Catriona Nunn From the University of York to the bustling streets of Beijing and the bright lights of Times Square, Cameron Shaw’s journey has been one of bold moves and travel opportunities. He speaks to Alumni Voices about how his time at York laid the foundation for a dynamic career that spans continents, industries, and innovative ventures.
“When I reflect on my time at the University of York, it’s hard to capture in words just how foundational that experience has been for my personal and professional journey. The picturesque campus, the tight-knit community, and the stimulating academic environment all came together to create an atmosphere that sparked curiosity and encouraged bold leaps into the unknown. It was during those pivotal years that I first learned the value of stepping outside of comfort zones — a lesson that would serve me well in the years to come.
I graduated in 2007, and while I could never have predicted the path my career would take, York had already planted the seeds for my passion for international adventure and entrepreneurship.
What stood out most about my time at York was the collegiate system, which offered an intimate community within a larger university setting. I lived in Alcuin College, and the campus was the perfect environment to form friendships and participate in activities I would never have imagined trying. It was an incredibly supportive place to meet people and explore new interests, all while immersing myself in the beautiful city of York.
In those days, I always wondered why people would choose to study their undergrad in large, bustling cities like London. York provides a unique opportunity to thrive in a space that feels both nurturing and expansive, with fewer distractions. It allowed me to focus on my academic growth while trying out new things, like being part of different societies and expanding my horizons in ways that might not have been possible elsewhere. It was also an ideal place to reflect on life’s next steps.
After York, I faced the classic graduate conundrum: what next? I had already decided to head to China before the 2008 financial crisis hit, but the timing made my decision even more significant. Witnessing the worsening job landscape back in the UK only cemented my desire to stay in China beyond that first year, knowing the opportunities there far outweighed what awaited me at home. Studying Mandarin at Beijing Language and Culture University placed me right on the cusp of China’s international debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. To be there during such a transformative moment, as the country rose to prominence on the global stage, was nothing short of exhilarating.
“If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to fellow alumni or anyone thinking about taking their career abroad, it’s to embrace uncertainty. The greatest experiences in my life have come from saying yes to opportunities that weren’t on the traditional path.”
Living abroad offered countless surprises, and before I knew it, I had founded one of Beijing’s first Western etiquette schools. My initial goal was to teach Western business, dining, and social etiquette, as these were skills highly sought after by the rapidly globalising Chinese business elite. But as demand for these traditional services quickly morphed, I found myself pivoting the business into something far grander — what would become ‘FEMME500’, a luxury lifestyle membership club.
Through ‘FEMME500’, I created a network of over 100 partnerships with elite brands, including golf courses, hotels, and spas. We curated exclusive monthly events that attracted a high-end clientele, providing them with opportunities to expand their social circles while enjoying luxury experiences. My time managing this business not only sharpened my entrepreneurial skills but also helped me form valuable connections with influential people across China and beyond.
The success of ‘FEMME500’ led me into the world of mergers and acquisitions. I began brokering deals for Chinese investors eager to acquire assets abroad, from property to entire companies. This work took me all over the world — from New Zealand to the Netherlands — and gave me a front-row seat to global commerce at a high level.
In 2013, I turned my focus to building brands and raised money from a Venture Capital in Singapore in order to do so. Our portfolio included a line of infant nutrition products and long-life milk, which we sold primarily in China. Singapore was the perfect hub for this work, with its dynamic business environment and proximity to both emerging and established markets.
After nearly a decade abroad, I returned to the UK in 2016 and co-founded ‘Pent Developments’. This venture was all about innovation — unlocking the value of flat roofs in Central London, converting a liability into an asset for stakeholders. We specialize in transforming flat roofs and garage tops into luxury penthouses, offering freeholders a new way to capitalise on underutilised spaces. Our projects are recognized for their innovation and sustainability, garnering 15 industry awards and nominations along the way. One of our most exciting projects is currently underway near Tower Bridge, where we’re building four penthouses on top of a Grade II listed building. I have since expanded this company into the UAE by launching Pent International, which focuses on villa outfitting and development, on behalf of clients.
One of the defining moments in my career came with my work at Virax Biolabs, a company I co-founded to pioneer solutions in the field of adaptive immunity testing. Our goal was to create diagnostic technologies that could help predict how individuals might respond to various viral threats. This was cutting-edge work—both exciting and daunting in its scope.
Initially, we focused on the distribution of diagnostic kits and med-tech products, but it was the investment into R&D that became the heart of Virax’s mission. We developed a suite of T-cell tests, a breakthrough technology that examined adaptive immunity through blood samples, providing insights into a person’s potential response to infections. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the urgency of this technology became clear, and we accelerated its development to meet the unprecedented global demand for innovative diagnostic solutions.
In 2022, our efforts culminated in a major milestone: taking Virax Biolabs public on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The experience of standing in Times Square, seeing the company’s name displayed on the screens, and ringing the closing bell at the NASDAQ was surreal. It felt like the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration, and persistence.
For me, the NASDAQ IPO symbolised more than just a professional achievement; it was a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. Navigating regulatory frameworks, working with global teams, and driving innovation in an evolving field were all invaluable experiences that continue to shape my approach to business.
More recently, I moved to Dubai. I initially came for a medical technology conference, and I was struck by how business-oriented the culture here is. Dubai is dynamic, forward-thinking, and supportive — every conversation feels like it could lead to a new opportunity. I’ve never experienced such a positive environment for entrepreneurs.
Currently, I’m a founding member of the UAE chapter of ‘Opus’, a network of business builders and entrepreneurs. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to be part of such a collaborative community. ‘Opus’ brings together people who have exited companies and are now focused on helping each other succeed. It’s a space where ideas are nurtured, and solutions are found collaboratively — a stark contrast to the more competitive and at times skeptical business environment I encountered in the UK.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to fellow alumni or anyone thinking about taking their career abroad, it’s to embrace uncertainty. The greatest experiences in my life have come from saying yes to opportunities that weren’t on the traditional path. Living and working abroad has broadened my horizons in ways I couldn’t have imagined — whether it’s learning new languages, adapting to unfamiliar cultures, or finding creative solutions to unique challenges.
Isolation can be a challenge, especially when you’re starting from scratch in a new country, but the rewards far outweigh the hardships. Networks like ‘Opus’ are invaluable for finding like-minded people and creating a support system, and I would encourage anyone heading into the international workforce to seek out these kinds of communities.
As for what’s next, I’m working on some exciting projects. I’m currently developing self-sustainable, off-grid agritech systems, which are essentially floating greenhouses that use solar energy and cutting-edge technology to grow fresh produce. We’re on the brink of a new era in sustainable agriculture, and I’m thrilled to be at the forefront of it.
Looking back, each chapter of my career — from the academic rigor at York to my ventures in China, Singapore, London, and Dubai — has added to a mosaic of experiences that I wouldn’t trade for anything. The NASDAQ IPO was a moment that epitomised the spirit of dreaming big, a quality that was cultivated during my time at York.
I hope my journey inspires others to take bold steps, embrace uncertainty, and trust in their ability to adapt and thrive. The best opportunities often lie on the other side of risk, and it’s through embracing the unknown that we grow into the best versions of ourselves.”
