“Our goal is to connect young Nepali entrepreneurs worldwide”

The Federation of International Nepali Youth Entrepreneurs (FINYE), a non-profit organization, has emerged as a key platform linking Nepali youth entrepreneurship to the international arena. With chapters in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Gulf countries, Macau, China, Australia, and beyond, FINYE has over 200 dedicated Nepali entrepreneurs affiliated with it. It helps Nepali entrepreneurs expand their businesses, promote investment, and access global markets. FINYE’s Hong Kong chapter is particularly active in promoting youth entrepreneurship and empowerment. Soyena Dhakal was recently elected president of FINYE Hong Kong for a two-year term. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Soyena earned her undergraduate degree from the City University of Hong Kong, and her master’s in Finance from the National University of Singapore. After finishing her master’s, she returned to Hong Kong and received a job offer from a private equity advisory firm. She now serves as a Director at Finex Hong Kong Limited. In an interview with Himal Press, she said she aims to make FINYE Hong Kong more dynamic by prioritizing youth participation and collaboration in entrepreneurship. Excerpts:

You rose through the ranks of FINYE Hong Kong and became its president in a short time. How does it feel?

Even before becoming president, I was thinking about my career, work, and future — something every young person probably does. I had not discussed the idea deeply with my family, but when my friends and seniors proposed my name, I decided to accept the role. Although I had participated in FINYE events during my university days, I only became a formal member a year ago and soon after served as its secretary.

The Nepali community in Hong Kong is small, and challenges are plentiful. But it is important for young people to connect and work together. Exposure to global networks, listening to success stories, and engaging with the community will help us find direction. FINYE is about youth empowerment, which makes this role both exciting and challenging.

How should Nepali youth studying or living abroad understand FINYE?

FINYE is a non-profit global network of Nepali entrepreneurs, with chapters in countries such as Hong Kong, Japan, the UK, India, China, Australia, the USA, and the Gulf nations. The initiative began a decade ago in Australia. It was launched with the idea that Nepali youth in the diaspora could not only build their own future through entrepreneurship but also strengthen long-term economic ties, investment, business networks, and the exchange of experience and skills between Nepal and the diaspora.

The number of chapters has been increasing. Countries like India, China, and the Philippines also have their own diaspora networks.

How should we understand FINYE Hong Kong — just as a chapter or something more?

FINYE Hong Kong is indeed one of the most active chapters of this global network. Its core idea is to transform youth potential into opportunity, simplify the path of entrepreneurship, and build professional leadership. The Hong Kong chapter has been actively working for the past six years.

Rather than being limited to a single city like Kathmandu, FINYE connects young people worldwide through shared entrepreneurial vision, learning, exposure, mentorship, partnership, co-business, and co-investment. We are quite active in Hong Kong and have successfully engaged youth with the support of the local community and the Consulate General of Nepal.

So FINYE does not just share experiences but also connects youth with business opportunities?

Exactly. Our goal is to connect young Nepali entrepreneurs worldwide into one integrated network to support and strengthen entrepreneurship. The focus is firmly on youth entrepreneurship. FINYE believes that the entrepreneurial capacity of the Nepali diaspora becomes sustainable only when young people around the world learn from one another, move forward together, and achieve collective economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. FINYE seeks to make this international network well-managed and active.

How many Nepali youth are active members of FINYE Hong Kong?

Some 200 youths are working actively with FINYE Hong Kong. Through regular events, seminars, interactions, and business development programs, we help members connect, explore markets, and collaborate. Since anyone between 18 and 50 can join, our members range from younger students to experienced professionals. We all have our own work or business, but we dedicate part of our time to FINYE because we believe in its mission.

What kind of programs is FINYE Hong Kong organizing to attract youth and promote investment?

We often invite entrepreneurs from Nepal or take the opportunity to meet them when they visit Hong Kong. For instance, prominent businessperson Rajendra Khetan once attended our program. Recently, we had a coffee chat with Amit Agrawal, Director of Khalti. We regularly organize discussions where young entrepreneurs share their stories and connect with experienced business leaders. We also host online conferences via platforms like Zoom.

Our main events include networking sessions, conferences, coffee talks, and online discussions. Last year, we held six major events. Some participants were so inspired that they went on to start their own businesses.

How did you first get involved with FINYE Hong Kong? 

I had heard about FINYE Hong Kong before, but hadn’t thought of assuming its leadership. I would tell my juniors that my turn would come later. But my seniors encouraged me to take the lead, and I am truly grateful for their support and trust. It was after returning from Singapore that I started attending FINYE events, and a year later, I officially joined as a member and became its secretary.

We did meaningful work as a team, thanks to our outgoing president’s leadership. About a year and a half ago, I started as a general member, then became secretary, and remained active in all events. My colleagues and seniors later proposed me for president. I have pledged to continue — and hopefully enhance — the quality of programs we have held so far.

I will continue to work based on the advice of my peers and mentors. Meeting experienced professionals from various sectors, collaborating, and exploring new business possibilities are what keep us all motivated.

Who can join FINYE, and what responsibilities do members have once they become part of it?

Any Nepali or Non-Resident Nepali between 18 and 50 can join this network. The goal is to promote youth participation. I myself got involved as a university student after attending a few events that I found inspiring. Gradually, the interest grew, and now I feel the need to contribute more actively. We want our programs to create that same sense of inspiration in others.

How has FINYE Hong Kong been connecting with Nepal, and how do you plan to strengthen that link?

We can strengthen that link through entrepreneurship. We aim to share successful examples, generate new ideas, and connect through networks. FINYE has already become a well-known name among non-resident Nepali youth, and through our contacts in Nepal, more Nepalis can join the movement.

Although I was born in Hong Kong, I am Nepali — I still hold a Nepali passport. Many young people born abroad still travel with Nepali passports. It is this sense of identity that helps us connect Nepal and Hong Kong. Our team will actively work to strengthen this link through entrepreneurship and empowerment. We will combine everyone’s experience and energy to move forward. We will soon finalize our action plan and work calendar.

What new initiatives can young people expect?

We have many plans — especially to engage university students, raise awareness about FINYE’s network, and build collaborations. We will continue hosting sessions, innovation events, and exhibitions, as before. Through seminars and summits, we will open new doors of opportunity.

Some of our members started side businesses after attending past events, and we want to continue that momentum. Like past years, we will organize seminars, talk shows, podcasts, and interactions with successful entrepreneurs to share insights and new ideas. We will add more workshops and networking events, focusing particularly on university youth.

The FINYE Global Summit is held every two years. The next summit is scheduled for next year. We will intensify our activities leading up to it.

We will prepare our plans collectively because FINYE is all about teamwork. For instance, at the recent I-YES 2024 Summit, there were 120 participants from 10 countries, featuring eight different presentations. The podcast from that event received overwhelming positive feedback. Events like these help inspire entrepreneurship. Since FINYE has been successful in doing so, we are committed to continuing and expanding these efforts.