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Zero Chan

Charles Lai Chau-wah, CEO of Modern Education Network, used to be a producer of  current affairs programmes for Radio Television Hong Kong.

Several years ago, before the information technology (IT) industry started booming, Mr Lai had already begun his career  applying IT in education.

Experience and insight allowed Mr Lai to expand  in the field. He has proved his ability and realised his ambitions with successful projects such as the WizQ contest.

'A small change can make a big difference to Internet users,' Mr Lai said.

He said it was important to impress people and attract them to use the Internet.

Mr Lai's knowledge of the IT world has helped him to succeed.

What does Modern Educa tion Network  do?

Our company is a digital education network content and technical services provider, comprising experts from the education, editorial and information technology sectors.

We  do digital platform content creation and processing, which includes  the production and publishing of multimedia teaching materials and the development of Web sites.  We also provide IT training at different levels.

Some people say  IT develop ment in education is not yet  mature. What do you think?

I believe there is a real need to incorporate IT into education,  such as transforming  traditional textbooks into electronic material.  There is keen competition in this area and the key to success is simplicity.

If the design of a Web site is too technical, no matter how splendid it is, students and teachers will not enjoy using it.

Last year, we organised 'WizQ', an online quiz competition for  primary and secondary students.  It was a great success.

How and why was the project  so successful?

Students from hundreds of schools took part  in the contest.

This year,  more than 30,000 students from 280 primary and secondary schools joined the quiz.

The Education Department helped us to promote the con test, and principals and teachers told us that students were eager to take part.

We did not have any fancy graphics or technical support, but the simple way is the best way to attract students to go online.

They can learn a lot from the wide range of questions in the quiz.

What is the direction of your  company?

We believe in the combination of technique and content. The important thing is for users to maintain an interest in our Web sites.

It is useless to use complicated graphics and animations if we cannot attract them to visit our sites.

Was the switch from radio  and TV to multimedia a big  challenge for you?

It was not really difficult. The work is quite similar.  The responsibility of the media is to inform, educate and entertain. Whether you are producing an educational TV programme or a film, the basic principles are the same.

In the multimedia world, I am doing the same job but using different tools and techniques.

The most important thing is to be objective and have an open mind.

Many young people want to  join the IT industry. What is  your opinion?

To work in the field, one should have knowledge of arts,  science and music in addition to IT and language.

Hong Kong youth are at a disadvantage. Arts and music are generally ignored.  Visual arts and music are major things that can be transmitted through the Internet. If you lack knowledge and appreciation of arts and music, you cannot compete with others.

Young people should take an  interest in science, technology, arts and culture.

What is your key to success?

Stamina. I have seen many people achieve their goals through hard work.

Some people may not be talented, but they are willing to learn, work hard and sacrifice and they will succeed.

Young people should do the same.

Name: Charles Lai Chau-wah

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Company: Modern Education Network Limited

Academic background: Bachelor's degree in English Literature, University of Hong Kong

Web site: www.me-network.com.hk

Graphic: YPITSCGLO



Hard work and knowledge in different areas pave the way to success for CEO of IT firm