The School of Business at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong organized the Silicon Valley Immersion Programme in collaboration with the University of San Francisco, bringing together MBM and MSc-EM postgraduate students for an experiential learning journey. Accompanied by Dr. King King Li and Ms. Kanas Chan, students visited Plug and Play, Google campus, and met industry leaders including Hap Klopp (The North Face), Gery Gutnik (Salesforce), Jonathan Reichental (Human Future), and more, to gain insights on innovation, failure, and AI in business.
Dr. Li’s Heartfelt Reflection: “This Could Be Us”
“This wasn’t just a trip to Silicon Valley. It was a moment that could change lives.” — Dr. King King Li
This Silicon Valley trip was more than a visit to innovation hubs—it was a journey into what’s possible for our students. What moved me most was watching them realize that the path from idea to billion-dollar company isn’t reserved for others.
When they met the founder who also participated in HKSTP’s Technothon programme, one student whispered, “This could be us.” That moment revealed everything: their growing confidence, their belief that innovation can come from anywhere, and that they too can build something extraordinary.
From Hap Klopp’s wisdom on failure to Kurt Keilhacker’s insights on AI, our students didn’t just learn—they absorbed lessons that will shape their future. That spark in their eyes when they realized “this could be us” is what I’ll carry with me forever.
Students Speak: What Silicon Valley Taught Us
Our recent study trip to Silicon Valley turned classroom concepts into real-world experiences, thanks to incredible access to innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors who shaped our understanding of entrepreneurship and technology.
Cognitive Recalibration: Francis’s VC Pitch Experience
Student Francis reflected on how the trip transformed his understanding of entrepreneurship:
This Silicon Valley Immersion was a profound cognitive recalibration. From hearing Hap Klopp reveal ‘failure as the secret sauce’ to decoding AI bottlenecks with top-tier VCs, I realized Silicon Valley’s true moat is the winner’s mindset of embracing asymmetric risk.
Pitching my startup directly to investors here provided me with an invaluable strategic compass for our Product-Market Fit. Thank you to HSUHK School of Business for this incredible platform, allowing me to touch the future at the intersection of global tech and business!
From Idea to Pitch: Zoe’s MomentGift Journey
Student Zoe summarized her USF coursework experience building an AI-powered gift platform:
This programme exceeded my expectations. At USF, we built MomentGift—from a small idea of ‘I don’t know what to give’ to a complete business plan and final Pitch. The process was thrilling and fulfilling. This journey gave me a new understanding of entrepreneurship and made me more daring to dream and act. Thank you to HSUHK School of Business for this precious opportunity!
Silicon Valley Inspired: Rainie’s Future as a Bridge
Student Rainie reflected on her learning, friendships, and future goals:
Visiting Verizon Innovation Lab and Plug and Play was valuable. I realized Silicon Valley’s success comes from risk-taking, inclusiveness, and innovation spirits. I built meaningful friendships with my teammates—we shared learning and life experiences throughout the journey, which inspired me to dream bigger.
At USF, I learned Silicon Valley’s history and spirit, and how to do Elevator Pitch and Business Plan efficiently. Hap Klopp’s ‘Failure: Secret Sauce of Silicon Valley’ impressed me most. This was a useful and meaningful programme, also a fun journey. Thanks to HSUHK School of Business for giving this rare chance to attend this Silicon Valley Immersion Programme. I’ll use this knowledge to develop my career as a “Translator” and Bridge between Hong Kong and the US.
Deepening Understanding of Tech Entrepreneurship: Henrick Sees the Connection Between Business Theory and Innovation
Student Henrick shared his insights on combining business management with tech innovation:
This Silicon Valley Immersion programme was incredibly rewarding. Classroom learning and company visits showed me Silicon Valley’s ecosystem—where trial and error are embraced, rapid iteration is key—bridging business theory with tech practice in ways I never imagined. Cross-cultural exchange expanded my world and deepened my understanding of tech entrepreneurship.
This trip inspired me to combine Hong Kong’s international advantages with Silicon Valley’s innovation mindset. I can see my future now—cross-border tech business, with purpose.
A Trip That Changed How We See the Future
Overall, this trip was more than visiting famous companies. It was learning from people who’ve lived the entrepreneurial journey—and seeing our own potential more clearly. We don’t have to wait for the ‘perfect idea’ to start. We can start small, learn from failure, and grow. Silicon Valley showed that it’s possible.