On 24 August 2026, “Living x Innovation: Alumni Entrepreneurs Talk”, the first thematic talk of “PolyU Alumni Week”, was held in hybrid format at the Senate Room on campus and online, attracting more than 100 participants.
Prof. Cheung Leong, Vice President (Administration and Development) of PolyU, attended the event in person. He welcomed all participants and shared the University’s latest achievements, encouraging alumni to actively exchange ideas and apply what they learned to their entrepreneurial endeavours.
Themed around clothing, food, living and mobility, the event featured the experiences of four alumni entrepreneurs in building their ventures. Prof. Joanne Yip, Associate Dean and Professor of PolyU’s School of Fashion and Textiles, spoke about her decade-long commitment to developing wearable technology to improve the treatment of adolescent scoliosis, as well as the fulfilment she has found in translating research into practical applications that benefit patients. Mr Zhang Quan, Founder and CEO of Twelve Flavors, recounted how his entrepreneurial journey grew out of his passion; apart from identifying trends and market needs to expand his business, he has also led his team in strengthening its innovation and operational capabilities for long-term development. Dr Abraham Lam Hang-yat, Director of MEGA Automation Limited, discussed how he uses property technology to address everyday challenges; with support from PolyU, his smart building system has gained recognition from the industry and the community, enabling the business to expand into the Greater Bay Area. Dr Jason Cheung Tak-man, Principal Research Fellow of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology of PolyU, reflected that his path to innovation began with his interest and has been sustained by perseverance; the sports technology products developed by his team enhance the performance of elite athletes while promoting foot health among the general public.
The panel discussion was moderated by Ms Yvonne Li, Director of Alumni Affairs of PolyU. The four speakers’ sharing inspired participants, who raised questions on a range of topics, including overcoming adversity, securing new funding, formulating sales strategies, and developing leadership. The discussion also highlighted the importance of business models, effective division of labour, self-management, and adaptability to change. After the event, many alumni stayed behind to continue the discussion and visit the showcase presented by the speakers, where they experienced the innovations first-hand and gained further insights.
