The BUddy Post – HKBU Alumni Affairs Office

Alumna Angel Tam Lai-sze (AI and Digital Media) is a dynamic young entrepreneur and the founder and managing director of a renowned integrated marketing communications agency in Hong Kong. Her versatile career includes managing an event agency, operating a bridal shop, and founding an online store. Since 2014, Alumna Tam has expanded her business reach into the Greater Bay Area (GBA). In 2024, her company was honored with the “Home for Hong Kong and Macau Youth Employment” accolade by the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau of the Zhongshan Municipal Government. She was also awarded the Hong Kong Professional Elite Ladies Selection award and the GBA Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Award in 2019 and 2022, respectively. In 2024, she received a certificate of commendation from the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs and was an awardee of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award, earning widespread recognition for her accomplishments.

In additional to her entrepreneurial endeavours, alumna Tam is the founder and chairman of the Greater Bay Area Youth Development Association (Association), leveraging her expertise to contribute to society. The Association is dedicated to empowering the youth of Hong Kong and Macao by providing greater development opportunities within the GBA. Through training programmes, exchanges, learning experiences and internships brought by the Association, she aims to encourage proactive youth participation in the GBA, fostering their growth as citizens contributing to society.

1. The GBA is known for its integration of cities with varying strengths and identities. What challenges and opportunities have you encountered in managing businesses across the GBA?  Are there any personal lessons or philosophies that have guided your success?  

Since 2019, the Central Government has announced the “Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” leading to rapid development within the region. 2024 marks the fifth year since the announcement. According to statistical data disseminated by the National Bureau of Statistics of China in 2024, over these five years, the GBA, occupying less than 0.6% of the national land area, has contributed around 1/9 of the national GDP, showcasing enormous developmental potential within the region. Initially, I did not fully understand the purpose of building the GBA. However, after visiting cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Dongguan, Huizhou, and Zhaoqing, I witnessed the vibrant development opportunities within the region. Additionally, to align with the development of the GBA, I have come across diverse employment and entrepreneurship policies and benefits implemented in different cities. I believe that young entrepreneurs should not compare themselves with large corporations, but instead focus on grounded efforts, making good use of the support provided by national policies, and taking the brave step forward.

During my entrepreneurial journey, I have indeed faced challenges. How do I choose among the policies and resources available for entrepreneurs in different cities in the GBA? How should we position ourselves? Who can assist in solving problems when we facing difficulties? These are very practical concerns. In my case, our company specialises in cultural, tourism industries, technological innovation, and related fields, making cities like Zhongshan and Guangzhou ideal for our business model. Therefore, the first step for me is to determine our development direction. Then, based on practical needs such as personnel allocation, transport, language, lifestyle, and whether policy benefits align with our development direction, we should carefully consider all these factors before setting up business in the GBA.

With support from government policies, we quickly established a presence in Nansha and Zhongshan and successfully obtained subsidies from local government. In Zhongshan, we received subsidies for employment and entrepreneurship, personnel recruitment, transport, and housing. In 2024, my company was honoured with the title of “Home for Hong Kong and Macau Youth Employment” (港澳青年就業之家) by the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau of the Zhongshan Municipal Government. In 2025, serving as the organiser for the “Home for Hong Kong and Macau Youth Employment”, our company successfully organised the “2025 Zhongshan Municipal Career Fair for Hong Kong Universities” (2025年中山市香港高校綜合專場招聘會) which received high praise from various Zhongshan municipal government departments and enterprises.

Therefore, by setting clear goals and executing them with determination, unexpected rewards are sure to follow. However, the most important step is to bravely take the first leap.

2. With a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Media, how have you applied your academic knowledge to your entrepreneurial ventures and your work in the GBA? What role do you see AI and digital media play in shaping the future of public relations, marketing, and youth development in the GBA?

When HKBU launched its AI programme, I was torn between the paths of public relations and digital media. After consulting with Dr Vincent Huang, Research Assistant Professor of the School of Communication, I decided to pursue the master’s degree in AI and Digital Media, which has proven to be a rewarding learning experience. With no prior technological background, it was challenging for me to transition to a technology-heavy field like AI. However, the returns we are reaping now are tenfold the initial effort. With a growing emphasis on AI in Hong Kong, through this programme, I have learned to develop and operate AI-driven retail and wholesale systems and have received government funding to expand into Mainland China. The awards, policy subsidies, funding and the resources I have received during this period far outweigh what I initially invested.

AI has gradually integrated into our lives. Many public relations, new media, and business sectors face a common challenge: a shortage of specialised talent. AI can effectively address these issues. Instead of worrying about being replaced by AI, we should embrace and learn from AI by integrating it into our work and lives. For example, we can use AI to streamline operations, create new business models, enhance work efficiency, and consequently reduce startup costs. Moreover, from a business perspective, digital media enables us to instantly access market big data. Through AI analysis, we can precisely allocate resources and understand customer needs, thereby improving resource allocation and customer satisfaction.

3. As a founder of the Greater Bay Area Youth Development Association, you’ve been advocating for youth development in areas such as employment, entrepreneurship and innovation. What drove you to establish this NGO? How can young professionals and entrepreneurs best position themselves to thrive in the GBA’s evolving landscape?

The founding principle of the Greater Bay Area Youth Development Association stems from the belief in “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Our association initially started by a dozen like-minded young individuals engaged in innovative technology, it has grown from its humble beginnings to now over 500 members. Throughout the journey, we have encountered numerous doubts and misunderstandings, yet we have remained steadfast in our original intentions. At present, we have led over 1,000 Hong Kong youth to engage in learning, training, exchange visits, internships, and other activities in the GBA. We have also assisted more than 2,000 Hong Kong youth in understanding entrepreneurship incentives and employment subsidies offered by the Municipal Government in the GBA, providing guidance on the region’s development, lifestyle, and work opportunities.

For example, post-pandemic, some large shopping malls in Hong Kong introduced disinfection robots to enhance hygiene standards, a measure that had already been used in Mainland China as early as 2017. This shows the importance of seizing opportunities to understand the developments in Mainland China, engaging in cross-industry communication, broadening horizons and embracing new knowledge.  When this new knowledge aligns with practical needs, it can potentially evolve into new industries and opportunities, contributing to a brighter future for the region.

Young entrepreneurs must first understand and leverage their strengths, establish a positive self-image and personal brand. Personal branding is very crucial. One can start by positioning themselves positively, showcasing their expertise, and exceling in their field. It is important to avoid fixating on gains and losses. Instead, one should practise sharing and gratitude. Most importantly, believe in yourself, continuously enhance your problem-solving skills and persevere without giving up. I firmly believe in the power of “magnetic attraction”. When you radiate positive energy, you naturally attract talented individuals and valuable opportunities.