Born in Ireland to South African parents, JOSH BOSHOFF moved here when he was nine, joining Hong Kong Academy in Grade 9, and graduating from the school in 2018. We find out how his education and connections at Hong Kong Academy helped him become an entrepreneur in Hong Kong. We also find out more about starting a business and the upcoming HKA exploration day.
Tell us about the choices you made following graduation.
I was initially unsure of my direction, but I decided that my first step was to find a job, and I began working as a junior cleaning technician for an air-conditioning company. I then worked at a language centre, but when COVID hit that business, I went back to air-conditioning.
Two years later, I had become the right-hand-man at the company; I’d also mastered the technical skills and felt I had a good handle on client management and basic business. So, in mid-2021, I co founded Breathe-Easy HK, my own air conditioning service company, out of the bedroom of my shared apartment.
Wow – congrats! And what was the next step to starting a business?
After building up the business over the next year and a half, we then moved into our Kwun Tong office in 2023. We now employ 13 staff, and we service air conditioners all across Hong Kong.
How have you found the experience of being a business owner and entrepreneur in Hong Kong?
Being a small business owner is fast paced and a big financial responsibility. As a young founder, I had to rapidly learn and apply leadership and training skills, as well as managing the administrative side of the business. I pride myself in leading by example and I never expect others to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself. Working in a team needs to be reciprocal.
We want our team to feel part of something and therefore focus on creating a friendly, team-oriented working environment where we not only challenge our team to grow, but also give them the support and training to do so.
How did your time at Hong Kong Academy help you develop the skills and character to manage your work challenges?
At HKA, I studied and engaged alongside people from many backgrounds. This helped me understand how to connect and build rapport with my now very diverse set of clients and staff. Many of our initial clients were HKA families, which really helped us get off the ground and spread the word. Even today, despite running ads and having a marketing team, word of mouth is still king!
What would you say to other HKA students who are starting to think about their post-school lives and careers?
Like myself, many people may not know where they are going as they leave school. In that case, my advice is to just get a job and get moving. Nothing gets achieved without hard work and things don’t happen by accident. Don’t be afraid to try different things out. Believe in yourself, keep your eyes and ears open, and you’ll find something that you enjoy that will support and fulfil you!
Exploration Day
Find out more about HKA and how it could be the right fit for your family on a campus tour, available all year round. There are also two whole-school open days each year, known as Exploration Days.
Join the next one on 1 March 2025 to:
- Experience inquiry-based learning alongside your child
- Check out the classrooms and get to know their teachers
- Meet current parents and hear what they value about the school
- Check out new playground installation The KOMPAN Wave – the only one of its type in Hong Kong
- Make connections with other young families over a freshly made lunch from HKA’s in-house catering team
Register for Exploration Day at hkacademy.edu.
This article featuring an entrepreneur in Hong Kong first appeared in the Winter 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
Enjoyed reading about how HKA helped this graduate starting a business? Find more student stories in our Education & Enrichment section.