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

ASTRI to demonstrate C-RAN virtual cell solution on Artesyn MaxCore Platform at Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona　

[27 February 2017, Hong Kong] Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has collaborated with Artesyn Embedded Technologies to develop a Centralised Radio Access Network (C-RAN) virtual cell demonstration. A live demonstration of C-RAN virtual cells running on an Artesyn MaxCore™ platform is being showcased at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 in Barcelona Spain.

The demonstration shows live video streaming and real-time data traffic on a high density wireless network deployed with ASTRI’s C-RAN virtual cells. Artesyn’s MaxCore platform supports the Baseband Unit (BBU) pool processing – connected to Sunnada Remote Radio Units (RRUs), enabling Joint Transmission (JT) and Joint Reception (JR). The mobility of the terminals is also tracked inside the BBU pool to avoid handover.

ASTRI’s C-RAN virtual cells reference design is based on the Intel X86 CPU architecture and can use Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV) frameworks. The design supports LTE release 9 and above, and is scalable to support up to 96 LTE cells. It also supports flexible partitions of BBU pool and RRUs trading off network latency and cell-coordination requirements. The design also supports live migration, where the system can flexibly configure the processor resources for different traffic loads. The unused processor resources could support other applications such as Mobile Edge Computing (MEC). This design could also support High Availability (HA) by using the Artesyn MaxCore™ HA platform.

The demonstrations take place at the Sunnada booth (Hall 5, Stand 5G70) in MWC 2017 being held at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain from 27 February to 2 March 2017.

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

About Artesyn Embedded Technologies

Artesyn Embedded Technologies is a global leader in the design and manufacture of highly reliable power conversion and embedded computing solutions for a wide range of industries including communications, computing, medical, military, aerospace and industrial. For more than 40 years, customers have trusted Artesyn to help them accelerate time-to-market and reduce risk with cost-effective advanced network computing and power conversion solutions. Artesyn has over 20,000 employees worldwide across ten engineering centers of excellence, four world-class manufacturing facilities, and global sales and support offices. www.artesyn.com

ASTRI Media enquiries:

Ms Cherry Au Tel: (852) 3406 2993 Email: [email protected]

ASTRI and Fujian Sunnada Network Technology jointly demonstrate latest LTE, 5G and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies at the Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona

[27 February 2017, Hong Kong] Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), together with Fujian Sunnada Network Technology Co. Ltd. (Sunnada), perform a series of live demonstrations of Sunnada’s latest LTE, 5G and V2X infrastructure and applications technologies supported by ASTRI’s advanced wireless and network technologies at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 in Barcelona, Spain.

The joint demonstration showcases the latest LTE base stations with Centralised Radio Access Network (C-RAN), virtual cell and coherent Joint Transmission (JT) technologies, Software Defined User Equipment (UE) solution, as well as core network with network slicing, network orchestrator, multi-access/Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) and V2X technologies. The displays illustrate various network configurations to support its unique application characteristics.

The key technologies demonstrated include:

1.Virtualised LTE core network with application oriented network slices:

NB-IoT Core Network (C-SGN) prototype: illustrating small IP packet data transfer over the control plane (in Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol);
Low latency IoV application: latency demanding IoV processing in the network edge cloud to enable low latency alerts to drivers on emergency situations;
Mobile Broadband Services: high bandwidth internet multi-media services.

2.Multi-access/MEC: prototype of MEC showcasing the MEC orchestration, MEC application management, and Software-defined Network (SDN)/ Service Function Chaining (SFC) capabilities of ASTRI’s MEC platform.

3.V2X system prototype: illustrating V2X system to provide driver’s assistance.

4.x86 C-RAN base station: revealing ASTRI’s latest TD-LTE C-RAN solutions on commercial x86 multi-core Baseband Unit (BBU) platform.

5.Virtual cell base station: showcasing coordinated virtual cell systems for interference mitigation and system throughput enhancement.

6.Coherent JT prototype: illustrating coherent JT for distributed MIMO with phase synchronized Sunnada active antenna units.

7.Open Air Interface (OAI) UE prototype: demonstrating end-to-end OAI TD-LTE software defined UE solution based on ASTRI’s leading development on OAI TD-LTE interoperation with Sunnada’s commercial base station.

ASTRI has partnered with Sunnada, the China-based wireless network equipment manufacturer and service provider, on commercial TD-LTE small cell and small cell gateway solutions since 2011. The TD-LTE small cells with LTE and WLAN functionality were especially developed for the China market and are ready for deployment test in the mainland and around the world. ASTRI will continue working closely with Sunnada in the joint development of next generation wireless communications technologies.

Sunnada and ASTRI are demonstrating the latest LTE solutions at Sunnada booth (Hall 5, Stand 5G70) at MWC Barcelona, 2017, being held at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain, from 27 February to 2 March 2017.

About ASTRI

About Sunnada Network

Sunnada Network specializes in the design and development of communication products, manufacturing and support services. The business scope includes public and information and communication, broadcast & TV, industrial, information technology, security and education. Since the issuance of global 4G licenses, the construction of LTE networks has expanded rapidly. In order for carriers and private networks to be sustainable, full coverage is a necessity. Sunnada Network has launched and is shipping multiple network enhancing products put forward including LTE small cells and gateways, user terminals, and network management hardware and software, and received a No.1 top rating in a recent China Mobile bidding test. With the rapid rise of private sector enterprise markets such as energy, transportation, medical, security and education, it’s especially important to improve and keep up with the latest requirements for mobile communication. Regarding the needs for safety, high speed and increased capacity of wireless communication networks, Sunnada Network has instituted an “LTE + industry on demand” business philosophy focused on private and public network solutions supporting industry users with LTE. In addition, Sunnada provides industry-specific core network, gateway, network management, small cells and a full range of products including mobile terminals. Finally, site survey and customized design, engineering support during construction, and worry-free after-sales service are also provided.

ASTRI Media enquiries:

Ms Cherry Au Tel: (852) 3406 2993 Email: [email protected]

ASTRI CEO promote Science, Technology and Financial Technologies at Cross Straits, Hong Kong and Macau Collaborative Innovation Forum

Dr Frank Tong, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI was invited to be one of the guest speakers at the ‘Cross Straits, Hong Kong and Macau Collaborative Innovation Forum 2017’ held on 22 February 2017 at Macau.

With the theme of ‘Technology and Finance Contribute to the Advancement of Industrial Structure’, the forum seeks to integrate the resources of Government, industries, and academic research communities to promote collaborative innovation between Hong Kong and Macau and across straits. The ultimate aim is to explore ways to enhance the development of new industries and increase the competitiveness of the region.

At the forum, Dr Tong delivered a presentation to introduce ASTRI’s latest R&D on FinTech. He also joined the panel discussion as one of the speakers to share his insights on the latest changes in the global payment industry. He talked about the latest developments in FinTech and how the technology brings disruptive change to the industry.

Co-organised by the Macao SAR government and the China Association for Science and Technology, the forum aims to promote innovation in science and technology, particularly for the industrial sector, across China including Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Dr Frank T0ng, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, speaks at ‘Cross Straits, Hong Kong and Macau Collaborative Innovation Forum 2017’.

Dr Tong (4th from right) joins the panel discussion to share his insights on the latest changes in the global payment industry with other speakers.

Visit by Ministry of Science and Technology, PRC delegation

Mr Xu Jie (7^th from left), Deputy Inspector, Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (MOST) leads a delegation, together with Mr Liu Zhi Ming (9^th from left), Deputy Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, delegates from Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council as well as renowned universities in the Mainland to visit ASTRI on 23 February 2017.

The delegation understands more about ASTRI’s latest R&D and applications on next generation network.

R&D expert introduces ASTRI’s latest R&D on Financial Technology.

ASTRI plays leading role in International Co-innovation Alliance on Next Generation IT

Two senior leaders from Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) – Dr Meikei Ieong, Chief Technology Officer and Dr Justin Chuang, Vice President, Next Generation Network – were invited as key-note presenters at the 2nd edition of ‘Next Generation IT International Innovation and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation High Level Forum’ held on 18 February 2017 in the Southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. In the forum, Dr Ieong and Dr Chuang presented the key topics ‘Shenzhen-Hong Kong Technology Co-operation and Technology Innovation’ and ‘Mobile Communication and 5G: from Hong Kong Perspective’ respectively.

The same occasion marked the formal establishment of ‘Next Generation IT International Co-innovation Alliance’. The Alliance is a joint initiative of local and overseas R&D institutions as well as tertiary institutions, aiming to foster international collaboration and innovation on next generation IT. As conveners of the Alliance, Dr Ieong and Dr Chuang are serving as members of the Alliance’s Expert Committee.

The event was organised by Shenzhen Industry, Education and Research Base and Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School. ASTRI was the co-organiser with the Science and Technology Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality as the event advisor. Senior executives from the IT sector and other industries, as well as representatives from the academic community, came together at the event to exchange ideas and views on next generation IT innovation as well as partnership models for Hong Kong-Shenzhen technology collaboration.

Dr Meikei Ieong (3rd from right), Chief Technology Officer of ASTRI, shares his insights at the 2nd Next Generation IT International Innovation and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation High Level Forum.

Dr Justin Chuang, Vice President – Next Generation Network of ASTRI, delivers a presentation at the event.

ASTRI CEO discusses Hong Kong’s advantages for Financial Technologies (FinTech) development

ASTRI CEO Dr Frank Tong was invited to a panel discussion at the ‘Hong Kong Central Financial Forum’ jointly organised by the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong and China Construction Bank (Asia) on 22 February 2017. The session was themed ‘Making good use of Hong Kong’s advantages to develop FinTech’. Along with other leaders from the industry, Dr Tong discussed the advantages enjoyed by Hong Kong in its effort to develop and drive Financial Technology. He introduced ASTRI’s latest R&D initiatives in FinTech and mentioned the efforts from the Hong Kong Government to leverage Hong Kong’s status a s global financial hub and to turn into the FinTech capital for this region.

FinTech drives innovation and is revolutionising banking around the world. Hong Kong is a global financial centre with well-established information and communications technologies infrastructure, a robust monetary system as well as a mature regulatory structure. According to the World Competitiveness Yearbook, Hong Kong has been ranked first globally in technology infrastructure for five consecutive years. In the 2017 Budget Speech, the Hong Kong SAR Government has announced quite a few significant initiatives to promote the development of cutting-edge financial technology in Hong Kong.

The climate and ecosystem for Financial Technology in Hong Kong is expected to gradually mature. ASTRI plays an all-important role in that ecosystem – being a leader in the scientific R&D, and bringing technological innovation with the industry. The panel speakers shared the successful experience of promoting FinTech innovation and application by the Chinese banks in the Mainland. They acknowledged that financial institutions in the City are committed to developing FinTech, and cited examples of collaboration between ASTRI and the financial industry, such as the HKMA – ASTRI FinTech Innovation Hub, collaboration between ASTRI and leading banks like Bank of China (Hong Kong) and HSBC. ASTRI’s FinTech R&D projects including Property Valuation Blockchain Application and ASTRI Smart Investment Platform were also showcased at the event.

Over 100 senior executives from banking industry attended the event.

Dr Frank Tong, CEO of ASTRI (3^rd from right) and industry leaders serving as panel speakers

Dr Frank Tong, CEO of ASTRI (3^rd from right) introduces ASTRI’s latest R&D FinTech at the panel discussion session.

ASTRI-ZKLF (HK) PARTNERSHIP TO SEEK BETTER, SAFER POWER-CELLS THAT ARE KINDER TO THE ENVIRONMENT

[20 February 2017, Hong Kong] Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (‘ASTRI’) and Zhongke Laifang Energy Technology (Hong Kong) Limited (‘ZKLF (HK)’) have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint laboratory to drive R&D for next generation energy storage systems which are safe, efficient, and eco-friendly. The lab will seek to orchestrate ASTRI’s scientific and technological expertise with the market-proven capabilities of ZKLF (HK) in the field of storage power products.

This partnership will explore the development of new and innovative energy storage systems through R&D in areas like key materials research, process optimisation, battery power source and module design. Joint efforts from ASTRI and ZKLF (HK) are expected to focus on aqueous zinc-lithium-manganese batteries – providing power storage systems that are not only technologically sound and efficient, but also environment-friendly. The new storage systems will have 25% larger volumetric energy density compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. It will contain no heavy metal pollutants, thereby minimising bio-hazards and environmental pollution. Potential applications will be wide ranging including light electric vehicles, start-stop power source for passenger vehicles, grid energy storage system, and communication backup power sources.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, Mr Wong Ming-yam, BBS, JP, Chairman of the ASTRI’s Board of Directors said, “ASTRI strives to develop advanced technologies to support the socio-economic development of Hong Kong. We have ample experience in carrying out R&D work in areas like electronics components and lithium-ion battery materials. Through the establishment of this joint laboratory, we hope to bring about technology breakthrough to the industry.”

Mr Pan Zhonglai, Chairman of ZKLF (HK) said, “We are very pleased to collaborate with ASTRI to develop the new energy storage systems. These systems can greatly minimise environmental hazard and pollution resulting from the production process of lead-acid storage cells, which currently accounts for around 60% of the market. The new energy storage systems will help us move closer to a lower-carbon industry, thereby, achieving sustainable development and economic growth for the society.”

While the initial focus is on the aqueous energy storage system solutions, the partnership will be expanded to other types of next generation energy storage and multi-market products and solutions in future. It will allow ZKLF (HK) to take advantage of ASTRI’s state-of-the-art R&D facilities as well as the latter’s high-calibre technology professionals.

According to a report from the lead–acid battery branch of the China Electrical Equipment Industry Association, the energy storage market in Mainland reached a total market value of circa RMB 150-160 billion in 2015. With an export market size of circa RMB 20-25 billion, the total market value was around RMB 170-180 billion in 2015. The partnership between ASTRI and ZKLF (HK) therefore promises a world of potential in terms offering better, technologically superior, safer products to this huge market.

About ASTRI

About Zhongke Laifang Energy Technology (Hong Kong) Limited (‘ZKLF (HK)’)

Zhongke Laifang Energy Technology (HK) Limited (ZKLF(HK)) is the subsidiary of Chengdu Zhongke Laifong Energy Technology Changzhou Company Limited (成都中科來方能源科技常州有限公司) (“ZKLF Changzhou”) for the development of environmentally friendly aqueous new energy storage system, specifically set up in Hong Kong. Adhering to the core concept of safety and environmental protection, the company is committed to aqueous battery research, development and production of new materials and dedication to create value for customers.

ZKLF Chengdu has in-depth cooperation with Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (中國科學院成都有機所) and Nanjing University (南京大學). It has a strong research and development team and the ability to obtain more than 30 international and domestic patents. Through mastery in aspects of the research, it has transformed a number of scientific research into the production capacity, and achieved good social and economic benefits.

ASTRI Media enquiries:

Ms Cherry Au Tel: (852) 3406 2993 Email: [email protected]

Dr Frank Tong, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI (2^ndfrom right) and Mr Wang Xuejun, Chief Executive Officer of ZKLF (HK) (1^st from right) sign the agreement to establish the joint laboratory of ASTRI-ZKLF (HK) New Energy Storage System Joint Lab with the witness of Mr Wong Ming-yam (1^stfrom left), BBS, JP, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ASTRI and Mr Pan Zhonglai (2^nd from left), Chairman of ZKLF (HK).

Senior management and representatives from ASTRI and ZKLF (HK) attend and witness the Agreement Signing Ceremony.

Delegation from Sagamihara Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Japan

Sagamihara Chamber of Commerce delegation comprised of Senior Executives from artificial intelligence and robotics companies in Japan pay a visit to ASTRI on 14 February 2017 to understand more about ASTRI’s R&D and its strategy initiative of intelligent manufacturing.

Delegate looks at the ASTRI’s AR (Augmented Reality) Head Mount Display.

ASTRI’s CEO speaks at the City University MBA SHARP Forum

Dr Frank Tong (2nd from left), Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI was invited to be one of the guest speakers at the ‘City University MBA SHARP Forum’ held on 13 February 2017 to share with audiences on the topic of ‘FinTech – Benefits, Challenges and Prospects in Hong Kong’. Honourable guest and speakers attending the event included Dr C K Chan (1st from right), Chief Information Officer of International & RBWM Rest of Asia of HSBC, Mr Alex Kong (2nd from right), Chief Executive Officer of TNG Asia, and Prof Ir Daniel Cheng (1st from left), Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries.

ASTRI Shenzhen office promises new energy and renewed commitment with new-look office

The Shenzhen office of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has recently re-opened its doors having completed the renovation of its premises. Located at the High-tech Industrial Park in Nanshan, the new-look office features an open-space layout with elements of greenery. The office has a spacious, 12-people-capacity meeting room. Big windows let natural daylight in, and the green plants bring a touch of mother nature to an improved, more comfortable working environment. The new-look office represents ASTRI’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in applied science and technology in this region. Customers, potential partners, and all other stakeholders are cordially invited to visit our Shenzhen office to learn about our work and explore potential avenues for cooperation.

Get in touch with ASTRI in Shenzhen: Room 220, 2/F, Chinese Overseas Scholars Venture Building, South District, Shenzhen Hi-tech Industrial Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen.

Tel: 86-755-8632 9394