CityUHK hosts University-Industry Exchange Luncheon to strengthen academia-industry collaboration
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) held a University-Industry Exchange Luncheon on 19 March. Organised by the Office of the Vice-President (Research), Development Office, and the CityUHK Industrial and Business Leaders Circle (Leaders Circle), the event brought together industry elites to enhance collaboration, donations, and experience sharing among industry, business and academia, contributing to the advancement of research and innovation for the University, industry, and society.
The event gathered over 100 guests, including CityUHK management, faculty advisors, as well as the University’s partners and industry associates. It featured a series of presentations and sharing sessions which allowed guests to gain an in-depth understanding of CityUHK’s latest innovation and technology development while enabling exploration of potential cooperation opportunities.
In his welcome speech, Professor Anderson Shum Ho-cheung, Vice-President (Research), said that the University’s achievements are underscored by the latest global university rankings. Nearly 210 CityUHK scholars were named among the "World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists", ranking first in Hong Kong relative to the overall number of teaching and research staff. Moreover, CityUHK was also the only university in Hong Kong to secure a place in the prestigious global top 100 universities worldwide for most US patents granted, leading among all local institutions for the 9th consecutive year – a testament to the University’s exceptional research capabilities.
Professor Shum emphasised that industry-business-academia collaboration allows researchers to leverage their expertise and innovative research to address industry challenges. He also encouraged the industry to cooperate with the University to utilize the government funding schemes to amplify the impact of collaboration.
Mr Steve Chuang Tzu-hsiung, Convenor of the Leaders Circle’s Steering Committee and Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, said that the Leaders Circle acts as a bridge connecting the University and the industry, with the vision of creating a win-win situation by combining the strengths of both sides. Mr Chuang also encouraged the industry to strengthen cooperation with the University, leveraging scientific research to drive the upgrading and transformation of Hong Kong’s industries; and he called for philanthropic support for the University’s ongoing development.
Professor Kenneth Leung Mei-yee, Dean of the School of Energy and Environment and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), presented work results and achievements of the SKLMP, explaining how artificial ecological seawalls can boost biodiversity. Professor Edwin Tso Chi-yan, Associate Dean of the School and Convenor of the University-Industry Collaboration Working Group, shared experiences in developing smart building envelope systems and establishing i2Cool Limited, a start-up nurtured by CityUHK’s flagship HK Tech 300 programme, to pioneer breakthrough solutions for cooling and refrigeration.
The luncheon also featured sharing from the industry. Elmeast Technology once participated in the Partnership Research Programme under the Innovation and Technology Fund with CityUHK, supporting the 5G Network Technology research project led by Professor Wang Jianping, Dean of the College of Computing. Elmeast Technology’s representative Mr Kats Lee shared the company’s experience in collaborating with CityUHK, noting that the synergistic partnership inspired market-leading products and services.
University representatives including Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement); Ms Kathy Chan Yin-ling, Associate Vice-President (Development) and Secretary-General of CityUHK Foundation; Professor Ray Cheung Chak-chung, Associate Provost (Digital Learning); Professor Johnny Ho Chung-yin, Associate Vice-President (Enterprise); Professor Thomas Ng Shiu-tong, Associate Vice-President (Campus Development, Facilities and Sustainability); Professor Michael Tse, Associate Vice-President (Innovation) and Director of the CityUHK Academy of Innovation; Professor Steven Wang, Associate Vice-President (Resources Planning); Professor Steve Wong Hang, Associate Vice-President (Community Engagement); together with members of the Leaders Circle Steering Committee including Miss Lily Chow, Mr Douglas Chan, Dr Ng Chi-ho, The China Hongqiao Group Limited’s representatives Ms Faye Chiang and Ms Natalie Cheung; and Honorary President of the Leaders Circle Dr Ma Kai-yum also attended the event.