ASTRI Cultivates International I&T Talent in Alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan

20 August 2026 – The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has successfully concluded its 2026 Summer Internship Programme. Over 60 interns from top‑tier universities across 12 countries and regions have completed an eight‑week research internship, during which they participated in cutting‑edge applied R&D projects spanning artificial intelligence, digital health, fintech and green technologies under the guidance of senior researchers – injecting new international momentum into Hong Kong’s I&T talent pool.

Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, said, “This year marks the beginning of the national 15th Five‑Year Plan and a pivotal moment for Hong Kong to seize the opportunities presented by the new wave of technological and industrial transformation. As Hong Kong’s largest government‑funded applied R&D centre, ASTRI has been actively aligning with the HKSAR Government’s principle of ‘promoting technology with talents, leading industries with technology, and attracting talents with industries.’ It is truly encouraging to witness the innovative thinking and research passion demonstrated by these young talents during their internship. I hope they will continue to develop their careers in Hong Kong after graduation, join the I&T sector, and collectively contribute to Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub.”

This year’s interns came from 12 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Seychelles, the United States, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. Interns were assigned to ASTRI’s nine Technology Divisions, covering Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)– including AI Platform and Solutions, Communications Technologies, Advanced Electronic Components and Systems, and Intelligent Sensing and Control Solutions – and Materials– including Electronic Materials, Battery Materials, Construction Materials, Biomaterials and Functional Polymers. Under the mentorship of senior researchers, they participated in the complete R&D process from conceptualisation and technology development to application testing, transforming theoretical knowledge into commercially viable solutions.

Translating Research Outcomes into Action to Advance Smart City Development

Enoch Chiu, a Master’s student in Blockchain Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), participated in R&D on Ethereum blockchain infrastructure and contributed to the development of application standards for Post‑Quantum Cryptography (PQC) during his internship. Blockchain technology provides secure, transparent and decentralised technical support for digital government services and public asset management. He remarked, “Our research aims to strengthen digital security and help Hong Kong maintain its leadership in Web3 and fintech.” He also shared that the most memorable activity was the “CTO Dialogue”: “Direct engagement with management gave me valuable insights into the end‑to‑end journey of transforming cutting‑edge R&D into market applications. It also inspired me to think about the practical scenarios of technology deployment, which has been very helpful for my career planning.”

Imrane Arnous, an undergraduate student in Chemical Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) from Morocco, focused on developing early‑strength concrete additives. Through rigorous laboratory testing and compressive strength validation, he optimised chemical formulations to accelerate construction efficiency and reduce energy consumption and emissions. These advanced construction materials help shorten project timelines, minimise traffic disruption from roadworks, and lower overall carbon emissions – particularly well‑suited for high‑density urban environments like Hong Kong, promoting more sustainable and cost‑effective infrastructure development. He said, “My internship at ASTRI showed me how laboratory research outcomes can directly address societal needs, and has further strengthened my determination to pursue a career in sustainable engineering.”

Bryan Li, a rising junior majoring in Applied Mathematics and Music at the University of California, Berkeley, worked on multiple R&D projects at ASTRI’s Communications Technologies Division, including dexterous hands, radar systems, and an in‑car AI assistant interface – with applications in automated production, vehicle sensing, and smart mobility. He remarked, “My internship at ASTRI allowed me to apply what I have learned to real‑world engineering projects and showed me how research drives industrial upgrading.”

Industry Engagement Broadens Horizons and Explores the I&T Ecosystem

During the internship, ASTRI’s Talent Acquisition team organised a diverse range of industry engagement activities, including a CTO Dialogue with Dr Ying Huang, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI, two “Tech Talk” seminars, and a series of company visits. Interns visited prominent organisations including Bank of China (Hong Kong), Cyberport, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, gaining an in‑depth understanding of generative AI applications in banking, regulatory technology principles, and the innovation ecosystem built around digital technology. These activities enabled interns to engage directly with industry experts, gain comprehensive insights into corporate operations and the realities of Hong Kong’s I&T sector, and extend their R&D perspective from the laboratory to the industry frontline.

The internship programme is funded by the STEM Internship Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission. ASTRI’s Summer Internship Programme is one of the largest and most international summer internship programmes among Hong Kong’s research institutions. Over the years, it has cultivated numerous I&T talents and continues to inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre.