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

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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

- Highlights the climate crisis facing the Himalayas and underscores the need for international solidarity and collective action

- Held in Namche Bazaar, Nepal, the gateway to Mount Everest, underscoring a commitment to witnessing the climate crisis firsthand and translating awareness into action

- Company also publishes sustainability report outlining efforts to foster a responsible hiking culture and develop sustainable products

NAMCHE BAZAAR, Nepal, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global outdoor brand BLACKYAK, which has deep roots in the Himalayas, convened a meaningful gathering in Namche Bazaar, Nepal, widely known as the gateway to Mount Everest and home to many Sherpas. The summit was held to raise awareness of the escalating climate crisis facing the Himalayas and discuss practical measures for preserving a sustainable mountain environment.

BYN BLACKYAK Group, led by Chairman Kang Tae Sun, announced on June 8 that it held the "Himalayan Climate Charter 2026: Namche Summit" on June 1 local time in Namche, Nepal. The event was co-hosted with the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, the Nepal Mountaineering Association, and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.

Launched by BLACKYAK in Kathmandu in 2025, the Himalayan Climate Charter is the world's first mountain-centered climate action initiative rooted in the belief that the Himalayas should not simply be viewed as a destination for mountaineering, but as the frontline of the global climate crisis and a natural heritage that must be protected by the international community. The initiative aims to strengthen global solidarity and encourage concrete action to preserve mountain ecosystems.

The Himalayas continue to face mounting ecological threats caused by global warming, including declining snowfall, flooding of farmland, and waste left behind by climbers. These challenges have made mountain conservation efforts increasingly urgent. In response, BLACKYAK introduced the Himalayan Climate Charter last year, outlining key commitments such as calling for global climate action, carrying out clean-up activities in the Himalayas, strengthening technology- and community-based cooperation, ensuring transparent disclosure of environmental information, amplifying voices from the frontlines of the climate crisis, and expanding global partnerships and solidarity. Participating companies and institutions also joined as co-signatories to the declaration.

This year's summit served as an opportunity to reaffirm the core values and significance of the Himalayan Climate Charter while discussing concrete ways to put those principles into practice. By moving the event from Kathmandu to Namche, located at an altitude of 3,440 meters, participants underscored their commitment to experiencing the realities of the climate crisis firsthand and turning awareness into action.

Moving beyond declaration-focused initiatives, BLACKYAK plans to launch action-oriented projects beginning next year, with a focus on clean-up and restoration activities carried out in the Himalayas. To support these efforts, the company will further strengthen collaboration with local organizations and communities while continuing more direct and sustainable efforts aimed at preserving the Himalayan ecosystem.

Chairman Kang Tae Sun of BLACKYAK stated, "The village of Thame, which suffered severe damage from a glacial lake outburst flood in 2024, clearly shows that the climate crisis in the Himalayas is already threatening people's lives. We can no longer view the Himalayan climate crisis as a distant issue. It is a shared challenge that requires all of us to think together and act together."

He added, "BLACKYAK will move beyond discussion and declarations to expand practical support and solidarity that can drive real change on the ground in the Himalayas."

BLACKYAK also recently published its first sustainability report since its founding, titled the "BYN BLACKYAK Responsibility Report 2025". The report highlights a wide range of initiatives aimed at protecting mountains and nature, including the Himalayan Climate Charter, sponsorship of the Icefall Doctors, and environmental clean-up trekking campaigns. It also showcases activities led by the BLACKYAK Alpine Club (BAC) that have contributed to popularizing outdoor culture and promoting a more mature hiking culture.

In addition, the report introduces the company's efforts toward high-performance technological innovation through global R&D capabilities, the development of sustainable products based on resource circulation principles, and its circular economy model that creates environmental value across the entire product lifecycle, from production to disposal.

Through this report, BLACKYAK expresses its brand philosophy and sense of responsibility, grounded in the belief that nature is a precious legacy that must be preserved for future generations.

About BYN BLACKYAK Group

Founded in 1973, BYN BLACKYAK Group is a global outdoor and lifestyle brand group inspired by the spirit of the Himalayas. Through its flagship brand BLACKYAK and affiliated businesses, the Group develops high-performance outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment designed for the world's most demanding environments.

With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible exploration, BYN BLACKYAK Group continues to expand its global presence while advancing technologies and initiatives that support both people and the planet. The Group actively engages in environmental and social responsibility efforts, including climate action campaigns and partnerships aimed at protecting mountain ecosystems and local communities.

Learn more at: BYN BLACKYAK Group

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BLACKYAK Hosts "Himalayan Climate Charter 2026: Namche Summit" to Advance Global Climate Action

BLACKYAK Hosts "Himalayan Climate Charter 2026: Namche Summit" to Advance Global Climate Action

BLACKYAK Hosts "Himalayan Climate Charter 2026: Namche Summit" to Advance Global Climate Action

BLACKYAK Hosts "Himalayan Climate Charter 2026: Namche Summit" to Advance Global Climate Action