Start-up Explorer Series: Start-up Realities: What They Don't Tell You about Innovation, Leadership and Succeeding the Quest  

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Professor Simon Ho, our University President, who reaffirmed the University's commitment to fostering a resilient, creative, and entrepreneurial culture. Professor Jeanne Fu, Vice President (Learning and Student Experience) and Director of CIE, followed with remarks on the importance of developing future leaders who can question assumptions and create meaningful impact. She highlighted the Start-up Explorer Series, while it was also SDSC's Strategic Masterminds: Wisdom from Decision Sciences Leader series, as a vital bridge between students and the wider innovation ecosystem. 
 
Their messages perfectly framed the afternoon's keynote by Mr Huang, a seasoned deep-tech entrepreneur who has founded and scaled companies from Silicon Valley to Singapore and Hong Kong. Drawing on his journey, including leadership roles at major tech firms, founding a NASDAQ-listed company, and holding multiple AI and blockchain patents, he provided practical, unfiltered insights into the realities of entrepreneurship. These included navigating innovation processes, leadership challenges, investor expectations, and the complexities of building sustainable ventures.  

Mr Huang described how the Hong Kong start-up ecosystem compares favourably to others in Asia, with friendlier regulations and growing investment momentum, yet reminded students that even great ideas can falter without strategic clarity and resilience. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs was clear: success is not built on perfection, but on persistence, purpose, and the courage to get uncomfortable. 
 
The momentum carried into a fireside chat, moderated by Dr Holly Chung, Associate Director of CIE. The panel welcomed voices from both academic and student communities to explore how academic experience and industry insight can shape meaningful entrepreneurial education. 
Professor Daniel Mo, Associate Dean (Engagement and Undergraduate Studies) of SDSC and Executive Committee Member of CIE, shared how his industry background informed the design of SDSC's Master of Science in Digital Innovation and Technology Management, structured around the principles of "three I's": Improvement, Integration, and Information. His approach emphasised bridging classroom learning with evolving digital demands. 

Ir Dr George Ho, Associate Professor and Programme Director of BBA in Supply Chain Management, SDSC, provided candid insight into the start-up investment landscape. Moving beyond a purely academic lens, he described what investors today are really looking for: start-up ideas with clear market potential, scalable impact, and grounded business viability, not just intellectual outcomes. 

Student panelists Mr David Ho, postgraduate in SDSC, and Mr Isaac Li, undergraduate in SDSC, brought fresh perspectives. They discussed how they're integrating AI into their learning and side projects, and the importance of starting small to create momentum. Their stories illustrated resilience and curiosity fueling student entrepreneurship across disciplines. 

The event concluded with closing remarks from Professor Chan Wai Sum, Dean of SDSC, who praised the cross-faculty collaboration and urged students to embrace uncertainty as part of innovation. He encouraged them to approach real-world challenges with bold thinking and interdisciplinary spirit. 

With dynamic, real-world perspectives from faculty, students, and an internationally seasoned founder, the event marked a powerful launch to the 2026 Start-up Explorer Series and a timely lead-up to the HSUHK Entrepreneurship Challenge.