On October 28, 2025, at the invitation of Assistant Professors Danni Ma and Limeng Yu from the Faculty of Business, Mr. Alan Lou, Founder of The Bright Dawn Studio in Macau, visited the City University of Macau’s Faculty of Business to deliver an inspiring guest lecture. The session was designed for MBA Year 2 students enrolled in the courses Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management.

During the talk, Mr. Lou shared his entrepreneurial journey in founding The Bright Dawn Studio and offered an in-depth explanation of the evolution of the brand’s core philosophy. He emphasized that the studio’s mission is to design creative cultural products that connect the people of Macau with their local culture, historical memories, and urban landscape, making cultural heritage more approachable and engaging in daily life.

A range of iconic cultural products were showcased at the event, including designs inspired by manhole covers, bus stop signs, street nameplates, mailboxes, and trash bins, all elements from everyday urban life. These works not only capture the unique charm of life in Macau but also sparked enthusiastic discussion among students about how culture can be transformed into marketable products. Mr. Lou also introduced a collection of miniature architectural models representing Macau landmarks such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Hotel Estoril, Guia Lighthouse, and the Octagonal Pavilion, demonstrating the brand’s deep respect for local heritage and its innovative reinterpretation. Through thoughtful design, the brand breathes new life into traditional culture, narrowing the gap between historical assets and younger generations.

During the interactive Q&A session, students actively participated and raised thoughtful questions on topics such as how a brand can sustain public attention, how small businesses can balance creativity with operations, and strategies for future market expansion. Mr. Lou responded with openness and sincerity, offering valuable insights into the challenges and breakthroughs of his entrepreneurial path, leaving a strong impression on all participants.

Following the event, Professors Ma and Yu visited Fong Studio’s flagship store, located at 8 Shui Ching Lane, Macau, on November 7, at Mr. Lou’s invitation. The visit allowed them to gain further understanding of the brand’s business operations and product display strategy, and to explore initial opportunities for future industry-academic collaboration.

This event not only provided students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with a local entrepreneur but also deepened their understanding of the sustainable development potential of small cultural and creative enterprises in Macau. The Faculty of Business remains committed to its educational philosophy of integrating theory with practice and continues to foster close connections with the local industry to cultivate future business professionals with global vision and local engagement.