“By nature, I’m more of a technical person who’s more into programming than business, but the Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management (T&M-DDP) gave me the unique advantage of thinking both as an engineer and a business strategist from day one,” says Darren Chiu (Class of 2013), co-founder of digital talent platform TalentLabs.

He believes the integrated approach of T&M-DDP propelled his journey in a way that a traditional single degree followed by a master’s never could. By simultaneously earning a BEng in Computer Engineering and a BBA in General Business Management, Darren built a solid foundation that merged technical prowess with strategic business insight from the start.

T&M-DDP wasn’t just about theory—it was an immersive launchpad. “We worked on cross-disciplinary projects, engaged with industry leaders, and tackled real-world challenges in class,” Darren recalls. This holistic experience, he explains, is what set the program apart. Instead of taking a sequential approach, the program allowed him to develop both hard and soft skills, giving him a head start in navigating complex business environments.

After graduation, Darren began his career in the IT department of a multinational financial institution. However, his passion for innovation soon drew him to the startup ecosystem. A brief but pivotal stint at a media tech startup taught him the volatility of entrepreneurial ventures and the critical importance of resilience, adaptability, and a keen sense of product-market fit—lessons that he had learned from the T&M-DDP.

Later, as a technology consultant at Google, Darren helped businesses build and execute digital transformation strategies. “At Google, I witnessed the power of scalable tech solutions firsthand. But I also recognized that my unique blend of skills—nurtured during my time in the T&M-DDP—could drive innovation in my own venture,” he explains.

In 2021, Darren co-founded TalentLabs, a digital talent platform designed to bridge Asia’s digital skills gap. Using a dual model, TalentLabs provides upskilling programs in collaboration with universities and government agencies while connecting trained talent with employers with AI and data analytics. “We built a platform that not only trains and assesses talent but also matches them with best-fit job opportunities, effectively addressing a critical market need,” he notes.

Building a startup from scratch, however, came with its challenges. “Navigating cultural differences when expanding into Southeast Asia was one for the challenges we faced —what worked in Hong Kong didn’t always translate to Malaysia or Indonesia,” Darren says. Moreover, creating operational structures from the ground up was a lesson to learn compared to the established processes at Google.

Despite these hurdles, TalentLabs has grown organically from a four-person team to over 30 employees, with headquarters in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Strategic partnerships, including one with Khazanah Nasional, Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, have further solidified its impact.

Looking ahead, Darren envisions TalentLabs expanding across Asia, connecting more individuals with fulfilling and desirable careers that align with their strengths and aspirations. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Embrace interdisciplinary learning, build a robust skill set, and never stop being curious. Your first job won’t define your career.”

For those aspiring to launch their own ventures, Darren encourages fellow students to embrace interdisciplinary learning and remain open to diverse opportunities. “Use your time at HKUST to explore different paths, acquire diverse skills, and cultivate a mindset of curiosity and resilience.”