“Your “why” would make you question how you want to make this world a better place”
Ms. Rachel Wong
Class of 2015
What really stood out to me throughout the GBUS program was the rich diversity of individuals I had the privilege to connect with, along with the extensive opportunities for growth and learning. One memorable aspect was the opportunity to engage in public service. I had the chance to work with a local NGO and spearhead a campus campaign to raise funds for their cause. This experience allowed me to connect with my passion for social causes in a profound way.
What word would you use to describe GBUS students?
Ambitious, I think the GBUS program nurtures the ambition of each individual, and the kind of drive to succeed on both the professional level and the personal level. It’s also the courage to do something different and unconventional, that drove me into exploring an career path in social innovation.
What would you do more or less if you could go back to your university life?
To focus more on building meaningful friendships. Instead of focusing on myself, I would invest more time in building relationships to understand and connect with people from different backgrounds, as these relationships are things that would last.
What is the most important quality to become a change-maker?
The ability to connect with your own heart, and to know your “why”. I think knowing the “why” sustains one to create change. This “why” is often beyond our personal fulfillment; and it is something that is above yourself, leading you to focus on the needs of others. It will make you question how you want to make this world a better place.
How did you choose the pathway of social venture?
I had a passion for this area already before entering the GBUS program. Upon graduation, I worked at a multinational financial services firm but soon after realized that was not the kind of impact I wanted to create and I needed to make a change. So, I took a leap of faith and ventured into the field of social enterprise, which really excited me even though it took huge sacrifice and adaptation.
What is the landscape of NGOs and social ventures in Hong Kong?
Most projects rely heavily on traditional grants, which often limits innovation and creativity as they are bound by stringent KPIs. Yet, it is encouraging to see more cross-sector collaborations between NGOs, public and private institutions to drive social change beyond the non-profit sector.
What is the biggest setback you have faced on your social enterprise pathway, and how did you overcome it?
Convincing other people to buy into our seemingly crazy projects and to affect the mainstream, as there are some existing barriers and bureaucracy in the system. Thankfully, there are increasingly more corporations investing greater resources in ESG these years, so I am confident that we can leverage more cross-sector resources to scale impact.
Are there any tips you want to give to students who want to make an impact socially?
You need to ask yourself what your purposes are. Then, you should identify your own scale of influence and align it with your purposes. Remember, your positive impact doesn't need to be huge or grand. Even small actions hold great power, so never underestimate their significance.
