Rapid changes in social, economic, and environmental conditions have led to numerous social needs and opportunities. As a cross-sector collaboration platform, the Council plays a vital role in driving social innovation and responses. This year, we hosted the “S+ Summit and Expo” from a new perspective, employing the “Sustainable Development Goals” as a framework to foster “Synergy,” “Social Impact,” and “Sustainability” in Hong Kong.

In addition to a number of renowned scholars and guests from Mainland China, overseas and local communities sharing their experiences in social development, the S+ Summit and Expo attracted the active participation of 6,000 stakeholders from government, welfare, academia, business, foundations, and professional sectors. We also co-hosted a forum with the Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council to explore how to leverage local financial and economic advantages to turn Hong Kong to be a regional philanthropic hub.

The philanthropy sector in Hong Kong is thriving, and the Council has been collaborating with charitable foundations, NGOs, and social enterprises to promote service innovation and impact. In the business sector, companies gradually embraced shared value to enhance corporate and social development. In 2023/24, a total of 4,207 companies and organisations received the “Caring Company” or “Caring Organisation” logos. As we entered the 23rd year of the Caring Company Scheme, we have started to revamp it to further strengthen its effect on social development.

On gerontechnology, several key projects achieved significant results. The 7th “Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit” garnered an overwhelming response, with a total of 37,000 visitors, or 50% increase compared to the last Expo. The “Gerontechnology Platform” completed evaluation frameworks for 10 thematic products, accumulating more empirical experience for the “Gerontechnology Testing Ground”, which served as an important basis for future product testing. The Jockey Club “Age at Home” Gerontech Education and Rental Service supported over 2,600 elders to age at home. Service users and therapists from 11 social welfare organisations also utilized the “Telepractice Platform.” Furthermore, we committed to assist individuals with swallowing difficulties in obtaining nutritious and flavorful meals. Last year, we released the “Guideline of Care Food Standard” and implemented several community programs to help the elderly rediscover the joy of eating.

With more Hong Kong residents considering cross-border retirement in the Greater Bay Area, the government has proposed various supportive measures. To promote mutual exchange and synergy in the areas of elderly services and technology, we actively explored collaboration opportunities with government departments and the elderly care industry in the Greater Bay Area. Study visits were organized to gain insight into the latest developments in elderly homes, community, and home care services in Shenzhen and Guangzhou. We believe that there will be more opportunities for collaboration within the region in the future.

Additionally, we continued our advocacy efforts on various social issues and implemented related projects, for example, the “Secret Chat” project addressing youth mental health issues, the “Care You Fund” for grassroots carers, and the “PathBuilders Program” supporting young people from school to work. We also compiled the “A Practical Guide for Cultivating Ethnic Inclusion in Talent Development” to support employers in establishing multicultural-friendly work environments. At the same time, we provided valuable recommendations on social policies covering child protection, subdivided unit regulation, employment opportunities, primary healthcare enhancement, and the establishment of a end-of-life care system, while closely monitoring issues related to the welfare subvention system and reflecting the opinions of our agency members to the government.

Talent development has emerged as a critical concern not only within the welfare sector but across all industries. We offered training courses covering individual, team, and organisational development in response to various talent development needs in the sector, including programmes for newly promoted supervisors and second-tier managerial staff in the rehabilitation sector to enhance their personal effectiveness and leadership skills, and to nurture them to be future leaders of their organisations and the sector.

The Council could not have achieved its missions without the support of the welfare sector, government, and other stakeholders, as well as the creativity and commitment of the Council’s staff team. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of the community and creating a caring and sustainable Hong Kong. ​Download 2023-2024 Annual Report Summary

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