BluUP Upskilling Programme

BluUP is an initiative led by LoveXpress and Rosewood Hong Kong, dedicated to empowering individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and promoting career inclusivity in Hong Kong. This group has long faced societal ostracisation, and it is time for their voices to be heard.

Through the BluUP programme, we create a supportive and nurturing environment at BluHouse, a ‘business with purpose’ Italian restaurant in Rosewood Hong Kong. SEN youths can upskill their hospitality talents, skills, and confidence alongside seasoned professionals. After the training, these individuals are provided with opportunities to secure full-time employment, paving the way for fulfilling and sustainable careers.

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SEN Youths received in-depth training at BluHouse

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SEN Youths explored their careers on other hotel roles

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SEN family members attended our wellness workshops

Learn More about our Hospitality Career Programme

Inspired by ASD youths’ desire to flourish in the hospitality industry, LoveXpress founder Kitty Poon established The Edible Projects. This haven provides ASD youths with a safe space to learn and develop their careers.

Find out more about their potential in the industry and how we help them find their dream path.

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Join Our Charity Lunches

Enjoy a lunch served by our training ASD interns! From friends, to family, to colleagues, experience first-hand the impact of the BluUP programme. The BluUP programme not only provides valuable training and employment opportunities for individuals with special educational needs, but it also creates a unique environment where people from different backgrounds can come together and connect over a shared meal.

The Edible Projects Charity Lunch

BluLunch at Rosewood Hong Kong (BluHouse)

The Journey

T.E.P. Trained

Youths are hand-picked to join the internship after having trained in LoveXpress’subsidiary The Edible Projects.

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Buddy Up

Interns are buddied up with a mentor from the BluHouse team.

Upskilling

Interns are trained at BluHouse in Rosewood Hong Kong, and practice hospitality skills in a real life setting.

Graduation

Happy Graduation!

Interns who perform well have the opportunity to work for BluHouse full time in the future.

Charity Lunches

Charity lunches are held every Tuesday at BluHouse. Interested parties may sign up to enjoy a meal served by BluUP’s trainees.

From Our Founder

Kitty Poon

Founder

LoveXpress’ Career Support Programme has always strived to deliver a powerful message to our youth: within them lies boundless talent awaiting cultivation. Now, we have opened a new gateway to uncharted horizons with Rosewood Hong Kong by introducing these aspiring youths to the realm of fine dining, creating a society in Hong Kong where SEN and ASD youths discover the embrace of inclusivity.

We look forward to the continuation of empowering and helping SEN and ASD youths flourish in the hospitality industry.

From Rosewood Hong Kong

Ada Ng

Rosewood Hong Kong
Director of Social Impact

BluUP is a transformative initiative led by the NGO LoveXpress and Rosewood Hong Kong, dedicated to empowering individuals with ASD in the Food and Beverages (F&B) industry.

Our partnership with LoveXpress holds a special place in our hearts. We were amazed by the youths’ proactive, passionate, and hardworking nature, all essential attitudes to thrive in the F&B sector, and witnessing their growth under the guidance of BluHouse has been immensely fulfilling for us. We are deeply honoured to act as a trailblazer in supporting this overlooked group in the F&B industry.

From Our Interns

They made us feel very welcomed by organising a buddy ice-breaking seminar before the first day. I also got to work the coffee machine, so I am happy that they (BluHouse) trusted me and gave me the opportunity to try new tasks.

Elizabeth Chan

BluUP First Cohort Intern

I loved working at the Pizza and Bread stations! I was able to learn a lot from BluHouse, and the biggest change was meeting all my new colleagues, who have been incredible in helping me improve my communication skills.

Simon Chan

BluUP First Cohort Intern

Working at the Pizza section gave me a sense of fulfilment! I am afraid of forgetting the names, and my buddy suggested I start taking notes in my mini notebook. Now, I record everything in it!

Jeffrey Chan

BluUP First Cohort Intern

My time at BluHouse has been incredibly rewarding! I've learned so many new skills and gained crucial job knowledge. But the biggest change for me has been getting to know all my new colleagues - it's really boosted my communication abilities.

Jacky Li

BluUP First Cohort Intern

When I first started, I was really shy and hesitant to talk to the staff and to customers. But overtime, I realised that I have the courage to do it! BluHouse pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me realise my own strength.

Natalie Choi

BluUp First Cohort Intern

After I started my internship at BluHouse, I found myself going from a passive role to a much more active role! I was able to complete a lot of tasks on my own and I think I’ve grown a lot from this experience.