Hong Kong’s first GuideFong Bazaar took place on 8 September 2024 at the Hive Sheung Wan. The event was attended by an eclectic mix of 15 vendors and 120+ visitors setting the Hive Sheung Wan abuzz, all in the name of supporting small multicultural businesses in Hong Kong. Not only did the ethnically diverse entrepreneurs actively introduce their unique products and services, visitors from all walks of life were eager to learn more about their products and connect with these entrepreneurs.
An initiative by the Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) to increase the visibility of under-resourced ethnically diverse entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, the GuideFong Bazaar also offered entrepreneurs networking and sales opportunities through interacting with a broader local clientele. Derived from the Cantonese word for “neighbours” or “friends in the community”, Project GuideFong was established by FSI in 2023 to uplift under-resourced entrepreneurs through the provision of bespoke direct business support and enhanced visibility through their listings on the GuideFong directory.
Volunteering at the bazaar were nine HSBC Scholarship recipients from local universities, now engaged in the Hub for the Future community. On a mission to create positive social impact in the local community, these HSBC Scholars assisted the FSI team with visitor registration while interacting with vendors and visitors. The HUB volunteers also took on rotational and active roles to welcome visitors and distribute raffle tickets.
The bazaar provided HSBC Scholars with an opportunity to learn about operating a small retail business and the skills required for event management, communication, collaboration, marketing, promotion, and sales.
Krystal, one of the volunteers, said “I’m really happy to be here at the GuideFong Bazaar and seeing lots of different interesting items from different business founders, and I’m really glad to be here and support them all.”
Vivi, another volunteer, said, “I’m really glad to be here to volunteer and help with the organisation of this remarkable event. I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet with vendors, purchase, and share their handcrafted goods that will be good in promoting Hong Kong society along with introducing their culture and their values to all the visitors.”
If you would like to learn more about GuideFong Bazaar, click here.
Stay tuned to this space for other upcoming FSI activities to engage HSBC Scholars in leadership training and community building.
