The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels’ Shared Value Initiative
The Honing Skills for Hospitality programme by The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (“HSH”) is the Group’s community impact programme under its Sustainable Luxury Vision 2020. Organised in partnership with Hong Kong Council of Social Services (“HKCSS”) and two local high schools, the programme aims to support the personal and career development of underprivileged ethnic minority youths.
With keen competition in university admission and lack of mastery in written Chinese, ethnic minority youths in Hong Kong face many barriers in the society. Launched in 2013, the Honing Skills for Hospitality programme provides a six-week internship opportunity for selected students studying Tourism and Hospitality to work in HSH’s operations, including The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Repulse Bay, The Peak Complex as well as Cathay Pacific Lounges and Butterfield’s under Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services. The programme provides a series of training in three modules, from an introduction to HSH’s operations, service training, to internship and mentorship – all aim at supporting the development of ethnic minority youths.
Shared Value for Business and Society
HKCSS conducts a community impact assessment of the programme annually, evaluating the programme’s impacts in three levels: individual, organisational and community. The findings showed that the programme was able to help these students enhance their self-esteem and social skills and build their aspirations for a career in the hospitality and tourism industry. Apart from empowering disadvantaged youths and marginalised groups in the community, the programme could also help HSH build the pipeline for its future workforce. It also facilitated cross-cultural understanding, contributing to the long-term process of racial inclusion in Hong Kong.
