From Dead City to Green Hope: Hilary’s Room Escape Revolution
From Dead City to Green Hope: Hilary’s Room Escape Revolution
Chiu Sin Kiu’s Story
Hilary’s journey with G17
began in her second year at university. In her first year of study, she already
had a passion for sustainability and mental health. One question stayed with
her: “Should we save money on sustainability when it goes against the
environment and people?” It motivated her to join competitions, meet experts,
and study Hong Kong’s green efforts and challenges. She also started
@handalifesolutions, an Instagram page to help others discuss mental health.
Hilary
(left) joined a wellness and fitness workshop at HKU.
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Hilary
(middle) took part in the AsiaGlobal Fellows Programme.
In
her second year, Hilary became a G17 university ambassador. After a year of
hard work, the global team asked her to be the Hong Kong Regional Chairperson.
At the same time, she conceived a big idea for a fun sustainability event.
The
event was a Room Escape Game for university students. She wanted young people
to care and take action for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) early. Last
year’s event focused on only one goal and felt limited in scope. Students might
think sustainability was distant, costly, and pointless. Hilary wanted to change
that perception: “I hope to show that sustainability isn’t wasting money.”
In
the game, players entered a “dead city” – a scary future with zombies or
disease. They solved puzzles at different stations, each linked to an SDG. By closing
taps to save water and helping trees regrow, it showed that simple actions can
bring the world back to life.
It was not easy. Hilary aimed
for 100 players and wanted the event to be entirely student-run. G17 in Hong
Kong was new, and her idea was unconventional. Finding sponsors was tough for a
third-year student. But her team was enthusiastic. They stayed cheerful and
worked as one.
Hilary said, “Sharing the
journey with friends matters, especially in sustainability and mental health.
We grow together.” She dreamt of making the Room Escape Game happen annually,
maybe even in collaboration with the government. Her message is simple: “Don’t
just hear the word – take action.” Hilary proves that one student, with heart
and teamwork, can spark real change.
Hilary (left) connected with peers for sustainability.
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