The University of Hong Kong (HKU) organised a 111th Anniversary Celebration-cum-Tech Landmark ground-breaking ceremony for its Tech Landmark project today (July 23).
The Tech Landmark, targeted to be completed in 2024, will host 12 institutes dedicated to strategic research with a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, smart materials, quantum science and biomedical engineering. It is set to become a hub for innovative thinking, learning, teaching, research and entrepreneurship.
The Tech Landmark is not only a new milestone for the development of HKU as the University enters its second century, but it is also a prelude to a series of ambitious projects combining humanities with world-class innovation and technology. The upcoming infrastructure projects include the Global Innovation Centre – a World Class Lab for Research & Deep Tech, the sustainable and smart facilities on the Pokfield Campus, the HKU-Shenzhen Campus as well as other facilities required for recruiting and nurturing talents.
Chief Executive of the HKSAR and HKU Chancellor Mr John Lee officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony. Addressing the guests at the ceremony, Mr Lee quoted President Xi Jinping’s concern for young people in his July 1st speech, and said: “Our universities share the important mission of nurturing a thriving generation of young people for Hong Kong and our nation. The Government will render our fullest support to the development of our universities, and we look towards our universities in working with us to discharge this important responsibility bestowed upon us.”
Mr Lee continued: "A remarkable feat by itself, the Tech Landmark is but one part of the University’s Grand Plan, which will also see the development of a new Pokfield Campus and the expansion of the Medical Campus. These new developments will surely help the University position itself at the forefront of developing Hong Kong into an international Innovation and Technology Hub, a role supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan.”
As HKU is celebrating its 111th Anniversary this year, Professor Xiang Zhang shared his vision to propel HKU in its global leadership role. He said: “We are gathered here to celebrate 111 years of HKU and over a century of excellence and leadership. Countless women and men have dedicated their work to the cause of this university, and we pay tribute to each of them. Today, we re-commit ourselves to use our knowledge to serve the people of Hong Kong and mainland China and improve the state of global humanity. The groundbreaking of Tech landmark is preparing us for ‘tomorrow’s world’, to expand understandings on ageing, smart cities, and big data, and apply these to benefit social good.”
The Tech Landmark project is a strategic move for the University to respond to the national 14th Five-Year Plan, to promote the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong, and to establish Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre. HKU will contribute to the country’s scientific and technological development by providing excellence in education, research and talent cultivation.
HKU is determined to redefine the future with innotech and humanities. The University endeavours to recruit outstanding scholars from around the world, as well as nurture and grow top talents in the region to create a dynamic intellectual environment and a vibrant community for cross-disciplinary collaborations and knowledge transfer.
With its first-class teaching and research talents and trailblazing infrastructures, HKU strives to contribute to sci-tech development, as well as to solve world problems with technology, innovation and passion. As a world-class university, HKU will continue to expand its global influence and become a global leader in innovation and technology.
The construction of the Tech Landmark relies on the generous donation of HK$800 million from HKU’s two long-term benefactors – the Kuok Group and Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund.