At just 26, Liu Ke’er left her role as a software engineer at Apple to return to China and take over the leadership of Taikang Investment Co., Ltd. in Zhanjiang, where she is focused on developing eldercare communities to address the country’s growing elderly population and the shortage of quality, affordable care. Drawing on her technology background, Liu is committed to using innovation to address the sector’s fundamental challenges and improve the lives of the elderly, including her own future. Her journey from studying abroad to transitioning from tech to traditional industries has highlighted the importance of a locally-grounded business education, which is why she chose to pursue an MBA at CKGSB, where she’s also learning to integrate technology with business and inject new vitality into her family’s business.
The Journey of Liu Ke’er and Her Passion for Technology
From dismantling alarm clocks as a child to co-founding a tech startup, Liu Ke’er’s passion for technology has been a constant throughout her life. With supportive parents and a natural talent for innovation, she quickly excelled, entering the Zhong Nanshan Science Talent Development Program and studying Computer Science in University of Waterloo. Throughout her education, Liu always dreamed of merging technology with business to create impactful solutions.
“Technology is my passion, and business is in my blood. Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to combine technology with business to create something impactful.”
After internships at top tech companies like Apple, Uber, and Coinbase, Liu co-founded HyperBeam, which was selected by the prestigious Y Combinator. Armed with solid academic and practical experience, Liu joined Apple as a software engineer, seemingly on a smooth path towards success. But in a surprising turn, she chose to return to China, driven by both a desire to contribute to her country’s aging population crisis and the opportunity to lead technological expansion in the country.
A Return to China: Merging Technology with Business
Liu’s return to China represented not just a career move, but also her dedication. “After spending years abroad, I felt a strong desire to serve my country,” she reflects. The decision came at a time when the Chinese market, supported by policy shifts, was ripe for technological integration in traditional industries. This realization motivated her to return and pursue her ultimate goal of blending technology with business.
“With my background in technology, I am confident in tackling the challenges of eldercare. Although I’m still in my twenties, I will grow old, too. Creating a better eldercare system is not just for the elderly in society, but for my future self as well.”
Liu’s experience in North America helped her bring fresh perspectives to the Chinese business landscape. After working in a software startup, where she expanded the company’s global market presence, Liu began developing entrepreneurial projects in China, gaining insight into the local market.
Rising to Leadership: Overcoming Doubts
At just 26, Liu was named Chairwoman of her family’s business, tasked with overseeing the development of eldercare communities—a challenge far removed from her previous tech-driven work. Faced with doubts, Liu responded with quiet confidence. “Being young means I can learn quickly and introduce new ideas,” she says. She tackled the job by immersing herself in industry research, earning the respect of clients and colleagues alike through her professionalism and innovative thinking.
Liu’s resilience was key to her success. She defines it as “believing in yourself and pushing forward, no matter the obstacles,” and applies it to both personal and professional challenges. This mindset also enabled her to successfully pass the MBA entrance exam at CKGSB, despite her busy schedule.
Empowering Business through Technology
Liu’s experience in North America made her realize the vast potential for technological integration in China’s traditional industries. Upon her return, she immediately applied her technical knowledge to her family’s commercial property projects. By leveraging big data analysis, she identified customer segments, optimized marketing strategies, and introduced intelligent management systems. The result? A 40% increase in company revenue, proving the power of technology in business.
Liu’s work in eldercare, an industry facing resource shortages, also showcased her forward-thinking approach. She envisions a future where smart technology, including flexible robots and digital management systems, could revolutionize the sector, increasing service efficiency and personalizing care for the elderly.
The Need for Systematic Business Education
Despite her technical prowess, Liu recognized the value of having a systematic business education for her next career phase. Before returning to China, Liu was accepted into the MBA program at UC Berkeley. However, after realizing the differences in business practices between North America and China, she chose to pursue an MBA at CKGSB in China, where she could gain deeper insights into the latest Chinese business practices.
“At CKGSB, I can learn from professors with top international backgrounds and gain practical knowledge about local business practices,” Liu explains. By joining CKGSB’s MBA program, Liu aims to build on her technical foundation and develop the business acumen needed to navigate China’s dynamic business environment.
Looking to the Future
Liu aspires to become a responsible business leader, drawing inspiration from Dr. Lisa Su, Chairwoman and CEO of AMD, who successfully steered the company to new heights through her technical expertise and business insight. Liu hopes to follow in Su’s footsteps, combining her passion for technology with solid management.
As Liu embarks on her MBA journey at CKGSB, she continues to pursue her dream of merging technology with business, determined to make a lasting impact on both her industry and her country.
