In the afternoon, the second TatCat session focused on the future of humans, particularly ideas and trends in AI, cybersecurity and money. It featured individual discussions with tech entrepreneurs Swanland.AI’s Jack Lau, K-ID’s Kieran Donovan and Hypha’s Ronnie Potel, moderated by Tatler’s Sean Fitzpatrick.

During his session, Lau described why AI can never fully replace the humanity needed in most interactions, while Donovan spoke about his work in improving child safety online by identifying young users and tailoring the experience for them. Potel discussed how he empowered himself to overturn outdated systems through blockchains and why finance can be democratised for all through DAOs (Decentralised Autonomous Organisations). 

The second sailing on the TatCat concluded with a networking format of a different kind—Gen.T honouree Vince Siu’s education startup Press Start Studios designed a game, where attendees connected and got to know each other through an interactive card game.

On land, Gen.T hosted three private sessions with some of Hong Kong’s top investors. The first took place at Sky Lounge at the The Upper House featuring moderated discussions by Gobi Partners, Undivided Ventures and MTR Lab.

The session kicked off with Gobi Partners’ Chibo Tang moderating a panel with the founders of two of his portfolio companies, Peggy Choi and Henson Tsai—both Gen.T honourees. They talked about the realities of being an entrepreneur, from starting a business to fundraising and scaling.

Read more: Hong Kongers want preventative healthcare and this Insurtech company is ready

Ariel Shtarkman and Matt Meyers of Undivided Ventures, an early-stage investor focused on transforming the built environment to address the most pressing sustainability issues, took the stage next to discuss their investment strategies, pitching tips for sustainability startups and the evolving narrative surrounding ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance).

The final segment was hosted by MTR Lab, with its managing director Michael Chan kicking off with an introduction of the innovation investment company’s purpose and vision. Two further panels followed that dived deeper into the company’s investment strategy, how it is bridging the startup-corporate gap and how startups should pitch to corporates like MTR.

Later in the afternoon, two investor sessions took place concurrently in different locations. The first was with Gaw Capital Partners at their global headquarters in Causeway Bay. The renowned private equity fund management company is one of the largest in Hong Kong. At this session, the company’s managing principal, head of capital markets and co-chair Christina Gaw gave insights on what it takes for entrepreneurs to be successful in today’s challenging business environment.

The third investor meet-up was hosted by Deerfield Partners, an enabler of new fund managers and entrepreneurs. The informal session took place inside the music studio and private office of the firm’s founder and partner Carey Cheung, complete with a drumset, private bar and walls lined with electric and classic guitars. The session kicked off with some icebreakers by emcee Ronald Tay, before presenters and advisors of Deerfield Partners David Kelso and Fabrice Braunrot discussed topics including the entrepreneurial mindset, practising gratitude and a framework for making decisions.

A third track of activities exclusively curated for guests of Standard Chartered Private Bank featured morning workshops on breathwork and communication at Ozone, The Ritz-Carlton. The former was hosted by Brian Lai, the experience taught its attendees to step out of their thoughts for a period to relax and forget about the pressures of life, while the latter was hosted by comedian Vivek Mahbubani, who shared with guests tips on how to start a conversation and grab people’s interest.  

Read more: Pico Iyer on the importance of taking a step back and where his new ideas come from

Lunch took place at Roganic, a Michelin-starred restaurant at Causeway Bay. There, guests indulged in an eight-course meal that embodied the restaurant’s focus on sustainability and sourcing locally. Dishes included preserved blackcurrants with 100 flower honey, ora king salmon served with parsley and buckwheat, and truffle pudding. 

Leaning on towards one of the city’s most recognisable districts, guests later attended a discussion and tour hosted by businessman Allan Zeman. Known as the man who revitalised Hong Kong’s nightlife district Lan Kwai Fong, guests gained insights from one of Hong Kong's most well-known developers and also visited several spaces he had helped to establish.

The final act of the Summit for Standard Chartered Private Bank’s guests was a beautiful sunset cruise, attended by special guests Escobar and YouTube co-founder Steve Chen. A networking event held aboard the Tatler Catamaran, this once-in-a-lifetime experience brought guests together to see the iconic Hong Kong skyline.

On November 11, Tatler Gen.T partnered with climate education startup V’air Hong Kong to arrange a half-day tour for international delegates.

The Hakka Village Mindfulness Eco Tour will take attendees on an immersive journey through Kuk Po Village. Known as one of the oldest of its kind, the village boasts cultural sites and breathtaking topography including the Yeung and Li ancestral halls and a view of Starling Inlet respectively.

Read more articles from the Tatler Gen.T Summit 2023 here.

The Tatler Gen.T Summit is sponsored by Standard Chartered Private Bank, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong and MTR Lab, organised in partnership with M+, Regent, Black Sheep and Cathay Pacific and supported by Brand Hong Kong, Hong Kong Tourism Board and InvestHK.

NOW READ

Juan Pablo Escobar, now Sebastián Marroquín, on living under the shadow of legacy

Chibo Tang and the unicorns share what drove them beyond the billion dollar milestone

Tech legends Steve Chen and Patrick Grove on regrets, survival and founder-market fit