Former classmates Louis Chu and Candy Chui went to opposite ends of the earth to study and embarked on radically different careers, before a chance Hong Kong reunion led to the launch of a successful business venture.
Their company Freedom Communications, which specialises in Web-page design and promotional materials, has seen business treble in the past year and a portfolio of clients which includes CLP Power, China Airlines and the Hong Kong Productivity Council.
One of Freedom's early business-generating tools was a master stroke of astute thinking, opportunistic timing and effective marketing.
When the airport moved from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok, the enterprising partners figured many airline-related businesses would need new stationery and promotional materials to reassure customers and clients that it was business as usual.
Their hunch was right. A mailshot promoting their airport-move package brought in enough revenue to cover the startup investment of $100,000, not to mention generating goodwill and further recommendations from satisfied customers.
While 1998 was an awful year for many established Hong Kong businesses, it was the exact opposite for Freedom. At the time they were expanding rapidly, businesses were closing, leading to an abundant supply of skilled labour and a wide variety of cut-price office furniture.