Organised by the CityUHK Industrial and Business Leaders Circle (Leaders Circle), an industry-business-academia exchange luncheon was successfully held on 24 July. The event brought together over 130 guests and was honored to welcome the Executive Committee members of the Hong Kong Federation of Innovative Technologies and Manufacturing Industries (FITMI), who gathered with Leaders Circle’s members, industry leaders, and CityUHK faculty, to exchange ideas and explore collaboration opportunities.
In his welcome remarks, Professor Kenneth Leung Mei-yee, Vice-President (Research) at CityUHK, shared that between the university-industry partnership combines strengths for mutual success. CityUHK’s strong research capabilities will serve as an innovation engine for businesses, while industry insights help guide university research to precisely address real-world needs. Looking ahead, CityUHK seeks to deepen collaboration with industry in areas such as joint research and innovation, technology transfer, and talent development.
Dr Steve Chuang, Member of the CityUHK Council and Convenor of the Leaders Circle Steering Committee, thanked FITMI for their support and participation. He stressed that the Leaders Circle will continue to maintain close partnership with industrial and business chambers to advance the translation of CityUHK’s innovative scientific research and technology into applications, joining hands with industry to drive social and economic progress. Dr Chuang also thanked CityUHK faculty members for their strong support, hoping that ongoing academia-industry exchanges will unlock further collaboration opportunities and bring additional resources for university research and talent development.
Professor Lee Yuen Fat, Chairman of FITMI, noted that in today’s rapidly changing market environment, businesses must embrace new thinking and draw on academic expertise to overcome challenges. Professor Lee expressed appreciation for the meaningful exchange at the luncheon, hoping that it will lay the foundation for multi-faceted collaborations with CityUHK to foster industrial transformation and advance the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong.
The luncheon also featured presentations by CityUHK faculty on their latest research. Professor Steven Wang, Dean of the College of Engineering, shared insights on energy and materials while showcasing successful industry applications; Professor Luo Jianxi, Professor at the Department of Systems Engineering, explained how his AI manufacturing platform drives innovation in engineering; and Professor Edwin Tso Chi Yan, Convenor of the Taskforce of Industry Collaboration, introduced the upcoming “CityUHK Industry Connect” platform, which will match corporate R&D requests with relevant CityUHK professors and research projects to foster efficient industry-academia collaboration.
Attendees also included Dr Simon Cua and Mr Eric Sun, Members of the CityUHK Foundation Board of Governors; Mr Douglas Chan, Mr William Hung, Mr Anthony Lam, Dr Ng Chi-ho, Mr Evan Huang, and Mr Wilson Wong, Members of the Leaders Circle Steering Committee; together with University representatives including Professor Wang Jianping, Dean of the College of Computing; Professor Steve Wong, Associate Vice-President (Community Engagement); Mr Perkins Ho, Director of Development Office; Dr Eva Lui, Director of Research Grants and Contracts Office; and faculty members across various disciplines.
