Innovation Talk Series #7 was held on 17 May 2019 by the Office of Research and Innovation to prepare XMUM students for the upcoming “Internet+” Competition.  

Three young guest speakers were invited to the talk: Mr. Gary Mao, CEO and co-founder of TOTO Express; Ms. Wang Lulu, currently a consultant of a leading global consulting firm; and Ms. Wang Xiaoxiao, a serial entrepreneur who recently co-founded Zhiyuan Education. They delivered speeches and coaching sessions centering on innovation and entrepreneurship, which provided students with a great platform for their business idea to be listened to, polished and improved.

During the talk, Mr. Gary Mao encouraged students to be proactive and take the first step into business world as early as possible. As an experienced entrepreneur, he stated that many youngsters who have dreamed of starting up a business would only end up seeing others becoming successful, because they never really give it a try. 

Mr. Gary Mao delivered an inspiring speech to encourage students into the world of business.

Ms. Wang Xiaoxiao (right) attentively listened to the student’s business idea during coaching.

Ms. Wang Lulu shared her career pathway and the life of professionals. In her speech, she emphasized that the most important criteria to become an expert in a certain industry are “ownership, objectivity and accountability”.

Ms. Wang Lulu (middle) gave practical advice to students on how to improve their business idea.

She also advised students on entrepreneurship: “Apart from following the trend, execution is the key to success”. As she suggested, students should be fast in grabbing the chance to execute their projects’ ideas and wait no more.

During their visit, 19 teams of students participating in the approaching “Internet+” Competition attended one-on-one coaching sessions with the three guest speakers. This valuable experience not only improved their innovative ideas for the competition, but also benefited their personal growth and advancement.   

(From left) Prof. Wang Hui-Qiong, Ms. Puah Sen Ann, Ms. Lulu Wang, Ms. Xiaoxiao Wang, Mr. Gary Mao and Dr. Leong Van Hong.