Business School Outstanding Young Person | “Hong Kong Iron Man” Mark Mak (MBA 2011) on the path to techanisation

A lifelong enthusiast of Mobile Suit Gundam, Mark Mak (MBA 2011) has dreamed since childhood of harnessing robotic power to protect the planet — a heroic vision that has propelled him toward a career in robotic innovation. Today, his team has developed over 20 types of robots and holds more than 100 patents across fields as diverse as healthcare, education, and property management. In early October, this “Hong Kong Ironman” was honoured as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons — a distinction that not only solidifies his commitment but fuels his ambition to build a technology brand Hong Kong can truly call its own, inspiring the next generation to embrace the world of technology and innovation.

 

Robots enter everyday life to meet evolving needs

As founder of Roborn, headquartered in Cyberport, Mark has curated an impressive array of robotics in his workspace. Among them are China’s first 5G motion-control humanoid robot, medical robots adept at operating equipment within ICUs, and the disinfection stationed in various isolation facilities. Once the realm of science fiction, robots are now woven into the fabric of everyday life, fulfilling needs across sectors — a concept Mark captures with the term “techanisation”.

 

Since childhood, Mark has loved building robot models, and his office display case today is filled with his cherished Gundam collection.

“What I mean by ‘techanisation’ is applying advanced technology across various ecosystems to drive efficiency and productivity. Our goal is to develop robotic solutions tailored to diverse industries rather than focusing on a single product within a single sector,” Mark explains.

To understand the ecological needs of different industries, Mark first delved into the market pain points of each sector. His goal was very clear: “All custom-designed robots should aim to enhance productivity or protect human life safety.” For instance, the intelligent robotic system for vitality restoration training for the elderly that he developed can simulate therapists providing diagnosis and rehabilitation training to patients through a contactless teleconsultation system, reducing the therapists’ repetitive tasks.

 

Professor Larry Poon (right), whom Mark (left) met during his MBA studies, becomes the investor of his company afterwards.

Mark observes that the demand for robotics varies significantly by region. In Hong Kong, there is a significant need for medical and healthcare robotics. Given the city’s internationally acclaimed medical standards, many health-related devices are tested in Hong Kong first, providing a “seal of confidence” for eventual entry into other markets. In mainland China, robots find a stronghold in traditional high-risk industries; heavy industry operators deploy robots for remote high-voltage cable maintenance and confined-space tasks, effectively reducing occupational hazards. In Europe, where labour costs are substantial, businesses increasingly rely on robots for labour-intensive tasks, especially in manufacturing and service industries, to bolster productivity.

 

Never stop growing

In the wake of the pandemic, society has embraced a “new normal” in which technology and robotics have become ever more integral to daily life, unlocking fresh business opportunities for Mark. However, thriving amid these technological currents requires constant reflection and self-improvement. Early in his career, he felt a gap in his business management knowledge despite his tech-focused work. This led him to pursue further studies at CUHK Business School, where he connected with current business partners, including Eden Lu (MBA 2011), and studied marketing with Professor Larry Poon. “I am deeply grateful to CUHK Business School — not just for the business insights but for the robust alumni network, which has been instrumental in my entrepreneurial journey. Today, many of my team members are CUHK alumni.”

The theme for this year’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons Selection is “Keep Striving”, which Mark says resonates deeply with his own philosophy. Reflecting on the award, he shares, “It serves as a reminder to always review my path, both looking back and ahead. I will keep equipping and bettering myself while considering how I can contribute even more to society.”

 

Named one of this year’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons, Mark (right) shares that the experience gave him a chance to reflect on his life and consider how he can continue to grow and contribute to society. He is pictured here attending the award announcement press conference in early October.

Mark reflects on his upbringing in a modest environment. “But I had a vision, and I pursued it with determination — that is what truly matters.” He aspires to be a role model for the younger generation, using his inventions to introduce them to top-tier educational technology and to plant the seeds of innovation within them. Deeply connected to his roots in Hong Kong, Mark is driven by a desire to give back, setting his sights on creating a home-grown tech brand that the city can take pride in. “It could be my own brand, or I could be helping other local tech brands make a name on the international stage — either would be meaningful.” Ultimately, his mission is to inspire others to join the journey, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global innovation and technology hub.

 

As a father of two, Mark (centre) initially hesitated to develop educational technology robots, believing the technology could be easily replaced. However, he shifted his perspective upon recognising the potential to inspire tech dreams in the next generation.

CUHK Business School alumni are everywhere, transcending geographical and industrial boundaries. To explore more inspiring alumni stories, please click HERE.