The 2020/2021 AIA Foundation Young Leaders Development Programme (YLDP) has come to a successful conclusion. Now in its 22nd year, the programme has trained more than 510 local university students over the years. This year, AIA Foundation selected 20 elite students from eight local universities to participate in the five-month training programme, equipping them with the skills they need to become socially responsible leaders of tomorrow.
Ms. Bonnie Tse, Director of AIA Foundation and Chief Transformation Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said, “In this fast-changing era, we need more outstanding and committed young people to build a better society. Hence it is more important than ever to nurture a new generation of leaders. YLDP demonstrates AIA Foundation's long-term commitment to investing and nurturing our children and youth, cultivating a healthier and more productive future human capital for Hong Kong. We are very pleased to see the positive outcomes brought by the diverse training of the programme, which helps students enrich their experiences and develop their potential, while enhancing their sense of social responsibility and encouraging them to give back to the community.”
The five-month YLDP comprised a series of training and community services, including career and business etiquette workshops, which helped students prepare for their career pursuits. Principal Chan Free Tutorial World's founder, Principal Chan Hung, and Global Football Development Coaches of AIA partner Tottenham Hotspur Football Club were invited to share their insights on leadership traits with the young leaders. The students also took part in various community services to give back to the community through serving the elderly and children, exemplifying the spirit of “A Hand to Lead, A Vision to Serve.” The programme finished with a sharing session hosted by executives from AIA Hong Kong who shared their views and personal experiences on career planning, management, and the key to success.
Participants who performed well in the programme were recognised with awards, including “Outstanding Young Leaders Award”, “My Favourite Young Leader Award” and “Best Local Community Service Award”. The awardees may also receive a summer internship opportunity with AIA Hong Kong.
Among the four awardees this year was Alexandra Law from the University of Hong Kong, recipient of “Outstanding Young Leaders Award” and “My Favourite Young Leader Award”. She said, “The programme has broadened my horizons and social circle, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and to serve the community.” Thomas Lui from Hong Kong Baptist University, another recipient of “Outstanding Young Leaders Award”, said, “This programme has helped me to get a better understanding of myself, and to improve my leadership and teamwork skills.”
Furthermore, two students were awarded “Best Local Community Service Award”: Matt Wong from Lingnan University and Jack Leung from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Matt said, “Community service has made me realise the importance of fulfilling social duties. Going forward, I will put more effort into caring for others and helping the underprivileged.” Jack remarked, “The opportunity to serve the community is all the more valuable during the pandemic. What I have learned in these few months will serve me for a lifetime.”
