Our mentors, advisors, and guest speakers bring together a wealth of expertise, coming from leading institutions and global organizations including:

Our Mentors

Our multidisciplinary team comprises industry veterans with deep expertise in their own field and will lead:

Mentors will cover modules that align with their area of expertise, from Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Marketing to MVP prototyping and more

Core Curriculum

Capstone Day

Interactive Workshops

Mentors will facilitate collaborative workshops where students apply knowledge and work towards their real-world capstone projects

Mentors guide students on the penultimate day to their presentations - a day of intense action as teams race to the finish line!

Business Strategist | Education Innovator | Leadership

David Peran

Rachel Xu

Rachel is a visionary industrial designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience shaping the future of product innovation. As Co-Founder of KIWEE, she has led groundbreaking projects in sustainable and minimalist urban outdoor goods design, product development, and manufacturing—bringing ideas to life from concept to commercialization.

Before launching KIWEE, Rachel was an Industrial Designer at Frog, where she collaborated with global brands including Samsung, Kohler, PepsiCo, and ABB, crafting solutions that blend cutting-edge design with real-world functionality. Her expertise spans kitchen appliances, industrial products, and high-tech innovations, making her a powerhouse in turning bold ideas into market-ready products.

She will be a key mentor at Nova, leading the Prototyping & MVP (Minimum Viable Product) modules. With her deep understanding of product-market fit, rapid iteration, and manufacturing realities, Rachel will guide students through hands-on innovation, helping them transform raw ideas into tangible solutions.

Young is an AI-certified digital transformation expert leading CRM strategy and consumer analytics at a top luxury brand. His experience includes prominent roles at Gucci and MediaCom, where he has leveraged data analytics to drive customer engagement and business performance. Young specializes in data-driven decision-making, business intelligence (BI), and AI-driven marketing solutions.

At Nova, Young will mentor students on customer analytics, data-driven decision-making, and digital strategy, equipping them with the tools to understand and leverage data for competitive business advantage. He will also lead sessions on Marketing Fundamentals, covering the 4Ps, Customer Persona & Journey, and Memorable Brand Identities.

Young Lin

David Peran is the co-founder of Nova Via and a seasoned business leader and educational innovator with a unique blend of management consulting, venture capital, and edtech expertise. With a dual MBA and MA in Education from Stanford University, he is passionate about bridging the gap between business innovation and transformative learning experiences.

As the former COO of AKKA Technologies China, David led a 250+ person team, driving business growth and delivering strategic value for clients including BMW, Daimler, VW, Airbus, and other global giants. His career spans high-impact leadership roles, venture capital investments, and pioneering work in education technology.

At Nova, David plays a crucial role in shaping immersive business and tech innovation programs. He will mentor students on strategic thinking, scaling startups, and innovation frameworks, navigating the challenges of launching ventures in fast-paced global markets.

Innovator | Industrial Designer | Creator

Richard Liu (Camp Director)

Richard Liu is the co-founder of Nova Via with David Peran, and a visionary education leader and serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience designing transformative learning experiences for students across China and Australia.

Richard has led extended learning and career development programs at top-tier institutions like YK Pao School, where he established interdisciplinary Super Curriculum initiatives, and high school career & internship programs. His work has supported students in developing real-world skills and securing admission to Ivy League and G5 universities.

Holding degrees in Mechatronics Engineering (UNSW), Politics & International Relations, and an MBA, Richard brings a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and educational innovation. His career includes co-founding major education projects, including Sino-Australian joint publishing and international education ventures, as well as serving as a Strategy & Training Consultant at Accenture.

Richard oversees all aspects of program execution, and also mentor students on future career strategy, ensuring an unforgettable learning experience.

AI-Certified Digital Transformation Expert | Luxury CRM Strategist | Data-Driven Innovator

Education Innovator | Program Director | Career Readiness Expert

Workshops and the Capstone Day are further enriched by experienced international school business and economics educators, providing robust academic insights alongside practical guidance.

Our Strategic Advisors & Guest Speakers

Our distinguished advisors and guest speakers are industry leaders from top institutions and global companies, including Bain & Company, Nike, Roland Berger, Medtronic, Standard Chartered Bank, and more. They share invaluable insights into China’s innovation ecosystem and real-world experiences, helping students decode complex markets and emerging trends.

ThThese experts engage students through keynote talks and panel discussions, equipping them with the essential tools to excel in the global innovation economy.

Shaofang Liang

Senior Project Manager - Roland Berger

Wuhan University (BBA), INSEAD (MBA)

Expert in China's EV industry, specializing in growth and digital transformation strategies

Di Yao

Head of Legal - A global tech company, Board Member - American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai

Stanford Law School (Master's in Law Science & Technology)

Expert in China's digital advertising industry, specializing in legal compliance and policy innovation

Miya Wang

Senior Manager - Bain & Company

Fudan University (LLB), INSEAD (MBA)

Expert in China's consumer goods industry, specializing in growth and marketing strategies

Rex Huang

Senior Finance Director - Nike

SUFE (Bachelor's in Financial Management), University of Melbourne (Master's in Taxation Law)

Expert in the athletic apparel industry, specializing in growth and strategic business transformation

Rebecca Hatten

Executive Director, Strategic Change and Transformation - Standard Chartered Bank

University of Sidney (Bachelor of Commerce)

Expert in organizational change, specializing in driving digital transformation and positive change

Robyn Xu

Chief Operating Officer - Shanghai Yuantao Software Technology Co., Ltd.

Jiao Tong University (BE in Biomedical / Medical Engineering, executive MBA)

"With Nova Via China, aspiring entrepreneurs get hands-on experience in China's dynamic tech ecosystem, preparing them for success"

Xueying Wang

International Therapy Marketing Lead - Medtronic

Tsinghua University (BS & MS in Chemical Engineering), INSEAD (MBA)

"Nova Via China provides a transformative gateway for young innovators to experience China's dynamic tech ecosystem and develop the entrepreneurial mindset essential for global success"

Bob Huang

SVP, Operations and Corporate Development - Tamarind Health

UNSW (MBBS), Wharton School (MBA)

Expert in healthcare management and investments, with a background in private equity and consulting across Asia Pacific and the USA