In a city with more than 15,000 restaurants, food can be a powerful tool for social change. In 2023, philanthropist Jo Soo Tang launched rén 人, a Hong Kong social enterprise supporting underprivileged youth, including those with special needs and from low-income families, by providing life skills training and hospitality work experience.
Meaning humanity and kindness in Chinese, rén 人 reflects Tang’s longstanding work in Hong Kong’s philanthropic sector and her aim to connect the city’s culinary community with meaningful youth development opportunities as dining recovered post-pandemic.
Since launch, the initiative has attracted leading chef advocates across the hospitality sector. Through fundraising collaborations, mentorship and placements, these chefs are helping young people explore professional pathways while raising awareness across the industry.
We spoke with Chef Joanna Yuen, Chef Robin Zavou and Chef Chris Czerwinski about their involvement and the wider impact of the programme.
Supporting the next generation
Chef Zavou:
We use our skills to promote opportunities for underprivileged youth. That might mean cooking at a rén 人 fundraiser, collaborating on a product, or mentoring a student in the kitchen. It’s about giving them exposure and confidence.
Chef Yuen:
Kitchen work is demanding and very real from day one. When young people choose this path, encouragement and honest guidance matter. You support them while helping them understand the discipline and creativity involved.
Chef Czerwinski:
Providing access and opportunity is key. Programmes like rén 人 allow aspiring chefs to experience professional kitchens and see what’s possible. That exposure can shape long-term careers.
A changing dining landscape
Hong Kong’s dining scene has diversified significantly over the past decade, with both international influences and renewed energy around modern Cantonese cuisine shaping the city’s identity. Collaboration between chefs and initiatives such as rén 人 reflect a broader shift toward inclusivity and mentorship within hospitality.
How to support rén 人
The initiative continues to expand through partnerships across hospitality, retail and wellness sectors. Fundraising collaborations include product initiatives, seasonal campaigns and corporate partnerships that directly support youth development programmes and placements.
To learn more about the community and ongoing initiatives, visit ren.community.
