The strategic collaborative framework agreement is signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU (left) and Mr Wang Ke, Deputy Director of CSU.CAS (right).
PolyU representatives and distinguished guests, including Prof. Christopher Chao (2nd from left); Mr Wang Qiang, Deputy Director (in charge) of CSU.CAS (2nd from right); Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU (1st from left); and Mr Wang Ke (1st from right), attended the signing ceremony.
A group photo of the members of the PolyU delegation and CSU.CAS officials.
Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), led a delegation to the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CSU.CAS). During the visit, Prof. Chao and Mr WANG Ke, Deputy Director of CSU.CAS signed a strategic collaborative framework agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in advanced space technologies. The agreement covers various areas, including space manufacturing, lunar exploration, electronic information and artificial intelligence. It also extends support for the national space strategy and international space science development.
PolyU has harnessed its extensive international research network and innovative technologies to make significant achievements in lunar exploration. Notable contributions include those to the Nation’s historic Chang’e-6 lunar far-side sampling mission and the acquisition of lunar soil samples from the Chang'e-5 mission, providing crucial technical support for China's deep space exploration. CSU.CAS brings strong engineering expertise in the design and development of space application systems and payload technologies to the collaboration, tailored explicitly for manned space engineering endeavours.
Under the agreement, the parties will collaborate to develop a cross-regional scientific research platform that leverages their respective and combined strengths. This long-term collaboration will include a joint space manufacturing laboratory, extensive research projects, academic exchanges and other collaborative activities. It aims to foster international cooperation, promote talent exchange and nurture a new generation of highly skilled and globally minded scientists and engineers.
Mr WANG Qiang, Deputy Director (in charge) of CSU.CAS warmly welcomed the PolyU delegation and remarked, “We highly value our partnership with PolyU, given its active involvement in national space missions and expertise in key areas such as space manufacturing, satellite remote sensing, information and communication technology, and artificial intelligence. By combining our respective strengths and resources, we aim to deliver research outcomes of international significance and drive substantial innovation in national aerospace engineering technology.”
Prof. Chaoexpressed his sincere gratitude to CSU.CAS for its trust and support, and stated, “The collaboration between PolyU and CSU.CAS leverages Hong Kong's international resources alongside the engineering strengths and practical expertise of Mainland China, thereby unlocking significant innovation potential. Guided by our motto, ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’, PolyU is committed to fully leveraging the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework to enable Hong Kong to contribute its unique expertise and perspectives in support of national scientific and technological advancement.”
This partnership represents a step forward in enhancing scientific research collaboration between Mainland China and Hong Kong, reflecting a move towards deeper integration. Looking ahead, the collaboration will align strategically with national priorities, focusing on the integration of space science, technological applications and industrial development to propel the growth of China's aerospace industry.
