Marching Forward

Generation T is Asia Tatler’s platform for extraordinary individuals showing potential to become the leaders of tomorrow. Its mission is to inspire, connect and recognise these fearless self-starters. The annual Generation T List, now in its third incarnation, celebrates 50 young game changers—entrepreneurs, professionals and creatives—who are shaping the future of Hong Kong. They’re joined by an additional 400 people from across eight regions who are also being recognised for their achievements by Generation T Asia in 2018. Read on for a snapshot of the disruptive Hong Kong talent on this year’s list. From tech mavens to social entrepreneurs, the following seven people represent the dynamism, potential and downright tenacity that Generation T is all about.

- Lee Williamson

​​​​​​

KEVIN JOHAN WONG

CO-FOUNDER OF ORIGAMI LABS. THE START-UP’S ORII SMART RING ALLOWS USERS TO MAKE CALLS AND INTERACT WITH A VOICE ASSISTANT BY TOUCHING THEIR FINGER TO THEIR EAR

My inspiration is my dad. He’s visually impaired but used technology to overcome his disability. He worked for Microsoft and built the world’s first talking computer with Bill Gates in the early ’90s, opening the floodgates to a group of people who couldn’t use computers before. Making technology accessible for people who can’t use screens is our mission with the Orii ring; wearable tech is much more than just a fad.

All successful entrepreneurs share a fearlessness of the unknown. Most of the time, as an entrepreneur you’re a pioneer. This means a lot of very basic decisions are hard as there’s no reference point. In the face of the unknown, most people are conservative; successful entrepreneurs are defined by an innate desire to explore that dark, unknown space.

My productivity hack is to fail a lot. We’re a very iterative company—we focus on doing, failing and learning fast. It’s something we live and die by.

CELINA JADE

ACTRESS, MODEL AND SINGER

One of the defining moments in my career was when I was 15. My first EP came out and it did really well, so there was pressure for me to quit school. It was difficult because my dream was always to become a singer. But I asked myself one question: am I becoming someone I admire? The answer was no. So I let that go and pursued an education at the London School of Economics.