The Largest-scale Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship Event in Asia, Three International Forums Joins Hands Together in Hong Kong for the First Time

"Hong Kong International Philanthropy and Social Enterprise Week 2016" Gathers Philanthropy and Social Enterprise Experts in Hong Kong in September

Register Now at bettercities.hk

HONG KONG, April 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Philanthropy has a long history in Asia, and Hong Kong as an international metropolitan city has its roots deeply anchored in the charitable tradition of Chinese culture. Social enterprises, though a relatively newer phenomenon in the city, are growing in popularity and are of significant interest to philanthropists, corporations, volunteers and government.

The Largest-scale Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship Event in Asia with Three International Forums First Joins Hands Together in Hong Kong.

As the Asian hub of philanthropy, Hong Kong will host Hong Kong International Philanthropy and Social Enterprise Week from 21 to 27 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Social change agents from across the world, including renowned philanthropists, international experts and think tanks of social enterprises, volunteers, corporations, scholars and government representatives will come together to exchange views and have in-depth discussions on issues facing cities and urban centres, analyse critical developmental issues and cases, as well as build awareness on and spark new ideas and collaboration among social enterprises in Asia. The official website, bettercities.hk, launched today, through which practitioners and the public can register for the grand philanthropy and social entrepreneurship event. Grasp the chance to meet the internationally-renowned speakers, distinguished guests and key members of social innovation agencies!

"Collaborate, Co-create and Contribute" at Asia's Greatest Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship Event

Co-organised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Hong Kong Social Entrepreneurship Forum and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Social Enterprises, Hong Kong International Philanthropy and Social Enterprise Week 2016 includes three international philanthropy and social enterprise forums, authorities in the fields of philanthropy and social enterprise, corporations and social enterprise operators from around the world, especially those in the Asia Pacific and Greater China region, will participate. Details of the event, including registration details, guest list and topics of the forums, were announced at a press conference today, during which representatives of the organisers also gave an overview of the recent development and prospect of philanthropy and social enterprise.

Ms Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government) said, "Social enterprises (SEs) are surprising the world by breaking into new frontiers and tackling social issues with innovative ideas and new mindsets. With the unfailing support of various stakeholders, local SE is doubling in its numbers, engaging in various lines of business with different operating models as well as achieving more diverse social objectives. Over the years, the HKSAR Government has been promoting cross-sectional collaboration and has set up different funding schemes to encourage the development of social enterprises and social innovation. The International Philanthropy and Social Enterprise Week to be staged in the territory in September would be an invaluable platform for local and international social innovators to collaborate, to co-create and to contribute."

Three International Forums Held Together for the First Time in Hong Kong Gather Philanthropy and Social Enterprise Experts in September

Aiming at providing a platform for local and international social innovators to collaborate, co-create and contribute, Hong Kong International Philanthropy and Social Enterprise Week 2016 will be kicked off by the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum, held from 22 to 23 September. Representatives from the top 20 richest philanthropist families in the world have been invited to attend the forum, during which they will discuss the social issues caused by rapid urbanisation and look for solutions through collaboration.

"Urbanisation in the modern era brings not only opportunities but also challenges. The urgency of these complex social issues facing cities and urban centres calls on philanthropists to be innovative in development of solutions," said Mr Cheung Leong, Executive Director, Charities and Community of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. "The 'Philanthropy for Better Cities' Forum will be the first philanthropy forum of its kind in the region focusing on metropolitan social issues. Convened by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Forum has invited world-renowned speakers, such as Michael Porter, Professor at the Harvard Business School, to exchange views, facilitate cross-sector collaborations and cultivate long-term partnership and engagement, all in the hope of creating better cities."

The Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum will be followed by the Social Enterprise Summit, to be held from 24 to 25 September. In its 9th year, the focus of the summit will be Social Innovation in Asia. For the first time, representatives from the United Nations will attend the summit, and advocate social reform through social innovation and entrepreneurship with an emphasis on co-creation.

Dr Jane Lee, Chair of the Social Enterprise Summit Organizing Committee said: "This is the 9th Social Enterprise Summit, and we are honoured to have a combination of internationally-renowned scholars to interact with practitioners, including Pascal van Griethuysen from the United Nations, and B-Corp guru Ryan Honeyman. This unique approach will draw together interaction of analytical and comparative data as well as local and overseas case studies. We are also very honoured to co-host this Social Enterprise Summit with the International Conference on Social Enterprise in Asia, which brings more than 200 scholars in this field to Hong Kong for a very intellectually stimulating interaction."

Last but not least, the Social Enterprise World Forum will be held from 25 to 27 September. This annual event for social enterprises around the world is hosted by a different city every year. This year, Hong Kong beat out other cities for the right to host the forum, during which over a hundred representatives of social enterprises will share their experience and contributions.

Dr Alice Yuk, Tak Fun, Chairman of the General Chamber of the Social Enterprises Limited said, "In order to demonstrate the impact of Hong Kong SEs to the world and to bring new inspirations to local SEs, HKGCSE has worked diligently to bring Social Enterprise World Forum 2016 (SEWF 2016) to the territory. As an international conference for social enterprises worldwide, renowned speakers and practitioners are to assemble here in Hong Kong to discuss policies and practices, to learn from one another and to build networks. SEWF 2016 will become another remarkable milestone for the development of Hong Kong's social enterprise movement."

2016 Hong Kong International Philanthropy and Social Enterprise Week 2016

Official website: http://bettercities.hk

APPENDIX

Online registration for Hong Kong International Philanthropy and Social Enterprise Week 2016 now available

During Hong Kong International Philanthropy and Social Enterprise Week 2016, participants will discuss how to make the world a better place, with each of the forums focusing on a unique theme and perspective. This international event will certainly build awareness on critical developmental issues and spark new ideas and collaboration:

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