Supported by CEO of one of the largest news organizations and one of the leading influencers in the region
Supported by CEO of one of the largest performing arts organizations and a senior board member of one of the largest museums in the world
Supported by CEO/chairperson of one of the largest banks in the world and Managing Director of one of the largest HK conglomerates
Supported by a former Olympian and CEO of one of the largest health and well being organizations in the region
Supported by two major influencers in the region (former leading government official and one of the most recognized YouTubers in the region)
What is driving it and how to sustain it - private session with one of the most well known regulator and financial service leaders in Hong Kong
Visits to one of the most sought after global brands in Hong Kong and time with their CEOs
Session with CEOs of leading hotels, airline or tourism platforms
Feb-Apr
3 sessions during February, March and April (Second Wednesday evening) - structured learning on the topics of leadership and influence with 3 to 4 leading thinkers
Who can apply?
Any full-time university undergraduates from these six universities can apply - HKBU, CityU, CUHK, HKU, HKUST, 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 SHKP 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 university degree details.
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.
Buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a wild ride through my Melo experience! It was like strapping on a jetpack of excitement and soaring through a world of collaboration and social change.Picture this: I found myself rubbing elbows with CEOs, the big shots of the business world. It was like being in a room full of superheroes, each with their own unique powers and perspectives. Brainstorming sessions turned into epic battles of ideas, and workshops became training grounds for unleashing our creative powers.But the real magic happened within me. Along the Melo journey, I felt myself growing like a sprout on steroids. It was like someone had watered me with a special potion of knowledge and inspiration. My leadership skills sprouted faster than a jack-in-the-beanstalk, and my communication abilities became as smooth as butter on a hot pancake.The best part? Seeing our ideas come to life and making a real impact. It was like watching fireworks explode in a sky full of possibilities. We took those brainwaves and transformed them into real-life projects that could make a difference. The feeling of making a positive change in the world was sweeter than a triple-scoop ice cream sundae.Looking back, I can't help but smile like a mischievous Cheshire cat. Melo wasn't just a journey, it was an adventure of a lifetime. It lit a fire within me, a burning desire to continue sparking social change and leaving a trail of awesomeness wherever I go.
The most exciting part of my Melo journey is truly around the people that I've met who share the same passion for bringing positive impact to society. From the Melo team, my fellow peers and the CEOs, it's enlightening to witness so many great minds all excited to bring more hope to Hong Kong. Through authentic conversations and the co-creation process of trying to solve real problems in society, I feel empowered to continue my own path in social entrepreneurship and make a difference. Reflecting back, realizing the importance of my voice has been a major part of my growth in Melo. With this platform, I've not only met humble and engaging leaders but also felt uplifted to voice out my opinions and exchange insights with them.
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.
“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.”
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!
“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.”