After receiving training from the team, she can identify the characteristics of cataracts and can use the correct examination methods. More patients are now willing to come to her hospital for eye examinations.

In September, the foundation rolled out a program in Timor-Leste, which utilizes nanotechnology-based equipment to provide clean water that can be drunk directly.

Leung, GX's chairman, said the foundation's next step will be to openly raise funds on the mainland and in Hong Kong. It also plans to solicit donations from communities on the mainland and the SAR in the future, he added.

Leung said as a national civic organization, which is also a distinct Hong Kong organization, the GX Foundation does not use the money of the SAR government or the country, but raises funds from private enterprises and families.

"Instead of hegemony and war, we bring humility and peace to the world. Instead of guns and death, we bring medicine and health to the world," he said.

In June, Shum led a team of 11 Hong Kong medical students to Senegal for mosquito prevention education, in the hope of passing on knowledge and experience from one generation to the next, just as her mentor Chan had done.

Being able to lend a helping hand overseas has made the young doctor understand in tangible ways the significance of the Belt and Road initiatives as well as people-to-people bonds.