HKSTP CNY Luncheon Reflecting on a Year of Substantial Achievements and Pioneering Future Growth

(Hong Kong, 20 February 2024) - As the Year of the Dragon begins, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) will continue to nurture and foster innovation. Today, HKSTP hosted its CNY luncheon, where the HKSTP management team reflected on the substantial accomplishments made last year with members of the press and unveiled the corporation's latest strategic initiatives. These include continued overseas promotion of Park companies, development of new facilities tailored for innofacturing, and growing of talent in alignment with the government's strategic enterprises and talent acquisition strategies. In addition, several Park companies showcased their internationally recognised, award-winning innovations, encompassing microelectronics, artificial intelligence applications and pioneering food and health technologies developed, designed and manufactured in Hong Kong.

Sustainability

Last year, HKSTP pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 in accordance with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), focusing on advancing green technology, climate solutions, and the development of a green tech ecosystem. This year, HKSTP will continue to maintain active involvement in industry events, including co-hosting the Hong Kong Greentech Summit as part of the upcoming Hong Kong Green Week. The aim is to support Hong Kong's aspiration to evolve into an international green tech and green finance centre by developing innovative green technologies.

Growth of Talent

Talent is a crucial component in propelling innovation and technological (I&T) advancement. HKSTP offers internship opportunities for local and overseas students. Last summer, the pilot "Global Internship Programme" received very positive feedback. This year's programme will further collaborate with numerous leading global institutions. More than 120 applications have been received from top universities in the world, including Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, University College London, Tsinghua University, and the National University of Singapore. HKSTP plans to select up to 30 applicants for internships to immerse them in the dynamic I&T ecosystem at Hong Kong Science Park, encouraging them to consider working or starting businesses in Hong Kong post-graduation.

Following the implementation of the Top Talent Pass Scheme in Hong Kong, HKSTP has shown continuous support to the government's talent acquisition strategies and last year co-hosted a series of recruitment activities with the Hong Kong Top Talent Services Association (HKTTSA). HKTTSA has reported that over 70 top talents have secured employment at Science Park.

Furthermore, HKSTP is set to organise the "Talent Power Up" mega I&T career expo on 8 March, offering over 3,000 job and internship positions from Park companies to attract and nurture talent.

Philanthropy for I&T

One of the visions of HKSTP is to enhance societal well-being through technology and we engage with like-minded enterprises on charitable projects. Last year, China Resources Group launched a nurturing programme in partnership with HKSTP, which offers students I&T training and work experience, thereby fostering their interest in the field and offering young people a wider range of career options.

Innovation Mixer

This year, there will be a continued proactive effort to lead delegations from our Park companies abroad to seek new business opportunities in the global market. In early January, an HKSTP delegation travelled to the US, attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2024) in Las Vegas and visiting Silicon Valley. They visited several world-class science and technology enterprises and met with local I&T industry leaders. The visit also encompassed fruitful discussions about talent-growing collaborations with Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. It provided opportunities to engage directly with local students, showcasing Hong Kong's strengths in I&T.

 Towards the end of this month, the HKSTP delegation and representatives from seven Park companies will head to Barcelona, Spain, for the "Mobile World Congress" (MWC Barcelona 2024) under the Innovation Mixer. The delegation will reveal the latest mobile communication technologies emerging from the Park's enterprises and introduce Hong Kong's thriving I&T ecosystem.

In March, Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, will lead eight Park companies to the Middle East to participate in LEAP 2024, a globally acclaimed I&T event. HKSTP will also host a seminar together with biotech ventures to promote Hong Kong's advantages in developing biotech. The itinerary includes meetings with technological and economic departments within the Saudi Arabian and UAE governments, alongside engagements with I&T development organisations and enterprises. These discussions aim to enhance bilateral cooperation in I&T and identify new prospects for growth.

Elevator Pitch Competition (EPiC) 2024

The Elevator Pitch Competition 2024 is a mega international event hosted by Hong Kong’s I&T community, with this year’s preliminary rounds taking place in various countries worldwide. Following a session in Silicon Valley in mid-January, this week will see rounds in Singapore and later in Hong Kong and Stuttgart, Germany. Top teams from around the world will gather at sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck located in the Hong Kong International Commerce Centre on 26 April to compete for investment amounts of up to US$45 million and a US$240,000 cash prize.

Innofacturing

HKSTP is committed to developing facilities tailored for innofacturing within InnoPark, supporting the government's new industrialisation vision. The ProShop located in InnoPark Tseung Kwan O is designed to assist tenants with small-scale production, realising the benefits of a one-stop process from R&D to manufacturing.

Experience Centre

The Experience Centre at Hong Kong Science Park offers visitors a sensory exploration of Hong Kong's latest I&T achievements. It is set to introduce new content and enhanced interactive experiences, including virtual visits to the biotechnology laboratories at Hong Kong Science Park in the first half of the year.

Hong Kong I&T Way Forward

Looking ahead to the new year, HKSTP will continue cultivating a dynamic I&T ecosystem and support Park companies in recruiting I&T talent, commercialising R&D, attracting investment, and scale-up in the market and to propel success. This endeavour will propel further I&T achievements, propelling Hong Kong towards its aspiration to become an international I&T hub.

Photos 1: HKSTP hosted a CNY luncheon where the management team reflected on HKSTP's substantial achievements in the past year and shared their aspirations along with an update on the latest developments for the upcoming year.

Photo 2: Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, summarised that 2023 was a fruitful year: “The number of Park companies increased from about 1,200 at the beginning of last year to 1,700 at the end of the year, with an increase of more than 40%. HKSTP delegations also visited several overseas countries and conducted exchanges to explore overseas and international markets."

Photo 3: Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, "This year, we will persist in proactively taking Park companies on overseas missions to uncover new business opportunities. In addition, HKSTP is set to develop specialised facilities for innofacturing at InnoPark, supporting the government's aspiration towards new industrialisation. We will also keep fostering a dynamic I&T ecosystem, which will bolster the growth of our Park companies and drive an increase in I&T achievements."

Photos 4 to 9: The event also featured an area showcasing innovative solutions from Park companies that recently received local and international accolades. Exhibitors included AI Guided, Farmacy, GRST, and Sitan Semiconductor International Co. Limited, displaying smart belts for navigation assistance for the visually impaired, eco-friendly water-based lithium-ion batteries, Smart Mobile Farms, and “0.13” micro-LED display modules respectively. In addition, Park companies HairCoSys and XOXO Beverages each offered guests AI-assisted hair and scalp health diagnostics and served up special New Year beverages made on the spot with an automated cocktail machine.