Best Co-working Spaces With Day Passes in Hong Kong
Hong Kong/ Venture/ Careers

6 Best Co-working Spaces With Day Passes in Hong Kong

6 Best Co working Spaces With Day Passes in Hong Kong

With the pandemic affecting greatly how and where we work, and firms and businesses switching to hybrid or work-from-home conditions, employees in Hong Kong are seeking spaces to join a community of independent workers in flexible yet affordable shared offices and co-working spaces.

With hot-desking and multisharing environments growing in number across the city, follow our guide to explore what co-working spaces are best to book for a day pass and visit in Hong Kong.


theDesk

Hong Kong’s largest collection of flexible co-working spaces across the city at theDesk make the company a great choice for co-working and WFH trips to the more than 15 in-house and serviced offices. Bright, spacious, and located beside MTR stations, each office allows workers to purchase a day pass for HK$300 for nine hours. Passes can be purchased online here.

Locations: Multiple offices across Hong Kong, +852 3892 2320


The Hive Hong Kong

With branches across Asia, The Hive’s presence is greatest in Hong Kong, with nine multi-floor open-plan flexible workspaces located in seven districts from the Island to New Territories. They also host dozens of community events at Hive Wan Chai and Sheung Wan, joining arts, crafts, food, and socialising after work. Guests can purchase a day pass for HK$300 for one day from 8 AM to 6 PM. Become a Hive member and purchase your day pass here.

Locations: Multiple offices across Hong Kong, +852 3568 6343


The Wave

A Kwun Tong-located serviced office and co-working space, The Wave is best for providing curated offers and packages for “wavers” (tenants) seeking semi-permanent or permanent space to work within their open-plan space. The Kowloon co-working space offers the city’s cheapest day pass, costing HK$128 from 9 AM to 6 PM. For student passes, you only need to pay HK$50 for nine hours too! Book your day passes on their main site here.

Location: The Wave, Level 10, 4 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, +852 6393 9333


Desk.one

With five homes in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Tseun Wan, Sha Tin, and Wan Chai, the Desk.one is Hong Kong’s first on-demand co-working for individuals and small groups to work in walk-in reading lounges and quiet focus zones, and reserve private rooms and event spaces for collaboration. Prepare to fork out HK$128, or around HK$11 per hour, for a single-day pass visit on weekdays, and HK$148 on weekends. To purchase, check out the site here.

Locations: Multiple offices across Hong Kong, +852 2185 6660


Banyan Workspace

Banyan Workspace is the city’s leading sustainable co-working space, committed to giving back to the local community in various charity events and social initiatives. In their sizeable Quarry Bay working space, workers are welcome to join specialist events, book meetings and conferences, and purchase memberships for daily use. An “open seat” day pass costs HK$250 for all-day use of the space. Purchase here for an hour, day, or week pass.

Location: Banyan Workspace, Suite 1204, Eastern Harbour Centre, 28 Hoi Chak Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2159 5599


Metro Workspace

Founded 12 years ago, Metro Workspace is one of Hong Kong’s longest-operating workspace companies. They have eight spacious co-working spaces, as well as holding meeting rooms, event spaces, private dining rooms, seminar rooms, and photo studios. With their hosting space for serviced apartments and storage, Metro is an all-encompassing company for your WFH needs. A day pass for hot desk costs only HK$300. To access the group’s nine spaces dotted around the city, visit their site here.

Locations: Multiple offices across Hong Kong, +852 3955 8550

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Hong Kong/ Venture/ Money
The Best Credit Card Offers in Hong Kong Right Now
20082025 5 Photo by Instagram/ Mastercard Hong Kong & Macau

Getting a credit card in Hong Kong isn't just about convenience or making payments; it's a chance to enjoy rewards and treat yourself every time you spend. 

Many banks in the city are offering exciting and bang-for-your-buck credit card offers with perks like cashback, special prices, exclusive dining discounts, and many more. 

If you hold a few different credit cards or haven't paid much attention to pre-existing offers, continue reading to find out how you can maximize your credit card spending in the city and beyond! 

HSBC Premier Exclusive: Buy-1-Get-1-Free Set Lunch or Dinner

Amber Hong Kong
Amber Hong Kong

HSBC Premier Mastercard Credit Card holders can treat themselves to an exclusive buy-1-get-1-free set lunch or dinner at top-tier restaurants across Hong Kong, including MICHELIN-starred favorites like Amber, Arbor, Man Wah, Mandarin Grill & Bar, Nagamoto, NOI, Sun Tung Lok, Rùn, and MORA. The offer also covers The Krug Room and Lawry’s The Prime Rib.

Available until Dec. 31, 2025 - this is the perfect chance to experience world-class dining for half the price! 

Check out the deal listing below to find out how to make your reservation!

Enjoy 2 for 1 at Selected MICHELIN Venues with HSBC Premier Credit Card Multiple Venues Fri, August 22 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Indulge in Michelin-starred dining with a buy-1-get-1-free set lunch or dinner, exclusively for HSBC Premier Mastercard® holders. Available at selected Hong Kong restaurants now through 31 December 2025.

American Express Exclusive: Up to 30% Off on Selected Restaurants

Cova Hong Kong
Cova Hong Kong

If you hold any eligible American Express® Cards in Hong Kong, enjoy the Special Dining Offer of up to 30% off at designated restaurants from Jul. 1 to Sept. 30, 2025, and their Year-Round Dining Offer of up to 25% savings at select venues from now until the end of the year, Dec. 31, 2025

Reservations are required with mention of the offer usage. 

Visit the deal listing below for the full participating restaurants list! 

30% Savings on Seasonal & Year-Round Dining Offers with AMEX Multiple Venues Fri, August 22 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Enjoy up to 30% off at selected restaurants this summer, or save up to 25% year-round with American Express Hong Kong dining offers. Perfect for foodies looking to dine smarter.

Visa Exclusive: Earn Up to HK$350 for Octopus on iPhone and Apple Watch

Visa / Octopus
Visa / Octopus

From now until Oct. 31, 2025, Visa and Octopus are offering new and existing customers the chance to earn up to HK$350 Octopus Top-Up Value when using an eligible Visa card with Octopus on iPhone or Apple Watch

Rewards include a HK$100 welcome bonus for new users, up to HK$150 for top-ups of HK$500 or more, and an extra HK$100 for new Mobile Octopus registrations made by Sept. 20, 2025

Find out more via the deal listing below! 

Get Up to HK$350 Octopus Value with Visa Visa Fri, August 22 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Earn up to HK$350 in Octopus Top-up Value when you add Octopus to iPhone or Apple Watch and top up using your Visa card. Valid until October 31, 2025.

Mastercard Exclusive: One Dines Free

Jyu Bei
Jyu Bei

Who doesn't like free things? With Mastercard's One Dines Free offer, cardholders can enjoy a complimentary main course at one of their partner restaurants across major cities, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and Sydney.

Reservation must be made through the One Dines Free website and paid with by any valid Mastercard credit card. 

Check out the deal listing below to see the full partner restaurants list! 

One Dines Free: Enjoy a Free Main Course with Mastercard Multiple Venues Fri, August 22 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Dine across Asia Pacific with Mastercard’s One Dines Free. Enjoy a complimentary main course at select partner restaurants when you book through onedinesfree.com and pay with your Mastercard.

DBS COMPASS VISA: Enjoy 8% COMPASS Dollar Rebate Every Wednesday

city'super
Instagram/ city'super

If you're not buying your groceries on a Wednesday then what are you doing? DBS COMPASS VISA cardholders can enjoy up to 8% COMPASS Dollar rebate every Wednesday

All you have to do is spend a minimum of HK$300 or more at a local supermarket, and the rebates will be credited automatically

Visit the deal listing below to find out the eligible local supermarkets!

DBS COMPASS VISA Super Wednesday: 8% Rebate Multiple Venues Wed, August 27 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Earn up to 8% COMPASS Dollar rebate every Wednesday with DBS COMPASS VISA when spending HK$300 or more at local supermarkets. Automatic credit to your account—no hassle.

American Express Exclusive: HK$1 to Enjoy a Star Ferry Ride

Star Ferry

One of the best ways to experience Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour is by taking the Star Ferry. If you have an American Express® card, you can now enjoy Star Ferry rides for just HK$1!

Simply select "Pay by AMEX $1" at the turnstile of the Star Ferry and tap your card to redeem. Note that blackout dates apply so be sure to check before you board. 

Visit the deal listing below for more details! 

Unlimited Star Ferry Rides for HK$1 with American Express Card Multiple locations Wed, April 2 10:00 AM onwards Star Ferry for HK$1: Enjoy unlimited Star Ferry rides for HK$1 with an American Express Card. Valid on select routes from Jan. 2-Dec. 31, 2025. Terms apply.

Visa Exclusive: Save Up to 20% at HKIA on Selected Restaurants

Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport

From now until Sept. 30, 2025, Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders can enjoy up to 20% off dining at select restaurants in Hong Kong International Airport (departure area). 

The designated venues include Master Hung, Nippon Ramen, Jardin de Jade, Tap + Brew, and Yung Kee

Find out more via the deal listing below! 

Enjoy 20% at Selected Airport Dining Spots at HKIA Multiple Venues Fri, August 22 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Get up to 20% off dining at Hong Kong International Airport with your Visa Infinite or Visa Signature card. Valid at select outlets from March 31 to September 30, 2025.

#TravelWithVisa: Receive Up to HK$800 on Flight Bookings

Visa
Visa

Until Dec. 31, 2025, eligible Visa cardholders in Hong Kong and Macau can enjoy up to HK$800 cash rebates when booking flights directly with Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, or Singapore Airlines through their respective local websites. 

For bookings between HK$4,000 and HK$7,999, travelers can receive an HK$240 rebate, and HK$800 rebate for bookings of HK$8,000 or more

Your visa card must be registered before any purchase! Check out the deal listing below to find out how! 

#TravelWithVisa Travel Rewards: Cash Rebates on Flight Bookings Multiple destinations Sat, August 23 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Enjoy Visa’s #TravelWithVisa initiative rewards with cash rebates of up to HK$800 on bookings with five international airlines, with a whimsical hot-air balloon pop-up at K11 MUSEA.

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Asia/ Venture/ Money
China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to Lead US$102.9B AI Investment Surge by 2028
1 Photo by UiPath

If you thought artificial intelligence (AI) was just about chatbots and creepy robot dogs, now’s the time for you to rethink. In fact, business leaders from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are giving AI a serious upgrade. The three markets are expected to dominate Asia-Pacific’s AI landscape, pouring US$102.9 billion into AI technology by 2028.

China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are expected to top the investment in AI by 2028
Courtesy of UiPath

According to a new IDC InfoBrief commissioned by UiPath, agentic automation is quickly becoming the secret sauce behind smarter, faster, and more resilient enterprises across Asia-Pacific. The report highlights a seismic shift toward agentic automation, the AI systems that don’t just follow instructions but make decisions, adapt in realtime, and orchestrate complex workflows across enterprise ecosystems. 

49% of firms from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are ready to increase budgets by 26–50%.
Courtesy of UiPath

In the three markets collectively, 45% of enterprises have already adopted agentic AI, and another 42% plan to do so within six months. Not only that, but business leaders also aren’t shy about spending as 49% of firms are ready to increase budgets by 26–50% to deploy these intelligent systems, with expectations of 3x returns on investment (ROI)

More companies are deploying agentic automation.

Top use cases include customer service automation, real-time decision support, and productivity enhancement, especially in industries like retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and life sciences. But the road to AI dominance isn’t without speed bumps. Concerns around data security, talent shortages, and ethical governance remain top of mind. 

Still, with strong leadership from CEOs, CTOs, and emerging Chief AI Officers, the region is well-positioned to lead the next wave of enterprise innovation. Taiwan’s government-backed digital infrastructure and Hong Kong’s tech-forward mindset make them ideal launchpads for scalable AI transformation. 

So, while the debates circulate around AI ethics and existential risks, Asia’s power trio is busy building the future with artificial intelligence agents. 

For the full report, visit UiPath’s website here

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Hong Kong/ Venture/ Profiles
Shared Impact: FSI Exec. Director on Building a Sustainable Force for Good
Vivian Seo FSI 13 Photo by Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make it to the C-suite? We sit down with corporate leaders and changemakers to get to the heart of their success. What was their first job? What does it take to found your own company? All of these questions are answered in Executive Impact, our latest interview series that explores actionable advice, corporate social responsibility, and building a legacy that will have a tangible impact on the future.

Social impact intern turned Executive Director at one of the city’s innovative NGOs working to foster sustainable systemic change, Vivian Seo leads with “radical candor” and an unwavering commitment to the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)’s core philosophy. Connecting individuals and corporations with resources to impact-driven causes since its formation, FSI has successfully fostered a thriving ecosystem and growing force for good. 

Fresh from a heartwarming and successful second edition of FSI’s annual Know Your GuideFong event held in Tsim Sha Tsui in July 2025, The Beat Asia explores Vivian’s humble origins from the Foundation's first project manager to leading its expanded team today, working to be the city’s social impact superconnector. Naming herself a “professional generalist,” her skills and experiences are broad, successfully allowing her to bring together Hong Kong’s wealth of resources and social impact-minded individuals to build a thriving ecosystem driving sustainable change. 

Vivian Seo, Executive Director of the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) gives a presentation
Photo from Website/Foundation for Shared Impact

Co-founded by serial social entrepreneur and professor at HKU Business School, David Bishop, the Co-founder of the Fair Employment Agency, Soap Cycling, and Migrasia, among other notable social enterprises, and Jon Pederson, the Director of Weava and Co-teacher at the Impact Lab at the University of Hong Kong, FSI was created in 2018 with the mission to help the city’s socially-driven people to scale their impact through knowledge-sharing, connecting individuals and resources, empowerment, and direct community action. This also involved the creation of an extended shared network for not only David and Jon’s social enterprises, but also the city’s vast ecosystem of ethnically diverse business owners and founders.  

Today, FSI is home to multiple curated programs offering mentorship for ethnically diverse entrepreneurs, youth empowerment, corporate and leadership training, and many other community-driven solutions. From guided tours inviting locals to connect with the small business owners at the heart of Hong Kong, to volunteer opportunities, to training for NGO board members, the scope of FSI’s work is broad, and well aligned with their mission — “to be a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to do good,” in Vivian’s words. 

Get to know Vivian’s unique professional journey from working at Goldman Sachs after graduation to returning to the social impact space, learn more about FSI and how you can get involved, and her personal advice for entrepreneurs. Kicking off the interview, we ran 10 questions from the Proust Questionnaire by Vivian: 

1. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I consider learning English my greatest achievement in life.

It really opened doors for me to connect more with people and feel at home in a country that I'm not originally from, and really let me break out of my comfort zone.

2. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My idea of happiness is to feel safe in an environment where I have people surrounding me that I can trust, and sometimes be silly with. My idea of perfect happiness would then be being able to provide that kind of environment for someone I love.

3. What was your first job?

My first job was working as an English tutor

4. When and where were you the happiest?

I'm the happiest now! And most recently, I made a trip to a countryside town I was raised in in Korea with my parents and some of my besties in Hong Kong. It was a really nice family feeling — that was one of the happiest moments in my life.

5. What is it that you most dislike?

I dislike any actions or words people use to judge others.

6. What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is not being useful to others.

My sense of achievement and fulfillment always comes from being practically helpful to others. This is a fear that I'm trying to overcome, but I still have it. 

7. Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to have a talent to recover fast and have a lot of athletic talent, for my own health! 

8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

There's no virtue that I think is overrated, but if I had to pick one, I would say, maybe honor, especially blinded [honor] that is just kept for the sake of it.

9. Which living person do you most admire?

There is a YouTuber who's 73 years old who's a Korean called Milanonna

She's the first Korean to study in Milan, Italy, in the 1970s. She’s a pioneer in the fashion industry and has brought multiple Italian Brands for the first time to Korea. The reason why I admire her is that she is an icon of breaking out of her comfort zone and being a YouTuber to share her life story. She gently suggests that everybody should be their authentic self and be comfortable with who they are.

10. What is your motto?

My life motto is to live as you like

Vivian Seo, Executive Director of the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) with GuideFong entrepreneurs
Courtesy of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)

Reflecting on your journey working as an intern at the Fair Employment Agency to your career at Goldman Sachs, to returning to the social impact space working at FSI and eventually transitioning to your current role as Executive Director, how does it feel to look back on your professional career and celebrate FSI’s growth?

I was born and raised in Korea and was really captivated by the idea that you can do something socially meaningful, but at the same time be commercially sustainable. I just thought that that made perfect sense; everybody should do something that benefits society, but still be able to survive.

I came to Hong Kong to study accounting and finance, but I knew I did not want to become an accountant or auditor. On my first summer break, I was scrolling through my emails, and there was this course recruitment message for the Impact Lab Course (formerly Social Venture Management Course), where students do an internship placement instead of coursework at a social impact organization. 

Long story short, that course is something that our Co-founder, David Bishop, administers. Through that internship, I was able to work with the Fair Employment Agency.

After I graduated, I knew that I wanted to build more transferable skills, and luckily, I got into Goldman Sachs. That was great because they provide a lot of training, and it's an environment where you can develop a lot of soft skills. At the end of my second year, I was looking for an opportunity where I could feel more connected to the community in Hong Kong.

I had stayed in touch with David after graduation and learned that he had built the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) [in 2018] as an umbrella organization to facilitate resource management for his multiple social enterprises.

When he explained what FSI would be doing, I felt like it was meant to be. I would love to be in a position where I'm helping amazing people build amazing stuff

I was our first project manager. And that's how I came to FSI four years ago!

I eventually landed on leading the Community Business Support Program (CBS). This is the program through which we empower under-resourced entrepreneurs, small business owners, and social entrepreneurs. Before, it was done on a more ad hoc basis, and after I joined, that's how we eventually built the Mentorship Program for Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs, the GuideFong project, and many more that we're still running. 

Celebrating the growth from then, we now have five full-time hires growing to a group of nine paid staff!

I've seen FSI grow so much, and to be able to sit in a leadership position from last year in this organization that has so much talent, I'm just very grateful for the opportunity.

Vivian Seo, Executive Director of the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) group photo
Courtesy of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)

How would you like to define your professional career?

I’m a professional generalist

It used to be my biggest fear. I have so many friends who had a very specific dream, like “I want to be a doctor,” but I never really had that one occupation that I dreamed of. 

Looking back, I think I was always excited by opportunities where I could be a facilitator or coordinator, building bridges. I might not be an expert, but being somebody who enables others to do something a bit more and maximizes others’ potential. That’s the kind of job I like to do. 

What is a crucial piece of leadership advice you wish had been shared with your younger self?

I'm still telling this to myself now: just because you're sitting in a leadership position doesn't mean that you need to have all the answers by yourself.

The less experienced you are, the more pressure you feel you need to excel if you're given a leadership position. I think if you're in an environment where you can be a leader and you can still fail, that's the best environment you can be in. The important and powerful learning I got is that I should trust my teammates and also their trust in me- that there's a good reason for me to be placed in this position.

Congratulations on FSI’s annual Mentorship Program for Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs reaching its 3-year mark! What's a meaningful experience from this program you’d love to commemorate?

Vivian Seo, Executive Director of the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) with a mentor
Courtesy of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)

I feel the most sense of fulfillment or achievement in those full circle moments — we have some mentees that we accelerated who want to come back to be a mentor. Those are the moments that I adore the most, when the community stays beyond the program, and they help each other.

That tells us that what we envisioned can really come true. We're trying to build communities that are reciprocal and supportive; we want to make sure that it's sustainable beyond just the program period. Watching these entrepreneurs exchange knowledge, share resources, help each other out, and grow together was a moment where we knew it could happen. 

Adding onto that, what has been one of your most validating experiences or proudest moments that affirmed the positive impact FSI is making for you?

If we think about FSI as an organization, we work with corporate partners, corporate professionals, schools, and youth.

When young people come to us and say that they've changed thanks to our experience, that's a big moment for me. Youth work with us through internship placements, soft skills workshops, or other programs. They gave feedback that our experience broadened their horizons, and they were able to connect with a community that they'd never interacted with

When they come to us, their experience changes their perspective and has an impact on their long-term career. We feel the heaviest responsibility because we know we have an impact.

Vivian Seo, Executive Director of the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) TV feature
Phoenix TV, Courtesy of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)
Vivian Seo, Executive Director of the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) TV feature
Phoenix TV, Courtesy of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)

You have also reached 1 year since your appointment as Executive Director at FSI, how does it feel and looking forward, what impact are you looking to make?

It's a really humbling experience to be able to lead a team that consists of eight other people, some more experienced than me, coming from all different cultures and backgrounds. 

Our name, Foundation for Shared Impact, kind of spoils it, but we are all in for collaboration. We're trying to spread the message and prove through our programs that the social sector doesn't have to be a zero-sum game.

We don't need to take from another to win. We can all thrive in an ecosystem that supports each other. Our organizational strategy is all about that purpose, where we're building programs that help the entire ecosystem of the social sector

Can you elaborate on the value FSI provides your partner corporations?

To run a good company, you need to invest in people. For the current generation, a sense of purpose is something that drives people a lot.

That's where we come in because we have the expertise and the connections through which corporates can deliver community engagement and socially impactful programs for their staff. Some examples include skills-based volunteering opportunities or workshops.

Using GuideFong as an example, we bring volunteers on tours in multicultural neighborhoods to visit small businesses to use their skills in a different way. We work with law firms that provide legal support for our entrepreneurs and mentees. [We hold] workshops where you help an entrepreneur or social impact organization do market research or develop a financial model. Everybody has skills that they can give, so we're a conduit for providing that kind of opportunity for corporates.

We also deliver board director training to professionals. We’re a one-stop shop for any corporation that wants to do good.

How would you define FSI’s core values?

There are five pillars in our Shared Impact Philosophy. The first is broad collaboration, and the second is freely sharing knowledge and resources

The third is data-driven impact models. We always value visible data like impact measurement. The fourth is seeking systems change, so driving impact that is long-term oriented and solving root issues instead of just a one-off bandage of issues.

The last one is a culture of radical candor, so making sure that we are transparent in the way that we communicate. 

Vivian Seo, Executive Director of the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) and TC Li, also of the Foundation
Courtesy of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)

For emerging entrepreneurs looking to tackle this tough market and make a difference, do you have a main takeaway to share with them?

Join a community

If you're starting by yourself, it's a very lonely journey. That's why we built the mentorship program to create a community and help you find like-minded entrepreneurs that you can learn from and share resources with

You are also an Executive at social enterprise Gowld Art Centre, can you share a little more about its mission?

Gowld Art Centre (GAC)'s mission is to provide an environment where anyone in Hong Kong can maximize their creative confidence by taking care of their body, mind, and soul using art as a medium to achieve self-actualization. 

We have a lot of educational programs also in martial arts, so it's not just visual arts. It's a really diverse and hybrid space. 

Gowld Art Centre digital collage
Photo from Website/Gowld Art Centre

Is there any crossover between your work at GAC and FSI?

Yes! Gowld Art Center is one of the many social impact organizations that FSI works with. They’re also part of the Impact Lab Course, through which they're getting university interns. 

Life as an entrepreneur, especially for solopreneurs, can be quite hectic and time-consuming, what is your advice for business owners to stay true to their mission whilst prioritizing their own self-care?

It’s important you know your own cheat sheet on how to let go and relax. It could be travel, reading, or chilling at a café, but make sure you know what works for you and are using that method frequently enough to prevent burnout.

It’s really important you check your own reserve and battery to assess how much energy you have left so that you're preventing future burnout.

What self-care practices do you take part in?

My favorite would be reading outside in a café if the weather permits. I like creating things with my hands. I've been hopping between different hobbies: pottery, painting, and recently, I got into crochet.

What’s your favorite part about working in the social impact space in Hong Kong?

I love the people that I work with. I love being in a space where not just FSI, but all these other organizations that have their own social mission and vision are so passionate about what they do, and everybody brings their whole self to their work. 

Vivian Seo, Executive Director of the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) GuideFong 2024 event team photo
Courtesy of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)

What can we look forward to seeing from FSI in the future?

We want to be the go-to platform for anyone who wants to do something good, and they can come to us because they know that we have an opportunity that's suitable for them to bring their resources and skills.

For the Community Business Support Program, specifically for GuideFong, it's quite similar: anybody in Hong Kong who wants to support small businesses and small neighborhood shops can come to us and look for these [local businesses].

Last year, we tried getting a bit more visible by holding a bazaar. This year, we scaled up! 

Vivian Seo, Executive Director of the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) at GuideFong 2025 event
Courtesy of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)
Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) at GuideFong 2025 event goodie bags
Courtesy of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)

We held a “Know Your GuideFong: TST Edition” event where we had a pop-up market at the Heath Hong Kong, the basement mall under Chungking Mansions. We had an afternoon-long treasure hunt where people were given a map of GuideFong shops they could shop from to redeem a prize.

We were especially excited for cross-sector collaboration to support these small businesses that are hidden gems in Hong Kong, that shouldn't be hidden anymore

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Read more about FSI’s “Know Your GuideFong: TST” event held on July 6th, 2025 here

Learn more about the Foundation for Shared Impact here, and follow them on InstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn for more updates!

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Executive Impact profiles here.

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Hong Kong/ Venture/ Careers
HK Students Outperform Global Peers in 2025 IB Results with 36.72 Average
Singapore International School Hong Kong Photo by Website/Singapore International School (Hong Kong)

The results of the May 2025 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) were released on Sunday, July 6, revealing another year of stellar performances by Hong Kong students.

While 202,103 students worldwide sat the exams with a global average score of 30.58, Hong Kong scholars significantly surpassed this with an impressive average of 36.72. Over 30 Hong Kong students earned the maximum score of 45, placing them among global top achievers (out of 2,630 total number of candidates).

I’m inspired by the dedication, resilience, and compassion shown by IB students during such a complex time in the world. As IB graduates move forward—into higher education, careers, or service to their communities—they carry with them the competencies, values, and global mindset needed to thrive and make a meaningful difference.” Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate, said in a statement.

“IB graduates leave not only with knowledge, but also with the perspective and purpose to lead, serve, and shape a better world. We are proud of who they are and the impact they’re already making,” he added.

ESF
Photo by English Schools Foundation (ESF)

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) reported 15 perfect scorers among its 936 candidates, who achieved an average of 36.1 and a pass rate of 97.6%. Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) saw two students score 45 points, with a cohort average of 37.7.

Singapore International School (Hong Kong) (SISHK), Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK), St Paul’s Co-Educational College, and Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School each celebrated one top scorer and highest scores of 45 and 40.8 points. Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) also saw five students achieve 45 points, with an average of 37.6.

Among the city's top schools reporting exemplary scores were Carmel School Hong Kong, reporting a 100% pass rate and a cohort average of 38.1, Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College posting an average of 38.8, with two perfect scorers, St. Stephen’s College with seven students score 44 points and one student score 43 points, and Creative Secondary School (CSS) recording an average of 36.2.

IB is a globally recognized pre-university qualification designed to prepare students for higher education and beyond. 

The Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) are two of its senior-level offerings, requiring students aged 16 to 19 to complete six subjects along with three core elements: the extended essay (EE), theory of knowledge (TOK), and creativity, activity, service (CAS).

This year’s exams marked the first major session under new IBO rules aimed at preventing academic dishonesty, including adjusted exam start times, a two-hour supervision requirement, and strict calculator memory clearing protocols.

For more details, visit the International Baccalaureate® website or follow their Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) accounts.

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Hong Kong/ Nomads/ Explore
Hong Kong is 'The Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year'
20250616 HIT Photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

Hong Kong has been named the “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year” by CrescentRating, a global authority on halal travel, during the Halal in Travel Awards 2025. The city also climbed to third place in the “Muslim-friendly Destinations (non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation)” category of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025.

Organised in partnership with Mastercard, the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) covers 153 destinations around the world and examines aspects including halal food supply, accommodation, Muslim-friendly facilities, and other travel-related factors to evaluate how welcoming destinations are to Muslim visitors. 

Apart from their awards, Hong Kong also gained first place in the “Muslim-friendly Accessible Travel Destination (non-OIC)” category and second place in the “Muslim Women Friendly Travel Destinations (non-OIC)” category. 

Representatives of the HKTB receive the award from the Halal in Travel Awards 2025
Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

In addition to the city-wide recognition, various hotels, attractions, and venues were also honoured: 

  • The Mira Hong Kong – Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year
  • Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong – Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year
  • Ngong Ping 360 – Muslim-friendly Attraction of the Year
  • Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre – Muslim-friendly Convention and Exhibition Centre of the Year.

Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), highlighted Hong Kong’s efforts towards inclusivity by saying, “We have also facilitated the fostering of closer ties between Hong Kong, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries in recent years. HKTB thanks the Government for its full support and our trade partners for their efforts in elevating the city’s Muslim-friendly tourism facilities.”

A close-up of the award received by the Hong Kong Tourism Board
Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) continues to spotlight the city and its development as a Muslim-friendly destination through a three-pronged approach of accreditation, education, and promotion

Currently, about 190 eateries in Hong Kong have been certified, rising from the original 100 in early 2024. More than 60 hotels, attractions, and convention and exhibition venues have also been rated as Muslim-friendly. 

The HKTB also continues to promote Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination through a variety of channels and targeted marketing in Muslim visitor source markets. 

Learn more about the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HTKB) efforts and Muslim-friendly offerings through DiscoverHongKong.com. Follow the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for more information. 

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Hong Kong/ Delish/ People
Entrepreneur Joyce Tsang on Shaking up the Bubble Tea Scene With 2324
Joyce 2 1 Photo by The Beat Asia

As the hot days of summer approach, few things hit the spot quite like a tall, ice-cold cup of bubble tea

2324 is a bubble tea shop that has found success honoring the tastes and techniques of the traditional recipes whilst finding innovative ways to incorporate new tastes and ingredients. 

At its helm is Joyce Tsang, who juggles not one but two businesses—her bubble tea brand 2324 and boutique consultancy Joyce Tsang Content Marketing (JTCM). She has worn many hats, from dance instructor to journalist and editor, and now as a content marketing guru in Hong Kong. 

Joyce regularly shares her insights on being a content marketer and small business owner through webinars that empower others to thrive as slashers and entrepreneurs

The Beat Asia caught up with Joyce to hear more about her mission to make the best bubble tea in town and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to make a mark in the F&B industry

What inspired you to acquire 2324?

joyce
Courtesy of Joyce Tsang

In April 2024, I acquired 2324 Bubble Tea from two local entrepreneurs. My only F&B experience was working as a barista in university, and I hadn’t planned to enter the field.

Having run Joyce Tsang Content Marketing as a solopreneur for four years, I was eager to find ways to reduce my working hours while maintaining the quality of my services so I could scale. 

However, anyone capable of taking over the work was either running their own business or beyond my hiring budget. As a result, I began exploring existing business systems that I could acquire and leverage to grow both my business and the entrepreneurial lifestyle I envisioned

After considering common alternatives like affiliate marketing, e-commerce, drop shipping, and app development, I stumbled on business acquisition platforms. That’s when I came across 2324 Bubble Tea, which aligned perfectly with my criteria in terms of ease of takeover and budget. 

Since the shop already had staff in place and I saw an opportunity to grow the brand using my marketing expertise—while also turning it into a case study for my consultancy—I took the leap and acquired the business

Do you follow the traditional Taiwanese style bubble tea or are you branching out?

2324
Website/ 2324

As a bubble tea shop owner, I believe it is important to honor the origins of the drink. That’s why we have preserved the traditional Taiwanese tea-mixing technique in our beverages. 

For instance, we blend two different tea leaves for our signature black tea to enhance its depth of flavor—an approach widely used in authentic Taiwanese bubble tea. Additionally, our brown sugar formula is also derived from Taiwan

Looking ahead, we aim to introduce more innovative drinks that stay true to the foundations of traditional Taiwanese bubble tea while incorporating local influences

This means experimenting with flavors, introducing new ingredients that appeal to local tastes, and, most importantly, integrating elements of local culture. For example, many of our drinks are positioned as afternoon tea options, inspired by Hong Kong’s British afternoon tea tradition. 

Tell us about your ingredients... Can bubble tea be a healthy option?

bubble teas
Instagram/ 2324

Our team is committed to delivering authentic flavors using real ingredients. We source our ingredients from a variety of suppliers to ensure consistent stock levels and maintain quality, even if one supplier runs out. We do not use any powdered flavorings—and we never will. While we understand the convenience of such products, this commitment is what sets us apart, even if it means higher costs for us. 

When it comes to our fruit teas, you can expect real fruits and syrups—no artificial powdered formulas. The same goes for our cream cheese. Our staff prepares it from scratch, never relying on artificial powders. Our mixed fruits are sourced from Italy, and our cream cheese comes from Australia.

The bubble tea industry is highly competitive— how does 2324 stand out from the crowd?

For us, the attraction isn’t flashy promotions or discounts—it’s the experience of enjoying a bubble tea in a community-focused space. Our staff are friendly and attentive; they don’t just serve drinks—they build connections

Customers recognize our staff and often stay to chat. This is the atmosphere we aim to create, which is why we have a bar table at the front of the shop to make it clear that we welcome people to linger, relax, and connect.

Our entire team understands that although we serve bubble tea, we are not interested in having a shopfront cluttered with posters, promotions, and an overwhelming number of drink options. This is why our shopfront is much cleaner than the typical bubble tea shop and why our menu is streamlined into five main categories. 

Which bubble teas are your stand-out drinks on the menu at 2324?

French Toast Bubble Tea
Instagram/ 2324

One of the most exciting drinks on our menu is our French Toast Special Drink. Inspired by the local French toast flavor, my staff crafted a beverage version of it—allowing locals to experience a familiar taste in a new way. For tourists it’s an easy, on-the-go version of a dish they might want to try. 

To celebrate the first anniversary of our rebrand since my takeover, we’ll be launching a Happy Birthday Cup

This special release reimagines the tradition of buying and enjoying a birthday cake by transforming it into a convenient, drinkable format. I’m incredibly excited about this concept, as it perfectly aligns with our brand’s mission: to inspire and accompany meaningful moments with our customers

Can you walk us through the creative process of developing a new drink concept?

bubble tea
Instagram/ 2324

What I’ve realized after speaking with people who have worked in the industry is that these decisions are often, if not always, made from the top down. We do things differently—we operate from the bottom up

The bottom-up process has greatly helped minimize waste too. I was acutely aware of the amount of waste the previous owners were generating because they were too eager to experiment without considering the waste it would produce. To address this, I introduced a monthly special drink system. 

At the start, my staff informed me that we had an excess of Aiyu jelly. We asked ourselves: What pairs well with Aiyu, and what ingredients do we already have on hand? In the end, the team created a series of Aiyu jelly drinks, including a Lemon Tea Aiyu Special that performed quite well. Ultimately, we sold out all the Aiyu jelly before any had to be discarded. I personally love this system—it gives customers something new to try while ensuring we reduce waste. 

You’re passionate about helping aspiring entrepreneurs—what advice would you give to someone starting their own business, especially in F&B?

Given the current economic climate in Hong Kong, my blunt advice for anyone hoping to start their own F&B business is don’t do it unless you have another business that generates a decent amount of income

Relying solely on an F&B business to break even and earn enough profit to keep it running is incredibly difficult. 

Second, I strongly recommend starting without a physical shopfront and focusing on digital first. You can always open a shop later, once you’ve developed a minimum viable product (MVP) or gained valuable insights from your potential customers. Doing it the other way around—starting with a shopfront—is much harder. 

Of course, nothing works these days without marketing. The reality is, you can’t rely solely on word of mouth or a good product to survive anymore. You must know how to market your brand effectively to stay afloat. 

What’s next for 2324? Any exciting plans on the horizon?

2 in 1
Instagram/ 2324

We’re constantly exploring partnerships to extend our product offerings beyond our shop. This includes confirmed collaborations where our products and experiences will be featured as add-ons at various events. We have also just released our special 2-in-1 cup which is loved by our customers! 

Looking ahead, we have exciting plans to explore more partnerships with venues, event organizers, corporations, and even weddings. We aim to position our drinks and experiences as an alternative to the typical wine and coffee offerings. So, stay tuned for more updates! 

Stay updated with Joyce and JTCM on her website. Visit 2324 Bubble Tea on their website, Instagram and Facebook

Location: 2324 Bubble Tea, Shop A2, G/F, Hoi Cheung Building, 72-74 Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po

Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 9 PM, Closed on Tuesdays

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Hong Kong/ Venture/ Profiles
10 Ethnically Diverse Women Entrepreneurs and Founders in Hong Kong
Pexels kindelmedia 7651743

In celebration of Women's History Month, we are shining a spotlight on Hong Kong's ethnically diverse women entrepreneurs and founders who are breaking barriers and redefining success. Among the organizations championing their achievements is the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI), which empowers these women by fostering collaborations and opportunities.

Coming from diverse cultural backgrounds, these inspiring women are leading businesses in sustainability, tech, beauty, and F&B, proving that diversity is a driving force for change and progress.

Each of their journeys reflects the power of women and inclusivity in entrepreneurship, inspiring future generations to continue breaking barriers and leading with purpose and resilience. Continue reading to learn more about these incredible women!

Lucia Loposva, GREEN Hospitality

Lucia Loposva

Lucia Loposova is a sustainability expert and educator with over 13 years of experience, dedicated to driving positive change in the hospitality industry. Originally from Slovakia and now based in Hong Kong, she founded GREEN Hospitality in 2021 to lead sustainability initiatives in strategy, training, and innovation.

GREEN Hospitality is a charity that offers programs, research, training, and industry events while empowering youth and hospitality partners to drive sustainable change.

Lucia and her team work closely with hotels, restaurants, and supply chains to implement responsible business practices, focusing on waste reduction, sustainable food systems, and carbon footprint management. She also collaborates with industry leaders, academia, and the government to promote sustainable tourism and net-positive hospitality.

To learn more about GREEN Hospitality and the programs available, visit their website and Instagram

Lamia Sreya Rahman, Seekr by Vidi Labs

Lamia Sreya Rahman

Lamia Sreya Rahman is a Hong Kong-born Bangladeshi tech entrepreneur, social justice advocate, and the city's first Bangladeshi lawyer. Her experiences navigating systemic challenges as an ethnic minority have fueled her commitment to advocating for equity, inclusion, and social impact.

As the Co-founder of Vidi Labs, Lamia and her team developed Seekr, an award-winning AI assistant designed to support the visually impaired and elderly. She leads business development, partnerships, and legal affairs at Vidi Labs, while also serving on the board and as a fellow of various impact, diversity, and equal opportunity organizations, including Migrasia and the Resolve Foundation.

To learn more about Seekr, visit their website and Instagram

Senchhelung Chemjong, Nepcha under Tagera Traders

Senchhelung Chemjong

Senchhelung Chemjong, also known as Senchu, is a Nepalese entrepreneur and law graduate. Upon her return to Hong Kong, she struggled to find opportunities in the legal field. Eventually, she founded Tagera Traders, a premium food distribution company, turning obstacles into opportunities to create her own career path.

Tagera Traders specializes in sourcing premium food and beverages, operating in both B2B and B2C models, including supplying organic Nepalese teas through its flagship brand, Nepcha. Nepcha partners with Nepalese farmers' cooperatives to source organic, high-altitude artisan tea. 

With a focus on quality and exclusivity, the company is in the process of securing dealership rights to distribute a premium Nepalese apple wine.

To learn more about Tagera Traders and Nepcha, visit their Instagram.

Castro Luisa Tan, ILM Foundation

Castro Luisa Tan

Castro Luisa Tan, also known as Nadia, is a multilingual Filipino-Chinese Muslim revert and dedicated community organizer. Before founding the Institute of Leadership & Management Foundation (ILM Foundation), she worked as a teacher, career counselor, media team advisor, and Child Development Fund Project Manager in Hong Kong.

ILM Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering ethnic minorities through skills development, social innovation, and collaboration. Since its establishment in 2021, it has helped build five start-ups, supported over 68 families through the Child Development Fund, and engaged over 3,000 students in various programs.

To learn more about ILM Foundation, visit their website and Instagram.

Jerwine Que, The Blomstre

Jerwine Que

Jerwine Que is the visionary Co-founder of The Blomstre, an eco-conscious brand specializing in individually hand-poured home fragrances. After working for 11 years in the finance industry, she decided to build a brand with her husband that blends her Filipino heritage and Hong Kong experiences into the business.

The Blomstre focuses on soy candles, essential oils, and room sprays. Inspired by Filipino artisanal heritage, the brand crafts its products in small batches using natural and organic ingredients. It also emphasizes sustainability by providing reusable, plastic-free packaging.

You can shop their products in both Hong Kong and the Philippines

To learn more about The Blomstre, visit their website and Instagram

Yulia Kim, Blooms Forever

Yulia Kim

Yulia Kim, Founder of Blooms Forever, turned her lifelong passion for flowers into a sustainable business after leaving the corporate world. Drawing from her multicultural background—having lived in Uzbekistan, Russia, South Korea, and now Hong Kong—and cherished childhood memories, she set out to build an eco-conscious brand that offers real, long-lasting flowers as an environmentally friendly alternative to fresh blooms.

Blooms Forever specializes in bespoke preserved and dried floral arrangements, blending sustainability with artistic craftsmanship. These long-lasting flowers provide elegant, low-maintenance beauty for various occasions and spaces, including homes, businesses, and special events, offering a timeless alternative to traditional floral arrangements.

To learn more about Blooms Forever, visit their website and Instagram

Sneha Roy & Emmy Sandt, a collective space

Sneha Roy and Emmy Sandt

Sneha (Sne) Roy and Emmy Sandt created a collective space in the scenic neighborhood of Mui Wo, where creativity and therapeutic practices come together. Sne, a psychologist specializing in marginalized communities, and Emmy, a skilled carpenter and designer, combined their expertise to highlight the therapeutic benefits of woodworking.

a collective space offers a safe and inclusive environment for self-expression and community building through a series of workshops and training sessions designed to enhance everyday living and working spaces.

To learn more about a collective space, visit their website and Instagram.

Maryam Khan, Foodie Explorez and Easy Eat

Maryam Khan

Maryam Khan is a foodie KOL who advocates for dietary inclusivity and Halal food. She founded Foodie Explorerz and Easy Eat, using content creation to raise awareness and support restaurants that accommodate Halal, vegetarian, vegan, and Jain food options.

Maryam shares her content in Foodie Explorez's website and Instagram Account, which has over 24k followers. Easy Eat, an extention of Foodie Explorerz, is a user-friendly platform that simplifies the search for suitable dining options through curated listings and filtering options based on dietary needs, cuisine, and location. 

To learn more, visit Foodie Explorez and Easy Eat

Mehroo Turel, Mums@PLAY

Mehroo Turel

Mehroo Turel founded Mums@PLAY in 2017 as an events platform for mompreneurs to showcase their brands, which has since grown into a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs. The platform is dedicated to supporting small business owners, particularly mothers, by providing a space where they can promote their products and services, connect with like-minded women, and grow their businesses—all while maintaining a work-life balance.

In addition to her work at Mums@PLAY, Mehroo is also a Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC), Certified Positive Intelligence Coach (CPQC), and Coach for Adolescents, specializing in personal branding and leadership development. As a board member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the International Coach Federation (ICF Hong Kong), she is committed to empowering women leaders and continues to create opportunities through Mums@PLAY.

To learn more about Mums@PLAY, visit their website and Instagram.

Jenny Au, FundFluent

Jenny Au

Jenny Au, Founder and CEO of FundFluent, is an entrepreneur passionate about financial inclusion and breaking down barriers to funding for small businesses. Recognizing the struggles that SMEs and startup founders face in securing capital, she took a bootstrapped, self-funded approach to launch FundFluent in 2022, a platform that simplifies access to funding through technology and expert support.

Since then, FundFluent has helped over 1,400 businesses secure more than US$46 million in funding by providing an extensive funding database, step-by-step playbooks, and hands-on support from funding specialists.

To learn more about FundFluent, visit their website and Instagram.  

To discover other founders and entrepreneurs supported by the Foundation of Shared Impact (FSI), check out their GuideFong directory here

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Hong Kong/ Nomads/ Explore
Girls Be Change on Empowering Women Through Purposeful Travel
Girls Be Change

There is a quote from famed American world traveler, Burton Holmes — the same man who invented the “Travelogue” — that says: “To travel is to possess the world.” Life is too short to stay in one place. We believe that people are natural explorers and that it’s important to step out of our comfort zones, experience the unknown, and foster curiosity as these are triggers of change and movement.

Girls Be Change was founded upon this very thought. In a world where adventure and empowerment intertwine, the social business has become a beacon for women who wish to make a change, enabling them to become explorers and changemakers. It was founded four years ago by Carmen Chan, a Hong-Kong-based entrepreneur, who was driven to answer one particular question: "How can we create lasting change?" For the past two years, Carmen has solo-traveled the world, learning from both individuals and organizations who are making a unique impact and are passionate about making purposeful change. This journey has led her to founding the business with a clear vision: to enable and empower women and girls to be explorers and agents of transformation

This year, Girls Be Change is launching an inaugural initiative that aims to combine travel with purposeful engagement. We spoke with Carmen, as well as some of her amazing partners to know more about the Impact Expeditions for Women Explorers, the activities they have in store for its participants, and how it intends to promote responsible travel and making meaningful connections. 

‘Travel with Purpose. Connect with Intention.’

Just like how the founder discovered a global tribe of women changemakers through travel, Girls Be Change’s Impact Expeditions for Women Explorers intends to do the same.

Designed for, by, and with women explorers, this expedition will take women participants to breathtaking locales, including wildlife conservation efforts in South Africa and cultural and natural wonders through the Peruvian Andes and Amazon Rainforest, all while fostering women changemakers community and supporting local causes in gender equity and conservation. 

“I believe girls and women — no matter how old or in what life stage they are — are the agents of change, and we all have the power to be the change we want to see in the world. Traveling offers a unique opportunity to explore both the outer world and one's inner self. It allows us to regroup, reset, and reinvent who we want to be,” Carmen told The Beat Asia as she gave us more insight into the upcoming program. 

traveler
Carmen Chan | Courtesy of Girls Be Change
wildlife conservation
Chloe Evans | Photo from Wilde Tracks

The first Impact Expedition will take women explorers to the nature reserve in South Africa from Jun. 7 to 13 where they can gain a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into a world usually hidden from the public eye. Co-hosted by Wilde Tracks — an organization dedicated to preserving global ecosystems through eco-tourism — this expedition aims to address the urgent need for wildlife conservation and intervention in the region; allowing participants to work directly with seasoned conservation experts and wildlife veterinarians who are helping to fund critical conservation efforts, including helicopter operations, wildlife collars and tags, veterinary fees, and essential medicines. 

Women travelers gain a multifaceted experience that goes beyond traditional tourism — to learn about the challenges women in the field face,” Chloe Evans, Founder of Wilde Tracks, stated. “All our initiatives are driven from the ground up, shaped by the priorities and challenges identified by experts and local communities in the countries where we work. Beyond conservation and community engagement, we also offer activities and workshops that address the challenges travelers — especially women — may face on the road, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and confident while exploring. We don’t just create unforgettable experiences — we build a movement of conscious travelers working alongside local communities with our core in wildlife conservation to make a lasting impact.”

The participants will have the opportunity to work hands-on in conservation and participate in veterinary interventions such as rhino dehorning. Furthermore, the expedition will include engaging with community initiatives for women and children and creative sessions such as jewelry-making using recycled snares from the poaching trade. This partnership seemed like a natural fit, considering Wilde Tracks is also an all-female team, and is all about “creating space for women to lead, explore, and drive meaningful change.” Girls Be Change shares this goal, both organizations built on the power of the community and bring women together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and make an impact.

“Throughout their journey, participants travel safely, connect with fellow female travelers, and enjoy breathtaking experiences — from witnessing the Big Five to being at one with nature — making for a truly empowering adventure,” Chloe added. 

wildlife intervention
Photo from Wilde Tracks

Speaking of traveling safely, we asked Carmen about “responsible travel” and how they intend to encourage women participants to take part, considering traveling alone poses some risks, especially for women explorers. 

“Everything in life involves risk. Sometimes we all just need a little nudge — a shared bravery from a community that helps us to take a leap of faith,” she said. “There is a power in exploring the unknown where you also discover the unknown version of yourself and become the change you want to be. That’s the linkage from being an explorer to a changemaker, and that’s the reason we launched Impact Expedition for Women Explorers. Going to the Amazon alone might be quite intimidating but we are going together.”

Girls Be Change also partnered with Denmark-based company Goodwings — a flight-booking platform that shows carbon emission information, enabling travelers to make conscious and informed choices. The flights booked through Goodwings for this initiative in 2025 will also be carbon offset.

“The Goodwings platform is built around more responsible travel, which is exactly what Girls Be Change (and our partnership) seeks to promote,” said Christian Møller-Holst, CEO of Goodwings. “Girls Be Change has a strong focus on social change but also on traveling with intention and making sure that when we do travel, we do so in the least harmful way possible. While our platform, like any other travel management system, provides you with the option to book transport like flights, cars, trains, and even accommodation, we’ve built climate considerations into every part of it.”

Christian Møller-Holst
Christian Møller-Holst | Photo from Goodwings

Goodwings’ booking system is subject to travel policy climate considerations such as maximum CO2 per passenger kilometer traveled, urging users to make more responsible travel choices. The platform equips you with the tools to make your travel less harmful while also giving them the necessary data needed to control, report on, and reduce their emissions from travel. 

“We have also invested in 100 liters of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) on behalf of Girls Be Change to further the idea of intentional travel — making decarbonization a part of the equation,” Christian added. 

The Impact Expeditions does more than just give participating women the necessary tools and experiences to make a change but also intends to give back. Girls Be Change is partnering with Daughters Rising and reinvesting net profits from the expeditions to support the Girls’ Scholarship Program, allowing ethnic minority women from Myanmar and those in refugee camps to pursue higher education. 

A Movement Towards Making a Lasting Impact

The women who decide to engage in this exciting expedition will not only be able to witness beautiful and unique destinations but gain experience — insights that one can’t otherwise get from anywhere else. 

Girls Be Change is reshaping travel to become more intentional and purposeful, giving women a chance to experience the world through meaningful community-based activities that broaden their perceptions, increase their empathy, and help them get to know themselves better. The Impact Expeditions are more than just a trip, it’s a chance to connect with fellow changemakers and carve your own footprints toward making a change that matters. 

“One of the highlights of the Impact Expedition is that it begins even before the trip starts and continues after the trip ends! Before traveling to the nature reserve in South Africa or the Andean Mountains or the Amazon rainforest, they can join the Virtual Campfire with Changemakers sessions throughout the year to connect with the other women changemakers and explorers to exchange stories,” explained Carmen. 

“Through the stories of other women, we can envision so many possibilities beyond our current limit of selves. They can also join the global Women Changemakers Community as a supportive network to lift each other up.”

Girls Be Change
Girls Be Change Community | Courtesy of Girls Be Change

The trip to South Africa is only the beginning. Girls Be Change has already planned their next expedition in partnership with Sacred Valley Project (SVP) later this year. The trip will take place in Peru from Aug. 17 to 26, 2025, and will include a multi-day trek to the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu via Salkantay trail. Participants will also get the chance to explore the ancient capital of Cusco and engage in service work in the SVP such as workshops and community outreach. 

Sacred Valley project
Photo from Sacred Valley Project
Community
Photo from Sacred Valley Project

“Sacred Valley Project believes in the power of education in women and the importance of gender equity,” said Alex Ball, founder of Sacred Valley Project. “While we are empowering the girls in remote areas of the Andes for their secondary education by providing boarding and supplementary education, we also share a common goal of gender equality with Girls Be Change that all girls and women are agents of change in their lives and their world.”

Alex Ball
Alex Ball | Photo from Sacred Valley Project

2025 is truly a year of global change-making for the organization with its exciting line-up of expeditions that will provide women the chance to learn about communities in various parts of the world, and hopefully encourage more to become part of the changemaker club. 

Girls Be Change is also expanding its Women Changemakers Community gatherings, which aim to bridge knowledge and expertise between the Global North and South. They will take place in various countries including Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Africa, Denmark, Peru, and Thailand. The gathering in Jakarta took place on Mar. 8 with Ashoka Indonesia and TORAJAMELO. The organization is also launching a monthly series called Virtual Campfire with Changemakers, which will talk about various topics surrounding women. 

If you’re interested in taking part in this massive opportunity to see and discover the world, you can sign up for the South Africa expedition here

For more information on the event lineups, you can visit Girls Be Change’s website or follow them on Instagram for updates. 

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Hong Kong/ Venture/ Careers
MarketingPulse 2025 to Spotlight AI, ASEAN Growth, and Pet KOLs
4 Photo by HKTDC

MarketingPulse is returning on Mar. 19, 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event will gather nearly 80 industry leaders to explore AI-driven branding, ASEAN’s e-commerce boom, and emerging consumer trends.

This year’s theme, "Inspiring Possibilities," will focus on AI, data-driven marketing, and cultural integration. Prof. Darren Thayre of Google and former Netflix executive Nikkia Reveillac will discuss AI’s role in consumer engagement and brand storytelling.

AI, Inclusion, and ASEAN’s Market Potential

Experts will explore AI’s impact on marketing automation and personalization, while BMW’s Prof. Dr Thomas Girst and LVMH’s Fabien Vallérian will discuss how brands can use art, music, and storytelling to convey a universal message. The conference will also highlight inclusive marketing, with insights on neurodiverse consumer engagement.

With ASEAN’s rapid e-commerce growth, HKTDC Principal Economist Galvin Chia will present market trends, alongside leading discussions on the halal economy’s business potential.

Pet KOLs and Networking Opportunities

A trending topic will be pet influencers, or KOLs, and their role in consumer engagement and brand loyalty.

The event will also offer networking, business matching, and an exhibition featuring 40+ industry leaders, making it a must-attend for marketing professionals.

Enjoy a special 40% off discount upon purchasing your passes by entering the following discount code: MBTP4PW05

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Hong Kong/ Venture/ Profiles
St. Patrick’s Day: A Conversation with Deputy Consul General Sadbh O’Reilly
Sadbh O Reilly

To commemorate St. Patrick’s Day 2025, The Beat Asia sat down with Sadbh O’Reilly, the Deputy Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao to explore Ireland’s long history in the region and lasting impact.

Through her role as Deputy Consul General, Sadbh oversees cultural promotion as well as engagement of the city’s Irish community. Organizations such as the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (ICC) work alongside Sadbh and the Consulate to further raise cultural awareness and enrich Ireland-Hong Kong relations. 

One such cultural festival, also known as Ireland’s National Day, is St. Patrick’s Day, which is observed around the world, and Hong Kong is no exception. Learn about how the Consulate General of Ireland, Hong Kong and other Irish communities celebrate in the city and get involved this year! 

Sadbh O’Reilly, the Deputy Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao

Curious about a career in diplomacy? Sadbh shares the journey to her appointment, dives into Irish culture in Hong Kong, and the Consulate’s exciting lineup of events happening this year, starting with St. Patrick’s Day of course! 

Can you introduce us to your role at the Consulate General of Ireland, Hong Kong?

I work with the Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong, Jennifer Bourke, and the rest of the team at the Consulate. Our role is to strengthen the relationship between Ireland and Hong Kong.

That means promoting Ireland, cultural promotion, economic promotion, two-way trade, and supporting the Irish community here, which is one of our largest in the Asia Pacific region.

I specifically look after cultural promotion. That might mean supporting Irish artists to come out here for HKWalls or Art Central and increasing awareness of Ireland's cultural history and heritage. I am also the lead on the Irish community and support their initiatives wherever we can.

Can you share your professional journey leading up to your appointment as Deputy Consul General?

Sadbh O’Reilly, the Deputy Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao

I went to university thinking I was going to be a therapist, then I did one International Relations course and it completely changed the trajectory of my career. I've always been interested in different people and cultures. I’m mixed race myself, so I'm constantly navigating between different cultures and was exposed to many different cultures growing up. As soon as I found out that there's a way to take those personal relationships that I built across communities and cultures, on an international scale, I was hooked from the get-go. 

I studied Politics and International Relations and earned a Diploma of Languages in French. I started my career in public service and then joined the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. My first role was in the Reconciliation Fund in the Northern Ireland Unit, and then I moved on to the China desk in the Asia Pacific Unit, and then I came out to Hong Kong!

I really wanted to come to Hong Kong and feel very lucky to be here. It’s such a vibrant and unique city. You have mountains, the harbor, and the built environment is just incredible. It's unlike any other city that I've been to. I'm very much in tourist mode right now, just trying to soak up as much of Hong Kong as possible.

What is your advice for young professionals looking to work in the diplomatic space?

You have to have an interest in politics, international relations, and current affairs. So, it's an understanding of what trends are driving countries to take certain approaches and the history of relationships between different countries.

Another thing that would help is living and working abroad. Also, working across cultures because that's at the heart of diplomacy. If you have some cross-cultural collaboration experience, that really will help you.

Can you elaborate more on the important role the Consulate plays in Ireland-Hong Kong relations?

Sadbh O’Reilly, the Deputy Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao

Strengthening the Ireland-Hong Kong relationship is at the core of what we do. It comes in many different forms, and we usually think of it in a few different pillars. 

The first one is Economic, promoting Ireland's interests and trying to strengthen and deepen the relationship between Ireland and Hong Kong. There are a lot of areas of cooperation between Ireland and Hong Kong, particularly in the Finance space. 

Another key role that the Consulate plays is with consular services: renewing passports, as well as consular assistance in the case of Irish citizens needing support with tricky situations. Then, Cultural, promoting Irish culture and more broadly, awareness of Ireland. It could be film, Irish dance, fine arts, anything like that. 

We also promote our values in conjunction with the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, as well as strengthen relationships with senior officials in the government.

What’s a surprising fact about Ireland and Hong Kong?

What I found surprising is how long and deep the relationship between Ireland and Hong Kong is. Even though they are thousands of kilometers away, there is a very good understanding of Ireland in Hong Kong. 

When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I was driving down Connaught Road, turning onto Hennessy Road, and then walking up O'Brien Road, these are all Irish names. So, I was like, ‘Am I in Ireland?’ That just goes to show that the relationship is very deep compared to other places.

What are some of the community initiatives the Consulate drives or takes part in?

Sadbh O’Reilly, the Deputy Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao

There are many Irish community organizations here in Hong Kong that also work to strengthen the relationship between Ireland and Hong Kong, including the St. Patrick’s Society, the Irish Chamber of Commerce, and the Hong Kong Gaelic Athletic Association. We have very close relationships with all of them. They mostly drive what's happening in the community, and we try to support them as much as possible. 

Ireland's vast diaspora is well known, and the Irish Government has a specific funding stream called the Emigrant Support Programme to support community organizations all around the world that are servicing Irish citizens. 

We also have our own events that we run, like St. Brigid’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Bloomsday, and Halloween

For those interested in business opportunities between Ireland and Hong Kong, why are adjacent organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce instrumental to promoting trade and fostering strong bilateral ties?

The Chamber acts as a link for Irish businesses wanting to invest in Hong Kong or vice versa. They possess local information or provide relevant contact points for businesses or individuals wanting to trade or invest. 

The Chamber also has a Young Professionals Network that's been relaunched, so those who might be starting out in their careers and want to learn about specific industries or Ireland in general, you can join the Network to learn more. 

What do you personally love about the Irish community in Hong Kong?

Sadbh O’Reilly, the Deputy Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao

The Irish community here is a big one, and extremely vibrant. What I love is that they retain a connection and love for Ireland, even though many of them have spent decades out here. 

I see that connection with Ireland being passed down different generations, like Irish dance! I recently went to an Irish dance charity event where children with or without Irish Heritage were doing Irish dance, so that was lovely to see.

How is the Consulate celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year?

As part of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day Programme, the Consulate welcomed Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD to Hong Kong for a three-day visit, where he met with the Irish community, business stakeholders, and his counterpart Secretary for Housing, Ms. Winnie Ho. Following his visit to Hong Kong, he will continue to Shanghai and arrive in Beijing on Mar. 17 for St. Patrick's Day itself. 

One of the main events, which I was most looking forward to, is the annual Ireland Trophy Night at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. During this year's event, the Minister presented the Ireland Trophy to the owner of the winning horse.

Many people might not know, but 10 to 15% of horses in Happy Valley are from Ireland; there's a strong connection. 

I'm always struck when St. Patrick's Day comes around, to have our National Day celebrated across the world on the scale that it is. For a country as small as ours, it is quite significant. I am really excited to see how Hong Kong does St. Patrick's Day!

What are some other Irish observances you celebrate annually?

We just celebrated St. Brigid's Day, which falls on Feb. 1 and marks the start of spring in Ireland and celebrates the creativity and achievements of women. This year, we invited Dr. Emma Howard, who's the Chair of the Irish Society for Women in Economics, to Hong Kong and Singapore, where she presented her expertise on women in economics and the Irish economy more generally. 

St. Brigid's Day, Consulate General of Ireland, Hong Kong
Instagram/ IrelandinHK

Bloomsday is a celebration of the life of Irish writer James Joyce and his famous novel Ulysses, and the events of the book that took place on June 16. Then, Halloween, which many people might not know, has its roots in the Irish Pagan Festival of Samhain, and I know Hong Kong has a tradition of celebrating.

What’s been a memorable moment for you since you started working in Hong Kong?

In work, there have been two standout moments for me. One is the EU office co-hosted an event on achieving same-sex marriage equality in Europe. I was particularly pleased that they screened the Irish documentary The 34th” which outlined Ireland's experience achieving same-sex marriage, and we were the first country to do that by popular vote by a referendum

The second one was: I was lucky enough to go to Macao for the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macao Special Administrative Region and that was a spectacle. 

What can we look forward to seeing from the Consulate in 2025?

Sadbh O’Reilly, the Deputy Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao

We just want to deepen our engagement with all the events, not just the ones that we're organizing, but the events that are happening in Hong Kong as well. We want to get involved in everything, whether that be supporting Irish artists to come for the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, HKWalls, or the Rugby Sevens

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Learn more about the Consulate General of Ireland, Hong Kong here, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more updates!

Explore opportunities with the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong by visiting their website or Facebook page.

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