Over 120 Strive and Rise alumni, government officials, academic leaders and industry experts explored the future development of youth innovation and entrepreneurship pathways during a special seminar hosted by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) in May.

The “Venture into Your Future @ CityUHK cum CityU TechVenture Series Seminar” was organised by CityUHK Press, in collaboration with the Strive and Rise Alumni Club and supported by the Grace Yu Ho Wun Youth Development Fund.

The ceremony was officiated by Mr Chris Sun Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government, Mr Michael Ngai, Chairman of the CityUHK Council, and Ms Grace Yu Ho-wun, MH, Founder of the Grace Yu Ho Wun Youth Development Fund and Member of the CityUHK Council.

“Young people are the future pillars of society,” said Mr Sun, “and Hong Kong provides a world-class higher-education system that equips them with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.”

He encouraged young people to leverage the support that is available to them to actively plan their future. “Your potential is limitless, but realising it requires dedication, and the right support can ease the way. Programmes like ‘Strive and Rise’ exist to broaden your horizons and propel you further toward your dreams,” said Mr Sun.

Mr Ngai emphasised that CityUHK provided a top-tier academic environment and a strong support system to help students realise their dreams. “As the most international university in the world, CityUHK is committed to nurturing innovative talent. Whether through cutting-edge research facilities, entrepreneurship support or global exchange opportunities, the University is fully equipped to help students unleash their full potential. We empower them to pursue their dreams fearlessly and to create a brighter future,” he said.

“Persistence and courage are the cornerstones of success. Never fear failure, because each setback is a vital step on the path to excellence,” added Mr Ngai in his address.

A committed advocate for youth development, Ms Yu played an instrumental role last year in organising the CityU TechVenture Series, published by CityUHK Press. During her address, she underscored the pivotal role of innovation and technology in shaping global progress, acknowledging the substantial investments in these fields by both the HKSAR Government and CityUHK to promote the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong.

Ms Yu encouraged students to actively seek growth experiences, have confidence in themselves and embrace challenges. “Young people can utilise the support provided by society and seize opportunities to broaden their horizons during their academic journey, which will set them on the path to an extraordinary and fulfilling life,” she said.

The theme of the CityU TechVenture Series seminar was ‘Innovation and the Future: Start-up Journeys for Young Innovators’. It featured three industry pioneers: Mr Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners, Mr Ray Chan Chin-ching, Co-founder and CEO of 9GAG, and Mr Steven Lam Hoi-yuen, Co-founder and CEO of GoGoX. They shared their personal journeys and practical entrepreneurial insights with the guests and students.

Mr Tang addressed the challenges of entrepreneurship and the high failure rates, but emphasised the importance of believing in its value. He highlighted that AI is a powerful equaliser that young people can leverage to access knowledge without requiring extensive resources. He inspired them to engage with the world and expand their networks to broaden their horizons.

Mr Lam underscored the unique opportunities available to the new generation. He advised aspiring innovators to embrace lifelong learning while staying focused on creating real value. He also encouraged young people never to let outside doubts undermine their inner convictions.

Mr Chan shared insights from his own journey to inspire the students, emphasising that entrepreneurship fundamentally revolves around "creating value" and that solving even ordinary problems can lead to significant achievements. He urged young people to identify their competitive edge, cultivate consistent creative habits, accumulate experience through action, and dare to take risks while they are young.

In addition to providing a platform for young people to engage with industry leaders, the event ignited innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit among the participants. CityUHK remains committed to collaborating with community partners, supporting youth development and co-creating a brighter future.