Discover more from Better Read Paul
The HK guy creating game-changing face masks
I've interviewed the founder of OKOSIX, a sustainable mask business
Howdy people from the 852,
Have you ever seen a stock dropping by 99% in 15 minutes?
That's exactly what happened to China Tianrui Group Cement as the trading day drew to a close few days ago. Seems it’s partly attributed to the struggles in China's property sector.
In this edition of Better Read Paul:
Introduction: I started using a free app called JIMA CallerID to avoid spam calls
Some Networking Events: Get ready to mingle with people who are equally confused about what they do for a living
My Entrepreneur Portrait: Eddie created the first biodegradable mask that can entirely decompose within six months
PS: In January, I started a new side-gig: creating websites. Every month, I’m going to give you an update about my business situation HERE.
Jordan Belfort — The trader played by DiCaprio in the Wolf of Wall Street —famously said: "Pick up the fucking phone and start dialing”
Well in Hong Kong, this quote has been taken to a whole new level
I receive 6 junk calls a day — People with a robotic tone trying to sell me stuff in Cantonese.
It's just crazy exhausting...
So I tried to find a way to identify these numbers, which often start with a 3 or a 6.
However, I gave up and simply turned my phone in busy mode 99% of the time.
As a result, I miss important calls: bank, prospects, my mom…
So last month, I started using a free app called JIMA CallerID recommended by a random guy from Reddit
And I must say this app is pretty dope.
Here's how it works: JIMA CallerID use a crowdsourced database that flags and automatically suspicious numbers so your phone doesn't even receive the call in the first place.
I have received only one spam call since then
One tip: Remember to check the app once a week or so and click on "update" to ensure you have the latest scam number database available
You can find more stuff about this app here (Android/iOS)
Thank you for reading me,
Paul
Musk’s new toy — A Cybertruck is on display in Wanchai, Lee Tung Avenue.
While Tesla was laser-focused on crafting this epic monster truck, Chinese EV brands like BYD were busy working on affordable electric cars for the masses.
Not a great move Elon…
But this truck is dope, got a great Batmobile vibe.
AND it’s summer again in HK
Some Networking Events
Causeway Bay, Tuesday April 30th, 6pm-11pm: Uptown Business Networking: Join us for an outdoor terrace networking session in Causeway Bay on April 30th with your friends. 1601 is a four-in-one dining space, combining restaurant, bar, café and skycourt.
The Hive Sheung Wan, Thursday 25 April, 6:30pm - 9:30pm: Celebrate HER Stories: Women’s Panel & Networking: Join us for an empowering evening of inspiration and connection! Our expert panel featuring Mehroo Turel, the Founder of Mums@Play, Shea Stanley the Founder & Chief Executive Insider of Little Steps Asia, “Whispers of Worth” Author Shobha Nihalani, and Fēnxiǎng Founder Louisa Dearlove will be sharing their personal journeys.
Tsim Sha Tsui, Tue, 14 May 2024 6pm - 11pm, Downtown Business Networking @Red room [K11-TST]: Step in the brand new Red Room, K11 MUSEA new speakeasy bar, come discover this elegant brand new spot on Tuesday, May 14th (Public holidays May 15th). Sign up now, save the date, and join us with your friends.
PS: If you want me to promote some local business/entrepreneurship events, it’s this way!
SEEN IN HK
According to this old MTR card from the 80s, the AST Bravo was the ultimate computer in Hong Kong at this time.
The Entrepreneur of the Week
I bumped into Eddie a couple of years back at a networking event. At this time, he was all fired up about OKOSIX, his new game-changing sustainable business. Eddie was on a mission to develop biodegradable plastic, and let me tell you, building a sustainable gig ain't no walk in the park in a city where plastic reigns supreme.
Here is his story:
I’m a typical HK guy who has spent most of my life working and studying in Hong Kong.
However, in 2013, an exciting job opportunity presented itself, pushing me to make a life-changing decision and relocate to Australia.
My first entrepreneurial experience was in 2013. I tried to start a company in the aviation industry and named it FlyingX. At that time, I was a private pilot, and I wanted to create a flying taxi business. However, it was too early for such a concept, so the company never took off.
In 2020, when Covid-19 hit Hong Kong, I decided to start my second business — Maskology —to provide medical masks amid a shortage and fear of the emerging virus.
My goal was to protect Hong Kong people.
The business went well and we were making millions of masks every month. A year after, while I was teaching my five-year-old niece how to recycle her waste, she said to me, "Uncle Eddie, why can't you recycle your own face mask?"
That was an eye-opening moment for me because the quantity of waste generated by face mask was massive at that time. So I decided to sell Maskology.
And in February 2021, I started the company OKOSIX (The Nordic word “OKO” in OKOSIX refers to eco-friendly; “SIX” conveys that OKOSIX products can entirely decompose within six months) and began developing a disruptive technology to transform plastic-free, plant-based and natural materials to nano fibers for making surgical face masks.
We received investment from Hong Kong Government and investors to kick off the business, assembled a team of three, pursuing our dreams.
Although I had experience in synthesising organic materials — I studied physics and was a scientist before — the research and development process was not always smooth sailing.
In 2022, we had the privilege of participating in the esteemed International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2022 held in Switzerland, where we were honoured to receive the prestigious gold award for our innovative biodegradable material.
This recognition served as a testament to the hard work and dedication we put into developing a revolutionary product.
However, despite our success, we realized that there was still room for improvement.
We recognized the need to further optimize our production processes and find ways to lower the cost of manufacturing.
Over the course of two years, we devoted massive resources to refine the biodegradable material and develop several new applications, ensuring that it met industry standards, high quality, functionality and sustainability.
With our biodegradable medical mask, we reduce the decomposition time from 500 years to less than 6 months.
We can also upgrade this technology to make biodegradable cosmetic facial masks, shopping bags, air filters and even diapers so as to reduce using plastics.
In 2024, we were one of the standout companies that granted the opportunity to participate in the Startup Booster Programme in Silicon Valley 2024, organized by Hong Kong Science Park.
This is a landmark acceleration programme that we will receive intensive trainings, business development and fund-raising opportunities.
It is a significant milestone for OKOSIX as we embark on our journey towards global expansion and venture into the US market.
It serves as our first step towards establishing a strong presence in the international arena. Our vision is to not only succeed in the American market but also to expand our reach to the global market in the near future.
If you want to contact Eddie to talk about sustainability, it’s this way
If you have not done it yet:
Read my thoughts on Linkedin (+6200 followers)
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Until next Thursday!
Paul from Hong Kong,