As I sit back in Hong Kong, gazing through the window of my bedroom, I’m struck by the profound impact this study trip has had on my perspective and aspirations. The laughter-filled days and nights were genuinely memorable, but what truly resonated with me was the unwavering dedication of each guest we encountered through the visits. From the innovative start-ups at dcamp to the passionate NGOs within the Taiwan GanLe community, their glistening eyes spoke volumes about their commitment and passion.
Glimpse into Non-Profit Management
Throughout my teen years, I often got asked, “What are your plans for the future?”
The looming prospect of graduation and potential unemployment has been weighing on my shoulders lately, especially as I proceed to my senior years in university. While I’ve always harbored a deep interest in Non-Profit Management (NPM), this trip provided me with a unique opportunity to explore this field in depth.
Our visit to CAN (甘樂文創) offered a tangible glimpse into the real-world workings of NPM. The holistic approach of the community – from the soybean factory to educating underprivileged children, and the measurable impact on crime rates – touched me deeply.
This experience offered me a rare glimpse into a fully developed community-driven initiative, something that I find hard to witness in Hong Kong’s compact urban landscape. As we explored the area, I was struck by the seamless integration of various elements – from the manufacturing processes to the vibrant streets where goods were sold (and I bought!).
How many efforts had it taken to form such a comprehensive system? I was genuinely impressed.
My experience with CAN has reconciled some of the contradictions I’ve felt towards non-profits. Having interned in non-profits in both Hong Kong and Shanghai, I often found myself grappling with the disconnect between lofty ideals and tangible impact during work. Could fair trade really be implemented through the PowerPoint slides I was working on? Could endangered animals be protected through the zoo tours I was leading? These doubts left me puzzled about my aspirations. Towards the end of these internships, I tended to question myself about the big pictures and ideals these organisations envisioned.
While I’m aware that our brief visit likely only scratched the surface with countless untold challenges lurking beneath, those few hours were transformative for me. The scene in front of us served as concrete proof that the “big pictures” we often discuss in non-profit management can indeed become reality. It’s often said that humans are visual creatures, and I realized that I had been lacking this specific crucial visual affirmation. Seeing the community in action helped me understand that every effort, no matter how small it might seem – and yes, even tasks like creating PowerPoint presentations – contributes to the larger goal.
Not to mention that I genuinely loved the warmth and hospitality of the Taiwanese people, whom made the whole experience even more enriching. Their concept of training the younger generation to carry on the flame of fading traditional arts – the idea of “薪火相傳” (passing on the torch) – resonated deeply with me. Would definitely pay this place another visit!
Hong Kong and Cultural Preservation
I couldn’t help but relate the GanLe community to Hong Kong, our beloved city. Many writers have laid their pen on recent changes in Hong Kong – its people, system, and culture. Indeed, rapid changes are occurring in the city. It has become increasingly common for locals to reminisce about the city’s glorious past, yet often fall silent when called upon to take action in preserving and sustaining that heritage.
The fading traditional arts and crafts, the local language and culture – I wonder if things could be better if there were an extra pair of hands dedicated to preserving the local culture we’re all so proud of. As the guest speaker from CAN mentioned, they too started small. Behind every great achievement are subtle and consistent efforts. This experience has perhaps ignited a soft spot in my heart to do something for this city with what I have learned. It has reinforced my understanding of NPM in real life, inspiring me in regard to my future career prospects.
Entrepreneurship and Cultural Differences
In South Korea, I was particularly impressed by the comprehensive support system for entrepreneurs. Witnessing the vibrant ecosystem at dcamp and engaging with innovators at KISED was thought provoking. As a politics student, what caught my attention was Korea’s strategic approach to address its aging population through entrepreneurship and innovation support. For instance, the K-Startup Grand Challenge, which offers funding of up to $130,000 and free office space for foreign entrepreneurs, is a prime example of how Korea is attracting global talent. This made me reflect on Hong Kong’s strategies. While we have initiatives like the Top Talent Pass Scheme, I wonder if we could learn from other countries’ and adopt a more strategic and concentrated approach in regard to foreign talent attraction.
On one hand, I acknowledged how subtle ideas could be transformed into reality through means like organizational funding and government support. On the other hand, however, my experience in Taiwan offered a sobering counterpoint, reminding me that entrepreneurship is no easy feat and requires unwavering dedication and consistent effort.
This dichotomy was particularly evident during our session at AppWorks. Receiving feedback from their staff gave me a glimpse into the real-world functioning of startups. I was struck by the emphasis on practical considerations like financial budgeting and the necessity of thorough case studies. The seriousness in the eyes of the entrepreneurs served as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved in these ventures.
Indeed, it is a lesson to learn, to achieve a delicate balance of leveraging available support and relying on one’s own drive and innovation.
Complexity between politics and social issues
This trip opened my eyes to the complexities between social issues and entrepreneurship, and how politics is always intertwined. Reality is that many things are interconnected, which is precisely what makes social sciences such an intriguing subject. I was inspired by the words of one guest speaker who said, “What society is looking for are no longer just specialists, but more well-rounded individuals.” This perspective has motivated me and validated my diverse interests in different disciplines. As a curious but “three minute passion” kind of person, I’ve come to realize that having a broad understanding of various fields can be incredibly valuable in today’s interconnected world.
In hindsight, I gradually realized how I have been bound by Hong Kong’s scope, unwilling to step out of my comfort zone. However, this trip brought entrepreneurship and innovation, Web 3.0 within my close proximity, introducing me to real-life entrepreneurs and making the concept feel more tangible and achievable. Ultimately, this study trip has ignited a passion for exploring new frontiers in my future career. I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the study trip.
