|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and a Chinese multinational technology company have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the “HKUST-Alibaba Joint Laboratory on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence”. This collaboration aims to advance research in emerging technologies such as generative AI and big data. The MoU was signed by the HKUST Vice-President (Research & Development), and the Chief Technology Officer of the tech giant.
The joint laboratory will be developed over the next three years, focusing on frontier areas including AI, data science, language models, multimodal training and inference, computational infrastructure, and system software. Research projects within the lab will be managed and coordinated by committees comprising experts from both parties. This collaboration underscores both parties’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.
The CTO of the tech giant highlighted the synergy between HKUST’s academic excellence and the tech firm’s leading position in digital retail and cloud computing in the Asia-Pacific region. He emphasised that advanced technology is a critical driver for the company’s future development under its ‘User First’ and ‘AI-driven’ strategies. He expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with HKUST, looking forward to combining strengths to achieve breakthroughs in key technological innovations. He noted that the collaboration aims to accelerate the development and application of scientific research findings across various business scenarios and to cultivate young talents who will drive rapid technological changes.
Meanwhile, the HKUST Vice-President (Research & Development) noted that the university and the tech company have a long-standing partnership, having achieved numerous research breakthroughs and technological advancements in AI and big data. Over the years, many HKUST graduates have joined the company, while the firm’s experts have engaged in research at HKUST.
The new joint lab would drive innovative applications in AI and big data through shared research resources and talent cultivation. He described the collaboration as a win-win situation that benefits both parties, contributes to society, and supports the growth of the digital economy and high-quality national development.
The tech giant has been a strong supporter of HKUST’s innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. It is a partner of the University’s Entrepreneurship Fund, and its Entrepreneurs Fund has provided investment funding and strategic guidance to startups founded by HKUST members, bolstering the overall innovation and technology ecosystem.
The establishment of the Joint Laboratory on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence represents a significant step in fostering forward-looking research in emerging technologies. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both HKUST and the tech firm, the lab aims to make substantial contributions to the fields of AI and big data. The focus on areas such as language models and multimodal training and inference reflects the cutting-edge nature of the research to be undertaken. The joint effort is expected to lead to innovative solutions and applications that can be integrated into various business scenarios, thereby enhancing both academic and industry capabilities.
The collaboration also emphasises the importance of developing computational infrastructure and system software, which are essential for supporting advanced AI and big data applications. By addressing these foundational aspects, the joint lab aims to create a robust platform for future technological advancements. The involvement of experts from both parties ensures that the research will be of high quality and relevance, with practical applications that can benefit a wide range of industries.
The new lab is poised to become a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the lab aims to drive technological progress, cultivate new talent, and contribute to the development of the digital economy. The partnership exemplifies how collaborative efforts can lead to significant advancements in technology and benefit society as a whole.
