News

Entrepreneurship and Cultural Preservation: Harnessing Social Innovation for Economic Growth

30 December, 2024

The Institute for Innovation, Translation and Policy Research (ITPR) and the Centre for Innovative Service-Learning (CISL) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) co-hosted a sharing event “Entrepreneurship and Cultural Preservation: Harnessing Social Innovation for Economic Growth” on 12 December.  Distinguished guests Mr Henry Yeh, the fourth-generation leader of Yeh Jin-fa Company, and his son Mr Tom Yeh, the fifth-generation leader, were invited to discuss their experiences and insights on integrating entrepreneurship with cultural preservation.

The Yeh family, through the Yeh Jin-fa Foundation, is dedicated to preserving local cultural heritage by merging ancient traditions with modern development while actively promoting local culture and startups. During the event, Mr Raymond Chan, Assistant Director (Entrepreneurship) of ITPR; Mr Nicholas Ooi, Innovation Lead of CISL; Mr Henry Yeh and Mr Tom Yeh discussed the intersection of entrepreneurship and cultural preservation. Mr Henry Yeh emphasised the importance of driving industry development to enhance overall economic growth.

Mr Henry Yeh and Mr Tom Yeh also shared real-world examples from Yeh Jin-fa Company, which has a long history dating back to its establishment in 1923, illustrating how to leverage cultural heritage to create market opportunities. They highlighted the significance of integrating social enterprise principles and innovative technology into business strategies to achieve a win-win scenario for cultural preservation and economic benefits.

The event attracted students, faculty, and founders of startup companies from HKBU, fostering a discussion on the potential of cultural heritage in driving economic growth through technological innovation. It provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, showcasing how to find a balance between cultural preservation and economic growth.