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As an ecosystem enabler for the life sciences industry, the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) has been organising its annual Mentorship Scheme since 2020 to nurture the next generation of talent and support the development of the life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. This year’s Mentorship Scheme Kick-Off was successfully held on 5 March 2026, alongside a Spring Gathering, bringing together 200 mentors, current and past mentees, and industry experts to celebrate a new cohort of mentor mentee pairings.
Prof Tony Mok, Chairman, Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK delivered a keynote speech on the practical application of scientific breakthroughs, encouraging mentees to learn from seasoned industry leaders. He remarked, “Bringing scientific research to market is never easy. Every step – from building a team to securing funding – is crucial. Potential commercialization opportunity unlocks itself when novel technologies align with actual clinical indications. Mentees who make the most of what the Mentorship Scheme offers will find it a meaningful springboard for building a solid foundation for a successful career path.”
The Mentorship Scheme prepares aspiring life sciences students with essential workplace hard and soft skills through guidance from experienced industry experts. This cohort, with over 110 mentees, will gain diverse perspectives and practical experience from mentors across but not limited to business development, data analytics, healthcare, investment, and science communication.
The Kick-Off also featured an Alumni Chat with Dr Carol Lee, a 2021-cohort mentee-turned-young-mentor since 2025, with mentees Lucky Tsoi (2023-25) and Brandon Julio Hadisaputro (2024-26), to share their growth and key takeaways throughout their mentorship journeys.
The Young Mentors Scheme, a companion initiative to the Mentorship Scheme, invites alumni aged 35 or below to mentor undergraduate freshmen and college students. Drawing their relevant experience, young mentors can provide targeted and practical guidance on academics and career. Now in her role as an Assistant Lecturer at the School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, Dr Carol Lee shared, “I benefited immensely from HKLSS’ supportive community as a former mentee and am now grateful for the opportunity to give back as a young mentor and inspire other to reach their goals.”
Mentee Lucky Tsoi described her experience as a mentee and intern at the HKLSS Summer Internship Program as a gateway to exploring the sector’s diverse career paths and deepening her understanding of translational research in application. As a non‑local student, Brandon added that the Mentorship Scheme helped him recognise the importance of building networks in turning ideas into reality. Inspired by this, he proactively connected with industry professionals during his following Summer Internship Program, humbly gaining valuable insights elevate the experience.
In the 2026/27 Budget, the HKSAR Government outlined plans to integrate development of life and health technology at upstream, midstream and downstream levels, signalling a clear policy direction to drive the sector’s growth. Prof Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS said: “We are encouraged to see the Government accelerating the life and health technology development with AI application. The need for talent of relevant calibre in the life sciences sector is steadily increasing. The Mentorship Scheme will connect these young professionals with the sector through guidance and cultivation, with the hope that our efforts will gradually help build momentum towards a thriving life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong.”