From Fried Rice to 3D Printing: American School Dropout Runs China R&D
Kennedy Liu, born in Beijing but raised in California from age 11, dodged the classic "average test scores" fate with a degree from RISD in industrial design. His parents moved stateside for education, living in a backyard guesthouse before dad became a delivery driver fluent in 'reading and writing' relaxation. Now 25 and based in Shenzhen, Liu leads Formlabs' China R&D sprint, juggling time zones and karaoke versions of 'Rolling in the Deep.' Liu calls himself a 'rootless Chinese with a propped-up American front,' proving even identity comes with a weird hybrid warranty in the global hustle.
Share the Story
Kennedy Liuâs journey proves you can bomb tests in the US but still create cool 3D printers in China. Meanwhile, his dadâs fluent only in delivery and chill reading â sounds like the familyâs version of âAmerican Dream Liteâ.
Who knew 'I suck at tests but can build machines' is the new immigration success story? Welcome to the 21st century where GPA means nothing but printing your own pizza dough might.
From cramped Beijing alleys to Silicon Valley backyard guesthouses to Shenzhen 3D labs: Kennedy Liuâs life is less a journey and more a TikTok challengeâexcept with fewer dances and more life hacks.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 8/19/2025 | Author: Lavender Au
More Articles in Business
CES 2026: The Worldâs Largest Tech Flex in the Las Vegas Desert
America Adds 50,000 Jobs, But Those 70,000 Stayed Home for Holidays
Sydney Sweeney's $1M Flop, Trump-Approved Jeans & Bathwater Soap Fiasco
Billionaire Bros Move T-Rex LLC Out of California to Avoid Paying Taxes; Dinosaur Surprised
Grandfather Gifts $1,500 with Guest Star Role for Financial Advisor
Facebook Exec Jumps Off Career Cliff to Build Giant iPhone Flop
Man Moves to Spain for Sun, Pays in Airport Commute Hours Instead of Pounds
New Berkshire CEO Gets $25M While Buffett Lived on $100K and Sandwiches
