Hong Kong Science Park Phase 3 Officially Opens Driving Local Innovation through Expansion of Technology Ecosystem

(Hong Kong, 25 September 2014) - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (“HKSTPC”) today announced with great excitement the official opening of Hong Kong Science Park Phase 3. The Corporation has introduced ground-breaking design ideas into the project from design to build, with the aim to attract and gather technology talents, bolster the development of innovation and technology, and propel entrepreneurial spirit and culture to new heights. With the advanced R&D facilities of Phase 3 coming into use, and its full-service Incubation Programmes and extensive networks of worldwide investors and business partners, HKSTPC is committed to supporting talents from different technology sectors to realise their passion and entrepreneurial dreams, and enabling our community to enjoy the unlimited benefits brought about by such innovations.

Create exemplary green R&D ecosystem and connect technology talents

Science Park Phase 3 is one of the largest exemplary projects in Asia that puts sustainable building practice in action. Its design encompasses three rigid principles of “back to basics”, “passive design” and “green culture in practice”. The consultant team started by taking the natural environment of the Phase 3 site into account before drafting the blueprint, in order to map out a sustainable design foundation for all related energy saving elements to add on. The forms and orientations of the buildings were therefore meticulously drawn, the overall campus layout was optimised in terms of energy efficiency and permeated with spaciousness, and all buildings were designed to capture the most natural light, maximise natural ventilation and minimise solar heat gain to the interiors.

To put green culture in practice, HKSTPC has introduced the “Green Lease” to all companies in Phase 3. Under this framework, all partner companies will play an instrumental role in energy saving, such as taking part in the Park’s energy usage monitoring scheme. Under the scheme, a smart system will collect electricity usage data from the companies, while the companies can in return access this information to formulate their own energy management strategy. The "Pay-for-use” principle applied on air-conditioning consumption is another initiative to encourage partner companies in Phase 3 to reduce energy use. In terms of passive design, Phase 3 sees a wide range of building features. For example, optimisation of the window-to-wall ratio, provision of clean energy transportation friendly facilities such as bicycle parking space and cycling track, as well as hybrid and natural ventilation system for R&D office buildings.

Before its opening, Phase 3 has already attracted 65 leading technology companies from 10 countries and regions to set up their R&D offices there. Phase 3 also won three recognitions on sustainable awards with its ground-breaking design, including the Grand Award for Green Building Award 2012 – New Building Category [Building Project under Design] for Building 12W and the widely-acclaimed LEED Platinum status from the U.S.

Science Park Phase 3 incorporates 39 sustainable design features, including full LED energy saving lighting panels for all R&D offices, extensive green landscape covering 40% of the overall site area with 1,400 trees and large scale rainwater recycling. To promote green culture and related technology applications to the public, HKSTPC launches "Green Trail", a guided tour to enable the public to take a closer look at the green building features and develop ideas for their own green living.

Foster innovations through expanded boundaries

As one of the key drivers for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development, HKSTPC has been charting the course in four main directions: proactively nurture technology talents; enhance R&D environment and service quality to build clustering effect; facilitate cross-industry and cross-country collaboration; and steer the development of demand-led innovations in key technological fields. These initiatives have not only brought exceptional achievements and global recognitions for Hong Kong over the years, but also enabled technology enterprises to develop exciting local and international business opportunities. With the opening of Science Park Phase 3, we envision our vibrant ecosystem to be further strengthened where start-ups, SMEs and multi-nationals connect with the academia, investors and industries through networking events; researchers interact and inspire each other within the five technology clusters of IT & telecommunication, electronics, biotechnology, green technology and precision engineering; cross-disciplinary technology platforms are created to facilitate integration of technologies in innovative products, such as robotics, medical devices and informatics; and people work hard and have fun.

Mrs Fanny Law, Chairperson of HKSTPC, said “Hong Kong enjoys a number of competitive advantages in developing innovation and technology. They include proximity to Mainland China, the world’s largest economy; a sound legal system that protects intellectual property rights; world-class universities and infrastructure; creative and energetic young generation; and positive entrepreneurial spirit. In the past, the combined efforts of HKSTPC, government, industry, academic and research institutions have enabled significant innovative technology accomplishments that make us proud. Today, with the world-class R&D infrastructure of Hong Kong Science Park Phase 3 in operation, I sincerely hope that it will further accelerate the development of technological innovations, sustainable architecture and green lifestyle, and enhance the position of Hong Kong as the innovation and technology hub in Asia.”

Mr Allen Ma, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTPC, said, “the completion of Phase 3 will not only expand the technology community in Science Park but also provide additional laboratories, advanced equipment, meeting facilities and cooperative space. It also opens up boundless development and support network for all. Science Park is the place where innovative technology enterprises grow and prosper. Visitors of the Park can also learn more about the latest inventions from our partner companies in Science Park through the Innovation Showcase, many of which have been transformed from basic research at the universities into technologies and products that address the needs of our society. For example, the artificial heart invented by Professor Ronald Li of the University of Hong Kong for drug testing; and the ‘Hand of Hope’ developed by the R&D team of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University that helps stroke patients regain mobility are now furthering their developments at the Park. HKSTPC endeavours to connect local and overseas technology entrepreneurs in different areas, and sincerely look forward to making further great strides with all entrepreneurs and technology enterprises.”

Hong Kong Science Park Phase 3 development exemplifies the three key environmental concepts of reduction, efficiency and generation, with carbon neutral as the long-term goal of this project. The first three buildings are officially open today while the completion of the remaining two will happen in two years’ time. When the entire Phase 3 campus is completed, Science Park is expected to accommodate over 600 partner companies and around 15,000 engineers, scientists, researchers, technology entrepreneurs and support staff.

Mr. Allen Ma, CEO of HKSTPC (5th from the left), together with a team of Hong Kong Science Park partner companies and incubatees representatives, unveiled the prelude of the opening ceremony with an exciting drum performance, which symbolises that the opening of Phase 3 will further strengthen Hong Kong Science Park’s energetic and vibrant ecosystem and will expand the Park’s support network for technology companies enabling all to strive and shine.

Joining the drum performance includes representatives from Guangdong Shenling Air-conditioning Limited, Sengital Limited, Scania, Smart2On Limited, Vitargent (Int’l) Biotechnology Limited, Valfoo, Sunlight Eco-Tech Limited, as well as CASH Quant-Finance Lab Limited.

Mrs. Fanny Law, Chairperson of HKSTPC, highlighted that “connection” and “collaboration” are the two key words which the industry should bear in mind for future development.

She said that the Park’s goal is the success of partner companies and that the many awards that partner companies have received over the years are the greatest encouragement to the Park. Mrs. Law also stated that, after rounds of fruitful conversation with different industry partners for more than a year, she is excited to conclude that Hong Kong has the ingredients to succeed as an innovation and technology hub and what the city needs is a greater synergy among relevant parties to create a more effective innovation ecosystem.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. John Tsang, Financial Secretary, HKSAR Government, highlighted that Hong Kong Science Park is central to the vision of transforming Hong Kong into an innovation hub. He stated that the city needs to maintain the momentum in boosting its capabilities and enhancing its competitiveness even further, and that the city must seek to inspire innovation on an even greater scale.

Science Park Phase 3 is one of the largest exemplary projects in Asia that puts sustainable building practice in action.
In the picture (from left to right):
Miss Janet Wong, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR Government
Mrs. Fanny Law, Chairperson, HKSTPC
Mr. John Tsang, Financial Secretary, HKSAR Government
Mr. Nicholas Brooke, Former Chairman, HKSTPC
Mr. Allen Ma, CEO, HKSTPC