The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft Research Asia to enhance collaboration in medical health education and research. Focusing on three strategic areas - nurturing talent, revolutionizing smart healthcare, and developing enabling research - the MoU strives to drive the future collaboration of medical education through a holistic approach.
According to the MoU, the two parties will use their respective strengths in research to foster exchange and collaboration in the medical health sector across three major areas. These include: (1) Pioneering innovative medical pedagogies utilizing cutting-edge technology to nurture the next generation of medical talent for future healthcare needs; (2) Exploring emerging healthcare service models to promote more efficient and intelligent medical services, seamlessly integrating medical and home care to improve patient care and quality of life; and (3) Advancing frontier medical health research, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), to facilitate the in-depth integration of basic medicine, clinical research and public health in pursuit of research breakthroughs and knowledge transfer endeavors.
HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP expressed gratitude to Microsoft for their confidence in HKUST. She said, "The emergence of AI has brought unprecedented changes for our future. As a forward-looking university, we have long collaborated with Microsoft, pushing the boundaries in different areas of research. This new initiative, which integrates AI and biomedicine, will pioneer innovative medical education and advance cutting-edge medical research, leading to improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Through close exchange and collaboration, we strive to create powerful synergies in the field while strengthening HKUST's teaching and research capabilities, as we work towards the vision of establishing the third medical school in Hong Kong."
Dr. ZHOU Lidong, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft and Managing Director of Microsoft Research Asia, said, "Microsoft Research Asia has always been committed to driving impactful technological innovations through interdisciplinary and cross-border research, shaping a brighter future for human society. With an extensive collaboration spanning over 24 years with HKUST, we are now expanding our collaboration beyond the realm of computer science to encompass the dynamic landscape of the medical and health sector. We look forward to jointly promoting the integration and development of innovative technologies alongside fundamental medical and health research, cultivating the next generation of biomedical talents with interdisciplinary capabilities, while bringing about positive and profound impacts on global health improvement."
As Hong Kong's first research university, HKUST is distinguished by its strong research foundation and a diverse array of internationally renowned scholars and experts. The University has achieved world-class excellence, particularly in fields such as neuroscience, genetics, bioengineering, AI, data science, and robotics. Recently, HKUST has set its sights on establishing the third medical school in Hong Kong, with the mission of cultivating future-ready medical professionals capable of integrating innovative approaches with clinical skills. This initiative aims to enhance local healthcare services in both quality and capacity, aligning with Hong Kong's ambition to become an international hub for medical training, research, and innovation. Over the years, the University has made significant research breakthroughs in medicine, including a highly accurate blood test for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, a microscope that facilitates real-time decision-making during cancer surgery, and a series of large AI models designed to assist both general practitioners and specialists in diagnosis.
Microsoft Research Asia, established in 1998, is Microsoft's research arm in the Asia-Pacific region, with research labs and personnel located in Beijing, Shanghai, Vancouver, Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong. Over the years, the lab has constantly birthed innovative technologies, creating significant scientific and social impact within Microsoft and around the world. Microsoft Research Asia engages in enduring and effective collaborations with universities and research institutions, driving cross-regional, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary exchanges to ignite innovative potential and propel industry development.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university committed to innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. Our holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach is recognized globally. HKUST placed 3rd in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education's impact Rankings. Twelve of HKUST's subjects were ranked among the world's top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Of these, "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently placing among the world's top 30 most sought-after employees. Our research and entrepreneurship endeavors are also innovative and impactful. Over 80% of our work was rated "Internationally excellent" or "world leading" in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong's University Grants Committee. As of November 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 16 exits (IPO or M&A).
