Hong Kong education entrepreneur named Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2015

Entrepreneur from Hong Kong who is helping students learn mathematics was last night announced as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year, at an international ceremony attended by an audience from over 10 countries. 

 Viola’s business, FS Education, specialises in a unique form of teaching mathematics using images, helping students to grasp concepts much quicker than via traditional methods. In addition to running teaching centres, she has developed a free online platform which has reached thousands of students. The awards, run by Youth Business International and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce with the support of Barclays, took place at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. 

Some 68 entrepreneurs from around the world entered the competition, and six other entrepreneurs from India, Canada, Russia, Kenya and Peru were also recognised, in addition to a Mentor of the Year, Li Feng of China. 

 Viola, who was able to start up her business thanks to the support of Youth Business Hong Kong, said: “I believe learning can change people’s lives. That’s why I devote myself to work as an entrepreneur in the education sector, to help the future pillars of society.” 

Sir Malcolm Williamson, Chairman of Youth Business International and chair of the judging panel, said: 

“The judges were impressed by the innovative nature of Viola’s business, the way that she has started to franchise her operation and the potential for growth, not only in Hong Kong but on mainland China too. Viola is an outstanding example of the power of young entrepreneurs to do good for society, and we commend her on her achievements.” 

 Congratulating the award winners, H.E. Hisham Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice-Chairman, Dubai Chamber, and Head of Tejar Dubai Selection Committee Panel, said, 

 “These globally- recognised award winners will definitely inspire the Emirati entrepreneurs of the Tejar Dubai entrepreneurship development program to follow suit by competing with the best in the field while seeking their fair share of recognition on an international level while promoting the emirate’s competitiveness and vibrant business environment globally. 

 “Hosting of this award in the region for the first time is an opportunity for us to share experiences with talented young entrepreneurs from around the world and see how they are making a difference in their communities,” said H.E. Al Shirawi. Four years after starting her business, not only is Viola Lam making a real difference to children’s education but her business is also hugely successful financially – turnover grew by 250% between 2013 and 2014. 

 The company employs 20 people, and she has opened up two franchised centres in Hong Kong, with plans for many more. The company’s online platform, ‘The Star Programme’, has already benefited over 300,000 students. 

 Youth Business Hong Kong provided essential tools to jumpstart Viola’s tutoring centre, supplying Viola with a loan to purchase necessary hardware, and matching her with a mentor who helped her manage her company from its early stages.