Youth Matters
Social INNOVATORS stories
Helping children with autism
AESIR
"Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have unique strengths but also special weaknesses. One of these is that they often cannot interpret people's actions, expressions and speech," says Ernest Chan, founder of a company that helps teachers, parents, clinical practitioners and researchers understand them better. AESIR, which develops Augmented Reality (AR) technology, has the potential to provide a safe and motivating way of engaging those with autism in social interaction.

In Hong Kong, 2D graphics are used as speech training materials for autistics. They give little indication of varying tone and facial expression and this is where AR technology comes in. By combining graphics with videos to create realistic scenarios, it can be used to eliminate the limitations of conventional resources and could be a revolutionary way to train autistic children.

Working with the University of South Florida and a leading Hong Kong clinic, AESIR focuses on interactive solutions using the latest technologies. They include not only AR but also human-scale motion tracking systems and holographic projection.

"1% of world's population is autistic. They have intellectual disabilities as well as problems with motor coordination and attention. For them, e-learning with real world interaction can give ground-breaking access to knowledge.

AESIR.hk is an award winning startup specializing in Augmented Reality (AR). It is part of the HKFYG Jockey Club Social Innovation incubation program and has won awards at Cyberport and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Microfund.
CONGRATULATIONS
Social Welfare Department Volunteers Award 2016
A big hand for volunteers
HKFYG received recognition for its volunteers who contributed over 860,000 service hours during 2014. We were 5th Runner-up in the Public Organizations Highest Service Hours Award 2014. The scheme is run every year by the Social Welfare Department to recognize volunteers' commitment and contributions. The award ceremony was on 5 December 2015, at Heung Yee Kuk Building, Shatin.
Enquiries Doris Lee 2169 0032


Kristy Tsang
Young Dragon Foundation volunteer receives commendation from PricewaterhouseCoopers Foundation
Kristy Tsang, a Dragon Foundation programme participant, volunteer and employee of PricewaterhouseCoopers has won first prize in the FY15 PwC Foundation Award. This led to a donation in her name for Dragon Foundation leadership training for Chinese youth around the world. Many thanks to the donor and congratulations to Kristy!
What's NEW
HKFYG Jockey Club Community Team Sports Project kicks off
HKFYG Jockey Club Community Team Sports Project kicks off
This brand new project was launched last Saturday with Mr John Tsang, GBM, JP, Financial Secretary and Dr Eric Li, GBS, OBE, JP, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club as Guests of Honour at the opening ceremony. An estimated 5,000 young people will participate in the city's 18 districts. The sports are basketball, ice hockey, rope skipping, team running and canoeing. Sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.
More details hkfyg.org.hk/page.aspx?corpname=hkfyg&i=4429
Enquiries Lily Tse 3466 8059


Infinity‧We Live: Tin Yiu Youth SPOT project with HSBC Community Partnership Programme
The HKFYG Jockey Club Tin Yiu Youth SPOT has launched Infinity‧We Live. This exciting project uses various visual art forms including art jamming, free painting and creative crafts to illustrate human uniqueness and diversity. Participants use their ingenuity and their work will be used to create a large three-dimensional art installation and exhibition in Yuen Long Theatre from 8-10 April 2016. This HSBC Community Partnership Programme initiative will continue until August.
More details ty.hkfyg.org.hk
Enquiries Carrie Wong 2445 4868
Coming Soon
First ever youth-initiated CoCreators Impact Day: Zero Food Waste
CoCreators Impact Day: Zero Food Waste
Social enterprise Eco-Greenergy provides food waste recycling solutions and with HKFYG's Leadership 21 unit they are holding a Green Market on March 19 12 noon-5.30 pm. Innovative green products from 15+ stores will be there and the documentary Just Eat It! will be screened. Later that evening left over food will be given to the homeless in Yau Tsim Mong.
Join us, waste less and find out how you can help to save the environment.
Venue Com n’ sense Café, Kwun Tong
Tickets at goo.gl/YOgUwz
Enquiries 2169 0255


YBHK calling for enrollment in 32nd Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme
Deadline soon!

18-35 year-olds with permanent citizenship in Hong Kong who started a business in the last 3 years or intend to start within a year are eligible. Successful applicants receive maximum interest-free loans of HK$150,000 plus support services including a mentorship programme.
Application deadline 15 March 2016
Application Form ybhk.hkfyg.org.hk/files/ybhk/pdf/ApplicationBooklet.pdf
Enquiries Karen Ho 3595 0945


Hong Kong Odyssey of the Mind Competitions 20th Anniversary in April
Hong Kong Odyssey of the Mind Competitions
Thanks to venue hosts, the Hong Kong Design Institute and Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Lee Wai Lee), over 500 students from 54 local schools and youth centres will showcase their talent and creativity at this year's competitions on 2-3 April. Winners will represent Hong Kong in the World Finals in the US in May.
Opening Ceremony Saturday 2 April 2016 with team parade, art jamming and creativity games
Guest of Honour Dr Catherine Chan Ka-ki, Deputy Secretary for Education
More details hkom.hkfyg.org.hk
Enquiries Kylie Wong 2561 6149
Thank YOU partners
Thank you partners
Face the challenge 2016: Commission on Youth sponsorship for Wudang visit
HKFYG's Youth Exchange unit has funding from the Commission on Youth to support young people on a 10-day tour in Hubei Province to learn about Wudang martial arts and culture.
Dates 25 March-3 April 2016
Enquiries Joanne Lam 3586 8448


Home Affairs Department and Farm Road Youth SPOT Street Dance Shows
Free street dance lessons and a chance to dance on stage are at the heart of this programme supported by the Home Affairs Department. Shows in To Kwa Wan district and at the HKFYG Farm Road Youth SPOT are free of charge. Performances build both positivity and self-esteem in the dancers and nearly 200 14-25 year-olds have taken part so far since last July.
More details fr.hkfyg.org.hk
Enquiries Angie Lam 2715 0424


Complimentary tickets from Lunchbox Theatrical Productions for
THE ILLUSIONISTS and SWAN LAKE ON ICE

HKFYG app users and members can have a chance to win complimentary tickets sponsored by Hong Kong's Lunchbox Theatrical Productions. Tickets are valued HK$545 upwards. THE ILLUSIONISTS shattered box office records across the globe and SWAN LAKE ON ICE features exhilarating choreography and stylish ice-dancing.
Download the HKFYG app here to reserve tickets
on a first come-first-served basis.
Enquiries Miranda Ho 3755 7044
Full details of the show lunchbox-productions.com/portfolio/magic/
ust published
Youth SPOT magazine 34
Youth SPOT magazine 34 : Team Sports
In the new issue of HKFYG's Chinese magazine we share with you our belief in team sports. "If you believe it, you can achieve it!" Being a member of a team and participating in sport provides young people with important lessons in personal values. Read all about those who are living their beliefs.
Hard copy Number 34 all HKFYG centres and other outlets
Online at youthspot.hkfyg.org.hk/magazine
Enquiries Tiffany Lam 3755 704