PolyU signs collaborative agreements with the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute to advance research in AI, 6G, and Web 3.0

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute have formed a partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a collaborative agreement. This strategic collaboration aims to propel the development of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), 6G and Web3.0, reinforcing Hong Kong as an international hub for innovation and technology (I&T).

Leveraging PolyU’s interdisciplinary research excellence and academic expertise, and the research and development resources and experimental environment provided by the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute, this partnership aims to integrate the unique advantages of both parties to propel fundamental research and technological innovation. In addition, a comprehensive talent exchange and training framework will be established, featuring a joint training programme for talents and internship opportunities for doctoral students. The aim is to nurture high-tech professionals who can meet the evolving demands of future technological advancements.

The signing ceremony was held at PolyU on 19 February. Witnessed by Ms Lilian CHEONG, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Mr LING Hao, Chairman of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Dr LIN Erwei, Chief Executive Officer and Director of China Mobile International Limited, the MoU was signed by Prof. LI Qing, PolyU Chair Professor of Data Science and Head of the Department of Computing and Mr SHEN Weizhong, President of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute.

Subsequently, a collaborative agreement was signed by Prof. CAO Jiannong, Dean of the PolyU Graduate School and Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, and Mr SUN Lin, Vice-President of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute.

Ms Lilian Cheong commended the collaboration between the two institutions which is set to drive significant advancements in research and industrial development across key areas such as AI, 6G, and Web3.0. By leveraging collaboration between industry, academia and research, this partnership will inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s I&T development, and strengthen the connection between local universities and enterprises, fostering technological innovation and industrial collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stressed PolyU’s dedication to fostering technological innovation and nurturing skilled professionals in response to diverse global challenges. This partnership with the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute can more fully leverage the benefits of academia-industry synergy. Both parties will focus on the advancement and application of strategic technologies, including AI, 6G and Web3.0, as well as on cultivating a new generation of I&T talent, thereby providing strong support for Hong Kong’s social and economic development.

Mr Shen Weizhong emphasised that the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute is committed to advancing cutting-edge technologies. This partnership will capitalise on the Institute’s expertise in technology application, industry influence and market reach to support PolyU’s translation of research outcomes, while also encouraging innovation and advancing the cultivation of high-end talent.

Under the agreement, PolyU and the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute will collaborate closely in key areas of AI and Web3.0. In terms of AI, their focus will be on enhancing the development and deployment of large language models, improving task planning and problem-solving capacities, and driving the widespread adoption of AI across diverse industries. It aims to enhance Hong Kong’s competitive edge in the global AI landscape. In the realm of Web3.0, they will develop a robust and scalable distributed computing infrastructure to support large-scale model research and development, in alignment with Hong Kong government policies to harness blockchain technology. In addition, this partnership will drive innovation and transformation within the local financial industry, enhancing Hong Kong’s international competitiveness and solidifying its pioneering position in adoption of Web3.0 technologies.

Further expanding the scope of their collaboration, the two parties, along with China Mobile Hong Kong, will also explore the potential of satellite-integrated precise positioning and low-altitude economic applications by utilising 5G networks to enhance high-precision positioning capabilities. This collaboration aims to support the development of Hong Kong’s smart city infrastructure and propel the growth of innovation across related industries.

This partnership is of great significance, as it not only catalyses Hong Kong’s I&T development, but also promotes Hong Kong-Mainland integration, opening a new chapter of development for GBA in global technology industry.

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