13-10-19
I wrote on creativity. Technology is about creativity.
Technology in Hong Kong means the discovery of new scientific knowledge which will bring the new results of methods, systems and devices. They can be used for practical purposes to drive our economic growth and give hopes to the youth.
Stanley Zheng is a renowned expert in IT (Information Technology). More than 20 years ago, he left City University of Hong Kong with a Master’s Degree. He is well respected for his expertise in ‘open source’ project designs. He has participated in many open source projects such as Linux, OpenStack, Docker and Ceph. He is actively involved in blockchain technology development and research in Asia.
I asked him, “Why did you decide to study IT in the 90s?” Stanley grinned, “Like most people, I want success. Unlike most people, I believe in future. When I was young, computers were only an emerging thing. I correctly predicted: computers would become a necessity. Instead of using paper and telephone calls, we now use computers to store, transmit, retrieve and manipulate data or communicate. No man or business on earth can survive these days without a smartphone, computer or the Internet! Looking back, work in IT gave me a fast and great pass to the future world. I don’t work for the present human needs. I calculate and plan for the future. How exciting it is!”
I laughed, “You were clever!” Stanley nodded, “Because of my decision, I could easily find a freelance job as an IT student. In 2002, I could also build my first business which was an online shop.”
I asked, “At this point of time, how do you predict the future?” Stanley said, “Wealth will come from the digital assets, no longer merely physical assets and activities. The world will be a fairer place as things will be transparent. Due to the trends of a ‘sharing economy’ which is made possible by IT, quality of life will improve when more people can enjoy more with less money. Unfortunately, for those who are IT ignorant or indifferent, they will be discarded when they refuse to change with the times!”
I felt sad as I was IT ignorant. So, I spoke of other things, “How does one succeed in an IT startup?” Stanley was adamant, “Find the right business applying the right technology. You must be able to provide a solution that people really need or desire in actuality. Find the right partners or teammates who are creative, dedicated and diligent. Find the right capital provider who does not see your startup only as a tool to make fast money. He must have faith in the unique value of the product or service that you will create.”
I sighed, “I heard many startups would meet their doom in one way or another?” Stanley agreed, “I travelled a lot to Silicon Valley. Most people failed more than 3 times. I was amazed to see them still being confident and positive. They were not defeated at all. In Asia, we are educated to succeed. We are not trained to accept failures. Our kids must be told that a failure is not a mistake. It may simply be the best result under the circumstances which are not totally foreseeable. The real mistake is to stop trying.”
I challenged Stanley deliberately, “Isn’t Hong Kong a market too small?” He disagreed, “The problem with a small market is that the demand is low. Yes, we have only 7 million people. Do not forget the expenses such as marketing will also be low. It is however easier, in terms of legal and other constraints, to test for a bigger market. Let me give you an example: biochemistry is the study of chemical processes and reactions to living organisms. Researches can be done in Hong Kong but the target market will be the Chinese Mainland. We should not only focus on problems.”
I was overwhelmed by the compelling aura around Stanley Zheng, the IT leader in Hong Kong. Attitude is a choice and so is optimism. We should not be pushed around by fears. If you fail, dwell on the beauty of life. Smell the morning dew and watch the midnight stars. Feeling good? Of course yes—because you know you are still alive and can try again!
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