Adrian Cheng Launches The WEMP Foundation Non-Profit Dedicated to Children’s Mental Health

To tackle Hong Kong’s mental health crisis, especially with the impact the pandemic had on children, CEO of New World Development Adrian Cheng has founded non-profit organisation The WEMP Foundation alongside a team of advisors to build strategies that bolster city-wide social mental health services and improve support for children.

Already supporting more than 20,000 students and parents to date, The WEMP Foundation seeks to improve four key attributes in mental health, namely Wellbeing, EQ, Mental Health, and Parenting.

With nearly 40% of primary and secondary school students in Hong Kong showing signs of mental illness, according to recent research on the mental health of children and teens, a mental health crisis is plaguing children, with suicide rates climbing and underprivileged families unable to seek support.

Founded in February 2021, The WEMP Foundation kickstarted several pilot projects on mental health education, teaching parents from underprivileged families positive parenting skills and mental health knowledge through film showings, Q&A sessions, games for children, and lectures.

In a star-studded inauguration ceremony hosted on Nov. 11, Adrian Cheng said, “Children are tomorrow’s leaders, and it is only by creating a healthy environment, with a great mental health and wellness support system, can children grow to reach their full potential, and positively lead our future community.”

“I am excited to announce the official launch of The WEMP Foundation, which will help Hong Kong parents and teachers in their responsibilities of educating and nurturing children.”

Adrian was joined by CE John Lee, among experts in education, medical, academic, and political sectors in an advisory committee, including Executive Council Regina Ip, former Secretary for Food and Health Dr. Ko Wing-man, Archbishop and Primate of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, the Most Revd Andrew Chan, and former Chairman of the Hospital Authority, Prof. Anthony Wu.