PolyU and the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government held a signing ceremony on 2 September to officially inaugurate the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute, located in Jinjiang, Fujian province. This marks the first research institute established by PolyU beyond the Greater Bay Area.

Over 200 guests attended the event, including leadership from PolyU and various levels of government in Fujian province and Jinjiang city. The Research Institute aims to leverage innovative resources to conduct collaborative research focusing on areas including textile technology, future food, microelectronics, and innovation and technology policy. It seeks to nurture talented engineers and entrepreneurs to shape the future and foster global connections.

In his speech, PolyU Council Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai stated that technology and innovation are key drivers of societal progress. He said PolyU will support Jinjiang’s technological innovation and strengthen cooperation in key industries. President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng highlighted Jinjiang’s strong industrial base and PolyU’s commitment to socio-economic impact.

Mr Zhang Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang City, expressed the hope that the partnership could deepen their collaboration in the integration of government, industry, academia and research. Officials also expressed their commitment to cooperation with PolyU in applying core technologies and cultivating innovators with global vision.

In the first half of 2023, with a view to strengthening collaboration, PolyU engaged in frequent exchanges with Jinjiang. In February, an agreement was signed to establish the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute to foster research partnerships. In April, PolyU showcased technologies at an expo in Jinjiang and a PolyU delegation then visited major industries to explore potential partnerships. In May, PolyU discussed implementation plans for the new research institute. Establishing the Research Institute in six months demonstrates the strong commitment and high level of efficiency of both parties.

Including Jinjiang, PolyU has signed MoUs to establish research institutes in six Mainland cities. In late August, PolyU and the government of Guangming District, Shenzhen agreed to jointly set up an industry technology and innovation research institute in the district.

Looking forward, PolyU will continue to strengthen collaboration with Mainland enterprises and maintain close connections with a view to conducting impactful research and accelerating the commercialisation of research outputs. The University will strive to integrate into the Nation's overall development and make contributions to developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub.

[photo caption]
first photo: Witnessed by Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU (backrow, 3rd from right); Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU (back row, 2nd from right); Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU (back row, 1st from right); Mr Lin Ruiliang, Vice Governor of Fujian Province (back row, 3rd from left), Mr Zhang Yigong, Communist Party Secretary of Quanzhou City (back row, 2nd from left); and Mr Zhang Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang City (back row, 1st from left); the agreement was signed by  Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU (front row, right); and Mr Wang Mingyuan, Mayor of Jinjiang Municipal People's Government (front row, left).
 

second photo: Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President (rear, 3rd from right), Prof. Kwok-Yin Wong, Vice President (Education) (rear, 2nd from right), and Prof. Chow Ming-cheung, Head of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (rear, 1st from right), as well as Ms Cai Ying, Guangming District Party Secretary (rear, 3rd from left), Mr Qiu Haohang, District Mayor (rear, 2nd from left), and Ms Yang Li, Head of the United Front Work Department (rear, 1st from left), the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU (front row, right) and Mr Yao Gaoke, Deputy District Mayor of Guangming District (front row, left).