Fujian delegation led by Provincial Party Secretary Mr Yu Weiguo visits ASTRI

  • Fujian Provincial Party Secretary Mr Yu Weiguo, joined by Mr Nicholas Yang Wei-hsiung, Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, visited ASTRI on 8 October 2018 along with some 30 Government officials from the Province. The delegation sought to understand the technological developments of ASTRI. ASTRI’s Chairman Mr Wang Ming-yam and CEO, Mr Hugh Chow welcomed the delegation at the Smart City Innovation Centre. The visitors witnessed a series of ASTRI’s latest R&D achievements.

    Fujian Provincial Party Secretary Mr Yu Weiguo (Center) and the Secretary for Innovation and Technology Nicholas Yang Wei-hsiung (3rd from left) visited ASTRI. Mr Hugh Chow, CEO of ASTRI (2nd from left) and Mr Wong Ming-yam (2nd from right), Chairman of ASTRI welcomed the delegation.
    The delegation was impressed by ASTRI’s solutions.

    ASTRI’s R&D expert shares insights on Digital Transformation at 2018 IBM AI Solution Summit

  • Dr T John Koo, Director of Cyber-Physical Systems of ASTRI, was invited to speak on the topic ‘Enabling Digital Transformation in Connected Manufacturing’ at the 2018 IBM AI Solution Summit held on 14 September 2018 in Shanghai, China.

    Dr Koo discussed the construction of Digital Twin through using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for enabling Digital Transformation in Connected Manufacturing.

    ASTRI’s R&D expert shares insights on Digital Transformation at 2018 IBM AI Solution Summit

    ASTRI demonstrates its latest technologies at PT EXPO China 2018 in Beijing

  • The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is showcasing its latest technologies that deliver ‘Intelligence’, ‘Connected’ and ‘Trusted’ solutions at the PT EXPO China 2018 in Beijing. At its exhibition booth no. 4-4355, ASTRI is displaying technologies that facilitate the deployment of competitive services and innovative solutions across Hong Kong, the Great Bay Area and international markets. Among the solutions being showcased at the Expo, some selected technologies are listed below.

    1. 5G Core and Edge

    The advent of 5G will proliferate the markets with an infinite number of smart city and smart manufacturing applications including smart mobility, smart living, Industrial Internet-of-Things (IoT), and many more. 5G Core Network forms its critical part, with Service-based Architecture (SBA) and scalability to enable feature-rich new applications. ASTRI’s 5G Core Solution addresses:

    – Connectivity: Virtual 5G Core Network Software complying with 3GPP Release 15 standards, while delivering market leading core network throughput

    – Edge Computing: Enabling delay-sensitive packets and data processing at edge cloud to support applications that require low latency, such as connected vehicles

    – Automation: 5G Network Orchestrator to provision network services and applications with simple, graphical user interfaces

    2. 5G C-RAN base station

    Utilising Centralised-Radio Access Network (C-RAN) architecture, ASTRI’s 5G base station solutions are software-based and very flexible. It is highly customisable for different requirements and evolving 5G standards. At the Expo, ASTRI and HeBei FarEast Communication (HBFEC) are jointly demonstrating the latest 3GPP Release 15-compliant 5G C-RAN base station and user equipment emulator based on off-the-shelve computer servers. The solution avoids the development cost for dedicated hardware platforms and allows centralised radio networks management through cloud-based processing. The demonstration showcases live 8K (7,680 × 4,320 pixels) Ultra-high Definition (UHD) video streaming via wideband 5G wireless data links.

    3. Next Generation Broadband Trunking Communication (B-TrunC) base station for Critical Communications

    LTE B-TrunC systems provide the next generation trunking air interface for bandwidth-efficient high throughput point-to-multipoint communications. This allows high throughput broadcasting services, such as video surveillance, data sharing and group video calls. This demonstration showcased HeBei FarEast Communication’s (HBFEC) commercial B-TrunC base stations powered by ASTRI’s awarding winning B-TrunC technologies which won a Gold Medal in the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2018. The demonstration showcases live wideband trunking service including group video calls to reveal the B-TrunC capabilities and applications.

    4. 4G small cell technology for commercialisation

    Small cell base station technologies provide simple and cost-efficient indoor coverage for public and private networks deployment. Sunnada’s commercial LTE small cell powered by ASTRI’s LTE physical layer solution was ranked no. 1 in the China Mobile 2015 small cell tendering. ASTRI’s LTE base station solutions also support LTE macro cells and C-RAN feature with different hardware platforms. This demonstration showcases a series of LTE base stations products commercialised by Sunnada.

    5. AI-enabled Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) road safety and traffic management

    ASTRI is at the forefront of enabling technologies for connected cars. At the recent World IoT Expo 2018, ASTRI registered a great milestone with live demonstrations of C-V2X road safety applications on the open roads in Wuxi. ASTRI has a complete C-V2X networking system which addresses perspectives of ‘car’, ‘road’ and ‘network’ ─ enabling connected cars and ensuring better road safety. It also allows transport operators or City Governments to operate the roads and highways with enhanced traffic efficiency and safety considerations.

    PT EXPO is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China and organised by the China National Postal and Telecommunications Appliances Corporation. The Expo is being held at the China National Convention Centre from 26 to 29 September 2018.

    About ASTRI

    Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research. ASTRI’s core R&D competencies in various areas are organised under seven Technology Divisions, namely Communications Technologies, Electronics Components, Mixed Signal Systems IC, Advanced Digital Systems, Optoelectronics, Security and Data Sciences, and Intelligent Software and Systems. Five areas of applications including financial technologies, intelligent manufacturing, next generation network, health technologies, and smart city are identified for major pursuit. For further information about ASTRI, please visit www.astri.org.

    Media enquiries

    Ms Joey Chan             Tel: (852) 3406 2461              Email: [email protected]

    ASTRI is displaying technologies that facilitate the deployment of competitive services and innovative solutions across Hong Kong, the Great Bay Area and international markets.
    B-TrunC Demo

    Mr Wang Zhigang, national Minister for Science and Technology, visits ASTRI

  • [Hong Kong, 21 September 2018] Mr Wang Zhigang, Minister for Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China visited the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) today to understand the latest developments in its R&D endeavours as well as progress of technology commercialisation. During the visit, Mr Wang said, “Hong Kong plays a special role in the overall Innovation and Technology (I&T) development of the country. The HKSAR has an enormous potential to unleash in I&T and ASTRI, as one of the city’s most importance R&D centres, can greatly benefit Hong Kong as well as the country by transferring the fruits of innovative R&D.”

    Mr Wang was particularly impressed with ASTRI’s Smart City and 5G development endeavours, as well as with the work of the CNERC Branch focusing on IC research. Located in ASTRI, the Branch was established in 2012 with approval from the Central Government’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), as the first CNERC branch outside of Mainland China. The CNERC branch aims to help advance the competitiveness of China’s integrated circuit industry by driving world-class applied R&D in this sector, and by grooming talents for the industry.

    He commended ASTRI’s role as a centre of excellence in driving technological innovation that is benefitting not just Hong Kong, but also the country. He pointed out the fact that an institution of ASTRI’s calibre can greatly contribute to driving innovation in science and technology, and add value to the economic and social development of the country, as the nation strives for stronger, more sustainable growth. Mr Wang emphasised that the Central Government remains fully committed to supporting Hong Kong’s I&T development as well as long-term growth and prosperity.

    Commenting on the important visit, ASTRI’s CEO Mr Hugh Chow said, “The current macro-economic environment requires that the Mainland and Hong Kong strongly collaborate for new avenues of innovation-led growth, in order to drive overall national development in the new era of global economic realities.”

    ASTRI’s Chairman Mr Wong Ming-yam commented that, “We are very grateful to have the honourable Minister visit us. His words of appreciation and recognition will tremendously encourage our innovation efforts. ASTRI will continue to innovate advanced technologies and solutions not only to help Hong Kong’s local development, but also to contribute nationally in the ‘Greater Bay Area’ and ‘Belt and Road’ programmes.”

    Mr Wang Zhigang, Minister for Science and Technology (5th from right) of the People’s Republic of China, visited ASTRI on 21 September 2018.
    Mr Wang Zhigang, Minister for Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, visited ASTRI on 21 September 2018.

    Delegation from HKSAR Government’s Intellectual Property Department visits ASTRI

  • A delegation from the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) consisting the Director of Intellectual Property, Ms Ada Leung; the Deputy Director of Intellectual Property, Ms Maria Ng; and other officials visited ASTRI on 6 September 2018. Mr Hugh Chow, ASTRI’s Chief Executive Officer – accompanied by Dr Justin Chuang, Vice President of Next Generation Network and other senior executives – welcomed the delegation at the ASTRI’s Smart City Innovation Centre.

    The delegation witnessed various demonstrations of ASTRI’s Smart City and Next Generation Network related solutions. They also took part in an insightful discussion on creation, management and utilisation of Intellectual Property (IP) at ASTRI. Dr KC Sum, Head of IP and Knowledge Management and Mr Barry Yen, Director of Commercialisation briefed the delegation on IP-related processes and practices at ASTRI. It is worth mentioning that, as the largest Government-funded applied R&D institution in Hong Kong, ASTRI has a prolific track record of over 700 patents already added to its repertoire.

    A delegation from HKSAR Government’s Intellectual Property Department visited ASTRI

    Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office delegation visits ASTRI

  • A delegation from the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office (PICO) visited ASTRI on 12 September 2018. The delegation was led by Mr Laurie Lo, JP, Deputy Head accompanied by other officials of PICO. The delegation learnt about various R&D initiatives of ASTRI and exchanged views with ASTRI’s CEO Mr Hugh Chow and Chief Technology Officer Dr MeiKei Ieong. The discussions covered issues related to Hong Kong’s development in the area of innovation and technology.

    Mr Laurie Lo, JP, Deputy Head of PICO (sixth from the right) accompanied by other officials visited ASTRI on 12 September 2018.
    ASTRI’s R&D professionals demonstrated the latest R&D projects like optical inspection for environment, food and health to the delegation.

    ASTRI and Huawei showcase results of joint technological endeavours through successful LTE-based V2X demonstrations in Wuxi, China

  • Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and Huawei Technology Co. Ltd(Huawei) signed an agreement today to set up a joint Connected Vehicle (C-V2X) Research Group. The signing ceremony was held in WUXI, during the World Internet of Things Expo 2018.

    As recently as last week on 15 September 2018, ASTRI and Huawei jointly demonstrated a series of successful Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) test cases at the World Internet of Things Expo 2018. Sponsored by the Wuxi Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatisation, the Commission of Public Security, and the Jiangsu Provincial Government, the Expo took place in Wuxi, China ── the world’s first city-level C-V2X application demonstration site. The site spans around 170 km² and covers most area of Wuxi city. The project is also supported by the Chinese Academy of Information and Communications Technology, China Mobile, and a number of manufacturers including Audi and FAW.

    The test was conducted near the Taihu Expo Centre in Taihu, Wuxi, on about six kilometres of open roads with six open crossings. 17 successful tests of typical application fields based on C-V2X were conducted, including forward collision warning, intersection collision warning, left turn auxiliary, vehicle blind area or lane change warning, road danger risk warning, speed limit warning, speed guidance based on signal lights, warning of congestion ahead, warning of pedestrian crossing in blind areas, and warning of on-ramp vehicles.

    ASTRI and Huawei demonstrated the V2X applications using Huawei’s world-first dual-mode C-V2X roadside device RSU, supported by ASTRI’s C-V2X software system and algorithms. Under the test case, vehicles and the infrastructure leveraged C-V2X Uu and PC5 Communications channel to broadcast vehicular movement and traffic status information to cars made by FAW and other manufacturers.

    Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI said, “ASTRI is committed to utilising the power of technology for overall Smart City development in Hong Kong and this region. We are honoured to be a part of this historic demonstration of C-V2X technologies in partnership with HUAWEI. As long-term strategic partners, we jointly work to build a connected vehicle ecosystem for Hongkong and the nation.” Mr Chow reiterated ASTRI’s resolve to “continue investing talent and resources to develop next generation telecom technologies and related applications with particular focus on smart mobility solutions that will not only support the Smart City development blueprint announced by the Hong Kong SAR Government, but also promote wider adoption across the Hong Kong – Macau – Guangdong Great Bay area.”

    Mr Veni Shone, President of LTE product line of HUAWEI technology limited and Cellular V2X solutions, said: “The launch of Wuxi C-V2X city-level project is by the efforts of transportation, telecom, vehicle and applications industry partners. As the most competent applied technologies research institute in Hong Kong, ASTRI makes great contribution in this project.

    Huawei and ASTRI has signed the collaboration MoU and formed a joint research team to co-develop C-V2X technology, promoting the emerging technology and applications for a more mature solution and more valuable services. Together, they will help build the commercial intelligent transportation system in the Hong Kong – Macau – Guangdong Greater Bay area. “

    About ASTRI

    Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research. ASTRI’s core R&D competencies in various areas are organised under seven Technology Divisions, namely Communications Technologies, Electronics Components, Mixed Signal Systems IC, Advanced Digital Systems, Optoelectronics, Security and Data Sciences, and Intelligent Software and Systems. Five areas of applications including financial technologies, intelligent manufacturing, next generation network, health technologies, and smart city are identified for major pursuit. For further information about ASTRI, please visit www.astri.org.

    ASTRI Media enquiries

    Ms Joey Chan         Tel: (852) 3406 2461                    Email: [email protected]

    About Huawei

    Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains – telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services – we are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.

    Huawei’s end-to-end portfolio of products, solutions and services are both competitive and secure. Through open collaboration with ecosystem partners, we create lasting value for our customers, working to empower people, enrich home life, and inspire innovation in organisations of all shapes and sizes.

    For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on:

    http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei

    http://www.twitter.com/Huawei

    http://www.facebook.com/Huawei

    http://www.google.com/+Huawei

    http://www.youtube.com/Huawei

    ASTRI and Huawei Technology Co. Ltd signed an agreement to setup a joint Connected Vehicle Research Group during the World Internet of Things Expo 2018.
    Dr MeiKei Ieong (Left), CTO of ASTRI signed the MOU with Mr Veni Shone, President of LTE product line of HUAWEI Technology Ltd and Cellular V2X Solutions.
    Dr MeiKei Ieong (Left), CTO of ASTRI signed the MOU with Mr Veni Shone, President of LTE product line of HUAWEI Technology Ltd and Cellular V2X Solutions.
    C-V2X Demo by national broadcaster CCTV (source : CCTV channel 2)

    ASTRI and its partners join the launch ceremony of INDEX: FHKI’s latest initiative to support start-ups

  • ASTRI supported the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) for the launch of a new shared platform for the start-up entrepreneurs in the city. Launched on 12 September 2018, INDEX is an initiative that will create opportunities for start-ups and SMEs to innovate, collaborate and network while exploring emerging prospects for growth.

    ASTRI demonstrated two of its latest innovations at the event ─  the Palm Fusion Biometric Authentication system and the Augmented Reality Head-mount Display (AR-HMD) solution.  These two technologies are the collaboration outcomes with ASTRI’s industrial partners, Smart Secure ID (SSID) from Switzerland and Profit Peak Hong Kong (PPK) from Hong Kong respectively to provide turnkey development platform solutions for start-ups and SMEs. Mr Kenny Chan, Senior Manager of Opto-electronics, was among ASTRI’s R&D experts who demonstrated the innovative technologies, and shared views and experiences with the guests.

    The Honourable Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, GBM, GBS, JP, Chief Secretary of the HKSAR Government, and the Honourable Mr Nicholas Yang Wei-hsiung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, officiated the launch event.

    Mr. Kenny Chan, Senior Manager of Opto-electronics demonstrates AR-HMD to Mr. Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Chief Secretary of the HKSAR Government (2nd from right), Mr. Christopher Kwok (3rd from right), Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) and, Mr. Jimmy Kwok(1st from left), Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI).
    Mr. Matthew Cheung, Chief Secretary of the HKSAR Government, wearing ASTRI’s AR-HMD
    Mr. Kenny Chan demonstrated Palm Fusion Biometric Authentication system to Hong Kong Media
    Special thanks to Ms. Rachel Hong, Managing Director of Profit Peak Hong Kong Holdings Limited for supporting the application software development of ASTRI’s AR-HMD

    ASTRI partners with organisers of CIOE to host three successful technology forums

  • The 20th China International Opto-electronic Exposition (CIOE) 2018 took place at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5-8 September 2018. To fully leverage this massive congregation of  industry players and professionals, ASTRI partnered with the event’s organisers and hosted three forums. The forums covered the following key topics that are highly relevant for the sector:

    1。Artificial Intelligence (AI) in manufacturing
    2。Next generation display and sensing technologies
    3。Optical inspection for environment, food and healthcare

    At the forums, ASTRI’s R&D professionals shared their knowledge and insights on the latest industry trends, and exchanged experiences with some of the best and brightest minds in the sector. For instance, ‘AI and Machine Vision’, ‘Industrial IoT’ and ‘Industry 4.0’ were discussed at length by experts from companies including Prevision Technology Ltd. NEC China and Advantech China. Professor Aaron Ho Ho-pui from the Department of  Biomedical Engineering, the Chinese University of Hong Kong delivered an opening speech on the exciting optical technologies for environmental management, food quality and healthcare sectors. Mr Kenny Chan, Senior Manager of ASTRI’s Opto-electronics team shared a presentation on ‘Smart Optics for Augmented Reality Display and Sensing’. The Display and Sensing Technology forum also attracted a lot of attention from the event’s visitors. ASTRI’s R&D experts were also invited to speak at the ‘Optics+ Automotive Applications Forum’ and ‘Optics+ Mobile Communication Forum’.

    ASTRI continues to work with the industry to facilitate exchange of ideas and experiences, and supports stronger collaboration among various players in the overall technology ecosystem.

    ASTRI partnered with organisers of CIOE to host three successful technology forums
    ASTRI partnered with organisers of CIOE to host three successful technology forums
    ASTRI partnered with organisers of CIOE to host three successful technology forums

    Supported by ASTRI, one of the largest Opto-electronics industry shows takes place in Shenzhen

  • The China International Opto-electronic Expo (CIOE), one of the largest industry events in the sector, took place at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5-8 September 2018. This year’s event marked marks the 20th anniversary of the Expo – ASTRI actively participated in this edition of the Expo. CIOE is an annual event for the Opto-electronic sector, with experts and professionals connecting with each other to explore the sector’s future development trends and opportunities. Over 3,200 eminent organisations took part participate in the Expo, representing sectors including Artificial Intelligence for manufacturing and Next-Generation Display. Sensor technologies such as  optical inspection of environment, food and health also featured in this mega event.

    In recognition of its active support and participation, ASTRI received the honorary ‘Best Partner Award’ from the organisers of the Expo. ASTRI jointly organised three technical forums at the CIOE focusing on Opto-electronics technology and trends, AI and application development.

    ASTRI fully supports CIOE 2018
    ASTRI received the honorary ‘Best Partner Award’ from the organisers of the Expo.
    ASTRI exhibited the latest display technologies, including AR Display Technology with Eye-gaze tracking and IRIS recognition
    ASTRI exhibited the Smartphone-based Spectrometer for the first time in this year’s CIOE