Category: Stories

Hong Kong Local Craft Beer Brand: Mak’s Brewery

GoBuddy believes everyone could start an online business for free. Our team is dedicated to provide a one-stop cloud platform solution to transform your business. Today we are honoured to have Mark, co-founder of Mak’s Brewery, to talk to us about their entrepreneurial story, and the experiences of doing a craft beer business in Hong Kong!

About Mak’s Brewery

Mak’s Brewery (hereinafter referred to as Mak’s) was established in 2014. It is the first craft beer brewery in Hong Kong that was founded by Hong Kong natives. Mak’s was co-founded by three founders.

The origin of Mak’s Brewery…

The story begins with the college careers of the three founders—they originally hoped to try their own business after graduation, and came into contact with the craft beer brewing industry by chance. Mark mentioned that there were not many brands of beer brewing in Hong Kong at that time, and after they came into contact with these brands, most of their target customer groups were foreigners or tourists, so the idea of creating a craft beer brand belonging to Hong Kong people was born.

Positioning of purely locally made beer.

Mark explained that local manufacturing is not just a definition of production location. Marketing, whether the product meets the tastes of the locals, and whether the resources are invested in local circles, etc. are also the meaning of “local manufacturing.” Therefore, in the early days of Mak’s establishment, they spent a lot of time promoting knowledge about craft beer, so that more people could try different flavors of handmade beer, hoping to make Mak’s closer to the local market.

Difficulties encountered in making a craft brewery in Hong Kong?

The biggest problem is…

Mark admitted that there are not many people in Hong Kong who have a deep knowledge of craft beer, and the problem that Mak’s faced was how to get more people to contact with craft beer, and to balance the needs of different markets and appropriately allocate company resources.

Expand product categories and try different promotional methods

Interestingly, in addition to selling craft beer products, Mai’s Brewery also sells different types of products such as shampoos and T-shirts. Mark said with a smile that the initial development of these products was with a fun mindset and a try, but in fact, the development of different products is also valuable for promoting handmade beer and local brands.

In addition, they will also try to participate in different bazaars and workshops to better understand the tastes of the locals and meet the needs of customers.

The importance of online tools?

Mark said that in today’s society, social media and online sales channels are quite necessary for brand promotion and publicity, so they will also use different online tools to expand their brands. But he emphasized that before choosing a tool, you must first understand the customer groups that your brand needs to contact, so that you can effectively use different channels to achieve better promotional effects.

Tips for people who want to start a business?

Don’t do it for…

Mark said that they started their winery business with a fire, and he sent a message to young people to be clear about their brand positioning and market needs, rather than blindly following because a market is very popular.

Pay close attention to market changes and maintain a big picture.

Because social changes are becoming more and more rapid, Mark mentioned that entrepreneurs should always pay attention to market changes and overall trends, and be prepared for future instability. Finally, he also suggested that everyone think about the arrangements for personnel deployment, resource allocation, and entry and exit mechanisms before starting.

“Building a career is a small puzzle in life, if you have an idea, you might as well give it a try!”

Mak’s Brewery

Website: https://www.maksbeer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaksBeerr/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maks_beer/

If you are thinking of starting a business, or if you need a digital solution for your business, simply send us an email, let GoBuddy transform your business journey!

Email: hi@gobuddy.asia

Website: http://www.gobuddy.asia

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【GoBuddy創業聊天室】香港暗黑系創作者：奈樂樂 Naloklok

GoBuddy相信，每個人都可以建立自己的網上生意。我們的團隊致力為客户提供一個一站式平台，讓網上生意從此變得簡單。今次我們很榮幸邀請到香港暗黑系創作者奈樂樂來跟我們聊聊他一路上在文創路上獨特的創作經歷，和在創作行業遇到的各種故事和心得分享！

關於奈樂樂

奈樂樂是一位香港黑暗童話繪本作家，擅長以短篇故事描繪及諷刺現實，代表作包括引起社會關注青少年精神健康的動畫作品《跳下去的一秒》，並曾獲得多項原創漫畫奬項和「2019青藝節青少年藝術家年賞-多媒體組別」十大青少年藝術家等等。他畢業於香港理工大學設計學碩士（國際設計與商業管理）課程，後來獲頒發獎學金到拉脫維亞藝術學院攻讀視藝碩士。

奈樂樂的創作過程

是什麽讓奈樂樂投身創作？

當被問到這個問題時，奈樂樂分享了他求學階段的一個故事。

當初奈樂樂在香港理工大學修讀設計與管理學，在一次偶然的機會下碰見一個在拉脫維亞進修美術的機會，於是他把握機會，成功領取奬學金並前往當地，開始了他的美術啟蒙之旅。他提到，那次機會是一個讓他重拾畫筆的契機。

開始原創故事的創作旅程⋯⋯

而有一次，藝術學院繪本科的項目是要學生們畫一個繪本，要構思一個故事並把它用美術方式表達出來。本來奈樂樂只希望用一些有名的童話故事作藍本，但他的老師問了他一句：「難得可以畫自己的繪本，為甚麼不使用自己的原創故事呢？」於是他在自身經歷中尋找靈感，創作了他的第一本黑暗童話，並獲得很多正面評價！

奈樂樂作品《跳下去的一秒》(書中插圖)

同時管理設計公司和插畫品牌

因為奈樂樂有著管理設計公司和藝術的豐富知識，於是回港後他成立了設計公司，為客戸提供品牌策略及多媒體設計方案；同時他建立了插畫品牌，然後把他在社會上觀察到的事結合， 創作一些可以警愓讀者、用非傳統方式帶出寓意的繪本故事。

品牌定位？

一開始奈樂樂是把讀者定位放在青少年身上，但他意外地發現把作品放上社交媒體後許多大人、各年齡層的讀者因跟故事產生共嗚而關注他的品牌。他又提到在過去的書展跟很多青少年的讀者接觸，令他希望把定位更集中放在青少年身上，能把故事寓意更深刻的闡述。

創作人可以如何在逆境生存？

奈樂樂教授青少年繪畫技巧

現今社會環境讓各行各業都遇到許多挑戰，對創作人來說更甚。有什麽貼士讓大家更能把品牌意識宣傳開去呢？奈樂樂給創作人們提供了三個貼士。

首先，他提到自己會利用社交媒體分享一些創作教學（如Photoshop技法，人像速畫技法等等），在提供豐富教學內容的同時能讓插畫品牌獲得更多曝光，一舉兩得。另一方面，偶爾創作一些貼近社會的作品如賀圖等，也能在網上爭取自然曝光。

而如果環境許可，他也鼓勵創作人們參與一些實體活動如簽名會、書展、寄賣等，讓品牌接觸到目標群眾為止。

在香港做創作遇到的挑戰？

奈樂樂與他的學生

香港和其他地方的文化氛圍

在香港創作定會遇到挑戰，奈樂樂笑言香港人比較「實際」，在書展大賣的書多是金融、旅遊這類書籍，反觀文創類的書，大部分人會認為網上也可以看到，從而讓文創類書籍在香港較難生存。對比台灣、日韓等地，前者的文創氛圍較本地強，人們較願意付出去支持創作者，後者則孕育許多暗黑類作品和畫家，市場環境大不相同。

在出版社遇到的難關？

由於奈樂樂的作品偏向暗黑系，當初尋找出版社時曾遇到不少的難關，他舉例大部份出版社普遍認為香港繪本市場不大，且偏向喜歡出版「正能量」和色彩較鮮艷的作品。但他表示，這並不會影響到他創作的理念，他深信堅持做自己認為對的和喜歡的事，最終會得到大家的認同和讚賞。

奈樂樂作品《童話與現實的邊緣》(封面插圖)

給創作人的話⋯⋯

前軰的話⋯⋯

奈樂樂引述一位前軰曾跟他分享過，創作的歷程是以數年，甚至幾十年計。在別人看到你的作品前必會經歷一段自己默默拼摶的日子。他寄語在這個階段的創作人不要放棄，在過程中尤其不必太在意社交媒體的Like數，讓自己更專注在創作上。

主動爭取機會

奈樂樂提到創作者可以在本地尋找一些比賽和資助，例如D lab 3「香港設計·授權支援計劃」和 「動畫支援計劃」等等，都是可以讓創作人增加曝光率和經驗的。

多尋找合作伙伴

合作伙伴可以讓作品受到更多關注，他表示和別人品牌合作是很好的方式去接觸更多不同的觀眾。

未來的方向⋯⋯

奈樂樂表示，他每年會出版一本新書，而未來一年也將出版新一本繪本《讓我吃雪吧》。他也開始將繪本翻譯成英語，希望打入國外市場。另一邊廂，他計劃繼續開辦網上教學和製作更多教學影片，讓更多人能在家學習繪畫。他也希望在這段時間開發一些新產品，擴大自己品牌。

相關連結：

奈樂樂在GoBuddy: https://naloklok.gobuddy.asia/

奈樂樂官方網站： https://naloklok.com/

奈樂樂Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nalok.lok/

奈樂樂Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naloklok/

奈樂樂電郵： nalok.lok@gmail.com

D lab 3: https://dlab.hk/index.php?lang=hk

動畫支援計劃：https://www.animation-ssp.com/zh/

如果你也有創業的念頭，或正在為你的生意尋找一個合適的網上解決方案，歡迎聯絡我們，讓我們在你的電商之路進一步協助你！

電郵：hi@gobuddy.asia

網頁：www.gobuddy.asia

Founder Story of HK Momtrepreneurs

About HK Momtrepreneurs

HK Momtrepreneurs is a nonprofit organisation aimed at teaching mothers and families the skill of entrepreneurship and empowering women to achieve and fulfil their career goals while still balancing their families and communities. Recently, we sat down with HK Momtrepreneurs founder Lena Wong to discuss her experiences with the organisation as well as to listen to her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

HK Momtrepreneurs Founder Lena Wong

What inspired her to start HK Momtrepreneurs?

When asked what inspired her to start HK Momtrepreneurs, Wong discussed her own experience as a mother looking to start a business. Sought as she might, she couldn’t find a community that provided the support and information she desired. So she decided to start her own Facebook page where she shared the knowledge and wisdom she had acquired. Over time, she started meeting more and more women in similar positions through the page.

From Facebook page to NGO…

Wong wanted to go back to work, but now a mother of two, her outlook on life had changed and she wanted to make a difference in the world. So in late 2018, she transferred the idea of HK Momtrepreneurs from a Facebook page to an official nonprofit organization.

What was the largest issue she faced?

How can a non-profit coexist with entrepreneurship?

In its early stages, Wong remembers HK Momtrepreneur’s largest issue being how people viewed it. It was new, “momtrepreneurs” was a term she had coined, and people often questioned why a nonprofit existed for entrepreneurship. To overcome these issues, Wong explained she simply focused on educating people and sharing what HK Momtrepreneurs stood for. She emphasized all startups, not just hers, face this need to tell society why it needs you.

Wong also expressed gratitude for the support she had received. Among others, she mentioned the encouraging general manager of a coworking space as well as a bank that waived fees for them.

In the past, she explained that HK Momtreprenuers had worked more like a professional organization and less like a typical charity. But in 2020, HK Momtreprenuers launched a fellowship program aimed at expanding the organization’s reach to different socioeconomic classes. She made this addition, recognizing that while starting businesses, women from less fortunate socioeconomic backgrounds often face the same difficulties as wealthier women while also dealing with more challenges. With this fellowship program, Wong feels HK Momtrepreneus now has a more solid base as a nonprofit.

Unforgettable stories…

Transformation of a hesitant mother

When asked about any memorable stories, Wong had two instances to talk about. The first was a full-time mother she met at a networking event. While fairly educated, the woman hadn’t worked for the past twenty years, long enough that she was no longer comfortable in a professional environment and struggled making strong eye contact. She had lost her confidence in meeting strangers. However, she and Wong still clicked and talked for a while. Just a few months later, this woman had opened her own business (a co-creating space with a kitchen and sewing room), and her whole energy had changed. When Wong asked the woman what had led to her dramatic change in personality, the woman explained that it just was the experience of empowering other women to create that had empowered her.

Paths are intertwined

Wong’s second story was about a sleeping coach/consultant who was going to be a speaker at one of HK Momtrepreneurs upcoming events. In the confirmation meeting, the sleeping coach mentioned that the two women had actually briefly crossed paths once before. She had been in the audience of a panel Wong had participated in. The woman had been inspired enough to make a change in her career path and similarly become an entrepreneur. Wong explained this story had stuck with her because that experience of a small moment changing the course of one’s life was familiar to her.

Story between GoBuddy and HK Momtrepreneurs

When asked about things that aided HK Momtrepreneurs’s development, Wong talked about GoBuddy. She met GoBuddy founder Kow at a seminar, and after seeing a demo of GoBuddy’s features, she decided to utilize its services. She explained how happy she was to have the support it provided. For example, HK Momtrepreneurs often hosts events, and registration had always been a hassle. But with GoBuddy, the relatively low-cost registration system now handles the difficult elements for her.

Words for future entrepreneurs

In the close of the interview, Wong imparted a few words of advice. First, she advised all businesses to have diversity. For her business, that means she is working towards including male and female voices, those of parents and those without children. But she emphasized the need for diversity in all its aspects.

She also suggested that those who wish to be entrepreneurs, both men and women, should establish their businesses before having children. Her reasoning is that after having children it takes time to adjust to your new life, and if you run your own business, you can control your reentry to the workforce and gradually settle back in at your own pace.

Wong’s last piece of advice was to work for a big corporation after finishing school befores starting your own business if possible. She explained that doing so provides the chance to explore and understand what work suits you best. Some may find that they are built for the corporate world, and it is also an easier transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship than the other way around. Starting a business also requires money, so savings from a corporate salary will help pay bills later on. Lastly, job qualifications build your reputation and improve your potential when heading into establishing a business.

HK Momtrepreneurs

Website： https://hkmomtrepreneurs.com/

Email： hello@hkmomtrepreneurs.com

Tel：9248-4861

關於香港創業媽媽

香港創業媽媽是一個非牟利組織，旨在向母親和家庭傳授創業技能，提倡女性自我實現和實現職業目標，平衡其家庭和社區的參與。最近，我們與Momreprenuers創始人Lena Wong坐下來討論了她在該組織的經驗，並聽取了她對有抱負的企業家的建議！

是甚麼啟發Lena開始香港創業媽媽呢？

「成為了一個母親之後，我希望尋找一個創業的社群，可以提供相應資訊和幫助。但我發現身邊並沒有這樣的群體，於是就萌生了開始Momtrepreneurs的念頭。」她說，「一開始我是在Facebook 開設專頁的，隨著時問累積，開始受到不同女性的關注，並希望陸續推廣我們的理念。」

由Facebook社群走到NGO⋯⋯

Lena在成為一位母親後對人生和職業的看法有了轉變，她希望在照顧孩子的同時也可以平衡工作和職涯，而且她希望更多的女性也可以受啟發而能夠開展自己的職涯。於是在2018年她把本身經營的facebook社群轉而開發了一個NGO.

她遇到最大的問題是⋯⋯？

一個NGO可以如何與「創業」這個理念共存呢？

在最開始的時候，Lena發現最大的阻礙是要把創業理念放在一個可非牟利組織上。一個組織可以如何幫助女性創業呢？

後來，她明白到教育的重要，並更積極清晰的向公眾解釋香港創業媽媽背後的意念，參與社會上的大小事。

她也向曾幫助Momtrepreneurs 的人們真誠的感謝，並表達了對一開始的她提供莫大幫助的人們對香港創業媽媽的支持十分重要！

Lena表示，以往香港創業媽媽是比較傾向於一個專業組織，但她認為在今年開始的不同活動，會把組織更往公益組織方向發展。她也提及比較少經濟能力的女性們可以和其他人更多的交流，從而達到互助，而她們將推出的Fellowship program也希望做到這點！

難忘的故事⋯⋯

一個銳變的故事

當我們問Lena有沒有難忘的故事分享時，她馬上說了一個關於一位猶豫不決的媽媽的銳變故事。

她們是在一個社交場合認識的，在那裏這位媽媽給Lena的感覺是比較害羞內向，不會有很多的眼神接觸。了解後她才知道原來這位媽媽是因為已有20年沒有在社會工作過，所以漸對在社會上陌生的人有一種難以接觸的感覺。

但是在她們認識了其他的創業媽媽後，這位媽媽開始變得更有自信，甚至開始了她的生意，創立一個共享空間，並可以在那使用器材煮食。而她的整個人也變得積極自信，與以前判若兩人！

一位「睡眠諮詢師」的故事

因為Lena經常外出參與活動和演講，在一次的活動中有一位女性向Lena說她曾遇過她，並因為Lena的分享而開始她的睡眠諮詢師歷程。這次的經驗讓Lena更深深明白到她能做的影響，其實小小的分享足以影響到很多人呢！

和GoBuddy的故事

Lena和GoBuddy創辦人Kow是在一次的活動上認識的。Kow向她解釋了GoBuddy的理念，在試用後她決定使用GoBuddy的軟件來幫助香港創業媽媽在網上的發展。她也提及GoBuddy的網上預訂功能為她省卻許多時間和金錢，以專注在創業媽媽的發展上。

給未來創業家的話？

「生意應該可以容下不同聲音！例如在創業媽媽，支持我們的人其實有男性的聲音，也當然有女性的聲音。在做決定時多聽聽不同意見，即使看似不關係但可能會有不同的收獲！」

她也提到，想創業的人可以考慮在有孩子前開始準備。因為你會有更多的時間和心力放在你的理念上，也比在有更多家庭負擔的時侯更容易做決策。

最後，她鼓勵大定在創業前可以試試在大企業裏先工作，累積經驗和實力，在創業時這些會是莫大的幫助！

香港創業媽媽

網站： https://hkmomtrepreneurs.com/

電郵： hello@hkmomtrepreneurs.com

電話：9248-4861

From the UK to HK- The Story of EEK

GoBuddy believes everyone could start an online business for free. Our team is dedicated to provide a one-stop cloud platform solution to transform your business. Today we are honoured to have Angela from EEK Limited to talk to us about her entrepreneurial journey!

About EEK

Easy English For Kids (EEK Limited) is a teaching playgroup and a tutorial centre for children that focuses on teaching kids through interactive play. Recently, we had a little chat with the founder of EEK, Angela Comer Lam, to understand more about her business and her experiences in the education industry.

Angela Comer – Lam
Owner of EEK Ltd

What inspired her to start EEK?

When asked what inspired her to start EEK back in 2009, Angela talked about her experience as a local kindergarten english teacher and how she felt that the kids were learning as ‘robots’ and wanted to make learning a fun and interactive experience for the children. This prompted Angela to start her own teaching playgroup where she could teach children in the ways she thought was best for them.

What was the largest obstacle she faced?

Angela expressed her concerns and difficulties when she initially started the playgroup and discussed how quite a few children come from her village in the New Territories and the problem was that parents would send their two to three years old child to Angela’s playgroup for perhaps, a year, and send them to school by the age of three. Since Angela only conducts playgroup with a maximum of seven children so that she is able to give individual attention to every child and they all left after a year to go to school, Angela felt that she had to start over every year and find new children which wasn’t very easy. We asked her how she overcame the challenge and she discussed how it was primarily word-of-mouth. There have been many instances where children leave after the age of three but still take tutoring lessons from her and have continued to take it for a long time now.

Difference in Education between the East and West

Since Angela is from the UK, she discussed with us the major differences in education styles between UK and HK and she explained that the HK education style is similar to how the UK’s education style was back in the 40s/50s- “We teach, you learn.” However, the education style is now more evolved in the UK and they understand that all children learn differently and it is important to cater to every child’s learning style rather than just using one way to teach all of them. In Hong Kong, Chinese is taught in a “drill and kill” way which means children are taught by memorising because there isn’t any other way to teach, however, english is taught in the same way and English does not have to be taught like that. Angela explained that one of the primary things she teaches at her tutorial centre is phonics and she teaches children not only the phonics sound but also how to use it. She further explained that once the children have learnt the 42 phonic sounds, they can read almost anything. In the UK, schools allow more interactive learning and students are allowed to question things rather than just accepting it.

Transformation story of two students

Two of her students (brother and sister) came to her for tutoring lessons when they were in year 5 and year 6 respectively and could only read words they had been taught. They were unable to read words they have never seen before and Angela spent a lot of time and effort on them to ensure they could read everything they were given and much more. Fast forward  a couple years and both of them took their DSE’s last year and are now in college.

Education Business in 2020

We further asked Angela whether she could foresee the education business moving online in 2020 to which she responded that it is not something she wants to go down the route of doing and since her tutorial classes are very personalised and interactive, she does not believe that she would be willing to change her teaching to online lessons.

Story between GoBuddy and EEK

Angela was introduced to GoBuddy by HK Momtrepreneuers Founder, Lena Wong, who encouraged Angela to list some of her products on GoBuddy’s online shop. GoBuddy helped develop Angela’s website and are further planning to help her with marketing. Angela also has a youtube page (Angela’s Story Time) where she reads english story books for children. Apart from EEK, Angela owns an online business y2squared selling accessories like jewellery, hair scrunchies and hand-made handbags.

Any words for Future Entrepreneurs?

When asked if she had any tips for entrepreneurs who would like to start a similar business, she discussed how it is important to research and look for business opportunities in your local community and see if there are any similar businesses in your area. Although most students who come to her tutorial session and playgroups live in the same area as she does (New Territories), there are a few students who come from Hong Kong Island and she believes it is primarily because of word-of-mouth.

Connect with EEK
EEK Official Website: https://www.eek.com.hk
EEK Webstore: https://eek.gobuddy.asia
EEK FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/EEKhk/
EEK IG: https://www.instagram.com/eek_sales/

If you are thinking of starting a business, or if you need a digital solution for your business, simply send us an email, let GoBuddy transform your business journey!

Email: hi@gobuddy.asia

Website: http://www.gobuddy.asia

從英國來到香港：Angela的啟發
關於EEK

GoBuddy相信，每個人都可以建立自己的網上生意。我們的團隊致力為客户提供一個一站式平台，讓網上生意從此變得簡單。今次我們邀請到EEK Limited的Angela來分享她的創業心得！

是甚麽讓Angela萌生創立EEK的念頭呢？當被問到這個問題的時候，Angela 告訴我們 —- 一切都是從她在香港的幼稚園任教開始的！

孩子學習就像⋯⋯機械人？

Angela 14年前來到香港時，她發現香港的孩子學習語言的方法是最秏時也最無趣的。在幼稚園的經歷讓她希望開始一個教育中心，讓孩子可以輕鬆學習同時也享受過程。

但做教育並不輕鬆！

因為EEK的中心開設在新界的一個村子裏，所以自然她的第一批學生是在村內生活的孩子。但問題就是，很多家長會把孩子送到EEK學習一年，然後他們就要上幼兒園了。Angela習慣是7個學生一組，所以每隔一年她便要重新找新的學生，然後適應他們新的學習模式。

品牌貼士：口碑是長期的保障

Angela分享時提及她的教育質素讓家長們願意把EEK推介給朋友，這是她剛開始克服學生流動率高的方法。直到後來，家長們開始看見孩子在她的教育下的影響，便會放心讓孩子上更多課。

教育大不同：英國 VS 香港

當問到教育的分別時，Angela馬上分享了她親身的見解！她認為在40/50年代，英國還是停留在『單向教育』的階段（即傳統的老師教，學生只要聆聽方式）。但近年英國的教育方式轉變許多，開始引入一些新的教育方式，讓不同需醁的孩子都能找到最適合他們的學習模式。另外，孩子們都會被鼓勵去問問題，而不是盲目認同權威者說的一套。

而在香港，雖也在跟上各地不同的教育模式，但大多數傳統本地學校都是採取 ‘drill and kill’ 的方法，把一大堆知識塞給學生，甚或令他們失去學習本應有的動力和求知慾。

一對姐弟的銳變

Angela提到一對在EEK學習的姐弟的故事：他們在初中時只能讀懂非常基本的單字，而且不能讀出很多陌生的字，Angela在教會他們一些拼音並一邊提升他們的學習與趣後，他們在 DSE 取得不錯的成績，並已入讀大學呢。

EEK和GoBuddy的故事

Angela是經過Momtrepreneurs的創辦人Lena Wong介紹認識GoBuddy的。因為Lena推介Angela把她的玩具產品放上網售賣，於是開始了她的電商之旅。

對想創業的人說的話⋯⋯

「最初不知如何入手時可以先發掘一下身邊的圈子，看看大家有沒有需要的痛點，還有就是積極一點尋找生意合作機會。建立良好口碑也是很重要的呢。」

與EEK聯繫
EEK 官方網站: https://www.eek.com.hk
EEK 網店: https://eek.gobuddy.asia
EEK FB: https://www.facebook.com/EEKhk/
EEK IG: https://www.instagram.com/eek_sales/

3 Elon Musk facts you might find interesting

Elon Musk- CEO of SpaceX and Tesla can be easily called the real life Tony Stark! Striving for greatness and challenging all sorts of technologies, he has become one of the most renowned entrepreneurs.

#1 In 1983, at the age of 12, Musk sold a simple game called “Blastar” to a computer magazine for $500. Musk described it as “a trivial game … but better than Flappy Bird.”

#2 While studying at the University of Pennsylvania, Musk and a classmate rented out a 10-bedroom frat house and turned it into a nightclub. The move, which Musk undertook with Adeo Ressi, was one of his first entrepreneurial experiments.

#3 After graduation, Musk traveled to Stanford University to study for his PhD — but he barely started the program before leaving it. He deferred his admission after only two days in California, deciding to test his luck in the dot-com boom that was just getting underway. He never returned to finish his studies at Stanford.

Reference:

https://www.businessinsider.com/the-rise-of-elon-musk-2016-7#musk-next-started-xcom-an-online-banking-company-he-launched-the-company-in-1999-using-10-million-of-the-money-he-got-from-the-zip2-sale-about-a-year-later-xcom-merged-with-confinity-a-financial-startup-cofounded-by-peter-thiel-to-form-paypal-12

9 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT RAMADAN MUBARAK 關於穆斯林齋戒月 – 九件你不得不知的事

This year Ramadan begins on Thursday, April 23 and ends on Saturday, May 23. They will celebrate Eid Al-Fitr after that.
今年的穆斯林齋戒月（Ramadan）從4月23日開始，將持續30天，直到5月23日為止，然後就舉行開齋節（Eid Al-Fitr).

Ramadan is an annual event for Muslim believers. There are 1.6 billion Muslim believers in the world, and it is one of the three major religions in the world. This means that there is one Muslim out of 5 people.
齋戒月是穆斯林信眾年度盛事，全球有16億穆斯林信眾，為世界三大宗教之一，這意味著5個人之中就有一個穆斯林。

The following 9 things about Ramadan that you should know:
以下關於齋戒月9件小知識報你知：

1. What are being practiced? 這個月穆斯林會做什麼？

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During this time, Muslims do not let any food or drink pass their lips during daylight hours.
齋戒月（Ramadan）是伊斯蘭曆法第9個月，在這個月裡穆斯林信眾從日出到日落之間不可進食.

2. Who do not have to fast? 什麼人不需要守齋？

Pregnant women, travellers, elderly people, patients, breastfeeding mothers, menstrual women and young children do not have to fast.
孕婦、旅人、老人、病人、餵母乳的母親、月經期女性及幼童可以不用守齋。

3. What cannot be done during this period? 這段時間不能夠做什麼？

During the month of Ramadan, believers are not allowed to smoke, drink alcohol, lie, fast, abstain from intimate behavior, and prohibit all disputes and wars.
齋戒月裡白天信眾不可抽煙、禁飲酒、禁說謊、禁食，戒親密行為，也禁止一切紛爭與戰爭。

4. Any special circumstance / exception? 是否有任何特殊狀況？

If you are unable to fast for special reasons during Ramadan, you can come back every other day. You must finish it within one month after the end of Ramadan.
若齋戒月裡因特殊原因無法禁食，可以隔日重來，最晚必須齋月結束後一個月內完成。

5. Why Fasting? 為什麼要有齋月？

“Fasting” is one of the “five merits” in Islamic teachings, including recitation, rites, fasting, lessons, and dynasties. They are chanting the mantra, praying 5 times a day, fasting during the month of Ramadan, fasting from sunrise to sunset, charitable donations and praying to Mecca at least once in a lifetime.
「齋戒」是伊斯蘭教義裡「五功」之一，包含唸、禮、齋、課、朝。分別是念清真言、一日祈禱5次、在齋戒月，從日出到日落間禁食、慈善捐贈及一生至少到麥加朝拜一次。

Those who have completed the five functions in their lifetime can be identified with the name “Ha only” in front of their names, meaning “pilgrimage”
而有生之年裡完成五功者，可在其名前冠以「哈只」表明身份，意為「朝覲者」

6. What if it’s not being practiced? 不遵守會如何？

In some Muslim countries, eating in public during the fasting month may result in penalties.
在一些穆斯林國家，齋戒月裡白天在公共場合進食可能導致處罰。

7. What are the meanings of Ramadan? 開齋月的意義在哪裡？

The purpose of Ramadan is to reflect, rebirth, and return to purity. Through Ramadan, we rethink the relationship between the individual and God, sympathize with the poor and those in need, volunteer to do good, and read the Quran.
齋戒月的用意在於反省、重生並回歸純淨，透過齋戒月重新省思個人與神之間的關係，對需要幫助的窮人與有需要的人感到同情，自願行善，並多讀古蘭經。

8. Can they work during fasting? 禁食期間可以工作嗎？

Believers still work as usual during fasting, and will not eat until the evening prayer is finished.
禁食期間信徒仍然照常工作，直到日落行完晚禱才會進食。

9. What happens after Ramadan? 封齋結束後有慶祝嗎？

Eid al-Fitr is the celebration of the end of the fasting month. This festival day marks the first day of the next month called Shawwal. Eid al-Fitr is marked with a big feast, the exchanging of gifts and celebrations and is also known as the Festival of Breaking Fast.
在30天的封齋結束後隔天便是「開齋節（Eid al-Fitr）」，連續進行三天，信徒與朋友家人聚集一起吃大餐。

The importance of Eid al-Fitr is equivalent to the Chinese New Year. If you meet Muslim friends, do n’t forget to wish them a “Eid Mubarak (Happy Eid Mubarak!)” During Eid al-Fitr.
開齋節受重視的程度相當於華人的過年。如果你遇到了穆斯林的朋友，在開齋節這幾日，別忘了祝福他們一聲「Eid Mubarak（開齋節愉快！）」​

Reference:
1. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/1272942/eid-2020-when-is-eid-al-fitr-this-year-eid-greeting-happy-eid-Mubarak

2. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/ch/news/3431049

About the Author 關於作者
Isaac Kow is the Founder and CEO of GoBuddy, a cloud-software company incubated by Cyberport Hong Kong. Born and raised in Malaysia, he has been immersed in diversified culture and experience Ramadan during his school time (in particular) with his teachers and classmates.

從一開始看見，再到親身體驗。

叮！

我打開郵件，看到我成功申請這一份intern，心裏終於定下來並期待着這一個月的旅程。

作為我第一份的intern，心中總有很多不同的想法及疑慮，各種各種的問題。我也不禁嚴肅起來，認真去想着我應該如何在職場上自處。也沒法子想太多，只好硬着頭皮去。

驚喜地，我心裏所想的所有疑慮，也沒有發生。

第一天上班的日子，我滿心戰兢地走進他們的辦公室，恭恭敬敬地問好及介紹自己，出乎我以料之外的，GoBuddy不但沒有跟我想像中的一樣，更是熱情地歡迎我加入他們的公司。不但耐心的介紹公司的culture, values及product，更加不厭其煩地解釋我的一切問題，讓我逐漸願意放鬆自己，開心愉快地工作。

在一個月的過去，雖然在職時間不長，但獲益的是很多。

GoBuddy作為一間以人為本的公司，他們在一個星期過去，會有每星期的evaluation。檢視及討論我那星期所做的工作，給予建議及讚賞，再一起定立一個新的方向及計劃。能發現，GoBuddy是十分著重人的成長及體驗，為的並不只是我為公司可以帶來什麼，更是我從中能獲得什麼的learnings及take aways。

第二，GoBuddy是十分願意接受意見及加以立即的修改。在問題出現，大家會願意提出不同的意見，用最短的時間討論一個有效的solution，並馬上定立timeline作execution。一個迅速及有效的解決問題方法，對於GoBuddy而言，可能只是一個平常的做法。但對我而言，可以感受到當中工作的自主度，發表意見的自由度，對於每個意見的重視程度。

更可貴是，團隊之間的友誼及信任。他們的關係就像朋友一樣，在工作以外的時間會一起gathering及遊玩，閑談說笑。團隊之間對彼此熟悉，知道每個人都優缺點，不需要花費太多時間討論每個人的工作內容，皆因所負責的都是各人的強項，對每個人都有一定程度的信任。以一個這樣的氛圍工作，工作起來則事半功倍。

謝謝GoBuddy給予我一個這麼好的工作經驗，讓我重新反思自己的工作方向，做事方法及人生意義。教導我marketing knowledge and skills。我相信一個高質的團隊，定能做出高質的platform，期待GoBuddy成為一個影響力更大的公司！

The Power of Community: 6 Reasons Why We Need Each Other

Alone, we can do so little; Together, we can do so much.

Helen Keller

Having worked for nearly 7 years upon university graduation, I still remember how we have been taught about the importance of teamwork. As engineers, we are always trained on how to deliver a project in a team, and always a lot of skills have to be equipped in the team. At university, we always needed to get involved in different projects, and hence teamwork is another essence to success.

I have always come in my mind for another interesting concept – What about Community? Other than specific skill sets, how do we value community? I think community is far beyond teamwork. Technically speaking, teamwork is when we have a team and we need to achieve something, and we need to work together on that, that’s why team + work is the combination. But for community, I see that it’s part of our daily life, something more emotional and humanized, compared to teamwork.

There is a trend about community, from my experience. When I was working as engineer, it’s about an engineering community, where the engineers will gather and support each other across technical, knowledge and project needs. When I was a non-local student, it’s about an international student community that supports each other needs in Hong Kong. When I am currently an entrepreneur, it’s about another level of community that supports us in networking, business opportunities and more. One typical example is Cyberport Hong Kong.

So to me, community has made me seen things differently, that I am not alone, but there are always different communities that are here to support each other together. I wish to share the power of community referencing from one of the articles I found in the other blog posts.

The Power of Community

Here are 6 powerful reasons not to go it alone:

1. Collective wisdom. No one person ever has all of the answers, and regardless of the amount of Google-fu you may have, consulting with experts is always going to give you better information.

2. Pushing our limits. When working alone, it’s oftentimes too easy to give up when things get hard. By surrounding yourself with others working toward a similar goal or objective, you’ll get motivation, support, and friendly competition to push yourself just a bit further than you would have done on your own.

3. Support and belief. Some days those big goals just seem impossible. On those days when you most want to give up, you need to lean on your community the most. They believe in you—probably more than you belief in yourself.

4. New ideas. I truly believe that when you are working within a community of like-minded people that the wisdom of crowds is considerably greater than any one person working alone. Our divergent world views and lenses mean that we all approach the exact same problem slightly differently.

5. Borrowed motivation. Even on those days when your belief in yourself isn’t waning, doing what needs to get done can seem overwhelming. Look around your community and be inspired!

6. Accountability. If you’re an uber-responsible person, you may not want to admit to people you care about who are pulling for you that something didn’t get done. There’s nothing like having to be accountable to others to up your game.

Allowing others to help is hard, but it ultimately raises everyone’s game, and suddenly that summit isn’t nearly so far off.

Free Software for Creating & Managing Bookings of Your Private Activities

My founders and I have always been wild about exploring new activities around us – something authentic, true and interesting that we are looking for.

We are always struggling about creating some private gatherings – sometimes we may want to make them public to invite some new friends, and expand our network. However, it’s not easy to find such free software that allows us to do so.

Therefore we have developed and created the GoBuddy, for anyone who wants to create your own activities – such as tours, classes, workshops, private events…. while trying to find a great value software that you hope can also help you to manage your bookings, other than relying on Google Form, then GoBuddy a great choice.

We are new generation and we love having and joining communities. Communities – for us, are the place we can meet new people. We hope to join some activities before joining the communities, hence offering flexibility.

We do believe everyone can be great community builders, because it’s part of our life anyway.

Using GoBuddy is extremely simple – the only thing we all need is just to create an account, and then private gatherings and events can be kick-started easily.