Ren Li with the ACES Institute and Monash University team following the leadership dialogue and fellowship conferment.
Held at the Plenary Theatre at Monash University Malaysia, the forum, titled Responsible Leadership in Asia: A Case Dialogue on Practice and Impact, brought together business leaders, academics, and sustainability advocates to examine how companies can scale globally while maintaining responsible governance.
The recognition marks the latest milestone for Li, a previous recipient of the Responsible Business Leader accolade (ACES Awards 2024) and Entrepreneur of the Year (ACES Awards 2025). Under his leadership, Letright has emerged as one of China's premier outdoor furniture exporters, operating in over 70 countries.
Speaking at the dialogue, Li emphasized that responsible leadership should be an industry-wide standard rather than a niche competitive advantage. "I welcome competition because responsible business leadership should continue expanding across the industry," said Ren Li. "The market is large enough for everyone. What matters more is building businesses that grow sustainably and responsibly over the long term."
Moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Esther Chong of Monash University Malaysia's School of Business, the discussion explored ethical decision-making across global supply chains. "Ren Li's journey demonstrates that profitability and principled leadership can reinforce one another," noted Dr. Chong.
Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Institute and CEO of MORS Group, stated that the fellowship reflects the organization's mission to champion ethical leadership. "Ren Li represents a new generation of leaders who understand that accountability, resilience, and purpose are central to long-term success," she said.
The dialogue successfully bridged academic insight with real-world executive experience, offering a closer look at applying responsible principles amid growing global scrutiny. The event concluded with a networking luncheon for representatives from academia and the international business community.
Hashtag: #ACESInstitute
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ACES Institute
The ACES Institute, MORS Group's research arm, promotes Asian leadership and sustainability. It bridges academic insight and corporate practice through fellowships and partnerships to champion ethical excellence and responsible entrepreneurship.
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The Launch Ceremony of the PolyU International Future Challenge 2026 was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President (centre); Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) (5th from left); Prof. Zijian Zheng, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) (5th from right); Ms Amylia Chan, Interim Director of the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (4th from left); Prof. Changyuan Yu, Director of PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (4th from right); Prof. Yi-Qing Ni, Director of PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute (3rd from left); Prof. Wu Chen, Director of Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute (3rd from right); Prof. George Q. Huang, Director of PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute (2nd from left); Prof. Mingguang He, Director of PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute (2nd from right); Prof. Tommy Minchen Wei, Director of PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre (1st from left); and Prof. Chi-wai Do, Associate Director of PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute (1st from right).
PolyU International Future Challenge 2026 launched to drive innovative ventures through cross-border network of Mainland Translational Research Institutes
Participants will earn the chance to win a wealth of rewards and opportunities, including up to HK$120,000 (Hong Kong Region) or RMB100,000 (each Chinese Mainland region) for regional champion teams, who can then compete for greater honours and awards at the Grand Final. In addition to monetary prizes, participants will also have the opportunity to connect with Chinese Mainland markets via the University's MTRI network, join local and overseas entrepreneurial visits, secure commercialisation support from the PolyVentures startup ecosystem, access PolyU's established network of investors and corporate leaders, receive mentorship from industry experts and obtain tuition sponsorship for the PolyU Master of Technology Entrepreneurship programme. Moreover, all participants will be entitled to join the "KT&E Skills Acceleration Hub" training series to enhance their innovation and entrepreneurship skillsets.
With AI+ at its core and the vision to bring positive impact to local industries and societal wellbeing, PolyU IFC 2026 strategically focuses on five industry domains: Life Sciences and Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics, Digital Economy and FinTech, Smart City and Green Living, as well as Aerospace and Aviation Technology. The focus domains of each competition region are outlined as follows:
| Competition Regions | Industry Domains |
| Life Sciences and Healthcare | Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics | Digital Economy and FinTech | Smart City and Green Living | Aerospace and Aviation Technology |
| Qianhai | X
| X
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| X
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| Jinjiang | X
| X
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| X
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| Nanjing | X
| X
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| X
| X
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| Wuhan | X
| X
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| Hong Kong | X
| X
| X
| X
| X
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| Hefei | X
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| X
| X
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| Hangzhou | X
| X
| X
| X
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| Wuxi | X
| X
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| X
| X
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During the Launch Ceremony fireside chat, Mr Albert WONG, former CEO of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue with Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences; Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence; and Chair Professor of Generative Artificial Intelligence. The speakers explored a range of topics that included the innovation ecosystem, tomorrow's ventures and talents, AI democratisation, and translational research, from both industry and academic perspectives. This exchange marked the start of the competition, inspiring everyone with an aspiration for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Local and global applications are now open for all IFC 2026 competition regions, with the official application deadline set for 14 June. Regional finals will run from August to November, while regional top teams will compete at the Grand Final in January next year. For details of the Challenge, please visit the official website.
Hashtag: #PolyU
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