I am Charlton Shiu (She/They), a final year sociology student minoring in French, also an author and a social entrepreneur in Hong Kong. I am delighted to share my journey and passion for sociology with the Sociology Department at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
Sociology has been an incredible force in shaping my understanding of the world and empowering me to create meaningful change. Through its lens, I have developed the perspective of sociological imagination a concept coined by C. Wright Mills. This ability allows me to see beyond individual experiences and recognize the larger societal forces that shape our lives. With sociological imagination, I can connect personal troubles to public issues, enabling a deeper comprehension of the root causes of social problems.
Inspired by this perspective, I embarked on a mission to make a difference in the Asia Pacific regions by starting 2 social enterprises with the support of The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund, I was able to turn my passion into reality.
The first social enterprise focused on gender equality, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. I spearheaded the development of an innovative app that served as a safe and supportive digital space, breaking down barriers, and providing resources for empowerment and education. Recognizing the importance of dialogue and collaboration, I organized international conferences, the “Global Youth Advocates Conference” and the “APAC Gender Youth Summit”, that brought together over 100 youth leaders from 20+ countries and regions to discuss and address pressing gender-related topics. Through these events, I fostered global partnerships and advocated for gender equality on an international scale.
My second social enterprise centered around life and death education in Hong Kong. This initiative sought to address the often-taboo subjects surrounding end-of-life decisions and promote open conversations about sensitive topics. By approaching these subjects through a sociological lens, we aimed to challenge cultural norms and foster an environment of understanding and empathy.
Beyond social entrepreneurship, my commitment to promoting inclusivity led me to manage 2 NGOs in Hong Kong dedicated to promoting disability inclusion. By leveraging sociological insight, we develop community-based projects that focus on equal opportunities and accessibility for persons with disabilities, thus debunking misconceptions and prejudices surrounding disability.
Throughout my undergraduate journey, I have been honored to participate in various global and local conferences that have enriched my understanding of social impact and global issues. As a panelist and speaker at the Social Impact Dialogue held at LinkedIn Singapore, I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on diversity and inclusion with industry experts and over 20 fellows from the Asia Pacific Youth Development Foundation. Our collective mission focused on identifying innovative intersections to foster cross-sector collaborations that promote sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.
Besides, reflecting on my experience as a representative of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong at the 11th University Scholars Leadership Symposium, organized by Humanitarian Affairs Asia, was truly eye-opening. Engaging with 400+ youth leaders from 40+ countries at the United Nations Conference Centre Bangkok over four days, I gained valuable insights into the importance of global collaboration for positive change. Being selected as a participant for the 8th Cohort of UNITE 2030’s Youth Delegate Program, among 18 young leaders from 15 different countries, is a tremendous honor. Following a rigorous selection process that attracted an impressive pool of over 1,000 applicants, I am honored to be recognized as one of the most action-oriented young Changemakers from around the world. These experiences have solidified my commitment to speaking up for marginalized groups and working towards a future that prioritizes gender equity and social entrepreneurship. I believe that by fostering these ideas, we plant seeds for positive change and nurture growth from the very beginning.
Sociology has inspired me to think critically and innovatively when addressing social issues. The sociological imagination has allowed me to identify the structural factors that contribute to various challenges, leading to more effective problem-solving and social entrepreneurship. By understanding the interplay between individual experiences and broader social systems, we can develop sustainable solutions that address root causes, not just symptoms. It helps me understand the root causes of social issues, allowing me to develop relevant and inclusive solutions. With its emphasis on empathy and critical assessment, sociology ensures my initiatives drive transformative and sustainable change in the Asia Pacific regions and beyond. By embracing a new perspective, I have learned that social problems can be transformed into opportunities for positive change.
As I continue my academic and social entrepreneurship journey with CUHK’s Sociology Department, I am eager to expand my knowledge and skills to further contribute to a world that embraces diversity, advocates for equality, and empowers every individual to reach their full potential. My passion for sociology has ignited a drive to promote global advocacy work and form partnerships that transcend borders. By collaborating with individuals and organizations worldwide, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond our local communities.
Together, we go further.
Project Description: Dicomm
Dicomm is an innovative social enterprise founded by Charlton Shiu (She/They) based in Hong Kong, committed to empowering the LGBTQ+ community and fostering inclusivity on a global scale. Dicomm stands out as a cutting-edge social media app that goes beyond providing information – with its unique D&I database and ground-breaking technology, it serves as an interactive platform, connecting LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, facilitating interactions, and creating a sense of belonging within the community.
At the heart of Dicomm’s mission is the dedication to global advocacy and partnership.
Dicomm extends its impact beyond digital connections. It delivers transformative corporate training sessions and workshops to leading corporations, academic institutions, and organizations. Through these initiatives, Dicomm promotes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), diversity, and inclusion (D&I) in workplaces. By raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, educating on LGBTQ+ sensitivity, and implementing inclusive policies, Dicomm empowers organizations to create safe and supportive environments for their LGBTQ+ employees.
Through its proactive engagement with both the public and private sectors, Dicomm drives a powerful message of acceptance and understanding. It encourages businesses and institutions to embrace diversity and inclusivity, recognizing that it not only benefits the workforce but also strengthens communities and drives sustainable social change.
Dicomm aims to drive positive change and advance LGBTQ+ rights on a global scale. Its mission is to foster inclusivity and connection within the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for global acceptance and understanding through strategic partnerships with international organizations, financial institutions and NGOs. Dicomm places a strong emphasis on providing a digital safe space where the LGBTQ+ community can express their true selves, sexual orientation and gender expression without fear of discrimination, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported.
