Taikoo Place Insiders: Moying Chap & Everly Cheryl Choi, Blueprint Members

As Taikoo Place’s very own flexible workspace, Blueprint is a haven for startups, entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes to thrive. The 30,000sq ft space spans two floors in Dorset House, and offers coworking spaces, private offices, communal areas, event venues and first-class facilities.

It features a unique design that reflects Taikoo Place’s history with hints of the Taikoo Sugar brand design throughout, with a modern twist. From flexible workspaces to dedicated event venues packed with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, Blueprint has been designed to cater for every work need, making it a hub for the entire Taikoo Place community.

We grabbed the opportunity to chat to two Blueprint members – Moying Chap, VP of Loss Adjusting at cyber-security firm Blackpanda, and Everly Cheryl Choi, founder of tech startup Anasentiment Limited – to find out why they love working there.

Moying Chap, VP of Loss Adjusting at cyber-security firm Blackpanda

Having worked in Blueprint previously, we hear that you actually recommended it to your new company! What makes it a great fit for your business?

After spending over three years at Blueprint with my previous company, I joined Blackpanda, which was a fully remote company at the time. Naturally, when Blackpanda started looking for an office location, I introduced Blueprint to our HR. Its Hong Kong Island location and easy access were important factors, plus its proximity to our tech, telco and insurance partners and clients located in Taikoo Place. More importantly, our colleagues spent the day at Blueprint and loved its overall feel and setup.

Blackpanda is currently expanding – how easy has the expansion process been?

We started with one private office in Blueprint’s coworking area and loved its balance between privacy and being able to mingle with the rest of the Blueprint tribe in the common areas. Having expanded to a second private office, we’re in the process of getting a third one in the same cosy corner. Blueprint proposed several options for us to choose from and have been super accommodating with our requests.

What are some of your favourite things to do around Taikoo Place?

It’s great having ArtisTree in the heart of Taikoo Place. It’s easily accessible and its programmes are so diverse; I’ve participated in charity events there and discovered amazing dance shows and exhibitions. I also enjoy coming across Taikoo Place’s art pop-ups and architecture exhibitions on my way to lunch.

What do you think sets Blueprint apart from Hong Kong’s other coworking spaces?

I like how lively the main lobby is, with people coming from outside Blueprint for lunch or to chill for a coffee, while being only one door away from our quiet coworking space. The terrace is another of its best features – it’s really rare to have a private outdoor space for lunch or events. One additional Blueprint bonus is that you don’t need to queue at the lifts for work every morning!

How would you recommend Blueprint to other businesses considering working here?

I’d say they should come talk to the Blueprint team, as they’re so accommodating at finding solutions. Over the past five years and two companies, we’ve tried different offices in both coworking and private office spaces, and Blueprint’s team have always been eager to adapt to our activity and resources.

Everly Cheryl Choi, founder of tech startup Anasentiment Limited

As a serial entrepreneur, you joined Blueprint with your previous company as part of the government’s Space Sharing Scheme for Youth, where Blueprint offered a significant discount on rental. Why did you apply for the scheme?

The scheme is hosted to empower young entrepreneurs in the Tech R&D related industries. Since I'm a serial entrepreneur and my previous business was in the Big Data Industry, we found the scheme very suitable for us.

What support does Blueprint offer to young entrepreneurs like yourself?

Blueprint offered the kindest onsite support and help to young entrepreneurs – such as the innovative design of its conference rooms and private spaces that allow us to meet investors for potential fundraising.

Why do you think Blueprint works well for your business in particular?

We offer AI and data-science services for aesthetic clinics and gyms to help their businesses grow. Since Blueprint is located close to our clients, it’s where the magic happens!