Dylan Kwan is the Chief of Staff at WATI, a social commerce software startup. Through successful fundraising efforts that garnered more than US$35 million from respected investors (including Sequoia, Tiger Global, DST Global, and Shopify), WATI now caters to the needs of more than 6,000 customers across 80 countries.

Dylan was appointed by the government to vet a $500 million (HK) fund under the Innovation and Technology Fund. Dylan holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Business and Economics from HKUST and has completed a visiting undergraduate student program at Harvard University.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Mentorship Program for Digital Youth

This project launched a mentorship program that nurtured a network of more than 100 digitally savvy youth from 62 primary and secondary schools to promote STEM education in the region and to empower them to become EdTech ambassadors among their peers. In partnership with a local coding competition, some students participated in six online lessons covering topics including leveraging AI (Artificial Intelligence) AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality). Students explored practical applications of STEM knowledge and directly engaged with industry experts (both local and international).

"This is my first time participating in STEM lessons outside of school. I'm thrilled to acquire knowledge about these new technologies, and I hope to apply what I've learned to my visual arts projects one day." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Dylan participated in the IVLP Project Education in the Digital Age, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360, in partnership with Cleveland Council on World Affairs, Michigan Council for Citizen Diplomacy, Global Ties Kalamazoo, and WorldChicago.

Dylan's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "Through the IVLP program, I had the opportunity to explore the e-sports landscape and digital literacy in the United States. Additionally, I made connections with several edtech startups. I plan to use these connections to benefit students by inviting some of the speakers to share their expertise and provide extended exposure to the industry."

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; East Lansing, MI; Kalamazoo, MI; Cleveland, OH

"I am excited to apply the knowledge and connections I gained through the IVLP program to make a positive impact in education. " - Dylan Kwan

 

Location: Hong Kong

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