Asia’s biggest startup event is finally upon us. More than 5,000 attendees have descended into Hong Kong, ready to do some ‘legendary networking’, engage in bit of startup matchmaking, and enjoy a couple of not-so-tame nights out in LKF. One person who understands our RISE Week jitters all too well is Jimmy McGann, the Global Partnership Representative forWeb Summit– the organisation that produces theRISE Conference. He’s been based at QRC Garage for two months, and we’ve since had the opportunity to get to know the man, and the many idiosyncrasies of someone who grew up in Dublin but loves to surf, and will go from rugby practice to a meditation session. His eclectic experiences and interests goes back to his student days at University College Dublin, where his holidays were spent travelling and working in Vancouver, Atlanta, and all across Southeast Asia, just to name a few. It was during one of these trips that he met a friend who would eventually offer him a marketing position in San Diego. Having graduated around the time of the global financial crisis, which left few opportunities in Dublin, he made the move out to the Golden State and soon discovered being an Irishman in America is a pretty sweet combination. The surfing, scuba diving in Mexico, and skipping a couple of rungs in the career ladder didn’t hurt either. In post-recession 2012, with more foreign investment coming into Western Europe, he moved to the UK to work for an American marketing agency in London. One year and one LinkedIn message later, he was boarding one-way flight to Hong Kong. Similar to every other time he’s relocated to a city on the other side of the world, it was an audacious spirit that was the main motivation behind his decision to accept his current position last September. This time, it would be a city he describes as having “the opportunity to distinguish itself as a major tech hub in the world.” Jimmy sees Hong Kong as the bridge between Chinese and Western technology, a city characterised by the distinctive yet harmonious presence of these two cultures and its approach to business practices. It’s this attitude that gives the local startup community the edge, or globalised system, to fulfill its potential tech hub status.“Compared to London, [Hong Kong] is a lot more approachable. Everyone’s very open to meeting new people, even if someone who just reached out to you on LinkedIn. This would never happen in London; they wouldn’t even respond. This is great for someone who just moved here for business.” The second reason for his move relates to an abiding personal aspiration, of which the position’s immersion and exposure to innovation and technology would be invaluable. He hopes to one-day tackle the issue of depression and anxiety among young people, an ambition that’s influenced by health professionals in his family. Technological innovation is a double-edged sword in this case; while it has facilitated the growth of every industry to impact our lives in a positive way, scientists also align its rise to the alarming prevalence of depression and anxiety among young people. “Technology is the problem, so it has to be the solution. There needs to be a connection.” Will this aspiration manifest in a non-profit venture of its own? Only time will tell. For the time being, he’s enjoying life in Hong Kong; being new to a place is nothing new, andGarage Societyhas helped with the transition. Even though he hasn’t had a proper weekend in the two months leading up to the conference, he’s quickly become an active member in the community. But mornings are no-talking and all-email because, well, we’re not all morning people.
Hong Kong has become a powerhouse for startups with a mission, fostering innovation that tackles urgent social and environmental issues. This vibrant city offers a unique ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs in building impactful businesses while providing access to vital government resources and funding.
With over a decade in Hong Kong's bustling coworking scene, I've witnessed firsthand the remarkable rise of shared office spaces in the city.
These dynamic spaces have revolutionised the way we work, offering a perfect blend of flexibility, community, and professional amenities.
According to a recent study by Coworking Resources, the number of coworking spaces worldwide is projected to reach a staggering 41,975 this year, marking a significant 42% increase from 2019 to 2024.
The appeal of coworking spaces is undeniable. They provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional offices, foster networking opportunities, and offer a vibrant atmosphere that can spark creativity and innovation.
However, with the myriad of distractions and the constant buzz of activity, maintaining productivity in these shared environments can be challenging.
So whether you're a freelancer, a remote worker, or part of a growing startup, these tips and tricks will help you harness the full potential of your coworking experience while keeping your productivity at its peak.
Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and popular dining hotspots around Garage Society Sai Ying Pun. Whether you're a local in search of new lunchtime favorites or a visitor craving a taste of the vibrant dining scene, this guide is your ticket to culinary delight.
From quick bites to leisurely lunches, Sai Ying Pun has it all, and we're here to guide you through the flavors that await. Get ready to recharge and refuel at the lunch spots that call Sai Ying Pun home