On 9 November 2024, the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association (OPAA), in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute (SZRI), successfully hosted a visit to Shenzhen. The event was organised under the leadership of Ir Dr Samson Tam Wai-ho, JP, OPAA President, with invaluable support from Dr Miranda Lou, MH, Executive Vice President of PolyU, and Ms Maggie Chen, Assistant Director of SZRI.
Led by Dr Tam, OPAA members, along with Dr Lou and representatives from the Alumni Affairs Office of PolyU, departed from the University’s main campus in Hong Kong and first arrived at SZRI. Through a tour of the institute's facilities, the delegation gained a deeper understanding of SZRI’s role as an extension of PolyU in Shenzhen, exploring the latest advancements in research and the various support it offers for youth entrepreneurship in the Greater Bay Area.
Next, the Hong Kong delegation, together with Shenzhen alumni representatives, visited the Z·Pilot Flagship Store located in the historic Nantou Ancient Town. Everyone expressed great interest in the latest trending tech gadgets on display and thoroughly enjoyed trying out the new products.
The group also visited the headquarters of EcoFlow, a company founded by Dr Bruce Wang Lei, a recipient of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2022. EcoFlow is a rising unicorn, with its products winning multiple awards both domestically and internationally. During the visit, the staff shared insights into EcoFlow's development and its latest breakthroughs in outdoor power supplies and portable energy storage products, impressing everyone present.
After a rewarding day of activities, Dr Tam invited several leaders of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Pearl River Delta Alumni Network, including founding President Mr Wan Feng, Honorary President Ms Janet Chen Lijuan, and current President Mr Li Haijian, to join the delegation for dinner. During the gathering, alumni from different generations and sectors actively discussed the opportunities and challenges in the Greater Bay Area, engaging in lively exchanges. Both alumni associations discussed deepening relationships and identifying ways to support start-ups and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through united efforts, PolyU alumni can make a stronger impact in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond. Amidst laughter and camaraderie, the trip ended on a high note, with everyone returning home inspired by the connections made and the knowledge gained.
