During the recent 60th anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Science at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Eddie, founder of ÖKOSIX and a CUHK alumnus (Physics, 2005/United College), received the Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of his remarkable achievements in the field of eco-friendly material research. We were honored to invite him for an interview, where he shared his journey of stepping out of his comfort zone and venturing into the environmental startup industry.
Q: What was your experience after graduation? How did you enter the industry of developing eco-friendly masks?
Eddie: I am one of the few physics graduates who pursued a career related to physics. I was fortunate that before graduation, a multinational company hired me as an X-ray engineer. Later, I was promoted to Application Scientist, providing technical support and training across the Asia-Pacific region. A few years later, I had the opportunity to work in Australia, broadening my international perspective.
Before starting my own business, I was the GM of a multinational company’s Asia-Pacific region. In February 2020, as the pandemic persisted and masks became scarce, I decisively stepped out of my comfort zone and established a mask factory in Hong Kong, embarking on my entrepreneurial journey. By 2021, Hong Kong's mask supply had stabilized. Through a twist of fate and inspiration from my niece, I began developing eco-friendly mask materials.
Q: What challenges have you encountered in entrepreneurship?
Eddie: As an eco-friendly startup, we face infinite challenges in research, production, and promotion. Scientific research is full of possibilities, but the financial, time, and physical investments often do not correspond proportionally to the results. If a project fails, all previous efforts can be lost. Throughout the research process, I have experienced countless failures. When I feel discouraged, I remind myself of Winston Churchill’s famous quote: "Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." Through constant trial and error, I adjusted my approach, eventually succeeding in developing multifunctional biodegradable nanotechnology-based materials applicable to medical, personal care, and hygiene fields.
Even after technical success, it was only the beginning of further development. We continue to improve formulations, reduce production costs, and enhance output to make our products more widely accessible.
I often say that finding business partners is as difficult as choosing a spouse. Finding someone who shares the same vision, pace, and willingness to endure hardships alongside you is not easy. The startup journey is tough, filled with ups and downs, obstacles, and inevitable disputes. Without the right people supporting each other, even the best products and technologies would struggle to succeed. Fortunately, I chose the right life partner and also found great business partners.
Another major challenge is introducing new technology to the public. Compared to Western countries, public awareness of environmental protection and eco-friendly products in Hong Kong is relatively low. We must invest considerable resources in education and marketing. For example, in 2022, we organized a sustainability seminar titled "Say No to the Plastic Epidemic – Green Pandemic Prevention," inviting representatives from organizations such as SGS, CUHK's Office of Social Responsibility and Sustainability, and Green Earth to discuss the severity of plastic pollution and share concepts and international standards related to biodegradability and compostability. The goal was to raise public awareness and prevent people from purchasing misleading products falsely claimed to be eco-friendly. I hope that while promoting our products, we can also educate the public on correct environmental knowledge so they can distinguish truly sustainable products.
Q: Have you ever thought about giving up? Why did you persist?
Eddie: Startups require technology, talent, time, and—most crucially—resources, which essentially means money. In addition to research, we must seek investors through pitching to support company operations and project development. Convincing different people about an entirely new technology is no easy task. We have encountered countless individuals who neither understand environmental concerns nor agree with our vision, which sometimes feels discouraging.
However, I firmly believe that our materials and technology not only protect individuals but also safeguard the planet, ultimately benefiting future generations. It’s the right thing to do! This belief has kept me going until today.
Q: What has been the happiest moment in your entrepreneurial journey?
Eddie: Winning the CUHK Faculty of Science Outstanding Alumni Award, of course! (laughs) Over the past few years, I am delighted that our research projects have gained local and international recognition, earning various awards, including the Gold Medal at the 2022 Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, the Creative Entrepreneurship Award, and the runner-up prize at the 2022 CUHK Entrepreneurship Competition.
Moreover, my niece played a pivotal role in inspiring me to develop biodegradable masks. Allow me to share a little story.
During the pandemic, with mask shortages, I established a mask factory in Hong Kong to supply masks to the local population. One day, while sorting waste with my niece, she innocently asked which recycling bin was suitable for used masks. I explained that masks, though made of plastic, could not be recycled. To my surprise, she responded, "Uncle, you make so many masks every day—doesn't that make you not environmentally friendly?" Her words were a wake-up call that prompted me to start researching eco-friendly materials. I feel incredibly happy that the success of our biodegradable masks allows me to set a good example for my niece—transforming from a "bad uncle" into a "better uncle."
Q: As a CUHK physics graduate, how has your degree benefited your entrepreneurial journey?
Eddie: Studying physics not only enriched my scientific knowledge but also honed my logical thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills. By exploring and learning various theories, experiments, and evidence, I developed curiosity and learned to "think outside the box" to objectively seek the truth—laying a solid foundation for my career and research development.
I remember that during my time at CUHK, I had the honor of receiving a scholarship personally from Professor Yang Chen-Ning, the first Chinese Nobel laureate in physics. He told me to study well and apply my knowledge effectively. I hope I have lived up to Professor Yang’s expectations and am proud to give back to society with the education I received at CUHK. Winning the Faculty of Science Outstanding Alumni Award during CUHK’s 60th anniversary makes this recognition especially meaningful to me.
Q: What do you think was the key factor in winning this award?
Eddie: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and carbon neutrality are global trends, with increasing attention given to these issues worldwide. My research projects align with ESG principles and national policies. Environmental protection often emphasizes the three Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. At ÖKOSIX, a materials research company, these principles take on distinct meanings.
Reduce: Our focus is on reducing plastic production by replacing conventional plastics with biodegradable and compostable eco-materials for single-use products such as biodegradable masks, protective clothing, wound dressings, diapers, sanitary napkins, and other non-woven fabrics.
Reuse: We develop reusable products using bio-based green materials (plastics made from plants) for applications such as automotive components, consumer goods, electronics, and household appliances—reducing carbon footprints and plastic pollution.
Recycle: We enhance the characteristics of recyclable materials, such as improving durability, allowing recyclers to increase the value of their materials.
Our materials have diverse applications, and our first product, the world's first fully biodegradable, nanotechnology-enhanced, antibacterial mask, has received strong support within CUHK's ecosystem. In 2022 and 2023, CUHK and CUHK Medical Centre adopted our masks. As a CUHK physics graduate, I am thrilled that a product researched and produced in Hong Kong has been acknowledged by my alma mater!
I also want to express my gratitude to Professor Wang Jianfang, Head of the Physics Department, and my mentor, Professor Tong Siu-Shing, for their nomination.
Q: What advice would you give to young CUHK physics graduates and prospective graduates?
Eddie: "Physics major? Physics major? Yes!" Honestly, I truly love CUHK Physics!
Since high school, I aspired to study physics at CUHK and was fortunate enough to enter my first-choice university and pursue work in my desired field. Even after graduation and moving to Australia, I remained the Vice Chairman of External Affairs for the CUHK Physics Alumni Association, collaborating with fellow alumni and the CUHK Alumni Office.
In Hong Kong’s commercial-driven society, pursuing scientific research is challenging. As someone who has experienced setbacks and difficulties firsthand, I know the hardships involved. However, as Steve Jobs once said, "You've got to find what you love." Your work will occupy a significant portion of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is right and what you love. Let’s encourage one another on this journey.
Translation from original source: CUHK Physics Alumni Association