Youth Development:
Investing In Tomorrow

We reached out to more than 300,000 young people through about 200 Bank-sponsored activities in 2014, giving them the chance to broaden their horizons and learn valuable life lessons through work experience, educational achievement, community service and greater exposure to culture and the arts.

Our programmes aim to improve social mobility and contribute to creating a caring and cohesive society by empowering youngsters with the confidence, skills and enthusiasm to explore their potential and contribute to future growth.

Jointly organised with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), The Hang Seng - HKCSS Youth Career Exploration Programme nurtures a positive mindset towards career planning in Form 4 students and helps them identify their personal strengths by exposing them to the operations of companies in different industries. About 350 students have gained greater insight into how various career opportunities may align with their personal interests since the programme launched in 2013. Students taking part in the 2014-2015 programme will be exposed to four industries - Airport Operations, Design and Production, Healthcare and Nursing, and Theme Parks and Attractions.

Run in partnership with the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, the Hang Seng Bank - G.P.S. Youth Employment Programme is pioneering the 'gap year' concept in Hong Kong, with a specific focus on low academic achievers. In 2014, about 20 students put their studies on hold for nearly a year to participate in work placements tailored to their interests and with the guidance of social workers. The programme is expected to benefit around 140 students in its first three years of operation.

The Hang Seng Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme offers youth at risk and young ex-offenders the chance to make a fresh start by developing their entrepreneurial skills. Senior Bank executives serve as guest speakers to offer participants the benefit of their practical business experience. The young entrepreneurs are guided through the process of turning their business ideas into credible plans. In 2014-2015, about 180 young people are expected to take part in the Scheme, which is jointly organised with the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong.

Run in partnership with the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society (HKFWS), the Hang Seng - HKFWS Youth Mediation Scheme helps to improve communication, strengthen relationships and foster a positive attitude among students in resolving conflicts with their family members and peers. Over 300 students from 18 primary schools are being trained as 'Peer Mediators' in 2014-15, with assistance from more than 20 Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) students who have been trained as 'HKIEd Mediation Ambassadors'. Over 20 Bank volunteer team members have been trained as 'Hang Seng Mediation Ambassadors' to assist in a parent-child mediation workshop.

In providing around 360 young people with the opportunity to discuss important regional issues with distinguished community leaders through the award-winning Hang Seng Bank - Leaders to Leaders Lecture Series 2014, we aim to raise social awareness and interest in world affairs.

Our long-standing support for the Ming Pao Student Reporter Programme and our 20-year involvement in the Hang Seng Bank - Help the Police Fight Youth Crime Competition are helping young people develop the critical analysis skills and sense of civic responsibility that are important elements of a healthy, forward-thinking and inclusive society.

Our support for education includes donating over HK$63m since 1995 under various scholarship schemes, benefiting more than 2,000 students in Hong Kong and on the Mainland. Every year since 2008, we have awarded a number of Community Service Scholarships to undergraduate students who have demonstrated their commitment to positive social development by giving over 100 hours in recognised voluntary service to worthy causes in Hong Kong in the previous 12 months.