From community investment to measurable impact: what we learned from six months of partnership with Link

Hong Kong companies invest a great deal in their communities. Scholarships, programmes for underserved populations, revitalised public spaces. But one question is becoming increasingly important: how can organisations better understand the outcomes created for the people these initiatives serve?

Over six months, Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong (SVIHK) worked with Link, the manager of Link REIT, to help answer that question for Link’s community and placemaking initiatives. As a major real estate owner and manager operating extensive community-focused retail networks across Hong Kong, Link has now published a case study on the result: a group-wide Social Impact Evaluation Framework, designed and deployed with SVIHK.

The challenge

Link runs a wide range of initiatives across different teams, from non-profit community investment to placemaking in its malls. Each team tracked its own work. What was missing was a shared way to evaluate, compare and improve social value creation alongside commercial return.

What we built together

Working with Link’s internal Working Group, we co-designed a framework built around three impact areas:

• Well-being: enhancing overall well-being
• Empowered Community: nurturing community connections and gatherings
• Economic Prosperity: supporting financial resilience and helping local businesses thrive

Every initiative, from a scholarship programme to a rooftop playground, is now assessed against the same common indicators. Attribution and deadweight factors are built into the methodology, so that reported results provide a more robust assessment of Link’s contribution.

Between January and May 2026, the framework was piloted on four very different initiatives. Different formats, audiences and settings allowed us to validate the methodology and refine the survey tools before a wider rollout.

Why it matters

Measurement is not the goal in itself. It is the tool that makes impact visible. With consistent, outcome-based evidence, Link can see which initiatives create the most value, improve programme design, and allocate resources with more confidence. It also gives Link a common language to discuss impact with stakeholders, including tenants, community partners and investors.

At the heart of this framework is the core principle of creating shared value, which demonstrates that social impact and business growth are mutually reinforcing. By connecting social impact with business initiatives, the framework offers a deeper and holistic view of how Link’s community and placemaking programmes contribute to Hong Kong society.

Thinking about a similar journey?

Whether you are starting to measure your community investment or looking to connect social outcomes with business performance, SVIHK can help you build a framework that fits your organisation. Get in touch with us.