UBS and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have launched the third edition of their joint leadership program aimed at empowering leaders in the nonprofit sector. This year, the initiative introduces a new focus on government relations, with former Chief Secretary for Administration, Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, joining as a mentor. Cheung brings expertise in collaborating with government departments and securing funding, providing participants with valuable insights.
The number of tax-exempt charities in Hong Kong continues to rise, reaching 17,341 by February 2025. This growth underscores the need for nonprofit leaders to distinguish themselves within an increasingly competitive sector. Professor Chow Y.M. Amy of HKU emphasized the necessity for effective leadership: "With the non-profit sector becoming increasingly competitive and the number of NPOs rising rapidly, the need for effective leadership has never been more critical."
The HKU-UBS Social Sector Intermediary Leadership Program (SSILP) equips nonprofit leaders with necessary skills to enhance resilience and growth. Since its inception, the program has trained 62 participants from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. This year has seen a 42.5% increase in applications compared to 2024. Rob Stewart, Chief Communications Officer for UBS Asia Pacific, stated, "The HKU-UBS SSILP was initiated out of a passion for making a positive impact in the non-profit sector and giving back to the community."
A key aspect of the program is its cross-functional approach, connecting nonprofit leaders with experienced professionals from UBS and other sectors. Participants receive guidance in strategy-making, resource management, and other areas crucial for nonprofit management. Additionally, two winners will receive HKD 400,000 in incubation funding to implement their projects.
Contact information for further details is available through Angel Yeung and CF Ng at UBS.
UBS aims to strengthen ties with the community while fostering skills essential for nonprofit success through this initiative.