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
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 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: 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: 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
Full Speech (Transcript) >>
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)