OBHK Annual Report 2024 by 香港外展訓練學校 Outward Bound Hong Kong

ANNUALREPORT 2024

MESSAGE FROM HELMUTH HENNIG CHAIRMAN OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

This Annual Report highlights the key achievements of Outward Bound Hong Kong in 2024.

Over 6,000 people attended programs in 2024, which is a return to pre-pandemic levels of participation. This Annual Report showcases some of the wonderful programs that were conducted throughout the year. These include a circumnavigation of Taiwan by our vessel, The Spirit of Outward Bound, and our eighteen-day Classic Achievers program for young people.

Each year, we also produce an Impact Report that illustrates the growth that occurs through our programs, and it is well worth a read. Outward Bound brings out the best in people and helps build confidence in themselves and the communities they return to.

Outward Bound Hong Kong was awarded the Judges' Choice Award for Experiential Learning Provider of the Year at the inaugural Greater Bay Area School Awards - a recognition of our commitment to excellence in youth development.

In addition to delivering impactful programs, we convened our first Resilience Forum to bring together educators, community and business leaders to discuss how best to prepare youth for the challenges ahead.

We are grateful to all our supporters who have helped throughout 2024 as we deliver on our goal to future-proof youth. In particular, thanks to the Lee Hysan Foundation for their support in completing the extensive renovation work at Wong Wan Chau.

A big thank you also goes to my colleagues on the Executive Committee. Their continued dedication, work and advice are important. A special thanks to Christopher Pooly and Richard Winter, who both retired from the Executive Committee after many years of invaluable contribution.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge Nick Cotton, who served as Executive Director for ten years. Nick has returned to the United Kingdom to take on the leadership of Outward Bound International, and we thank him for his outstanding service and leadership.

MESSAGE FROM AARON FUNNELL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Outward Bound Hong Kong is one of the longest-running and most successful adventure programs in Asia, having operated in Hong Kong for 55 years. It has positively influenced hundreds of thousands of people in this time.

It is a privilege to return to Hong Kong and assume the Executive Director role in 2025. I was fortunate to serve here previously at Outward Bound Hong Kong in various roles from 2004 until 2017, and I have strong connections to Hong Kong and a good understanding of the School.

Life skills are more important than ever in Hong Kong, and it is wonderful to see participants continuing to return to Outward Bound. In the post-pandemic world, the need for social and emotional learning is stronger than ever, and we are also witnessing the growing need for mental health and well-being throughout the community. Outward Bound remains a great opportunity to serve these needs.

It is also great to reconnect with the Outward Bound Alumni Association of Hong Kong, and to know so many former participants since 1970 have had such positive experiences. The fact that Outward Bound Hong Kong has spawned an independent and selfsustaining alumni association is one of our best legacies, and a fantastic point of pride and differentiation.

Outdoor education in Hong Kong is challenging in the hot tropical summers, yet we have long staff retention both for our team of instructional staff and our support and office team. It's a great place to work, with a fantastic team of colleagues.

I want to thank Nick Cotton in particular for his hard work and dedication over the last ten years, especially as he steered the organization through the business interruptions caused by the pandemic and social unrest.

Thank you for taking the time to engage with Outward Bound. We remain a great mission-driven organisation as we continue to future-proof the youth of Hong Kong.

Aaron Funnell

OUR IMPACT

OUR IMPACT ON OVER 6,000 YOUTH

Overview of Our Work & Impact in 2024

6,480

Total Participants

200,000+

Hours of Participation

TPartners in the Community

A recent Social Return on Investment analysis by Accenture Development Partnerships showed that $9 of social value is created for every $1 invested into Outward Bound.

he impact of OBHK’s courses is measured by the Outward Bound Outcomes Survey. This survey tool was developed and validated by a panel of leading academics, provides great insights, and allows us to quantify the impact of our work in 5 key areas: Resilience, SelfConfidence, Compassion, Social Competence, and Environmental Responsibility.

OUR RECOGNITION OF THE YEAR

Judges' Choice Award for Best Experiential Learning Provider at the Greater Bay Area School Awards

We are proud to share that Outward Bound Hong Kong was honoured with the Judges' Choice Award for Best Experiential Learning Provider at the GBA School Awards organised by 21st Century Learning. This recognition underscores our ongoing commitment to excellence in experiential education.

This achievement reflects the dedication of our team, the incredible support of our partners, supporters, and friends, and our collective efforts over the past 55 years to #FutureProofYouth and foster youth resilience. We are grateful to everyone who has championed our mission.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to empowering young people to discover and develop their potential—helping them care for themselves, others, and the environment through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings. Our goal is to continue contributing to a stronger, more resilient Hong Kong.

OUR FIRST RESILIENCE FORUM

Key Findings of #FutureProofYOUth Research: Resilience is Considered the Most Important Skill

In December 2024, OBHK hosted its very first Resilience Forum, where we shared vital insights from the #FutureProofYouth research, revealing that resilience is viewed as the most important skill for Hong Kong's youth. This forum brought together educators, corporate leaders, and community advocates to discuss how we can better equip young people for the challenges ahead.

The findings emphasised the urgent need for targeted training and support to foster resilience among youth, ensuring they are prepared to navigate an ever-evolving future. During the forum, our panellists engaged in meaningful discussions about strategies to enhance resilience, highlighting its crucial role in adapting to change and overcoming obstacles.

Overall, the forum served as a vital platform to reinforce the importance of resilience in youth development, paving the way for collaborative efforts to empower the next generation and build a brighter future for all.

OUR FIRST DOCUMENTARY

A Powerful Journey of Courage, Transformation, and Inspiration to #FutureProofYouth

ONE STEP ONE STEP

We’re proud to premiere ONE STEP, sharing stories from leaders and reflections from young people, reminding us all of our potential to step outside comfort zones and grow.

To keep this spirit alive, we invite schools, NGOs, and organisations to organise community screenings to inspire resilience. When young people take that first step, they unlock endless possibilities - helping build a stronger, more resilient Hong Kong.

StoriesofDiscoveryandTransformation

THE MOST CHALLENGING EXPEDITION 18 DAYS CLASSIC ACHIEVER

Extending High Schoolers’ Limits

Under the dual challenges of physical exertion and unpredictable weather, I learned to communicate logically and calmly with my team!

Every summer, youth aged 16-19 embark on an 18-day journey which is the longest OBHK course. This year, a group of nine young people joined us, pushing their limits, building resilience, and discovering their potential.

Together as a team, they overcame numerous challenges:

Reacted and replanned for unpredictable weather

Kayaked and navigated the coastline

Coasteered and descended rocky terrain

Hiked miles to witness the sunrise

Most importantly, they never stopped moving forward!

I've come to realize that to be a leader, I must seize opportunities to grow into a great one! When I return to reality, I can lead my basketball team forward and strive for an even bigger stage!

THANK YOU - Chan Tseng Hsi Foundation

For the past 30 years, the Chan Tseng Hsi Foundation has supported hundreds of underprivileged youth to experience this life-changing program. Designed to equip young people navigating transitional life stages with essential future skills, this initiative helps youth gain deeper selfunderstanding and emerge more confident, ready to create positive change in their communities.

Alex

Bryan

#20IMPACT20 FUTUREPROOFING 20 YOUNG PEOPLE TO SERVE HONG KONG

An Authentic Taiwan Expedition

Despite challenging conditions, the 20IMPACT20 program delivered another year of transformative adventure for our young participants. This is an incubator program that sees 20 individuals return to undertake a community service project in 20 communities. While Leg 1 faced delays due to severe typhoon activity, Leg 2 of the expedition stood out as one of the most ambitious and rewarding journeys in the program’s history. The crew sailed from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung, completed a full non-stop circumnavigation of Taiwan, and then sailed back to Hong Kong - covering over 1600 nautical miles over demanding offshore passages. Participants and staff endured extreme weather, including winds of over 60 knots and wave heights up to 14 metres. Through it all, Spirit remained steady and the team held strong. This voyage provided an opportunity for participants to push their limits and discover new resilience in a truly wild and unpredictable environment. 20IMPACT20 continues to be a flagship program for OBHK, offering real adventure and deep personal growth.

LEARN ABOUT THE EXPEDITION

This offshore voyage was only possible because of our partnership with The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club who sees the benefit of providing real challenge for the participants who are sourced from a range of backgrounds to represent the diversity of Hong Kong society.

UNLOCK THE LEADER IN EVERY STUDENT

Learn & Grow from Traditional Classrooms to Nature Classroom

After this whole journey, I realized I’m way more resilient now, and I feel way more confident and brave about stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on new challenges.

Renee, #OutwardBounder

SKH Holy Trinity Church Secondary School

Renee joined a five-day Outward Bound course through the Pedal Power Fund, and the week made a real difference. She developed new leadership skills, became a better decision-maker, and set meaningful goals. The experience boosted her confidence, encouraged her to try new things, and helped her recognise the value of teamwork and trusting others. Renee walked away more resilient, ready to step out of her comfort zone, and excited to take on new challenges.

Over the past eleven years, Pedal Power has raised over HK$10 million and sponsored outdoor experiential education for more than 3,400 underprivileged students.

Learning outside the classroom, in nature, allows students to build confidence and communicate better with others.

Lam Sir Teacher from SKH Holy Trinity Church Secondary School

EQUIPPING AT-RISK YOUTH BUILDING CONFIDENCE FOR THE FUTURE

Develop Essential Life Skills to Face Real Challenges

For two decades, the HKJC Second Chance Programme, supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, has transformed the lives of 1,522 at-risk youth through outdoor experiential learning. Central to this journey is the 18-day sailing adventure aboard the Spirit of Outward Bound Hong Kong, a powerful platform for developing essential life skills, motivation, and social competence. This unique experience has become a cornerstone of youth rehabilitation and reintegration in Hong Kong.

It was challenging, but if I didn’t take the opportunity, I might regret it forever!

2024 Participant

Overcoming my fear of heights was my courageous first step. I can still grow and become better!

BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY THROUGH #FUTUREPROOFYOUTH

Tailoring Outdoor Education for All-Round Growth

Over 400 students from 20 schools have participated in the Foundation for Success program, where they pushed their limits, built resilience, and discovered newfound confidence. Through challenging activities like high ropes and kayaking, students learned to set meaningful goals, trust and support one another, and step out of their comfort zones. Many now feel more resilient and ready to take on new challenges, echoing the sentiment: <I’m way more resilient now and feel more confident and brave about stepping out of my comfort zone.=

Challenging myself to do things I never thought I’d try helped me realize how important my teammates are. Turns out, if you’re determined, you can get through all kinds of tough situations.

Wong, 2024 Participant

Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College

My students have become more responsible and now think carefully before making decisions. Their teamwork has noticeably improved. Some who used to be shy and passive are now more willing to share with peers, express their opinions, and demonstrate positive changes. SCAN & Read More Now

Miss Lo Teacher from Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School

WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS?

The Swire Trust Foundation for Success partners with OBHK to help youth push their limits and build resilience. Reports indicate a 23% boost in resilience, highlighting the program’s significant impact on youth success.

IMPACT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

FutureProof PODCAST with #OutwardBounders & Supporters from the Past 55 Years

Inspiring Stories from #OutwardBounders

Jelly Zhou, CEO of HKTV MALL

Year of Outward Bound Experience: 2019 Course Attended: 2-Day Leadership Course

SCAN NOW

for Jelly’s Story

Careerplanningisalong-distanceracethatcan lastanywherefrom30to40years. Miraclesdon’toccur—successcomesfrom consistenteffortandpersistence. Allchampionsinlong-distancerunninghave achievedsuccessnotthroughshortcutsbut throughsteadypractice.

SCAN NOW

for Michael’s Story

Failureandcomfortareworldsapart.Everyfailureis avaluablelearningexperience.Themore experienceweaccumulate,thegreaterthe opportunitieswecancreateforfuturesuccess.

Michael Tung, Managing Director of SF Supply Chain (HK & Macau) Year of Outward Bound Experience: since 2008 Involvement: Organising Committee of Corporate Challenge

IMPACT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

OUTWARD BOUND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The Outward Bound Alumni Association (OBAA) was created just a year after OBHK was established, bringing together hundreds of alumni who’ve been deeply touched by their Outward Bound experiences. These members range from those who walked through our gates 55 years ago to recent grads just finishing up—they all share a strong bond and a desire to stay connected, support each other, and keep the spirit of adventure alive.

OBAA functions as a community, similar to a club or association, and it enables OBHK to build meaningful relationships with alumni. In June 2025, we celebrated a Homecoming Day at Tai Mong Tsai campus, welcoming alumni from different generations—all coming back to reconnect with the place that shaped them. It was a powerful day of sharing stories, touring the campus, and giving back through a beach clean-up at Tai Long Bay. Seeing that mix of history, growth, and new enthusiasm was truly inspiring.

Thanks to the Outward Bound Alumni Association, we created an unforgettable experience that reinforced lifelong bonds built through challenge, discovery, and shared purpose. We’re looking forward to many more collaborations, creating new memories, strengthening our community, and inspiring even more young people on their own journeys.

OUR IMPACT PARTNERS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS & SUPPORT

OBHK is a self-sustained local charity. We maintain our services with financial support from courses conducted, various funding bodies, individual donors and our fundraising events. OBHK would like to thank every donor, organisation, and volunteer for their dedicated support to our services in 2024.

Above HK$1,000,000

Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau - Government Subvention

Lee Hysan Foundation

Between HK$500,000 - HK$999,999

The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club

Bright Future Foundation

Between HK$10,000 - HK$499,999

Home and Youth Affairs Bureau - Women Empowerment Fund

LRC Charitable Foundation Limited

The Jessie and George Ho Charitable Foundation

Mr Gary Lock

Mr David Kong

Mr Winston Lo

Mr Viet-Linh Ha Thuc

LONGSTANDING SUPPORTER: LEE HYSAN FOUNDATION

The Lee Hysan Foundation has been one of our longest-standing supporters, with a partnership that dates back to the 1960s—even before the official founding of OBHK. Over the decades, the Foundation’s generosity and vision have played a vital role in enabling our organization’s development.

In 2024, with the generous support of the Lee Hysan Foundation, our Wong Wan Chau Adventure Base underwent a much-needed transformation, restoring it as an inspiring launchpad for discovery and growth within the breathtaking Double Haven Marine Park.

KEY RENOVATION HIGHLIGHTS

Mr. Helmuth Henning, Chairman of the OBHK Executive Committee, and Ms. Cecilia Ho, President of the Lee Hysan Foundation, commemorate the official opening of the base

OBHK friends celebrating official opening of the base

A new solar panel and battery system was added for greener, more sustainable energy

IMPACT PARTNER: THE CLEARWATER BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

We are proud to have The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club (CWBGCC) as our Impact Partner, working together to empower and uplift youth through the #FutureProofYOUth initiative.

20IMPACT20 - OBHK’S MOST CHALLENGING SEA EXPEDITION

At the heart of this partnership stood the 20IMPACT20 sea expedition & community project, title-sponsored by CWBGCC. Building on the project’s success in its inaugural year, the 2024 edition brought together 20 resilient youth for a challenging overseas sailing expedition designed to develop leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.

Upon their return, these youth put their skills and teamwork into action to benefit underprivileged communities. Their contributions included carrying out beach cleaning initiatives to create environmentally friendly spaces, as well as fostering social inclusion by introducing local culture to ethnic minority youths through a dynamic city hunt experience.

RESILIENCE FORUM

CWBGCC’s support extended to land-based initiatives as well. In 2024, their sponsorship of the Resilience Forum brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the importance of youth resilience. Results from OBHK’s FutureProofYOUth research reinforced that while young people value resilience, greater societal and governmental support is still needed.

COMMUNITY PARTNER: SF SUPPLY CHAIN (HONG KONG & MACAU)

SF Supply Chain partnered with us as a valued Community Partner to #FutureProofYOUth.

Leveraging their leadership in warehousing and distribution, SF Supply Chain supported our fundraising events as our key sponsor, with their colleagues actively participating in all events.

Additionally, SF Supply Chain extended its impact by sponsoring employees’ children to attend Outward Bound’s outdoor experiential education programmes, giving them transformative opportunities and equipping them with essential future skills.

TITLE SPONSOR OF MULTI ADVENTURE RACE

TITLE SPONSOR OF ONE STEP DOCUMENTARY

GOLD SPONSOR OF CORPORATE CHALLENGE INTERVIEW OF FUTUREPROOFPODCAST

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OBHK FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Our annual fundraising events aim to inspire community engagement, promote teamwork, and support Outward Bound’s mission to empower young people in Hong Kong. These events provide unique opportunities for individuals, families, and corporate teams to connect, challenge themselves, and make a lasting impact.

STANDARD CHARTERED HONG KONG MARATHON 2024

55 runners joined #TeamOBHK in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2024 to support our mission to #FutureProofYOUth. Participants enjoyed an exceptional journey, including exclusive race tops, pre-marathon workshops, race packs, and on-the-day support, all contributing to an unforgettable experience while raising funds for impactful Outward Bound journeys for disadvantaged youth.

KTSI 100KM TREADMILL CHARITY CHALLENGE 2024

OBHK participated in the 100KM Treadmill Charity Challenge on 22 June at D-Park, an event supporting the Kai Tak Sports Initiative, which promotes community sports development in Hong Kong. The event featured 500 runners from 40 units, including professional athletes, running teams, club coaches and amateur runners, etc.

OBHK was honoured to be invited to participate in this event. Our team of four, a mix of office staff and acquaintances competed in the Open Mixed 10km Category and secured the Championship with an impressive time of 43 minutes. This achievement reflects OBHK’s dedication to fostering teamwork, fitness, and community spirit through meaningful initiatives.

PEDAL POWER 2024

BETWEEN HK$100,000 - $499,999

Chinachem Group

Christopher Ka-shun WONG

Terence Francois KEYES

Teresa KO

Between HK$10,000 - $99,999

Airport Authority Hong Kong

Catherine Yu-yu YIEN

Christine KAN

Deloitte Technical Team

Dickson Chi-chuen CHAN

Eddie Kam-chin WONG

Florence YIP

Gill MELLER

Guorong JIANG

HKEX Foundation Limited

Jackson Ka-biu WOO

Kit-shuen NG

KPMG

Kwok-yin LAU

Lisa CHEN Ping

Michael DUIGNAN

Miron LILA

Paul MALAM

Ronnie LIM

Samson Kai-cheong LI

Led by the HKEX Foundation, this CSR initiative offers staff and family members of the Listing Department and other organisations a funfilled cycling experience through stunning landscapes with mystery games along the way.

Since its inception in 2011, Pedal Power has raised over HK$12 million and positively impacted more than 3,300 youth.

MULTI-ADVENTURE RACE 2024

CORPORATE CHALLENGE 2024

CO-ORGANISER

Wong Tai Sin District Recreation & Sports Council

GOLD SPONSOR

Fujikon Industrial Holdings Ltd

Lee Kee Group

SF Supply Chain China

Techtronic Industries Co Ltd

TROPHY SPONSOR

Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council

CELEB CHALLENGE SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

Hong Kong Electrical Appliance Industries Association

Hong Kong Federation of Innovative Technologies and Manufacturing Industries

Hong Kong Toy Foundation Ltd /The Toys

Manufacturers’ Association of HK Ltd

Promoting Happiness Index Foundation

The Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association

TEAM SPONSORS

Dr Bobby Liu

Bright Future Charitable Foundation

Fujikon Industrial Holdings Limited

Harmony Auto

You Eal (HK) Limited

Since 1986, this annual fundraising tradition has attracted organisations from diverse sectors. It provides a unique platform for teambuilding and networking through engaging in a series of fun and creative team activities that foster collaboration and camaraderie. Proceeds from the event directly support Outward Bound’s mission to #FutureProofYOUth, ensuring a brighter future for young people.

DRINKS SPONSOR

Vitasoy International Holdings Ltd

GAME PROPS PRODUCTION

Wing On Department Stores (Hong Kong) Limited

LOGISTICS SUPPORT

SF Supply Chain (Hong Kong) Limited

PERFORMING UNIT

Pipe Band, Hong Kong Police Band

SCORING SUPPORT

Vcan Digital Marketing Solutions

VENUE SUPPORT

GO PARK Sai Sha

PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS SCHOOLS

Australian International School Hong Kong

Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College

Baptist Wing Lung Secondary School

Beacon Hill School

Bradbury School

Buddhist Ho Nam Kam College

Buddhist Tai Hung College

Caritas Tuen Mun Marden Foundation Secondary School

Caritas Yuen Long Chan Chun Ha Secondary School

Carmel School

CCC Chuen Yuen College

Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School

Chong Gene Hang College

Chiu Chow Association Secondary School

City University of Hong Kong

Clearwater Bay School

Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo)

Diocesan Boys' School Primary Division

Diocesan Girls' Junior School

Diocesan Preparatory School

Fortress Hill Methodist Secondary School

Fukien Secondary School

Good Hope Primary School cum Kindergarten (Primary Section)

HKBU Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School

HKSKH Bishop Hall Secondary School

Holy Trinity Primary School

Hong Kong Baptist University

Hong Kong International School

ICHK Hong Lok Yuen

Islamic Kasim Tuet Memorial College

Jockey Club Sarah Roe School

Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Tuen Mun)

Kellett School

In 2024, our Outward Bound programs welcomed a broad spectrum of schools across Hong Kong, reflecting our unwavering dedication to empowering youth through experiential learning.

From elite academic institutions to schools with specialized missions including disabled and minority students. We collaborated with international schools and universities, which demonstrates our belief in outdoor education as a universal tool for growth.

By engaging students from diverse backgrounds, whether high-achieving learners or those receiving tailored we fostered resilience, teamwork, and , aligning with Hong Kong’s educational goals of nurturing well-rounded, socially responsible citizens.

Peak School

Po Chiu Catholic Secondary School

Quarry Bay School

Raimondi College

Sacred Heart Canossian College

Salesians of Don Bosco Ng Siu Mui Secondary School

Sha Tin Junior School

Sir Ellis Kadoorie Secondary School (West Kowloon)

SKH Holy Carpenter Secondary School

SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School

St. Stephen's College

St. Antonius Girls' College

St. Joseph's Primary School

St. Mary's Canossian College

St. Paul's Co-educational College Primary School

St. Paul's College

St. Paul's School (Lam Tin)

St. Teresa Secondary School

Stewards Pooi Kei College

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Independent Schools Foundation Academy

The Salvation Army William Booth Secondary School

The University of Hong Kong

The YWCA Hioe Tjo Yoeng College

Tsung Tsin Christian Academy

TWGHs Yow Kam Yuen College

Victoria Shanghai Academy

West Island School

Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong

Yan Ping Industrial & Commercial Association Lee Lim Ming College

Ying Wa Girls' School

Kit Sam Lam Bing Yim Secondary School

PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY

Barnabas Charitable Service Association Limited

Christian Action - Centre for Refugees

Christian Family Service Centre

Christian New Life Association

CoCoon Foundation

ELCHK, Ling Oi Centre

HK Acts Association

HKSKH Lady MacLehose Centre ImpactHK

Lions Club of Tsing Ma, Hong Kong

Operation Dawn Limited

Project WeCan Foundation

RUN Hong Kong

SKH St. Christopher's Home Society for Community Organisation

The Scout Association of Hong Kong - Tai Po Distric TOUCH - Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minoritie

U-Hearts

Unison

In 2024, our Outward Bound program proudly partnered with a wide range of NGOs, demonstrating our commitment to serving diverse communities across Hong Kong. From youth development centres (Project to organisations supporting , ethnic minorities (TOUCH (ImpactHK, Society , our program fosters empowerment across all sectors. We also collaborated with educational and charitable initiatives (CoCoon (Operation Dawn , and community-building associations (The

This broad engagement reflects our mission to inspire resilience, leadership, and teamwork while creating

PARTNERING ORGANISATIONS GOVERNMENT & CORPORATE

GOVERNMENT

Civil Service Bureau

Government Flying Service

Eastern District Office, Home Affairs Department

Sai Kung District Office, Home Affairs Department

Tuen Mun District Office, Home Affairs Department

CORPERATE

AECOM Ltd.

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited

Chanel Limited

Citybus Limited

Coloplast (Hong Kong) Limited

Haitong International Securities Group Limited

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited

Hong Kong Technology Venture Company Limited

Maersk Contract Logistics (Hong Kong) Limited

MTR Corporation Limited

Prudential Hong Kong Limited

Rosewood Hotels (Hong Kong) Limited

Schindler Lifts (Hong Kong) Limited

The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited

Our corporate training programs are trusted by leading organisations across a wide range of industries, from finance and luxury retail to logistics, healthcare, and infrastructure. Clients choose us as their partner for staff development, demonstrating the versatility and impact of our training solutions.

Whether it’s enhancing leadership in multinational firms or fostering teamwork in dynamic sectors like hospitality, our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each industry and clients. This diversity reflects our ability to deliver transformative learning experiences that drive performance, collaboration, and growth in different fields.

In addition to our strong partnerships with leading businesses across industries, we are honoured to support government initiatives that empower communities and public servants. From leadership development programs for civil servants to youth engagement collaborations with district offices, we bring experiential learning to diverse sectors. While government projects represent a smaller segment of our work, these partnerships reflect the same trust in our methodology that drives our corporate clients, proving the universal value of our programs in fostering resilience, teamwork, and growth.

OUR PEOPLE

TRAINING HIGHLIGTS 2024

To effectively serve the youth of Hong Kong and help them develop future-ready skills, continuous improvement and professional development are essential. In 2024, OBHK staff demonstrated a strong commitment to growth by actively participating in training programs, outdoor learning events, and international conferences.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL

TRAINING

In January, we welcomed back Dave Brown to deliver advanced sea kayaking training. Conducted in small groups, the sessions were intensive and focused, enhancing staff skills and confidence in handling more challenging conditions.

In March, four staff members became certified Emergency First Responder instructors. This milestone empowers our Training Academy to internally train and certify staff with internationally recognised first aid qualifications.

Continuing our commitment to technical excellence, two more batches of instructors were sent to the UK in April and September to pursue the Rock-Climbing Instructor Certificate. These efforts have strengthened our capacity to deliver high-quality ropes and climbing programs.

In 2024, we celebrated a major achievement in the professional development pathway at OBHK - Sa Tsoi became the first staff member to complete the full journey from Instructor to First Mate to Skipper.

Sa joined OBHK in 2021 through the Instructor Training Program, with no prior sailing experience. Over the past three years, he has grown to be a highly capable leader at sea, amassing over 6,000 nautical miles, including completing the 2024 China Sea Race.

Justin Fung Head of Operations

TRAINING HIGHLIGTS 2024

LONGBOATS - A UNIQUE NEW OFFERING IN SAIL TRAINING

We saw this year the first operational courses using our Drascombe Longboats, traditionally rigged open boats that offer a hands-on, low-tech platform for sail training and experiential education. Operating from the Lee Hysan Wong Wan Chau Adventure Base, these courses give participants the chance to explore remote marine parks and reconnect with the core values of early OBHK programs and Kurt Hahn’s educational philosophy.

The introduction of longboats brings a completely new kind of expedition sailing to Hong Kong—camp-style journeys that emphasize teamwork, resilience, and simplicity. We've also trained four new Longboat Skippers, creating an exciting new staff development pathway and further strengthening our in-house sail training progression.

Justin Fung Head of Operations

TRAINING HIGHLIGTS 2024

LEADERSHIP AND OUTREACH

In November, Justin Fung assumed the role of Head of Operations and represented OBHK in collaborations with partner organisations. Notably, Justin was invited by the Education Bureau to speak at a Life Planning Education Workshop, where he shared insights on lesson design and experiential learning with primary school teachers and social workers. He also served as a guest speaker at the Positive Education Forum, hosted by Positive Education Hong Kong, presenting on how to recreate the Outward Bound experience in schools. These engagements reflect our growing influence in the education sector and our commitment to sharing expertise with the wider community.

Looking Ahead......

In recent years, mental health and behavioural challenges among youth have become increasingly significant. The need for impactful Outward Bound experiences is more critical than ever. In 2025, our training focus will shift toward soft skills and human skills, ensuring our staff are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the young people we serve.

Justin Fung Head of Operations

REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

OUTWARD BOUND ASIA STAFF SYMPOSIUM 2024 HIMALAYA, INDIA

<It was a truly Enriching and Impactful Event. It brought together staff members from various OB Schools across Asia to exchange experiences, share knowledge and skills, and foster a spirit of Collaboration and mutual support.=

The global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemi sedentary lifestyles have significantly affected op these difficulties, the Symposium showcased how dif overcome these challenges - enhancing their systems, diversifying their programmes, and tailoring activities to meet regional needs and environmental contexts.

Outward Bound Hong Kong presented the <20 Impact 20= programme in the Symposium, highlighting the unique sailing experience aboard Spirit and the tailored course structures designed for daily operations.

<The discussions were dynamic, the ideas were plentiful, and the energy was inspiring=

REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT OUTWARD BOUND INDONESIA VISIT

In August 2024, two staff members, Rocky Man, Deputy Head of Operations, and Andy Hill, former Head of Operations, travelled to Outward Bound Indonesia. The purpose of the visit was to foster collaboration, exchange best practices, share innovative ideas, and strengthen bonds of friendship.

OB Indonesia is situated near Jatiluhur in an exceptional natural setting, surrounded by breathtaking forests, jungles, mountains, and waterways. The OB Indonesia base itself is equally impressive – its expansive and thoughtfully designed grounds offer ample space for operations. The main building, completed in 2011 and recipient of architectural awards, is a striking structure that not only shields users from the elements but also seamlessly integrates with the surrounding nature, fostering a strong connection to the outdoors.

Throughout the stay, we were met by staff who were deeply committed, hard-working, and wholeheartedly invested in delivering OBI’s mission. Their enthusiasm and professionalism left a lasting impression.

Over the course of the week, we had the opportunity to observe a diverse array of sessions and activities, including canoeing, raft-building, high ropes challenges, camp craft, hiking and navigation. Participants actively engaged in cooking, setting up and striking camp, establishing daily objectives, sharing responsibilities, and supporting one another. Instructors demonstrated skilled facilitation - framing activities, setting expectations, and conducting thoughtful reviews. Their dedication to the participants and emphasis on positive outcomes were consistently evident.

One of the most valuable outcomes of the experience was the time spent with colleagues from around the world. Beyond the formal discussions and presentations, these informal interactions enabled meaningful exchanges and helped foster a sense of shared identity that transcends the diversity across schools. The relationships built during this time have contributed to a growing global network of support and expertise. This foundation opens the door to future collaboration and mutual growth, strengthening our collective impact in the field of education.

Rocky Man Deputy Head of Operations Outward Bound Hong Kong

REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT OUTWARD BOUND INTERNATIONAL, SCOTLAND VISIT

Every Outward Bound School benefits from the support of time, resources and energy provided by Trustees, Board members and supporters. Their efforts enable the network to deliver highquality experiences for young people and advance the mission of the organisation. However, this global network of supporters doesn’t ever have the opportunity to connect with like-minded people or have their own adventures in the outdoors. Outward Bound Hong Kong and Outward Bound International have worked together in past years to try and fill this gap and bring dedicated supporters together to take on a challenge, get to know each other and, hopefully, have some fun!

In 2024, the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland provided the venue for our trip, providing the perfect environment to take on some appropriate challenges for participants of more ’senior’ disposition.

Friends from Outward Bound Schools in the UK, USA and Hong Kong joined to share stories and experiences of working with Outward Bound while taking on the challenges of Fiacaill Ridge, Afterthought Arete and Pygmy Ridge, as well as days of rock climbing to get familiar with systems and equipment. There were also in-depth debriefs in the evening in the excellent accommodation!

OBHK supporters who have participated include Winston Lo (Trustee and previous ExCo Chair), Richard Winter (Trustee and previous ExCo Chair), Peter Clarke (Trustee and previous ExCo member), Tom Owen (supporter) and Anthony Nightingale (supporter).

The global network is driven by groups of people doing good work for their local school. These trips have created many memories and friendships between supporters who all share a passion for our work.

Winston Lo

RichardWinter

Peter Clarke

OUR PLACE

ESG IMPROVEMENTS

CAMPUS FACELIFT

With funding support from the Lee Hysan Foundation, six buildings at the TMT base have been coated with heatreflective paint as part of our energy-saving initiative. This innovative solution helps reduce surface temperatures, leading to measurable improvements in energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

Impact Summary

Surface Temperature Reduction: 17.8 ℃

Annual Energy Savings: 1,563.55 kWh

Annual Carbon Reduction: 859.95 kg CO2e

Energy Saving Percentage: 6.74%

*figure provided by i2cool after field measurement in one building

ESG IMPROVEMENTS ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Funded by HKJC, two electric vehicles were obtained in December to replace our older diesel powered vehicles

Outcome Indicators

Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 20% (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent)

Improving air quality by 12 tonnes of carbon emission reduction

Enhancing service quality - 33% more passenger capacity to serve operational needs

Reduction of maintenance cost and fuel expense - estimate with 97% cost reduction

WORKPLACE IMPORVEMENT ENTRANCE ROAD REBUILD

A section of the entrance road connected to the main Tai Mong Tsai Road has been rebuilt to improve the previously cracked surface — making it smoother and safer for all, because as the saying goes, <a smooth road leads to a smoother journey.=

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT 2024

The Executive Committee Members of The Outward Bound Trust of Hong Kong Limited (the <Trust=) submit their report together with the audited financial statements of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2024 st

Principal activities

The principal activities of the Trust are the provision of education and personal development training for people of all nationalities and in particular people from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Results and appropriations

The results of the Trust for the year are set out in the statement of comprehensive income.

Executive Committee Members of the Trust

The Executive Committee members of the Trust (<Executive Committee Members=) during the year and up to the date this report were:

Ms. Yuen Shan Clara Chan

Ms. Man Wai Chu

Mr. David Graham

Mr. Hans Helmuth Hennig

Ms. Shin Ping Lillian Kiang (Appointed on September 2024)

Ms. Teresa Yuk Yin Ko

Mr. Jonathon Glyn Lee

Mr. Yat Ling Edward Jr. Ma

Mr. Christopher Pooley (Retired on September 2024)

Mr. Mark Andrew Schwille

Mr. John Shanahan (Appointed on October 2024)

Mr. Stephen Taylor

Ms. Tsz Yan, Tsang

Mr. Richard David Winter (Retired on September 2024)

Mr. Jeremy Young

Ms. Yau Man Janet Yuen (Appointed on October 2024)

Pursuant to Articles 38 and 39 of the Trust’s Articles of Association, Mr. Jonathon Glyn Lee, Mr. Jeremy Young and Mr. Yat Ling Edward Jr. Ma shall retire from office at the next Annual General Meeting of the Trust but shall be eligible for re-election.

Executive Committee Members’ material interests in transactions, arrangements and contracts that are significant in relation to the Trust’s business

For the year ended 31 December 2024, an aggregate sum of HK$31,888 in donations was contributed by the Executive Committee Members.

Other than the donations listed above, there are no transactions, arrangements and contracts of significance in relation to the Trust’s business to which the Trust was a party and in which an Executive Commitee Member had a material interest, whether directly or indirectly, which subsisted at the end of the year or at any time during the year.

Executive Committee Members’ interests in the shares and debentures of the Trust or any Specified undertaking of the Trust

At no time during the year was the Trust a party to any arrangement to enable the Executive Committee Members to hold any interests in the shares, or debentures of, the Trust or its specified undertakings.

Management contracts

No contracts concerning the management and administration of the whole or any substantial part of the business of the Trust were entered into or existed during the year.

Business review

Performance Review

2024 saw Outward Bound Hong Kong return to pre-pandemic levels of operation across our largest market sectors. The demand for Outward Bound Hong Kong’s programs remains evident, and during the year, 6,480 participants completed 26,626 Participant Days. We also saw a full recovery to business as usual in our education and community programs.

The Executive Committee had, at the beginning of the year, explored strategies for ensuring that the Trust embarked on a plan to improve financial performance to secure future operating resilience. An operating model that delivered high-quality experiences whilst enabling a year-end operating surplus was explored, resulting in a near-breakeven year-end result. Income for the year ended 31 December 2024 was HK$33,268,685.88, reflecting an increase of 8% over the prior year.

2024 saw the return of many essential community fundraising events, including an innovative new Resilience Forum, along with the recurring annual Pedal Power, Corporate Challenge and Multi-Adventure Race. The funds raised by these events of HK$1,919,078 will enable necessary investment in equipment and facilities in future. A generous donation of HK$7,576,946 from the Lee Hysan Foundation also enabled significant renovation to the Wong Wan Chau base of operations, which ensures expanded capacity to support more participants in the coming years.

Performance in 2025 shows the demand and opportunities for the Trust to support the community in Hong Kong. The management team is focus on ensuring we can maximize our impact and provide high-quality experiential learning experiences to the various communities we serve in Hong Kong.

Government subsidies

No government subsidies were received during the year

Environmental Protection

During the year funding was secured for renovation of the secondary base at Wong Wan Chau. This capacity-building project includes the installation of 63.27kW of solar panels and 100kWh of battery storage. As a result the site will move away from the existing diesel generator, saving between 6-8000 litres of diesel and reducing CO₂ emissions by an estimated 15,780 - 21,040 kg.

The installation shows further commitment to the Outward Bound Environmental Charter and presents an opportunity for participants at the site to engage with, and learn about, solar energy. This will further enhance the legacy of 8Environmental Responsibility9 which remains one of the measured outcomes of programs.

Compliance with laws and regulations

The Trust is committed to making every effort to comply with all relevant laws and regulations. The Executive Committee Members are not aware of any instances of non-compliance with the relevant laws and regulations which may have a material impact on the Trust.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Despite the much-needed capacity building renovations undertaken during this year, there remains a risk that essential infrastructure, that has benefitted from only minimal investment in recent years, might require additional unplanned capital investment to maintain quality in our operations.

FINANCIAL REVIEW 2024

THE TRUST

2024 TRUST OFFICERS

President

Chien Lee, BBS

Executive Committee Chairman

Helmuth Henning*

Deputy Chair

Clara Chan, MH, JP*

Treasurer

Jonathon Lee*

2024 Trust Members

Alan Morgan

Allan Warburg

Andrew Weir, MBE, JP

Andy Lau

Bernard Auyang

C.C. Tung, GBS, SBS, JP

Chris Hanselman

Christopher Pooley

Cowen Chiu, MH

Craig Chapman

David Gething

David Graham*

David Ho, JP

David Kong

Hon Legal Advisor

Machiuanna Chu*

Executive Director & Hon

Secretary

Nick Cotton

Hon Auditor

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Duncan M. Telfer

Edward Jr. Ma*

Janet Yuen*

Jeremy Lu

Jeremy Young*

Jon Sparks

John Shanahan*

Joseph Lam

Joseph Tse

K.K. Chan, SBS, BBS, JP

Karl Kwok, BBS, MH

Lillian Kiang*

Mark Schwille*

Patrick Healy

Peter Clarke

Richard Winter

Ronnie Wong Man Chiu, BBS, JP

Roy Chung, GBS, BBS, JP

Sarah Borwein

Sebastian Lehmann

Sebastian Man

Stephen Tan

Stephen Taylor*

Sunny Chai, BBS, JP

Teresa Ko, BBS, JP*

The Hon Howard Young, SBS, JP

Winston Lo

Yandy Tsang*

Yun-Tai Li

*Executive Committee Members

2024 Sub-Committee Members

Advancement CommitteeSafety Committee

Mark Schwille (Chair)*

Clara Chan, MH, JP (Vice Chair)*

Craig Chapman

Jeremy Young*

Julia Cordier

Lillian Kiang*

Mark Garvie

Peter Brien

Yandy Tsang*

John Shanahan (Chairman)*

Yun-Tai Li

Mark Lewis

Ruy Barretto

Patrick Lee

Nicolas Cohen

Sarah Borwein

Corporate Challenge Committee

Roy Chung (Honorary Chairman)

Sunny Chai (Honorary Chairman)

Clara Chan, MH, JP (Chairlady)*

Thomas Ting (Vice Chairman)

Aaron Funnell

Cheris Lee

Clara Liu

Fionz Chan

Johnny Yeung

Measure Hung

Michael Tung

Patrick Chan

Phoebe Wan

Rebecca Lee

Ryan Hung

Samson Chan

Vincent Kong

Wendy Yeung

Pakki Chan

Dilys Liu

Janet Wong