Press Release

 (Hong Kong – 20 August 2026) How can we identify opportunities amid times of change? — The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) hosted a meaningful life experience sharing session today, featuring its Board Chairperson, Mr Paul TAI, who also serves as a regional leader of a multinational enterprise. In an engaging dialogue with over 100 gifted students, Mr TAI drew on his own hands-on experience during the pandemic, to share insights on entrepreneurship and the vision of a business leader. He also encouraged the students to embrace "Tech for Good" and apply their strengths to contribute to society. 

Turning Crisis into Opportunity: Entrepreneurship in Action

This talk, with the theme "Small Masks Big Impact", formed part of the Academy's "Trendy Academic Talk Series". The multinational group where Mr TAI serves operates across the whole world. Using face mask production during the pandemic as a case study, Mr TAI shared the challenges faced at the time, including supply chain disruptions, soaring transportation costs, and declining revenues.

He recounted how he helped stabilise the team and reposition the organisation's strategies. More importantly, he transformed the crisis into an opportunity, leading the development of internationally certified products and expanding the business into China and Europe, demonstrating the adaptability of traditional manufacturing. He noted that the products developed underwent rigorous internal testing and also received collaborative support from Hong Kong's professional institutes, research organisations, and industry pioneers. The products achieved rapid technological breakthroughs in a short period of time. Through joint efforts and contributions from all parties, the products were eventually adopted by the Hong Kong Olympic team and national Olympic teams at the Olympics on the international stage during the pandemic.

Through this authentic sharing, Mr TAI explained the key management principles and techniques such as crisis management, rapid decision-making, and expectation adjustment, offering students a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurs make decisions, drive transformation, collaborate with stakeholders, and uphold the core value of balancing commercial success with social responsibility- an invaluable lesson that brought profound inspiration to the gifted students.

Leadership for Good: Powered by Technology

The Student Q&A session drew enthusiastic participation and interaction, with students actively asking Mr TAI about the qualities of successful entrepreneurs. Mr TAI noted that outstanding leaders must think boldly and act decisively, while possessing strong communication skills, adaptability, and resilience. He encouraged students to cultivate these abilities early to prepare for future leadership roles. He also shared how reading, hiking, sports, and social activities help him maintain clarity of mind and emotional stability.

The discussion also explored digital education and AI development. Mr TAI pointed out that today's society has entered an era where human and artificial intelligence coexist. He believes that the leaders who drive social innovation or overcome difficult situations are often those with innovative thinking, interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, aesthetic sensibility, and a keen awareness of social responsibility. He encouraged students not only to make good use of new technologies like AI, but also to approach them with a prudent and responsible attitude, balancing practical considerations with ethical responsibilities, and to give back to society through the principle of "Tech for Good." This vision aligns with the digital education objectives outlined in the Digital Education Blueprint for Primary and Secondary Schools, which the Education Bureau has been actively championing.

Through this "Trendy Academic Talk Series – New Generation Business Administration”, the Academy hopes that students will grasp the essential elements of entrepreneurship and the critical pathways to business growth, while also drawing inspiration from Mr TAI's personal journey and reflecting on how they can contribute to the communities.

-End-