Shout out to PRESTIGE HONG KONG for a feature story of Sky Siu, our new Chief Executive Officer, in their January 2025 issue, the issue of New Beginnings!

As she steps into her new role as CEO of the charity Mother’s Choice, SKY SIU reflects on her journey to pursue a career with NGOs and her mission to empower the next generation.

I was born in Hong Kong and take great pride in being a multi-generational Hong Kong Chinese. My grandparents settled here from China in the 1950s; then my family moved to Ghana as missionaries when I was two years old. I lived there until I graduated from high school, then studied at college in the US. I moved back to Hong Kong in 2005 with the intention of staying for just a couple of years to reconnect with my relatives and Chinese heritage. Fast forward nearly 20 years, and I’m still here.

Growing up in Ghana was a delightfully simple and joyful experience, filled with a strong sense of community. For several years, my mum managed a guesthouse, which meant our home was always bustling with people – volunteers, local colleagues, friends and travelling families. Watching my parents dedicate their lives to helping others, educating those in poverty and using education as a tool for change deeply influenced me.

Initially I considered a career in medicine, but when working as a student volunteer in a clinic in Zambia I encountered a dehydrated baby whose 19-year-old mother had endured a two-day journey to get there. Tragically, the baby died because the mother didn’t recognise the signs of dehydration, due to a lack of education. At that moment I realised that even with a medical education, I might not have been able to help in such situations. What could have truly changed the course for this young woman and her baby was education, preventive work, and addressing societal issues before they arise.

This experience guided my career choices. After university, I pursued a master’s in public health and chose to work for organisations seeking solutions to root problems, rather than just applying temporary fixes.

This path is deeply personal to me.  I often think about that young girl, who was probably my age at the time, and her baby. In my current role, I now reflect on how we c;an help young girls and their children to live full lives and contribute to Hong Kong’s future. These experiences not only shaped my world view, but also inspired me to pursue a career with NGOs.

As a leader and advocate for young people, I’m dedicated to making a meaningful impact through mentorship, education and advocacy. My focus on prevention and early intervention helps me tackle challenges before they escalate, empowering young people to thrive.

I believe young people are frequently misunderstood, which can sometimes perpetuate intergenerational difficulties.  Growing up in a family dedicated to non-profit work, I’ve witnessed at first hand the profound impact of these issues. I believe the most critical time to intervene is during the formative years when young people are still shaping their perspectives on the world. By doing so, we can break the cycle of adversity and empower them instead to become catalysts for positive change. This reflects my dedication as a future-orientated leader and highlights the unique perspective I bring as a female advocate committed to creating lasting change.

Mother’s Choice is made up of passionate, committed and selfless individuals from all walks of life, united by a singular mission: to change the life stories of children and vulnerable girls. Joining Mother’s Choice has felt like “coming home”. It aligns perfectly with my vision and enables me to contribute meaningfully.

In the past few months I’ve experienced many “firsts”. From hearing testimonials from girls who were on the brink of giving up and are now thriving young women building strong families, to enrolling new volunteers and attending farewell parties for children meeting their forever families and leaving residential care. Each of these moments has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to many more in the future.

Mother’s Choice started as a grassroots initiative, with volunteers responding to the immediate needs of those in crisis and living out love in action. Over the years we’ve evolved into a professionally run organisation with a strong governance structure and a clear direction.

What hasn’t changed is our vision: seeing every child in a loving family. We imagine a Hong Kong where every child is safe, loved, and raised in a permanent family that nurtures their potential. This vision is shared by everyone in the organisation, from founders to staff to volunteers, and we all agree it’s the answer to the challenges faced by children without families and girls in crisis.

Today, this vision is more relevant than ever. In the last three years, Hong Kong has seen a 15 percent increase in the number of children in need of residential care. This highlights the growing complexities in society, with more children growing up without stable family environments. By staying true to our mission, we continue to address these pressing issues with dedication and compassion.

As the new CEO of Mother’s Choice, I’m excited to expand our impact and deepen community engagement. Talking to our founders and stakeholders, I’ve seen the courage that’s allowed us to respond quickly to the needs of vulnerable young girls facing crisis pregnancies. Staying hopeful has inspired those around us to believe in a better tomorrow.

I hope our next chapter will emphasise collaboration, making Mother’s Choice a catalyst for change. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure Mother’s Choice remains a beacon of hope and support in Hong Kong. By continuing strong relationships, we can· amplify our efforts and create a lasting impact. I’m committed to leading with compassion, dedication and a vision for a brighter future for all those we serve.

The vision of Mother’s Choice is to see every child raised in a loving family.

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