Quality Alchemist (品質煉金術師): CAE-HKAES Forum on Integrative Development of Innovation and Technology in Hong Kong and the PRD

2017年5月24日星期三

CAE-HKAES Forum on Integrative Development of Innovation and Technology in Hong Kong and the PRD

The CAE-HKAES Forum on Integrative Development of Innovation and Technology in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) was held in Hong Kong on 24 May 2017 which was jointly organized by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences (HKAES), Institute for Public Policy and HKUST; as well as, supported by Central Policy Unit, the Government of HKSAR. I was honor to be invited to attend this forum.

Before the forum, I met my CityU EngD cohort Dr. Raymond Leung (Former Chairman, TDK (China) and we took a photo together with Prof. TONG Timothy Wai Cheung (President, PolyU) for memory.

Hon CHAN Mo-po, Paul GBS, MH, JP (Financial Secretary, The Government of HKSAR) was the forum guest.

In the beginning, Ir. Dr. Andrew KC Chan, BBS, JP (President, HKAES) gave an opening speech. He briefed the aim of HKAES is to promote the advancement of the science and practice of engineering for the benefit of the public and its mission included the provision of independent advice on strategic issues. He expected we sharp the future of Hong Kong economy through Lok Ma Chau River Loop (LMC Loop).

Hon CHAN Mo-po, Paul gave a guest speech. He mentioned the Mainland Hi-Tech agenda “Made in China 2025” that aims to transformation to High-end manufacturing power house through smart technology, big data, Robotic and IT, etc. He said government would continue to support R&D development in Hong Kong and cooperation with mainland through policy level, especially in LMC Loop.

Then Prof. Gan Yong (Academician, CAE) briefed the role of Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) that is the most prestigious research institution in the field of Engineering Science and Technology of the Nation, in contributing to policy-making in China.

Group photo was taken.

The first keynote speaker was Prof. Joseph Hun-wei Lee (Professor, HKUST; CAE-HKAES Project Study Convener) and his topic entitled “Policy Study on Development of Innovation and Technology Industry in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD)”. Firstly, he mentioned HK return to Chinese Sovereignty in 1997 and “One Country – Two Systems” for 50 years.

Then Prof. Joseph Lee briefed the Innovation and Technology Framework in HKSAR Government included ITB & ITC, Science Park, ASTRI, R&D Centers, HKPC and Universities.

After that he stated different hurdles among Basic Research to Applied Research to Industry & Business and finally to Market. We needed to overall all hurdles to make a success on Innovation and Technology in Hong Kong. He also mentioned strengths in Hong Kong such as globally recognized universities and innovation capacity in HK-Shenzhen R&D Collaboration.

The followings are major findings in their study. Prof. Lee commented “Innovate or Die!”

1) Hong Kong is desperately in need for innovation and technology.

2) Hong Kong is rapidly losing its competitive edge (deeply felt sense of urgency that HK is “super-connector” no more)

3) Hong Kong should build on its strengths – the emergence of top research universities

4) Hong Kong urgently needs a coherent long term policy for integrative innovation and technology development – Inadequate policy

5) Ineffective use of inadequate research funding

Finally, Prof. Lee gave several major recommendations below.

1) Rejuvenate Innovation & Technology vision at the highest level

2) Hong Kong – Innovate or Die

3) A bolder and more vigorous Innovation & Technology Policy (e.g. 3% of GDP over 5-10yrs)

4) Policy Advisory Group reporting to the Chief Executive

5) Proactive support of local technology innovation

6) Government-University Collaboration – injection of technical expertise into the government

7) University-Government Collaboration – enhance recognition of contribution to Innovation & Technology

8) Build up human resources and talent in Innovation & Technology

9) Integrative development of mainland-HK Innovation & Technology – MOST-HK Joint Funding Scheme

10) Integrative development of mainland-HK Innovation & Technology

- The Lok Ma Chau River Loop – Appoint a Special Office with cross-bureau authority to lead the venture and seize the opportunity!

The second speaker was Prof. Gan Yong (Academician, CAE) and his presentation named “Strategy Research on Synergic Innovation and Development in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta Region”. Firstly, he mentioned the significance of synergic innovation and development between HK and PRD region because of high % of world leading and excellence level project. Hong Kong has abundant innovation resources, such as prestigious universities, world class scientists, original innovation capacity and close connection with international market.

On the other hand, PRD region development focused in 3 key industries including advanced equipment manufacturing, advanced material manufacturing and advanced electronic information industry. Moreover, they had PRD National Innovation Demonstration Zone Construction Plan (2016-2020).

After that Prof. Gan pointed out the obstacles to synergic Innovation between Hong Kong and PRD Region below.

1) Incomplete Innovation Chain

2) Unsound Cooperation Mechanism

3) Unclear Innovation Orientation

Finally, Prof. Gan raised some suggestions.

1) To define the priority areas of cooperation in engineering, science and technology innovation

2) To develop cooperation mechanism for scientific and technological innovation

3) Building Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Science & Technology Bay Area

4) Develop Hetao Area as “SZ-HK united International Innovation Center”.

Lastly, Prof. Gan concluded four outstanding advantages for both sides:

1) It is favor of transformation of Hong Kong economy, improving industry competiveness and risk resistance capacity.

2) It is favor of improving Hong Kong’s employment structure and quality, promoting social prosperity and stability

3) It is favor of optimizing the spatial development pattern, promoting coordinated regional development.

4) It is favor of closer cooperation between both sides, enhancing Hong Kong’s significance in national strategy.

During the tea break, I met many Innovation and Technology friends and took some photos for memory.

I met Ir. Dr. Raymond Ho Ching-tai (Chairman, Dashun Foundation) and we discussed some experience on One Belt One Road.

I also met Mr. Terence S.S. Chan (Secretary-General, ASHK) and we discussed STEM education in HK.

Lastly, I met Dr. Samson Tam (Chairman, HKIUR) and Dr. Wan Charn Wing Frank (Solicitor (HKSAR, England & Wales)).

In the second part – Panel Discussion, Prof. Tong Chan (President, HKUST) was the panel chair. Firstly, Prof. Chan invited Dr. Jack Yeung (Deputy Chairman, FHKI) to share his idea on Innovation and Technology in industry viewpoint. He said more than 90% of Hong Kong industries were SMEs and we needed to focus the problem of innovation & technology transformation.

Then Dr. Frank Tong (CEO, ASTRI) shared his experience during visit of Singapore. He felt that Singapore used whole government effort to in-charge I&T. Another observation from value created in MIT and Stanford which was huge compared with Hong Kong. The Hong Kong question is how to release our powerful energy.

One of invited guests to share his view was Ir Otto Poon (Managing Director, Analogue Group of Companies). He said we needed to overcome the barriers to release our capability more effective and productive. Since HK is a small economy, we needed to select what is good for us. Morever, HK government should fully support the local innovation (don’t already ask them to show the application aboard).

During Q&A session, I also shared my cohort Dr. Raymond Leung’s discussion that Hong Kong is no longer be “Super Connector” because agent is no value in the internet world. Now, Hong Kong is more like “Semi-conductor”, indicating that sometimes conduct and sometime not! So how to transform Hong Kong from “Semi-conductor” to “Super-conductor” was the key.