On Board Hong Kong

9:20 – 10:30 a.m.
Opening Keynote
Doing Good Is Worth Doing Well: The Ethics of Leadership in the Social Sector

Faculty Speaker:
John Paul Rollert, Adjunct Associate Professor of Behavioral Science, Chicago Booth

Moderator:
Tali Griffin, Senior Director of Marketing, Programs, and Partnerships, Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation, Chicago Booth

The social sector is a dynamic and diverse field that encompasses a wide range of organizations, missions, and stakeholders. Social sector leaders face ethical challenges and opportunities in creating positive social impact and addressing complex problems. What does it mean to be an ethical leader in the social sector? Professor John Paul Rollert will offer insights and frameworks for understanding and addressing ethical challenges and opportunities for leaders. Rollert is a distinguished expert on the ethics of leadership who has been extensively published, and writes the In-House Ethicist for Chicago Booth Review.

10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Navigating Change: Succession Planning in Times of Crisis

Panel speakers:
Bowie Lam, Strategic Advisor and Founder, Teen’s Key
Kevin Lau, Founding Executive Chairman, Trinity Medical Group; Board Director and Chairman of Medical Advisory Committee, Make-A-Wish International
Nancy Yang, Founder, Asian Charity Services

Moderator:
Brian Cheng, CEO, Generation Hong Kong

The social sector in Hong Kong has experienced a talent exodus in recent years. This has significant implications for the sector’s ability to address social challenges due to loss of expertise, institutional knowledge, and continuity. This session will focus on the challenges of succession planning during times of crisis and change. Participants will learn how to navigate leadership transitions amid social, economic, and political disruptions, and gain insights into the importance of resilience, adaptability, and innovation in building sustainable succession plans.

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
AI for Social Good: Unlocking the Opportunity to Support Social Sector Development

Speaker:
Erwin Huang, Associate Professor in Engineering Practice, Adjunct Professor, Senior Advisor on Entrepreneurship Education, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Moderator:
Warren Luk, CEO, Good Lab

How can AI help develop Hong Kong’s social sector? Professor Erwin Huang, a serial social entrepreneur and leader in the eLearning field, will shed light on how AI can foster empathy for people in the community while leveraging technology to drive positive change. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the potential of AI in addressing social challenges and creating meaningful impact.

2:00 – 3:45 p.m. Workshop (Option 1)
Enhancing Mental Well-being for Nonprofit Practitioners in Hong Kong

Workshop Lead Partner: Mind HK
Workshop Supporting Organization: Resolve Foundation

Panel Speakers:
Victoria Wisniewski Otero, Founder and CEO, Resolve Foundation
Peter Poon, Chief Program Officer, The D.H. Chen Foundation
Dr. Candice Powell, Clinical Psychologist and CEO, Mind HK

Moderator:
Carol Liang, Deputy CEO, Mind HK

Nonprofit professionals often face burnout due to high demand and limited resources. The social sector in Hong Kong has experienced significant disruptions, including the impact of the pandemic. At the same time, growing awareness of the importance of mental health and its connection to staff retention and organizational sustainability has led to the development of innovative practices to safeguard well-being.

This workshop will feature a panel discussion with clinical, NGO representatives, and donor perspectives on these challenges. Attendees will also participate in group discussions to share ideas on how to enhance the mental well-being of nonprofit professionals in Hong Kong. Expect to receive practical tips to manage stress, prevent burnout, and enhance resilience within nonprofit organizations. This session is open to NGO leaders, donors, and corporate representatives.

2:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Workshop (Option 2)
Funding the Future: Strategies for Supporting Nonprofit Operational Expenses

Workshop Lead Partner: Voice for Social Good

Speakers:
Catherine Gurtin, Chief Executive Officer, PathFinders
Louis Hou, Chief Executive Officer, Dialogue In The Dark (HK) Foundation
Angelyn Lim, Investor, Board Director, Ripple Effect
Annelotte Walsh, Director of Research, Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society

Moderator:
Pia Wong, Chief Impact Officer, B Purpose Bureau

As a nonprofit, foundation or corporation, are you aiming to champion the social impact sector and understand what constitutes effective due diligence of NGOs by funders? Do you want to learn about operational funding and sustainability and have a deeper understanding of the different sectors through candid conversations?

Led by social impact leaders representing Voice for Social Good, this workshop will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by nonprofit organizations in securing adequate funding for their operational needs. Join us for this interactive session to gain insight into the critical need to  include operational expenses as part of funded collaborations, and to better understand the impact of receiving such funding on the overall effectiveness of a nonprofit organization.

Who should attend?
Leaders (CEOs, executive directors), executive management, and board members of both nonprofit organizations and funder organizations are strongly encouraged to attend this session.

Visit our Speakers page to learn more about the thought leaders who will speak at this year’s On Board.