Set to Make "Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Future" an Early Reality
Science Park's Designation as National High-tech Industrialisation Base for Green Technology Highlighted by MoU
HONG KONG, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- After much anticipation, InnoAsia 2011 officially commenced . Now in its seventh consecutive year, the premier event organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) featured the theme "Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Future" during the three-day conference. Among those in attendance at the opening ceremony included the Guest of Honour, the Honourable John C. Tsang, Financial Secretary, HKSAR, and officiating guests, Miss Janet Wong, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR, Mr Nicholas Brooke, Chairman of HKSTPC, Mr E Anthony Tan, CEO of HKSTPC, Professor Timothy Tong, President of Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Professor Alex Wai, Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU.
One highlight of the opening ceremony was the announcement of Hong Kong Science Park being designated by The Ministry of Science and Technology of The People's Republic of China (MOST) as National High-tech Industrialisation Base for Green Technology. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed at the event by HKSTPC and High Technology Research Development Centre of MOST. The selection of Hong Kong as a location for being a National High-tech Industrialisation Base was originally announced by a state leader during a recent visit to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Science Park was subsequently proposed as the ideal venue for the base of green technology by the Hong Kong SAR Government. The first activity under this major initiative has been launched with the collaboration between HKSTPC and the Baoding National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone for sharing of resources and expertise in renewable energy technologies.
From the outset, InnoAsia has served as an important platform for industry, academia, scientists and the business community to come together, offer insights and gather the latest information on deploying innovative and sustainable technologies that open new market opportunities. This year's event was even more impactful as more exciting topics were covered, including energy-related directives detailed in China's 12th Five-Year Plan; innovative energy management applications, solutions and services; renewable energy technology and infrastructure; and breakthroughs in efficient energy saving technologies.
Making InnoAsia 2011 a success has been support from the academic community. PolyU continued to be the strategic partner of the event, and was joined by The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as co-organisers.
With this year marking HKSTPC's 10th anniversary, InnoAsia 2011 has taken on added significance. Highlight of the first day conference included a Main Conference featuring keynote speakers Mr Zheng Fangneng, Director of Energy Division, High-Tech Development and Industrialisation Department, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST); and Dr Reinhold Achatz, Corporate Vice President, Head of Research & Technologies at Siemens. Mr Zheng delivered a fascinating presentation on "Challenges and goals for China's energy development and strategic plan for energy technology 2011 – 2015". Also capturing audience's imagination was Dr Achatz's work on "The green revolution: Innovative solutions for climate change".
A Chairmen's Forum, which is unique to this year's InnoAsia, was organised in the afternoon. With Mr Nicholas Brooke, Chairman of HKSTPC serving as moderator, distinguished industry leaders discussed how strategies on sustainability and innovation in Hong Kong should develop to maximise the city's competitiveness in the future.
Mr Nicholas Brooke, Chairman of HKSTPC, enthusiastic about the commencement of InnoAsia 2011 and optimistic about the event's lasting impact, said, "I trust that following in the tradition of past InnoAsia events, the 2011 edition will be remembered as yet another significant occasion where like-minded innovators met to share their knowledge; where business matching was facilitated; and where members of industry and academia came together leading to the commercialisation of new technologies. These are the very events that will help shape a green tomorrow, as well as strengthen the foundation on which Hong Kong will establish itself as an R&D hub for renewable energy and energy management technologies."
Mr. Brooke continued, "We are immensely gratified by the designation of Hong Kong Science Park as a National High-tech Industrialisation Base for Green Technology by MOST. This major initiative is set to foster even closer collaboration between Hong Kong enterprises with their counterparts in Mainland China which is crucial to create a diversified and competitive economy in Hong Kong under the 12th 5-year plan. Partnership with Mainland entities such as the Baoding National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone also ensures that our cutting-edge facilities such as Green 18 and Phase 3 will remain at the forefront of R&D in these critical life-changing green technologies. We look forward to seeing more collaboration with China on green technologies for a better future."
Professor Timothy W. Tong, President of PolyU, said the University is pleased to support this event as the strategic partner again. "The topical theme of 'Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Future' adopted by InnoAsia 2011 is important for Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated metropolitan cities in the world. By bringing together international perspectives on energy and sustainability, I am confident that the insights of our speakers will contribute to advancing sustainable urban development in Hong Kong," he said.
The second day of InnoAsia 2011 encompassed a series of Tech Forums that cover business and technology-related topics such as Building Design & Automation, Industry & Manufacturing, and Lighting & Display Innovation. on day 3, investment matching for angel investment and venture capital investment, a workshop for entrepreneurs to plan for fund raising and IPO; and the second Hong Kong Venture Capital and Angel (HKVCA) Conference were schedulded. Ms Karen Wilson, Structural Policy Division, Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry, OECD, delivered a lunch keynote on "The Contribution of Angel Investment to Economic Development", following which veterans from different sectors, such as finance and banking, biotechnology and telecommunication had shared with participants opportunities present in the various technology arenas.
InnoAsia 2011 also serves as the launching pad for the Hong Kong Business Angel Network (HKBAN), with an inauguration ceremony held during the HKVCA Conference. With the aim to aid the commercialisation of technologies, HKBAN will help bring together technology start-ups, entrepreneurs and investors, and ultimately accelerate the technology development in Hong Kong.
About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) is a statutory body set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
HKSTPC provides innovative and technology driven infrastructure and support facilities which include market focused clustered laboratory services enabling Hong Kong industries and services to be more competitive; it provides a full-service incubation programme for technology and design start-ups, and fosters partnerships and collaboration between industry and universities/applied research institutes through consulting, training and research programmes. HKSTPC offers advanced facilities and support services for high technology companies that include an IC Design Centre, an IC Development Support Centre, a Materials Analysis Laboratory, a Wireless Communications Test Laboratory, an Intellectual Property Servicing Centre, a Solar Energy Technology Support Centre and a Biotech Centre.
More information about HKSTPC is available at www.hkstp.org .
For further information, please contact:
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Publicity and Communication
Joey Chan
Tel: + 852-2629-6909
Email: joey.chan@hkstp.org
Strategic Public Relations Group
Sherman Yu / Shirly Chan
Tel: + 852-2114-4956 / 2864-4883
Fax: + 852-2804-2789 / 2527-1196
Email: sherman.yu@sprg.com.hk/ shirly.chan@sprg.com.hk
