Consul General of Bangladesh in Hong Kong highlights the partnership in ICT between Bangladesh and Hong Kong in PolyU PReCIT’s third Consul General Talk

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the third talk in the “Consul General Talk Series” with the topic “Promote Partnership between Bangladesh and Hong Kong in ICT for a Knowledge-based Economy” on 21 November. Supported by the PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences and Global Engagement Office, the talk featured Ms Israt ARA, Consul General of Bangladesh in Hong Kong, who captivated the audience with her comprehensive insights into the intertwined relationship between ICT and transformation in the socio-economic life of people.

Ms Ara shed light on how ICT can serve as a catalyst for the socio-economic transformation in societies and create business opportunities in the changing global economy. She further highlighted the transition from a “Digital Bangladesh” to a “Smart Bangladesh” by 2041. Referring to the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Hong Kong and considering the position of Hong Kong as the global financial hub and innovation centre, she also sought cooperation from Hong Kong in collaborative research, human resource development, technology transfer, cybersecurity and more.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, emphasised the importance of partnerships between Bangladesh and Hong Kong in contributing to the growth of a knowledge-based economy in his welcoming speech. He highlighted the MoU signed earlier this year by PolyU and Jahangirnagar University, one of the top universities in Bangladesh, which established collaboration on education and research with Bangladesh.

Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of the Department of Applied Social Science and Co-Director of PReCIT, expressed gratitude for the audience’s active participation and enthusiastic response. He urged PolyU students to foster an international perspective, embrace more exciting opportunities, and contribute to Hong Kong, our Nation, and the world.

A Bangladeshi final-year PolyU student was also invited to share his experience of study and life in Hong Kong with participants, facilitating cross-cultural understanding and integration between PolyU’s local and non-local communities.

Through the Hong Kong-based diplomats sharing their perspectives, PReCIT’s “Consul General Talk Series” aims to serve as a platform for the PolyU community and the general public to gain inspiring insights and knowledge about the development of innovation and technology, policies, as well as the opportunities and prospects in the Belt and Road countries.

***END***