About Dan
About
Dan is a social impact catalyst that speaks passionately about innovative education and social equity.
Over the past 10 years, I have supported over 150 social innovation projects in Hong Kong and Asia for their organisation development, fundraising and Impact communication works.
A little more about myself
Early Years - 2008
Growing up in a grassroots family, I spent most of my early life in a public housing estate in Hong Kong, where my initial perspective towards the world was formed.
In 2008, I had the opportunity to visit Kuala Lumpur for a Junior Achievement’s student business competition with other young delegates from the Asia Pacific region. It was my first time presenting on stage in front of a large audience, and I felt very nervous that morning, to the point of vomiting.
Although I didn’t win the competition, it was a life-changing moment for me. It made me realize how vast the world is and how much potential there is for me to explore in the future. I believe that the essence of life is not about being in the spotlight, but about the journey that one takes while fighting for what they believe in. This invaluable experience has shaped the fundamental values of my work: kindness, humility, and resilience.
Early Career - 2012 - 2017
I began my professional journey as a travel journalist and youth campaign organizer, driven by my belief that traveling is not just for leisure, but also an intellectual and spiritual journey that connects us with the rest of the world. As a passionate advocate for social innovation, I focused on writing about local communities that deserved greater attention and support. In addition, I initiated a number of youth campaigns to collaborate with various community organizations and support their causes.
Through my work as a travel journalist, I have been fortunate to explore over 30 countries and regions, including Bolivia, Cambodia, India, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and South Antarctica. I have participated in social-mission-based projects and editorial projects with various tourism boards, where I gained valuable insights into different cultures and developed a deeper understanding of the world around me.
Impact career - 2017 to present
In recent years, the role of innovation in driving economic growth has become increasingly apparent, with social innovation taking center stage in the goals of both corporate and public sectors, as well as the social sector and NGOs.
As someone passionate about innovative education and social equity., I co-founded the Asia Pacific Youth Development Foundation (AYF) in 2017. Our aim is to equip young leaders in the APAC region with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to thrive in their future endeavors. Through this initiative, I hope to provide a platform for less-engaged youth to grow and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Also, I started the Hong Kong NGO Development Centre in 2018, a consultancy company that housed and supported NGOs and compassionate social leaders in Hong Kong to activate their projects and scale up. We supported our clients and partners by helping them strategize their program design to align with impact standards, streamline operations, and stay focused on their core services for the communities they serve.
