The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and China Biotechnology Services Holdings Limited (CBSH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday (2 May) to strengthen collaboration in cutting-edge biomedical research, talent cultivation and the commercialisation of research outcomes.
Professor Chan Wai-yee, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Development) and Mr Wayne Tan, CBSH’s Executive President signed the MoU, witnessed by Professor Alan K.L. Chan, CUHK’s Provost and Mr Shawn Liu, CBSH’s Chairman. The ceremony was also attended by guests including Legislative Council Members the Hon Duncan Chiu and the Hon Shang Hailong, Mr Vincent Ma, CEO of HK-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited, Ms Michelle Kam, Director (Operations) of HK-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited, Dr Lin Huangquan, Director of CUHK’s Office for Greater Bay Area Developments, and Mr Alex Cheung, CBSH’s Vice President.
The signing of the MoU marks the beginning of an extensive collaboration between CUHK and CBSH on a range of biomedical science projects across the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area. The collaboration represents a concrete action taken by CUHK and the industry to support Hong Kong in becoming an international innovation and technology centre, achieving a new vision for innovation and technological development, and fulfilling Hong Kong’s role in contributing to national development.
“CUHK was established in 1963,” said Professor Alan K.L. Chan. “It was originally a teaching-oriented university. In the 1980s and 90s, it began to transform into a research-oriented university. After 2000, CUHK has gradually developed to focus on research, education and innovation. It is not enough for the development of innovative technology, especially in biomedicine, to rely solely on the efforts of a single university. I hope that the MoU signed today is only the beginning and, in the future, CUHK can have closer ties and cooperation with more local and foreign enterprises.”
Mr Shawn Liu remarked, “We are delighted to sign a cooperative agreement with CUHK. CUHK has a good track record in research and development, while our group has a leading role in regional and international projects. By leveraging resources from both parties, this collaboration will catalyse the commercialisation of research findings, facilitate clinical development of new therapies, and contribute to the advancement of biomedicine and healthcare.”
The Hon Duncan Chiu added, “Promoting cooperation between institutions and enterprises in research and development has always been a key focus of the government and the Legislative Council. We are happy to witness CUHK commit to a future of cooperating with more enterprises and contributing to the promotion of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre.”
