Friday Beyond Spotlights - Dr Sunny Chai, the man behind and beyond the spotlights

Friday Beyond Spotlights is an all-new and all-star English talk show aired every Friday at 8:30 pm on Hong Kong International Business Channel (#76). The light-hearted and informative programme, hosted by Mr Patrick Tsang On-yip and Mr Nick Chan Hiu-fung, invites leading minds and game changers in Hong Kong to share their views and insights on topical issues, and their experience in grasping opportunities and tackling challenges.

The sixth episode, hosted by Mr Chan, features Dr Sunny Chai, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP). He sheds light on the unparalleled strengths of Hong Kong at the centre of Industry 4.0 and recalls some of the most memorable moments in his career as an industrialist.

At the heart of Industry 4.0

Hong Kong, according to Chai, is primed to be at the forefront of Industry 4.0, leading the development of advanced manufacturing processes and high value-added industries based on innovative technologies. “Our internationally acclaimed legal and professional services, as well as our robust Intellectual Property (IP) system, provide an outstanding environment for business operations and innovation,” he explains. “We also nurture high-calibre talents through our world-class universities, five of which are ranked in the global top 100.”

The city’s position at the heart of Industry 4.0 is further bolstered by strong government support. “The 14th Five-Year Plan issued by the Central government has given Hong Kong a clear direction for its development into an international Innovation and Technology (I&T) hub,” states Chai. The Hong Kong government has also reinforced its financial support for I&T to the tune of HK$130 billion over the last four years, which includes establishing two InnoHK research clusters to facilitate global research collaboration.

At the same time, local organisations play a key role in promoting industrialisation in Hong Kong. “To help businesses overcome high rental costs, HKSTP has been renting out multi-storey buildings specifically designed for advanced manufacturing at economic rates,” he points out. “FHKI, one of the leading chambers of commerce and the only statutory association in Hong Kong, also provides support for 32 industry groups, including electronics, trade, and professional services.”

From research to industry

With the advent of Industry 4.0, Chai emphasises the importance of fostering a close relationship between the Research & Development (R&D) sector and the manufacturing sector. “In the past, we mainly focused on R&D and the commercialisation of R&D projects. Yet the issue of manufacturing, which is a crucial stage in commercialisation, was often overlooked. Manufacturers and industrial experts play an indispensable role in developing prototypes and reengineering products for the commercial market,” he explains. Through his dual positions as the chairman of HKSTP and FHKI, Chai endeavours to bridge the gap between research and industry, allowing Hong Kong industries to better harness innovation for advanced manufacturing.

Chai notes that Hong Kong is particularly well-placed to accelerate the transfer and application of research to industry. Due to the city’s proximity to Mainland China, businesses can easily set up operations in the Mainland to commercialise innovations at lower direct costs. Industries such as electronics or electrical appliances can also leverage the country’s large and well-established factories for manufacturing cutting-edge products. Combined with China’s ‘dual circulation’ strategy, businesses will be able to tap into the country’s large domestic market, further capitalising on the commercialisation and application of R&D results.

The importance of commitment

Reflecting on his career as an industrialist, Chai believes that commitment is key to success in the profession. “There are a lot of trial and errors involved in R&D. One must be determined to make a change and persist in trying regardless of setbacks or failures,” he emphasises. “Commitment is precisely why many industrialists in Hong Kong have become number one manufacturers in their area in the world. “

Indeed, Chai’s personal commitment to innovation has propelled his career and his company to new heights. 21 years ago, he created the first connected scale in the world, which became the forerunner of today’s Internet of Things (IoT) scales. Using the same DragonBall CPU, his scale enabled the transfer of data, such as weight and body fat, via an infrared device to a personal digital assistant (PDA). On top of producing consumer scales, he also extended his novel weight monitoring technology to medical, industrial, and automotive use. Through such dedication to technological transformation, Chai successfully developed his company from a small family business to a leading global scale manufacturer, earning him the title ‘King of Scale’.

Devotion to public service

Aside from his manufacturing business, Chai is also committed to promoting innovation and technology development in Hong Kong. His dedication to public service began in 2004 when he received the Young Industrialist Award of Hong Kong. “When I applied for the award, I made promise to myself and the judging panel that I would commit to serve the public and the industry,” he states.

Since then, Chai has been serving in various industry committees and government bodies, including the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. In 2006, he became one of the youngest board members at the Board of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI). Today, Chai is living his dream job as Chairman of FHKI, where he can combine his lifelong passion for industry with his heart for public service.

To watch the video, visit Friday Everyday YouTube Channel – Friday Beyond Spotlights Ep.6 l Sunny Chai.
Part 1: https://youtu.be/tyXs4W0abwI
Part 2: https://youtu.be/WB3JjDbwOMo