Think big to succeed, basketball legend Yao Ming urges Hong Kong young

Retired basketball star Yao Ming urged young people in Hong Kong to think outside the box when looking for opportunities.

Yao, who was awarded an honorary doctorate in social science by the University of Hong Kong two years ago, shared his ideas at the APAC Innovation Summit held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday.

Yao said young people, as symbols of innovation, should focus more on the opportunities to be found in the rest of Asia or even the world.

"[Young people] have the most dynamic minds and bring us energy with the best creativity," said Yao.

He said the concept of "Asia's world city" should not merely refer to a place, but a state of mind.

A native of Shanghai, the former sports star said he had never imagined that his opportunities would ultimately be in Houston, Texas. "The opportunity might not be here, but there must be one somewhere out there."

He compared such opportunities to courtship. "You cannot wait for your other half to find you, you have to go out to find your partner."