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.
When comparing my current self, still on my ongoing journey with Project Melo, to the Leon who has just embarked on this journey, I recognize the immense personal growth and expanded horizons I have achieved in the past year. The Opportunity Bank co-creation project provided me with an incredible opportunity to collaborate with three exceptional fellows, as well as Tommie from Preface and Sarah from Big Bang Academy; the project exposed me to many undiscovered social issues in Hong Kong, specifically concerning underprivileged and marginalized youth.Collaborating with the CEOs and the D. H. Chen foundation granted me invaluable insights, allowing us to develop multifaceted solutions to address these pressing problems. Moreover, it instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude for my university education and membership in the resourceful and dynamic Melo community. I have come to appreciate the power of leveraging these resources to create opportunities not just for ourselves, but also for others.One vital lesson I have learned, through both learning and firsthand experience, is that there is always more to be done. Although the co-creation project has formally concluded, I am acutely aware of the boundless potential for Project Melo to explore new avenues and further empower the youth of Hong Kong, and I look forward to continuing this journey with these amazing Melo people!
Leaders are not someone with many followers, but someone inspire next leaders.
The most exciting part is definitely working with Randy and Kenny to co-create the Happy Meal's project. Little did I expect our ideas can come into reality, not to mention for a corporate with much publicity! Meanwhile going through the ups and downs, i.e. ideas conflict, over-promises, time management, etc. Really appreciate the resources and inspirations given by the two CEOs. The Melo Program did link me closer to the mindset of CEOs and the world.
100% yes! I really enjoy the idea of "experiential learning". I remember we start by putting too much assumptions on CEOs, their work, our capacity, etc. Tho the biggest takeaway is to be authentic in building a seemingly difficult relationship. By humble listening to veterans' experience and advice on managing corporates or self, I grow to be more reflective and expressive.
Always be yourself and feel with your heart.
I didn't expect that we could have such sincere and truthful interaction with all our CEOs, founders and fellows during our Melo journey. And all these valuable memories will always stay in my heart . I am really glad that we inspire and learn from each other!
Before joining Melo, I was actually a bit worried and scared about the future as a year 3 student. But then, I tried to find my passion back through the journey and become more confident in myself. Will say that it's okay to feel lost but remember to find ourselves again and get back on track!
“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.”
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!
“This is truly a community effort....And I’m honored to be part of this new initiative.Yes, there are challenges ahead, for both our students and corporates... but I remain confident that our Melo Fellows and Peers together with the CEOs can learn from each other how best to weather the uncharted journey ahead.”