Media

HKU partners with ASTRI to establish Joint Research Laboratory
on FinTech, HealthTech and Smart City

17 Oct 2016

Dr. Frank Tong, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI (2^nd right), and Professor Andy Hor Tzi-sum, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) of HKU (2^nd left), sign a Memorandum of Understanding to set up the HKU-ASTRI Joint Research Laboratory, in the witnesses of Mr. Wong Ming-yam, BBS, JP, Chairman of ASTRI (1^st right), and Professor Sham Mai-har, Associate Vice- President (Research) of HKU (1^st left).

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up the HKU-ASTRI Joint Research Laboratory.  This is the first time that HKU establishes collaboration with a research institute to focus on financial technologies (FinTech) education, health technologies (HealthTech) and smart city technologies.

A signing ceremony of the Joint Research Laboratory was held at the Industry and University Collaboration Forum 2016 that was organised by ASTRI today. Dr. Frank Tong, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI and Professor Andy Hor Tzi-sum, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) of HKU signed the MoU, witnessed by Mr. Ming-yam Wong, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ASTRI and Professor Sham Mai-har, Associate Vice- President (Research) of HKU.

Professor Andy Hor is delighted to partner with ASTRI in advancing translational research. He said: “This is not only a new chapter for both institutions, but also the ‘Moment of Truth’ for Hong Kong as we strive to extract the value of academic and applied research to our community and society.  The synergistic partnership in which the collaboration is complementary, mutually enhancing, and create a win-win-win formula not only for HKU and ASTRI, but also Hong Kong and its people. The collaboration allows creative basic research to flow through the value chain to become innovative technology and impact, in the form of products, processes, services, even new industries or setting consumer trends and industry standards.”

“Despite our joint research efforts with the public and private sectors over the years, this joint research laboratory marks ASTRI’s close collaboration with tertiary institute to develop Fintech education, as well as R&D in HealthTech and Smart City. These are areas which ASTRI has devoted significant research efforts to, and will enhance our city’s competitiveness and contribute to its transformation into a sustainable and diversified economy. We look forward to further collaboration with HKU and other tertiary institutes in the long run to groom tech talents for Hong Kong,” said Dr. Frank Tong, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI.

According to the MoU, both ASTRI and HKU agree to jointly carry out R&D projects in areas covering FinTech, HealthTech and Smart City and promote scientific and technological co-operation. The co-operation will last for five years and it is expected that a new generation of researchers will be trained through scientific and student exchanges.

About ASTRI
Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research.  ASTRI’s core R&D competences in various areas are organised under seven Technology Divisions, namely Communications Technologies, Electronics Components, IC Design (Analog), IC Design (Digital), Opto-electronics, Security and Data Sciences, and Intelligent Software and Systems. Five areas of applications including financial technologies, intelligent manufacturing, next generation network, health technologies, and smart city are identified for major pursuit. For further information about ASTRI, please visit www.astri.org

About HKU
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the first and oldest institution of higher learning in Hong Kong, and was founded in 1911, incorporating the Hong Kong College of Medicine (est. 1887). For over a century, the University has dedicated itself to creating knowledge, providing education, and serving society. It has grown with Hong Kong and generations of its graduates have helped shape the city from which the University takes its name. Today, HKU has an established worldwide reputation for being a research-led comprehensive University with ten Faculties and a strong commitment to intellectual freedom, liberty and diversity. HKU’s research areas and themes reflect issues of local, regional and global concern and bring together experts from diverse disciplines. The university has academic partnerships with over 300 universities and research institutes around the world. Through these endeavours, the University will continue to contribute to the development of leaders and to the advancement of society locally, regionally and internationally. For further information about HKU, please visit www.hku.hk

Media enquiries:
Ms Rhea Leung of the University of Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2857 8555/ (852) 9022 7446; Email: rhea.leung@hku.hk

Cherry Au of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co. Ltd.
Tel: (852) 3406 2993;  Email: cherryau@astri.org

Group photo of ASTRI’s representatives and the HKU team after the signing ceremony.