UBS and the University of Hong Kong Launch the Second Sustainable and Social Innovation Leadership Programme to Enhance the Non-Profit Ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area

Hong Kong, 18th April 2024 – UBS has officially launched the second "University of Hong Kong - UBS Group Sustainable and Social Innovation Leadership Programme" (SSILP). This year-long programme will see UBS management staff and SSILP alumni mentor current and next-generation leaders of non-profit organizations (NPOs). The second edition of the training programme will also extend to the Greater Bay Area, enhancing the ecosystem of NPOs both in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

SSILP, co-organized by UBS Group and the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong, is a unique cross-sector training initiative in Hong Kong that brings together businesses, NPOs, non-government organizations, and academia. Through a series of interactions with senior management from UBS Hong Kong, the programme aims to develop leadership skills, business acumen, and social innovation concepts among current and new NPO leaders, showcasing practical plans that make a social impact. This year, SSLIP has strengthened its curriculum structure, allowing participants to transfer course credits to world-class postgraduate programmes, with plans to evolve into a more sustainable structure next year to ensure the programme’s long-term success and impact.

UBS has been a leader in cross-sector training collaboration projects between corporations and NPOs, successfully mentoring a total of 216 NPO leaders and forming an alumni network to foster interaction and collaboration opportunities.

Professor Chow Y.M. Amy, Professor, Head of Department / Si Yuan Professor in Health and Social Work at the University of Hong Kong, stated, "We are thrilled to collaborate with UBS once again for the second edition of the Innovative Leadership Training Programme. Nearly half of this year's participants come from organizations advocating for justice and welfare for disadvantaged communities, along with participants from education, health protection, and environmental protection sectors. The social issues in Hong Kong today are complex, and no single stakeholder can solve them alone. This is one of the key features of SSILP, building and promoting cross-sector relationships so that we can learn from each other and create solutions together from different perspectives."

Rob Stewart, Chief Communications Officer for UBS Asia Pacific, remarked, "Effective communication is crucial for NPOs. NPOs must avoid complex corporate jargon when communicating with donors, businesses, and governments, maintaining clear and resonant messages. It is vital for NPOs to establish close partnerships with stakeholders and provide advice on grassroots issues to gain their support. Creating a common language is the key first step to achieving these goals. SSLIP has made significant achievements in helping NPOs improve communication skills, promote industry professionalism, and drive positive social progress."

Two outstanding participants from the first SSLIP programme have been awarded HKD 400,000 in project incubation funding to develop practical charitable projects.

About UBS

UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager and the leading universal bank in Switzerland. It also provides diversified asset management solutions and focused investment banking capabilities. With the acquisition of Credit Suisse, UBS manages 5.7 trillion dollars of invested assets as per fourth quarter 2023. UBS helps clients achieve their financial goals through personalized advice, solutions and products. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the firm is operating in more than 50 markets around the globe. UBS Group shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).