Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 July 2026 - The Central and Western District Office, Central and Western District Youth Network, and FutureGen Youth Foundation ("the Foundation") co-organised the two-day Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo on 9 and 11 July. This event is funded by the Government of HKSAR, with the Hall of the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex provided as a venue. The event, part of the IGNITE18: Jumpstart Your Career series, brought together over 1,200 participants —including students, parents, teachers, and careers masters —alongside education institutions, prominent industry leaders, and community partners to explore future careers, AI, and the evolving world of work. Committed to expanding the program's reach across the district, The Council of Central & Western District School Heads served as the event's education partner.
Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth
Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen's Girls' College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.
Building A Future Talent Pipeline Through Early Industry and AI Exposure
Successfully equipping youth with direct access to leading industry representatives and companies, the signature youth event supported students across the Central and Western District in navigating their career and life planning journeys while strengthening Hong Kong's future talent pipeline across diverse industries. Bringing together education institutions, corporations, government departments, professional organisations, NGOs and community partners, and spanning across more than 20 industries, the event bridged the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of work, connecting young people with real-world industry insights and equipping them with the access, opportunities, and resources they need to explore future pathways and prepare for tomorrow's workforce.
The IGNITE18 event series was pioneered by the FutureGen Youth Foundation, which aims to establish a citywide collective impact ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and parents to support students navigating career and life planning. The initiative seeks to provide exposure to diverse industries, future career pathways, and hands-on future skills and AI experiences, while offering valuable workforce market insights and professional development opportunities for teachers and careers masters. By engaging parents in understanding AI and future-ready skills, the program actively strengthens Hong Kong's future talent pipeline across diverse sectors. The Foundation plans to expand IGNITE18 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong in the next two years.
"In a world where AI, business transformation, and entirely new fields are reshaping career pathways, there is an urgency to create greater access earlier – from secondary age – to better equip and support youth on their career development journey," said Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation.
"At our Foundation, we have created a platform connecting over 140 Supporting Organisations with representation from education institutions, corporations, public institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs and innovators to support youth career exploration and development in Hong Kong. Through IGNITE18, we aim to open doors earlier and inspire students to explore diverse career opportunities to be better equipped for tomorrow's world – with the ultimate hope of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline for Hong Kong's future."
Uniting Corporate and Education Leaders in a Collective Impact Ecosystem
The Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo brought together an extensive network of participating and supporting organisations across corporate, tech, education, and public service sectors, including:
Strategic Partner: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
Fully Supported By: McDonald's Hong Kong
Supporting Organisations: DALLOYAU; Deloitte Foundation; DETERMINANT; Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry; Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; Police Community Relations Office, Central District,Hong Kong Police Force; Hong Kong Qualifications Framework; HSBC; JEMS Character Academy; L'Oréal Hong Kong; Microsoft Hong Kong; MTR Corporation Limited; Ocean Park Corporation; Pet Space Group Limited; PRISTER Corporation Limited; Project Management Institute; Story Jungle Education; Tencent Wetech Academy; XPENG Hong Kong; XPENG Hong Kong ARIDGE; Y.L.Yang Foundation; iREd Solutions Limited; Plus One Dimension Interactive Company Limited
Education Partners: Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; The University of Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters; Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools; Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety; Lingnan University Department of Digital Art and Creative Industries; Pre-incubation Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; The Council of Central & Western District School Heads; The Education University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Supporting Statutory Body: The Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
The event also featured prominent leaders and experts sharing insights across business, finance, education, technology, innovation, and the public sector:
- Lawrence Hung – Immediate Past President and Executive Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management
- Gary Wong Chi-him, MH, JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
- Professor Ava Kwong – Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer FamilyRegistry; Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
- Professor Lee Man Hoi – Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
- Serena Tang – Career Development and Training Director, HKU Business School
"We are deeply grateful to our seed schools, education partners, and Supporting Organisations for transforming the Foundation's vision into action and for joining us in empowering young people," said Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation.
"Through our work with students, we have seen how powerful it can be when young people hear directly from industry leaders, professionals, and innovators. Often, a single conversation, sharing unexpected angles, can spark new aspirations and help students see pathways they had never previously imagined. IGNITE18 is about planting those seeds of possibility – inspiring young people to explore, discover, and take their first steps towards shaping their own futures."
The signature event showcased the boundless possibilities of a strong ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and families in supporting Hong Kong's future leaders and talents. The IGNITE18 Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo generated strong community momentum that will continue to support students in understanding the future world of work, discovering their own pathways, and stepping into the future with confidence.
Hashtag: #FutureGenYouthFoundation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Central and Western District Youth Network
The Central and Western District Youth Network, established under the Central and Western District Office, is a platform for young people aged 12 to 29 providing them with opportunities to develop their potential, cultivate personal interests, enhance self‑confidence, and encourage active participation in community affairs, thereby fostering a stronger sense of social belonging. Each year, the District Youth Network organises a diverse range of activities tailored to meet the interests and needs of its members.
** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Annual charity run champions eye health, visual inclusion, sustainability and community connection while funding a new Schoolchildren Refractive Error Intervention Programme
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 July 2026 - L'OCCITANE Malaysia successfully hosted the 7th edition of Race for Vision, bringing together more than 3,000 participants in a nationwide movement championing eye health, inclusivity, sustainability and community connection.
Mock cheque presentation by L'OCCITANE Malaysia's top management team:Mr Sing Loonpoh, Deputy General Manager of L'OCCITANE Malaysia (left), and Ms Elida Wong, General Manager of L'OCCITANE SEA (centre), with Professor Dr Shatriah Ismail, Deputy Director of Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (right).
The annual charity run donated RM50,000, which will fully fund the launch of the Schoolchildren Refractive Error Intervention Programme in Kelantan in partnership with Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia. The initiative aims to help children with uncorrected vision problems gain access to eye care support, restoring confidence and ensuring they remain connected to their education and peers through better eyesight.
Since launching Race for Vision in 2018, L'OCCITANE Malaysia has grown the initiative into one of its most meaningful purpose-driven platforms. Together with its broader vision-related programmes, the brand has contributed RM1.75 million over 17 years in Malaysia, positively impacting nearly 100,000 lives through eye health, accessibility and community empowerment initiatives.
Key Highlights
- Over 3,000 participants joined the 7th edition of Race for Vision
- RM50,000 donated for children's eye health in Kelantan
- RM1.75 million contributed by L'OCCITANE Malaysia over 17 years
- Nearly 100,000 lives impacted through vision-related initiatives
- Visually impaired participants ran alongside dedicated Sighted Guides
- 3,000 sustainable finisher medals handcrafted by OKU artisans
- 96kg of recycled beauty empties transformed into finisher medals
- Supported by Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysian Association for the Blind and Society of the Blind Malaysia
Crafting Life Ties Through Inclusion and Trust
More than a charity run, Race for Vision brought to life L'OCCITANE's global purpose of Crafting Life Ties by creating meaningful moments of connection between sighted and visually impaired participants.
The event welcomed members of the visually impaired community from across Malaysia, including participants from the Malaysian Association for the Blind and Society of the Blind Malaysia, many of whom travelled significant distances to join the run.
Throughout the 5KM route, visually impaired runners completed the course alongside dedicated Sighted Guides, demonstrating the power of trust, accessibility and inclusion. What began as a race became a shared experience where participants moved forward together, regardless of ability.
Addressing participants during the flag-off, Elida Wong, General Manager, L'OCCITANE SEA, reflected on the significance of the event.
"Look around you. Today, we have 3,000 people lacing up together. Whether you are running with family, friends, or guiding a visually impaired partner, today we are fully equal on the exact same track.
"This morning is all about Crafting Life Ties - real human connections built step by step. These ties go far beyond the track. They are crafted by the conscious choices we make, by the hands that created your medals, and by every single person here. It's about an entire community coming together, side by side, to make this beautiful moment happen."
Supporting Children's Eye Health in Kelantan
Funds donated from this year's Race for Vision will support the launch of the Schoolchildren Refractive Error Intervention Programme in Kelantan, helping children access the vision care they need to thrive in school and daily life.
By addressing uncorrected refractive errors at an early stage, the programme seeks to improve learning outcomes, confidence and overall quality of life for school-aged children.
For L'OCCITANE Malaysia, eye health advocacy extends far beyond a single event. Race for Vision reflects the brand's long-term commitment to making vision care more accessible while empowering communities through meaningful partnerships and sustained impact.
Turning Beauty Empties & Pre-loved Spectacles Into Meaningful Impact
In line with L'OCCITANE Malaysia's commitment to circular sustainability, every finisher medal carried a story of environmental and social impact.
A total of 3,000 sustainable finisher medals were produced using 96kg of recycled beauty empties collected through the brand's ongoing recycling initiatives. Designed as both a commemorative medal and a functional card holder, each piece was handcrafted by local OKU artisans from AACE and Kawan Guni.
The initiative transformed discarded beauty packaging into something meaningful while creating opportunities for the artisan community to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
"When you cross that finish line, you'll receive a sustainable medal made from recycled beauty empties. But what makes it truly priceless is that every single medal was lovingly handcrafted, one by one, by talented artisans from the OKU community," said Elida Wong.
"They told us that creating thousands of these by hand was hard work, but seeing participants wear them today makes them incredibly proud. When you put it on after the run, I want you to know that you're wearing a piece of someone's heart."
Participants were also encouraged to contribute to future sustainability efforts by bringing pre-loved spectacles and empty beauty packaging for recycling, while using reusable tote bags during race kit collection. During the event, more than 236 beauty empties and 96 pairs of pre-loved spectacles were collected, giving these items a second life while supporting L'OCCITANE Malaysia's ongoing circular sustainability initiatives and helping extend access to vision care for communities in need.
A Community Effort Powered by Shared Purpose
L'OCCITANE Malaysia expressed its appreciation to the sponsors, volunteers, beneficiaries, media partners, Sighted Guides and participants who helped make the event possible.
The brand also acknowledged the contributions of Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, the Malaysian Association for the Blind, Society of the Blind Malaysia, AACE, Kawan Guni and numerous partners who worked together to bring the event to life.
As Race for Vision enters its seventh year, the initiative continues to demonstrate how collective action can create meaningful change - connecting people, supporting communities and contributing to a more inclusive future.
From restoring sight to empowering artisans and reducing waste, every step taken at Race for Vision reflects L'OCCITANE Malaysia's belief that small actions can create lasting impact for people and the planet.
Hashtag: #LOccitaneMY #LOccitaneFoundation #RaceForVision2026
https://my.loccitane.com/
https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.my/
https://www.tiktok.com/@loccitanemy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Race For Vision
Race for Vision is L'OCCITANE Malaysia's flagship annual charity run dedicated to promoting eye health, visual inclusion and community connection. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has brought together thousands of Malaysians to support vision-related causes, raise awareness about accessibility and create meaningful impact for underserved communities.
L'OCCITANE Foundation
L'OCCITANE founder Olivier Baussan has always been passionate about the relationship between people and nature, as well as about know-how and traditions. Since its creation in 1976, L'OCCITANE has been committed to protecting nature and the people who surround it. This commitment has taken tangible form: adding braille to most L'OCCITANE product packaging to make it accessible to those with a visual impairment, developing long-term and fair partnerships with female shea butter producers in West African countries, and protecting iconic Provence species such as lavender and almond trees. Because of this belief, the L'OCCITANE Foundation was created in 2006 and the former has guided its work ever since. The Foundation also work very closely with its subsidiaries to act in their own countries to support the better living together by reimagining ties between human and with nature, just like Malaysia.
L’OCCITANE en Provence
A Beauty Maison revealing the living force of flora since 1976, L'OCCITANE en Provence was born from a simple gesture - the distillation of rosemary - and draws its inspiration from the vibrant nature and cultures of Haute-Provence.
The Maison creates skincare, body care, fragrances and home collections formulated in France with botanical ingredients inspired by Provence and enhanced by advanced science and an environmentally conscious approach.
Today, L'OCCITANE en Provence shares its philosophy through more than 3,000 boutiques worldwide, 100 spas, 2,500 partner hotels, and its own destination, Le Couvent des Minimes, un Hôtel & Spa L'OCCITANE en Provence.
The L'OCCITANE Group is B Corp™ certified, reflecting its commitment to biodiversity, sustainability, responsible business practices and positive social impact.
** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
