The Problem

In Hong Kong, we are faced with significant gaps that challenge our commitment to equity and inclusion. Research indicates that darker skin tones often face lower acceptance levels, which highlights the unique struggles of racial minorities, women, girls, and children with special educational needs (SEN) that frequently go unnoticed.

It’s important to recognise that many individuals may believe they are not racist, yet everyday micro-aggressions can create feelings of exclusion among ethnic minorities. With 92% of the population being Chinese, it is crucial that the majority leads the charge in changing negative perceptions. By enhancing our cultural competency and fostering understanding, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive. Together, let’s make a difference!

 

Our Work & Signature Capacity Building Training

At The Zubin Foundation, we wholeheartedly believe in the incredible power of education and awareness to bring about a more compassionate and inclusive society. Our capacity-building workshops are more than just sessions; they are a journey of empowerment and understanding, drawing on over a decade of experience in direct services and research within the community. We are here to equip you — corporates, organisations, schools and NGOs —with the knowledge and tools necessary to make a real difference in the lives of others.  Here are some of our signature capacity building training:

We have a wealth of resources and initiatives in store designed to enhance cultural awareness and competency. Our experience, spanning over ten years working with the marginalised ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, equips us with the insights needed to create tailored capacity building sessions that resonate with your organisation’s specific context. Our commitment is not just to educate but to empower individuals and organisations to make real change. 

Our capacity building seeks to enhance the understanding of racial equality in Hong Kong and DEI in Asia. We do this by:

  • Providing training to companies and NGOs on DEI in Asia
  • Making policy recommendations to the government
  • Conducting research on racial equality in Hong Kong
  • Raising awareness of the general public to racial issues in Hong Kong
  • Curating, moderating, and speaking on DEI panels

 

Our Capacity Building Training:

Topics What Is It About?

Status of Racial Minorities in Hong Kong
(Free Training Offered to Corporates, Schools, and NGOs)

Through our direct services to marginalised ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, we have gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by the community. This free training session aims to unpack the complexities surrounding the ethnic minority landscape, shedding light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by these communities. We will explore how ethnic minorities perceive their treatment and identify actionable ways to foster inclusion and understanding in Hong Kong.

Our session is designed to empower participants with an understanding of the following:

  • The Ethnic Minority Landscape: Gain insights into the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contributions of racial minorities in Hong Kong.
  • Youth Perspectives: Understand the feelings and experiences of ethnic minority youth regarding discrimination and acceptance within the community.
  • Pathways to Inclusion: Discover practical strategies and initiatives that can be implemented to create a more inclusive environment for all.

✔ Lunch and Learn    ✔ Sharing.   ✔ Virtual | In-Person

What is the Status of Women and Girls in the Ethnic Minority Community?

Through our direct services to marginalised ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, we have gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by women and girls in the community. Their daily struggles span various aspects of life, including education, financial stability, marital expectations, and the pursuit of their dreams. These experiences highlight the urgent need for awareness and understanding of issues in our society.

This session is designed to empower participants with an understanding of intersectional issues that intertwine gender and race, along with their far-reaching implications. By fostering open discussions and encouraging the sharing of personal stories, we aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding identities and roles.

✔ Lunch and Learn    ✔ Sharing.   ✔ Virtual | In-Person

What is the Double Discrimination that SEN Children Face in Public Schools?

In this insightful discussion, we will explore the multifaceted issues faced by parents of ethnic minority children with special educational needs (SEN). Often overlooked, these children encounter double discrimination that affects their educational experience and overall well-being.

Key Focus Areas:

  • A Population Ignored: Understand the unique challenges that EM children with special needs face in public schools and why their voices are often marginalised.
  • Engaging Parents of EM SEN Children: Discover effective strategies for involving parents in the educational process, ensuring their insights and concerns are heard and valued.
  • Overriding Issues: Identify the critical issues impacting EM SEN children and their families, including systemic barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and access to resources.

This session is designed to empower participants with an understanding of these challenges, fostering open discussions and encouraging the sharing of experiences and solutions. Join us for a collaborative environment where we can collectively work towards advocating for the rights and needs of EM children with special needs.

✔ Lunch and Learn    ✔ Sharing.   ✔ In-Person

Cultural Fluency and Competency: The Art of Communication
(#Anti-Racism #Allyship #Microaggressions #Bystander)

Often, we think we are inclusive; despite our best intentions, our words or actions can unintentionally make racial minorities feel excluded or inferior. Through our heartfelt work with these communities, we’ve learnt about microaggressions—those subtle, everyday expressions that can carry a weight of hurt without us even realising it. This understanding inspired The Zubin Foundation to create the “Anti-Racism Toolkit: A Toolkit for Racial Inclusion in Hong Kong” 《我有(不經意地)歧視你嗎? : 一本專為香港共融而設的反種族主義工具書》in October 2022. 

We warmly invite you to join us for a transformative workshop on Cultural Fluency & Competency: The Art of Communication. This interactive session is crafted with care to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to navigate cultural differences and build genuine connections within your diverse teams and with diverse customers.

Together, we will explore:

  • The Impact of Unconscious Bias and Microaggressions: Gain insights that empower you to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
  • Enhance Communication Skills: Discover effective ways to communicate across cultural boundaries, fostering understanding and trust.
  • Broaden Perspectives: Embrace diverse viewpoints that enrich our shared experiences and strengthen our bonds.
  • Cultivate Empathy and Sensitivity: Develop a deeper awareness of the cultural dynamics that shape our interactions and relationships.

Through heartfelt discussions and real-life case sharing, we’ll illuminate the importance of allyship and bystander intervention in our shared mission to combat racism and nurture inclusivity.

✔ Best Practices ✔ Case Sharing ✔ In-Person Workshop

Cultural Sensitivity Training for NGO Frontline Workers and Mental Health Practitioners

Cultural sensitivity—or “cultural competence,” the term that clinical professionals often use—is critical in mental healthcare. Ethnic minorities in Hong Kong are more vulnerable due to bias, stereotypes and discrimination- which lead to disparities in care. Lack of understanding of the service users’ culture and different views about mental illness or about counselling and psychiatry can pose obstacles in the treatment process. So can language and communication barriers. ​

These workshops dwell into the following to help practitioners understand more about the ethnic minorities and effective ways to support them:

  • Understanding the ethnic minority population of Hong Kong
  • Effective communication techniques to encourage service users to open up
  • Creating a safe, judgement-free environment
  • Culturally appropriate interventions

✔ Best Practices ✔ Case Sharing ✔ Workshop.   ✔ In-Person

Curated Cultural Journeys

In a city as dynamic as Hong Kong, many voices remain silenced, overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of daily life. Our Curated Cultural Journeys seek to amplify these voices, bring you and your team to engage with the rich tapestries of ethnic communities that shape the city. Each tour is a chance to reflect on the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges faced by ethnic minority communities in Hong Kong. As you walk alongside our Young Ethnic Minority Tour Guides, you’ll not only witness the beauty of their traditions but also gain a deeper understanding of the societal issues they navigate daily. Let’s embark on this journey of discovery and reflection together.

  • Tour 1: Calling All Food Lovers! Our Cultural Food Tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich culinary heritage of Hong Kong’s ethnic communities. As we journey through local Southeast Asian shops, you’ll discover the stories behind each snack and ingredient, gaining insight into the lives of those who bring these flavors to life. Later, at an authentic Indian restaurant, you’ll taste dishes that reflect the deep-rooted traditions of Indian culture. This tour is not only about food; it’s about understanding the experiences of those who share their culinary artistry with us. Join us on a Cultural Food Tour that goes beyond mere eating—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and connection.
  • Tour 2: Beyond Words: A Cultural Immersion Experience! Have you ever felt lost for words? Our Beyond Words Tour offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, where communication can often feel like an uphill battle. During this immersive experience, you’ll join our Young Ethnic Minority Tour Guides to navigate the challenges faced by those who don’t speak Cantonese or English. Through engaging activities and real-life scenarios, you’ll gain a profound sense of empathy for their struggles and resilience. Together, let’s explore the unspoken bonds that unite us all.

✔ Experiental Activity  ✔ Food Tasting  ✔ Tour   ✔ In-Person

 

 


Our Previous Webinars 

Tuesday, 21 March 2022
Status of Racial Minorities in Hong Kong 2023: The Journey to Racial Equality

We regularly schedule talks around racial equality, cultural diversity, and ethnic minorities in Hong Kong which are available to the public. 

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) The Zubin Foundation is organising a conference “The Journey to Racial Equality” on Tuesday, 21 March at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile in Tsim Sha Tsui. Click here to learn more.

Here is a list of all our past events.


Tuesday, 21 March 2022
Calling Out Racism: How It Affects Children and Schools

21 March is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD). To mark this day, The Zubin Foundation supported by SCMP Events was seeking to raise awareness of everyday racism in Hong Kong among students. In this free webinar, the panel spoke about what racism may look like in Hong Kong and how to manage it in classrooms and schools. Click here to learn more, and click here to download the white paper.


Tuesday, 21 March 2022
Calling Out Racism: How It Impacts The Workplace

21 March is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD). To mark this day, The Zubin Foundation supported by SCMP Events was seeking to raise awareness of everyday racism in Hong Kong among students. In this free webinar, the panel spoke about what racism may look like in Hong Kong and how to manage it. Click here to learn more.


Tuesday, 9 November 2021
The Zubin Foundation Conference: What is the Status of Hong Kong’s Ethnic Minorities?

Our inaugural conference “What is the Status of Hong Kong’s Ethnic Minorities?” was an in-person event with over 220 attendees. This conference brought together stakeholders to raise awareness of Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities and engage in the lives of the community. Click here to learn more.


Friday, 25 June 2021
Attitudes Towards EM Children in Hong Kong Schools: Personal Stories and Experiences

In this discussion learn more about the prevailing attitudes towards darker-skinned races in Hong Kong, in public and private schools. Click here for the video.


Thursday, 18 March 2021
What is the Double Discrimination that SEN Children Face in Public Schools?

In this discussion learn more about the issues faced by ethnic minorities parents of special needs children. Click here for the slide deck.


Friday, 9 October 2020
Diversity List 2020: Women’s Voices and Celebrating 5 Years of Diversity List

For more information about the project, please visit our webpage. Click here for the slide deck.


Friday, 25 September 2020
What is the Status of Women and Girls in the Ethnic Minority Community?

We launched our report on the Status of Women and Girls in the Ethnic Minority Community which included key data, a review of calls to the crisis helpline Call Mira, and period poverty survey results. Click here for the slide deck.


Monday, 24 August 2020
How is COVID-19 Impacting Ethnic Minorities?

Here we elaborated on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on poverty and joblessness in Hong Kong’s ethnic minority community. Click here for the slide deck.


Friday, 24 July 2020
What You Need to Know About Hong Kong’s Ethnic Minorities?

The topics covered include the ethnic minority landscape, how ethnic minority youth feel about their treatment, and ways forward to build an inclusive Hong Kong. Click here for the slide deck.


Sponsor  

Various sponsors from the corporate sector as well as schools in Hong Kong.

Contact  

Vibha P. Karnik | Partnership Manager | vibha@zubinfoundation.org

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