Entrepreneurial leaders’ key insights on start-up success – Innovating into the Future

Over 120 Strive and Rise alumni, government officials, academic leaders, and industry experts explored youth innovation and entrepreneurship pathways during a special seminar that City University (CityUHK) hosted on 10 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.

Grand opening ceremony

This initiative, aimed at helping students to discover university opportunities and unveil their potential, reaffirmed CityUHK’s commitment to community engagement and creating positive social impact.

The ceremony was officiated by Mr Chris Sun, 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 a Member of the CityUHK Council.

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

He 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,” Mr Ngai said.

Mr Sun emphasised that young people are the pillars of society's future. “Hong Kong boasts a world-class higher education system that equips you with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills,” he said, encouraging the youth to utilise available support when actively planning their future. “Your potential is limitless, but achieving it requires dedication, though the right support can ease the way. Programmes like ‘Strive and Rise’ exist to broaden your horizons and propel you further toward your dreams,” he said.

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 Hong Kong SAR Government and CityUHK.

She encouraged students to “have confidence in themselves and embrace challenges—recognising that everyone is different and has unique strengths.” Furthermore, she emphasised the importance of actively seeking growth experiences, inspiring them to “be open-minded and seize opportunities to broaden your horizons during your academic journey, which will set you on the path towards an extraordinary, fulfilling life.”

Seminar: ‘Innovation and the Future: Start-up Journeys for Young Innovators’

The CityU TechVenture Series seminar featured three industry pioneers: Mr Chibo Tang, Managing Partner, Gobi Partners; Mr Ray Chan, Co-founder and CEO of 9GAG; and Mr Steven Lam, Co-founder and CEO of GoGoX. Moderated by Ms Yumi Yau, the session delivered practical entrepreneurial wisdom.

Mr Tang openly addressed entrepreneurship's challenges. “Start-ups face high failure rates, but what matters most is identifying a problem you genuinely want to solve and believing in its value,” he said, highlighting AI as a powerful equalizer that young people can leverage to access knowledge without extensive resources.

“Engage with the world. The people you meet and the perspectives you gain will define your altitude,” he said.

Mr Lam underscored the unique opportunities for the new generation. “In this era, AI mastery can empower you to build a business,” he said, advising aspiring innovators to embrace lifelong learning while staying focused on creating real value to discover where you can truly outperform the rivals. “Have faith to build the future. Never let outside doubts drown your inner conviction,” he said.

Mr Chan drew from his journey to inspire students, emphasising that entrepreneurship fundamentally revolves around "creating value", where even solving ordinary problems can lead to significant achievements.

“Identify your competitive edge, maintain consistent creative habits, and accumulate experience through action,” he said, adding, with an encouraging smile, “Youth is your greatest asset. Dare to try while you're young!”

The Q & A session sparked vibrant dialogue between enthusiastic students and panellists, fostering a dynamic and energising atmosphere of shared learning.

CityUHK campus life overview expanding horizons

Representatives from the CityUHK Admissions Office and the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences highlighted the University's distinctive programmes and campus facilities during the event. Special attention was given to the unique advantages of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme, providing students with comprehensive academic pathway information.

Successful conclusion with future prospects

Following the morning session, participants enjoyed lunch at the CityUHK Canteen while exchanging campus life experiences with student ambassadors. The campus tour gave students a first-hand experience of university life and future development opportunities. During the immersive tour, students explored campus facilities including the Indra and Banga Gallery, the CityUHK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the "Ocean Giants: Stories of Marine Inhabitants" exhibition.

A particularly memorable moment was tasting CityUHK's exclusive ice cream, produced using fresh milk from the University's Tai Po Lam Tsuen teaching farm, a delicious demonstration of the farm-to-table initiatives that energised the tour's lively ambiance.

More than just a platform for young people to engage with industry leaders, this event ignited participants' innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. CityUHK remains committed to collaborating with community partners, supporting youth development, and co-creating a brighter future.


Caption 1: (form left) Grace Yu, MH, Founder of the Yu Ho Yuen Youth Development Foundation and a CityUHK Council Member, Mr Chris Sun, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, and Mr Michael Ngai, Chairman of CityUHK's Council, mark the official commencement of the event after delivering welcome and opening remarks.

Caption 2: (from left) Mr Steven Lam, Co-founder and CEO of GoGoX, Mr Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners, Mr Ray Chan, Co-founder and CEO of 9GAG, and moderator Ms Yumi Yau shared practical start-up insights with enthusiastic participantsduring the dynamic discussion.

Caption 3: Over 120 members from the Strive and Rise Alumni Club, aspiring entrepreneurs,and CityUHK students demonstrated the innovative spirit of Hong Kong's next generation.