Generali Hong Kong is setting new standards for corporate social responsibility and inclusiveness by launching its LGBTQI+ video series, which has surpassed 5 million views since its debut six months ago. This initiative is part of the insurance company’s wider commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) principles within its workplace and the broader community.
Through heartfelt storytelling and authentic community engagement, Generali aims to promote respect and acceptance across social identities. The company’s Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer, Ady Law, stated, "At Generali Hong Kong, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture..." She emphasized the importance of innovation and diversity, evidencing the company’s belief in creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Produced with the collaboration of G Dot TV, a local media platform dedicated to empowering LGBTQI+ voices, this video series has touched countless lives. "We deeply appreciate Generali Hong Kong's efforts to involve the community..." commented Cammy Kwok, Director of G Dot TV. This mutual support not only amplifies community narratives but also encourages more open discussions surrounding LGBTQI+ issues.
Generali’s approach is reflected not just within its initiatives but is also evident from external recognitions—having won accolades such as the Grand Award for "Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility" at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards, along with several other prestigious awards related to DE&I.
While Generali champions inclusion through its LGBTQI+ efforts, another pressing social issue is lurking quietly: educational dropout rates among Hong Kong's youth. Youth Outreach, a non-governmental organization (NGO), recently reported shocking estimates of over 20,000 pupils at risk of dropping out from full-time education. Alarmingly, about 60 percent of these at-risk students are under the age of 15.
Released on February 24, 2025, Youth Outreach’s report highlighted flaws within the current education system's ability to identify students with high dropout potential. Chan Ka-ling, the NGO’s assistant executive director for outreach services, stressed the need for improvements: "Some students will not be reported when they go to school for one hour a week..." This presents significant hurdles, as the current regulation only counts students who have been absent for more than seven consecutive days or not receiving any local education. The reality is, some students attend school sporadically, leading them to slip under the radar.
Chan's insight calls for urgent reforms to the mechanisms used to track student attendance and educational engagement, as the current system seems outdated and ineffective for capturing the true picture of student dropout risks. Schools are currently limited to reporting just the most drastic cases, indicating the need for measures to identify students who might be on the verge of exiting the education system silently.
The interplay of Generali's inclusion efforts and Youth Outreach’s educational findings casts light on two significant social dimensions facing contemporary Hong Kong. Generali’s DE&I initiatives aim to create acceptance and support for marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQI+ community, emphasizing the necessity of fostering environments where diversity thrives. Meanwhile, Youth Outreach’s alarming figures on school dropouts highlight the fragility of educational retention for younger generations.
By addressing social issues via inclusivity and education, both organizations showcase divergent yet interconnected approaches to improving community well-being. Generali supports enlightenment around LGBTQI+ identities, which plays a part in building broader societal acceptance—one story at a time. Simultaneously, Youth Outreach prompts stakeholders to take action to preempt educational dropouts, ensuring the youth of today have the framework for tomorrow's success.
Together, these narratives encapsulate the pressing need for corporate and community entities to engage deeply with social challenges. Whether it's through sharing stories or rethinking reporting measures, both group efforts highlight paths toward creating informed and inclusive societal frameworks.