Balancing Professional Growth and Social Impact | Josh Li’s Volunteer Journey with The Harbour School

Together with Time Auction, the Swire Trust Go-Givers Program encourages skilled volunteers for Swire Trust NGO partners in education, marine conservation, and arts. From now to 2025. 10 outstanding volunteers will be selected annually as the “Swire Trust Go-Givers of the Year” with special rewards & recognition. Meet our 10 Go-Givers of 2024!

Meet Josh — A Journey of Growth and Giving

As a professional working in software sales, Josh’s work is focused on business development and marketing. Despite such a demanding role, Josh believes in keeping his schedule full of activities that help him grow personally and professionally. In his free time, he enjoys meeting friends, taking courses, and most notably, volunteering. His dedication to both personal and community development is a core part of who he is.

Josh’s volunteer journey began in 2020, when he offered career advice to university students who were about to graduate. Having personally been through the challenges of transitioning from a science student to a business professional, he wanted to use his experiences in human resources to support students who may be facing similar difficulties.

Discovering The Harbour School

The Harbour School (THS) in Hong Kong is a progressive educational institution with a strong focus on experiential learning and sustainability. Their Social Impact and Sustainability Program engages students in hands-on projects that promote environmental awareness and positive social change. Josh found the opportunity to volunteer with THS through Time Auction, where he was looking for ways to put his growing knowledge of sustainability to use. This role allowed him to combine his business acumen with his interest in environmental preservation, offering him a unique chance to learn while giving back.

Building Connections Through Sustainability

One of Josh’s key contributions at THS was his work on their Sustainability Improvement Student Program, where he reviewed the school’s sustainability report and provided valuable suggestions for enhancement. Although his work schedule made it sometimes difficult to attend some events in person, the THS team made sure Josh felt included by inviting him to activities outside of usual working hours.

“I am fortunate to have had Josh as a volunteer Assistant Coordinator for the Social Impact and Sustainability Program at The Harbour School Hong Kong," Handrich from THS shared. "Throughout his time in this role, he made significant contributions such as reviewing the school's sustainability report, which helped identify areas for improvement."

While Josh’s time as a volunteer was primarily focused on THS’ sustainability program, his passion for this cause led him to explore further opportunities in climate education. Inspired by his work with THS, he later became involved in a climate education advocacy project, where he continued to apply his knowledge and experience.

"Josh demonstrated a genuine passion for educating students about sustainability. Even after his volunteer period ended, he continued to support the school’s program," the THS team added. "His dedication and innovative ideas were instrumental in expanding the program's reach and impact.”

Personal Growth Fuelled by Community Impact

For Josh, volunteering is an essential part of his personal and professional growth. Reflecting on his journey, he realized that the opportunities he embraced—starting from career advice workshops to working with THS—were all connected. Volunteering allowed him to build new skills, form meaningful relationships, and contribute to causes he truly cares about.

When asked why he dedicates so much time to volunteering, Josh simply views it as an investment in himself and in society. "Volunteering gives me fulfillment," he shared, "and it’s a way to keep mastering my skills while giving back to the community."

Josh’s Call to Embrace New Opportunities

Josh encourages others to take on new opportunities as well: “It’s never too late to try something new. Don’t let yourself regret not taking the opportunity when it presents itself.”

Thank you Josh for contributing 40 volunteer hours, with The Harbour School Hong Kong!

To see details of the Swire Trust Go-Givers Program and support their NGO partners, head over to Time Auction website.

Written by Time Auction team, Edited by Margaret Ng, Volunteer Editor