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Changing the Recipe for Success: Jo Soo Tang’s Vision for R é n
- Lola Carron
- Apr 3
- 6 min read
In a world where opportunities for disadvantaged youths can be limited, R é n stands as a charity dedicated to empowering young people through food, mentorship, and skills training. Founded by Jo Soo Tang, R é n is built on the belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their background. Through vocational training, employment opportunities, and community engagement, the organisation helps underprivileged youths, including those with disabilities, develop the confidence and skills they need to build sustainable careers — particularly in the food and hospitality industries.
We sat down with Jo Soo Tang, a passionate advocate for social impact and inclusivity, to discuss the mission behind R é n.
Images courtesy of Rén.
What inspired you to start r é n, and what was the initial vision for the organisation?
The inspiration behind r é n stemmed from our belief in bringing people together whilst fostering positive change through food and community engagement — hence our three main pillars: Humanity, Goodness, and Food. The vision was to build a community and a platform that offers opportunities for underprivileged individuals, offering employment, but also mentorship, skill development, and a sense of belonging.
Our concept is to create fundraising events while maximising our impact on charities or educational bodies (such as Vocational Training Council’s Shine Skills Centre, Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association, Love21 and Christian Action). As these events are a crucial source of operational income for charities, we wanted to develop an F&B concept where people come together to enjoy good food whilst raising money for a good cause. Since events like these are time-consuming and labour-intensive to organise, we have brought together a group of people - our Advocates (volunteers) from the F&B and commercial sectors who share similar values and passions as we do.
The name "r é n" carries deep meaning — how does it guide the work you do?
"r é n" (人) is both a noun and a verb — meaning humanity and to be kind in Chinese. This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, from how we support our youths to how we collaborate with partners. We believe everyone deserves a chance to thrive, and by providing guidance, support and a nurturing environment, we hope to create a lasting and meaningful impact.
How do you select the young people you support, and what challenges do they typically face before joining R É N?
We work closely with social workers, guardians, NGOs, and vocational training centres to identify young people who have the potential and willingness to grow but lack access to opportunities. Many of them face systemic barriers such as financial hardship, limited education, complicated family backgrounds, mental health issues, etc. By providing training, mentorship, and industry connections, we act as a stepping stone for them to overcome these obstacles and build a path toward a sustainable career.
What impact has r é n had on its beneficiaries so far, and do you have any success stories that stand out?
Since our launch, we have successfully placed numerous youths in esteemed kitchens and hospitality settings, equipping them with skills that go beyond the workplace. One stand-out story from our beneficiaries is Ann from Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association and she faced challenges in finding stable and fulfilling employment due to her mild intellectual disability and autism.
Her previous positions in retail centres offered limited upskilling, short durations and low wages. After her on-the-job training through our partnership with The Coffee Academics and her role as a Sales and Events assistant at r é n. She has proved herself to be a valuable team member and has secured a position at Shake Shack Hong Kong as a Shop Assistant. At the start of her contract, she struggled with adapting to her role. After providing a mentor figure andunderstanding her situation more, she gradually grew into her role while improving her communication skills and is now enjoying her role at Shake Shack Hong Kong. Recently, she has just renewed her contract till June 2025.
Why did you choose food as the central pillar of r é n’s mission?
Throughout my years working in Hong Kong’s philanthropic sector, I noticed a gap — there wasn’t a local social enterprise that truly harnessed the power of food to raise awareness and create tangible opportunities for underprivileged youth. That realisation led to the birth of r é n. By centring our mission around food, we’re not only providing career pathways but also cultivating a sense of community, growth, and empowerment. Food is more than just nourishment, it’s a medium for connection and change.
Can you share how r é n’s partnerships with exclusive kitchens and chefs help create lasting opportunities for young people?
Our partnerships with top chefs and renowned kitchens are key in bridging the gap between raw talent and industry excellence. These collaborations provide young people with access to real-world training, mentorship, belonging and employment opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. By working alongside culinary experts, our youths gain firsthand experience, develop technical skills, and build networks that open doors for their future careers.
Through our collaboration with Chef Olivier Elzer at Clarence, Samuel, who has an intellectual disability and autism, secured a role as an assistant waiter, gaining confidence, skills, and financial independence. At Patisserie Millefeuille, chef-owner Lionel Bodros and co-owner Polly Tang are supporting Louis Lam, a VTC interior design student, by offering work experience that helps him sustain himself while studying.
Meanwhile, Alex Chung, who grew up at Po Leung Kok and Hong Kong Student Aid Society is now honing his skills in Western cuisine at Cornerstone, thanks to our partnership with the Arcane Collective. These collaborations go beyond employment — they instil purpose, stability, and a strong foundation for a successful future in F&B and beyond.
r é n also offers lifestyle products like candles and napkins — how do these contribute to the overall mission?
Beyond food, our lifestyle products reflect the values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and social impact. Each item is thoughtfully curated to support our mission, with proceeds directly reinvested into our programmes and we often partner with local small businesses. These products also serve as a way to engage the wider community, allowing more people to support our cause in meaningful and practical ways.
How does food serve as more than just nourishment within r é n’s community initiatives?
At r é n, food is a bridge for storytelling, culture, and connection. Through initiatives like our annual Mira Hong Kong Christmas buffets, we create spaces where our youths can bond, expand their social circles, and build friendships in a safe, welcoming environment. Whether it’s through community meals, chef-led mentorships, or collaborative dining experiences, food fosters dialogue, celebrates diversity, and strengthens the sense of belonging within our programmes.
You have a strong network of advocates across various industries — how do they contribute to r é n’s impact?
Our advocates and partners span from chefs and restaurateurs to corporate partners and creative professionals, they each bring unique expertise and resources that help us scale our programmes. Such as sponsoring fundraising events, providing employment opportunities, offering mentorship for our youths and more. Their support allows us to provide more diverse opportunities for those who enrol into our programmes and increase awareness of our work.
What do you look for in potential partners, and how can businesses or individuals get involved?
We seek partners who share our commitment to social impact, innovation, and sustainability.
Businesses and individuals can get involved through mentorship, hosting workshops, offering job placements, or supporting our initiatives financially. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and we welcome anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference.
How do pop-ups and collaborations like FOOD+FILM events enhance awareness and support for r é n’s mission?
Events like FOOD+FILM serve as powerful platforms to engage the public, tell our story, and connect our youths with industry leaders. By merging food, art, and culture, these activations create immersive experiences that not only raise funds but also spark conversations around social change and inclusivity whilst raising awareness to our programmes and what we do.
What are some of the biggest challenges r é n faces as it grows?
One of r é n’s biggest challenges is balancing growth while ensuring each young person receives the personalised support they need. Every youth comes with unique struggles, and we can’t always control how they navigate challenges. Managing their wellbeing, addressing concerns, resolving workplace disputes, and fostering positive relationships with their managers require continuous attention and resources. As we scale, maintaining this level of care while expanding our reach remains a key focus.
How do you measure the success of your programmes beyond employment statistics?
While job placements are a tangible indicator of success, we also evaluate personal growth, confidence, and long-term career progression. The real impact is seen in how our youths develop professionally and personally, gaining independence, resilience, and self-belief. Their stories and feedback provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness of our programmes.
What’s next for r é n? Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you're particularly
excited about?
We are excited about the recent launch of r é n eggs — a product that embodies our commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Additionally, we have recently rolled out a two-year programme designed to support youths with Down syndrome in Hong Kong. This initiative will provide vocational training, on-the-job experience, community engagement, and wellness activities such as yoga, ensuring a holistic approach to their development. We believe this will be a significant step toward greater inclusivity in Hong Kong’s workforce.
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