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"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." - Helen Keller
The most unpredictable part will be the first meeting with our CEO and the video production team. At first, I thought making a video is an easy thing. However, in this meeting, the video production team taught me a lot about how to prepare for filming a video, like deciding the proportion of the video, preparing questions to every stakeholder in the video and brainstorming the idea of how to end the video. Making a video is not that easy!
Yes! With the help of Peggy, the CEO working with our team, and our cooperated video production team, I learnt a lot about how to organise a project, step by step from planning to implementing. Also, I learnt how to communicate with different people to select a candidate to be the main character of the video and howto prepare for filming a video.
Project Melo has been an extraordinary catalyst for my personal and professional growth, evolving from a quest for exposure into a profound learning experience. Initially driven by a desire to explore opportunities beyond academia, my involvement introduced me to diverse organisations like the Big Bang Academy and Preface, equipping me with valuable networking skills and strategies for empowering youth. However, it was the concept of "social sustainability" that emerged as a defining aspect of my journey. I came to realise that providing opportunities to young people was just the tip of the iceberg; the key to lasting impact lay in comprehensive preparation through workshops and readiness programs. Professionally, Project Melo refined my networking abilities and deepened my understanding of social sustainability, laying the foundation for future collaborations. On a personal level, this experience reinforced my passion for effecting positive change in the lives of young individuals, inspiring me to continue working diligently towards empowering youth and fostering social sustainability. In essence, Project Melo has not only enriched my professional toolkit but also kindled a profound sense of purpose, shaping me into a more committed advocate for sustainable youth development, encapsulating this transformative journey in every sense.
Don't be afraid to be the idiot in the room during meetings.
One of the most exciting part was being able to have some of the very down-to-earth conversations with CEOs. Initially, I thought they would only reveal the best version of themselves, little did I knew that they were willing to share some of their most difficult and challenging times they had and how they came out of it to achieve where they are now. It was inspiring to see how far they have come and inspires me to do the same.
I really enjoyed that fact we were able to make something out of nothing and bring that life. It really touches me that taking actions while thinking about an idea is way more important than just dwelling on the idea. It seems very intuitive but in reality we get so caught with our own thoughts and opinions and rarely take a step forward and see how things actually play out. Most of the time, it is about the willingness and passion to do something rather than whether you can actually do it or not.
“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.”
Thank you Project Melo for bringing me valuable opportunities to meet and connect with our futuremakers through reverse mentoring. As the perfect wrap-up for everyone’s effort, I’m eagerly anticipating the launch of our Fellows’ “21-Day Challenge Climate Change” Happy Meal book this June! Looking ahead, I cannot wait to connect with more young friends and be inspired by their new ideas and creativity. Together, we can drive positive change for Hong Kong and envision a brighter future for all!
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.
