The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (August 6) visited scientific research facilities at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to learn more about the institution's research projects. She also met with the HKUST senior management to receive a briefing on the university's latest developments.

      Accompanied by the Chairman of the Council of HKUST, Mr Andrew Liao, and the President of HKUST, Professor Wei Shyy, Mrs Lam received briefings from different research teams on their projects. The projects are those that help with the fight against the epidemic or enhancement of public health, including a multilevel antimicrobial polymer coating; an automated geo-fencing technology used in the StayHomeSafe mobile application for home quarantine monitoring by the Government; a COVID-19 portable detection device and a polymer nanomembrane for producing transparent and breathable face masks. Other research projects include the Personalised Real-Time Air Quality Informatics System for Exposure - Hong Kong, the launch of Hong Kong's largest solar energy generation project on the campus and an intelligent hearing aid. Next, Mrs Lam proceeded to visit the Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility, where the research team has conducted wind resistance tests for cyclists of the Hong Kong cycling team and developed low-resistance suits and gears for them in recent years to enhance their performances. Mrs Lam also visited the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute and viewed a demonstration of an autonomous delivery vehicle.
 
     "HKUST is a young higher education institution with only 30 years of history, yet it has already achieved remarkable results. As a world-class research university, HKUST's teachers and students give full play to their creativity and are committed to scientific research, demonstrating excellence in delivering research achievements, application of technology and commercialisation. The university has also nurtured a number of unicorns. Its achievements are encouraging," Mrs Lam said.

     "Attaching importance to the application of technology, HKUST has set up research and development platforms in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Foshan to collaborate with relevant institutions over the years. Following the approval by the Ministry of Education in September 2019 for the establishment of HKUST (Guangzhou) in Nansha, Guangzhou, preparatory work has been carried out at full steam. The first building was topped out earlier, which marked major progress on the construction of the campus. I hope that HKUST (Guangzhou) will leverage its advantages and nurture high-end talents for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to contribute to the country and Hong Kong.
 
     "I have visited the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee within the past month. Through reports by the university senior management and personal contact with students, I am very confident about the capability of the institutions, teachers and students, and the future. Universities are places for building good character and are a cradle for nurturing leaders of the next generation. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to support the development of universities and join hands with them to enhance the care and guidance for students, as well as instil in them a sense of national identity, an affection for Hong Kong, an international perspective and social responsibility to contribute to the city and the country" Mrs Lam said.

Ends/Friday, August 6, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:59

NNNN