Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are key elements in the United Nations’ 17 Sustainability Development Goals. Indeed social inclusion is a cornerstone of a sustainable society, as it ensures equity and respect in all aspects of life, as well as equal access to social activities.

Link Sustainability Lab at Lok Fu Place is welcoming visitors with a new social inclusion theme - “Differently Together”, which covers three key topics, multiculturalism, mental wellness, and active ageing. With diverse exhibition content, immersive visual experiences, lively interactive games, and free seminars and workshops, participants can learn the stories of different groups and people in society, and to appreciate and respect the differences among all individuals.

Deeper understanding of social inclusion through interactive installations

To meet is always a blessing. In this 270-degree immersive space, colourful particles are shaped into unique individuals, allowing you to let loose and interact with your friends. Each time your lights cross, your differences grow blurrier and a symphony of lights will be created.

Visitors can also turn themselves into a unique, self-designed fish for a swim in the ocean with the One Great Ocean interactive game and learn about the unique cultural characteristics of the 12 different ethnic groups represented by the fishes.

Learning greeting phrases in different languages is a great way to integrate inclusion into daily life. The Lab demonstrates different languages' greetings and etiquettes, as well as an easy-to-learn sign language class.

Learning to manage mental wellness

Pressure is something we all encounter on a daily basis. It is important to learn how to manage our emotions in order to find the balance in our lives. The Lab represents the different universal emotions by using coloured bins. There is a bin where visitors may place balls that reflect their mood of the day. This exercise is designed to help them practise recognising and accepting their changing moods, the first step to maintain mental wellness.

At the Lab, all are welcome to use the I'm all Ears phone booth. Visitors are welcome to pick up the telephone and listen to people express their true feelings. Emphatic ears can have a soothing and even healing effect at times, so do not underestimate their power.

Would you like to share your own story after hearing other people's stories, yet do not know where to begin? Next to the booth, an artistic mirror in the form of a talk tube may be helpful. On the mirror surface, you will find tips from American psychologist Marshall Rosenberg that will help you communicate more effectively and how to console those around you.

Additionally, sweat and endorphins from exercise can lift your mood. This interactive project game Give It a Boost, Endorphin! let you and your friends follow the character through a workout to boost your happiness while learning about the five main elements of maintaining mental health.

Using gerontechnology to experience active ageing

Families and society are now facing questions about how to properly care for their elderly members. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the Jockey Club "age at home" Gerontech Education and Rental Service Centre, the Lab has installed Peter and May's Home Sweet Home. Visit the couple's 300-square-foot home to see how they incorporate gerontechnologies into every aspect of daily life. The upgrade is aimed at improving the safety and convenience of the seniors living in the homes.

Additionally, the Lab invites visitors to conduct a live survey to express how long they wish to live. They can write down their hopes and worries about the future, while also letting them see what other people wrote to inspire a virtual dialogue with others.

A concept store to promote mental wellness

To promote holistic wellness in everyday life, the Lab houses the "330 goodie" concept store, sponsored by Link and managed by New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. With retail, exhibitions, mental and physical wellness assessments, writing activities that express different emotions, as well as workshops on weekends, this inclusive space encourages people to focus on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Additionally, the store provides work and training opportunities to people in recovery. At the Lab, the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association will conduct regular workshops to promote holistic wellbeing and social inclusion.

Link Sustainability Lab is Hong Kong’s first sustainability education and collaboration platform in the local community. Link aims to promote public education and foster collaboration among stakeholders, including customers, tenants, suppliers, business partners, industry peers and many other organisations in our community, making its properties ideal places for people in all walks of life to learn and explore sustainability solutions.

Basics of the Link Sustainability Lab: