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THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities NEWS/ HONG KONG/ CITY

Press Release – Immediate

Helping Young People See What Is Possible Local Ethnically Diverse Youth Speak Out at Leadership Summit 2026 300 young people to discuss Hong Kong's future, opportunities, identity and belonging Hong Kong, 12 September 2026 – Are young people optimistic about their future in Hong Kong? Is Hong Kong still a city of opportunity? Can young people succeed without speaking Cantonese? What does it mean to grow up between cultures in Hong Kong today? These were among the questions explored at The Zubin Foundation's Ethnically Diverse Youth Leadership Summit 2026, where more than 300 ethnically diverse young people joined government officials, educators, business leaders, entrepreneurs and community representatives for a day of open and honest discussions about the future. As Hong Kong continues to debate talent development, social mobility, and its future competitiveness, one perspective is often missing: the voices of ethnically diverse young people themselves. Shalini Mahtani, MH, MBE, Founder and CEO of The Zubin Foundation, said: “Too often, discussions about our communities focus on barriers and challenges. We created this Summit because we wanted to focus on something equally important: opportunity, leadership, aspirations and the future. One of the most powerful lessons from last year's Summit was that when young people are given a platform to speak, they can shape conversations and influence change. This Summit was not created for young people. It was created with young people. Their voices matter because they are part of Hong Kong's future”. Nicholas Ho, Commissioner for Belt and Road, HKSAR Government, shared: “Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse youth are a strategic asset for the Belt and Road Initiative, bringing valuable language skills, cultural insights, and international perspectives. The priority is to help them recognise their strengths and connect them with opportunities that enable them to thrive and contribute to Hong Kong’s future.”

What We Heard: Four Key Insights from Hong Kong's Ethnically Diverse Youth • • •

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Young People Still Believe in Hong Kong: Youth expressed a desire to contribute to Hong Kong. However, they emphasised the importance of access to practical opportunities, exposure, mentorship and networks. Success Does Not Follow One Path: From entrepreneurship and sports to education and public service, speakers demonstrated that success can take many forms. Youth were encouraged to focus on their strengths and explore opportunities that align with their interests and aspirations. Language Matters, But It Should Not Define Potential: Discussions on identity and belonging highlighted how multicultural experiences can foster resilience, adaptability and unique perspectives. Youth shared that embracing their identities gave them greater confidence. Identity Can Be a Source of Strength: Youth explored what it means to grow up between cultures and how multicultural experiences can shape confidence and resilience. Some shared that embracing multiple identities allowed them to build stronger connections, challenge stereotypes and contribute unique perspectives to their communities. Rather than viewing cultural differences as barriers, participants discussed how diversity can be a strength for both individuals and society.

THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities

From Challenges to Possibilities: What Helps Young People Thrive? Throughout the Leadership Summit, several practical themes emerged as critical to helping young people realise their potential: • Exposure Creates Possibility: Youth cannot aspire to opportunities they have never seen. Exposure to role models, careers and new experiences helps broaden horizons and build confidence. Future Skills Matter Adaptability, communication, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning remain essential skills for navigating a rapidly changing world. • Representation Matters: Seeing people from similar backgrounds succeed helps young people believe that success is possible for them too. • Networks Create Opportunities: Mentors, supporters and professional connections often play a vital role in opening doors and creating opportunities. • Future Skills Matter: Adaptability, communication, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning remain essential skills for navigating a rapidly changing world.

Language Shapes Perceptions: From “Ethnic Minority” to “Ethnically Diverse” One of the key discussions at the Summit focused on the power of language and its role in shaping identity, belonging and public perceptions. Following conversations at the inaugural Youth Summit in 2025, many young people shared that the term "ethnic minority" did not fully reflect who they are, their aspirations or their place in Hong Kong society. In response, The Zubin Foundation adopted the term "ethnically diverse" to better recognise the rich diversity, strengths and contributions of these communities. Rather than defining individuals by minority status, the term "ethnically diverse" recognises them as an integral part of Hong Kong's social fabric. Participants discussed how inclusive language can foster greater understanding, respect and belonging, while helping to build a Hong Kong where everyone feels seen, valued and empowered to contribute.

Looking Forward The Ethnically Diverse Youth Leadership Summit concluded with a sense of optimism, reminding participants that while challenges exist, so do opportunities. Mahtani said: "Every young person deserves the opportunity to dream, to explore and to believe in their potential. Today's Summit showed that our young people have the talent, resilience and determination to succeed. They do not need us to decide their future for them. They need us to create the conditions that allow them to thrive. If there is one message I hope everyone leaves with today, it is this: there are more possibilities available to you than you may realise." The Zubin Foundation extends its gratitude to everyone who made the Summit possible, including our speakers, Youth Committee members, supporting organisations, volunteers, partners and participants. We are especially grateful to our sponsors and supporters to empower Hong Kong's ethnically diverse youth: • The Keswick Foundation: Strategic Partner • Manulife: Presenting Sponsor • A&O Shearman: Platinum Sponsor • Swire Trust: Gold Sponsor

THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities

Group Photo Group Photo Back Row (from left to right) • Youth Committee Member • Sudesh Thevasenabathy, Head of Inclusion Asia and Global Lead, Inclusive Business, Manulife • Nicholas Ho, Commissioner for Belt and Road • Shalini Mahtani, MH, MBE, Founder and CEO, The Zubin Foundation • Chris Sun, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare • Dr Sharmini Chetwode, Governor and Executive Committee Member, The Keswick Foundation • Professor Rizwan Ullah, MH, JP, District Councillor Youth Committee Member Front Row • Youth Committee Member

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ABOUT THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION The Zubin Foundation (Hong Kong registered charity: IR 91/12344), named after Zubin Mahtani Gidumal, is an integrated service provider supporting Hong Kong's ethnically diverse communities. We improve the lives of Hong Kong's ethnically diverse individuals by reducing suffering and providing opportunities. With over 10 years of experience serving and supporting Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities, The Zubin Foundation has transformed countless lives. Yet poverty continues to deepen, and thousands – including women experiencing domestic violence, elderly individuals living alone, and children facing mental health challenges – still need care, dignity and ongoing support. The Zubin Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund our work. For more information, please visit: www.zubinfoundation.org.

PRESS / GENERAL ENQUIRIES Matthew YU, The Zubin Foundation | E: matthew@zubinfoundation.org | Tel: 2540 9588 / 6084 9333

Appendix 1: Programme Rundown Appendix 2: About the Speakers

THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities

Appendix 1: Programme Rundown Time

Session

Speakers

Registration 10 – 11 am Opening Ceremony 11 – 11.30 am

Participant Registration, Networking & Booths Open

Morning Sessions 11.30 am – 1.30 pm

•

Welcome Remarks

•

Opening remarks by Secretary for Labour and Welfare

•

VIP group photograph: Distinguished guests and youth leaders Debate: Are You Optimistic or Pessimistic About Your Future in Hong Kong?

• •

Knowledge Share: Belt & Road: Opportunities Available to Young People

•

Personal Story: Motivation – Creating Your Own Opportunities: From Language Barriers to Becoming One of Hong Kong's First Pakistani PE Teachers Knowledge Share: From Idea to Action: Starting Your Entrepreneurial Journey Personal Story: Success Beyond a Traditional Pathway: Creating Your Own Career Journey Personal Story: Career Progression: How Have I Created Opportunities for My Professional Growth? Knowledge Share: Money Matters: Building Financial Confidence for Your Future Personal Story: The Slasher Journey: Designing a Career Beyond a Single Job Title Knowledge Share: AI Use for Wellbeing and Personal Development Knowledge Share: AI and Your Future: How to Stay Ahead in a Changing World Lunch 1.30 – 2.30 pm

• • • • • • •

Afternoon Sessions 2.30 pm – 4.45 pm

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Debate: Can You Make It in Hong Kong Without Cantonese?

•

Audience Engagement: From Labels to Action: Building a More Inclusive Language for Hong Kong Knowledge Share: Understanding Identity: Finding Your Place Between Cultures

• •

Debate: In-betweener: More Enriching or More Confusing?

•

Personal Story: Owning Your Identity: Turning Challenges into Strength Personal Story: Finding My Voice: Pursuing an Unconventional Dream Personal Story: Not Broken, Just Wired Differently: Owning Your Story and Building Understanding

• •

Shalini Mahtani, MH, MBE Founder & CEO, The Zubin Foundation Chris Sun Yuk-han, JP Secretary for Labour and Welfare, HKSAR / Guramita Kaur vs Arvind Dhaliwal Singh Nicholas Ho Lik-chi, Commissioner for Belt and Road Office, HKSAR Khan Muhammad Ines Gafsi Len Nguyen Prof. Rizwan Ullah, MH, JP Theros Wong Ahmad Hanan Amjad Alanna Sethi Aayan Malik

Hena Majeed vs Bryne Angelhika Pacis Dr Kai Chung Lo & Jason Wong Kulwinder Dhaliwal Sumichhya Gurung vs Yusra Saleem Chioma Sheryl Sylva Alishba Matloob Apurva Sawhney

THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities •

Audience Engagement: Shake-out Activity

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Knowledge Share: Redefining Strength: Men's Mental Health in a Changing World Audience Engagement: Relationship Reality Check: A Quiz on Love, Breakups and Moving Forward Knowledge Share: Why Is It Important to Talk About Marriage? Guided Reflection, Action Commitment & Moving Forward Closing Remarks End of Formal Programme

• • Reflection 4.45 – 5.15 pm

• •

Networking 5.15 – 6.30 pm

• • • • •

Networking Reception Silent Disco Chill Networking Zone Photo Booth Community Booths

Faciliated by The Zubin Foundation Kaiyaan Khanna Meko Ng Mahum Shaikh Facilitated by The Zubin Foundation Facilitated by The Zubin Foundation

Appendix 2: About the Speakers Speakers are listed according to the published Summit agenda. Speaker

Title

Session

Shalini Mahtani, MH, MBE Chris Sun Yuk-han, JP Guramita Kaur

Founder & CEO, The Zubin Foundation Secretary for Labour and Welfare, HKSAR Senior Legal Case Manager, Equal Justice

Arvind Dhaliwal Singh

Mechanical Engineering Student, The University of Hong Kong; STEM Instructor, Meta Dot Ltd

Khan Muhammad Ines Gafsi

Physical Education Officer, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Haking Wong) CEO, Inspiring Girls Hong Kong

Len Nguyen

Programme Partner, WISE Inclusion

Nicholas Ho Lik-chi

Commissioner for Belt and Road Office, HKSAR

Prof. Rizwan Ullah, MH, JP

Vice Principal & District Councillor, Kowloon City District

Theros Wong

Founder, YINvest

Ahmad Hanan Amjad

Auxiliary Police Officer, Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force

Alanna Sethi

Founder & CEO, HOPE

Aayan Malik

Youth Speaker

Hena Majeed

Business Development Manager, CanTone HK Limited

Welcome Remarks Opening Remarks Debate: Are You Optimistic or Pessimistic About Your Future in Hong Kong? Debate: Are You Optimistic or Pessimistic About Your Future in Hong Kong? Motivation: Creating Your Own Opportunities From Idea to Action: Starting Your Entrepreneurial Journey Success Beyond a Traditional Pathway: Creating Your Own Career Journey Belt & Road: Opportunities Available to Young People Career Progression: How Have I Created Opportunities for My Professional Growth? Money Matters: Building Financial Confidence for Your Future The Slasher Journey: Designing a Career Beyond a Single Job Title AI Use for Wellbeing and Personal Development AI and Your Future: How to Stay Ahead in a Changing World Debate: Can You Make It in

THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities

Bryne Angelhika Pacis

Assistant Office Manager, myWaves

Dr Kai Chung Lo

Lecturer, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Jason Wong

Registered Social Worker

Kulwinder Dhaliwal

Project Manager, The Zubin Foundation

Sumichhya Gurung

Senior Program Manager, EmpowerU

Yusra Saleem

Research Assistant, Queen Mary Hospital

Chioma Sheryl Sylva

Founder, Funktional HK

Alishiba Matloob

Radio Producer, RTHK

Apurva Sawhney

Researcher, Author & Founder, Neudacity

Kaiyaan Khanna

School Social Worker, AKA - West Island School

Meko Ng

Assistant Supervisor, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals CEASE Crisis Centre

Mahum Shaikh

Founder, KOLture

Hong Kong Without Cantonese? Debate: Can You Make It in Hong Kong Without Cantonese? From Labels to Action: Building a More Inclusive Language for Hong Kong From Labels to Action: Building a More Inclusive Language for Hong Kong Understanding Identity: Finding Your Place Between Cultures Debate: In-betweener: More Enriching or More Confusing? Debate: In-betweener: More Enriching or More Confusing? Owning Your Identity: Turning Challenges into Strength Finding My Voice: Pursuing an Unconventional Dream Not Broken, Just Wired Differently: Owning Your Story and Building Understanding Redefining Strength: Men's Mental Health in a Changing World Relationship Reality Check: A Quiz on Love, Breakups and Moving Forward Why Is It Important to Talk About Marriage?

End.