Pioneering leaders transform industries and accelerate global innovation

• EOY 2024 awards recognise achievements in technology, healthcare, logistics and sustainability
• Two visionary entrepreneurs from Chinese mainland and Hong Kong/Macau honoured for driving innovation and sustainable growth

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 awardees on stage, exemplifying the innovative spirit and sustainable business practices shaping China's economic growth.

Published: 9:14am, 23 Dec 2024Updated: 3:03pm, 23 Dec 2024

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Recognised for their transformative contributions to the global semiconductor and logistics industries, Xiao Shengli of Tianshui Huatian Technology and James E. Thompson of Crown Worldwide Group have been named winners at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) awards this year.

Renowned globally, the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards span 79 countries and regions, celebrating entrepreneurial spirit through a unified evaluation framework.

The strategic focus of Xiao, chairman of the company, on proprietary technology and innovation has enabled the company to overcome international trade restrictions and thrive in a competitive global market.

Xiao Shengli (centre), Chairman of Tianshui Huatian Technology Co., Ltd., is named EOY 2024 Chinese mainland winner, recognising his leadership in technology and innovation.

Xiao joined the state-owned Yonghong Device Factory in 1970 and became its director in 1994 during a financial crisis. Within four years, he transformed the near-bankrupt enterprise – burdened with over 100 million yuan in debt – into a profitable company.

Xiao focused on upgrading integrated circuit packaging technologies, increasing scale and capacity, and ultimately leading the company to become the third largest in Chinese mainland and sixth globally in integrated circuit packaging and testing.

Beyond business, Xiao is also committed to social responsibility, supporting disaster relief and underprivileged communities, while advocating for a corporate culture centred on patriotism and innovation.

"There’s nothing we can’t do if we can think of it. Anything we can conceive, we can achieve," he said at the gala and awards ceremony, sharing his belief in the power of innovation and determination.

As founder of Crown Worldwide Group, Thompson has revolutionised the logistics and warehousing industry. Starting his entrepreneurial journey in 1965, Thompson relocated his company to Hong Kong in the 1970s.

James E. Thompson (centre), Chairman and Founder of Crown Worldwide Group, receives the accolade of EOY 2024 Hong Kong/Macau winner for his pioneering work in logistics and transportation.

Under his leadership, Crown Worldwide has grown into a global powerhouse, operating in 45 countries and earning a reputation for reliability and excellence.

“My motto is success with integrity,” said Thompson at the gala and awards ceremony “Everyone strives for success, but it’s essential to develop your business with the right principles.”

Thompson's influence transcends the logistics industry, as evidenced by his role in transporting giant pandas for Hong Kong’s handover ceremonies.

He has cultivated a corporate culture centred on community support, as evidenced by his service on the boards of numerous charities dedicated to children, cancer research, education and the arts.

Employees around the world are encouraged to participate in volunteer activities and contribute positively to their communities.

In 2014, the company was named "Hong Kong Best International Company" in an international awards programme by DHL and the South China Morning Post.

The gala also celebrated leaders across diverse sectors, each contributing to innovation and sustainable growth:

Xu Zhiqun, Gokin Solar, for advancing sustainable energy solutions with monocrystalline silicon wafers and modules.
Dr. Simon Cua, TIME Interconnect Technology Limited, for transforming telecommunications with advanced digital solutions.
Dr Ma Jian, XtalPi, for leveraging AI and quantum physics to enhance pharmaceutical research.
Yu Hao, Dreame Technology, for pioneering high-speed digital motors and intelligent algorithms in consumer electronics.
Dr Helen Chan, Vita Green Health Products, for blending traditional Chinese medicine with modern health sciences.
Lin Yanglin, Beijing New Journey Health Industry Group, for integrating comprehensive healthcare services and driving innovation in the medical sector.
Jia Guolong, Xibei Catering Group, for elevating Chinese cuisine on a global stage.
Wan Feng, Centre Testing International Group, for setting benchmarks in quality assurance and certification.

The awardees embody this year’s theme, "elevating excellence for a new innovative Era", by showcasing how innovation and sustainable practices drive high-quality development.

Jack Chan, EY China Chairman and Greater China Regional Managing Partner, described the honourees as leaders who "consistently and persistently drive change and create value, regardless of the economic climate."

Jack Chan, EY China Chairman and Greater China Regional Managing Partner, describes entrepreneurship as the cornerstone of economic growth during his opening address at the EOY 2024 awards.

"These award-winning entrepreneurs are innovators who harness technology to build sustainable businesses," said Michael Bi, EOY 2024 awards co-chairman, and EY Greater China Markets Managing Partner, acknowledging the importance of entrepreneurship in driving innovation.

William Huang, EOY 2024 awards co-chairman and EY South China Managing Partner, added: “Entrepreneurs equipped with a blend of global perspective and local insight are prepared to embrace change and actively shape the future.”

The judging process for the EOY 2024 awards was both rigorous and comprehensive. The independent judging panel, comprising leaders from diverse sectors, adhered to global standards of excellence to assess each nominee.

Candidates were evaluated on four critical dimensions: their entrepreneurial spirit, their ability to drive growth, their clarity of purpose, and the tangible impact of their work.

Xiao and Thompson, respectively representing the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong/Macau, will compete alongside other outstanding entrepreneurs from around the globe at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in 2025.

As a staunch advocate and promoter of the Chinese entrepreneurial spirit, EY collaborates with exceptional entrepreneurs to harness benchmark strengths.