Ben Huang: I am a Pragmatist

Full Article in Chinese

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Computer Engineering
• Co-founder of QickGenerate
• One of the Start-ups of HK Tech 300 Angel and Seed Fund

Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is widely used in Hong Kong's large-scale construction projects. QickGenerate Co-founder Ben Huang seized the entrepreneurial opportunity by applying for the HK Tech 300 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program at his alma mater, City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), successfully developing real-time AI 3D modelling technology, contributing to the enhancement of construction safety and efficiency. Recently, he has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs by Asia Business Outlook and featured on its cover, Ben's achievements were recognized by media. He candidly describes himself as a pragmatist, proficient in math and science, which led him to enrol in CityUHK's Computer Engineering program, a journey that far exceeded his expectations. "Apart from representing the University in programming competitions, the most memorable experience was interning at an airline company for a year, learning project management skills and understanding business operations first-hand."

Coinciding with CityUHK's establishment of the CityU Apps Lab to encourage students to develop applications for smart information devices, Ben's internship experience at the airline prompted Prof. Ray Chung from the Department of Electrical Engineering to invite him to join the CityU Apps Lab team. There, he collaborated with external organizations and enterprises to design applications, gaining significant insights. "Our collaborators were mainly non-profits and SMEs with unique technological needs." He added that many companies approached the university with far-fetched ideas, Ben’s team have to develop solutions tailored to the enterprises' requirements, calculate cost-effectiveness, to minimize resource wastage.

Having engaged in corporate R&D projects since university, Ben co-founded a consultancy with several CityUHK alumni soon after graduating in 2016. The company primarily employed AI technology to devise automated solutions for corporate clients such as insurance and financial institutions, including designing NLP systems to automate customer support services. The company experienced growth during the pandemic, with increased demand for corporate automation, maintaining an upward business trajectory until 2022.

Ben then encountered a new opportunity arising from the development of BIM technology. Given the government's mandate that all major infrastructure projects with budgets exceeding HK$30 million must adopt BIM technology since 2018, and the encouragement for private projects to follow suit, Ben fortuitously met a partner in the construction industry, keen on seeking technical support. They seamlessly collaborated, applied for CityUHK's HK Tech 300 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program, secured over a million in funding, and successfully developed real-time AI 3D modelling technology. Its ease of use allows general site workers to grasp its application after instruction, simplifying BIM technology-related procedures and integrating construction software, enabling the industry to monitor construction quality and progress more accurately, reducing errors and delays. "To expand our business, we aim to extend this technology to property management, old building repairs, and renovations, including assisting units troubled by water leakage detection without needing to enter homes, significantly improving accuracy."

Ben revealed that the company's business has now expanded to ASEAN markets including Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia. He continues to maintain close collaboration with CityUHK’s professors, constantly improving their technology. He advised CityUHK students to seize opportunities to participate in research projects and competitions during their university years and to embrace trial and error; before starting a business, it is essential to experience the real working environment and understand practical operations. "Set goals, if after two years of operation there is no improvement, adjustments must be made; if the same persists after four years, please reconsider to avoid greater losses.”

（Published at 28 January 2025）