Integrating into the Greater Bay Area: an entrepreneurial story of a HKer as a 'Super Connector'

"My role is actually to be a 'Super Connector' between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland," Winson Kwok, a 31-year-old Hong Kong entrepreneur, explained during an interview with People's Daily Online in Shenzhen on Wednesday, sharing his entrepreneurial story in the Chinese mainland. Kwok advocated more Hong Kong youths to explore their dreams beyond Hong Kong.

As a Hong Kong local, Winson Kwok is no stranger to the Chinese mainland. At the age of 27, he co-founded Corporate Hub in Hong Kong, a consultancy firm focusing on company formation, company secretary, accounting, tax and advisory services. However, his footsteps are not limited to his hometown. Three years ago, he joined Shenzhen GJS Technology Co., LTD., a high-tech enterprise specializing in R&D, producing and promoting consumer battle robots and gaming robots, as Hong Kong Affairs Officer, offering information and support for the Shenzhen-based company to adapt to the global market.

Winson Kwok (L) and the founder of GJS, Jason Zhao (R). (Photo/Provided by Winson Kwok)

In his words, his role is actually to be a "Super Connector," bridging the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world, which is also the position that Hong Kong aims to be on a global level.

Dreams grow with "Shenzhen speed" 

For Winson, Shenzhen is a promising city that can help him realize his dreams and explore more opportunities beyond Hong Kong. As part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen's unique position and preferential policies have made it more attractive for Winson, as well as other Hong Kong youths.

"When I arrived, Shenzhen arranged a house for me under the 'talent house support' policy. Besides, the tax I pay here is lower than that of Shenzhen residents. In fact, the Central Government strongly supports Hong Kong people doing business in the Chinese mainland," Winson told People's Daily Online.

Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub (Photo/People’s Daily Online)

Having worked in Shenzhen for three years, Winson has witnessed the rapid progress of the city. His working place, Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub, or E-Hub, is an example. "I can see the continuous upgrading of facilities here. The toilets are renovated every half year. This is the epitome of the speed of Shenzhen," Winson said. "Shenzhen boasts many excellent facilities to help make your dreams come true."

E-Hub has become home to 388 entrepreneurial teams since its official opening in December 2014, nearly half of whom are from Hong Kong, becoming a launchpad for young entrepreneurs who wish to explore more opportunities. 

"Don't just stay in Hong Kong"

As violent protests continue to rock Hong Kong, Winson also expressed his concern over the current riots in the region and voiced his hope for a stable and prosperous Hong Kong.

"I hope that even if you are dissatisfied with current society, you choose to express yourselves peacefully," said Winson. "Let's give full play to the functions of each city, and make joint efforts to boost the development of the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong."

According to Winson, there is still a section of young Hongkongers who have never been to the Chinese mainland, which results in their ignorance, or misunderstanding, towards the mainland. 

In 2018, Winson attended a short-term program in the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing. (Photo/Provided by Winson Kwok)

Last year, Winson attended a short-term program in the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing, which impressed him with high-quality educational resources. In his eyes, Hong Kong youths need to go out and see what the mainland is like, and studying in the mainland can be an excellent opportunity to do so.

"I would encourage college students in Hong Kong to study in the Chinese mainland in their first or second year of university, with the credits counting towards their degree. This can be a good use of their time, and also gives them a chance to build up a friendship with students in the Chinese mainland," said Winson, adding that this kind of communication is an effective way to enhance the mutual understanding between young people from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.

"Don't just stay in Hong Kong," Winson advised. "Go out and look at the problems facing young people in other cities and countries. Then, you may see that young Hongkongers face fewer challenges. At the same time, look at the level of government support for young people elsewhere, then you may see that, whether it be the Chinese mainland or Hong Kong, both are doing well compared to other places."

"Hong Kong, is really a great place," he added.