Peter Yan, CEO of Hong Kong’s Cyberport, on how the city can cultivate a spirit of innovation
Talking Points is a semi-regular series where we highlight some of the key topics discussed at a Generation T keynote, fireside chat or panel discussion.
Cyberport, a government-owned business park and tech hub in Hong Kong, has a remit to nurture the city’s tech ecosystem by cultivating talent, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting startups.
Launched in 2004, the organisation now supports more than 1,600 startups, facilitating startup growth across industries, with a focus on fintech, smart living and digital entertainment.
Cyberport CEO Peter Yan has pledged to prioritise talent development, saying on his appointment in 2018: “We ought to nurture our youth and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills, not only to enrich the talent pool for the industry but also to create more opportunities for the young generation through digital innovation.”
In the last year, under Yan’s stewardship Cyberport has launched two landmark initiatives in the area: iTalent, an integrated talent acquisition platform, and Digital Tech Recruits, a talent cultivation programme that provides tech-related work placements through Cyberport community companies.
Tamara Lamunière, regional managing director of Generation T, spoke with Yan about technology, talent and building a culture of innovation at KPMG’s Connected Cities Conference, part of the StartmeupHK Festival. Here are a few highlights from that conversation.