Entrepreneurs from City University of Hong Kong alumni have made significant contributions to innovation and economic growth in Asia and beyond. City University of Hong Kong’s dynamic curriculum, which emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and real-world applications, has nurtured a new generation of leaders who are driving advancements in sectors like construction, technology, sustainable development, and more. Alumni entrepreneurs are active across various fields, including construction tech startups that are transforming traditional building methods and improving efficiency and sustainability. Their success exemplifies City University of Hong Kong’s commitment to entrepreneurship, contributing to job creation, societal development, and a more sustainable infrastructure. These alumni also serve as role models, inspiring future students to embrace entrepreneurial pursuits and play a vital role in the global economy.
Huang Pan, Co-Founder of QICKGENERATE, is one such accomplished leader whose experience at the City University of Hong Kong paved the way for his entrepreneurial success. His journey began in junior year when he joined the ACM programming contest team, diving deep into algorithm design, which sharpened his analytical and problem-solving skills. As a student ambassador, he organized outreach events, gaining invaluable communication and leadership abilities. A transformative internship with IBM Global Business Services exposed him to professional consulting, where he worked with Cathay Pacific, one of Asia’s top airlines. In his final year, City University of Hong Kong’s Apps Lab, led by a dynamic Professor, allowed Huang to collaborate with companies, ultimately inspiring him to co-found Quick Generate alongside university colleagues.
QICKGENERATE is an innovative technology company dedicated to bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI solutions and real-world usability. Initially focused on the construction industry, the company has since expanded its reach into property management and other sectors, aiming to make advanced technology accessible to a wider audience. Unlike many tech firms that primarily serve top-tier clients, QICKGENERATE focuses on ensuring that even smaller businesses and individuals with limited resources can benefit from AI.
A core philosophy of the company is to simplify complex technologies, making them user-friendly and adaptable for all, including those with minimal technical knowledge. For example, in property management, QICKGENERATE has developed AI tools that can be easily used by older, less tech-savvy workers. Their mission is to democratize technology, ensuring that innovation serves society at all levels, rather than just the technologically advanced few.
“The construction technology market is rapidly evolving, driven by the demand for digital solutions such as real-time analytics, data visualization, and automation. From my perspective, key factors for growth include cost efficiency, safety, compliance, and ESG considerations. Despite construction being a traditionally low-labor industry, it faces significant safety concerns due to its high-risk nature. I believe that AI-driven safety monitoring systems will be a top priority moving forward. Additionally, exploring the application of blockchain technology can enhance transparency and address information gaps among developers, contractors, and subcontractors in the industry, particularly in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia”, emphasizes Huang Pan.
Journey of Excellence
Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, especially in the early stages, Huang Pan faced numerous obstacles. One significant challenge was gaining the trust of potential clients, as they were a new company with no established reputation or backing. To overcome this, Huang and his team adopted a strategic approach, meticulously proposing solutions and demonstrating their capabilities through key performance indicators (KPIs). Gradually, they built trust, allowing them to expand and scale their operations.
When transitioning from idea to execution, Huang credits his experience at IBM, particularly learning “design thinking.” This process involved defining the client’s problem, understanding the root causes, and proving their ability to solve it through prototyping and testing. Although there is rarely a perfect solution, Huang emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with clients, enabling the company to implement improvements, even in challenging industries with lower technological literacy, like construction. This adaptability allowed them to deploy solutions smoothly and efficiently.
When beginning his entrepreneurial journey, his understanding of technology significantly evolved from his university days. Although AI was not as prominent a decade ago, he was exposed to concepts like conservation and object recognition classification. These foundational ideas laid the groundwork for what would later develop into deep learning, emphasizing the potential for computers to surpass human decision-making capabilities. Over the years, he has expanded his focus beyond computer vision to include video graphics, audio processing, and linguistic models, particularly for handling complex documents in construction. By leveraging AI, he aims to streamline tasks that traditionally required multiple team approvals, significantly reducing processing time and enhancing overall efficiency.
As BIM solution provider, QICKGENERATE has partnered with a local property managment firm to enhance the governance and sustainability of 200 properties in Hong Kong under a government initiative. This collaboration demonstrates BIM’s transformative role in modernizing property management, improving transparency, and extending building lifespans. Looking ahead, the firm aims to expand services, advancing industry standards through innovative BIM technologies.
“I encourage students embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys to fully embrace the abundant learning resources available today. Growing up in Hong Kong, I’ve realized how fortunate we are to have access to modern technology; unlike a decade ago, when information was limited to platforms like Google, we now have tools like ChatGPT and YouTube that allow us to learn virtually anything online. I believe it’s crucial to develop the ability to learn independently and tackle challenges head-on rather than getting stuck. By leveraging these resources, students can continuously explore and grow, ultimately enhancing their entrepreneurial skills and value”, concludes Huang Pan.
Huang Pan, Co-Founder, QICKGENERATE
Huang Pan is a visionary entrepreneur and Co-Founder of QUICKGENERATE, specializing in innovative construction technology solutions. With a strong foundation in algorithm design and data analytics, he effectively bridges the gap between technology and daily life. Huang has extensive experience in utilizing AI for operational efficiency, compliance, and safety within the construction sector. His experience in project management, compliance, and automation allows him to enhance safety and efficiency in the construction sector. Huang is dedicated to empowering industries through innovative solutions that simplify complex processes and improve accessibility for all stakeholders.
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