The Melo Summit stands out as my most exhilarating experience. We had the chance to present our discussions to CEOs who really care about and prioritize the well being of youths in Hong Kong. Feel empowered by the simple act of being heard!Reflecting on my journey, I was surprised to see how much I grow in communicating ideas, both as a listener and as a speaker. This journey illuminated the value of empathy, care, and active listening. It was through this process that I learned to respect the perspectives of others and came to appreciate and respect my own ideas instead of self-slighting.
Reflecting on my journey with MELO, I truly appreciated the opportunity I was given, to dive into some key elements within the society that have been overlooked during our daily lives. The most exciting part was to be able to discuss with top executives on critical topics which brought me life-changing insights and allowed me to embrace the world in a wider perspective.
To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, to draw closer, to find each other, and to feel.
The most exciting part is that we get the opportunities to see new things, meet new people, try new experiences. I am glad that my Group's CEOs, Stephanie and Adriel, connect us with different other CEOs and sustainability leaders, such as John from Hang Lung, Juliana from Innotier, David from Green Monday, so we can have a deep conversation with them and learn! Each new person I met has taught me something!
After every meeting and joint discovery event, I have learnt something new, and become a more knowledgable and better me. The most important takeaway is still having a humble heart, and never stop learning!
“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.”
“This is an amazing program. I had a great time engaging with the Melo Fellows. We need more of this type of community driven leadership in the world and I see Melo an important empowerment platform for our exciting new generation. I am excited. For our new generation, let’s get into the arena!”
“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.