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How a Hong Kong rocket scientist invented a groundbreaking sound system

Tech start-ups are not just for 20-somethings – ‘uncle’ Daniel Chiu is applying know-how he used to help Nasa to the world of entertainment

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Daniel Chiu has a passion for innovation even as he approaches 70. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

When Daniel Chiu On-kwok, 69, and Elliott Yuen Wai-kuen, 62, joined a start-up contest at the Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin earlier this year, they were astonished to find their rivals were all in their early 30s or fresh university graduates.

Dressed in suits, the retirees showed up with the sound system technology Chiu invented, but they looked rather out of the place among the casual T-shirts and funky pants. The “kids” even helped the “uncles” transport amplifiers and equipment and wished them good luck.

“We were the oldest contestants, and it was quite funny to see others either born in the 1980s or 1990s,” Chiu told the Post at the office of his company, X-Spatial, in the Science Park. “Their stories are a young start-up, but ours is a retiree-start-up. Ha ha.”

The “uncles” won the game.

Born in Hong Kong, Chiu migrated with his family to the United States in the 1960s and worked as a mechanical engineer after finishing university. For two decades he developed technology for rocket engines and spacecraft for Nasa. He also specialised in satellite, information and technology, and communication systems.

A big fan of chamber music, Chiu spent “every penny” on hi-fi, but he could find nothing that produced the effect of live music.

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