The BUddy Post – HKBU Alumni Affairs Office

After graduating from Beijing Normal – Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU), alumnus Lucas Liu Yang (BNBU – Government and International Relations) built his career in the automotive sector, holding roles in corporate strategy, brand management, and communications. His experience also extends to financial journalism, giving him a broad business perspective. Now serving as Global Brand Manager at Zhuoyu Technology Co., Ltd. (ZYT) in Shenzhen, a company specialising in the development of mobile robotics and artificial intelligence technologies, alumnus Liu is primarily responsible for public relations and brand communications, while also supporting the company’s international business development.

Lucas’s experiences in Guangzhou and Shenzhen have highlighted the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and lifelong learning. He sees the Greater Bay Area (GBA), especially Shenzhen, as a vibrant hub where innovation, talent, and ambition create exciting prospects for young professionals.

1. Looking back, how did BNBU’s environment prepare you for the global business world, and how did your experience as a student club leader shape your development?

During my studies at BNBU, I was influenced by the cultivation of curiosity about the world. As a Government and International Relations major, I was impressed by BNBU’s diversity and inclusiveness. Professors from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Europe, the US, and Africa brought a wide array of academic perspectives. For example, American professors emphasised energy’s role in geopolitics; Italians focused on small and medium-sized economies and cultural exchange; Hong Kong professors offered distinctive insights in political science. These varied perspectives encouraged me to view the world from different angles and sparked my passion for exploration.

My involvement in student organisations was equally impactful. Before my admission, I learned about a BNBU student group that raised funds to build a Hope Primary School in Guizhou. Inspired by their mission, I joined the group after arriving on campus. In my first two years, I helped organise activities both on and off campus—partnering with a national child protection organisation to promote safety education in Zhuhai schools (covering anti-abduction and the prevention of sexual harassment), hosting seminars, organising campus dance parties, and developing relevant media platforms.

Balancing academics while managing a student group of nearly 100 members was challenging but transformative. This experience developed my project management, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Over a decade later, it’s rewarding to see the group continue positively impacting new students, bringing me a great sense of fulfilment.

2. Having worked in both Shenzhen and Guangzhou, which city suits you more and what advice do you have for young alumni considering pursuing career in the GBA?

Shenzhen and Guangzhou are distinctly different. As a native of Guangzhou, it is a city with over two thousand years of commercial history, renowned for its cuisine, culture, and vital role as a gateway for China’s foreign trade and international exchange. Top multinationals like Procter & Gamble, Toyota, and AstraZeneca have a presence here, and the city buzzes with global energy. Years spent here nurtured my interest in, and sense of responsibility for, globalisation and supporting Chinese enterprises “going global.”

In contrast, Shenzhen is widely recognised as a modern technology hub defined by innovation and a forward-looking spirit. Nanshan’s Liuxiandong area, where my company is based, is home to many top Chinese tech firms. Shenzhen exemplifies the capacity for rapid innovation and continuous breakthroughs, while embodying a forward-looking spirit and a willingness to explore new possibilities.

Currently, I commute between Guangzhou and other GBA cities for work. Though travel can be time-consuming, it allows me to balance family life with my passion for supporting the international expansion of tech businesses. The GBA’s highly developed transportation network also enables me to travel to Hong Kong on weekends to spend time with my family. This multi-city lifestyle has given me a strong appreciation of the unique sense of connection and belonging shared by people across the GBA.

To fellow alumni pursuing careers in the GBA, my advice is to focus on what truly interests you. Every city here has its unique strengths. It’s only with passion that you can sustain your long-term career growth. If you thrive on hard technology, AI, smart devices, and a fast-paced culture, Shenzhen may be best. If you prefer commerce, consumer goods, healthcare, automotive, or a more relaxed lifestyle, Guangzhou is a great fit.

The GBA’s real strength lies in integrating resources across cities. You need not limit your career development to a single city—make good use of the convenient transportation. Most importantly, focus on building distinctive professional expertise and strong networks and seeking work-life balance. Allow yourself room to learn, adapt, and grow through challenges along the way.

3. As Shenzhen is recognised for deep-tech and entrepreneurship, how has the city supported your career development? How do you maintain your edge in such a fast-paced market?

Shenzhen’s distinctive qualities lie in its innovation and inclusiveness. The city draws talent from across the Chinese Mainland and beyond, offers a sophisticated supply chain, and has an advanced industrial ecosystem. Here, business models, technologies, and products evolve rapidly amid fierce global competition. For anyone wanting to be on the cutting edge of tech, Shenzhen is the place.

Since graduating from BNBU in 2016, I have worked in corporate strategy, brand marketing, financial media, and now, the international expansion of Chinese tech companies. These roles exposed me to diverse projects and industries and taught me to adapt swiftly to new environments. My financial journalism experience, for instance, kept me in touch with current events and market trends, and sharpened my skills in information gathering, analysis, and communication. Even today, I sometimes write opinion columns, maintaining critical thinking and a habit of continuous learning—and sometimes, these open new doors.

My core competitive strengths are my ability to learn and solve problems in rapidly changing environments, and my curiosity and drive to understand global developments and future trends. These qualities push me to keep embracing new ideas, challenges, and growth opportunities.