Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong

The Internet has evolved rapidly, from being a medium of communication and academic exchange into a vehicle for new media and new economies. The Internet has become “the great leveller”, creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds and ages and allowing them to demonstrate their talents. However, if young people want to stand out from the pack in the Internet age, they must equip themselves with a great deal of knowledge and skills.

Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong recently partnered with the Hong Kong Association of Banks to launch a “YOL Youth Influencer Training Programme”. The programme invites senior media professionals and different industry teams teach young people the skills and tricks necessary to become key opinion leaders (KOLs). These experts share practical tips and experience with the participants, helping to better position young people seeking to be KOLs.

Since the coronavirus pandemic took hold, online learning and working have become much more prominent in people's lives. Even traditional retailers and merchants are turning to the Internet to sell their goods and services. All of a sudden, people are realising the almost boundless opportunities that the Internet provides could also be available to them.

However, connecting to the Internet is not something that is guaranteed for all. To give students from grassroots families sufficient resources for online learning, and to help young people learn ways to become creative online – such as making online short films – the YOL Youth Influencer Training Programme will subsidise 150 students from primary and secondary schools, giving them three months of free wifi service. The programme has also invited Dr Li Chan Wing, a media expert, to teach young people the fundamentals of short film production – from idea generation to hands-on film-making skills. A professional camera team will also guide the participants through the basics of shooting, production and post-production, and share their experiences in making professional short films. The hope is that through this unique programme, the participants might take a further step along the road to making their dreams come true.

Recently, Dr Li Chan Wing shared his thoughts about the “Internet celebrity” trend, saying, “online media production skills and abilities are growing among young people, and with this growth comes the desire to become an online influencer. For those wanting to do this, being well-prepared and staying informed with accurate data sources and analysis are the keys. To stand out from the crowd, you must master three things: ‘SoLoMo’ – this stands for ‘social media’, ‘location’, and ‘mobile marketing’”.

If you want to learn more about the concept of SoLoMo, understand the Internet and related industries and the current development trends, and learn how to equip yourself with skills and position yourself for success, please stay tuned for more information on the YOL Youth Influencer Training Programme which will be coming up soon. Website:Project YOL (Youth Opinion Leader)

School summer holidays began early this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic – yay! But students are now forced to stay home and have few opportunities to participate in summer activities – boo! This is undeniably a frustrating situation for everyone.
　
　 In light of the current circumstances, the Association is constantly working to collect information about online activities and has augmented and expanded our anti-epidemic website for students. Topics that can be explored on the site include “Summer NET Activities”, "Learning under the Epidemic" and “Youth UP!.” We sincerely hope that students stay positive and remain committed to learning, sharing, playing and trying to relax while fighting the epidemic together at home.

　　 Anti-epidemic website 2.0

The Association has established a new Health Care Professions Department, designed to relieve the growing pressure on Hong Kong's medical system. The new department has branches in the Physiotherapy Department of our Kowloon Centre and the Lai Kee YM Motion Special Treatment Centre in Lai Kee Mansion, near the Yau Ma Tei MTR Station. This new department aims to provide one-stop physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, exercise therapy and running therapy, as well as personalised treatments for chronically ill patients and post-operative patients.

Sports training sessions and seminars providing comprehensive health information are also being offered to the public, helping deliver an important message: that “prevention is better than cure”. Healthcare vouchers are also being accepted in the Allied Healthcare Department, in the hopes of offering grassroots patients high-quality medical services at preferential prices. For inquiries, please call 2783 3616.

The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs is about to hold two “No Youth Should Be Left Behind” webinars, on 26 August and 9 September, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm Hong Kong time. The Association would like to invite youth members and volunteers from around the world to participate in the discussions. The aim of the webinars is to understand the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on young people and economies in different areas, share the actions we are taking to help fulfil the needs of young people during these difficult days, and explore the feasibility of short and medium-term solutions that will assist young people during the crisis.

Those interested in participating in the event may email [email protected] or contact Sally in our International and Mainland Affairs Service Department at 2705 2155 for enquiries and registration.