Two successful entrepreneurs set out to inspire the younger generation by sharing their experiences in personal growth and career development as well as their insightful views on life in general at book launches and seminars organised by the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) Press.

Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, and Dr Allen Shi Lop-tak, President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA), hosted the seminars at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19 and 21 July, respectively. They thanked CityU Press for the publishing opportunities.

Mr Lester Garson Huang, CityU Council Chairman, and Professor Lee Chun-sing, CityU Provost and Deputy President, showed their support for Dr Chai and Dr Shi, who are both CityU Honorary Fellows and Court Members, by attending the seminars.

Known as the “King of Scales”, Dr Chai said that another English word for “scales” was “balance”. It was his principle to strike a balance between his family, career and public service. After graduation, he found the need to balance traditional management models and new technology when he took over his father’s business. During his talk, he said he hoped his experience could inspire young people.

Dr Shi established a successful printing enterprise thanks to his strenuous efforts and the spirit of innovation. He encouraged young people to be prepared for joining the workforce, stressing the importance of keeping up with the times and being flexible and innovative in our ever-changing world. He said he relied on the spirit of innovation when he encountered problems in setting up his company, managing his business and dealing with CMA matters.

An example of his innovative spirit was his recent initiative to promote better communication by chatting with leaders from different sectors on an online programme “Talk to Tak” that he hosted.

CityU Press launched new titles depicting distinguished individuals with close relationships with CityU in the “CityU Mastermind Series” and the “CityU Legacy Series” at the 33rd Hong Kong Book Fair. Through interviews with successful leaders, the first series describes how they worked hard for success and made contributions to society. Books in the series include Sunny Chai: Managing Balance and Allen Shi: The Uncommon Journey.

The second series paints portraits of CityU’s renowned scholars, analysing the connections of their academic work and achievements with the local community and the world. Zhang Longxi: Walking Alone Among The Classics, one of the titles in the series, explores the unique life experiences and academic achievements of Professor Zhang Longxi, former Chair Professor of Comparative Literature and Translation at CityU, through personal interviews.