Key points:
– Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust donates HK$48.76m (US$6.2m) to City University
– Five new research labs launched under the Jockey Club’s Innovation Lab initiative
– Focus areas include circular bioeconomy, smart mobility and energy solutions
The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has established five new innovation labs. This was made possible by a grant of HK$48.76 million. Oriental Daily News reported this contribution from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.
These Jockey Club Innovation Laboratories span five distinct research areas: circular bioeconomy, electrocatalysis and electrosynthesis, energy and materials physics, thermal-fluids science and smart cities.
CityU’s Provost and Deputy President, Professor Raymond Chan, says each lab aims to make a lasting impact. These labs focus on scientific advancement to help not just Hong Kong, but also the wider region.
The Smart City Lab is led by Professor Fang Yuk-kwong from the Department of Computer Science. It will look at different topics. These include self-driving cars, connected vehicles, smart traffic control, public safety, health monitoring systems, and smart healthcare.
The Circular Bioeconomy Lab, led by Professor Chung Lee from Mechanical Engineering, will develop key processes and academic frameworks. Their goal is to encourage industry collaboration. They aim to make Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area leaders in sustainable bioeconomic practices.
Good to know: This initiative matches the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s focus on talent and industry growth. This is an important part of its charity strategy
Ms. Elsie Tsang is the Executive Manager for Talent and Sector Development. She works at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. She said the labs will increase research capacity and help develop local innovation talent.
She added that the Trust hopes to strengthen industry collaboration and address pressing societal needs through this investment.