The HKFYG Leadership Institute Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with New Pacific Economic Cooperation Initiatives and Greater Bay Area Partnerships
Housed in the revitalised former Fanling Magistracy, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Leadership Institute marks its fifth anniversary with a two-day celebration. Distinguished community leaders, government officials and representatives from educational institutions came together to witness new milestones, including the launch of the “Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation Youth Programme,” the signing of partnership agreements with institutions in the Greater Bay Area, and the expansion of heritage guided tours showcasing the conservation efforts in the North District. These initiatives reinforce the Institute’s commitment to nurturing young leaders rooted in Hong Kong, connected to the nation, and equipped with a global vision.
Officiating guests at the ceremony today (15 March) included Bernadette Linn Hon-Ho, Secretary for Development; Wan Ning, Deputy Director-General, Youth Department, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Counsellor Wang Jian, Director-General, International Department, the Office of the Commissioner, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Lau Kwok-fan and Benson Luk Hon-man, Members of the Legislative Council; David Leung Chee-kay, Commissioner of Heritage, Development Bureau; Derek Lai Chi-kin, District Officer (North), Home Affairs Department; the HKFYG’s President Kenneth Chen Wei-on, Council Member Clara Shek Ka-lai, and Executive Director Hsu Siu-man. The guests explored the Institute’s facilities and activities, including course demonstrations, thematic exhibitions and a youth-led market, gaining firsthand insights into the Institute’s achievements and future development plans.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-Ho praised the HKFYG for revitalising and transforming the former Fanling Magistracy into the current Leadership Institute, breathing new life into the historic site. Over the past five years, the Institute has groomed over 40,000 young leaders, many of whom are now social leaders and civil servants. She looks forward to the emergence of more leadership talent and their contribution to Hong Kong and the nation.
In her opening remarks, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, highlighted that the Federation has nurtured over 200,000 young leaders over the years. Building on this success, the Institute has transformed the revitalised facility into a unique training hub dedicated to building a robust talent pool for Hong Kong, the nation and the world. Moreover, the Institute’s “Cultural Ambassador Programme” and “Heritage Guided Tours,” showcasing the innovations in cultural heritage conservation, have received positive feedback and are set to expand, further enabling young people to contribute to the Northern Metropolis development.
Two alumni shared the Institute’s profound impact on their lives. Alan Yip, a young professional who participated in the “Hong Kong 200” leadership programme in 2009, reflected on how the programme cultivated his civic-mindedness while enhancing his leadership and creative problem-solving skills. The experience also shaped his academic and career paths and influenced his decision to pursue overseas exchange opportunities. Even after graduation, he continues to serve the community by volunteering and assuming leadership roles in public and social service organisations.
Another alumna, medical student Helen Wong, detailed how the Institute’s adventure-based training strengthened her teamwork and communication skills, which she believes are practical skills seldom learned in textbooks. She also came to understand that focusing on the pain points faced by those she serves is essential to developing truly effective, impactful solutions. These insights solidified her dedication to practising medicine and aspiration to give back to society through her expertise.
The Institute’s four-pillar training framework, covering “Resilient Leadership”, “Service Leadership”, “Sustainable Leadership”, and “Communicative and Collaborative Leadership”, serves students and young professionals. Strengthening its existing ties with local primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions, the Institute today signed cooperation agreements with multiple educational organisations in the Greater Bay Area, extending its leadership training expertise to foster regional exchange and collaboration.
Furthermore, the Institute launched the “Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation Youth Programme,” which has engaged nearly 200 students. Through a series of seminars, workshops and themed competitions, this dynamic programme is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of regional economic issues and trade dynamics between Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, while inspiring creative thinking and global perspectives.
About The HKFYG Leadership Institute
The HKFYG Leadership Institute is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of young talent. Since 2000, it has trained over 200,000 young leaders through a variety of training and exchange programmes. By empowering young people to serve as leaders of the future, the Institute trusts in them to “make wonders” locally, nationally and globally. For details, please visit leadershipinstitute.hk.