ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has expanded its operation to Shenzhen, in alignment with the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area". This move aims to enhance collaborative innovation among industry, academia, and research institutes in the region.

ASTRI Technology Research (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. [ASTRI (Shenzhen)], a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASTRI, relocated to the "Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone" (Hetao Cooperation Zone) earlier this year and was officially inaugurated today. This expansion marks a significant step in accelerating innovation and technology (I&T) cooperation within the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The opening ceremony was officiated by Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority in Shenzhen, and Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI. Other guests include government officials and industry leaders from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, witnessing ASTRI's making new strides in Shenzhen, GBA and beyond.

Creating a World-Class Technology Industry Cluster

Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, stated: "The Hetao Cooperation Zone is crucial for integrating I&T development between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Our goal is to establish a world-class I&T ecosystem that fosters talent and knowledge exchange. ASTRI's presence in Hetao will enhance cooperation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen's innovation sectors, contributing to the national development of 'new quality productive forces'."

Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority in Shenzhen, stated: "We will continue to provide robust support and quality services for all research and technology institutes in the Hetao Cooperation Zone, particularly those with presences in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong for promoting cross-border collaboration, such as ASTRI and ASTRI (Shenzhen). These supportive measures aim to facilitate the flow of talents, goods, capital, technology and information, which are crucial for the I&T development."

Enhancing Competitiveness Through Technology

Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI, highlighted the support from the Hetao Cooperation Zone provides for ASTRI (Shenzhen) in terms of space, policy, and funding.  "ASTRI (Shenzhen) will integrate research capabilities from both regions to strengthen collaboration with GBA corporations. We aim to undertake more cross-border R&D projects to promote technological transformation and industrialisation in the region."

He added, "By leveraging the strengths of both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, we aim to advance the development of an international I&T centre in the GBA, enhancing its global influence and achieving collaborative innovation and high-quality development."

At the opening ceremony, ASTRI (Shenzhen) hosted agreement signing ceremony with three Mainland enterprises: HKP Talential (Shenzhen) New Energy Co Ltd, Shenzhen Power Maker Technology Co Ltd, and the National Energy Internet Innovation Centre Co Ltd.

Ir Sunny Lee commented, "These collaborations exemplify how corporations can leverage Hong Kong's innovation and technology to enhance operational efficiency and overall competitiveness. We expect these partnerships to attract more business to engage with our R&D capabilities."

Focusing on Semiconductor and Smart Mobility Technologies

ASTRI (Shenzhen)'s new facilities are strategically located in the Hong Kong Science Park (Shenzhen Branch). The setup of over 1,300 sqm includes approximately 1,100 sqm of space, housing an office and an exhibition hall, with an additional 300 sqm of laboratory within the Hetao Cooperation Zone.

The facility's location benefits from the "No.1 Channel of Futian Bonded Area", a dedicated immigration passage connecting Lok Ma Chau with the Shenzhen Futian Free Trade Zone. This strategic positioning allows for a commute time of just 35 minutes between ASTRI's Hong Kong headquarter and ASTRI (Shenzhen), facilitating seamless collaboration between researchers and supporting ASTRI's expansion in the Mainland.

In July 2023, ASTRI's "International Application Fundamental Research Institute Project" was officially launched in the Hetao Cooperation Zone. ASTRI (Shenzhen) has initiated several R&D and testing projects, primarily focusing on third-generation semiconductors and next-generation communication technologies. Key developments include GaN high-end power technology development and testing platform, SiC smart power system development and testing platform, and smart campus simulation and testing platform. These platforms aim to facilitate technology transfer, commercialisation and promote technology exchanges while cultivating top-tier talent. Furthermore, in June 2024, ASTRI (Shenzhen) supported the first cross-border C-V2X test at Hetao, successfully completing autonomous driving tests and data collection under various extreme road conditions.

Ir Sunny Lee concluded, "Looking ahead, ASTRI (Shenzhen) will serve as a 'super connector', promoting collaboration among government, industry, academia and research institutes. We aim to facilitate the transformation and industrialisation of collaborative innovation outcomes between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in the Hetao Cooperation Zone and the GBA, contributing to the nation's development of 'new quality productive forces'."

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3XG8DDW 

	(From left to right) The opening ceremony of ASTRI (Shenzhen) was officiated by Ms Grace Lai, Director of Shenzhen Liaison Unit, HKSAR Government; Dr Jimmy Chiang, Deputy Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, HKSAR  Government; Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority in Shenzhen; Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI; Mr He Xinhong, Deputy Director of the Shenzhen Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office; and Mr Lau Wai Ming, Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR Government
	ASTRI (Shenzhen) hosted agreement signing ceremony with three mainland enterprises. From left to right: Mr Zhou Xiaoming, Chairman of Shenzhen Power Maker Technology Co Ltd; Mr Chiu Hing Yuen, CEO of HKP Talential (Shenzhen) New Energy Co Ltd; Dr Daniel Shi, Chairman of ASTRI (Shenzhen), and Dr Zhao Zhigang, Dean of National Energy Internet Innovation Centre Co Ltd
	(From left to right) Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI; and Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority in Shenzhen, joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of ASTRI (Shenzhen)

 

(From left to right) The opening ceremony of ASTRI (Shenzhen) was officiated by Ms Grace Lai, Director of Shenzhen Liaison Unit, HKSAR Government; Dr Jimmy Chiang, Deputy Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, HKSAR  Government; Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority in Shenzhen; Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI; Mr He Xinhong, Deputy Director of the Shenzhen Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office; and Mr Lau Wai Ming, Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR Government

 

 

ASTRI (Shenzhen) hosted agreement signing ceremony with three mainland enterprises. From left to right: Mr Zhou Xiaoming, Chairman of Shenzhen Power Maker Technology Co Ltd; Mr Chiu Hing Yuen, CEO of HKP Talential (Shenzhen) New Energy Co Ltd; Dr Daniel Shi, Chairman of ASTRI (Shenzhen), and Dr Zhao Zhigang, Dean of National Energy Internet Innovation Centre Co Ltd

 

 

(From left to right) Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI; and Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority in Shenzhen, joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of ASTRI (Shenzhen)

About ASTRI

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness through applied research. ASTRI's core R&D competence in various areas is grouped under five Technology Divisions: Advanced Electronic Components and Systems; Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies; Communications Technologies; Innovative Mind, and IoT Sensing and AI Technologies. It is applied across six core areas which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, New-Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Digital Health, Application Specific Integrated Circuits and Metaverse.

Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research, I&T talents and received numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations as well as outstanding business and community contributions. ASTRI has transferred 1,500 technologies to the industry and has been granted over 1,100 patents in the Mainland, the United States, and other countries. For further information, please visit www.astri.org

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

HONG KONG, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife (International) Limited ("Manulife") and Bupa International Limited ("Bupa") are pleased to announce today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU"), intended to establish a strategic collaboration in Hong Kong that will provide customers with greater convenience and flexibility in managing their health.

United by a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare and wellbeing for the people of Hong Kong, this proposed strategic collaboration will combine the strengths of two industry leaders to build a more robust and integrated healthcare network for their customers. Under the signed MoU, Manulife and Bupa intend for customers to benefit from expanded access to high-quality care, greater convenience, enhanced value and affordability through integrated healthcare solutions and personalised support at every stage of their healthcare journey.

 

"This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in our ambition to be the health partner of choice, driving better value and health outcomes for our customers," said Patrick Graham, CEO of Manulife Hong Kong and Macau. "As people live longer and aspire to healthier, more purposeful lives, we see an increasing need for a connected healthcare ecosystem that ensures longevity goes hand in hand with quality of life. By combining our strengths with Bupa, this strategic collaboration will offer greater choice and sustainable healthcare solutions that empower individuals and communities to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. This also underscores our commitment to addressing the needs of a society with a rapidly aging population and shaping a future where healthcare is more accessible and affordable."

Fiona Harris, Managing Director of Bupa Hong Kong, said, "Collaborations are more important than ever as we work together to deliver the connected healthcare ecosystem that enables each consumer to achieve their best health outcome. By joining forces, we can reach more of the people of Hong Kong, introducing new innovations and creating more opportunities through embracing the era of digital health and AI. Together, we are dedicated to delivering future ready, customer first, individualised healthcare solutions."

She added, "At Bupa, our purpose is to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives and make a better world, and this strategic collaboration is a powerful step forward in fulfilling that commitment."

This strategic collaboration will benefit both customers and our businesses. We will share further updates in due course on how this strategic collaboration will continue to strengthen and grow.

About Manulife Hong Kong

Manulife Hong Kong has been a trusted name for more than 125 years. Since our operations started in Asia in 1897, we have grown to become one of the top-tier providers of financial services, offering a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to over 2.6 million customers in Hong Kong and Macau. We are committed to helping make decisions easier and lives better for our customers.

Manulife Hong Kong, through Manulife International Holdings Limited, owns Manulife (International) Limited, Manulife Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited, and Manulife Provident Funds Trust Company Limited. These entities are all subsidiaries of Manulife Financial Corporation.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping our customers make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice and insurance for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2024, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 109,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 36 million customers. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under '945' in Hong Kong.

Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

About Bupa Group

Established in 1947, Bupa's purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We are an international healthcare company serving over 60 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest profits into providing more and better healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers. Bupa has businesses around the world, principally in Australia, the UK, Spain, Poland, Chile, Hong Kong SAR, India, Türkiye, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand. We also have associate businesses in Saudi Arabia.

Bupa (Asia) Limited, a subsidiary of Bupa, has been a health insurance specialist in Hong Kong since 1976, offering one-stop solutions across domestic and international health insurance, and healthcare services. Our comprehensive medical insurance schemes are tailored to meet individual needs, and we provide health solutions for companies of all sizes. We also have a team of registered nurses, health management professionals, and doctors who provide various expert healthcare support.

Our healthcare provision arm, Quality HealthCare Medical Services (QHMS), became part of Bupa Group in October 2013. QHMS offers Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diagnostics & Imaging, Physiotherapy, Mental Health and Wellness services via a network of over 1,650 provider service points in Hong Kong.

For more information, visit www.bupa.com.hk/en/.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Manulife and Bupa Sign MoU for Strategic Collaboration in Hong Kong to Create a More Robust, Integrated Healthcare Network Offering Customers Greater Access and Choice

Manulife and Bupa Sign MoU for Strategic Collaboration in Hong Kong to Create a More Robust, Integrated Healthcare Network Offering Customers Greater Access and Choice