CityUHK receives generous support from CMA and CMA Testing to jointly promote innovation and entrepreneurship
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) was honoured to receive a generous donation from CMA Testing, a subsidiary of The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA), in support of the University’s innovation and entrepreneurial endeavours, particularly the HK Tech 300 programme. A donation and memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held on 29 November to mark the significant milestone on a closer partnership.
The donation will be used to nurture and support HK Tech 300 start-ups, including providing seed funds for selected teams. These start-ups will benefit from enhanced collaboration opportunities with business and industry leaders through CMA’s extensive business network, receive technical support from CMA Testing, and participate in industry-related activities, facilitating the commercialisation of technology. In appreciation of CMA Testing's generosity, a conference room in the HK Tech 300 Co-working Space is named the “CMA Testing and CMA+ Conference Room”.
Ms Lilian Chiang Sui-fook, Deputy Chairman of the Council, remarked in her welcoming address, “Today is a milestone in our partnership and celebrates CMA’s recognition of CityUHK’s success in providing inspirational, interactive and innovative education. This year marks CityUHK’s 30th anniversary since it achieved university status and CMA’s 90th anniversary. We look forward to continuing to foster social progress, talent development and economic growth in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.”
Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK, sincerely thanked CMA, CMA Testing, and the partners of HK Tech 300 for their continuous collaboration with CityUHK. He said that the generous support from CMA and donation from CMA Testing fully demonstrates their strong commitment to entrepreneurship and technological development. “This is a wonderful 30th-anniversary gift for CityUHK,” he said. “I am confident that our joint efforts will yield fruitful outcomes and set a new standard for university-industry partnerships.”
Dr Wingco Lo Kam-wing, President of CMA, said in his speech, “CMA is honoured to have partnered with CityUHK for decades, with the first donation made in 1985. CMA has witnessed the rapid development of CityUHK and looks forward to further collaborations that promote societal and economic advancement.”
CityUHK and CMA also signed an MoU to support the industry’s development and collaboration through the use of CityUHK’s and HK Tech 300 start-ups’ technologies. The MoU was signed by Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise) of CityUHK; and Mr Robert Lok Pak-keung, Vice President of CMA and Chairman of CMA Testing; and was witnessed by Ms Chiang; President Boey; Professor Lee Chun-sing, Provost and Deputy President; Dr Lo; the Honourable Jimmy Ng, Executive General Committee Member of CMA and Legislative Council Member; and Dr Ma Kai-yum, Executive Vice President of CMA.
Other CityUHK representatives attending the ceremony included Professor Kevin Downing, Secretary to the Council; Professor Michael Tse Chi-kong, Associate Vice-President (Innovation) and Director of the CityUHK Academy of Innovation; Ms Kathy Chan Yin-ling, Associate Vice-President (Development and Alumni Relations) and Secretary-General of CityUHK Foundation; Professor Johnny Ho Chung-yin, Associate Vice-President (Enterprise); Professor Steven Wang, Associate Vice-President (Resources Planning); and Mr Wilfred Leung, Director of the Development Office.
HK Tech 300 is a flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme organised by CityUHK for aspiring entrepreneurs among CityUHK students, alumni, research staff and others to launch start-ups and ignite their entrepreneurship journey. It also aims to provide educational and growth opportunities for CityUHK students and translate CityUHK research results and intellectual property into practical applications. CMA is a strategic partner and CMA Testing is a supporting organisation of HK Tech 300, providing professional advice and product-related services for the start-ups.
CMA is one of most representative trade associations in Hong Kong and has been a steadfast partner of CityUHK for many years, supporting the development of CityUHK students through scholarships and internship opportunities. Established by CMA in 1979, CMA Testing is a quality assurance organisation specialising in testing, inspection and certification services. CMA Testing is committed to developing technology commercialisation, medical-related testing, green finance service and carbon neutrality to cope with global demand and align with government policies on the promotion of innovation and technology.