CEO Insights Magazine

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt­ed lives and economies all around the world, it also brought forth new ideas and innovations through the determi­nation and intention of those involved. Besides a number of entrepreneurs and business leaders who responded to the challenge, one of them was Harry Wong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Save­wo Ltd., a Hong Kong health protection company that has taken local manufacturing and what it can accomplish to a whole new level.

Proud alumnus of Lingnan University, Harry represents the institution's values of producing socially responsible leaders who have both critical thinking and entrepreneurship. His transformation from a university graduate to the head of one of Hong Kong’s most renowned health protection companies symbolizes resilience, innovation, and determination to produce socially useful products.

Founded in 2020 at the peak of the pandemic, Savewo started its journey with a definite goal in mind: to produce protective equipment of high quality while playing a part in overcoming the pandemic in Hong Kong. In an era where supply chains around the world were experiencing tough times due to the pandemic, Harry found an opportunity to set up manufacturing capacity locally.

Under his leadership, Savewo swiftly grew from a start-up venture to becoming one of the largest mask manufacturers in Hong Kong. Savewo opened its flagship manufacturing plant in Tsuen Wan, occupying more than 100,000 square feet of space that included clean rooms, research labs, and automatic production lines. At its highest point, the company employed more than 300 workers.

Product Innovation and Inclusive Design Strategy

The unique aspect about Harry’s strategy is that he places emphasis on innovation driven by quality. Unlike most other players who rely strictly on competition based on pricing, Savewo has concentrated on doing extensive research and designing its products in addition to acquiring international certification. Savewo is known for being the first producer of masks in Hong Kong who produces large scale respirators certified through the Korean KF94 & KF99 and European FFP2 & FFP3 standards.

In addition to this, Harry has advocated for inclusive design as well. The range of products from Savewo consists of barrier-free masks which will help hearing-impaired people to communicate better, as well as masks made for children with ergonomic designs which take into consideration both comfort and safety aspects.

Post-Pandemic Adaptation and Global Vision

Once the pandemic-related constraints were lifted and the need for masks dropped worldwide, manufacturers in general experienced difficulties in shifting their production. However, for Harry, this moving from the pandemic situation to post-pandemic one was not a loss but a chance to develop. He was instrumental in Savewo's major change of focus to medical-grade respirators and a product range of health protection diversifying, a proof of being unhesitating in tough times leading to a change in market.

Even when the mask mandate in Hong Kong was lifted, the company still saw a rise in demand again during times when respiratory illnesses were expected, which showed that the use of quality health protection products is a great necessity.

Leadership Philosophy and Long-Term Impact

Harry, over the years as an entrepreneur, still believes that manufacturing locally can be competitive at a global level. His projects are a good example of the government's re-industrialisation drive and show the ways that technological advancement combined with design and customer satisfaction can lead to growth that is long-term.

His story, especially for current students and fellow alumni, is an illustration of how big ideas come from unpredictable times. Identifying market opportunities alone does not make one successful. On the contrary, it is about meeting the changing societal demands through inventions, bravery, and steadfastness.

Savewo is on the way of enlarging its product line and becoming a global brand. However, Harry’s concentration is on a dream that is far beyond business expansion. He is part of a future where products made in Hong Kong are globally recognised not only for their superior quality and excellent design but also for the positive social changes they bring.

His path is a reflection of the Lingnan University teachings, principles that motivate students after graduation to have purposeful leadership, to welcome change, and to innovate in a way that results in a deep and long-lasting impact.

Harry Wong, Founder & CEO, Savewo

A marketing graduate from Lingnan University, he is the Founder of Savewo, a prominent Hong Kong-based innovative technology and manufac­turing company.