Reflecting on Winning CUHK’s CUSE Merit Award: Launching an Unexpected Startup Journey Four Years Later

Hard to wrap my head around how swiftly time passes—it’s already been four years since Sonia and I claimed the Merit prize from the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Social Enterprise Fund (CUSE). Back then, we lacked any real grasp on commerce basics, yet that initiative unlocked our entry into the startup realm. Beyond the certificate itself, the true gem was crossing paths with EY, a standout CUHK alum and sharp mind in finance circles. He invested genuine effort and patience, guiding two novices like us through essential tactics for launching ventures.

What impresses me most about EY is his keen eye for details—whether orchestrating simple logistics like group seating or overseeing fund allocations on a grander scale. He thoughtfully assesses each participant’s requirements, customizing support and allocating tools to fit individual strengths and gaps.

You might find my outlook unconventional: in building our enterprise, I could tap into EY’s extensive contacts and expertise more aggressively. Oddly enough, I’ve come to view him as a cherished elder figure, and I’d rather not lean too heavily on direct aid. Instead, I envision him learning of our triumphs through word-of-mouth channels, feeling a quiet swell of pride in our independent strides.

Funnily, Sonia and I didn’t dive into the program aiming for entrepreneurial stardom. Our bond as partners fueled the decision—we’re always game for fresh pursuits together, from picking up scuba diving lately to other adventures. We approached the competition casually at first, more for the thrill than anything serious. Little did we know, absorbing wisdom from seasoned pros would reshape our understanding of company formation, turning it into our core focus today.

Destiny has a way of surprising you; chase something too forcefully, and it slips away, but when it’s meant to align, doors swing open effortlessly. My MBTI type as a Protagonist seems spot-on for steering teams and initiatives. These days, we’re channeling that drive into elevating SilverGuard AI further—watch this space for what’s ahead.