The Y.Elites Association ("the Association") was founded in 2007 and has more than 1,500 members. Its membership brings together young people from Hong Kong who have completed programs on China's national development and affairs at the National Academy of Governance and other national-level training institutions. Members include young entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and key members of organizations representing a broad cross-section of Hong Kong society.

To strengthen its multidisciplinary talent network, the Association has established 17 research groups and committees covering business and industry development; culture and the arts; public relations and communications; mainland affairs; real estate; social, livelihood, and public affairs; finance; international affairs; professional services; education; innovation and technology; women's development; membership affairs; student affairs; charitable services; youth hostels; and sports.

Since its founding, the Association has pursued a four-part mission: to bring together young leaders; study and promote understanding of China's national development and affairs; address issues of public concern; and build a think tank on current affairs and public policy. Its signature events, including the Boao Forum for Asia Youth Summit (Hong Kong) and the Y.Elites Forum, have brought together young leaders and generated strong community interest.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association supported the HKSAR Government's distribution of essential supplies in the community. Its "Together as One, We Are with You" Caring Convoy Youth Initiative ran from February 24 to May 10, 2022. The initiative served more than 139 residential care homes, schools, organizations, and district groups, distributing approximately 155,000 anti-epidemic items and benefiting up to 103,000 people.

The Association has organized more than 200 youth programs and activities. These have included an elite trainee program for the Hangzhou Asian Games; study tours to Beijing and Fujian under the "Hong Kong and Macao Youth Explore the Motherland" program; an ideas competition held as part of the Hong Kong Youth Festival; the Diplomacy Elites Lecture Series; and Mainland internship programs for Hong Kong university students. These initiatives have deepened young people's understanding of China and its development, encouraged their active participation, and contributed positively to the community.

The Association also provides direct community services. Its initiatives have included eye examinations and follow-up support for children from grassroots families, as well as public talks promoting mental-health awareness.

In support of the HKSAR Government's Youth Development Blueprint, the Association operates Home² Youth Hostel with funding from the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and support from Nina Hospitality. The project provides affordable, quality accommodation and developmental support for young people in Hong Kong, while encouraging residents to participate in and contribute to the community.

The Association remains committed to its founding mission and regularly offers policy recommendations to the HKSAR Government. Its work has received positive recognition from the Government, different sectors of Hong Kong society, and the wider youth community.

Our Role

The Association seeks to serve as:

• a bridge that inspires young people's commitment to China and Hong Kong;
• a forum for learning about China's national development and keeping pace with the times;
• a platform for exchanges among members and with communities in Hong Kong and mainland China;
• a stage on which members can realize their potential, organize activities, and bring together young leaders; and
• a springboard that empowers members to become pillars of Hong Kong society and achieve their aspirations.