Press Release

A delegation of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hon Kong (CMA) visited ASTRI’s Smart City Innovation Centre on 31 August 2018. The CMA delegates were welcomed by Mr Hugh Chow, Chief Executive Officer; Dr MeiKei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer; and Dr Justin Chuang, Vice President (Next Generation Network). The visitors sought to understand the R&D endeavours and achievement of ASTRI.

Hong Kong is steadily boosting its investment in Innovation and Technology development – ASTRI plays a significant role in that journey. During the visit, the CMA delegates learnt about ASTRI’s various R&D achievements such as the naked-eye 3D display technology and Cellular V2X applications, as well as how it helps the industry through the work of technology transfer.

Mr Dong Haoran – General Manager and Mr Zhou Jiansuo – Executive Deputy General Manager of Huada Semiconductor visited ASTRI on 30 August 2018. Mr Wong Ming-yam – Chairman of ASTRI accompanied by ASTRI’s senior executives greeted the delegation. In addition to exploring ASTRI’s smart city solutions, the visitors sought to understand the recent work of ASTRI on semiconductors. Through this visit, the two parties explored future joint efforts and potential cooperation opportunities.

A delegation led by Mr Norbert Hofer, Federal Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austria visited ASTRI on 1 September 2018.  The delegation included senior officials from the Austrian Federal Government, representatives from Austrian businesses sectors and chamber bodies, as well as officials from the Austrian’s Consulate General in Hong Kong.

Mr Hugh Chow, Chief Executive Officer; Dr MeiKei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer; Dr Justin Chuang, Vice President (Next Generation Network) along with other R&D experts of ASTRI, hosted the delegation in a lively and interactive session. Mr Ivan Lee, Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology; Mr Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer and Dr Claudia Xu, Chief Commercial Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation also attended the session.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chow said this visit provided a good platform to share views and ideas on innovation and technology that are relevant for both Hong Kong and Austria. He referred to the existing strong relationship between the two places, added that Hong Kong could also play a significant bridging role between Austria and the Mainland China. said, “our two regions can collaborate further and find a common ground to make technology work for our people.”

Dr Ieong introduced some of ASTRI’s recent and most notable technology projects to the visitors and explained how they strengthened industries and benefited communities. ASTRI’s R&D experts showcased, among other innovations, the Palm Fusion Biometric authentication system, Cellular-V2X technology for smart mobility and the naked eye 3D display technology to the visitors.

Led by Professor Richard Fung, – Chief Executive, a group of senior executives from the Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre (STC) visited ASTRI on 29 August 2018 including Ms Anne Chuah – Director of Food, Chemical and Textile Products and Dr Franki Lee – Director, Corporate Sales & Business Development. They were warmly welcomed by ASTRI’s Chairman Mr Wong Ming-yam, along with Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer and Dr MeiKei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer. During the visit, the STC delegation not only took the opportunity to understand ASTRI’s latest R&D initiatives, but also explored collaboration opportunities between the two organisations.

The group witnessed demonstrations of a series of ASTRI’s smart city technologies and were particularly impressed by the 5G-related applications.

Mr Li Dejin – Deputy Governor of Fujian Province, led a seven-member delegation to ’ASTRI’s Smart City Innovation Centre (SCIC) on 28 August 2018. Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer, and Dr MeiKei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer, along with other senior executives of ASTRI, welcomed the delegation to the SCIC. During the visit, Mr Li was pleased to witness a number of ASTRI’s R&D demonstrations including Naked-eye 3D Display technology and various 5G-related applications. In addition, the visitors took great interest in the ASTRI’s Integrated Circuits (IC) related research and asked a number of questions. The visit was a great opportunity for interaction and exchange between the two parties.

The Induction Day of the second edition of FinTech Career Accelerator Scheme (FCAS 2.0) took place on Friday, 24 August 2018. ASTRI, along with Hong Kong Cyberport and Hong Kong Science Park, is a co-organiser in this scheme spearheaded by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, delivered a welcome speech to the participating students who have been selected through a rigorous screening process from among thousands of applicants.

FCAS aims to nurture Hong Kong’s financial and technological talents to meet the emerging and ever-evolving needs of the industry. Last year, in the programme’s inaugural edition, ASTRI joined hands with HKMA, sourcing and grooming potential FinTech talents for Hong Kong. The second edition of FCAS offers even more exciting opportunities and development initiatives for the participating students. The number of students admissible to the programme has also been extended to over 200. FCAS 2.0 involves partnership with publicly-funded tertiary education institutions as well as major local as well as international banks based in Hong Kong. Participants will go through a year-long programme of technical and regulatory trainings, internships placements in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, as well as a gap-year industry placement.

Addressing the students, Mr Hugh Chow said, “FCAS 2.0 is an amazing platform from where you can launch a stellar career in FinTech, through hands-on experience and networking opportunities designed to test and strengthen your capabilities.”

Highlighting ASTRI’s role in this scheme, Mr Chow added that, “FinTech is one of the key pillars in ASTRI’s overall strategy. We work alongside HKMA and other industry players to deliver innovative proofs-of-concept, and applications for the financial sector, with world leading technologies like blockchain, cybersecurity, big data analytic, artificial intelligence, to name a few. And you will get to explore to them all through our experts and researchers.”

He encouraged the students to take this learning opportunity very seriously, because “it is one of the most important investments you will make towards your personal and professional growth.”

Dr MeiKei Ieong, ASTRI’s Chief Technology Officer, also spoke on the occasion and presented an overview of ASTRI’s FinTech initiatives as well as a glimpse of how the Institute will help boost the participants’ FinTech-related knowledge skills and expertise.

A high-level Swiss delegation led by Federal Councillor Ms Doris Leuthard, Head of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications visited ASTRI’s Smart City Innovation Centre (SCIC) on 10 August 2018. Ms Leuthard was the former Swiss President. Also included in the delegation were Federal Chancellor Mr Walter Thurnherr and Swiss Consul General to Hong Kong SAR Mr Reto Renggli among other Swiss Ministers and top executives of Swiss technology enterprises.

The delegation was welcomed to the SCIC by ASTRI’s Mr Wong Ming-yam – Chairman, and Dr Justin Chuang, Vice President, Next Generation Network; while Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Ltd – ASTRI’s partner in the SCIC – was also represented by its top brass including Dr Sunny Chai – Chairman and Mr Albert Wong – Chief Executive Officer in meeting with the delegation.

The delegation learnt about the innovation drive propelled by the SCIC through its world-class infrastructure and facilities accessible by technology enterprises, start-ups, students and researchers alike. They were shown a series of R&D demonstrations of smart mobility, smart living and smart finance applications. ASTRI has one of the strongest 5G R&D facilities in Hong Kong and the SCIC itself a testbed for 5G technologies – it works in partnership with leading telecom operators and equipment manufacturers. During the visit, ASTRI’s R&D experts shared how the technology can be adopted for applications across road transportation, railway, maritime operations as well as commercial aviation. It is worth mentioning that ASTRI has been one of the key consultants to Hong Kong’s telecommunications regulator, offering technological advisory and recommendations for a seamless introduction of 5G services in the city.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Wong Ming-yam highlighted the undisputed global reputation of Switzerland as a country leading in innovation. He referred to ever-increasing co-operation between Switzerland and Hong Kong as well as the strong Swiss-Chinese partnerships in the areas of trade, finance and innovation. Mr Wong said, “Hong Kong SAR, with its world-class business environment, infrastructure and international connectivity, acts as a super connector between China and rest of the world. Hong Kong on its own is also an important trading partner for Switzerland. You are our 17th largest trading partner globally, and 5th largest in Europe. More than 55 Swiss businesses have their Asia headquarters based in our city. Switzerland is also the first European economy to have a free trade agreement with Hong Kong.” He commented that driven by the aspiration for innovation, progressive economies, and people-centric development, “Switzerland and Hong Kong can indeed accomplish great things together.”

ASTRI’s R&D expert shares innovative insights on AI in Digital Manufacturing at HKEIA Workshop

Dr T. John Koo, Director of Cyber-Physical Systems of ASTRI, shared his insights and experiences on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Digital Manufacturing at a workshop organised by the Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association (HKEIA) on 9 August 2018.  Dr Koo discussed the applications of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to enable AI-driven innovations in the field of manufacturing.

Focusing on rapid automation and digital transformation in the industrial sectors, the workshop touched upon key challenges and opportunities in the era of Industry 4.0 and Digital Factories. The event attracted representatives from across the industry as well as several technology specialists. Other presenters in the workshop included senior experts from NVIDIA, eFusion Capital and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Photo caption: Dr John Koo shared his insights on AI in digital manufacturing with the audience 

Mr Daryl Li – Director of the Fire Services Department (FSD) of HKSAR Government, visited ASTRI on 2 August 2018, along with the Department’s several senior officials including Mr Joseph Leung – Deputy Director and Ir Andy Yeung – Assistant Director (Headquarters). They aimed to learn about ASTRI’s R&D achievements, and explore advanced technologies that enhance the management and operational efficiency of fire services and also improves safety measures for firefighters.

The FSD officials met several ASTRI technology experts along with Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer, Dr Meikei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer, and Dr Justin Chuang – Vice President (Next Generation Network). They visited the Smart City Innovation Centre and Mega Lab facilities, where they witnessed demonstrations of a series of advanced technologies, including the mobile phone spectrometer that can remotely sense flame colours and chemical information in order to detect toxic gas at incident sites, ensuring the safety of firefighters. They also learnt ASTRI’s Virtual Reality and head-mounted display technology which can quickly scan and develop 3D images of buildings, efficiently providing firefighters with useful information. In addition, ASTRI’s Vehicle-to-Everything technologies can greatly facilitate fleet management for the FSD.

The delegation was impressed by ASTRI’s R&D achievements and found strong relevance of the technologies with the practical operations of the FSD. The two parties will continue to engage and explore for further potential collaborations.