NEWS/ HONG KONG/ CITY 

Press Release – Embargo until 10.30 am on 18 April 2026 

A New Blue Door Opens at Austin MTR: Zubin’s Family Centre Expands 

Expanding access and opportunity for Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities 

Hong Kong, 18 April 2026 – For many families from the ethnically diverse communities navigating poverty, isolation or mental health challenges, support is not just a service – but it is a lifeline. Today, The Zubin Foundation, a Hong Kong registered charity supporting ethnically diverse communities, celebrated the opening of the Zubin’s Family Centre Extension, known as “The Blue Door”, at Austin MTR Station, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to culturally sensitive community services.  

The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, and joined by community partners, donors and families who rely on the Centre for everyday support. 

From One Child’s Voice to a Community’s Future 

The ceremony opened with a courageous sharing by Abdul, a 14‑year‑old Hong Kong‑born service user receiving therapies at the Centre, who spoke publicly for the first time. His words offered a powerful reminder of why safe, accessible spaces matter, and how early, culturally appropriate support can change lives.  

“I sometimes felt very angry or sad and didn’t know how to control myself,” said Abdul. “They (The Zubin Foundation) helped me learn how to calm down. Now I feel better, I have friends at school, and I’m happy. I’m glad the Centre is getting bigger, because it means more children like me can get help.” 

A Centre Built on Access and Inclusion: Why the Expansion Matters 

Originally opened in 2023, Zubin’s Family Centre was the first facility in Hong Kong to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate counselling support to ethnically diverse families. Its location within the MTR network has made it accessible to service users travelling from across the city. 

As demand grew – particularly for women, youth and mental health services – so did the need for space. 

The Centre extension enables The Zubin Foundation to deepen its impact and respond more effectively to community needs. 

Shalini Mahtani, Founder & CEO, The Zubin Foundation reflected on the Centre extension, “Today marks more than the extension of a physical space. It represents our continued commitment to improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities. Since opening Zubin’s Family Centre in 2024, this location has been a game changer, bringing elderly individuals, children with special needs, women and girls, young people and those facing mental‑health challenges directly to our doorstep, from across Hong Kong, rain or shine. The ‘Blue Door’ symbolises openness and possibility. By expanding this Centre, we are better equipped to respond to growing needs and to ensure that support is not limited by distance, cost or circumstance. None of this would be possible without strong partnership. We are deeply grateful to the Government for its support, to MTR for making access possible through this space, and to our partners including TCG and Atelier Pacific for helping us build a Centre that truly serves the community.” 

A Space for Women, Families and the Elderly 

Zubin’s Family Centre extension – “The Blue Door” provides additional room for elderly gatherings, women’s empowerment programmes, youth services and family support.  

Following the ceremony, the venue opened its doors for a Community Open Day, welcoming more than 200 low‑income families from the ethnically diverse communities to select donated toys, books and clothing in a welcoming environment. 

Mahtani added, “This month also holds deep personal meaning for me – April marks the month my son Zubin would have turned 20. In his name, and as his mother, we continue to serve the people of Hong Kong. I thank all of you for your support.” 

As families flowed through the new doorway that morning, one thing was clear: for many, this space is where stability begins. 

Built in partnership with MTR, TCG and Atelier Pacific, the Centre stands as an example of what collaboration between corporates and community organisations can achieve. 

EVENT PHOTOS  

Download Here: http://bit.ly/4tayNfj (Event photos will be ready for download one hour after the event.) 

ABOUT THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION 

The Zubin Foundation (Hong Kong registered charity: IR 91/12344), named after Zubin Mahtani Gidumal, is an integrated service provider supporting Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities. We improve the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse individuals by reducing suffering and providing opportunities. 

 With over 10 years of experience serving and supporting Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities, The Zubin Foundation has transformed countless lives. Yet poverty continues to deepen, and thousands – including women experiencing domestic violence, elderly individuals living alone, and children facing mental health challenges – still need care, dignity and ongoing support. The Zubin Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund our work. For more information, please visit: www.zubinfoundation.org.   

PRESS / GENERAL ENQUIRIES 

Matthew YU, The Zubin Foundation | E: matthew@zubinfoundation.org  | Tel: 2540 9588 / 6084 9333 

Press Release – Full Version (English) >>