Life in HK01
Before diving into my current ventures, I had the privilege of working at HK01, a Hong Kong-based online media powerhouse that boasts over 1.7 million unique daily visitors. My time there was nothing short of fruitful—a dynamic chapter where I honed my skills as a software engineer, tackled high-impact projects, and grew alongside an incredible team. HK01 wasn’t just a workplace; it was a fast-paced environment that challenged me to push my technical boundaries while delivering solutions that reached millions.
The real highlight of my HK01 experience was the people. My colleagues were not only talented but also genuinely kind and supportive, creating a collaborative vibe that made every day enjoyable. I learned a ton from them—whether it was picking up new coding tricks, navigating complex system designs, or simply soaking in their insights on building tech that scales. Their mentorship and camaraderie left a lasting mark on how I approach teamwork and problem-solving.
On the project front, I contributed to a variety of impactful initiatives. One key effort was working on a UI revamp for hk01.com, leveraging React.js to enhance the front-end experience. It was a chance to flex my skills in modern JavaScript frameworks, ensuring the site remained sleek, responsive, and user-friendly for its massive audience. That project was a deep dive into refining a platform that millions relied on daily, and I loved seeing the tangible improvements take shape.
In 2019, I took on a beast of a project: launching the DCE interactive site. Built with TypeScript and powered by Redis, this platform was engineered to handle a staggering 25 million daily visits. From designing the architecture to fine-tuning performance under extreme traffic, it was a thrilling challenge that demanded precision and creativity. Seeing it go live—and perform flawlessly under pressure—was a proud moment that underscored the power of scalable tech.
I also got my hands dirty designing and implementing a suite of API services that kept HK01 ticking. Using Laravel and Node.js, I built critical systems like the main hk01.com API, a reaction service for user engagement, in-app notification tools, and even a weather service—serving over 2.5 million unique visitors daily. These projects weren’t just about writing code; they were about crafting reliable, efficient backbones that powered a media giant. I loved the mix of complexity and impact—solving real-time problems for a platform that shaped how Hong Kong consumed news and content.
One of my boldest moves at HK01 was kickstarting a large-scale revamp of the main hk01.com API, aiming to migrate it to Node.js with TypeScript. I initiated the project, laying out the vision for a leaner, more scalable system that could keep pace with HK01’s growth. I spearheaded the early stages—planning the architecture, rallying the team, and setting the groundwork—though I left the company before the revamp was fully completed. It was a massive undertaking that tested my ability to think big and align a team around a shared goal, and I’m proud to have set it in motion, even if I didn’t see it across the finish line.
My stint at HK01 was a crash course in building high-stakes tech for a real audience. It sharpened my expertise in React.js, TypeScript, Node.js, and Laravel, but more than that, it showed me what’s possible when you combine great people with ambitious goals. I left HK01 with a toolbox of skills, a stack of memories, and a deeper drive to create solutions that matter.
