Hang Seng Bank-backed Seek Our Ways programme turns student ideas into social innovation

The second cohort of the Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme, supported by Hang Seng Bank and organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Leadership Institute, has turned local pain points into student-led social innovation projects. Over 400 students from secondary and tertiary institutions submitted about 90 proposals, with projects inspired by issues such as a foul-smelling river in Tuen Mun, mountains of parcel packaging, and waning Cantonese proficiency among youth. The programme focused on sustainability, culture, and elderly wellbeing, with students building prototypes and testing solutions after direct community interaction.

Among the winners, 'River Lord' from S.K.H. St. Simon’s Lui Ming Choi Secondary School created a floating ecological purification system using zeolite, nitrifying bacteria, and native aquatic plants to reduce ammonia and odours in Tuen Mun River without electricity. The team revised their design after judge feedback, switching to native plants to avoid ecosystem disruption. Another winning team, 'Onederful' from Christian & Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Secondary School, developed biodegradable delivery packaging from upcycled rice husks and coffee grounds to tackle parcel waste. Luanne Lim, Hang Seng Bank CEO, praised participants for turning ideas into practical action, emphasising the programme's goal to inspire lasting social impact.