Jean Lau, Program Director of Asian Charity Services (ACS), notes a lack of support and resources for the NGO sector in Hong Kong. “Digitalization is a megatrend that creates a level playing field for large and small players alike,” he observes. “By leveraging digital storytelling, the social sector can spread their influence in spite of their limited resources.”

Founded in 2007, Asian Charity Services provides capacity and community building services for small to medium sized NGOs in Hong Kong by connecting them with key stakeholders in the social innovation ecosystem, social-minded individuals and corporate, as well as providing advice and resources through training, consulting, volunteerism and community connections. As of 2022, ACS has served over 1600 leaders from 900+ high impact NGOs and social entreprises.

To lend the NGOs a helping hand, ACS launched the Jockey Club Engage Digital Exploration Program (JC ENGAGE) in 2018. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the program organised workshops with the help of many passionate and professional volunteers to provide digital storytelling, storytelling training and filmmaking techniques for NGOs such as Hong Kong Society for the Blind, ImpactHK, Pathways Foundations and many more others developing 120+ communication strategies and serviced 4000+ pro-bono hours from its skill-based volunteers.

ACS firmly believes that by enabling the NGOs to engage effectively and sustainably with their audience, stakeholders and the public with video stories - and digital storytelling, they are able to further amplify their impact, rally more support and expand social influence.

The Samaritans is one of the participating NGOs of JC ENGAGE's video storytelling workshop which taught them how to devise a digital storytelling plan, and matched them with a production house in eventually producing a promotional video with a clear message of encouraging the public to join as volunteers. With the help of the video, The Samaritans succeeded in recruiting more volunteers and applying for funding from various media platforms, furthering their impacts.

“We are glad to hear feedback from our participants on how our program has empowered them to effectively connect with their target audience,” Jean remarks. “Meanwhile, our JC ENGAGE volunteers also benefit from their participation, as it gives them a great sense of achievement and helps their personal growth and professional development.”