Alumna Ada Li shares how resilience, grit, and the Federation’s support shaped her journey of growth and giving back.
Born in 1997, the year of Hong Kong’s handover, Ada Li belongs to the so-called “handover babies” generation whose milestones in life often echoed those of the city itself. Her kindergarten years passed without a graduation ceremony, primary school was disrupted by the swine flu outbreak, secondary school graduations were postponed, and by the time she reached university, the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Looking back, Ada sees how her personal journey has always been interlaced with social shifts and crises, each event shaping not only her resilience but also her sense of responsibility. From these experiences, and with the Federation as a guiding presence, Ada’s story is one of growth, grit, and giving back.
Growth
Ada was still in primary school when she first stepped into the world that the Federation opened up for her. As she recalls the past with a warm smile, her eyes light up with nostalgia. “I grew up in the Federation’s embrace, and little did I know that this would be the beginning of a transformative journey that would shape not just my career, but my very identity.”
Now a family physician and the co-founder of the social enterprise FreshGreen, Ada’s journey with the Federation spans over two decades. Looking back, she realises how her experiences augmented what she learnt at school. From after-school programmes that sparked curiosity, to leadership training that instilled confidence as a teenager, to a contributor to Youth I.D.E.A.S. while at university, each experience was a stepping stone for the next.
Amidst all her exposures, two moments stand out. The first was being selected to interview the renowned musician Chiu Tsang-hei as part of the Federation’s then Leadership 21, which is now called the HKFYG Leadership Institute. It was a moment that was more than asking questions; it was a lesson in bettering her communication skills, which set the stage for her future. The second was interning at M21, the Federation’s multimedia platform, which became a full-circle moment of giving back to the organisation that had shaped her.
Growing up with the Federation’s Youth S.P.O.T.s, Ada was also involved in the Research Centre’s think tank, Youth I.D.E.A.S., to conduct evidence-based research for policy advocacy. In 2024, she was nominated by the Federation and recognised as one of the FutureGen Young Women Leaders. Alongside other accolades, she credits the Federation with sparking her interest in public affairs, which has since led to appointments on numerous statutory bodies and boards.
“The Federation opened countless doors for me, connecting me with mentors and friends who would become lifelong allies,” Ada reflects.
Resilience
This year marks Ada’s 10th year since entering medical school — a calling inspired by her mother, a nurse who stood fearless on the frontlines during the SARS epidemic.
“My mother was working in the medical ward at Tuen Mun Hospital, and I witnessed firsthand how she stood firm throughout the SARS outbreak. That experience inspired me to pursue medicine,” Ada recalls. Decades later, while studying for her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, she returned to the very same hospital as an intern during COVID-19, joining the fight just as her mother once had. “I fulfilled the promise I made to myself back then. Having achieved that goal, I began to reflect on other possibilities in life.”
After leaving government hospitals, Ada broke new ground as the first in her graduating class to open her own clinic. “I love connecting with people,” she says. “Building relationships with my patients, adapting to their unique personalities and backgrounds — that’s where the real growth happens.”
Giving Back
It was when the pandemic struck that Ada and her friends saw an opportunity to make a difference. Together, they founded FreshGreen, a social enterprise with a bold mission to tackle waste through a “triple-win” model. “We wanted to help businesses cut disposal costs, empower people to buy near-expiry food at affordable prices, and champion environmental sustainability,” she explains.
Today, FreshGreen thrives with over 140 employees across 10 retail outlets. “Building a business is like raising a child,” Ada muses, “watching it grow from a mere idea into something real — it’s deeply moving.”
Reflecting on her bond with the Federation, she says, “It was through the Federation that I learnt communication and leadership skills, how to work in teams and collaborate, but most importantly, about community service and even develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Without it, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
Looking ahead, Ada wants to leave a legacy that inspires others. Her philosophy is simple: live in the moment, hold fast to your passion, and seize every opportunity life offers. She reminds herself that life is not only about the bright side, but also about hardships and setbacks — the very challenges that have made her grow.
“There will certainly be more challenges ahead, but the most important thing is to remain true to why I first started. At 18, I already understood that life should be about fighting hard to truly live. I hope that along this journey I can leave some trace behind, to influence others, and that in itself would be the greatest reward.” ■
Ada Li is a family physician and the co-founder of the social enterprise FreshGreen. She has been actively involved in the Federation since primary school at Youth S.P.O.Ts, later the HKFYG Leadership Institute and the Youth I.D.E.A.S. think tank, and was recognised in 2024 as one of the FutureGen Young Women Leaders.