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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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In my Melo journey, the most exciting part is definitely about the amazing, talented and wonderful people here. I am really grateful that Melo provides me with the precious opportunity to chat with industry leaders, other melo fellows and melo social members. I truly treasure every single genuine conversation with them, as there are so many things I could learn from them. Reflecting on my Melo journey, I was surprised that we had explored so many themes together, such as art and culture, leadership and our home - Hong Kong. It really opened my eyes to new perspectives, encouraging me to appreciate the significance of art and culture, which I would not do in the past. In addition, I learnt from the industry leaders about what leadership is, which helps me to become a future leader. In conclusion, it is my honour to be part of the Melo community, where I can grow along the journey.
I really appreciated the tight community we have built in Project Melo. I was pleasantly surprised to experience cross-generational bonding and idea sharing, especially between some notable experts in their field in Hong Kong. Previously, I imagined CEOs to be hard-headed and unapproachable, but what I experienced in Melo was the complete opposite. These CEOs were some of the kindest and friendliest people I have ever met, and that gave me a great sense of belonging within the community. Besides that, I thoroughly enjoyed mingling with open-minded and driven peers during the Joint Discovery events. These were some of the most genuine, humble and down-to-earth people I have met, which made the atmosphere much more vibrant and enjoyable. The thought of designing and launching an ecotour as an inexperienced year 1 proved highly intimidating. Self-doubt echoed through my mind while undertaking this impactful project. However, my teammates were kind enough to understand my position, noting that this was an excellent learning opportunity for all of us. They would have felt the same in Year 1 too. Their compassion and empathy were incredibly helpful for me to get into my stride and contribute. Gradually, I became more self-assured and confident in my abilities. I realised the importance of having good team dynamics. The diversity in our group allowed for one’s strengths to complement the weaknesses of others. Although launching an ecotour was filled with hiccups and challenges, I learned to take the next obvious step forward and trust the process.
Looking back at my journey, one of the most exhilarating moments was the realization of how it broadened my perspective. It pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, becoming more attuned to the larger community. It wasn't just personal growth, but also a deepening connection to the Hong Kong community that I've always felt a desire to contribute to. In the year leading up to Project Melo, I found myself gradually losing my enthusiasm for caring about those beyond my immediate “bubble”. However, this journey reignited my passion for looking outward and making a positive impact in the world. The opportunity to engage with global leaders who share a similar concern for the world, and the chance to collaborate and take action, is an opportunity I truly couldn't have found elsewhere.
“It is a meaningful program that offers young people here in Hong Kong the chance to take part in an experimental growth journey through a number of leading businesses and people across the city.”
“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.”
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!
