Which social agenda that you are interested in?
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The “Co-Creation” team organises a variety of events and projects in response to the evolving needs of society. For instance, we explore co-creation in areas such as diversity and inclusion and held event like the Seminar on Cultivating Ethnic Inclusion in Talent Development, as well as workshops to enhance the social innovation capabilities of NGOs and social enterprises. We also run programme that connects the food and beverage industry to promote swallowing-friendly restaurants in the community.
Integrating diverse perspectives is a key method to foster innovation and enhance social impact. By incorporating viewpoints from stakeholders with various backgrounds, we can collaboratively create more influential and sustainable solutions to address a wide range of social issues. What topics are you interested in? Feel free to vote and let us know. We will share relevant information with you for future events related to these topics.
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Co-Creation Team – What’s New
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Support Students with Hearing Impairment Through Sign Language for a More Inclusive Journey
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Imagine navigating the world with a hearing impairment. What challenges might you face as you grow up? Beyond academic hurdles, students with hearing impairment encounter communication barriers outside the classroom due to limited support, such as sign language interpretation. This makes it difficult for them to fully engage and grasp new ideas like their hearing peers.
“SLCO Community Resources” collaborated with social enterprise “La Violet” to organize financial workshops with sign language interpretation. This initiative allowed students with hearing impairment to grasp financial concepts without barriers. Previously hesitant to ask questions, students now feel confident with sign language support, seeking clarity during sessions.
SLCO also involved counseling psychologists proficient in Hong Kong Sign Language to discuss career planning directly with students. Beneficiary students expressed that the counseling process allowed them to express their thoughts like sharing with a friend, helping them explore future paths and enhance their motivation to learn.
Let’s continue supporting the creation of an inclusive environment for students with hearing impairment to unlock their talents and shine in society.
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2025/26 Caring Company Scheme Stakeholder Engagement Activities
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Thematic Orientation: Partnering for Growth
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With the support of the Caring Company Patron’s Club, the Caring Company Scheme is collaborating with local charitable organizations and social enterprises to organize a series of peer learning activities, focusing on five major social issues: (1) carer support; (2) diversity, equity, and inclusion; (3) youth/women/elderly empowerment; (4) environment; and (5) mental health. The aim is to enhance corporate awareness of relevant issues through a variety of activities, fostering cross-sectoral exchanges among the business, social service, academic, and other sectors. We hope that companies will consider integrating feasible solutions into their daily operations, achieving sustainable business development while advancing collaboration and synergy, working together to drive social progress.”
Which social issues are you interested in? Feel free to vote and share your thoughts.
If you are interested in supporting the Caring Company Scheme as a patron member
Please contact us at [email protected].
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Care Food Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Standards: Promoting Three-place Connectivity and Integration
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With the collaboration between the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) and The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association (CMA), the “Care Food Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Standards MOU signing ceremony was held on November 21, 2024, witnessed by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, GBS, JP, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr. CHAN Pak Li, Bernard, JP, and Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr. HO Kai-ming.
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Since 2017, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) has been promoting Care Food through the establishment of the “Care Food Ecosystem.” HKCSS collaborated with the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Food Research Centre and the University of Hong Kong’s Swallowing Research Laboratory to launch the Guideline of Care Food Standard in 2023. This initiative has received widespread support and is gradually being adopted by the business sector, public sector, and social welfare sector.
Given that the government is actively developing the Silver Economy to enhance the quality of life for the elderly, HKCSS and CMA will collaborate with various partners in developing the first “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Standards.” These standards will be introduced to the Greater Bay Area as a reference guide for industries in the region, promoting the integration and innovative application of the Care Food standards. Complementing high-quality development, this collaboration will lay a strong foundation for the development of cross-border retirement initiatives and represent a new milestone in fostering connectivity and integration among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.
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Latest News on the Caring Company Scheme
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The revamp of the Caring Company Scheme is in full swing. A new online application system will be launched and open for applications for the 2024/25 cycle starting in mid-March 2025. An information session will be held to provide detailed guidance on system operations and application procedures in due course.
Details regarding logo applications and community partnerships were thoroughly explained during the information session on 14 November 2024. Companies interested in logo applications or charitable organisations aiming to become nominators are encouraged to review or revisit the information session (click here) for the latest information. We will continue to provide updates via the Scheme’s website (click here), so please stay updated.
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Promoting an Inclusive Workplace — For Employers
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In this video, we showcase the importance of embracing multiculturalism in Hong Kong from the perspective of ethnically inclusive employers. With 620,000 ethnic minorities calling this city home, employers have a unique opportunity to create a diverse and inclusive environment.
From breaking language barriers to fostering cultural understanding, we explore practical steps to build an inclusive workplace to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) step by step, particularly the goal of reducing inequality and promoting social inclusion. By respecting cultural differences and encouraging open communication, we can strengthen employee collaboration and gain their support.
Let’s work together to build a vibrant multicultural society where every business and individual can thrive!
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Promoting an Inclusive Workplace — For Employees
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In this video, we explore the four stages of working in Hong Kong’s mainstream workplace from the perspective of multicultural employees , offering a practical guide on how to build an inclusive work environment.
From enhancing skills and improving communication to building strong relationships and deepening collaboration, we believe that mutual cultural understanding and maintaining an open mindset are essential.
By actively participating in community activities and sharing knowledge, multicultural employees can play a key role in creating a diverse and welcoming society.
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What is Impact Measurement and Management (IMM)?
According to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, a staggering 83% of global SDG targets are off-track, stagnant, or regressing as the 2030 deadline approaches. In response to this alarming trend, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) introduced the SDG Impact Standards. Rather than a disclosure framework, these Standards serve as a best-practice guide and decision-making tool, with Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) at their core.
Corporate volunteering and charitable donations are commendable efforts, but without proper impact measurement, it could be hard to ensure time and resources are allocated effectively to generate positive outcomes for stakeholders rather than unintended harm. More importantly, how can businesses refine their future decision-making processes to amplify impact?
A shared language around IMM has emerged globally, aligning investors, businesses, social organisations, and governments. Effective tools must address five dimensions of impact: What change is created? Who experiences it? How much change occurs? How much is contributed by the programme? What are the impact risks? The IMM framework helps organisations measure their impact, track performance, and benchmark effectively.
By applying IMM and these Standards, businesses can systematically improve decisions in investment, product development, resource allocation, and operations, mitigating the risks of “impact washing” while helping companies capitalise on SDG-aligned opportunities. Businesses play a vital role in addressing sustainability challenges. Companies can contribute meaningfully to sustaining economic, social, and environmental stability while unlocking growth opportunities.
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James Chan,
Co-founder, PIE Strategy
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The above ESG Trivia is provided by PIE Strategy, the Knowledge & Strategy Partner of the Caring Company Scheme.
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