17 April 2024

HSUHK’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and the Institution of Dining Art Foundation (IDAF)’s joint event, the “Food and Beverage Young Entrepreneurship Competition Awards Presentation Ceremony” was held on 17 April 2024. The competition aims to provide start-up opportunities for young people who are passionate about the food and beverage (F&B) industry in Hong Kong and offers them a stepping stone to pursue their business ideas and career.

The competition’s grand winner, “Time to Gold”, was won by its social innovation concepts and inheriting traditional pastry culture idea. The Merit Award winner “Steamy Bliss” conceived the concept of a family restaurant by focusing on light and healthy dishes, and emphasising a high-quality dining experience.

In his opening remarks, Professor Simon S M Ho, President of HSUHK, said “The competition enabled young talent in the F&B industry to realise their start-up dreams and inject innovative ideas. It also provides valuable learning opportunities for young people to use their creativity and demonstrate their talent. The participants were able to conceive entrepreneurial direction and gain a deeper understanding of the operations and business opportunities in the F&B industry. I am pleased to see how they unleashed their potential through the competition.”

Mr Maurice Kong, Chairman of Institute of Dining Professionals, expressed his gratitude for the support from CIE, HSUHK, and the esteemed stakeholders, saying “For executing the Food and Beverage Young Entrepreneurship Programmes, including fundraising, Kam Ping Street shop leasing arrangements, interior decoration, catering licenses, opening bank accounts, mentor consultation, and competition issues etc., we have received support from different industries in our society. We hope that everyone will continue to support the development of Hong Kong’s F&B realm.”

Mr Wong Kam-po, Olympian Hong Kong racing cyclist athlete and Asian Games winner, said “I am thrilled to celebrate the joy and excitement with the winners of the competition. As a budding entrepreneur in the cycling industry, start-ups needs persistence, enthusiasm and maintaining pace with the times. I look forward to seeing their achievements and wish them every success.”

Mr Steven Ma, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Broadcast, also congratulated and encouraged the winners, saying “You have to cherish opportunities. No matter whether you experience success or failure on your entrepreneurial journey, it will make you stronger. I hope that the winning teams can exert their teamwork spirit, collaborate, encourage each other on their entrepreneurial journeys, and contribute to the F&B industry in the future.”

The four finalist teams shared their passion for the F&B industry, as well as their journey in the making of the proposal. The winning teams of the competition are:

The Grand Winner: Time to Gold

The Merit Winner: Steamy Bliss

For more information about the event, please visit the following websites:

https://www.ida.org.hk/

https://cie.hsu.edu.hk/