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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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"Wherever you go, whatever you do, make a positive difference. " - Alan Dick (My primary school principal)
Honestly, every part of this Melo journey has been very exciting. What surprised me most was that I never expected our CEOs Stephanie and Adriel to be so open and give us so much of their time to listen to us come up with wacky ideas, or even just talk about life. Although it's not so much "unpredictable" as it is unexpected, they really are my favourite part of this Melo journey and I'm truly grateful.
Along this journey, I think I've definitely learned how to be more decisive and hungry! Through our long and arduous journey to finally decide on a topic, I've realised the importance of putting your foot down to make a decision. At the same time, this process has taken so long that I've also learned to enjoy the scenery a bit more even if it's not directly related to our goal. It's really opened my eyes to learn about more ideas and thoughts!
The most exhilarating aspect is witnessing the transformation of our ideas into tangible actions. I never anticipated that our perspectives would hold such immense value, and I am genuinely grateful for it. Our CEOs, founders, and staff consistently demonstrate their recognition of our worth and contributions. I am not merely collaborating on a project with the CEOs, but also co-creating the Melo Program alongside the participants. Witnessing the tremendous growth and expansion of Project Melo within a span of fewer than five years fills me with immense pride.Thanks to Project Melo, I have gained a newfound confidence in expressing my opinions. Prior to joining the program, I would never have the courage to share my fledgling thoughts in front of such influential leaders. Moreover, I have become more at ease when faced with conflicting ideas. Previously, I would have been terrified of any disagreements within a group, but now I perceive them as opportunities for my team to better identify our needs and realign our course.
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Keep challenging your old perceptions.
My most exciting part is when our team first gathered at SVHK's office to work on our co-creation idea after we met our CEO for the first time. I was so delighted to have them as my teammates. Even we are not yet familiar with each other at that time, everyone is so enthusiastic, concentrated and open to express and exchange our thoughts. We have a very diverse background, I learned new perspectives from them. It was the best brainstorming process I have ever had.
I become braver in voicing out my thoughts and ask for opportu- nities. Being inspired by the perseverance of all the CEOs, of what difficulties and failures they have encountered in the past, I also become more optimistic about my future, and have confidence in myself that I can make it through. One of the very unique characteristics that I spot on the CEOs is, they never ask why but they ask why not. I wasn't a smart or talented person, but why can't l?
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 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!”
“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.”
