Press Release | ASTRI - Hong Kong Applied Science And Technology Research Institute Company Limited

OmniVision and ASTRI Create Production-Ready Reference Design for AR Glasses

Single-chip LCOS Display Solution Enables Simpler System Designs,
Smaller Form Factor, Lighter Weight and Lower Power Consumption

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Jan.10, 2018 – OmniVision Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, today announced that it has collaborated with Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI) to develop a reference design for production-ready augmented reality (AR) glasses. This complete AR glasses solution combines OmniVision’s lightweight and power-efficient OP02220, the industry’s only single-chip, 1080p high definition (HD) liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) display with integrated driver and memory buffer, with ASTRI’s reference design, which integrates optics and system electronics that provide an industry-leading 60-degree-wide field of view for an improved user experience.

The AR market is at an early stage and growing rapidly. The International Data Corporation (IDC) ^[1] forecasts a compound annual growth rate at 113% between 2017 and 2021, driven initially by demand for applications such as consumer gaming, retail showcasing and manufacturing training. Therapy and rehabilitation and public infrastructure maintenance, both of which can take advantage of wireless head-mounted displays, are among the applications in which IDC expects to see the fastest growth over the forecast period.

“Customers are looking for a complete turnkey reference design solution for AR glasses with Wi-Fi connectivity to any mobile device or PC,” said Sam Yoshikawa, LCOS marketing manager at OmniVision. “We partnered with ASTRI because they are an early adopter of AR technology and they have strong expertise in AR design. The collaboration allows us to rapidly bring our high-resolution LCOS display to the AR market as part of a qualified reference design.”

ASTRI’s wireless reference design will offer OEMs and ODMs the opportunity to license the technology, obtain a prototype and accelerate their product launch. High-quality optics from ASTRI allow an unprecedented 60-degree field of view as part of its fully qualified, complete electronics system for AR glasses. This system also integrates 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity.

The reference design leverages OmniVision’s OP02220 LCOS display and OV9282 image sensor to enable inside-out tracking such as SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping), 3D room scanning, and hand and tool tracking. The OP02220 enables simpler system designs, a smaller form factor, lighter weight and up to 40% lower power consumption compared with display systems using two or three separate driver and memory-buffer chips.

The OV9282 is built on OmniVision’s high-speed OmniPixel3-GS™ pixel technology to capture 1280 x 800 pixel images at 120 frames per second (FPS) with low latency.

“ASTRI’s intelligent AR projection solution offers advanced optics with uniquely varied FOV, as well as high resolution and brightness. Through this partnership, our advanced optical and sensing capabilities join the high-performance image sensor and LCOS solutions from OmniVision – offering the consumers an extraordinary product experience. The OP02220, for example, is the perfect fit for ASTRI’s reference design because it offers industry-leading LCOS display capabilities in a compact form factor with extremely low power consumption,” said Kenny Chan, Senior Manager at ASTRI. “ASTRI’s ‘Smart Optics’ display and sensing technology solutions, and this particular reference design, enable OEMs and ODMs to rapidly bring leading-edge AR glasses to the market.”

This joint reference design and all specified components are currently available. A prototype will be demonstrated at OmniVision’s CES private suite. Please contact your OmniVision sales or marketing representative to schedule a meeting or receive more information.

^[1] : IDC Press Release, Worldwide Spending on Augmented and Virtual Reality Expected to Double or More Every Year Through 2021, According to IDC, August 2017

About OmniVision

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. is a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions. Its award-winning CMOS imaging technology enables superior image quality in many of today’s consumer and commercial applications, including mobile phones, notebooks, tablets and webcams, digital still and video cameras, security and surveillance, entertainment devices, automotive and medical imaging systems. Find out more at www.ovt.com.

About ASTRI

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (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 competence in various areas is grouped under seven Technology Divisions, namely Communications Technologies, Electronics Components, Mixed Signal Systems IC, Advanced Digital Systems, Opto-electronics, 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 pursuits. For further information about ASTRI, please visit www.astri.org

OmniVision® and the OmniVision logo are registered trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

# # #

Media Contact: Company Contact:

Cameron Crowe

Kiterocket

415.735.8420

[email protected]

Mengxi Liu

OmniVision Technologies, Inc.

408.653.3484

[email protected]

Ms Cherry Au

ASTRI

852.3406.2993

[email protected]

ASTRI announces appointment of new CEO

[Hong Kong, 10 January 2018] The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) today announced the appointment of Mr Chow Hin Poon, Hugh as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ASTRI with effect from 15 January 2018.

Mr Wong Ming-yam, Chairman of the ASTRI Board, said that he and his Board members have every confidence that Mr Chow will lead ASTRI to pursue its public mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research.

“We are impressed with Mr Chow’s strong commercial and entrepreneurial background. His strategic vision and broad perspective of the global technology trends would be valuable to ASTRI in strengthening its research and commercialisation capabilities,” Mr Wong said.

Mr Chow grew up in Hong Kong and has pursued his career in Canada since 1993. He has extensive global experience particularly in North America and in Greater China, in executive and engineering management, operation, R&D and financing covering private start-ups and public companies in the technology sector. He co-founded ViXS Systems Inc. in 2001 and served as Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Interim President and CEO. In late 2016, he co-founded Pool Global Partners Inc. which is a venture capital investment firm specializing in artificial intelligence, big data, digital health, etc., and served as the Managing Partner.

“We live in a very exciting time of innovation, and Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to have plenty to offer and much to benefit. With the full support of all the stakeholders, ASTRI continues to play a key role in enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness among the Greater Bay Area, regionally and globally,” Mr Chow said. “I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead ASTRI, to take part in the ecosystem, and to serve Hong Kong.”

Mr Chow is an inventor for more than 10 US patents. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Hong Kong, and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado in the United States.

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 competences in various areas are organised under seven Technology Divisions, namely Communications Technologies, Electronics Components, Mixed Signal Systems IC, Advanced Digital Systems, Opto-electronics, 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:

For enquiries, please contact Ms Eunice Cheng (Tel: 3406 2517, email: [email protected])

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ASTRI supports HSBC Safeguard App Competition as technology enabler – provides training, technology platform and programming interfaces to contestants

At the Demo Day of the Safeguard App Competition organised by HSBC on 13 December 2017, student teams and start-ups showcased their ideas. ASTRI was the Technology Enabler in this contest, providing a suite of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which contestants used to develop their iOS or Android app prototypes. In addition to providing training materials and support in addressing contestants’ queries, ASTRI built a Blockchain-based virtual platform for contestants to use as they developed their application prototypes for the competition.

Launched in September 2017, the competition was open to Hong Kong-based tertiary students and start-ups, who were invited to submit innovative solutions to help bank customers to maintain their most up-to-day information in account profiles. At the Demo Day, shortlisted teams pitched their proposals to a panel of respected banking and technology experts. Dr MeiKei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI was a member of the judging panel which also included Mr Li Shu-pui, JP, Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure), Hong Kong Monetary Authority; and Ir Peter Yeung, Head of EE and ICT Cluster, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; and executives from HSBC: Mr Raymond Cheng, Chief Operating Officer, Asia-Pacific; Mr Greg Hingston, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Hong Kong; and Mr Daniel Chan, Head of Business Banking, Commercial Banking, Hong Kong.

Speaking at the event, Ms Diana Cesar, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, HSBC congratulated the winning teams and extended her gratitude to the judging panel and the contest’s technology partner ASTRI. She talked about the HSBC-ASTRI R&D Innovation Laboratory which mobilises FinTech developments through exploratory activities in various areas.

The winner in the Student category was InstaSure who came up with a user-friendly interface for individual users to monitor and maintain account security. Game Changers, the second prize winner, aims to utilise information sharing within social groups to help customers to maintain, verify and share their contact information. BU WWW, winner of the third prize, proposed an app that can update customers’ information in real time in an automated and secure way.

The winner in the Start-up category was Earth Channel Limited. They developed a smart eWallet app that collects customers’ information in an efficient way – protected by two different Blockchain technologies that respectively carries out predictive analysis of customers’ location and lifestyle preference, and ensures the maximum privacy of their information. BETECH won the second prize for their idea to automate the updating of phone numbers and addresses, using machine learning technologies. The third prize went to Cloud Connect Technology for their ‘Click Click Through’ app which stores and updates customers’ data across distributed ledgers.

ASTRI looks forward to advancing its FinTech R&D partnership with HSBC by developing more innovative applications, prototypes and proofs-of-concept that will make banking better, faster and safer.

Dr MeiKei Ieong, CTO of ASTRI, with the winning teams, other judges and guests

Dr MeiKei Ieong, CTO of ASTRI, with one of the winning teams

ASTRI’s innovative R&D projects get recognised in ‘Hong Kong Awards for Industries 2017’ and ‘Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards 2017’

[Hong Kong, 19 Dec 2017] Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has won two honours at the Hong Kong Awards for Industries (HKAI) 2017. The presentation ceremony, which Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR, officiated, took place on 18 December 2017. A total of 67 projects – chosen from among 233 initial nominations – were honoured in the seven categories of HKAI 2017. ASTRI received the ‘Equipment and Machinery Design Award’ and the ‘Technological Achievement Certificate of Merit’, respectively for its ‘3D Vision System for Quality Inspection and Robot Guidance’ and ‘End-to-end LTE system for value-added and mission-critical communications’ projects.

ASTRI also received two honours in the recently announced Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2017. Held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 10 December 2017, the prestigious APICTA Awards recognised ASTRI’s ‘Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) System’ with the Top Award in the Communication category, and the ‘Smart Water IoT System’ with a Merit Award in the Industry Application category. At the event, Ir Allen Yeung Tak-bun, Hong Kong’s Government Chief Information Officer joined Bangladesh’s Finance Minister and State Minister for ICT, senior Government officials and ICT leaders from across the region. The APICTA Awards, one of the most prestigious international awards programmes in Asia Pacific, have been organised since 2001 by an alliance of 17 economies in Asia. Hong Kong was the biggest winner in this edition of the APICTA Awards with four main awards and five merit awards. The nine APICTA awards won by Hong Kong, which include two won by ASTRI, speak for the SAR’s collective endeavour to promote innovation and technology as a means of ensuring long term growth and prosperity.

ASTRI’s winning projects in the HKAI 2017

The ASTRI project winning the Equipment and Machinery Design Award uses 3D computer vision with custom-made optical projectors and a unique coded-phase-shift algorithm to deliver fast and extremely accurate 3D imaging of objects, even in the presence of shadows and reflections. With high-resolution imaging and modelling capability, the system offers effective and cost-optimised solutions for automated quality inspections and robotic guidance processes.

ASTRI’s End-to-end LTE system for value-added and mission-critical communications, that received a Technological Achievement Certificate of Merit, delivers fast, reliable and low-latency communications to strengthen railway signalling, public protection, disaster relief and many other mission-critical communications.

ASTRI’s winning projects in the APICTA Awards 2017

ASTRI’s CBTC System won the Top Awards in the Communication category. It is a commercial-grade TD-LTE-based railway signalling system. It has already been deployed at the recently opened Wuhan Metro Line 6, making it the first subway signalling system in China using LTE technologies. The system significantly improves the safety, reliability and efficiency of mass transit rail operations. Compared to traditional Wi-Fi-based railway communication systems, ASTRI’s innovative CBTC system reduces signal interference and shortens the signal communication between trains and the control centre. It has a wide-range of applicability including in public safety, disaster relief and other value-added services.

ASTRI’s Smart Water IoT System won a Merit Award in the Industry Application category. ASTRI’s Smart Water IoT System monitors water systems in real-time, facilitates data analysis, supports user enquiry, and allows timely access to water quality information. Designed to detect water leakage and improve overall usage efficiency, the System has been successfully deployed in four provinces in Mainland China, and is currently being trialled by Hong Kong’s Water Supplies Department.

ASTRI remains committed to pursuing innovative R&D for Hong Kong and the region

ASTRI strives to develop and commercialise leading-edge technological solutions for industries and the community. Commenting on the recognition from HKAI and APICTA, Dr MeiKei Ieong, ASTRI’s Chief Technology Officer, said, “By complementing our innovative R&D expertise with strong collaboration with the industry, ASTRI continues to attain many breakthroughs in developing intelligent technology solutions that make a difference to Hong Kong’s economy and its people. We remain steadfast in our commitment to pursue the most sophisticated next generation network and intelligent manufacturing technologies – contributing to Hong Kong’s smart city development and the economic progress of our region.”

ASTRI’s winning R&D teams, led by Dr Justin Chuang and Dr C J Tsai at the HKAI Awards 2017 ceremony

Dr C J Tsai receiving the Equipment and Machinery Design Award at HKAI 2017

Dr Justin Chuang receiving the Technological Achievement Certificate of Merit at HKAI 2017

ASTRI’s ‘Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) System’ won a Top Award at the APICTA Awards 2017

ASTRI’s winning teams at APICTA Awards 2017 with the Government Chief Information Officer of the HKSARG

About ASTRI

Media enquiries:

For enquiries, please contact Ms Cherry Au (Tel: 3406 2993, email: [email protected])

– END –

Beijing Fangshan Yancun Technology Park partners with ASTRI, to power its specialised FinTech innovation hub

The 21st Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Collaboration Symposium was held in Hong Kong from 28-29 November 2017 with the theme of “Leading Innovation, Exchanging Resources, Driving Development, and Creating Prosperity”. During the event, ASTRI signed a partnership agreement with the Beijing Fangshan Yancun Technology Park, to facilitate technology planning, mapping and implementation for the Financial Technologies (FinTech) cluster within the Park. Dr Justin Chuang, ASTRI’s Vice President for Next Generation Network, and Ms Ma Xiaolan, CEO of Internet Financial Security Demonstration Industrial Park, signed the agreement on their respective organisations’ behalf.

ASTRI, the largest applied R&D institution in the Hong Kong SAR, is a leading technology developer for the financial services sector in Hong Kong and this region. Under this partnership, ASTRI’s R&D expertise will be leveraged to develop and commercialise innovative FinTech tools and platforms in the Mainland, including Blockchain, Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. In addition to powering FinTech development in the Mainland market using ASTRI’s FinTech Intellectual Property and innovative R&D, the partnership aims to assist the development of specialised technology hubs and industrial parks specifically targeting FinTech innovation.

Since Hong Kong’s reunion with the country in 1997, the collaboration between Beijing and Hong Kong has seen prolific growth in investment, trade, technological cooperation, cultural exchange and entrepreneurship. By the end of September 2017, investment from Hong Kong in Beijing had reached USD 59.13 billion, accounting for 44.9% of the capital city’s utilised foreign direct investment, according to the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau. Over the same period, Beijing’s direct investment in the SAR reached USD 26.34 billion, accounting for 44.3% of Beijing’s foreign direct investment. Deeper collaboration in the area of innovation and technology will help Hong Kong and the Mainland to leverage each other’s strengths, and help secure strong, sustainable growth in the country’s economic development.

ASTRI plays a crucial role in promoting technology and innovation not just for the city, but also for the country. In addition to developing innovative technologies and solutions that benefit industries and communities in Hong Kong, ASTRI also contributes to the city’s innovation and technology development efforts to make the most of national and international mega-programmes like the Belt and Road Initiative, Industry 4.0 Transformation and development of the South China Greater Bay Area.

Dr Justin Chuang, ASTRI’s Vice President for Next Generation Network, and Ms Ma Xiaolan, CEO of Internet Financial Security Demonstration Industrial Park, signed the agreement

Dr Justin Chuang (third from left), and Dr James Lei (second from right) of ASTRI, with Ms Ma Xiaolan (third from right) of Internet Financial Security Demonstration Industrial Park, and other officials

ASTRI wins one top award and one merit award in prestigious Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards; Hong Kong steals the overall show with nine honours

ASTRI’s Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) System has won the top honour in the ‘Communication’ category at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards. The Awards Ceremony took place on 10 December 2017 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. ASTRI’s CBTC System is a commercial-grade TD-LTE-based railway signalling system. It has been deployed at the recently opened Wuhan Metro Line 6, making it the first subway signalling system in China using LTE technologies. At the event, Ir Allan Yeung Tak-bun, Hong Kong’s Government Chief Information Officer joined Bangladesh’s Finance Minister and State Minister for ICT, a number of senior Government officials from other participating economies, and regional ICT leaders.

Hong Kong was the biggest winner in this edition of the APICTA Awards with four main awards and five merit awards. In addition to the TD-LTE-based CBTC System, ASTRI’s Smart Water Internet-o-Things (IoT) System was among these nine awards won by Hong Kong. It is indeed a great recognition of the innovative R&D efforts of ASTRI – the largest applied R&D institution in Hong Kong.

ASTRI strives to develop and commercialise leading-edge technological solutions for industries and the community. ASTRI’s TD-LTE-based CBTC System optimises railway signalling network design, supports robust mobility in high speed, and achieves low latency within 300ms round-trip-delay. Compared to traditional Wi-Fi-based railway communication systems, ASTRI’s innovative CBTC system reduces signal interference and shortens the signal communication between trains and the control centre. It delivers enhanced safety, reliability and efficiency of mass transit rail operations. Apart from railway communications, ASTRI’s LTE technology is also applied in Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) that is used for many mission-critical communications enabling highly reliable and low latency communications.

In total, 14 projects from Hong Kong were nominated across the various categories. That also included ASTRI’s Smart Water IOT System, which won a Merit Award in the Industry Application category. ASTRI’s Smart Water IoT System allows operators to monitor water systems in real-time. It facilitates data analysis, supports user enquiry, allows timely access to water quality information, and detects water leakage to improve the overall efficiency of water usage. The System has already been successfully deployed in four provinces in Mainland China. In addition, it is currently being trialled by Hong Kong’s Water Supplies Department.

The APICTA Awards is one of the most prestigious international awards programmes in this region. Organised by APICTA since 2001, it aims to increase ICT awareness in the community and assist to bridge the digital divide in Asia Pacific. This year, Hong Kong’s participation in the APICTA Awards was coordinated jointly by Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). HKCS played an instrumental role in facilitating the nomination and presentation of Hong Kong nominees in the event.

The participating economies in APICTA are: Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal.

ASTRI’s TD-LTE-based CBTC System won the top prize in the Communication category

ASTRI’s Smart Water IoT System won the merit award in the Industry Application category

ASTRI won one Top Award and one Merit Award at the APICTA Awards 2017

Ir Allan Yeung Tak-bun (1st from left), Hong Kong’s Government Chief Information Officer visiting ASTRI’s booth at the Awards ceremony

Hong Kong was the biggest winner in APICTA Awards 2017 with four Top Awards and five Merit Prizes

ASTRI’s booth at the APICTA Awards 2017 ceremony

Hong Kong was the biggest winner in APICTA Awards 2017 with four Top Awards and five Merit Prizes

Thomson Reuters Partners with ASTRI to Support the HKMA-ASTRI FinTech Innovation Hub Partnership by providing access to Eikon and APIs for ASTRI’s FinTech development projects

Hong Kong, 13 December, 2017 – Thomson Reuters is partnering with the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) to help accelerate the development of FinTech innovation by bringing technology, tools and content to the Innovation Hub launched jointly by ASTRI and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).

ASTRI was established in 2000 by the Hong Kong government to enhance Hong Kong’s global competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research. The HKMA-ASTRI Innovation Hub was launched last year to facilitate the development and adoption of FinTech by the financial services industry. Thomson Reuters will support innovative solutions being developed there by providing access to Eikon and Thomson Reuters Open Platform, its flagship products for financial markets professionals. Hub users will be able to power the applications they develop with industry-leading content, news and alternate data sets via Thomson Reuters Open APIs.

The new partnership comes as FinTech development in Hong Kong and across Asia continues to accelerate, with advances in data science, analytics tools and new content all being employed to improve customer experience. Strengthening the FinTech ecosystem is a key priority in Hong Kong’s efforts to boost its overall competitiveness through innovation and technology and to enhance its status as a leading global financial hub. Partnerships like this between Thomson Reuters and ASTRI are crucial to achieving such a goal.

Sanjeev Chatrath, Managing Director, Region Head – Asia, Financial & Risk at Thomson Reuters, said, “Our new partnership with ASTRI demonstrates the strong commitment Thomson Reuters has to Hong Kong and the wider financial community, especially as Asia continues to invest in creating a dynamic FinTech industry. By sharing Thomson Reuters Eikon and Open Platform with ASTRI, we’re leveraging our important role in nurturing the region’s financial ecosystem and help firms create value to serve customers better.”

Commenting on this partnership, Dr MeiKei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer at ASTRI, said, “ASTRI works alongside the industry to drive cutting edge FinTech R&D. ASTRI acknowledges the importance of data in developing disruptive yet market relevant FinTech applications and so we’d like to thank Thomson Reuters for generously granting Eikon and API access to the users of the HKMA-ASTRI Fintech Innovation Hub. The ability to use the latest market data, statistics and insights from Thomson Reuters will surely benefit Hong Kong’s banking sector, and complement the HKMA-ASTRI FinTech Innovation Hub’s strategic goals.”

Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of news and information for professional markets. Our customers rely on us to deliver the intelligence, technology and expertise they need to find trusted answers. The business has operated in more than 100 countries for more than 100 years. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com.

ASTRI

CONTACTS
Silke Marsh
Head of PR, Financial & Risk, APAC
Thomson Reuters
+61 404 763 797
[email protected]

Janet Jin
Senior Business Communications Executive, APAC
Thomson Reuters
+852 2847 8052
[email protected]

Eunice Cheng
Director, Public Affairs
Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)
+852 3406 2517
[email protected]

Dr MeiKei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI (right) signs MOU with Mr Sanjeev Chatrath, Managing Director, Region Head – Asia, Financial & Risk of Thomson Reuters (left) for the two organisations to form partnership in enhancing the development of FinTech innovation in Hong Kong

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HKSAR Chief Executive visits ASTRI booth in international technology expo in Dongguan

ASTRI is showcasing a series of innovative R&D projects in its booth within the Hong Kong pavilion at the International Science and Research Institution Innovation Achievements Fair, taking place in the Dongguan International Exhibition Centre from 8-10 December 2017. Organised as part of the 2017 China (Dongguan) International Science & Technology Cooperation Week, the fair aims to promote science and technology cooperation to “match research with production” for a better future. The event’s proceedings included a special tour of the Hong Kong Pavilion for Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR. ASTRI’s booth was the first in that tour visited by the Chief Executive, where she witnessed a few technology demonstrations including naked-eye 3D display, biometric sensing-based authentication, smart pole and other next generation network applications. Mrs Lam commented that Smart City development is critically important for Hong Kong.

Currently in its 14th year, the event is jointly organised by the State Ministry of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Government, and the Dongguan Municipal Government. This year, exhibitors from over 20 countries and territories are represented by more than 2,000 technology professionals and eminent researchers. ASTRI, the largest applied R&D institution in Hong Kong, plays an important role to promote innovation and technology in the SAR, in addition to facilitating technological advancements in this region, particularly in Southern China. ASTRI’s technology display and demonstrations in the fair included:

Smart Indoor and Outdoor Navigation System
Naked-eye 3D display technology
ASTRI’s Smart Pole and other Next Generation Network applications
Smart Water System based on Internet-of-Things (IoT)
Smart Mobility solution based on Vehicle-to-Everything communication system
Smart Investment Platform
Blockchain-based Trade Finance System
Cybersecurity R&D including ASTRI Cyber Range and ASTRI Security Lab
Big Data Analytics
Narrowband IoT solutions
Automated Glass Defects Inspection System
Wireless Power Transfer System
Head Mount Display for Augmented and Virtual Reality Applications
Palm Fusion Biometric Sensing Technology

Commenting on the event’s importance, Mr Wong Ming-yam, BBS, JP, Chairman of ASTRI, said “China is currently going through a massive industrial transformation phase. Global partnerships, and collaborations across the wider technology ecosystem, are crucial for the success of this programme. Hong Kong is in a unique position to help connect China with rest of the world. At the same time, innovation and technology development in Hong Kong can greatly benefit the SAR’s economy and ensure its continued prosperity. By innovating practical and innovative technology solutions in partnership with industry players and other stakeholders in the ecosystem, ASTRI continues to play its part in that endeavour.” Mr Wong congratulated the organisers of the International Science and Research Institution Innovation Achievements Fair, and added that “This event is a great platform where gateways for future partnerships and potential for advanced innovation are being unleashed.”

Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR visited ASTRI booth and viewed innovative smart city solutions

Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR visited ASTRI booth and viewed a number of technology demonstrations

Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR, taking interest in the ‘Smart Pole’ showcased at ASTRI booth

Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR was welcomed at the ASTRI booth by its Chairman Mr Wong Ming-yam

Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR visited ASTRI booth, accompanied by Mr Albert Tang (first from right), Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong, Hong Kong SAR Government and other guests

Mr Liu Zhi-ming (2nd from right), Associate Counsel of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, accompanied by Mr Wong Ming-yam (3rd from right), ASTRI Chairman, and other guests

A visitor learning about ASTRI’s Head Mounted Display for Augmented and Virtual Reality Applications

A visitor learning about the wireless power transfer technology at ASTRI booth

ASTRI team with representatives of its partner organisation Chain Technology Development Co. Ltd.

ASTRI Hosts Industry and University Collaboration Forum 2017 Leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths in technology innovation and seizing opportunities in Greater Bay Area for reindustrialisation

[Hong Kong, 14 November 2017] The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) hosted the “Industry and University Collaboration Forum (IUCF) 2017” today (14 November 2017) at the Hong Kong Science Park. The Forum attracted nearly 400 participants including influential industry and technology leaders, experts, entrepreneurs, academics, and government officials, who exchanged knowledge and insights on the latest development of innovation and technology. The Forum’s participants explored how to unleash Hong Kong’s full potential in innovation and technology, seize the opportunities in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for reindustrialisation, and contribute to the country’s wider development vision.

The theme for this year’s IUCF is “Connecting the Dots for Reindustrialisation: The Greater Bay Area Landscape”. More than 27 industry experts and leaders – from local and regional universities, research institutes and technology companies as well as senior government officials – delivered inspiring keynote speeches, deliberating how innovation and technologies can facilitate the next generation of industrial revolution in the Greater Bay Area. The discussion topics were aligned with the socio-economic priorities of Hong Kong; national programmes related to ‘Industry 4.0’, ‘Made in China 2025’ and the ‘Greater Bay Area’; as well as international mega-plans like the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative.

In his opening remarks, Hon Mr Nicholas W Yang, GBS, JP, the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR Government said that Hong Kong must diversify its economy and develop high value-added industries in the face of global competition. “The Government will actively participate in the development of the Bay Area, so as to create favourable conditions for diversifying the economy, in particular for promoting innovation and technology development. Hong Kong and Shenzhen will join hands to develop an international innovation and technology hub in the Bay Area,” he added. A basket of measures will be put in place, including doubling the ratio of GDP on R&D from 0.73% to 1.5%, rendering support for R&D under the Innovation and Technology Fund, introducing “super deduction” to stimulate private sector R&D and launching a new $500 million “Technology Talent Scheme” for technology talent development. Under the scheme, local enterprises will be subsidised on a matching basis for training staff in advanced manufacturing technologies, especially those related to “Industry 4.0”.

In his welcome remarks, Mr Wong Ming-yam, BBS, JP, Chairman of ASTRI said, “Intelligent Manufacturing is one of the five pillars in ASTRI’s R&D strategy. ASTRI develops a wide range of advanced solutions in areas like robotic vision, cyber-physical systems, integrated power module packaging and predictive analytics for big data. Our solutions are applied in various industries to enhance their productivity and competitiveness. As we partner with industry players in both Hong Kong and across the Greater Bay Area, developing and offering smart solutions for smart factories, we pledge to promote technology and innovation not just for our city, but also for the nation.”

One of the forum’s keynote speakers, Prof Tsui Lap-chee, GBM, GBS, JP, Founding President of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong, talked about the role of basic research in building an innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. Citing examples from all over the world, Professor Tsui reminded the audience that “Going at it all by ourselves is not an option for us”, particularly in sectors that thrive on innovation and technology. “Even Boeing, the world’s most sophisticated aircraft manufacturer, “regularly sends its professionals to other R&D labs and top engineering schools”, he said, reinforcing the need for seamless upstream-downstream integration in innovative R&D. Professor Tsui touched upon the role innovation and technology can play in the transformation journey of the Greater Bay area, and suggested that “Hong Kong must collaborate with partners across the Bay area and beyond, while investing heavily in both basic and applied research.”

Ms Wu Ling, Director of Ministry of Science and Technology Wide Band Gap Semiconductor Programme Office; and Professor Li Ze-xiang, Professor of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, and Founder of Automation Technology Centre and Robotics Institute at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Chairman of the Board at DJI — the world’s largest drone producing company, also delivered keynote speeches in the Forum. Ms Wu Ling discussed the current status, trends and strategies in 3rd generation semiconductor development. She explained that “3rd generation semiconductors, a key material for facilitating industrial and infrastructural development, has significant relevance across different industries related to 5G mobile communications, electric vehicles, new energy, health technologies, and smart manufacturing.” In his keynote speech, Professor Li Ze-xiang talked about the relationship between innovation, entrepreneurship and re-industrialisation. He also discussed the evolution of smart technologies in the Bay Area which holds “tremendous potential for Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem and its overall economy.”

A number of other senior experts and eminent professionals focusing on intelligent manufacturing related technologies shared their insights and R&D experience on 3rd Generation Semiconductors, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) at the Forum. This is the ninth consecutive year since 2009 that ASTRI has hosted the IUCF, its annual signature event. IUCF provides a meaningful platform for the industry and academia to discuss the latest technological developments, and cultivate cross-sector or cross-border collaborations in technological R&D.

“Re-industrialisation” has been a strategic development direction of many developed economies. While striving to upgrade the efficiency and productivity of their manufacturing industries, countries worldwide seek to integrate advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), new materials and smart manufacturing processes. China, the global leader in manufacturing, has an ambitious plan to revamp its manufacturing sector. The plan rides on the concept of Industry 4.0: seeking innovation-driven development, applying smart technologies, upskilling its workforce, pursuing green development and redoubling the efforts to upgrade China from a manufacturer of big quantity to one of high quality. Southern China, is surely the most dynamic region in the country in terms of manufacturing. According to a 2016 iiMedia Research, the annual economic growth of in the Greater Bay Area has been 7.9 % annually, with Shenzhen registering a yearly growth of over 9%. In the next six years, the total size of the Bay Area economy is predicted to reach RMB$14.76 trillion. With that level of growth, the Southern China Greater Bay Area will surpass Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe – becoming the world’s leading bay area economic cluster.

Enjoying a strategically important location next to the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong has had a legacy of successful manufacturing ventures. Manufacturing industry used to be an important economic pillar for the city. Leveraging its proven track record in industrial endeavours coupled with rich expertise, sound infrastructure and world-class institutions, Hong Kong should actively explore the development of smart manufacturing. The city can capitalise on the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ brand, and bring the economy of Hong Kong to a new height.

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Officiating guests from right to left (1^st row): Mr Jimmy Kwok, BBS, MH, JP, Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries; Ms Wu Ling, Director, Ministry of Science and Technology Wide Band Gap Semiconductor Programme Office; Ms Annie Choi, JP, Commissioner of Innovation and Technology; Hon Mr Nicholas W Yang, GBS, JP, the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR Government; Mr Wong Ming-yam, BBS, JP, Chairman of ASTRI; Professor Tsui Lap-chee, GBM, GBS, JP, Founding President of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong; and Hon Mr Charles Mok, JP, Legislative Councillor accompanied by ASTRI’s Board of Directors and other senior officials.

Hon Mr Nicholas W Yang, GBS, JP, the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR Government said, “Hong Kong must diversify its economy and develop high value-added industries in the face of global competition.”

Mr Wong Ming-yam, BBS, JP, Chairman of ASTRI said, “ASTRI pledges to promote technology and innovation not just for our city, but also for the nation.”

Nearly 400 participants attended ASTRI’s Industry and University Collaboration Forum 2017 and visited the exhibition area to explore the latest development in smart manufacturing technologies.

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Some of Hong Kong’s Top Minds in Science and Technology visit ASTRI, as part of an ASHK delegation

A high-profile delegation from the Academy of Sciences Hong Kong (ASHK) visited ASTRI on 6 November 2017, to exchange views on scientific and technological R&D. The delegation included the Academy’s founding president Professor Tsui Lap-chee, GBM, GBS, JP; ASHK’s founding member Professor Tony F Chan, JP, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST); Professor Joseph J Y Sung, SBS, JP, Vice-Chancellor and President of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK); and ASHK Secretary General Mr Terence Chan. Mr Wong Ming-yam, BBS, JP, Chairman of ASTRI, welcomed the delegates to ASTRI along with Dr Meikei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer and other senior executives.

The ASHK delegation learnt about ASTRI’s various R&D initiatives including Financial Technologies, Cover Glass and Touch Panel Glass Automatic Defects Inspection Systems, Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) Platform, as well as 3D and Augmented Reality (AR) Displays. They were also briefed on the projects and accomplishments of the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Centre (CNERC) for Application Specific Integrated Circuit System, which is based in ASTRI.

The ASHK delegation stressed the need to foster stronger collaboration and exchange between academic institutions, technology developers and the industry. Professor Tsui recently spearheaded an ASHK Mentorship Programme for Hong Kong’s secondary school students, offering them a chance to mingle with the city’s scientific and engineering elite. He dubbed the collaboration between students and technology experts as a springboard that can “produce the city’s the next great scientist through the interaction between Distinguished Masters and Accomplished Students”. The two University Presidents shared their wish to facilitate more career development opportunities for science and technology graduates in association with ASTRI.

Echoing the delegation members’ suggestion to expose youngsters to practical research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), ASTRI Chairman Mr Wong said, “It is imperative to have regular and meaningful interaction between all the players in the technology ecosystem, including students, technology developers and businesses.” Mr Wong referred to the many career development opportunities available at ASTRI which “welcomes talented scientists and engineers to join various R&D areas in ASTRI – to sharpen their skills and make a difference.”

Professor Chan and Professor Sung, Presidents of two of Hong Kong’s most globally-renowned universities, placed strong emphasis on providing students with real-life exposure into science and technology R&D. They cited examples of the FinTech Career Accelerator Scheme (FCAS) co-organised by ASTRI and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), where HKUST and CUHK are both participating universities. More such opportunities and platforms are needed for university students and graduates to work with institutions like ASTRI, and gain valuable practical experience.

The delegates showed a keen interest in ASTRI’s innovative technologies and learnt about their impact on Hong Kong residents’ everyday lives. While visiting the Smart City Innovation Centre, developed jointly by ASTRI and Hong Kong Science Park, the delegates witnessed practical applications like AR Head-Mount Display, Smart Navigation and Smart Parking, Smart Meter for utility services, and Connected Cars for Smart Mobility. The discussions during the visit referred to the Hong Kong Smart City Consultancy Study Report recently released by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). The Government’s smart city vision for Hong Kong involves “building a strong economy, enhancing the quality of people’s lives, and making Hong Kong a smart, sustainable city.”

Professor Sung mentioned “elderly care” in particular, when discussing the future challenges in Hong Kong’s smart city development. With an ageing population, “offering a safe and comfortable living to the society’s senior citizens shall be a key priority” for the Government as well as for public service providers, he said.

ASTRI’s Health Technologies R&D involve developing applications and solutions, especially in the areas of preventive health monitoring, medical diagnosis, medical computing and data analytics. In the recent past, ASTRI’s R&D teams developed an innovative cardiovascular monitoring device, a hybrid tracking system used in elderly care centres, an e-Education and Infotainment Platform for senior citizens, an intelligent preventive healthcare system which combines wireless sensors and smart devices to track and report key health indicators.

ASTRI, as the largest applied R&D institution in Hong Kong, undertakes a number of initiatives in smart city development. While exchanging experiences and insights with the visiting ASHK delegation, ASTRI’s R&D professionals discussed various innovative projects that the Institute has pursued over the years. These include: smart connectivity, smart mobility, smart utility and public transportation, smart healthcare, and public safety. In supporting the Government’s Smart Hong Kong vision, ASTRI leverages a number of R&D fields such as Internet-of-Things (IoT) – including Internet-of-Vehicles (IoV) and Device-to-Device (D2D) communications, Pre-5G and 5G communications, data analytics, smart city software platform and network security.

The delegation acknowledged ASTRI’s highly-capable R&D teams, and hoped that ASTRI would “continue to invest in its R&D capabilities, people and infrastructure” to deliver innovative solutions in full alignment of Hong Kong’s socio-economic priorities. They also talked about global as well as regional benchmarking, and how neighbouring cities and economies are approaching their smart city development.

Professor Tsui summed up the visit by saying, “Through this visit, we have been enlightened by the developments and achievements at ASTRI. We wish ASTRI continued success and look forward to hearing more breakthrough stories in the not too distant future.”