THE POWER OF WE

Since Social Ventures Hong Kong (SVhk) launched Odyssey, a 10-year voyage to reimagine Hong Kong for 2030, the team has witnessed a blooming culture of collective problem-solving. The readiness of individuals, corporates and organisations to build partnerships at all levels is transforming how we face issues and make change together.

RISE OF COMMUNITY ECONOMY

From grassroots initiatives to cross-sector partnerships, entrepreneurship with collective purpose has taken a leading role in addressing social needs. To support relief efforts, more than 50 mothers in Kwai Chung were engaged to produce upcycled masks at HATCH, the co-working factory, and at home. SVhk and partner Health In Action distributed the masks along with other health necessities to communities with urgent needs. Collaborative systems utilising local resources and community participation is key to creating sustainable impact in daily life.

WELLNESS FOR ALL

Living well becomes a priority as individuals and corporates increasingly invest in mental and physical wellbeing. Health insurance specialist Bupa in Hong Kong, as part of its ‘Bupa HealthFest’ campaign, offered free online classes to energise the community and allow everyone to reboot their body and mind, and piloted free telemedicine services for underserved families through Cradle to Classroom (C2C). Patients were treated via an online physician consultation, with same day home-delivery of medicine. Technology has opened up new possibilities for wellness, making it accessible, actionable and fun for the community.

BRIDGE FOR TODAY, REVIVE FOR TOMORROW

It’s time to shift from a recovery to a reimagination-driven mindset to shape the future. In May, SVhk and Sustainable Finance Initiative (SFi) alongside organisational partners launched the Community Resilience Fund (CRF) as an emergency zero-interest loan facility to sustain socially innovative business models. The Fund is working with a number of social enterprises that are turning economic challenges into opportunities to re-innovate for change.

There are no shortcuts on the road to resilience, but by building systems of collective purpose, practising innovation and realistic optimism, we become better prepared to swiftly catapult forward together.

READ MORE:
– Issue 01: Are You Ready To Enter Business 2.0?
– Issue 01: Highlights
– Issue 01: Launchpad