Thanks to the unswerving support from the government, industries, academia and R&D sectors, I’m pleased to see innovations “made in Hong Kong” taking centre stage worldwide. 

Since its establishment in 2016, Hong Kong Startup Council, under the auspices of Federation of Hong Kong Industries, has devoted a range of support to early-stage and growing startups. The Council’s signature STARS Programme has served as a fertile ground for over 50 startups and technopreneurs to turn their creative ideas into value-added, industry-driven products and services. We have also built excellent rapport with industrialists, corporates and investors to facilitate over 100 matchmaking opportunities. More than 100 mentorship sessions, upskilling workshops and tailored consultations have been organised to bolster startups’ business fundamentals. With startups and industries being our major beneficiaries, we’ve been committed more than ever to fostering idea commercialisation, technology deployment, co-creation and knowledge transfer. 

Despite the massive upheaval and uncertainties on the local business environment in recent years, many startups have leveraged the tough times to catalyse the demand for novel applications and tech-savvy products under the new normal. This has brought a fresh impetus to speed up industry upgrades and digital transformation. In retrospect, many top-notch companies today had nurtured their best-selling products and business models during the most difficult times. With this in mind, the Council will continue tightening collaboration with different stakeholders to help startups champion adversities and seize every money-making opportunity. 

In the unprecedented times, the avenue to success will not be flat or straightforward, but I’m bullish that startups will thrive in them, with supreme resilience, sheer diligence and the insatiable desire to innovate. Alongside the support from industrialists, business partners, mentors and Startup Council, startups will eventually weather the storm and soar to new heights. 

Punch above your weight. Dare to innovate and make an impact that lasts.