NEWS/ HONG KONG/ CITY

Press Release – Immediate

Helping Young People See What Is Possible
Local Ethnically Diverse Youth Speak Out at Leadership Summit 2026
300 young people to discuss Hong Kong’s future, opportunities, identity and belonging

Hong Kong, 12 September 2026 – Are young people optimistic about their future in Hong Kong? Is Hong Kong still a city of opportunity? Can young people succeed without speaking Cantonese? What does it mean to grow up between cultures in Hong Kong today? These were among the questions explored at The Zubin Foundation’s Ethnically Diverse Youth Leadership Summit 2026, where more than 300 ethnically diverse young people joined government officials, educators, business leaders, entrepreneurs and community representatives for a day of open and honest discussions about the future.

As Hong Kong continues to debate talent development, social mobility, and its future competitiveness, one perspective is often missing: the voices of ethnically diverse young people themselves.

Shalini Mahtani, MH, MBE, Founder and CEO of The Zubin Foundation, said: “Too often, discussions about our communities focus on barriers and challenges. We created this Summit because we wanted to focus on something equally important: opportunity, leadership, aspirations and the future. One of the most powerful lessons from last year’s Summit was that when young people are given a platform to speak, they can shape conversations and influence change. This Summit was not created for young people. It was created with young people. Their voices matter because they are part of Hong Kong’s future”.

The Summit featured an opening speech by Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, HKSAR Government, who emphasised that ethnically diverse young people are an important part of Hong Kong’s future, and their voices matter.

Nicholas Ho, Commissioner for Belt and Road, HKSAR Government, shared: “Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse youth are a strategic asset for the Belt and Road Initiative, bringing valuable language skills, cultural insights, and international perspectives. The priority is to help them recognise their strengths and connect them with opportunities that enable them to thrive and contribute to Hong Kong’s future.”

What We Heard: Four Key Insights from Hong Kong’s Ethnically Diverse Youth

• Young People Still Believe in Hong Kong: Youth expressed a desire to contribute to Hong Kong. However, they emphasised the importance of access to practical opportunities, exposure, mentorship and networks.
• Success Does Not Follow One Path: From entrepreneurship and sports to education and public service, speakers demonstrated that success can take many forms. Youth were encouraged to focus on their strengths and explore opportunities that align with their interests and aspirations.
• Language Matters, But It Should Not Define Potential: Discussions on identity and belonging highlighted how multicultural experiences can foster resilience, adaptability and unique perspectives. Youth shared that embracing their identities gave them greater confidence.
• Identity Can Be a Source of Strength: Youth explored what it means to grow up between cultures and how multicultural experiences can shape confidence and resilience. Some shared that embracing multiple identities allowed them to build stronger connections, challenge stereotypes and contribute unique perspectives to their communities. Rather than viewing cultural differences as barriers, participants discussed how diversity can be a strength for both individuals and society.

From Challenges to Possibilities: What Helps Young People Thrive?

Throughout the Leadership Summit, several practical themes emerged as critical to helping young people realise their potential:

• Exposure Creates Possibility: Youth cannot aspire to opportunities they have never seen. Exposure to role models, careers and new experiences helps broaden horizons and build confidence. Future Skills Matter Adaptability, communication, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning remain essential skills for navigating a rapidly changing world.
• Representation Matters: Seeing people from similar backgrounds succeed helps young people believe that success is possible for them too.
• Networks Create Opportunities: Mentors, supporters and professional connections often play a vital role in opening doors and creating opportunities.
• Future Skills Matter: Adaptability, communication, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning remain essential skills for navigating a rapidly changing world.

Language Shapes Perceptions: From “Ethnic Minority” to “Ethnically Diverse”

One of the key discussions at the Summit focused on the power of language and its role in shaping identity, belonging and public perceptions. Following conversations at the inaugural Youth Summit in 2025, many young people shared that the term “ethnic minority” did not fully reflect who they are, their aspirations or their place in Hong Kong society. In response, The Zubin Foundation adopted the term “ethnically diverse” to better recognise the rich diversity, strengths and contributions of these communities. Rather than defining individuals by minority status, the term “ethnically diverse” recognises them as an integral part of Hong Kong’s social fabric. Participants discussed how inclusive language can foster greater understanding, respect and belonging, while helping to build a Hong Kong where everyone feels seen, valued and empowered to contribute.

Looking Forward

The Ethnically Diverse Youth Leadership Summit concluded with a sense of optimism, reminding participants that while challenges exist, so do opportunities.

Mahtani said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to dream, to explore and to believe in their potential. Today’s Summit showed that our young people have the talent, resilience and determination to succeed. They do not need us to decide their future for them. They need us to create the conditions that allow them to thrive. If there is one message I hope everyone leaves with today, it is this: there are more possibilities available to you than you may realise.”

The Zubin Foundation extends its gratitude to everyone who made the Summit possible, including our speakers, Youth Committee members, supporting organisations, volunteers, partners and participants. We are especially grateful to our sponsors and supporters to empower Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse youth:

• The Keswick Foundation: Strategic Partner
• Manulife: Presenting Sponsor
• A&O Shearman: Platinum Sponsor
• Swire Trust: Gold Sponsor

PRESS / GENERAL ENQUIRIES 

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

Press Release – Full Version (English) >>