(Hong Kong, 24 May 2024) – In a joint initiative, Hang Seng Bank (Hang Seng), Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and Wofoo Social Enterprises (Wofoo) today announced the launch of the Future Ecopreneur Programme. The initiative is designed to develop local students and young graduates into future leaders in sustainability and Greentech, aligning with Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050.
The first of its kind tripartite partnership on a charitable sustainability entrepreneurship programme between a leading financial institution, a statutory body fostering innovation and technology development and a respected non-governmental organisation represents a significant commitment to advancing sustainable development. Over 2.5 years, the programme will provide participants with comprehensive training aimed at enhancing their entrepreneurial skills and deepening their understanding of environmental issues.
Diana Cesar, JP, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng, said: “We are excited to support these bright young minds as they bring their innovative ideas to life. This initiative isn’t just about creating sustainable solutions, it’s about investing in the leaders of tomorrow and watching them make a positive impact on our world.”
Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of HKSTP Foundation, said: “The Future Ecopreneur Programme and this unique partnership with Hang Seng and Wofoo is a momentous milestone on Hong Kong’s sustainability journey. We seek to attract and nurture future generations of ecopreneurs into our city’s growing innovation ecosystem to drive green aspirations and make a positive green impact. The unique tripartite combination of HKSTP’s innovation capabilities and network with Hang Seng’s commercial know-how and Wofoo’s insight on youth development and tech-for-good will provide a huge impetus to Hong Kong’s growth into an international Green Tech hub.”
Dr Joseph Lee, GBS, OStJ, JP, President of Wofoo, said: “Wofoo is proud and excited to be launching this Future Ecopreneur Programme with HKSTP and Hang Seng. This ambition and scale align perfectly with our vision of inspiring hope for the future by upskilling students and igniting within them an unwavering passion for effecting positive change. We believe this will empower students to emerge as the ecopreneurs of tomorrow, driving innovation and crafting sustainable solutions to tackle the global climate change challenge.”
Participants will engage in various activities such as overseas ecotours and ecotours in GBA, sustainability courses, entrepreneurship bootcamps and community-based sustainability projects. They will also interact directly with industry leaders from Hang Seng and the extensive network of Greentech companies from HKSTP, gaining practical insights into the latest sustainable technologies and practices.
The young future ecopreneurs in this programme will create 80-100 new and sustainable business ideas to tackle environmental solutions. Some of them will receive additional support for development and commercialisation, including mentorship from HKSTP and Hang Seng, and funding support from HKSTP. The goal is to launch 30-40 new Greentech ventures, contributing significantly to the sustainable development of the region.
Today, over 100 Green Tech companies already operate in HKSTP and the programme will inject a new wave of youth innovation to further enhance its existing growing ecosystem of sustainability changemakers and bolster the city’s standing as an international Green Tech hub.
