Organised by the Office of the Vice-President (Research), the Development Office, the CityUHK Industrial and Business Leaders Circle (Leaders Circle), and the University's Taskforce of Industry Collaboration, the University-Industry Engagement Luncheon was successfully held on 24 March. More than 80 guests attended, including CityUHK management, faculty members, Leaders Circle members, and industry leaders. The luncheon featured a series of presentations and sharing sessions that enabled guests to gain insights into CityUHK's latest research achievements while identifying opportunities for collaboration aimed at translating research into practical applications and advancing both the University and society through partnerships and funding support.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Steve Chuang, Member of the CityUHK Council and Convenor of the Leaders Circle Steering Committee, said that Leaders Circle seeks to bring together the University and elites from the business and industrial sectors to foster trilateral collaboration. He noted collaboration will drive innovative scientific research that addresses rapidly evolving market needs and transformations. Dr Chuang expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the industry's longstanding support of CityUHK and encouraged more leaders to join the Leaders Circle to achieve mutual success through closer collaboration.
Professor Anderson Shum, Vice-President (Research), highlighted the University's continued outstanding accomplishments in global rankings. Nearly 250 CityUHK scholars were named among the "World's top 2% Most-cited Scientists", with two ranked among the global top 1,000 - of only five such scholars in Hong Kong. Additionally, CityUHK was the only university in Hong Kong this year to secure a place in the prestigious global top 100 universities for the most US patents granted, leading all local institutions for the 10th consecutive year. Professor Shum emphasised that the University looks forward to building long-term partnerships with industry and welcomes partners to contribute resources and support, or to engage in diverse forms of collaboration, to advance research and innovation together.
Professor Edwin Tso, Convenor of the Taskforce of Industry Collaboration, shared the innovative research achievements of his start-up, i2Cool Limited. He also introduced a new platform, "CityUHK Industry Connect", which will be launched later this year. Through this platform, companies can submit their R&D needs, and the University will connect them with relevant faculty members or research projects for innovative solutions - helping CityUHK to capitalise on its research strengths while addressing the practical needs of industry and society.
The luncheon also featured sharing from industry representatives. Mr Frank Leung, Director of Aviva Yacht Limited, shared his successful collaboration experience with Professor Michael Leung, Chair Professor of Renewable Energy at the School of Energy and Environment. Ms Queenie Chan, General Manager (Business Transformation and Enquiry) at Towngas, highlighted the long term partnership with CityUHK and introduced its developments in artificial intelligence. In addition, four faculty members presented their latest research projects, including Professor Jason Lam, Associate Professor at the School of Energy and Environment; Professor Denvid Lau and Professor Luo Xiaowei from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering; and Professor Jing Xingjian from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Other distinguished guests included The Hon Ray Wong, Member of the Legislative Council (Functional constituency: Industrial (first)); Mr Douglas Chan, Member of the Leaders Circle Steering Committee; and Dr Simon Cua, Member of CityUHK Foundation Board of Governors; together with University representatives such as Ms Kathy Chan, Associate Vice-President (Development) and Secretary-General of CityUHK Foundation; Mr Perkins Ho, Director of Development Office; Dr Eva Lui, Director of Research Grants and Contracts Office; and faculty members from various disciplines.
