To further promote youth entrepreneurship and cross‑border exchange, the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Hang Seng University of Hong Kong organised the “Unlock Dual-City Dynamic: Nansha‑Qianhai GBA Start‑up 2D1N Study Tour” on 24–25 October 2025.
The tour featured a compact yet rich itinerary, designed to give participants first‑hand access to the most practical entrepreneurial resources and regional policies through site visits and exchanges, while deepening their understanding of innovative industrial development in the GBA. The agenda included visits to a world‑class manufacturing base, networking with entrepreneurial platforms, and immersive experiences in future technologies, offering young entrepreneurs a comprehensive learning and exploration opportunity.
The tour featured a compact yet rich itinerary, designed to give participants first‑hand access to the most practical entrepreneurial resources and regional policies through site visits and exchanges, while deepening their understanding of innovative industrial development in the GBA. The agenda included visits to a world‑class manufacturing base, networking with entrepreneurial platforms, and immersive experiences in future technologies, offering young entrepreneurs a comprehensive learning and exploration opportunity.
Stepping into a World‑Class Manufacturing Base: GAC Toyota Nansha Plant
The first stop was the GAC Toyota plant in Nansha, one of Toyota’s global model factories. Participants gained an in‑depth look at smart automobile production processes, witnessing automated assembly lines and highly efficient quality management systems. They came to appreciate firsthand how “Industry 4.0” is reshaping traditional manufacturing through technological innovation.
Dialogues with Entrepreneurial Platforms: Nansha Chuangxiang Bay and Qianhai DreamWorks
The team then visited Nansha Chuangxiang Bay and Qianhai Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Youth DreamWorks, where they learned about the entrepreneurship support policies, funding mechanisms, and cross‑border incubation resources available to Hong Kong youth in both locations. Through guided tours and presentations, participants obtained up‑to‑date information that gave them clearer direction and greater confidence in launching their own ventures in the GBA.
To solidify collaboration with Mainland youth entrepreneurship representatives, a signing ceremony was held on the same day, co‑signed by Professor Fok Ho‑ying, Associate Vice‑President (Student and Educational Experience) and Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, and Mr. Chen Cong, General Manager of Zhuochuang International Youth Community.
Zero‑Distance Experience of Future Technologies: AI and VR Immersive Demonstrations
In Qianhai, participants also engaged in low‑altitude technology and industrial AI showcases, and experienced virtual reality (VR) immersive simulation scenarios. This session demonstrated cutting‑edge technologies such as drone applications, AI vision recognition systems, and smart industrial chain integration, allowing participants to move from “seeing” to “using” and gain a comprehensive understanding of how technology drives industrial upgrading.
Building Forward‑Looking Vision, Confidence, and a Win‑Win Community
Throughout the study tour, participants had opportunities for cross‑disciplinary discussions, in‑depth reflection on business model development, and interactive exchanges with innovators from various fields. This experience provided practical exposure, first‑hand learning, and cultural immersion—all essential for nurturing entrepreneurs with a global perspective and regional dynamism.
Looking Ahead: Paving the Way for Infinite Possibilities in Youth Entrepreneurship
As a key activity of the “GBA Youth Start‑up and Social Innovation Programme,” this study tour successfully connected Hong Kong and Mainland innovation and entrepreneurship resources, while strengthening young entrepreneurs’ understanding of and participation in regional development. Looking forward, the CIE will continue to organise more cross‑border learning and exchange activities, helping young people move “from ideas to implementation” and embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys in the Greater Bay Area.
