In late September 2024, the Sunwah Global Young Leaders Network (Sunwah GYLN) delegation, supported by Sunwah Group, embarked on an educational and innovation-focused trip to Hong Kong. This visit aimed to deepen our understanding of the innovative ecosystems in Hong Kong and foster strategic collaborations with key local institutions.
The delegation was led by Mr. Jesse Choi, ASEAN Regional Director and CEO of Sunwah Innovations, and included distinguished young leaders from China, Japan, Canada, Vietnam, and the United States. These leaders were selected for their exceptional innovative capabilities and leadership potential demonstrated in the Sunwah GYLN’s 2023 Innovation Competition. Professor Phillipe Rheault, Director of the China Institute, University of Alberta, Canada also joined, enriching the dialogue with his academic insights.
Activities and Meetings in Hong Kong
On the first day of our educational and innovation-focused tour in Hong Kong, the Sunwah Global Young Leaders Network delegation visited Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). This leading research university is internationally recognized for its rigorous focus on science, technology, engineering, and business management, with a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Our interactions included engaging discussions with representatives from the HKUST Smart Sustainable Campus as a Living Lab and the Entrepreneurship Center. We toured innovative projects focused on green energy, smart parking solutions, food waste management, and coffee waste recycling. These initiatives showcased HKUST’s commitment to sustainability and provided a model of how academic institutions can support groundbreaking projects by students and faculty. The dialogue with students about these innovations highlighted potential for collaborative projects that could be adapted globally.
In the afternoon, our journey continued at Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP), Hong Kong’s central technology hub, which offers a robust support network for startups, including funding opportunities, incubation programs, and access to high-tech facilities. Hosted by Mr. Gavin Kwok, Director of HKSTP Philanthropic Advisory, the delegation explored the startup ecosystem and funding programs. The day we included a practice elevator pitch session and a tour of the Experience Centre, showcasing the latest in medical technology and robotics. This visit deepened our understanding of HKSTP’s crucial role in nurturing startup growth and highlighted its effective support structures and technological advancements.
On September 25th, discussions continued at Sunwah Group’s headquarters in Hong Kong with Ms. Yahsin Shen, Senior Manager of Entrepreneurship Education at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). The seminar centered on Hong Kong’s vibrant startup ecosystem and advancements in medical innovation. Our delegation shared their projects and received valuable feedback, which was instrumental in understanding HKU’s structured approach to entrepreneurship education and identifying potential areas for future collaboration.
The delegation also visited the Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong on the same afternoon, where they met with Mr. Jason Reeve, Senior Trade Commissioner. The Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong promotes trade, investment, and technology transfer between Canada and Hong Kong. The discussions highlighted the advantages of Hong Kong’s market for foreign startups, focusing on sustainability and green building. Insights gained from these discussions emphasized the collaborative potential between Canadian and Hong Kong startups, particularly in innovative sustainable practices.
Next, our exploration took us to Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), known for its practical-oriented education and applied research in construction, medi-tech, and greentech. Guided by Ms. Amylia Chan, Assistant Director of the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (KTEO), the delegation learned about PolyU’s innovation programs and engaged with startup projects. This visit provided a deeper understanding of PolyU’s approach to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship and identified opportunities for knowledge exchange between Vietnamese startups and PolyU, setting the stage for future collaborative ventures in technology and innovation.
Sunwah GYLN 10th Anniversary Dinner
On the evening of September 25, 2024, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Group, the Sunwah Foundation, and the Jonathan KS Choi Foundation, hosted the 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner for the Sunwah Global Young Leaders Network (Sunwah GYLN) in Hong Kong. This milestone event welcomed over 70 esteemed guests including Mr. Sze Chun Fai, Deputy Secretary for Education of Hong Kong, Ms. Le Duc Hanh, Consul General of Vietnam in Hong Kong and Macau, Ms. Janice Choi, Legal Director of Sunwah Group, Mr. Jason Choi, Director of Sunwah Group and President of Sunwah GBA and Southwest Region, Prof. Teng Jinguang, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Mr. Li Jianxiong, Chairman of the Knowledge Transfer Committee at PolyU, Prof. Zhao Shuheng, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, Prof. Phillipe Rheault, Director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta, alongside representatives from Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Cyberport, City University of Hong Kong, and University of Macau.
The Sunwah GYLN, established in 2014, has flourished into an influential international platform with 11 chapters worldwide. Mr. Jason Choi opened the evening with remarks highlighting Sunwah GYLN’s mission to enhance global perspectives, leadership skills, and public service commitment of young leaders across the globe. He emphasized the network’s expansion and its role in the recent Global Innovation Challenge, where the top five teams participated in an innovation tour in Hong Kong and Seoul, engaging with experts to enhance their knowledge and skills in innovation and entrepreneurship.
During the dinner, Prof. Ou-Yang Fei commended the Sunwah Group and the Sunwah Foundation for their significant contributions to education, innovation, and youth development. He acknowledged the successful cooperation between Sunwah and the University of Alberta, leading to impactful projects such as the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Centre in Canada, youth leadership training programs, and environmental initiatives. Prof. Ou-Yang expressed optimism for continued collaboration between the two institutions.
Delegations from the China and Japan chapters also shared their enriching experiences within Sunwah GYLN. They expressed their gratitude to the Sunwah Group for providing a robust network that significantly supports innovation and growth.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with PolyU during the dinner to enhance cooperation in education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. This event not only celebrated the milestones of Sunwah GYLN but also strengthened ties with various universities and innovation support organizations, laying a foundation for future projects supporting youth development.
