APPLY FOR placement

selection PROCESS

Students cannot enrol in the Impact Lab course automatically but need to be selected by a partner company through a selection process. Students wishing to apply to be part of the Impact Lab course should read carefully through the selection process information below and understand the course requirements before applying. Please visit the About & FAQ sections on this website to get the answers to the most common questions and read the Impact Lab Course Syllabus.

The Impact Lab is a highly competitive course and not all students who apply are accepted. Students who apply earlier will be given preference.

Selection Process Timeline

Eligibility

Reasons for Applying

Application & Enrolment Process

If Deadline for Applications Passed

The Number of Companies Students Can Apply to

Content of a Motivation Letter

NOTE: If the above does not answer your questions regarding the course, please visit the FAQ and About pages for more information. If that still does not help, contact us.

PARTNER COMPANIES

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Learn More

Apply

GREEN Hospitality

GREEN Hospitality's mission is to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and bring about innovative solutions to the sustainability challenges of the hospitality industry. We are a nonprofit platform dedicated to working with hotels, restaurants, supply chains, start-ups, civil society organisations, and the government to catalyse the transition into sustainability for the hospitality industry in Asia and beyond.

Placement Opportunities:

Product Development/Other: Do you want to challenge yourself? Then apply for this position and use this semester to learn some future-proof skills in vibe coding. You will act as a Product-Minded App Builder. You won’t just be writing code; you’ll be solving real business problems for hoteliers and restaurateurs. Using AI coding assistants, you will rapidly prototype and develop functional applications.
Rapid Prototyping: Use AI to generate MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) for hospitality dashboards, guest-facing sustainability trackers, or staff training apps.
Who you are:
- The Ultimate Self-Starter: You don’t wait for instructions. If you don’t know how to do something, you figure it out, ask the right AI, and build it.
- An AI-Native / Vibe Coder: You prefer describing what you want to build rather than typing out every line of code. You are obsessed with the latest AI dev tools.
- Entrepreneurial & Boundary-Pushing: You look at a problem and think, "How can I build a product to solve this?" You want to build things that actually matter.
- A Student Hungry to Learn: You might not be a Computer Science major, or maybe you are, but you're bored of traditional curriculum. You want to learn completely new skills at the bleeding edge of tech.

Business Administration/Finance & Accounting (1): As an Administration Intern, you will be responsible for everything related to financial control and all accounting tasks related to GREEN Hospitality operations, as well as for handling the Legal & Compliance requirements of the organisation. You will play a vital role in keeping everything organised and everyone on the same page through control of all document filings, maintenance and updating of the Finance Policies and Procedures, etc. You will also be responsible for training and frequently connecting with all Project Managers to ensure compliance and correct use of the organisation's resources and documents.

Business Development & Membership (~2): Help us make a greater impact through business development activities that fundraise the necessary resources to continue our work. Research potential customers and do market research; manage and improve our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database; craft messages to invite our stakeholders to events and coordinate workshops; prepare business proposals and source sponsorships.

Project Management & Research/Consulting (~2): With a couple of new projects where we support the hospitality industry in the transition to sustainable business practices, we will offer talented students an opportunity to contribute their excellent research skills, critical analysis and communication to meaningful client-facing projects. This role is extremely competitive, and we are looking for superstars who are very committed and willing to go the extra mile, as we will be working with some of the most prominent hospitality brands. Cantonese speakers are desired as one of our projects might require this language capability, but we will interview all candidates with relevant skills/experience.

Address your applications to:

Business Administration/Finance & Accounting: Ms Luciane Zanella, Manager
Business Development, Projects + others: Ms Lucia Loposova, Executive Director

Learn More

Apply

Experiential Learning Asia

Experiential Learning Asia (ELA) is a Hong Kong-based organisation (est. 2019) that designs and delivers immersive experiential learning, service-learning, and overseas internship programmes for universities and international schools across Asia. Working in long-term partnership with communities, NGOs, and social enterprises across Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, ELA bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world social impact. The organisation is currently expanding its collaborations in Hong Kong and launching new initiatives, including an eight-week overseas internship with HKU's Faculty of Social Sciences. As an intern, you would work directly with the founder and leadership team on projects ranging from programme development and partnership-building to digital content, AI-enabled platforms, and impact measurement - with potential opportunities to support fieldwork in Southeast Asia.

At ELA, no two internships are the same. Students work across projects that reflect organisational priorities while drawing on their own skills, interests and career goals. Working directly with the founder and leadership team, interns are encouraged to take ownership, contribute ideas and help shape the organisation's future.

Below are examples of some of ELA's current and upcoming projects. Projects will be agreed together at the start of the internship, based on organisational priorities and each student's skills and interests.

Programme Development & Innovation
Develop new experiential learning, service-learning and overseas internship programmes across Southeast Asia. Research new destinations, community partners and educational approaches, and help turn new ideas into impactful programmes.

Basecamp Readiness Platform & AI
Support the continued development of ELA's Basecamp Readiness Platform, already piloted with HKU students and launching more widely later this year. Contribute to AI integration, educational content, user testing and digital learning resources.

University & Strategic Partnerships
Research and develop partnerships with universities, international schools, corporate organisations and community partners across Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Contribute to partnership proposals, stakeholder engagement and new collaboration opportunities.

HKU Outreach & Student Engagement
Help grow awareness of ELA's overseas internships, service-learning programmes and experiential learning opportunities across the HKU community. Contribute to events, promotional campaigns and collaborations with student societies and university departments.

Storytelling, Communications & Digital Content
Create content that communicates the impact of ELA's programmes through storytelling, social media, photography, videography and digital campaigns. Help strengthen ELA's presence across Hong Kong and beyond.

Community & Social Enterprise Projects
Work with ELA's community and social enterprise partners across Southeast Asia on projects that may include programme design, educational resources, business development, sustainability initiatives, marketing and impact measurement.

Research, Impact & Strategy
Research emerging trends in experiential learning and international education. Contribute to impact evaluation, strategic planning, operational improvements and new initiatives that support ELA's continued growth.

Address your applications to Carl, Director & Founder.

Learn More

Apply

Soap Cycling

Asia's first and largest soap recycling charity. Soap Cycling is a charity that works with the hospitality industry to collect, process, and distribute lightly used soap bars and bottled amenities. These life-saving items are then distributed to disadvantaged communities around the world, particularly in Asia.

Soap Cycling combines its environmental mission to reduce waste and promote recycling with a strong social focus. New programs focus on creating employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups in Hong Kong, focusing on increasing the local impact.

Soap Cycling offers a great combination of allowing students to take over the regular operations and training their entrepreneurial sense when developing new projects.

Students who are motivated and interested in building something real and long-lasting are highly desired.

At Soap Cycling, we encourage teamwork, and we want student interns to become an essential part of our operations!

Placement Opportunities can be found here.

Address your applications to Ronald Ho, General Manager.

Learn More

Apply

EmpowerU

EmpowerU’s mission is to provide high-quality education to those on the margins, so they can find their voice and use it to create a better future.

By combining technology, community, and award-winning educators, we have created a unique impact-based learning pedagogy that aims to empower ethnic minority students and migrant domestic workers to create a generation of leaders who'll usher in sustainable social impact in their communities.

Learn and engage with some of the over 380,000 domestic workers in Hong Kong. Make your university life more productive by helping these workers understand their culture and share your knowledge with them through direct interaction. Here is your unique chance!

HKU students will embark on a journey to experience leadership through an administrative managerial role in the creation and management of different educational programs and activities for domestic workers and ethnic minorities. Students will help advocate and promote cultural understanding, inclusion, and respect for these populations in Hong Kong.

Placement opportunities can be found here!

Address your applications to Joshua, Operations Coordinator.

Apply

hall sustainability & special projects

Shape an impact right here on the HKU campus!

Are you passionate about sustainability and ready to turn ideas into action? Join our student-led sustainability initiative working directly with HKU halls and colleges (SCSH and New College) - to drive real change in waste management, sustainable building practices, stakeholder engagement, and everyday eco & community living.

This isn’t just theory - you’ll gain hands-on experience by helping implement practical projects like our successful Hall Donation Program, which champions circularity by giving pre-loved items a second life. Other projects we are looking to develop are about sustainable sourcing, energy reduction, food waste and impact reporting for the places where we study and live. Whether you’re auditing resource use, co-designing green spaces, or engaging fellow students in sustainable habits, you’ll build professional skills while making your campus more resilient.

We’re looking for proactive, solution-oriented students with strong interpersonal skills, solid time management, and a genuine drive to make a difference. While on-site activities mean hall residents have a logistical edge, you don’t need to live in a college to join - all motivated students are welcome!

As part of the team, you’ll receive mentorship from sustainability professionals and embark on a dynamic learning journey that blends innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact.

Be the change. Build the future. Start now!

Gowld Art Centre

Learn More

Apply

Gowld Art Centre ("GAC") is a social enterprise founded in 2017 that aims to become the mediator of arts in Hong Kong. GAC aims to act as the bridge between creativity and people by providing arts education and art events to students and the general public, supporting local artists, and building broad and diverse art communities. We want to foster personal growth, creative confidence, and community engagement through a wide range of customised artistic experiences.

We are looking for candidates with strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, who are interested in below fields and tasks.

Placement Opportunities:

Social Media and Marketing: Best for someone with design skills and savvy with using tools such as Canva, Photoshop, Wix, Illustrator, and video editing software. Managing the social media account and sending monthly newsletters to customers to promote our services as well as our artists. Build strategies to broaden the audience groups. Managing our website and expanding the e-commerce channels.

Sales & Outreach: Developing collaboration opportunities with schools, corporations, and NGOs for facilitating events and programs. Researching potential funding partners and grant opportunities aligned with collaborations.

Product/ Program Development: Best for someone with design or artistic skills. Designing and executing new art products or services. Assisting in developing our educational curriculums planning for fundraising events, and building strategies for expanding social impact.

Operations and Studio Management: Enhancing the look of the studio space and developing an effective inventory system

Address your applications to Vivian Seo, General Manager.

Learn More

Apply

Foundation for Shared Impact

The Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) is a foundation dedicated to fostering social innovation and entrepreneurship. It is an exciting new venture that will, among others, create unique fundraising events and programs tailored for social enterprises, work on social business incubator aspects, develop unique overseas experiential programs, and more.

You will be responsible for providing practical business solutions for social impact organizations and small businesses run by ethnically diverse entrepreneurs, including outreach, consulting, and developing a database of resources. This opportunity is suitable for individuals who want to utilise their skills in Marketing, Data Management, and other areas to gain hands-on experience in helping small businesses reach their full potential.

If you are willing to work in a dynamic environment, ready to take up challenges, and eager to join an energetic team, then FSI will be your choice. It is especially suitable for highly entrepreneurial and proactive students who excel at taking an idea and bringing it to life.

Placement Opportunities:

If you're open to multiple opportunities within FSI, submit ONE application addressed to the supervisor of your first choice and clearly indicate your priorities in your cover letter. You do NOT need to submit multiple applications for different placement opportunities at FSI.

Community Engagement & Program Management - Youth Empowerment: In this role, you will build a stronger community of impact leaders by working alongside the Impact Lab Alumni Network Committee, taking a leadership role in coordinating, driving and improving the Mentoring Program and assisting with other alumni/committee activities as a Student Representative. You will be responsible for program management, from updating dashboards, preparing presentations, creating submission forms, and crafting messages or emails, to taking care of events and preparing content for social media. There will be an opportunity to get your hands on creating digital automation, and you may have an opportunity to learn how to manage a website and social media channels (no experience required, but welcome).

Program Development & Execution - Youth Empowerment: You will be working alongside FSI’s Youth Empowerment Program Manager to develop exciting experiential learning programs for youths aged 15-22 in Hong Kong. You will assist in designing curricula to support youths’ career exploration, personal development, and skills development during their school-to-work transition. There will also be opportunities to participate in the delivery and execution of select program workshops on topics such as social impact, entrepreneurship, and professionalism in the workplace.

Communications & Marketing: You will be responsible for creating interactive and impactful digital marketing campaigns as you learn to generate engaging social media content and discern the data analytics behind successful social media content marketing. You will also be tasked with media outreach to increase the visibility of FSI and our partners of social impact organisations, as well as the planning and coverage of events and workshops held by FSI for the individuals we serve. Apply for this position if you have good writing, communication, photography, graphic design, video production, and/or web management skills!

Hub for the Future: You will be responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operations of the Hub for the Future program that nurtures young professionals and students, providing community engagement activities for them to act as a force for good. Your work will range from managing and running impactful events and programs for the Hub community to impact reporting and storytelling. You should have excellent written and verbal communication skills; attention to detail, and proficiency in data management and stakeholder management are preferred.

Shared Data Project: You will be responsible for helping us create a database of all charities in Hong Kong, which will be shared with the public to create a more efficient and transparent industry. This early-stage project entails everything from research, Python/information scraping, website building, marketing matters, volunteer engagements, and more. Students with Python scraping experience will be heavily favoured.

Community Business Support: You will work on hands-on projects to support grassroots small businesses, social impact organizations, and ethnically diverse entrepreneurs. We are looking for students with strong skills in digital marketing, communications, and content creation (photography, videography, social media design).
You will work on FSI's GuideFong project to list and create content to promote HK's under-resourced entrepreneurs, and you will have the opportunity to directly engage with entrepreneurs to help them solve real business challenges through consultations. During your internship period, you will also participate in and coordinate a series of workshops for entrepreneurs through our Mentorship Program for Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs, sometimes together with our corporate partners. You should have excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience in digital marketing, social media, photography/videography and/or design is preferred. We hope to attract students who are genuinely interested in supporting small businesses. Read an interview with the previous CBS Impact Lab interns about the experience here.

Address your applications to:

Community Engagement & Program Management - Youth Empowerment: Lucia Loposova
Program Development & Execution - Youth Empowerment: Veleda Tam
Communications & Marketing: Tung Ching Li
Shared Data Project & Operations: Jon Pedersen
Community Business Support: Harinder Singh, Juneed Ahmed
Community Connections (Hub for the Future): Toni Leung, Mandy Yeung, Leontine Chuang

FSI

Learn More

Apply

Migrasia Global Solutions

Migrasia is a think-and-do tank that fosters solutions to a broken migration system. Our approach is holistic; we work across data, technology, enforcement, research and education to end forced labour and support fair labour.

Placement Opportunities:

AI/ML: The technology team is focused on building technology solutions/applications and analysing large data sets. Migrasia is building an AI-powered disaster early warning and evacuation guidance system that combines real-time climate and hydrological data, geospatial mapping, and ML/DL models (e.g., CNN-LSTM) to predict flood risks and deliver hyperlocal alerts to vulnerable migrant communities in the Philippines. If interested, apply now.

Research: The research team conducts primary research to address information gaps in migration literature and identify anti-trafficking intervention points for action. If you are interested in research based on qualitative and quantitative data, apply now.

ESG & Supply Chain Due Diligence: The investigations team is focused on manufacturing supply chains, looking into labour supply chain violations. If you are interested in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) initiatives and labour recruitment in the manufacturing sector, apply now.

Migrant Worker Support: The migration specialist team is focused on providing support to current and prospective migrant workers from developing countries in Asia, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. If you have native language skills for one of these countries and want to support migrants, apply now.

Digital Marketing and Social Media Communications: This role will require the intern to create digital content for Migrasia's programs and publications. The intern will create a wide range of content, including educational materials, impact reports, social media promotional materials, simple animations, and short videos to support the overall mission of Migrasia. This role will require the intern to work on content creation for social media, primarily LinkedIn. The intern will be executing marketing strategies and creating social media posts to further organisational outreach and online presence.

Address your applications to Paras Kalura (Chief Operating Officer) and Isla Wilson (Chief Program Officer).

Learn More

Apply

PROTEA

Protea is a Hong Kong-founded FMCG company reinventing the protein-drinking experience by combining high-quality clear whey protein with real tea. Our light, refreshing drinks offer a convenient alternative to traditional thick and milky protein shakes, making everyday nutrition more accessible and enjoyable. Since launching in Hong Kong in July 2024, protea has expanded into Singapore and, by March 2026, entered 7-Eleven stores across both markets. As a fast-growing, customer-led brand, we combine product innovation, local flavours and an AI-enabled way of working to build the next generation of functional beverages for Asia.

Join protea to experience what it is like to help build a fast-moving FMCG company where AI is integrated into everyday work.

Open to students from any academic background. This is a high-ownership role in which you will work on real business priorities, lead initiatives and take a project from problem definition through execution and evaluation. Depending on current priorities and your strengths, projects may involve product development, supply chain management, retail and commercial partnerships, marketing, operations, finance & accounting, data analysis or AI-enabled workflows.

We are looking for someone curious, proactive, adaptable and willing to combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution. No prior FMCG or technical experience is required, but you should be eager to learn quickly, use AI critically and responsibly, and take responsibility for delivering meaningful outcomes.

This opportunity is best suited to someone who wants to build, not merely observe. Compensation is HKD 12,000 for the placement, plus a discretionary performance bonus (only available to full-time) HKU students).

Address your applications to Tristan, Co-founder.

Learn More

Apply

vidi labs - Seekr

Vidi Labs is a Hong Kong-based AI startup developing Seekr, an award-winning AI assistive technology platform that empowers visually impaired people and elderly users to live with greater independence, confidence, and safety. Through our voice-first AI wearable, mobile app, and smart glasses interface, Seekr helps users navigate unfamiliar spaces, read text, identify objects, and better understand their surroundings. Seekr has gained various international recognition, including Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia – Social Impact 2025, the CES 2025 Innovation Award for AgeTech and Accessibility, and SC WIN Now & Next Challenge Venture of the Year Award in 2025. We have also built partnerships across the accessibility ecosystem, including with airports, hospitals, NGOs, and community institutions, to bring inclusive AI solutions into real-world environments. Come work with our diverse, dynamic, award-winning team and help build inclusive AI solutions that make the world more accessible for everyone.

Placement Opportunities:

Social Media & Marketing: You will create engaging social media content and manage daily posts to enhance brand visibility. Your role includes analyzing metrics to evaluate campaign success and conducting market research on industry trends. Additionally, you will assist in planning and executing promotional events. Strong writing, communication, and creativity skills are essential. Candidates with experience in photography, videography and content creation are preferred. A portfolio showing previous work with be encouraged but not mandatory.

Business Development: You will support the identification of potential clients and assist with outreach efforts to drive growth while supporting financial planning and projections. Your tasks will include developing tailored proposals, assisting with budget modelling, and attending networking events to build relationships. Proficiency in written communication, attention to detail, and a keen understanding of market and financial conditions are preferred.

Address your applications to Lamia Sreyia Rahman, Co-Founder & COO.

start an impactful business

For exceptionally entrepreneurial and independent students, separate projects dealing with brand-new social enterprise ideas may be possible.

If interested, please email us.

HIATUS PARTNER COMPANIES

The following partner companies/projects are currently put on hold (not seeking students). However, should you have a burning desire to revitalize or be a part of these entities then you may express your interest by emailing us and you might get the chance to do so.

Learn More

Apply

852 Designs/HKU Apparel

852 Designs is a student-run social enterprise that offers creative students a chance to design and sell apparel and merchandise for the HKU community (and beyond).

NOTE: This is a pre-incorporation project; only very entrepreneurial students should apply. Students with photography, video editing, Photoshop, Illustrator, or other design/creative skills are preferred. Also, we are looking for students with computer programming and web development skills.