CityUHK HK Tech SEA Competition : A Success Story
The entrepreneurial energy was palpable in Kuala Lumpur last May. That’s where CityUHK chose to host its HK Tech SEA Competition – an event designed to build bridges between promising startups and the booming tech hubs of Hong Kong and mainland China.
Think of it: a startup competition laser-focused on helping Southeast Asian innovators break into new markets, all while giving Hong Kong-based startups a chance to flex their muscles on a regional stage. And did it deliver! We’re talking over a hundred startups, all clamoring for the spotlight, representing a vibrant tapestry of universities, incubators, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Award Ceremony: Where the Magic Happened
Picture this: a packed room buzzing with anticipation. Bigwigs from the worlds of government, academia, and business all gathered under one roof. We’re talking about folks like Professor Sun Dong, the HKSAR Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and Mr. Lester Garson Huang, the man himself, CityUHK’s very own Council Chairman.
Oh, and let’s not forget Professor Freddy Boey, CityUHK’s president, rocking his signature blend of academic gravitas and entrepreneurial zeal. The dude was practically vibrating with excitement, and honestly, it was contagious.
A Who’s Who of Innovation
The guest list was basically a roll call of the people you need to know in the Asian tech scene. We had Mr. Chen Yulin, straight from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR – talk about connections! And representing the Lion City itself, Mr. Victor Hui, the Acting Consul General of Singapore in the HKSAR. Yeah, this wasn’t your average networking event; this was the big leagues.
Speeches that Lit a Fire Under the Audience
Let’s be real, sometimes these speeches can be a bit, well, snooze-worthy. But not this time! Professor Sun Dong kicked things off with a speech that was less about bureaucratic jargon and more about a rallying cry for innovation. He painted a picture of Hong Kong as this irresistible force for global startups, a place where the government, industry, and academia were all singing from the same hymn sheet – a symphony of collaboration, if you will.
He wasn’t shy about highlighting Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem either, and why would he be? The city’s got it going on, with a business environment that’s as welcoming as a warm dim sum basket.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Disruptors
Next up, Mr. Lester Garson Huang took to the stage. This wasn’t just about handing out awards; it was about celebrating the sheer audacity of these young entrepreneurs, the ones daring to dream big and build the future, you know? He gave a shout-out to the competition’s role in attracting those game-changing ideas, the kind that could disrupt entire industries.
He also dropped a truth bomb about how this whole shebang wasn’t just some random event; it was all carefully aligned with some seriously ambitious national goals, like transforming Hong Kong into a global I&T powerhouse.
CityUHK: More Than Just a University
Then it was Professor Freddy Boey’s turn. You could tell he was genuinely stoked to see CityUHK’s technology being used to make the world a better (or at least more interesting) place. He used his time on stage to reaffirm CityUHK’s commitment to nurturing innovation – basically, saying they’re all in on this whole changing-the-world thing. And he gave a well-deserved shout-out to all the partners who helped make this thing happen.
But here’s where things got really interesting. Professor Boey dropped some serious knowledge about the power of collaboration – not just between different areas of study, but across industries and even national borders. It was a powerful reminder that the biggest challenges we face require solutions that can’t be found in silos.
CityUHK HK Tech 300 SEA Competition: A Success Story
The entrepreneurial energy was palpable in Kuala Lumpur last May. That’s where CityUHK chose to host its HK Tech 300 SEA Competition – an event designed to build bridges between promising startups and the booming tech hubs of Hong Kong and mainland China.
Think of it: a startup competition laser-focused on helping Southeast Asian innovators break into new markets, all while giving Hong Kong-based startups a chance to flex their muscles on a regional stage. And did it deliver! We’re talking over a hundred startups, all clamoring for the spotlight, representing a vibrant tapestry of universities, incubators, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Award Ceremony: Where the Magic Happened
Picture this: a packed room buzzing with anticipation. Bigwigs from the worlds of government, academia, and business all gathered under one roof. We’re talking about folks like Professor Sun Dong, the HKSAR Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and Mr. Lester Garson Huang, the man himself, CityUHK’s very own Council Chairman.
Oh, and let’s not forget Professor Freddy Boey, CityUHK’s president, rocking his signature blend of academic gravitas and entrepreneurial zeal. The dude was practically vibrating with excitement, and honestly, it was contagious.
A Who’s Who of Innovation
The guest list was basically a roll call of the people you need to know in the Asian tech scene. We had Mr. Chen Yulin, straight from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR – talk about connections! And representing the Lion City itself, Mr. Victor Hui, the Acting Consul General of Singapore in the HKSAR. Yeah, this wasn’t your average networking event; this was the big leagues.
Speeches that Lit a Fire Under the Audience
Let’s be real, sometimes these speeches can be a bit, well, snooze-worthy. But not this time! Professor Sun Dong kicked things off with a speech that was less about bureaucratic jargon and more about a rallying cry for innovation. He painted a picture of Hong Kong as this irresistible force for global startups, a place where the government, industry, and academia were all singing from the same hymn sheet – a symphony of collaboration, if you will.
He wasn’t shy about highlighting Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem either, and why would he be? The city’s got it going on, with a business environment that’s as welcoming as a warm dim sum basket.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Disruptors
Next up, Mr. Lester Garson Huang took to the stage. This wasn’t just about handing out awards; it was about celebrating the sheer audacity of these young entrepreneurs, the ones daring to dream big and build the future, you know? He gave a shout-out to the competition’s role in attracting those game-changing ideas, the kind that could disrupt entire industries.
He also dropped a truth bomb about how this whole shebang wasn’t just some random event; it was all carefully aligned with some seriously ambitious national goals, like transforming Hong Kong into a global I&T powerhouse.
CityUHK: More Than Just a University
Then it was Professor Freddy Boey’s turn. You could tell he was genuinely stoked to see CityUHK’s technology being used to make the world a better (or at least more interesting) place. He used his time on stage to reaffirm CityUHK’s commitment to nurturing innovation – basically, saying they’re all in on this whole changing-the-world thing. And he gave a well-deserved shout-out to all the partners who helped make this thing happen.
But here’s where things got really interesting. Professor Boey dropped some serious knowledge about the power of collaboration – not just between different areas of study, but across industries and even national borders. It was a powerful reminder that the biggest challenges we face require solutions that can’t be found in silos.
And the Winners Are…
Drumroll, please! Ten startups, hailing from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and yes, even Hong Kong SAR itself, snagged the coveted top spots. We’re talking about the best of the best, folks – these whiz kids are tackling everything from fintech to deep tech, biotech and health, even ICT and AI.
Imagine a world where digital healthcare is seamless, energy is sustainable, and materials are green. These startups aren’t just imagining it – they’re building it. And they’re doing it with cutting-edge solutions that are already shaking up industries like digital assets and real estate. This isn’t some pie-in-the-sky stuff; this is the future, and it’s arriving faster than you think.
More Than Just a Trophy: Support for the Next Big Thing
Winning this competition wasn’t just about bragging rights (though we’re sure those trophies look pretty sweet on a shelf). These startups hit the jackpot with a sweet injection of angel funding. But it wasn’t just about the cash – they also scored access to top-notch professional services and a chance to rub shoulders with potential investors in the HK Tech 300 ecosystem. Talk about a leg up!
And here’s the kicker: CityUHK didn’t just hand over a check and call it a day. They opened the doors to their treasure trove of research achievements and intellectual property, basically giving these startups a VIP pass to some of the brightest minds and coolest tech in the game.
Power in Numbers: Partnerships That Fueled Success
This wasn’t some solo mission, folks. CityUHK teamed up with some serious heavy hitters to make this competition a reality. We’re talking about universities that are basically rockstars in the academic world – think Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Chulalongkorn University, and Universitas Gadjah Mada.
But wait, there’s more! They also joined forces with organizations like the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC), Sunwah Innovation Center, and a whole bunch of chambers of commerce. It was like the Justice League of innovation, all united for a common cause.
Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers
These collaborations weren’t just about looking good on paper (though they did that too). They were about creating a win-win situation for everyone involved. Startups got a roadmap to navigate the exciting (and sometimes daunting) markets of Hong Kong and mainland China. CityUHK? They got to flex their technology transfer and commercialization muscles.
But the real magic happened when the walls came down, and the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems of Hong Kong and the region started to blend. It was like watching a supergroup form, each member bringing their unique sound to create something truly special.
Roll Call of the Champions: Meet the Future
Ready to meet the future? Here are the startups that blew everyone away, presented in all their alphabetical glory:
- Apping Technology Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)
- CoKeeps Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)
- E3A Healthcare Pte Limited (Singapore)
- PJJ Solutions Company Limited (Thailand)
- Portex Innovation Company Limited (Thailand)
- PT Inspirasien Srikandi Indonesia (Indonesia)
- Qmed Asia (Malaysia)
- Smartos Joint Stock Company (Vietnam)
- Super Bamboo Limited (Hong Kong SAR)
- Syngular Technology Limited (Hong Kong SAR)
Remember those names, folks, because you’ll probably be hearing them again. These are the disruptors, the innovators, the ones who are going to change the world. And we can’t wait to see what they do next!
HK Tech 300: More Than a Competition, It’s a Movement
The HK Tech 300 SEA Competition wasn’t just a one-off; it was a glimpse into the future CityUHK is building, brick by innovative brick. And the driving force behind it all? That would be HK Tech 300, CityUHK’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship program. Their motto? “Venture Beyond Boundaries” – a call to action that echoes through everything they do.
This program is all about empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, and we’re not just talking about students. We’re talking alumni, research staff, and anyone with a fire in their belly and a head full of game-changing ideas. They’re all about turning research and intellectual property into real-world solutions, proving that the best ideas don’t belong in a lab – they belong out in the world, making a difference.
Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers
So, what makes HK Tech 300 so special? For starters, they don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. They’re not just about throwing money at the problem (though they do a fair bit of that too, with seed and angel funding up for grabs). They’re about creating a support system that nurtures entrepreneurs every step of the way.
Think entrepreneurship training that gives you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed, co-working spaces that buzz with creative energy, and networking opportunities that could connect you with your next investor or business partner.
A Legacy of Success: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since its launch back in March , HK Tech 300 has become a force to be reckoned with. We’re talking over 1,700 participants who’ve leveled up their entrepreneurial game through their training programs, over 700 teams who’ve been nurtured and guided on their journey, and over 140 startups who’ve received that all-important angel fund investment.
But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the impact. HK Tech 300 has built a network of mentors, strategic partners, and co-investment partners that’s second to none. It’s a community of innovators, a support system for dreamers, and a testament to the power of collaboration.
Ready to Join the Movement?
Intrigued? Want to learn more about HK Tech 300 and the incredible startups they’re supporting? Of course you do! Head over to the HK Tech 300 website and prepare to be inspired: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/hktech300/