PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially unveiled; First research institute established by PolyU beyond the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government held a signing cum unveiling ceremony on 2 September at which the jointly established PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute), based in Jinjiang, was officially inaugurated. This marks a significant achievement in promoting deeper cooperation between Fujian and Hong Kong, as well as a key step by both the University and the City towards creating a better future together.

Over 200 guests attended the event, including Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Mr LIN Ruiliang, Vice Governor of Fujian Province; Mr ZHANG Yigong, Communist Party Secretary of Quanzhou City; Mr LIU Lianghui, Secretary of the Party Group of the Federation of Taiwan Compatriots of Fujian Province; Mr WU Weiping, Deputy Director of Fujian Provincial Education Bureau; Mr HUANG Shu, Deputy Director of Fujian Provincial Science and Technology Bureau; Mr ZHOU Xiaohua, Secretary General of Quanzhou Municipal Party Committee; Mr ZHANG Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang City; Mr SU Gengchong, Vice Mayor of Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government; Mr WANG Mingyuan, Mayor of Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government; together with representatives from PolyU, leaders from various levels in Quanzhou and Jinjiang, and representatives from leading local enterprises.

As the first research institute established by PolyU beyond the Greater Bay Area, the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute serves to integrate various forms of collaboration including collaborative research, academic exchange, joint training and technology transfer. It will leverage innovative local and international resources, mainly focusing on textile technology, future food, microelectronics, and innovation and technology policy. The Research Institute aims to nurture outstanding engineers and high-quality innovative entrepreneurial talents who are technology application-oriented, and strives to become a hub of technology innovation and attract a cluster of emerging industries helping to shape the future and foster global connections.

Dr Lam Tai-fai in his speech stated that technology and innovation are the key forces to drive the development of a society. Jinjiang is a city renowned for its famous Chinese brands and remarkable advancements in technology, economy, culture and art. As a world-class research university, PolyU will take Jinjiang as a starting point to support its technological innovation and strengthen technical cooperation in the areas of textiles, smart manufacturing, integrated circuits and sustainable technology. The University will also promote the transformation and application of technological achievement, contributing to the “Jinjiang Experience” of innovation and development in Jinjiang, Quanzhou and Fujian.

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated that it was his first visit to Jinjiang and he had the opportunity to visit numerous enterprises, leaving him impressed by their “high quality and brand creation”, which are prominent features of Jinjiang's economic and social development. With a strength in basic research and innovation entrepreneurship, PolyU is dedicated not only to producing world-class scientific research, but also to making a positive impact on socio-economic development. Jinjiang's solid and robust industrial foundation provides an excellent platform for PolyU and he believes that the University can become a strong driving force in promoting the development of Jinjiang's science and technology industry, leading to mutual benefits.

Mr Zhang Wenxian shared his view that education, technology and talent provide foundational and strategic support for building a modern socialist country, and are also crucial for the high-quality development of the private sector economy. He sincerely hopes that through the platform of the Research Institute the University and the City can deepen their collaboration in the integration of government, industry, academia and research. This will promote deep integration of innovation, industrial, financial and talent chains, and co-create a new paradigm of cooperation between Fujian Province and Hong Kong. The Jinjiang Municipal Party Committee and Government are committed to seizing this opportunity to collaborate, concentrate efforts, aggregate resources and integrate policies. They will join hands with PolyU to focus on industry and strive for innovation and for developing the “Jinjiang Experience”, with the PolyU spirit of “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind” shining brightly in Jinjiang’s new era.

Apart from the signing and unveiling ceremony, key representatives from the Research Institute introduced research developments and work plans related to textile technology, future food, microelectronics, innovation and technology policy, to local government representatives, research institutions and enterprises.

Officials from the Jinjiang Municipal People's Government visited PolyU for the first time after the resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland early this year. Since then, the two parties have maintained close contact and had frequent interactions, reaching consensus and establishing the Research Institute in six months, demonstrating their strong commitment and a high level of efficiency. PolyU hopes to deepen cooperation with local enterprises in Jinjiang through the Research Institute, promote research and help to transform core technologies, in time expanding from Jinjiang to Quanzhou and the entire province. The University also aims to strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration between Fujian and Hong Kong, build a new paradigm of cooperation between Fujian Province and Hong Kong, and cultivate innovative and entrepreneurial talents with advanced technological knowledge and global vision.

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