the Founder and previous CEO of Community Business. Shalini is also a member of the Commission of Children. Shalini has written extensively on diversity. She is ethnically Indian and is from Hong Kong where her family has lived since 1911.
Singh Gimandeep
Detective Senior Inspector of Police
Hong Kong Police Force
SINGH Gimandeep (Deep) is a police officer serving in the Regional Crime Unit Kowloon West in Hong Kong. He is responsible for investigating some of the most serious and high-profile cases, leveraging his unwavering commitment to justice. Deep actively engages with the community to promote safety and awareness. He joined the police force immediately after graduation and holds a degree in Nuclear and Risk Engineering.
Additionally, he is multilingual, speaking Cantonese, English, Hindi, and Punjabi.
Soenya Dhakal
Director of Funds at Private Equity and Venture Capital Placement Firm
Ms. Soyena Dhakal is the Director of Funds at a leading private equity and venture capital placement firm in Hong Kong, where she leads the Fund Specialist Team and manages fund due diligence. With experience in alternative investments, asset management and research, she brings a versatile skill set to her role.
Soyena holds a Master’s in Finance degree from the National University of Singapore. And, is recognized on The Zubin Foundation’s Diversity List 2024.
Sukhdeep Singh
Doctor (MBChB)
Hospital Authority
Dr. Sukhdeep Singh, born and raised in Hong Kong, serves as a surgical resident with the Hospital Authority. He earned his MBChB from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Notably, he is the first baptized Sikh doctor to work in a local public hospital. Dr. Singh is also a member of the Pargaas Organisation.
Surin Barua
Mathematics Teacher in Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo)
Surin is a Mathematics Teacher at Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo). He currently teaches students from Form 1 to Form 6. Surin is known for his engaging teaching style and his commitment to helping students who struggle with mathematics. Before becoming a teacher, he worked as a community worker and holds a degree in mechanical engineering. He is multilingual, speaking languages such as Bangla, Hindi, Urdu, and basic Cantonese.
Tayeeba
Undergraduate Student at
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Tayyeba, a graduate of the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a major in English literature and linguistics, is a passionate advocate for cultural diversity and inclusivity. She actively works with Intercultural Education (ICE) and collaborates with The Zubin Foundation and The Amber Foundation's Leadership Academy for EMPOWER to empower women in Hong Kong. Her academic journey includes a summer program at the University of Oxford, and she aims to inspire change in local schools by fostering inclusive environments and promoting mental health awareness as she pursues her PGDE.
Thapa Sumit
– IT Specialist
Sumit is a skilled IT professional with extensive experience in support and infrastructure management. Currently, he serves as a Trade Floor Engineer at an American multinational corporation, where he excels at installing and troubleshooting hardware and software in high-pressure trading environments. With a strong background in data center operations and tier 2 IT support, Sumit effectively collaborates with cross-functional teams to align technology with business needs. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology for Business, along with multiple certifications, including ITIL Foundation. Fluent in English, Nepali, and basic Cantonese, he brings a diverse skill set to his work.
Waqas Butt
Registered Social Worker
Waqas is the first Pakistani Registered Social Worker to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the City University of Hong Kong. He has been actively promoting social inclusion, cultural diversity, and advocating for the rights of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong through his profession, media platforms, and volunteer work. With experience serving both Chinese and non-Chinese communities across different age groups, Waqas has been involved in counseling, outreach, cultural sensitivity training, and networking with various community stakeholders. His proficiency in the Chinese language has enabled him to bridge communication gaps, facilitate resource allocation, and foster social integration between non-Chinese and Chinese communities.
High-level Summit Details and Agenda Date: 14 June 2025 (Saturday) Event Time: 2:00 – 6:30 pm (Formal Programme) | 6.30 – 7.30 (Reception) Venue: 2/F, Tower B, Manulife Financial Centre 223-231 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
Youth Committee
The Youth Committee worked with The Zubin Foundation team to plan and develop the programme for the Summit. We were grateful to the committee for supporting the work we did.
Members:
- Christian Karlos Espiritu Pua
- Gurdial Singh
- Hema Dura
- Khalil Mahmood
- Kyla Danella Fernandez
- Limbu Sanjay
- Saana Iqbal
- Saleema Muhammad Ibrahim
Sponsors and Supporting Organisations
Platinum
- A&O Shearman
Gold
- Manulife
- The Swire Group Charitable Trust
Silver
- King & Wood Mallesons
- Linklaters
- MTR Corporation
Supporting Organisations
- Connecting Hearts
- Equal Opportunities Commission
Community Partners
At The Zubin Foundation, we believe in the power of community to inspire change. Our recent Summit was a chance to make a difference in the lives of our youth. If you would like to learn more about our work and partnerships, please contact Partnerships Manager, Vibha Karnik, vibha@zubinfoundation.org.
Press & Media
- Press Invite: Empowering Ethnic Minority Youth for Tomorrow: Inspire Change Through Leadership | Click Here>>
- 傳媒採訪邀請 : 領袖新勢力引領未來改變之路 少數族裔青年高峰會盛大啟動 | Click Here>>
- Press Release: Hong Kong’s Future Has a New Face: Inspire Change through Leadership
– First Youth Leadership Summit for Ethnic Minority Students and Young Professionals | Click Here>> - 新聞稿：領袖新勢力引領未來改變之路 少數族裔青年高峰會盛大啟動 | Click Here>>
Summit Photos
Contact
Vibha Karnik | vibha@zubinfoundation.org | +852 2540 9588 (Event & Partnerships)
Matthew Yu | matthew@zubinfoundation.org | +852 2540-9588 (Press & Media)
