Why Innovation Matters — And How We’re Building the Next Generation of Changemakers

kennylwu
Jul 7
3 min read

In today’s fast-changing world, innovation isn’t optional — it’s the difference between staying relevant or falling behind.

At Macao Startup Club, we believe innovation starts with people. And with the right mindset, mentorship, and environment, anyone can become a changemaker.

That’s why we launched the Mentorship Program 2025, co-hosted with the France Macau Chamber of Commerce (FMCC) — to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in Macau and beyond.

Orientation Day: The Journey Begins

On July 5, we hosted the Orientation Day at MSpace, officially kicking off this year’s Mentorship Program. Our new cohort met their mentors, explored the program roadmap, and got inspired by the stories of those who’ve built and led with purpose.

Keynote by FMCC Chairman Rutger Verschuren

We were honored to welcome Rutger Verschuren, Chairman of the France Macau Chamber of Commerce and Area Vice President – Macau & Hengqin of Artyzen Hospitality Group, who delivered an inspiring keynote.

Rutger emphasized the importance of intergenerational collaboration. He highlighted how today’s youth — equipped with digital fluency and innovative thinking — are poised to become the leaders of tomorrow. He also introduced the concept of two-way learning, where both mentors and mentees gain from one another’s insights and experiences.

“This initiative is about building connections and fostering mutual growth,” he shared.

As a unique highlight of this year’s program, Rutger will personally mentor James, President of Macao Startup Club, showcasing the true spirit of intergenerational learning and leadership.

Special mentor announcement - mentor-the-mentor (James and Mr. Rutger)

Panel Discussion: What Makes a Founder Ready?

The day continued with a panel discussion moderated by Pamela Chan, Managing Director of Taipa Village Destination Limited and mentor in this year’s cohort. The panel featured:

• Professor José Alves, Dean of the Faculty of Business at the City University of Macau

• Mary Mendoza, Managing Director of The Platinum Ltd.

Professor Alves discussed the importance of having a first customer and thinking beyond local limitations. Drawing on his experience with the 929 Challenge and examples such as Zence Tea, he stressed that technology is a key enabler and that founders should aim to scale beyond Macau.

Mary Mendoza provided a practical perspective on early-stage entrepreneurship. She encouraged mentees to build a solid plan and follow the PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) cycle. Her advice was clear: don’t hesitate, go for it. Set clear milestones, stay flexible, and embrace continuous improvement.

Supporting Young Talent: MakerMods Scholarship

We are also thrilled to announce that MakerMods, a youth-led innovation team, has been awarded a scholarship placement in this year’s mentorship program.

MakerMods was recently accepted into InnoX – Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Technology, and will continue their journey of building impactful tech solutions with support from our mentor network and startup ecosystem.

What’s Ahead in the Program?

Over the next three months, mentees will engage in the following hands-on workshops:

• Business Model Canvas

• Customer Validation

• Pitch Deck Design

They’ll meet regularly with mentors, test their startup ideas, and work toward presenting their validated concepts at Demo Day in September.

Final Thoughts

Thank you to everyone — mentors, speakers, partners, and supporters — for being part of this journey. By nurturing entrepreneurial potential, we’re building not only startups, but the next generation of changemakers in Macau and the Greater Bay Area.

Stay tuned as we continue to share stories, insights, and highlights from the journey ahead.