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Project Melo is a meaningful experience that has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.My project, theme 3 paediatric patient’s recovery necessitated crossing linguistic and cultural barriers, and having authentically vulnerable conversations about difficult topics.Throughout this experience, I never knew what would come next, which really drove home the importance of taking things day by day, and focusing on what is ahead of me.Luckily, I was surrounded by a team of other talented, driven people, and supported by open-minded CEOs who inspired me with their passion for change in Hong Kong
My favorite moments have been interacting with all our CEOs and founders during talks, events, and networking sessions. Learning about each of their distinctive career paths and the advice they have shared has been instrumental to my own journey and forming my own unique perspective. Another cherished moment is my final presentation with my teammates. Our project revolved around the future of work and the effects of covid-19. The research that went behind this project was truly eye opening, especially since I was just entering the workforce myself.
I really appreciated the tight community we have built in Project Melo. I was pleasantly surprised to experience cross-generational bonding and idea sharing, especially between some notable experts in their field in Hong Kong. Previously, I imagined CEOs to be hard-headed and unapproachable, but what I experienced in Melo was the complete opposite. These CEOs were some of the kindest and friendliest people I have ever met, and that gave me a great sense of belonging within the community. Besides that, I thoroughly enjoyed mingling with open-minded and driven peers during the Joint Discovery events. These were some of the most genuine, humble and down-to-earth people I have met, which made the atmosphere much more vibrant and enjoyable. The thought of designing and launching an ecotour as an inexperienced year 1 proved highly intimidating. Self-doubt echoed through my mind while undertaking this impactful project. However, my teammates were kind enough to understand my position, noting that this was an excellent learning opportunity for all of us. They would have felt the same in Year 1 too. Their compassion and empathy were incredibly helpful for me to get into my stride and contribute. Gradually, I became more self-assured and confident in my abilities. I realised the importance of having good team dynamics. The diversity in our group allowed for one’s strengths to complement the weaknesses of others. Although launching an ecotour was filled with hiccups and challenges, I learned to take the next obvious step forward and trust the process.
“I really enjoyed the anticipation before each meeting with the students -- you never knew what they would present or what topics would be discussed! Every meeting was refreshing because I felt like I was getting a glimpse of the same world, but through different eyes. Besides the project on hand, we had the chance to discuss a wide range of issues that I normally wouldn't get to discuss with young people, and that was very rewarding for me.”
“I am deeply impressed by the organisers’ commitment to create a differentiated program for Youth. I hope all Melo students always believe in themselves and the society, and always be brave to think differently and take actions.”
“This is truly a community effort....And I’m honored to be part of this new initiative.Yes, there are challenges ahead, for both our students and corporates... but I remain confident that our Melo Fellows and Peers together with the CEOs can learn from each other how best to weather the uncharted journey ahead.”
Who can apply?
Any full-time university undergraduates from these six universities can apply - Baptist U, City U, Chinese U, HKU, HKUST, and PolyU. We will select 20 Melo Fellows from this pool of applicants. Our selection criteria is simple - we are looking for high calibre students with a passion and track record of leadership and impact on the society. We look for authentic stories and real passion.
The program will kick off at the end of January 2025 and end with a graduation in June 2025. The Fellowship has two main components - Co-Creation and Joint Discovery.
In Co-Creation, 20 Melo Fellows will be divided into 5 teams of 4. Each team will be paired with two leading CEOs / social leaders. Each will work towards a proposal on delivering the most impact on their topic for Hong Kong society. One of the leading region VC firms and its managing partner will seed one or more of their proposed programs for implementation.
In Joint Discovery, these are events for the entire fellowship where Melo Fellows will experience and learn from leaders of our society on a few key themes, in the most intimate and engaging way.
In terms of time commitment, each Fellow will be asked to:
Melo Fellows will go through a one-of-a-kind journey of learning and mindset growth. They will learn hard and soft skills and have direct exposure to leading CEOs, social leaders and thought leaders. The Fellowship includes project based learning as well as group-based interactive learning.
For the first time ever, two Fellows will be selected and be awarded the SHK x Melo Scholarship, which will cover the full tuition fee of the remaining years of undergraduate studies of the awardee.
1. Background details
Your name, mobile number, email contact and your year and degree in HKUST.
2. Choose a topic
Choose from one of the five themes we listed as your preferred topic of interest or you can write to us what one other topic you are interested in
3. Tell us your story
Share why you want to join this program and why you are passionate about the topic you choose in one of three formats (A 500-word essay, a 90-second video, or a PowerPoint of fewer than 10 slides). We care a lot about authenticity. We would love to hear stories that come from your personal experience.
