Web3Hope.org

Empowering Hong Kong's underserved communities through decentralized technologies, fostering economic inclusion and sustainable development. Web3 for Poverty Alleviation in HK.

To harness the potential of Web3 innovations to create transparent, accessible, and equitable opportunities, uplifting individuals and families out of poverty in Hong Kong.

Strategic Objectives

Decentralized Financial Services (DeFi): Develop platforms offering microloans, savings, and insurance tailored for low-income individuals, enhancing financial inclusion.

Transparent Fund Allocation: Utilize blockchain to ensure clarity and accountability in the distribution of charitable funds and government aid.​

Digital Identity Solutions: Implement blockchain-based identities to grant marginalized populations access to essential services like banking, healthcare, and education.​

Educational Programs: Offer training in blockchain and digital literacy, equipping communities with skills relevant to the evolving job market.

 

Core values

  1. Inclusivity: No one is too marginalized to benefit from Web3. We design for Cantonese-speaking elders, migrant workers, and grassroots communities.

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  3. Transparency: Blockchain’s immutable ledger ensures every dollar, vote, and resource is publicly auditable.

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  5. Innovation with Integrity: We reject speculative crypto trends. We prioritize dignity over profit.

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  7. Community Empowerment: Solutions are co-created with those who understand poverty best—the people living it.

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  9. Collaboration: We bridge NGOs, governments, and Web3 builders to create systemic change.

 

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Our approach

 

Pillar 1: Decentralized Identity (DID)

  • Problem: Low-income individuals lack portable, secure IDs to access welfare, jobs, or healthcare.

  • Solution:

    • Issue Soulbound Tokens (SBTs) for verified credentials (e.g., proof of residency, skills).

    • Partner with HKMA’s iAM Smart to integrate blockchain IDs.

  • Example: A domestic worker proves her CPR certification to employers without exposing her passport.

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Pillar 2: Community DAOs

  • Problem: Traditional welfare excludes beneficiary input.

  • Solution:

    • Launch neighborhood DAOs (e.g., Tin Shui Wai DAO) where residents vote on fund allocation.

    • Use Snapshot for gasless governance.

  • Example: Elderly residents vote to allocate HKD 500k to free dental clinics.

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Pillar 3: DeFi for Financial Inclusion

  • Problem: Predatory loans trap families in debt cycles.

  • Solution:

    • Offer collateral-free microloans via decentralized protocols (e.g., Aave, Goldfinch).

    • Tokenize street vendors’ revenue for credit scoring.

  • Example: A dai pai dong owner borrows HKD 20k at 3% APR (vs. 25% from loan sharks).

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Pillar 4: Transparent Aid Distribution

  • Problem: Bureaucratic delays and corruption divert resources.

  • Solution:

    • Tokenize aid vouchers (e.g., food, housing) on Polygon for real-time tracking.

    • Use zero-knowledge proofs to verify eligibility anonymously.

  • Example: A single mother redeems a blockchain voucher for school uniforms without stigma.

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Pillar 5: Web3 Education & Advocacy

  • Problem: Tech illiteracy excludes communities from Web3’s benefits.

  • Solution:

    • Host Cantonese workshops on blockchain basics and wallet safety.

    • Partner with schools to launch Web3 Junior Explorers programs.

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Advocacy & Policy

  • Policy Reform:

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    • Lobby for HKMA/ISO guidelines recognizing blockchain-based IDs and DAOs.

    • Advocate for tax incentives for Web3 social-impact projects.

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  • Partnerships:

Government: Collaborate with the Social Welfare Department and Web3 Development Task Force.
NGOs: Oxfam HK, St. James’ Settlement, ImpactHK.
Tech: Polygon, Chainlink, Filecoin.

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  • Public Campaigns:

     

    • Annual Decentralize Poverty Summit at Cyberport.

    • Hackathons for Web3 solutions targeting Sham Shui Po/Tin Shui Wai.

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Join the Movement

  1. Volunteer:
    Tech experts, social workers, and translators needed!

    • Teach blockchain basics at community centers.

    • Develop open-source tools for DAO governance.

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  2. Partner:
    NGOs, corporations, and Web3 projects—let’s co-create solutions.

Founder & Advocator

howard

Dr. Howard Ku

Poverty is not natural. It is a system we can reprogram—block by block.