Welcome to
Lead for Life!
The University of Hong Kong's Character Leadership Programme
#HKULeadForLife
Lead for Life is a transformational journey for undergraduate students, focused on cultivating character as the driving force of effective leadership. We are a vibrant community of over 500 students and 100 mentors from diverse backgrounds dedicated to making a difference in the world.
For Students
Applications for the new Lead for Life 2024 cohort will close on 15 September 2024, for all incoming first-year full-time undergraduates at the University of Hong Kong.
Our Vision
Inspiring and empowering students to become effective leaders with strong character and competencies, transforming communities into flourishing environments for all.
Our Mission
Nurturing flourishing, virtuous communities
We foster a safe and supportive environment where students and mentors thrive together. We emphasize the importance of belonging to an inclusive community that promotes wellbeing and offers opportunities for meaningful connections and shared learning experiences.
Guiding students to discover potential and purpose
We encourage students to explore their potential and purpose by asking life’s big questions. Through self-discovery, students critically evaluate their life goals and motivations, gaining an understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Developing leaders of character to impact the world
We educate students on the significance of inspiring and empowering character and leadership qualities. By nurturing these qualities, we equip students to make a positive difference, paving the way for a brighter future.
Join Our Community
We invite students, academics, researchers, and community leaders to join us on this journey into the life-changing realm of character and leadership education. Let’s engage in enlightening dialogues, undertake significant educational and research projects, and collaborate to hone and shape ourselves into the leaders of the future.
Hear Our Student Stories
The best experience for me as a first-year student at HKU
Spending the last year with the Lead for life community has been the best experience for me as a first-year student at HKU. It has been a great experience and an amazing journey to learning more about my weaknesses and strengths as a person and as a member in the community. Every gathering has been an opportunity for me to learn something new from my peers and flourish in my academic life at HKU.
A transformative experience, allowing me to flourish in various aspects of my life
Lead for Life has been a transformative experience for me, helping me grow in character leadership and allowing me to flourish in various aspects of my life. To me, character leadership means the ability to lead by example and make decisions based on strong moral principles. It means being authentic, honest, and accountable while inspiring and empowering others to reach their full potential.
The community aspect has been so rewarding
I'm eager to continue building relationships and collaborating with my fellow Lead for Life participants. The community aspect of the programme has been so rewarding, as I've been able to learn from diverse perspectives and support one another's growth. Maintaining those connections and tapping into the group's collective wisdom will undoubtedly contribute to my own flourishing as a leader.
Learning to share sincere thoughts while respecting and supporting others
Lead for Life has helped me grow in character leadership by encouraging mutual support within mentorship groups. We learned to share sincere thoughts while respecting and supporting others. This experience helped me build authentic friendships during my exchange abroad by sharing honestly and listening patiently. Applying what I learned, I made good friends from different cultures, with whom I still keep in contact today.
My first and most valuable mentor group
Lead for Life give me my first and most valuable mentor group. Under the inclusive environment, we share our smiles and tears and form solid, respectful and supportive friendships. The advice and support from one another, together with the inspirational sharings from various professionals, become our strongest courage and light during tough times guiding us to discover the better self.
Individuals committed to making a positive difference in the world
Lead for Life is significant because it offers a platform for personal growth and self-discovery. It equips me with the necessary tools and knowledge to become an effective leader, not just in my professional life but also in my personal relationships and community. Being part of Lead for Life means being part of a supportive and empowering network of individuals committed to making a positive difference in the world. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to the growth and flourishing that lie ahead.
A platform and support to be a changemaker
For me, flourishing means living a purposeful and fulfilling life, aligning my actions with my aspirations and making a positive impact in the world. Lead for Life has provided the friendships and resources I need to pursue this vision. I aspire to be a changemaker, contributing to the betterment of society, and Lead for Life has given me the platform and support to realize this goal.
Incredibly supportive mentors providing guidance and feedback
Through Lead for Life, I’ve learned to identify my talents, limitations, values, and beliefs. This has allowed me to understand myself and my motives better, enabling me to make more deliberate and authentic decisions. I have made it a habit to regularly reflect on my actions and experiences, seeking opportunities for growth and learning. My mentors have been incredibly supportive in this process, providing guidance and feedback.
Reshaped my understanding of leadership
In the past, I associated leadership with arrogance, pride, and the exercise of power that created divisions among people. However, my time in Lead for Life has reshaped my understanding. I now appreciate that leadership is not about exerting control over others but rather about empowering ourselves to navigate the ever-changing and challenging aspects of life. It also involves supporting and collaborating with others as part of a team, all working towards a shared goal.
Exceptional impact on my university life
I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the exceptional impact Lead for Life has had on my university life. The strong sense of community surrounded by a group of committed, like-minded individuals navigating similar life transitions has been incredibly reassuring. They have been a crucial source of perspectives, strength, encouragement, and practical advice. The emphasis on holistic well-being has been instrumental in helping me manage anxiety, foster a healthier relationship with myself and build a more well-rounded person. I feel better equipped to navigate life’s challenges, and to inspire positive change within my community.
Truly empowering
My understanding of leadership gained during my short time with Lead for Life has been truly empowering. My a-ha moment came from understanding that leadership is not a definition, nor a set of characteristics you strive to achieve. Rather, leadership is recognising the strengths and weaknesses of your character, and then figuring out how you can lead best. I have grown quite fond of the term character leadership because it underscores that anyone can be a leader, with any combination of characteristics.
Kind and encouraging people who helped me believe in myself
I used to doubt myself and believed that I didn't have the ability to become a leader. I felt that I wasn't as clever or competitive as other students, and I lacked the courage to express myself. However, after joining the Lead for Life family, something changed. I met so many kind and encouraging people who helped me believe in myself. They taught me that no matter who I am, I can make a positive impact on myself and those around me. I’ve become more confident and realise I can do more than I ever thought possible.
A compassionate mindset to increase my emotional intelligence
In today's fast-paced, interconnected world, understanding others at a deep level is a skill that any social impact leader must have. Lead for Life challenged me to put myself in the shoes of others, listen with an open mind, and consider how my actions may affect different stakeholders. This compassionate mindset has increased my emotional intelligence and helped me become better able to create inclusive and collaborative environments.
A unique opportunity to explore my potential, extending beyond the academic realm
My Lead for Life experience has transformed my perspective on leadership. It's not just about charisma, extroverted personalities, or outstanding achievements. Rather, leadership comes in various forms and can be developed by anyone striving to cultivate an exemplary character. Lead for Life provides a unique opportunity to explore our potential and share our stories in a supportive environment, extending beyond the academic realm, which was often lacking in my secondary education.
Mentors as role models, not just telling you how to improve but showing you how
Lead for Life doesn’t just tell you how to improve yourself but shows you how. Our mentors serve as role models as we engage in various events and discussions. I’m very optimistic about the upcoming year and look forward to participating in more practical activities that will challenge us to become great leaders. I am forever grateful to the Lead for Life programme for providing such an opportunity for growth and learning.
Learning from working professionals who are character leaders in their fields
I love my Lead for Life community because I can get to learn from working professionals who are character leaders in their own field, and also from my fellow students who are from various academic and ethnic backgrounds and who I can share insight into becoming a character leader with.
A constant learning and self-improvement journey
Participating in Lead for Life has been a constant learning and self-improvement journey. The programme shapes leaders and nurtures individuals who aspire to lead with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. By continuing to engage with these topics and activities, I am confident that I will grow in my capacity to lead effectively and flourish as an individual committed to building thriving communities.
L4L Year-End Celebration! 🎉 Last Saturday, we joyfully celebrated the incredible achievements of those Year 4, Year 3, and Year 2 students who completed the Lead for Life programme and step into the new journey to Flourishing! 🚀
Congratulations to those students who received the completion certificate! Appreciations for those who were awarded with distinction! Your growth and dedication have been inspiring, and we encourage you to continue shining bright and being a light to those around you. 💡
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing mentors for your unwavering support, guidance, and commitment to your mentees and the entire L4L programme. 🙌 We’re so grateful to have you all as part of this journey. Here’s to the next chapter! 🌟
Thank you to our Lead for Life Student Ambassador @iloanaelr for drafting the caption.
Dear Y2Y3Y4 mentors and students🎉✨ Just a quick reminder—we’re SO excited to celebrate with YOU at the first-ever Completion Ceremony & Celebration for Lead for Life! 🎓🌟
🗓️ This Saturday, April 5, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Lecture Hall II, Centennial Campus
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening! Let’s make it one to remember. 💫 Can’t wait to see you there! 🙌
🌟 Hi Lead for Life mentors and students! 🌟
This Saturday is all about connecting, learning, and growing together. Can’t wait to see you there!
Lead for Life Activity Day
📅 29 March 2025 (Saturday)
🕥 14:30 - 17:30
📍 HKU Main Campus, Library Extension. (LE2, LE3, LE6, LE7, LE8)
✨ Let’s make the most of this time together! ✨"
#HKULeadForLife #hkuflourish #CharacterLeadershipProgramme #mentorship #friendship #LeaderOfCharacter #HKU
Thank you for joining us at the Lead for Life Activity Day on 8 Feb 2025! 🌟 We hope you left feeling inspired, motivated, and equipped with fresh insights to strengthen your character, leadership, and resilience. From exploring intercultural sensitivity and learning from historical leaders like Sun Yat Sen, to mastering goal-setting and building the mindset needed for the 21st century, your participation made this day truly special. Let’s continue leading with purpose and compassion—your journey matters! 💪✨
Mark your calendars—our next Activity Day is on 29 Mar 2025! 🗓️ Stay tuned for exciting workshop details coming soon. Don’t miss out!
You are invited to contribute your video shooting and editing skills to produce a 2-minute post-event video of ‘Staff-Student Sports & Wellness Gala’. The Gala will take place on March 5 from 12 noon to 2pm on Main Campus and medical campus. Monetary reward at a hourly rate of HK$100 will be offered. If you are interested, pls apply on-line at https://wp3.cedars.hku.hk/form/web/node/4159 (Link in Bio) before February 27. Enquiries can be addressed to Michele at mcffok@hku.hk
Activity Day this Saturday! See you there! ✨
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Lead for Life Activity Day
📅 8 February 2025 (Saturday)
🕥 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM
📍 HKU Main Campus, Library Extension
Wanna join hands with other L4L team mates to build a flourishing community? Sign up for a customised L4L community service to promote mental health of local ethnic minorities in February! You will receive professional training, advising and coaching by a mental health specialist throughout the service journey! Don’t miss it!
Apply on-line at https://wp3.cedars.hku.hk/form/web/node/4157 on or before 4 February!
Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year! 🎊 Chinese New Year is a time for us to celebrate and enjoy family, friends and loved ones. We wish Lead for Life will continue to be a community for you to find your belonging, purpose and flourishing! Wishing you a prosperous year of growth in character and leadership! 🎉
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@hku.cedars @hkuhorizons
#HKULeadForLife #hkuflourish #CharacterLeadershipProgramme #mentorship #friendship #LeaderOfCharacter #HKU #YearoftheSnake #happychinesenewyear
L4L Year-End Celebration! 🎉 Last Saturday, we joyfully celebrated the incredible achievements of those Year 4, Year 3, and Year 2 students who completed the Lead for Life programme and step into the new journey to Flourishing! 🚀
Congratulations to those students who received the completion certificate! Appreciations for those who were awarded with distinction! Your growth and dedication have been inspiring, and we encourage you to continue shining bright and being a light to those around you. 💡
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing mentors for your unwavering support, guidance, and commitment to your mentees and the entire L4L programme. 🙌 We’re so grateful to have you all as part of this journey. Here’s to the next chapter! 🌟
Thank you to our Lead for Life Student Ambassador @iloanaelr for drafting the caption.
Dear Y2Y3Y4 mentors and students🎉✨ Just a quick reminder—we’re SO excited to celebrate with YOU at the first-ever Completion Ceremony & Celebration for Lead for Life! 🎓🌟
🗓️ This Saturday, April 5, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Lecture Hall II, Centennial Campus
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening! Let’s make it one to remember. 💫 Can’t wait to see you there! 🙌
🌟 Hi Lead for Life mentors and students! 🌟
This Saturday is all about connecting, learning, and growing together. Can’t wait to see you there!
Lead for Life Activity Day
📅 29 March 2025 (Saturday)
🕥 14:30 - 17:30
📍 HKU Main Campus, Library Extension. (LE2, LE3, LE6, LE7, LE8)
✨ Let’s make the most of this time together! ✨"
#HKULeadForLife #hkuflourish #CharacterLeadershipProgramme #mentorship #friendship #LeaderOfCharacter #HKU
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