HK Tech 300: CityUHK Celebrates 10 Winning Startups from Southeast Asia

City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) held the Award Ceremony for its HK Tech 300 Southeast Asia Startup Competition (HK Tech 300 SEA Competition) on 27 June 2024. 

Ten startups from five countries across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong emerged victorious from over 100 teams, each receiving an Angel Fund investment of up to HK$1 million from CityUHK’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship program, HK Tech 300.

Initiated in Kuala Lumpur in May 2023, the HK Tech 300 SEA Competition aims to support Southeast Asian startups in expanding their businesses to Hong Kong and mainland China, assist Hong Kong startups in exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia, and attract overseas tech talent to Hong Kong. 

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Mr. Lester Garson Huang, CityUHK Council Chairman; and Professor Freddy Boey, CityUHK President, presided over the award ceremony. 

Mr. Chen Yulin, Director of the Department of Educational, Scientific, and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and Mr. Victor Hui, Acting Consul General of Singapore in the HKSAR, attended the event.

Professor Sun Dong emphasized Hong Kong’s position as a prime destination for global startups through the city’s collaborative efforts between government, industry, and academia to create a thriving innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. “Hong Kong is a golden opportunity for global startups to start or expand their business,” he said, acknowledging the role of HK Tech 300 in nurturing tech startups and talent in the region.

Mr. Lester Garson Huang congratulated the ten outstanding startups, noting the competition’s role in attracting inspiring innovations and young entrepreneurs. He reiterated CityUHK’s vision of cultivating talent and advancing I&T beyond boundaries. 

President Freddy Boey was delighted to see the winning startups utilizing CityUHK technology to advance their products and services. He pointed out that CityUHK is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and remains supporting inspirational, interactive, and innovative education.

The ten winning startups from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong specialize in advanced technology fields such as fintech, deep tech, biotech, health, ICT, and AI. 

These startups offer solutions for various industries, including digital healthcare, energy sustainability, green materials, digital assets, and real estate. In addition to angel funding, the awarded startups will receive extensive support, including professional services and business matching for potential co-investment opportunities within the HK Tech 300 ecosystem. They will also have access to CityUHK’s research achievements and intellectual property to further advance their technologies.

The HK Tech 300 SEA Competition was organized in collaboration with regional universities and incubators. This competition aids startups in entering the Hong Kong and mainland markets by leveraging the city’s unique advantages and resources. It also enhances the University’s technology transfer and commercialization efforts, fostering stronger connections between the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in Hong Kong and the region.

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