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Australian non-governmental welfare organisation Lifestyle Solutions opens its regional office in Hong Kong today (March 22), to extend its programmes and services to Hong Kong as part of its continuous expansion in Asia Pacific.
Lifestyle Solutions was founded in Australia in 2002 with a vision to provide innovative support to people who are disadvantaged. It has gradually expanded beyond Australia with branches in Vietnam, the Philippines and now Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong office is a regional headquarters overseeing the group's operations in the region. General Manager Asia Pacific Region, Ms Gloria Antonio, noted that Hong Kong is not only a location for business but also good for seeking donation support. The city's central location in Asia is a perfect point for Lifestyle Solutions to further extend its reach across the region, she said.
"The socio-economic changes associated with rapid economic growth in Asia give rise to increasing needs in support services to young people of different backgrounds, and hence our decision to come here and offer our expertise," Ms Antonio said.
"At the same time, there is a lot of opportunity to exchange with other welfare NGOs in Hong Kong and the process will benefit every player in the sector," she added.
The group has spent about 12 months in its pre-launch networking with local family and welfare agencies, law enforcement agencies and doctors for referral channels of cases. To start with, it will work primarily to help teenagers with problems such as drug abuse and criminal tendencies to "become healthy, well-functioning" people with positive life outcomes. Other target clients also include ethnic minorities and young people from single-parent families.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Andrew Davis, lauded Lifestyle Solutions' move to Hong Kong. "By providing quality support services to young people who are in need, it is not only changing individuals' lives but also adding a significant benefit to their families and the community," he said.
About Lifestyle Solutions (Asia Pacific) Ltd
Lifestyle Solutions (Asia Pacific) Ltd is a non-governmental organisation that provides a range of programmes and services to children, young people, adults with disabilities and diverse needs. Lifestyle Solutions has been a registered charity organisation in Hong Kong since December 2010 and was founded in Australia in August 2002, with a vision to provide innovative support to people who are disadvantaged. For more information, please visit www.lifestylesolutions.asia.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. In its 12th year of operation, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,400 investment projects, creating more than 29,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$62 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157629275120428/.
Ends/Thursday, March 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:59
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