PUBLICATION HIGHLIGHT:
EFFORT RECOGNIZED! NATIONAL CONVENTION 2024: BEST CHAPTER OF THE AREA (25-55 MEMBERS) AWARD - JCI SHA TIN
MOST OUTSTANDING CHAPTER PRESIDENT (25-55 MEMBERS) MERIT - ELAINE TANG
OUTSTANDING NOM EXCOM MEMBER AWARD MERIT - SENATOR MICHELE LAU
2M+ MEDIA COVERAGE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT V-SUPPORT
SHA TIN WE CARE
WITNESS THE BIRTH OF 2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF JCI SHA TIN
Greetings and welcome to the third and fnal issue of River Light for this year!
As we reflect on the past months, we take immense pride in the remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment of our JCI Sha Tin members. This publication is not just a recap; it’s a celebration of our journey together, highlighting the impactful initiatives and projects that have strengthened our community.
Throughout the year, our members have exemplified the JCI spirit of leadership, collaboration, and service. From organizing community outreach programs to hosting engaging events, each effort has contributed to our mission of creating positive change and empowering young leaders in Sha Tin.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that await us. Our commitment to fostering growth and innovation remains steadfast, and we are eager to embark on new projects that will inspire and uplift our community.
Thank you for your continued support and
and we
in the coming
We believe
That faith in god gives meaning and purpose to human life
That brotherhood of man transcends to sovereignty of nations
That economic justice can best be won by freemen through free enterprise
That government should be of laws, rather than of men
And that service to humanity is the best work of life
我們深信
篤信真理可使人類的生命具有意義和目的 人類的親愛精神沒有疆域的限制 經濟上的公平應由自由的人通過自由企業的途徑獲得之 健全的組織應建立在法治的精神上 人格是世界上最大的寶藏 服務人群是人生最崇高的工作
To provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.
提供發展機會以促進青年人創造積極正面的改變
To be the foremost global network of young leaders. 成為全球具領導性的青年積極公民網絡
JCI is a nonprofit organization of young active citizens age 18 to 40 who are engaged and committed to creating impact in their communities. Active citizens are individuals invested in the future of our world. JCI gathers active citizens from all sectors of society.
We develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions and take action. As globally minded young people, we all have rights, responsibilities and share goals. We find targeted solutions to local issues benefitting our communities, our world and our future. Embracing new ideas, collaboration and diversity, we have the passion and courage to address the critical challenges of our time.
Junior Chamber International Sha Tin (JCI Sha Tin) was founded at the AGM held on 25 October, 1987 at Shatin Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, and is the 17th Local Organization vMember (LOM) affiliated to Junior Chamber International Hong Kong. It is one of the few local Chapters with strong connections with the local community.
沙田青商為非牟利青年培訓組織。我們深信人類的親愛精神 沒有疆域的限制，且服務人群是人生最崇高的工作。自1987 年創會以來，沙田青商一直致力為提供領袖培訓機會予18至 40嵗人士以促進年青人創造積極正面的改變，成為全球具領 導性的青年積極公民網絡一份子，並於社區發展、領袖培訓、 商業事務、國際事務等範疇為更多人帶來持續的正面影響。
Over the past few months, JCI Sha Tin has wrapped up two fagship projects along with various other initiatives. The recent Annual General Meeting was a testament to their unity, as many members gathered to celebrate this year's achievements and the upcoming board elections. The spirit of "We as One" resonates throughout JCI Sha Tin.
"V-Support Sha Tin We Care" has been pivotal in providing essential resources and support to those in need, especially the elderly. The members' compassion and empathy have not only made signifcant impacts but also inspired others to contribute to building a more supportive and caring community.
“Creative Odyssey” has highlighted the incredible talent and innovation within the community. By promoting creativity and collaboration, this project has offered a platform for individuals to express themselves and share their unique perspectives. It has enriched the cultural landscape and empowered participants to pursue their passions and gain new business insights.
Congratulations are in order for JCI Sha Tin's remarkable achievements at the National Convention, where they received the Best Outstanding Chapter (25-55 Members) Award and the Best Outstanding Chapter President (25-55 Members) Merit. These accolades are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the team, earning well-deserved recognition from others. And I am proud to be part of it and witness these good results in 2024.
Time fies, and we’re already approaching the third issue of Riverlight, marking the close of 2024. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our editors for producing such a high-quality publication that captures JCI Sha Tin's journey over the past year. Every unforgettable moment has been witnessed by all of you.
I am truly grateful for the goals we set at the beginning of 2024. Thanks to our dedicated members, we have successfully achieved them. As I mentioned in my President's message, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Our outstanding results are a testament to a team that wholeheartedly supports one another. "We As One" is our theme this year, embodying our core philosophy of unity and showcasing a vibrant Sha Tin to the world.
This year, we have created many remarkable projects together. In the Business Affairs Area, we launched the innovative Creative Odyssey, aligning with government initiatives to inspire young people to pursue their dreams in the Greater Bay Area.
In Community Development, we maintained close collaboration with local communities, focusing on the physical and mental health of elderly residents and raising awareness about elder caregivers.
In Public Relations, we successfully introduced dragon boat racing to underprivileged communities, allowing more people to engage with Chinese cultural traditions and enjoy the thrill of sports.
Our COC Pillow Fight brought together representatives from 21 chapters, providing a fun way to relieve daily stress and fully enjoy the moment.
Each project showcases the hard work and dedication of our committees and the collective efforts of all JCI Sha Tin members. I am grateful for the recognition we received for the Most Outstanding Chapter President (2-55 Members) Merit and the Best Chapter of the Area (25-55 Members) Award at the JCI Hong Kong 59th National Convention. Our "We As One" spirit was also evident during Sports Day and all our events. It has been an honor to lead such an incredible team, achieving projects that make hard work look effortless.
Because of you, Sha Tin embodies "We As One." Because of you, we have this dazzling pink army. I love you all Sha Tin Yau.
The Dragon Boat Race 2024 features 6 dynamic training sessions, along with engaging gatherings with our Dragon Boat activists!
This year, the Dragon Boat Project from JCI Sha Tin is proudly named "Inclusive Dragon." We are excited to partner with the Fearless Dragon Running Team (“ 猛龍長跑隊 ”), which includes hearing-impaired individuals. Remarkably, our specially-abled participants have stepped out of their comfort zones to make their debut in the dragon boat race! The Dragon Boat Race emphasizes teamwork and dedication to achieving a shared vision. Together, we embrace challenges, and no hurdle can stop us from reaching our collective goals!
We are also honored to welcome several distinguished guests who joined our practice sessions despite their busy schedules. A heartfelt thank you to JCI Vice President Senator Mark Joseph David for his incredible support and for immersing himself in Sha Tin culture. We would also like to express our gratitude to JCI Hong Kong President Senator Ben Mak for being part of our training sessions. A big thank you to all Sha Tin members for their unwavering support throughout the Dragon Boat Race. WE AS ONE!
This year, we launched Creative Odyssey 2024 to invigorate Hong Kong's economy and support local startups. This series of 5 events aimed to promote local brands and foster connections within the Greater Bay Area, aligning with the 14th Five-Year Plan for international cultural exchange.
Creative Odyssey brought together passionate entrepreneurs, helping them expand beyond Hong Kong. We were thrilled to have DinDong, a beloved local cartoon character, as our project ambassador, adding a playful touch to our initiative.
The series included:
1. Creative Odyssey Opening Ceremony
2. Orientation for The Greater Bay Area Exchange Tour
3. The Greater Bay Area Exchange Tour
4. Debriefng and Sharing Session
5. Closing Ceremony and Handicraft Market
The Greater Bay Area Exchange Tour
The highlight was the 4-day-3-night tour, where participants explored the Bay Area's business landscape. Sponsored by the Youth Development Commission (YDC), they visited incubators in Jiangmen and Guangzhou, gaining valuable insights.
We concluded with a Closing Ceremony and $0 Cost Handicraft Market, featuring over 15 local stores. In just fve hours, we generated an impressive $8,000 in net revenue, showcasing our support for creative startups.
Creative Odyssey 2024 has highlighted the resilience of Hong Kong's startup community. We’re excited to continue empowering local entrepreneurs in their journey to success. Together, we’re creating a vibrant future for creativity and innovation.
According to the 2021 Population Census thematic report by the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, around 330,000 elderly individuals aged 60 and over have long-term care needs. Alarmingly, 81.5% of these seniors do not live with their children, often relying on elderly partners for care. This situation can lead to significant challenges, including psychological pressure on caregivers who may lack the skills necessary for proper support, ultimately increasing the risk of mortality.
To enhance caregiving skills among elderly caretakers and connect them with community resources, we launched “V-Support Sha Tin We Care 2024.” This initiative focuses on improving the capabilities of family members caring for seniors and facilitating access to essential support services.
The project included home visits to approximately 50 elderly residents to understand their needs and promote our initiative. In May, around 30 participants visited the Jockey Club “Age at Home” Gerontech Center, where they explored innovative products for aging at home. A medical talk and caregiving skills workshop in June attracted 50 participants, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.
The project culminated in a Closing Ceremony cum Carnival at Ma On Shan Plaza, celebrating our achievements and the community's resilience together with over 1000 participants. "V-Support Sha Tin We Care" is dedicated to uplifting and empowering our community by equipping caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to provide quality care for their loved ones.
Jointly organized by JCI Victoria and JCI Sha Tin, VS Run is a dynamic city hunt game designed to foster leadership skills in a fun and engaging way. The event draws inspiration from JCI Sha Tin’s 2024 motto, “We As One,” promoting unity and teamwork among participants.
Themed “ 傑出 • 從未停步 ” this year, the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Selection recognises around ten exceptional individuals from Hong Kong for their remarkable contributions to society. This prestigious event celebrates the resilience and innovation of young achievers who inspire the community through their work. Congratulations to all of the awardees!!
We were so glad to host the Champion of Champions this year with MakuranageHK, Pillow Fight. We are thrilled to see everyone enjoy the arrangements and activities at the event. The pace of the Fight turned out to be even more intense and exciting than we anticipated. Inspired by the concept of kids throwing pillows, the game had all the members fully immersed—whether they won or lost, their joyful celebrations were reminiscent of Olympic victory moments. Congratulations to the team that triumphed in four consecutive matches—you were unstoppable!
Don’t wait for hope—keep pushing forward to create opportunities and possibilities you never imagined.
Accomplishments:
Interviewed by Plato Ho
In the competitive world of professional boxing, Raymond Poon stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. Inspired by a cartoon series called "First Punch" and Hong Kong boxing icon Rex Tso ( 曹星如 ), Poon embarked on his journey from amateur to professional boxing, demonstrating that dreams can indeed become reality with determination.
Poon's path to professional boxing began unconventionally. After training as an amateur and experiencing both victories and defeats, a pivotal moment came when he was offered an opportunity to train in the Philippines. Despite being enrolled in school at the time, Poon made the bold decision to pursue his passion, recognizing that such opportunities might not come again.
His career has been marked by significant achievements, including WBC Youth Intercontinental Light Flu Champion, WBC ABCO Asian Continental Light Fly Champion, ABF Light Fly Asia Champion. However, the journey to success has not been easy. Poon candidly refects on the diffculty of facing defeat in his third or fourth professional fght, especially when compared to his predecessor Rex Tso, who began his professional career with an undefeated streak.
"The impact was signifcant, especially for my 21-year-old self," he recalls.
What sets Poon apart is his systematic approach to professional development. Through support from his friends who encouraged him to continue pursuing his dream, he has progressed through different levels of competition, starting with four-round matches and gradually advancing to longer bouts at twelve-round matches. This methodical progression requires careful management of both physical conditioning and weight control, with Poon needing to drop from 56-57kg to 49kg for Light Fly competitions.
Despite the physical demands and sacrifces required, including rigorous weight management and recovery periods between fghts, Poon remains committed to his chosen path. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring boxers, demonstrating that with dedication and strategic planning, one can overcome obstacles and achieve success in professional boxing.
His story reminds us that while the path to success may not always be linear, staying true to one's passion and persevering through challenges can lead to remarkable achievements in the world of professional sports.
The JCI Asia-Pacifc Conference (ASPAC) 2024 in Cambodia brought together young JCI leaders from across the AsiaPacific region. Featuring a high-profile opening ceremony with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the event showcased diverse national nights, trade exhibitions, and cultural exchanges. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, international networking, and collaborative projects, highlighting JCI's commitment to youth leadership, community development, and cross-cultural exchange.
The JCI World Congress 2024 was held in Taoyuan Taiwan this November. It was a remarkable gathering of global leaders and changemakers. Held over six dynamic days, the event offers participants the chance to engage in world-class conferences, network with multinational JCI members, and celebrate notable achievements, such as the election of distinguished leaders. The congress marked significant achievements for Hong Kong as National President Senator Ben Mak won the election as JCI Vice President and President Elaine Tang earned recognition as star local president. With cultural exchanges, impactful workshops, and a shared spirit of togetherness, the World Congress continues to be a transformative experience, fostering lifelong connections and professional growth.
After three years of the pandemic, we are thrilled to meet our sister chapter, JCI Wakayama fnally. It’s wonderful to see so many JCI Wakayama members enjoying visiting Hong Kong, celebrating our enduring friendship.
This is also the year to renew our Sister Pact, we were honored to witness and continue our everlasting sistership.
We hope you have enjoyed the great vibes in Hong Kong and we are looking forward to seeing you again very soon!
This Summer, our members took the privilege to visit JCI South Key, Malaysia, enjoying a great time organized by JCI South Key. We had a great time getting along and sharing our project insights. We look forward to collaborating even further through cross-chapter projects or business connections.
It was a memorable 2-day convention featuring all the engagements from Sha Tin members, and summarizing our triumph. Congratulations to every Sha Tin Yaus (Member) for your extraordinary efforts! The National Convention is a time to review the achievements of 2024 and look forward to 2025.
Congratulations
Sha Tin
for your achievements:
The JCI Sha Tin celebrated its AGM 2024 on September 14 at the Regal Riverside Hotel, drawing over 100 attendees including members, friends, and families. The event, featuring the election of the 2025 Board of Directors, exemplifed the chapter's slogan "We as One." It also showcased the determination to create positive change for 2025 with the slogan “Now or Never”. The gathering included AGM proceedings, elections, and concluded with a dinner Monthly Fellowship Gathering, all masterfully conducted by emcee, AI Elaine.
Sha Tin 2025 Board of Directors: NOW OR NEVER
The “Now or Never” philosophy underscores the urgency of seizing life’s fleeting opportunities by cherishing every moment and treating each chance as if it were the last. It inspires decisive and passionate actions, fostering a life of gratitude, fulfillment, and meaningful experiences without regret.
Quote: Passion in heart, action in hand, success ahead.
Hello everyone! I am someone who loves challenges and is full of energy. I enjoy embracing new things and constantly strive for improvement. I believe that with continuous learning and effort, any goal can be achieved. In the JCI family, I have come to appreciate the importance of teamwork and am committed to bringing positive change to society.
JCI is not just a platform for learning; it’s also a place to make dreams come true. Every activity I participate in helps me enhance my skills, whether it’s communication, planning, or leadership, bringing me to the next level each time. Most importantly, I have met a group of like-minded partners here, where mutual support makes every challenge even more meaningful. I frmly believe that with passion in our hearts, we can create our own value.
Congratulations to Mrs Chan! Cherry is our Sha Tin Yau, 2023 Honorary Secretary and we are so glad to witness her wedding. May your marriage be blessed and have a wonderful life together with William.
Our Senior Members Club Chairman, Senator Gary Chan, has demonstrated dedication towards the betterment of our JC experiences. With his role as National Digital Transformation Director last year, Senator Gary has non-stop drove advancement in our digital experiences. This year, he has continued to support JCI Sha Tin for various International Affairs and help incorporated AI MC Elaine as innovation!
Well deserved, Senator Gary Chan!
R-RICHES GROUP R-RICHES GROUP
Nestled in the heart of Sha Tin, Tsang Tai Uk stands as a remarkable testament to traditional Hakka heritage. This centuriesold walled village offers a mesmerising glimpse into Hong Kong's architectural past, where stone walls, intricate wooden structures, and timeless courtyards whisper stories of a rich cultural landscape.
Thank you for the supporting organizations in 2024 (in no particular order):
