Initially, IdeaPOP!'s mentoring sessions aimed to help students develop skills beyond the classroom while engaging with real-world social issues. However, it soon became clear to the mentors that this is a two-way learning experience, as the mentors drew inspiration, deepened their own commitment to social impact, and found meaning in guiding the next generation.
A Platform for Innovation and Social Impact
Organised by the SEED Foundation and presented by #Citi, this dynamic student startup pitch competition not only ignites creativity and entrepreneurial skills among students but also fosters real-world solutions through collaborations with esteemed social partners, which are no tiny feat.
This year, the competition has collaborated with four esteemed social partners, including the Hong Kong PHAB Association, Bridge AI, Christian Family Service Centre , and World Green Organisation. These organisations provided critical expertise in disability inclusion, education, elderly care, and waste reduction, offering invaluable insights to help students refine their pitch proposals.
It turns out the mentoring experience was much more than mere guidance; it has evolved into a mutual learning journey brimming with unexpected lessons.
Katie Fung, Associate Director (Operations) at Bridge AI, noted the inspiring enthusiasm of the students. “One group proposed a mobile game designed to raise awareness of social issues,” she recounted. “The innovative game not only prompted players to think critically about real-world problems, but also offered a fun and engaging way to explore potential solutions. It was a powerful reminder of how creativity can make a meaningful impact.”
Ivan Lam, Manager of the PHAB Institute at the Hong Kong PHAB Association, echoed this sentiment, sharing how many students incorporated AI into their groundbreaking ideas.
Lam and his colleague Roy Shum mentored a total of 29 student teams, and they were particularly moved by a group that developed a tool to assist visually impaired individuals. “Their presentation transcended the product itself. They emphasised enhancing social participation for the visually impaired, highlighting the importance of love and connection in their social interactions,” Lam reflected. “This need is often overlooked by the able-bodied, but the students’ insights resonated powerfully with this critical perspective.”
Another group of students took the initiative to develop a test for eye diseases, which impressed Gilbert Yuen, the Emergency Carer Support Service Manager at Christian Family Service Centre. He mentioned, "It shows their care for social issues and highlights their entrepreneurial skills."
Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders
All the mentors recognise that fostering empathy and inclusivity best begins with engaging students in hands-on projects supporting those in need. This is where IdeaPOP! comes into play.
Angus Wong, Deputy Director of Project Planning and Flora Ip, Manager of Digital Marketing and Event at the World Green Organisation, highlighted the competition's unique ability to inspire critical thinking and foster empathetic mindsets among young participants. “We have a chance to inspire and empower young minds in environmental protection, particularly in waste reduction,” Wong stated, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to fostering environmentally-conscious leaders.
Ceci Li, Project Manager at Bridge AI, drew from her experience in SEN child education and emphasised to students that accessibility is crucial when designing solutions. "We discussed the importance of user-centred design, the challenges of real-world implementation, and how AI can enhance interventions for diverse learners."
Among the many inspiring ideas presented, several student teams are dedicated to tackling issues related to the elderlies. Celine Cheng, Manager at Kwun Tong Integrated Home Care Services at Christian Family Service Centre, emphasised to students the importance of integrating stakeholder engagement into solutions. “Collaboration with families, medical professionals, and community organisations is essential for developing comprehensive support networks for the elderly,” she stressed, advocating for a holistic approach to care.
The Call to Become a Social Mentor
Reflecting on her experience, Cheng from the Christian Family Service Centre remarked, “I am motivated to be a coach at IdeaPOP! because I believe in the power of teamwork and information exchange. Despite my busy schedule, helping students refine their concepts and skills is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing their growth and increasing confidence makes it all worthwhile.”
Ivan Lam from the Hong Kong PHAB Association added, “The students have expanded our colleagues' perspectives. Their creative ideas have inspired us and will enrich our future activities and initiatives, allowing us to incorporate more youthful perspectives into our work.”
IdeaPOP! also enables mentors to uphold their organization's mission. "This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire and empower young minds in environmental protection, particularly in waste reduction," emphasized Wong and Ip from the World Green Organisation.
In essence, IdeaPOP! transcends a mere competition; it symbolizes a collaborative journey where mentors and students co-create knowledge and drive social impact. By nurturing empathy, creativity, and meaningful change, mentors and students alike are collectively shaping a brighter future. This showcases the profound impact of mentoring in empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.