Lau Tung-ching is the chief operating officer of WowWee Ltd. WowWee specialises in the development, design and marketing of consumer robotic and electronic products. The company is a pioneer to incorporate hi-tech know-how in toy manufacturing. With headquarters in Hong Kong, WowWee has operations in Canada and USA, while product design, including both hardware and software, are performed at the Hong Kong R&D centre.
WowWee started off as a supplier of remote control toy cars, boats and airplanes. As soon as Mr Lau joined WowWee in 1997, he repositioned WowWee to be a Hong Kong-based hi-tech toy company. Envisioned with the enormous potential market for consumer robotic products, Mr Lau established its first R&D centre in Hong Kong, with team members recruited from major scientific institutions and research centers around the globe. He invested over US$1 million to develop the first 'animatronics' product line - 'Robosapien', 'Roboreptile', 'Roboraptor' and 'Robopet'.
In 2004, Mr Lau headed WowWee during the invention of 'Robosapien', the first-ever robot based on the science of applied biomorphic robotics, and it turned out to be a great success. The company recorded enormous increase in turnover since the new invention was introduced to the market, which represented a turning point for WowWee. Highlighting the 'Designed in Hong Kong' label, 'Robosapien' has been showcased in numerous overseas exhibitions, and received many awards and prizes including the 'Hot Tech Gifts' from Fortune in the US. Mr Lau received the 'Hong Kong Award for Industries 2004 - Consumer Product Design' and 'Hong Kong Award for Industries 2005 - Technological Achievement' on behalf of Wowwee. To ride on the worldwide recognition of 'Robosapien', Mr Lau continued to lead WowWee in the development of Robosapien V2 in 2005 and RS Media in 2006. On the other hand, Mr Lau also formed strategic partnerships with leading technology companies to develop more new products in the near future.
Coming from the grassroots, Mr Lau is keen on inspiring the younger generation with his success story. He is a frequent speaker at various seminars and forums organised by the Trade & Industry Department, universities and institutions. He is also an active sponsor to local universities and charity organisations.
Judges' Comments
- A pioneer in robotic-toy technology
- Emphasis on R&D
- Visionary in the global market trend
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