PolyU and Zhongshan jointly establish technology and innovation research institute to advance development of biomedicine

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government (Zhongshan Government) officially signed a cooperation agreement on 30 July to jointly establish the “PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute”. This collaboration marks an important step forward for both parties in promoting the development of biomedicine in the two regions and enhancing industry-academia-research cooperation.

Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President led a delegation to participate in the 2024 Zhongshan Global Investment Promotion Conference, where the cooperation agreement signing ceremony for the Research Institute was also held. Witnessed by Mr GUO Wenhai, Secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee; Mr XIAO Zhanxin, Deputy Secretary of the Zhongshan Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Zhongshan City; Prof. Gary WONG, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry at PolyU; and Mr Victor ZHAO, Assistant Director of the Research and Innovation Office at PolyU, the agreement was signed by Mr YE Hongguang, Member of the Leading Party Group of the Zhongshan People’s Government and Vice Mayor of Zhongshan City, and Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU.

Prof. Teng stated, “Our collaboration with the Zhongshan Government to establish this Institute aligns in terms of timing, geographical advantage and our strong working relationship. This is not only an important milestone in the development of our university but also a starting point for jointly promoting innovative technology development with Zhongshan. The establishment of the Institute will inject new momentum into the economic and social development of Zhongshan, as well as responding to President XI Jinping’s call to make good use of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor, promoting the integration of the east and west banks of the Pearl River Estuary, strengthening innovation and technology cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and advancing industry-academia-research transfer to empower new quality productive forces in the region.”

The Institute will focus on the field of biomedicine, particularly independent research and development of pharmaceutical products, and is committed to improving community healthcare. The Institute will also closely collaborate with hospitals in Zhongshan, promoting the translation of research outcomes through industry-academia-research cooperation to benefit the public. The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor enhances transportation and the flow of personnel, capital and technology between the two cities, helping Zhongshan better integrate into the overall GBA development. Serving as a hub for innovative technology, the Institute aspires to provide robust technical support for the industrial upgrading and act as a catalyst for the economic development of Zhongshan.

This cooperation not only strengthens the connection between PolyU and the Zhongshan Government, but also promotes their joint efforts to seize and embrace the immense opportunities brought about by innovative technology.

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