The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration on research and talent development with a China-based shipping company. The agreement was witnessed by HKUST’s President and signed by HKUST’s Provost and an executive from the partner organisation. The MoU aims to promote joint research, commercialisation of research findings, and the development of human resources.
Under the agreement, HKUST will leverage its strengths to launch theme-based research, set up a laboratory, organize international academic forums and industrial development conferences to promote synergy among the industry, academia and research, and to advance frontier scientific research spanning artificial intelligence, advanced materials, new energy, biomedical science, fintech, digital economy, carbon-neutrality, and high-end testing and inspection, creating a win-win collaboration.
HKUST plans to incubate sizable innovation and technology companies by facilitating knowledge transfer and collaborating on joint research with the partner organisation. The university will receive support from the company on technology development platforms, investments, financing, commercialization, and incubation services. In addition, the partner organisation will assist in organising innovation and entrepreneurship competitions, conferences, and technology exhibitions to build an innovation and technology ecosystem.
As part of the collaboration, HKUST students and graduates will have the opportunity to pursue internships and employment with the partner organisation based on their business development needs. Meanwhile, HKUST will offer various training programs to support the continuous professional education of the partner organisation’s executives.
HKUST President stated that the University is excited to collaborate with the company leveraging their business acumen and expansive network in tandem with the university’s world-class research capabilities. The partnership will provide HKUST researchers with the opportunity to commercialise their innovations while gaining insight into the operational challenges that arise when introducing new technologies to society.
This experience is vital to the application of frontier technologies and Hong Kong’s I&T development. The collaboration aims to create an ecosystem that promotes scientific research, knowledge transfer, and talent development, with a focus on bolstering Hong Kong’s reputation as an international I&T hub.
The company’s Chairman will further play role as a state-owned enterprise in Hong Kong, contributing to the city’s advancement into an international I&T hub. The aim is to further collaborate with internationally renowned universities like HKUST on joint research, commercialisation of research discoveries and attracting international top talents.
The HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development, HKUST Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, CMG Assistant to President and Head of President’s Office and other representatives also attended the signing ceremony.
Afterwards, the company’s delegation visited HKUST’s Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution (Hong Kong Branch) and Energy Institute to learn about the University’s research and development on water pollution control, energy storage and plastic upcycling, as well as its achievements in industry-academia-and-research collaboration and different research disciplines.
The collaboration represents a significant step in driving Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development. By leveraging the strengths of both parties, the partnership aims to establish an ecosystem that promotes scientific research, knowledge transfer, and talent development. The agreement’s focus on advancing frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and carbon-neutrality aligns with Hong Kong’s strategic priorities for I&T development.
The partnership will also support the continuous professional education of the partner organisation’s executives, which is vital for building the human capital necessary to achieve Hong Kong’s I&T ambitions. The partnership will foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a pipeline of skilled talent that will help Hong Kong maintain its competitive edge in the global I&T landscape. Overall, the collaboration between HKUST and the partnering firm a crucial step towards advancing Hong Kong’s position as a leading international I&T hub.