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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.
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Looking back on all the ups and downs during my MELO journey, I think my biggest takeaway was to understand the importance of commitment and passion. Commitment makes you more determined in what you do; passion allows you to enjoy what you do. Creating impact and making changes is never easy. But with those 2 elements, I believe we could go a long way even with challenges surrounding us. Our commitment and passion helped us overcome challenges and complete our MELO journey, and I'm grateful to have had this experience during my university years. Besides, I think the most exciting part of our project was to witness the establishment of our ecotour from 0 to 1. By visiting Kukpo several times and discussing with CEOs and the team over and over again about the itinerary, I got a better picture of product development, stakeholder engagement, and marketing. Eventually, the tour was launched on Klook, and I hope it could bring some sustainable impacts to local tourism and society.
Before joining Melo, picture this: a young, eager 18-year-old with an overwhelming passion for mental health, but with a rather...shall we say, "shallow" understanding of the world.
On the very first meeting, sitting alongside top leaders like Bernard Chan, Alan Lau, and our co-founder Louisa Mak, I felt like a kid who accidentally walked into a movie set. During the whole meeting, I struggled to say a word. Why? A part of it is because I was stunned by Miss Hong Kong's beauty and the other part is the collective net worth in the room. (Kidding! But, seriously, it was intimidating!!)
And I am going to be totally honest about the first few JDs. It was tough. I tried to muster up the courage to ask questions and failed so badly. I was the guy throwing out questions that might have made a few people wonder if I'd been living under a rock. But every eyebrow raised was a lesson learned.
Fast forward, and there I was at the Melo graduation, holding the mic and hosting the roundtable as a moderator. And sure, there might have been a controversial point or two (Kenny, I still remember that look of disbelief at what I said), but what I did that day is something that I can’t imagine myself doing before Melo.Melo has been my crash course in breaking out of my comfort zone. It's made me braver, sharper, and more than a little wiser. I've seen, met, and learned from the best, and it's given me a roadmap to be the change-maker I always wanted to be.
And for my passion? It's transformed from just being an emotion to a driving force behind real actions.
Looking forward to my next chapter with Project Melo. Here's to more raised eyebrows, learning curves, and making a real impact among youth!
Keep Smiling. Because life is a beautiful thing and there is so much to smile about.
I would say it is the whole package of "CEO" that is out of my expectation. Kenny is definitely a successful person, in a way that from the conservation with him, he balances his family, career and friendship well. His passion and humor influences me a lot! I never thought that I would in a day have a genuine, personal chat with a honourable person. To be honest, our team did not show up much under the spotlight of Melo project, and I am not sure how do the SVHK organizers evaluate our contribution these months. But actually each of us is taking small steps to go, though we are not showing significant feeling, like impressing others well or showing frustration like other groups did, I do hope my effort to our team project matters, and earns recognition by Melos.
Absolutely growing! Any of the conservation with CEOs provide me an insight in common: Great leaders are altruistic. They are people-oriented, and care about the dynamic society. I am so aspired to follow the shadow from them, and learn bit by bit to bring social impact. I still remember that formula from McDon- ald's: Trust x Respect=lnfluential power. I am already awaiting for the time that I can apply all the theories, not only that I learnt, but also that I experienced, to allow me to be a great leader of future.
“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!”
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!
"Really well organised conference. Superb contents, articulate speakers, fantastic venue, noble aim. Well done. Congratulations."
