A delegation from the Customs and Excise Department of the HKSAR Government, led by its Commissioner Mr Hermes Tang Yi-hoi, CMSM, visited ASTRI on 4 May 2018. Mr Hugh Chow, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, welcomed the delegation along with Dr MeiKei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer; Ms Cammy Yung, Chief Financial Officer; and Ms Grace Hui, Chief Administrative Officer.
The delegation visited the Smart City Innovation Centre and Cyber Range to learn about ASTRI’s R&D work in Cybersecurity, FinTech and overall Smart City development. Discussions and exchanges during the visit also included topics like data analytics, cyber-crime deterrence, biometric authentication technologies, identity management, as well as optical and sensing solutions.
The delegation from Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, led by its Commissioner Mr Hermes Tang Yi-hoi, CMSM (seventh from right), visited ASTRI on 4 May 2018. Mr Hugh Chow, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI(sixth from right), welcomed the delegation along with Dr MeiKei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer(sixth from left) ; Ms Cammy Yung, Chief Financial Officer(second from left); and Ms Grace Hui, Chief Administrative Officer.(first from right)
Delegation of CR Micro visits ASTRI, explores collaboration opportunities for innovation and technology development
A delegation of China Resources Microelectronics Ltd (CR Micro) and Zhongchen Investment Holding (Zhongchen) visited ASTRI today and witnessed a number of its smart city, FinTech and semiconductor R&D applications. Led by Mr Du Wenmin, Chairman of CR Micro and Mr Huang Jian – Chairman of the Zhongchen, the delegation also included Mr Chen Nanxiang – Deputy Chairman of CR Micro, Mr Zhang Shenwen – General Manager of CR Micro and Mr Yang Jun – General Manager of Zhongchen. Mr Wong Ming-yam – ASTRI’s Chairman, Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer, and Dr MeiKei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer welcomed the delegation to ASTRI premises and showed them around different R&D facilities including the Smart City Innovation Centre.
The visit’s agenda included exploring collaboration opportunities in the area of high-end advanced technologies. Dr MeiKei Ieong briefed the delegation on ASTRI’s work in the Hong Kong branch of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre that specialises in Application Specific Integrated Circuit Systems. In addition, other R&D experts demonstrated innovative applications and solutions on naked-eye 3D technology, artificial intelligence and robotics, Blockchain, Connected Cars and Smart Pole, Palm Fusion Biometric Authentication, as well as applications of 5G and other next generation network technologies.
Exchanges and discussions during the visit stressed the importance of bringing together high-tech talents from Hong Kong and the Mainland especially for the development innovation and technology in the Greater Bay Area. This will enable prolific innovation in high-end advanced technologies, while strengthening commercialisation and technology transfers.
Commenting on the visit, Mr Wong Ming-yam, ASTRI’s Chairman said, “Outstanding R&D capabilities is one of Hong Kong’s strength areas. Through strong collaboration, different players in the Hong Kong innovation and technology ecosystem can leverage each other’s capabilities, leading to maximised delivery and commercialisation of innovative technologies and solutions.”
The two sides will engage further to explore various possible options to develop innovative R&D and solutions, and to actively commercialise technologies in the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Bay Area.
Dr Tan Tieniu, Deputy Director of the Central Government’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong, visits ASTRI and recognises its contributions in I&T development
Dr Tan Tieniu, Deputy Director of the Central People’s Government’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong SAR, visited ASTRI today (27 April 2018) to understand the latest developments in its R&D endeavours as well as technology transfers. During the visit, Dr Tan said, “Hong Kong has an enormous potential to unleash in developing Innovation and Technology (I&T), and commercialising the fruits of R&D – ASTRI plays an important role in that.”
Dr Tan was accompanied by Professor Li Lu, Director General of the Office’s Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs. Mr Wong Ming-yam – Chairman, Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer and Dr MeiKei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer, welcomed the delegation members to ASTRI. During the visit, Dr Tan emphasised that the Central Government is steadfast in supporting Hong Kong. I&T development plays a very important role in the long-term growth and development of Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government is investing significant resources into the I&T ecosystem to position Hong Kong as a global innovation hub. In the 2018-19 budget, a total of HKD 50 billion was allocated for I&T development. The development blueprint of the Greater Bay Area also provides Hong Kong with an unprecedented opportunity. Dr Tan pointed out that “compared with other global economic clusters such as the Greater Bay Areas of San Francisco and Tokyo, the ‘Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macau Greater Bay Area’ enjoys greater market potential and has amazing prospects for growth and development.” He also disclosed that the Central Government plans to introduce more support measures for companies and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong.
An internationally renowned scientist himself, Dr Tan witnessed a number of Smart City applications developed by the ASTRI at its ‘Smart City Innovation Centre’ including: naked-eye 3D technology; Next Generation Capsule Endoscopy System; Medical Image Analytics Platform; Palm Fusion Biometric Access Control System; and Next Generation Communication Technologies for maritime, land and road transportation, and aviation sectors. In addition, Dr Tan was briefed on developments in the CNERC Hong Kong branch, located at ASTRI, that specialises in Application Specific Integrated Circuit Systems (ASIC). The branch was established in 2012 with approval from the Central Government’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) aiming to drive world-class ASIC R&D, as well as to cultivate future talents to help strengthen the country’s semiconductor industry.
Since being appointed to his current role, it was Dr Tan’s second visit to ASTRI. The first one was in January 2017 when he had just arrived in Hong Kong and sought to understand ASTRI’s overall technological R&D strategy, and its work in the first-ever Hong Kong branch of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre (CNERC). This time around, ASTRI’s R&D experts took the opportunity to introduce the latest innovations and R&D developments to Dr Tan. Impressed with the demonstrations, he highly appreciated what ASTRI has achieved and delivered over the years and said, “there has been significant progress at ASTRI, delivering tangible benefits to the industry and communities.”
ASTRI’s Chairman Mr Wong Ming-yam, said after the visit: “We are very grateful to have Dr Tan Tieniu visit us and his words of appreciation and recognition to our work and achievements. 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.”
A 20-member delegation from Dali Town of the Nanhai District in Foshan City, led by its Mayor Mr Huang Weiming, visited ASTRI today (26 April 2018) to learn about ASTRI’s R&D work and its role in promoting Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development. They visited the ‘Smart City Innovation Centre’ and took interest in various smart city applications developed by ASTRI. The solutions showcased to delegation at the Centre included the naked-eye 3D display technology and the Palm Fusion Biometric Access Control System.
Mr Qiao Xiaoyang, Chairman of the 12th NPC Law Committee, visits ASTRI
Mr Qiao Xiaoyang, Chairman of the 12th National People’s Congress Law Committee of the People’s Republic of China, visited ASTRI today (26 April 2018) as part of his visit to Hong Kong Science Park. The visiting delegation also included Honourable Mr Nicholas Yang – Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, Honourable Ms Fanny Law – Member of the Executive Council of the the HKSAR Government and Chairperson of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and Ms Annie Choi – Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government. Welcomed by ASTRI’s Chairman Mr Wong Ming-yam and Chief Executive Officer Mr Hugh Chow, the delegation took a tour of the ‘Smart City Innovation Centre’ at ASTRI premises.
Mr Qiao was impressed with ASTRI’s demonstrations of a number of smart city technologies, as well as with the work of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre’s (CNERC) Hong Kong branch for Application Specific Integrated Circuit System. Located in ASTRI, the Centre 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.
The demonstrations witnessed by Mr Qiao during his visit included Naked-eye 3D Display Technology, Next Generation Capsule Endoscopy System, Palm Fusion Biometric Access Control System, and next generation communication technologies for maritime, land and road transportation, and aviation sectors.
Commenting on the visit, ASTRI’s Chairman Mr Wong Ming-yam said: “It is our honour to have Mr Qiao in our facility. We thank him for his support and appreciation for our work. ASTRI will continue its mission to help enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness, and contribute to national development, through applied R&D.”
(From left to right) Dr Meikei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI; Ms Annie Choi, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology; Mrs Fanny Law, Chairman of HKSTP; Mr Nicholas Yang, Secretary for Innovation and Technology; Mr Qiao Xiao Yang, Chairman of the 12th National People’s Congress Law Committee of the People’s Republic of China; Mr Wong Ming-yam, Chairman of ASTRI; and Mr Hugh Chow at the Smart City Innovation Centre
Delegation from Shenzhen Stock Exchange visits ASTRI
A delegation from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange visited ASTRI on 19 April 2018, led by Mr Liu Fuzhong – Deputy Director of the Organisation’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs office. He was accompanied by two representatives from the China Innovation Market Service Co Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shenzhen Stock Exchange, along with Mr Ronald Chan – President of the Hong Kong Chinese Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association. The purpose of the visit was to understand the latest developments and achievements in ATSRI’s R&D, and to explore collaboration opportunities between Hong Kong and the Mainland in promoting, developing and financing innovation and technology. The delegation was welcomed by Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI. Dr Lucas Hui – Senior Director of Security and Data Sciences and Dr James Lei – Acting Director Intelligent Software and Systems briefed the delegation on ASTRI’s various innovation endeavours in cybersecurity and FinTech research.
From left to right, Dr James Lei, Acting Director (Intelligent Software and Systems) of ASTRI; Ms Li Huiqing, Head of Market Promotion, China Innovation Market Service Co Ltd; Mr Ronald Chan, President, the Hong Kong Chinese Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association; Mr Hugh Chow, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI; Mr Liu Fuzhong, Deputy Director, Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; Dr Wand Yixuan, Managing Director, China Innovation Market Service Co Ltd; Dr Lucas Hui, Senior Director (Security and Data Sciences) of ASTRIThe delegation is interested to learn about ASTRI’s R&D in cyber security and fintech
A group of 25 senior management staff from the Guangzhou Port Company Limited who participated in a training progarmme in Hong Kong visiting ASTRI on April 17, 2018, to learn about new technology related to the industry as well as the latest technological development in other areas. The delegation was welcome by Dr Meikei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI. In addition, they were briefed by Dr Edward Lor, Director (Intelligent Software and Systems) on the “Multi-agent Scheduling and Simulation System for Smart Warehouse” developed by ASTRI which can effectively enhance the efficiency of logistics management. The delegation was deeply interested by this technology and enthusiastic discussion of it was seen during the meeting. The delegation was also shown a series of smart city technologies at the Smart City Innovation Center.
Dr Meikei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI (5th from right, 2nd row) welcomed the delegation from Guangzhou Port Co Ltd
Financial Secretary visits ASTRI and reiterates his resolve to drive development and growth powered by technology
Mr Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary (FS) of the HKSAR Government, visited ASTRI today (18 April 2018) to learn about its latest R&D and innovation and endeavours, and expressed his strong support for ASTRI’s various initiatives in line with the Government’s I&T agenda. ASTRI’s senior executives and R&D professionals briefed the FS on a number of projects in FinTech, AI and Robotics and health technologies.
Mr Chan was accompanied by, among other Government officials, Ms Annie Choi, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, and Ms Jane Lee, Secretary-General (Testing and Certification) of the Innovation and Technology Commission. Mr Hugh Chow, ASTRI’s Chief Executive Officer, accompanied by other senior executives and Technology Leaders welcomed the FS and his entourage to ASTRI.
Some of the technology demonstrations witnessed by Mr Chan included an AI-based Mixed Natural Language Processing Chatbot system, a Digital Pathological Image Analytics Platform, Next Generation Capsule Endoscopy System, Optical Character Recognition and Industrial Robot for Random Bin Picking. He was impressed with other projects such as Connected Cars powered by Cellular Vehicle to Everything technologies; ASTRI’s 5G research and related applications for railway signalling system, Smart Airport, Mission Critical Communications; naked-eye 3D display; and Satellite Communications for Maritime Safety. Focusing on the core domain he is in charge of, the FS was also briefed on some of ASTRI’s FinTech projects including various Blockchain applications for financial services, Cybersecurity intelligent and trainings, and Palm Fusion Biometric Authentication System. The FS also took a glimpse of an artwork collaboration project between ASTRI and the City University of Hong Kong that celebrates the power of technology and the imaginative potential of the human brain.
During his visit to ASTRI, he reiterated his commitment to advancing I&T for Hong Kong, and commented that “Innovation and Technology (I&T) hold the key to a bright and prosperous future for Hong Kong. The passion and commitment from ASTRI’s R&D team play a vital role in advancing Hong Kong’s I&T endeavours. The HKSAR Government remains steadfast in supporting ASTRI, and all the other players in our I&T ecosystem, to pursue innovation-led development and growth”.
Commenting on the visit, Mr Hugh Chow said, “We have been greatly encouraged by the strong support and interest expressed by the FS in his visit to ASTRI. We are grateful for the strategic boost to I&T he announced in the budget – the significant funding will provide inspiring support to I&T development in Hong Kong. As the largest Government-funded R&D institution in Hong Kong, ASTRI will continue to focus on exploring and applying new technological solutions in areas such as AI, machine learning, smart city health technologies and FinTech.”
The visit by the FS reinforces the strategic priority attached to I&T development by the HKSAR Government. It strengthens ASTRI’s commitment to leverage the power of technology to collaborate with different stakeholders in the I&T ecosystem in enhancing the competitiveness of businesses and enriching the lives of people.
Mr Paul Chan – Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, and Ms Annie Choi – Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, along with ASTRI’s senior executives and R&D professionals, celebrating ASTRI’s 14 awards from the recent International Exhibition of Inventions of GenevaThe visit by the FS reinforces the strategic priority attached to I&T development by the HKSAR GovernmentAI-based industrial robots were one of the technology demonstrations witnessed by Mr Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government during his visit to ASTRIFrom left to right: Ms Jane Lee, Secretary-General (Testing and Certification) of the Innovation and Technology Commission, Mr Hugh Chow – Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, Mr Paul Chan – Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, Ms Annie Choi – Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, and Dr MeiKei Ieong – Chief Technology Officer of ASTRIMr Paul Chan – Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, trying out ASTRI’s AI-based Handwritten Chinese Character Optical Recognition solution
Showcasing how it powers Smart City development endeavours with innovation and technology, ASTRI interacts with a large, enthusiastic crowd at the International ICT Expo 2018
ASTRI was present in the International ICT Expo 2018 – organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council – from 13 to 16 April 2018. Participated by over 600 organisations and visited by more than 30,000 people, the fair took place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. ASTRI’s pavilion showcased a number of innovative R&D projects that were aligned with the Expo’s theme: “Smart City: The Way of the Future”. ASTRI has presented its R&D endeavours in Smart City Development under three broad categories: Smart Economy, Smart Mobility and Smart Living.
The Hon Mr Chan Kin-por and The Hon Mr Charles Mok – Members of the HKSAR Legislative Council; Dr Bernard Chan – HKSAR Government’s Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and Mr Benjamin Chau – Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC were among a long list of distinguished personalities who visited ASTRI’s pavilion at the Expo. ASTRI’s Chairman Mr Wong Ming-yam, CEO Mr Hugh Chow and CTO Dr MeiKei Ieong were there when the dignitaries visited ASTRI’s pavilion. Apart from the local and international VIPs and industry leaders, a large number of students and youngsters also experienced ASTRI’s R&D demonstrations and learnt about its innovative ventures from our R&D experts.
The innovations showcased by ASTRI included:
Application of Blockchain technology for the financial services sector
Palm Fusion biometric authentication system
Smart Traffic Management platform
Connected cars using cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technologies
Application of Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT)
Intelligent Chatbot solution powered by AI and machine learning
Smart Parking and Smart Community solutions
Naked-eye 3D video display and real-time 3D conversion technologies
As a Gold Award winner in the recently announced ‘Hong Kong ICT Awards’, ASTRI presented its ‘Palm Fusion Biometric Authentication System’ where Mr Kenny Chan – Senior Manager, shared how the innovative technology works at a dedicated session for winners’ sharing. In addition, two of ASTRI’s R&D experts took part in different sharing sessions. Dr Justin Chuang – Vice President for Next Generation Network, presented an insightful topic “Towards Smart Mobility in the Era of New ICT Paradigm” in the session on “Hong Kong’s Smart Mobility and Logistics”. Mr Alan Cheung – Director of Advanced Digital Systems, spoke at a seminar on ‘Cashless and Secured City’, discussing ASTRI’s R&D initiatives in Blockchain and Identity Management.
Taking part in the Expo, ASTRI showcased its endeavours to leverage Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for Hong Kong’s overall Smart City development. To ASTRI, ICT also stands for Intelligent, Connected and Trusted. ASTRI develops innovative and market-ready applications and technology platforms that are Intelligent, Connected and Trusted. Commenting on the event and ASTRI’s participation, Mr Hugh Chow – ASTRI’s CEO, reiterated its core mission of “Enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research” and explained how ASTRI innovates Smart City tools and applications “in close collaboration with other players in Hong Kong’s technology ecosystem, focusing heavily on generating traction, and creating social and economic value.”
Organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the International ICT Expo is one of the largest regional events for leading ICT products and solutions across all sectors. Under the wider theme of ‘Smart City’, this year’s Expo has channelled an enormous range of cutting-edge ICT solutions, such as Retail and Financial Technologies, Smart Mobility and Digital Business – towards efficient, sustainable urban planning and management. The Office of the HKSAR Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Science & Technology were the event’s co-organisers.
(From left to right) Dr MeiKei Ieong – ASTRI’s CTO, Mr Bernard Chan – Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government, Mr Benjamin Chau – Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, Mr Wong Ming-yam – Chairman of ASTRI, The Hon Chan Kin-por – HKSAR Legislative Councillor, Mr Hugh Chow – ASTRI’s CEO, The Hon Charles Mok – HKSAR Legislative Councillor, and Dr Sunny Chai – Chairman of LSCM were at ASTRI’s pavilion in the International ICT Expo.
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Hong Kong’s Electronics industry body honours ASTRI Chairman for a lifetime of contributions to the sector
Mr Wong Ming-yam, Chairman of ASTRI, has received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Hong Kong Electronics Industry Council (HKEIC) for his long and rich contributions to the electronics sector of Hong Kong. The award was presented to Mr Wong at the 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner of HKEIC on 13 April 2018. Hon Mr Nicholas Yang, Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, was the Guest of Honour who also handed over the award to Mr Wong and other awardees at the event.
Mr Wong Ming-yam has chaired the Board of Directors of ASTRI since 21 October 2013. He is currently the Honorary Chairman of both Hong Kong Electronics & Technologies Association, and Hong Kong Critical Components Manufacturers Association. Mr Wong has held a number of roles across organisations, responsible for regional as well as international markets, most notably at Royal Philips N.V. – the global electronics giant. At Philips, he gained over 30 years of global industrial operations experience; his responsibilities there included not only the industrial management of Philips Audio Video Entertainment products, but also the overall supply chain technology development across multiple markets.
Passionate about developing Innovation and Technology as well as serving the community, Mr Wong has been associated with several Government Boards and Committees for the more than 35 years. As an important pillar of economic development in Hong Kong, Innovation and Technology development has opened up a vast space for career development for people, which according to him, “allowed someone like me to develop my professional career across multiple industries and enterprises.” He recalled how “as a mechanical engineer I eventually morphed from technical roles into management positions of multinational corporations and strived to help position Hong Kong’s technology industry in the international scene and, in that process, enriching my own life.”
In the past Mr Wong has been associated in different senior advisory capacities with the HKSAR Government’s Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong Productivity Council, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation, and the Advisory Committee on Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government. At present, he continues to contribute in a number of public service roles linked with Government’s Innovation and Technology initiatives. He serves as a member of Enterprise Support Scheme Assessment Panel under the Innovation and Technology Fund; the Chairman of the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee, CreateHK, and an ex-officio member of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Re-industrialisation of the HKSAR Government.
Highlighting the historic crossroads that Hong Kong finds itself in, Mr Wong said, “Our city has certain unique advantages. We are blessed to be closely linked with the rapid developments in our motherland, and also have the potential to tap into emerging and large markets. Developments such as the ‘Greater Bay Area Development’, the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, ‘Industry 4.0’ and ‘Made in China 2025’ offer unprecedented opportunities for Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology sector. I am confident that the industry can take full advantage of it.”
Sharing his delight to be a part of HKEIC’s 30-year anniversary celebration, Mr Wong thanked the Council for the honour bestowed on him and said, “I am honoured and pleased to receive this recognition in the presence of so many dignified people, and many of my long-time friends and peers.”
Mr Steve Chuang and Mr Chris Tse – Chairman and Vice Chairman of HKEIC respectively, and Mr Jimmy Kwok – Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries, also spoke on the occasion.
The Hon Mr Nicholas Yang, Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, handing over the award to Mr Wong Ming-yamMr Wong Ming-yam delivering his acceptance speech at the event
