PolyU and CMA sign MoU to give impetus to the city’s advanced manufacturing industry and promote the brand image of “Made in Hong Kong”

To further deepen their collaboration, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today. Integrating the strengths of the academy and industry, the MoU not only aims to cultivate more innovation and technology (I&T) talents for the need of Hong Kong in the future, but also to drive the application of the results of PolyU’s research on various industries, so as to facilitate the knowledge transfer and industrialisation, make contribution to the development of I&T and advanced manufacturing of the city, and promote the brand image of “Made in Hong Kong”.

CMA has been committed to offering its tremendous support to PolyU and driving education development. Back in 2014, it had donated HK$30 million to the University to support programmes that facilitate students’ all-round development. To show our appreciation, PolyU has named its CD Wing Academic Building as “CMA Building” in grateful recognition of the association’s support and contributions to the University over the years.

It was mentioned in the Government’s Policy Address that the National 14th Five-Year Plan indicated clear support for Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub. I&T will play a decisive role in the city’s future development. To complement the development of the country, PolyU has recently established the largest interdisciplinary research platform in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area – the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) to further foster interdisciplinary research and advance the development of an international innovation hub.

PolyU will organise seminars with CMA through PAIR on a regular basis to explore the development and opportunities of different industries and listen to their views. Leveraging on PolyU’s research results in various scientific technology areas, the two parties shall facilitate the transformation of traditional manufacturing industry, give impetus to the development of Hong Kong’s advanced manufacturing, and complement the country’s intense implementation of the strategy of “manufacturing-strong nation” with licensed patents and advanced technologies. In particular, PAIR will drive the development of advanced manufacturing industries and strategic emerging industries, such as biotechnology, new energy, new materials, high-end equipment and new energy vehicles, with the help of innovative technologies.

Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU said, “Backed by our extensive experience in research on numerous advanced areas and the phenomenal results, PolyU has been striving to advance Hong Kong’s I&T development. CMA, on the other hand, devotes itself to enhancing the brand of “Made in Hong Kong” and driving the development of re-industrialisation. In addition, we attach great importance to the exchange and cooperation with the industrial and commercial sectors in hopes of creating values for the industries and the society with our innovation and research results. Stepping up the cooperation of the two parties is set to further drive innovation and technology in Hong Kong, promote the development of advanced manufacturing industry and strategic emerging industries, and speed up the process of developing the city into an international I&T hub.”

Dr Allen SHI, President of CMA, stated that the MoU reflects that industry and academia are determined to accelerate the development of re-industrialisation and I&T. He said, “I&T is not only a key to Hong Kong's economic growth, but also a weapon for transforming and upgrading in manufacturing. Hong Kong has an excellent foundation in R&D and manufacturing; however, technology commercialisation is ineffective. CMA has great business networks while PolyU has outstanding scientific achievements. Through increased interaction between us, we are looking forward to jointly creating a more vibrant ecosystem, advancing the city’s technological development and bringing more positive impacts to various industries.”

Through the regular sharing activities held by PolyU and CMA, the University’s scientific research technology and the PolyU-nurtured start-ups have been thoroughly introduced to the members of CMA. In addition to supporting technology transfer and expansion to more areas, these knowledge exchange activities have also opened up the collaboration among PolyU’s research teams and start-ups, on the one hand, and CMA and its members in other areas.

Further, EightOSix Technology Company Limited, a start-up founded by Professor ZHENG Zijian of PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles, will join efforts with CMA+ Pilot Manufacturing Support Center of CMA Testing to apply the flexible Textile Lithium Battery developed by Prof. Zheng on construction work clothes so as to broaden the application of wearable electronics.

Since its establishment, PolyU has been working closely with the commercial and industrial sectors in Hong Kong. In particular, we have made a stellar reputation in the manufacturing industry with our numerous contributions. By leveraging on CMA’s advantages, it strives to encourage corporates to invest in research and development in Hong Kong, advance in translation and commercialisation of PolyU’s research results, and develop manufacturing with high added value. To combine I&T with industry, it will definitely drive the development of advanced manufacturing in Hong Kong, promote the brand image of “Made in Hong Kong”, and make significant contributions to the establishment of the international I&T hub.

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