Page 22 - Are You Future Ready?

Preface 5
Collaboration is shaping our future

It seems just yesterday that I started working in a lab at
Harvard University looking at spatial analysis and digitised
geography to make maps from the information. I had
a “wow, I’ve found Candyland” reaction as I realised it

was possible to connect the science of geography with
020 decision-making. That’s when I founded the Environmental
Systems Research Institute (Esri) 50 years ago.

Some 25 years ago, I met Winnie. I had a “great, I’ve
found the right buddy” reaction as we share the same
passion for geographic information system (GIS), the same
enthusiasm as an entrepreneur, and the same vision to

drive the world to be smarter and more intelligent through
realising the potential of GIS in Hong Kong and worldwide.
These similarities draw us to become close friends with

mutual admiration though we are coming from different
generations.