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Jimmy Chow

Hongkonger Wong Yiu-ming was once uncertain about his role in society after retirement, but he has regained confidence after sharing his personal stories with students.
“We thought we were teaching the young. But in truth, they helped us see ourselves differently,” said Wong, 71, who was deputy executive vice-chairman of a listed company in Hong Kong before he retired.
Wong is one of about 60 elderly people who have shared their stories in classrooms, community centres and shopping centres across Hong Kong through social enterprise Ginger Innovation, founded by journalist-turned-educator Chen Yimin.
The project, which aims to foster intergenerational connection, has earned Chen a place as a finalist in this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in the community category, recognising individuals or organisations that make a positive impact on their community or those in need.
The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards is co-organised by the South China Morning Post and Sino Group to recognise the efforts of the city’s unsung heroes who contribute to the community or inspire others with stories of how they overcome personal challenges.
Chen is also a finalist in the nurturing category, which recognises efforts that foster growth, creativity and lifelong learning.
Since 2022, Chen has trained more than 500 elderly people on storytelling, of which about 60 have become ambassadors. The organisation has reached 3,000 students through interactive sessions in schools and 40 courses at six universities.

Post-sharing surveys conducted by Chen showed 96.6 per cent of 1,000 students polled held a more positive view of older adults after listening to their talks, shifting descriptions from “frail” and “stubborn” to “energetic” and “creative”.
“We see that shift every time,” Chen said. “Real stories turn distance into connection.”
Mary Lau, 82, who regularly speaks to students of different ages, said she found young people surprisingly empathetic.
“They ask about life and love, and even why I chose to stay single,” she said, laughing.
“They worry about me being scammed, and I tell them they’re more likely to be tricked at the wet market. We laugh and learn together.”
Ying Fu-hing, 68, who worked as a painter and decorator before retirement, recalled telling his story to chronically ill patients who later shared their own memories.
“When someone listens to you seriously, you feel seen; it reminded me that storytelling can heal both sides,” Ying said.
Ginger Innovation also brings storytelling into public spaces. Its “90-second micro-stories” are performed in malls and parks, drawing crowds of curious passers-by.
“It’s storytelling, Hong Kong style – quick, sharp, and full of heart,” Chen said.
The project’s influence now extends to classrooms and industries.

Students inspired by the sessions have gone on to design age-friendly furniture, reimagine elderly care programmes and create fashion collections for older women.
“In those moments, you see how community education works,” Chen said. “We believe that true intergenerational connection is not just about ‘caring for and being cared for’, but rather ‘seeing each other’.”
She calls it a “community classroom without walls” where learning flows through parks, cafes and markets.
“We hope to inspire young people to shift from viewing ‘all elders as alike’ to truly understanding who they are.”
For Chen, the essence of the Spirit of Hong Kong lies in turning difference into dialogue and transforming challenges into opportunities for connection.
“Ageing isn’t a problem to fix,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to see the city’s humanity at its best.”


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Ginger Innovation helps elderly people such as Mary Lau, 82, tell their stories and connect with young people, such as through sharing sessions in primary schools. Photo: Handout

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Chen Yimin, founder of Ginger Innovation. Photo: Kong Yat-ping

News

Hong Kong

Society

Ginger Innovation connects retirees and young people by organising sessions in which elderly share their stories in community centres and schools


Ginger Innovation connects retirees and young people by organising sessions in which elderly share their stories in community centres and schools.


Spirit of Hong Kong

Chen Yimin

Ginger Innovation

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: enterprise bridges generations through stories by elderly

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Ginger Innovation connects retirees and young people by organising sessions in which elderly share their stories in community centres and schools

Ginger Innovation connects retirees and young people by organising sessions in which elderly share their stories in community centres and schools