Exclusive Interview: Mrs. Helena C Y Tung Pong on the Future of Philanthropy in Hong Kong

An Exclusive Interview with Mrs. Helena C Y Tung Pong – The Chairman of Po Leung Kuk

We had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with Mrs. Helena C Y Tung Pong, Chairman of Po Leung Kuk. In our discussion, we explored key local trends in non-profit charity management, the challenges and opportunities that have arisen post-pandemic, and Po Leung Kuk’s vision for the future of philanthropy.

About Po Leung Kuk

Po Leung Kuk is one of the leading non-profit charities in Hong Kong. The term "Po Leung," which translates to the protection of the young and innocent, embodies the organization's core vision. Over the past century, as Hong Kong's economy has developed, the range of services and support offered to the community has continually expanded to meet evolving welfare needs.

What key trends have you observed within the charity sector? 

Mrs. Pong: The sector has experienced significant growth, with approximately 3,000 new organizations established in the past decade. A key development is the tripartite collaboration among government, business, and civil society, known as "政商民". Po Leung Kuk Lee Shau Kee Youth Oasis (保良局李兆基青年綠洲), the largest youth hostel in Hong Kong, exemplifies this model by integrating the land donation from the Lee Shau Kee Foundation with government funding and the operational expertise of Po Leung Kuk. These unprecedented collaborations highlight our strong reputation and long history, paving the way for further partnerships.

Considering the mental health challenges many individuals are facing post-COVID-19, what initiatives has Po Leung Kuk implemented to address these issues? 

Mrs. Pong: We recognised that mental health and emotional well-being are critical, especially for teenagers and children who missed out on typical experiences during those years, resulting in developmental delays. During the pandemic, we initiated a “Positive Education” programme (正向教育). We observed a positive impact on the children who participated; they demonstrated less disturbance and rebounded better in their development compared to those who did not take part. As a result, we have decided to continue this program beyond the pandemic, expanding it to include primary and secondary school students. Our aim is to promote positive emotional development and resilience.

What challenges did Po Leung Kuk encounter during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Mrs. Pong: Given our numerous units and centers, our front-line workers were acutely aware of the challenges we faced. Over the past few years, we have consistently launched various programs. However, midway through the pandemic, we had to pause some non-urgent services and pivot to urgent needs, such as delivering supplies and supporting the government at Choi Wing Road Holding Centre for the elderly. We initiated several urgent and temporary programs, and I am immensely grateful to my staff for their flexibility and dedication during this critical period.  

During the pandemic, there was a strong collective spirit of willingness to help. However, in the post-pandemic landscape, the economic situation has negatively impacted many corporations and individuals alike, who are more conservative in giving.  Funding has become more difficult to secure, as some potential donors view Po Leung Kuk as sufficiently large and well-funded, often opting to support less developed regions instead. I believe philanthropy should be seen as a long-term investment that benefits the entire community and contributes to a better Hong Kong.

As Chairman, what is your vision for Po Leung Kuk and the charity sector in Hong Kong? 

Mrs. Pong: Building on our 146-year legacy, we are embracing the theme of “Putting People First From the Start, Igniting Kindness with United Hearts” (以人爲本, 眾心為善) which highlights our commitment to people-centered service and benevolence. Our goal is to optimize resources by implementing more targeted strategies to effectively address the specific needs of different audiences. I believe Hong Kong holds significant potential for successful charitable initiatives, especially with government support and strategic wealth planning. The strong charitable spirit among the people of Hong Kong has fostered a long-standing tradition of philanthropy, making us experienced and reliable in this field.

Left: Mrs. Helena C Y Tung Pong, Chairman, Po Leung Kuk
Right: Ms. April Lok, Head of Business Development, Howden Private Wealth

At Howden, we understand the vital role that insurance plays as a force for good in our communities. High-net-worth individuals often have unique philanthropic goals, and life insurance serves as an effective tool to help achieve those objectives. It offers a multiplier effect, allows for bypassing probate, and provides liquidity when it's needed most. We are dedicated to maximizing these benefits to improve lives and foster positive change for everyone. By aligning our services with the aspirations of our clients, we aim to create lasting impacts that resonate throughout our communities.