Organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, 26 students and their teachers from Beijing Union University visited ASTRI on 17 July 2018. They were welcomed and received by Dr MeiKei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI. During the visit, the group witnessed a series of advanced technologies developed by ASTRI at the Smart City Innovation Centre, and learnt about the mission and technology endeavours of ASTRI.
A group of nine committee members of the Young Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (YDAB) visited ASTRI on 17 July 2018, including Mr Ngan Man-yu – YDAB Chairman and Kwun Tong District Councillor; Mr Chiu Man-leong – Vice-chairman and Shatin District Councillor; and Mr Siu Wai-chung – Deputy Secretary General. The group had a guided tour of ASTRI’s Smart City Innovation Centre and met Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer and Dr Meikei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI. The visitors learnt about ASTRI’s R&D development and achievements and explored how application of these technologies enhance the social and economic development of Hong Kong and improve people’s daily lives.
The YDAB committee members were very impressed by a series of Smart City technologies and 5G applications developed by ASTRI. Many members of the delegation represent different district councils, with extensive experience in community work. Through their daily interaction with people from different all walks of life in the community, they have built up a rich knowledge of the needs of the public. Naturally, the delegation showed particular interest in how the HKSAR Government’s Innovation and Technology (I&T) development efforts would bring tangible benefits to ordinary citizens, and how various stakeholders in the I&T ecosystem could leverage advanced technologies to develop practical solutions that meet the real-life needs of Hong Kong residents.
The YDAB delegation found the visit both inspiring and interesting, and offered some meaningful feedback to ASTRI.
[17 July 2018, Hong Kong] Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and Cyberport, the digital tech community comprising over 1,000 technology companies, partnered for the ‘ASTRI Technovation Day’ – aiming to introduce ASTRI to the Cyberport tenant companies, particularly the technology start-ups in FinTech, Blockchain, HealthTech and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through events like this, ASTRI hopes to develop the connection with the technology start-up community and provide necessary support to them. Held yesterday at Cyberport, the ASTRI Technovation Day had a clear mission of fostering collaborations, boosting technological capabilities, sharing useful information about funding resources, and updating participants on ASTRI’s technology partnership models. Over 40 start-ups took part in the event which also included insightful sessions on Blockchain Applications, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics, along with a facilitated business matching session for AI and Blockchain stream start-ups.
Mr Hugh Chow – ASTRI’s Chief Executive Officer and Mr Peter Yan – Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport talked about the common goal shared by their respective organisations – enabling Blockchain and AI stream start-ups to unleash a world of potential. Commenting on the initiative, Mr Chow said, “Through this event, ASTRI seeks to provide a platform for innovation catalysts to connect with innovation drivers – helping the ecosystem to collectively maximise the impact of our endeavours.” Conscious that it is unusual for an R&D institution to disseminate to other technology developers, Mr Chow added that “ASTRI aims to act as a Technovation facilitator. As we all know, together we always achieve more.”
“I am glad that Cyberport is working closely with ASTRI on this event that aligns with Cyberport’s key cluster focus of AI, blockchain and big data. This will be highly beneficial to Cyberport’s tech community in gaining inspiration to enhance their product development. With a community of over 1,000 digital tech companies, Cyberport is keen to work with partners like ASTRI to accelerate their growth and development to create impact on our society. I look forward to more collaboration with ASTRI in the coming future,” expressed Mr Yan, CEO of Cyberport.
ASTRI remains committed to its mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s global competitiveness with the power of technology, working as an important facilitator of Hong Kong’s I&T development. Technology start-ups play a vital role in Hong Kong’s role in its global I&T aspirations. Hong Kong not only boasts one of the most vibrant start-up ecosystems in the world, but also consistently ranks at the top league of global innovation and business competitiveness rankings. ASTRI recognises its responsibility to better understand what rising technology entrepreneurs need, and to share technological and funding related information that they might find useful.
The focus of various sessions during the ASTRI Technovation Day was on Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Healthcare Technologies and Cybersecurity. The event has been a collective effort from ASTRI and Cyberport as part of their common goal to cultivate talents to help turn Hong Kong’s information technology aspirations into reality, and to help build a thriving, innovation-led economy.
Ms Mary Ng, Member of the Parliament of Canada, accompanied by Mr Jeff Nankivell, Consul General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao, visited ASTRI on 11 July 2018. They were welcomed to ASTRI by Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer and Dr Meikei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer. During the visit, the two sides discussed about exchanging technology and talents between Canada and Hong Kong, as well as the economic development trends in both places. They also exchanged thoughts and insights on potential future collaborations. The visitors were impressed by the many advanced technologies developed by ASTRI, having witnessed the demonstrations at the Smart City Innovation Centre. The demonstrations included naked-eye 3D display technology, Blockchain applications, smart pole and cellular Vehicle-to-Everything technologies. They hoped that technological exchange and cooperation between Hong Kong and Canada could be further strengthened in future.
A group of senior civil servants from the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department (CSD), and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) visited ASTRI on 12 July 2018. The group was led by Mr Yeung Chun-wai – Assistant Commissioner of CSD, joined by Mr Wong Sek Cheung – Assistant Director of EMSD. They were welcomed to ASTRI by Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer, accompanied by Dr Meikei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer and Dr Justin Chuang – Vice President of Next Generation Network as well as several R&D experts.
Aiming to explore new technologies for continuous improvement of CSD’s operational performance, the group was very keen to see a series of ASTRI’s advanced R&D projects such as human activity sensing technologies, data analytics and cybersecurity. During the visit, they also took the opportunity to witness demonstrations related to various applications of 5G at ASTRI’s Smart City Innovation Centre. In addition, they exchanged ideas and insights with ASTRI’s R&D experts on how technology could help enhance the efficiency and security of their operations and services.
ASTRI is partnering with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and Molecular Hub, to launch a Blockchain-focused accelerator programme for start-ups. The programme was launched today, 13 July 2018, in a ceremony held at Hong Kong Science Park.
ASTRI, a key partner in the programme, will build and enhance technological know-how and capabilities of the participating start-ups, providing them with Blockchain-related training. The start-ups will also be able to leverage ASTRI’s R&D infrastructure by accessing the facilities of the Smart City Innovation Centre operated by ASTRI.
Dr David Chung Wai-keung, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the Hong Kong SAR Government, was one of the officiating guests at the programme’s launch. Highlighting the SAR Government’s determination to position Hong Kong as a global innovation hub, Dr Chung said, “Since its establishment in 2015, the Government’s Innovation and Technology Bureau made a significant investment to I&T development to the tune of HK$ 78 billion. The Government’s support to I&T development covers many different areas of technologies and applications with particular emphasis on Financial Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, as well as Healthcare technologies.”
Other dignitaries present at the event included: the Honourable Dr Elizabeth Quat, BBS, JP – Member of the HKSAR Legislative Council, as well as senior leaders from HKSTP, ASTRI, Molecular Hub, leading investment and venture capital firms, prominent FinTech firms and other technology companies.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr MeiKei Ieong – ASTRI’s Chief Technology Officer said, “ASTRI is the largest government-funded applied R&D institute in Hong Kong, focusing on Information and Communications Technology. We have a strong track record of commercialising innovative technological solutions in Smart City, FinTech, AI + Robotics and Health Technologies. Through this partnership, we look forward to working with HKSTP and Molecular Hub to provide support to start-ups, aiming to accelerate the development of I&T in Hong Kong and beyond. ”
Mr George Tee, Chief Technology Officer of HKSTP, said, “Blockchain technology has enormous potential for use and can be applied into various industries and in many various ways – from compliance, to finance and operations. HKSTP encourages innovation, hence we have seen our Park companies successfully applying this technology to logistics, insurance, ID authentication and property valuation. The timing couldn’t be any better for us to launch this programme, to capture the huge market opportunity out there. This move will certainly put Hong Kong as an attractive venue for innovators to turn their ideas into commercial success.”
Mr Jacky Chan, CEO of Molecular Hub said, “With Molecular Hub collaborating with HKSTP and ASTRI in this programme, the three of us can definitely give extra value and an extra edge for start-ups to validate their ideas. We hope this will be the start of many great things to happen out of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, especially with respect to the development of FinTech.”
The programme focuses exclusively on Blockchain technology development and also other applications such as Smart City solutions. The programme plans to start its worldwide recruitment in August, with the official launch expected take place in November 2018. The other partner in the programme, Molecular Hub will help the start-ups to explore and untap Blockchain-related opportunities along the Belt-and-Road markets including China.
Led by Mr Sunny Cheung – Chief Executive Officer, a delegation of Octopus Holdings Ltd visited ASTRI on 9 July 2018 to understand the Institute’s latest R&D endeavours in Big Data Analytics, Blockchain, Customer Onboarding and Identity Management, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Authentication Systems. Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, accompanied by Dr MeiKei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer and the team, welcomed the delegation to ASTRI’s premises and discussed potential collaborations between the two organisations. The Octopus delegation also included Mr Sammy Kam – Technical Director, Ms Rita Li – Sales and Marketing Director, Mr Francis Cheung – Finance Director and other management staff.
Octopus is a pioneer in electronic payment systems, having introduced its namesake – one of the first and most famous contactless stored value smart cards in the world. The company has since pursued many innovative and dynamic solutions leveraging the power of information and communication technologies. ASTRI has one of the strongest FinTech R&D teams in this region. ASTRI’s FinTech solutions – ranging from cybersecurity to Blockchain and Identity Management solutions, authentication systems to machine learning and data analytics – cater to the wider financial services industry in Hong Kong.
During the visit, the Octopus team learnt about ASTRI’s FinTech R&D projects including cybersecurity intelligence and fortification initiatives, various authentication methods including token-based and biometric systems, big data analytics, as well as the AI-based handwritten Chinese character recognition system. An in-depth discussion between the Octopus delegation and ASTRI’s R&D experts touched upon various issues including electronic payments, customer onboarding and digital identity management processes. The complex range of technologies related to these – such as data privacy and security, obtaining, protecting and sharing customer information, and management of customer loyalty – were discussed.
Mr Hugh Chow, ASTRI’s Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged that “Data, customers and finance are all tied together by technology – that’s how we live our lives and run our businesses in this age. Octopus is an internationally respected organisation credited with some of the earliest technological innovations in payment systems. With our strong and market-relevant expertise in FinTech and Smart City solutions, ASTRI will be delighted to partner with Octopus and bring about fantastic innovations for Hong Kong and beyond.”
Thanking the ASTRI team for the “great hospitality and a very informative and enjoyable afternoon”, Mr Sunny Cheung – Chief Executive Officer of Octopus hoped for further collaboration and partnership between the two organisations.
The 9th Management Committee Meeting of the Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre (CNERC) specialising in Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) System – the first ever CNERC branch established outside the Mainland – took place last week. The meeting was chaired by Mr Sunny Lee – Chairman of the Management Committee, member of ASTRI’s Board of Directors, and Vice President (Administration) of the City University of Hong Kong. Taking place at the premises of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), where the CNERC Branch is operated, the meeting covered the progress in R&D achievements, project funding, local and international collaborations, future directions, and the overarching strategic roadmap of ASTRI’s CNERC operations.
Integrated Circuits (IC) hold key to innovation-led growth and development of a lot of high-tech industrial sectors. The IC design element of China’s overall IC industry has been growing at around 25% over the last four years – the trend is set to sustain and strengthen in the foreseeable future. According to IC Insights, two Mainland-based and one Taiwan-based enterprises featured in the world’s top 10 largest IC design companies in 2017. As China strives to significantly upgrade its industrial and manufacturing sectors – especially in telecommunication, smart city and electronics – the significance of reliable and robust IC research has become paramount. To that end, the Central Government has a clear vision to uplift technological capabilities and build a skilled talent-pool for the sector. Hong Kong SAR, with its strategic position as a globally-connected modern economy within China, could play a crucial role in that endeavour. Particularly in the context of global techno-economic dynamics, international developments like the Belt and Road initiative, and national-level plans such as the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong can potentially harness a large pool of opportunities to excel and contribute.
In the most recent years, leveraging the mandate of the CNERC Hong Kong Branch, ASTRI has developed a number of advanced and innovative solutions in various areas including Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), FinFET, design, Hall-sensor IC solutions, ultra-high-definition and 3D conversion video technologies, power electronics modules, high-density electronic packaging and Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based high density power modules. ASTRI’s R&D teams involved in the CNERC branch have also developed solutions based on Blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies.
Collaborating closely with its corresponding main CNERC facility located at the Southeast University (SEU) in Nanjing, the Hong Kong Branch has already delivered 12 innovative joint projects over the past years, covering BLE and NB-IoT, designs, intelligent power modules, microelectronic neural bridge, various types and elements of RF systems, as well as CMOS on-chip switch for electronic power supply systems. Projects in the current pipeline and future plans include advanced aspects of NB-IoT, BLE and other wireless systems, algorithm, RF module IPs, and 3rd generation semiconductors as well as power electronics packaging.
Thriving on industry collaborations, the Branch has worked with leading industry players based in the Mainland, Hong Kong and overseas markets. These partnerships include (Mainland-based) Guangdong Rising Investment Group, CETC and Changhong; (Hong Kong-based), Marvel Digital, AppoTech, Robotics Robotics and Supergold; (international) Infineon, CEVA and INL.
Presiding over the meeting, the Management Committee Chairman Mr Sunny Lee highlighted the strong and dynamic growth in IC enterprises in Nanjing. An obvious example is the recent commissioning of Taiwanese Semiconductor giant TSMC’s IC production facility in Nanjing. Mr Lee reinforced the need for “stronger collaboration between ASTRI’s CNERC Hong Kong Branch and its Nanjing counterpart in pursuing ground-breaking innovations that will bring in win-win outcomes for both Hong Kong and the Mainland.”
Introducing the R&D direction of CNERC, Professor Shi Longxing – Director of CNERC for ASIC Systems and Professor Lu Shengli – Deputy Director of CNERC for ASIC Systems discussed ‘Wide-voltage near-threshold very low-power IC design technology’, ‘Software and hardware dual programming SoC design technology’ and ‘Intelligent power integration technology’. Professor Shi said that CENRC will strengthen its basic research. As a market and entreprise-oriented R&D centre, the Hong Kong Branch operated by ASTRI can “meet market needs, while ramping up collaboration with the Southeast University and other higher education institutions”. He also suggested that “ASTRI could consider establishing an R&D facility in Nanjing, which can focus on areas like third generation semiconductors, artificial intelligence and Blockchain”.
Mr Hugh Chow, ASTRI’s Chief Executive Officer, referred to the three main aspects of IC industry – manufacturing, design and packaging – and commented that “ASTRI will seek to contribute more in the areas of IC design and packaging.” He added that, “If Hong Kong can complement its strong financial and professional services sectors as well as world-class academic institutions with world-class innovation capabilities, there is a world of potential to unleash for the city”. Through the CNERC Branch, “ASTRI will continue to stay in touch with the market, working closely with local and overseas enterprises to groom talents, develop market-relevant technological tools, and pursue solutions that benefit IC-reliant industries”.
Dr Davy Lo, the Branch’s Management Committee member and Member of ASTRI’s Board of Directors said, “the main centre in Nanjing and the Hong Kong Branch must make the most of each other’s strengths and unique advantages – focusing on not only R&D, but also on various innovative applications of IC.” He added that “Long-term collaboration opportunities in the semiconductor industry, across the larger ecosystem, will be key to the Branch’s future success”.
Dr Meikei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI said, “The CNERC Branch in ASTRI focuses on delivering cost-effective solutions for cutting-edge products and applications – enabling companies to offer the most sophisticated devices and interfaces to consumers.” He shared that since the new measures from the Central Government was announced, “our CNERC Hong Kong Branch has already received national-level funding approval for a new project; we expect more to come in the future pipeline.”
ASTRI continues to leverage the seamless collaboration between the CNERC main facility and the Hong Kong Branch focusing on ASIC R&D. Through effective exchange of talents, technologies, insights and business development potential, the Branch seeks to contribute to strong growth in the national IC sector and play a role in Hong Kong’s ambitious I&T development endeavours. In the recent past, the Branch – along with other national-level R&D centres operating in Hong Kong – have received a major boost from the Central as well as Hong Kong SAR Governments. While the HKSAR Government is investing heavily in R&D talents, infrastructure and cross-border collaborations, the Central Government has made it significantly easier for Hong Kong-based researchers and R&D centres to access national-level resources including R&D funding. These measures represent the Central Government’s strong commitment to supporting Hong Kong in its mission to become a global innovation hub. The policy initiatives will bolster Innovation and Technology (I&T) collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and the important role Hong Kong plays in overall national development, particularly in sectors powered by technological innovation.
About ASTRI
Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research. ASTRI’s core R&D competences in various areas are organised under seven Technology Divisions, namely Communications Technologies, Electronics Components, Mixed Signal Systems IC, Advanced Digital Systems, Opto-electronics, Security and Data Sciences, and Intelligent Software and Systems. Five areas of applications including financial technologies, intelligent manufacturing, next generation network, health technologies, and smart city are identified for major pursuit. Please visit www.astri.org , for further information about ASTRI.
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A delegation from Hengqin New Area (Free Trade Zone) led by Mr Duncan Chiu, Board Director of ASTRI, visited ASTRI on 3 July 2018. The visiting delegation included Mr Jin Niu – Director, as well as Mr Xi-bin Lin and Mr Zeng-qing Luo – Deputy Directors, of the Administrative Committee, Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone – Hengqin Area of Zhuhai.
Hengqin, the special economic zone located next to the Macau Special Administrative Region, has received approval from the State Council to double its land area. The zone’s administrators are keen to attract new projects as well as bright talents and new technologies to advance the Free Trade Zone’s smart city development endeavours. The delegation visited ASTRI’s Smart City Innovation Centre and experienced a number of smart city solutions developed by ASTRI and its partners. Received at ASTRI’s facility by its CEO Mr Hugh Chow and other executives, the delegation explored possibilities for future collaborations with ASTRI in Hengqin and other parts of the Great Bay Area.
A delegation comprising some 30 members of the Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) visited ASTRI on 29 June 2018. Dr Ieong Mei-Kei, ASTRI’s Chief Technology Officer, welcomed them. The group witnessed a series of ASTRI’s latest technologies such as Naked-eye 3D display, Blockchain, Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything, Palm Fusion Biometric Authentication, various applications of 5G. In addition, Dr Lucas Hui, ASTRI’s Senior Director of Security and Data Sciences, briefed the visitors on the latest developments in FinTech and cybersecurity. ASTRI strives to maintain close contact and collaboration with professional organisations, frequently exchanging knowledge and experience with them. Having learnt about ASTRI and its innovative endeavours, the HKMA delegation acknowledged their experience as very useful. The learning from ASTRI would help them to enhance management quality of the respective organisations they represent.
