CityUHK and Huadong Hospital establish the “Joint Research Institute of Smart Healthcare”

2025-10-02 15:32 Last Updated At：15:33

City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and Huadong Hospital, affiliated with Fudan University in Shanghai (Huadong Hospital), officially established the “CityUHK – Huadong Hospital Joint Research Institute of Smart Healthcare” (the Joint Research Institute) in Shanghai and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 25 September 2025. By leveraging the medical and academic resources of the two cities, as well as cutting-edge biomedicine, AI and data technologies, this partnership aims to advance the development of digital medicine, talent incubation, and knowledge exchange, and to further enhance the commercialisation of promising digital health solutions that benefit society.

The plaque-unveiling ceremony for the Joint Research Institute was held at Huadong Hospital. It was officiated by Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, CityUHK Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise), Professor Wang Yu, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Shenkang Hospital Development Center, and Professor Bao Zhijun, President of Huadong Hospital. Other representatives were Professor Johnny Ho Chung-yin, CityUHK Associate Vice-President (Enterprise), Professor Yu Xinge, Associate Director of the CityUHK Institute of Digital Medicine (IDM), Mr Yang Weiguo, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee at Shanghai Medical College Fudan University and Mr Jin Jianping, Secretary of the Party Committee of Huadong Hospital.

Professor Yang emphasised that life and health technology is a key strategic priority for CityUHK, which aims to leverage its strengths in biomedical engineering, AI, digital medicine, and data science to advance the smart healthcare industry. “The Joint Research Institute represents a significant step in strengthening collaboration between Shanghai and Hong Kong, enabling win-win cooperation in digital medicine, clinical research, and talent incubation, contributing to the promotion of the ‘Healthy China’ initiative,” he stated.

“The future of medicine relies on multidisciplinary collaboration, requiring the joint efforts of universities and medical institutions to advance smart healthcare,” said Professor Wang. “CityUHK excels in AI and life sciences, while Huadong Hospital has a robust foundation in geriatric medicine and smart healthcare. This partnership will combine both resources to leverage cutting-edge technologies, enhance clinical practice, and address real-world challenges.

“This partnership marks a milestone for both parties in exploring AI-powered healthcare solutions,”said Professor Bao. “We will foster collaborations among top-tier experts, facilitate knowledge exchange, and establish a ‘smart outpatient ecosystem’, supported by AI and big data technologies to overcome temporal and spatial limitations in healthcare management, further enhancing the patient experience throughout their healthcare journey.”

The Joint Research Institute will integrate resources and strengths from both Shanghai and Hong Kong, providing clinical resources and cutting-edge technologies for research and start-ups; to enable the transformation of promising solutions. By leveraging biomedicine, AI, and big data technologies, it will focus on areas such as surgical robotics, standardised databases for major diseases, and medical information sharing platforms, to create a smart, human-centred healthcare ecosystem.

The MoU was signed by Professor Ho and Professor Bao; and was witnessed by Professor Yang, Professor Wang, Professor Yu, Mr Yang and Mr Jin.

This MoU further enhances collaboration in talent development, academic exchange, and research between the two institutions. Initiatives include mutual appointments of experts, the formation of joint research teams, and the recommendation of biomedical and digital medicine professionals to study at CityUHK. These efforts aim to nurture top talent with international perspectives and innovative capabilities, thereby propelling the transformation of digital medicine solutions.

The two parties exchanged appointment letters for their respective experts. Professors from Huadong Hospital engaged with representatives from CityUHK’s IDM, College of Biomedicine, and College of Computing, sharing valuable insights on digital health, AI and big data during the on-site academic forum. The CityUHK delegation also visited Huadong Hospital to explore their latest medical developments.

CityUHK established its IDM in April 2024. In collaboration with renowned universities, medical schools, clinical and industry partners, and health tech investors around the world, the IDM utilises CityUHK’s strengths in engineering, data science, and life science to develop innovative technologies that explore digital health solutions for the long-term benefit of doctors and patients.

Founded in 1951, Huadong Hospital is a Grade 3A hospital specialising in geriatric medicine. It integrates medical care, academia, research and prevention, serving Shanghai, the East China region and beyond. Its Department of Geriatrics is a national key clinical speciality, as well as a key clinical speciality in Shanghai. Additionally, the Department of Geriatrics of Traditional Chinese Medicine is designated as a key speciality of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Huadong Hospital is affiliated with Fudan University and is responsible for training undergraduate and graduate students. It also serves as a training base for specialists at both the national and Shanghai level.

Financial Secretary Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Banga Gallery at Prototyping Exhibition Opening

Speech by FS at Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of 10th Anniversary of Indra and Harry Banga Gallery(with photos/video)

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of the 10th Anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery today (January 28):

Michael (Council Chairman of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Michael Ngai), Professor Lee (Provost and Deputy President of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Lee Chun-sing), Dr and Mrs Banga (Founding Patrons of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Dr Harry Banga and Mrs Indra Banga), Alvin (Director of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Professor Alvin Yip), curators and exhibiting professors, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is a pleasure to join you for the opening of the "Prototyping: " Exhibition and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery. Please allow me to extend my warm congratulations to the City University of Hong Kong on this remarkable occasion.

I had the pleasure of visiting the exhibition just now. It vividly illustrates how technologies developed in Hong Kong can be translated into real-world applications, and how artists and scientists can co-create works that engage a broader audience. This spirit of enterprise and collaboration is precisely what Hong Kong needs to strengthen both our arts and innovation ecosystems, and to nurture the next generation of versatile talent.

Over the past decade, the Banga Gallery has become a flagship venue of the City University and a pioneer in cross-disciplinary exhibitions. It plays a vital role in promoting cultural heritage and fostering dialogue among diverse cultures and civilisations. As a platform for innovative experimentation, the Gallery serves as a living laboratory where new ideas are explored, refined, and shared. Its exhibitions have inspired practitioners across the region and contributed to the ongoing development of Hong Kong's cultural institutions and ecosystem.

As our community looks to new pathways to generate economic value, the Gallery's experience serves as a good point of reference. Consumers nowadays increasingly seek novel, personalised experiences, placing greater emphasis on emotional connection and meaning. The intersection of art and technology offers valuable insights into how innovative products and services can be developed, ones that resonate with the public and create new markets.

That is why the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government is committed to advancing the development of arts, culture, and the creative industries. We see this not only as a means to cultivate new economic drivers, but also as a powerful way to enhance Hong Kong's global appeal, enrich the cultural life of our community, and reinforce our unique role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

On innovation and technology (I&T), our ambition is equally clear: we are fully committed to promoting I&T, injecting fresh momentum into our economy, and creating high-quality career opportunities for our people. Talent is the cornerstone of this endeavour. We must continue to promote science and technology across society, and ignite a passion for innovation and discovery - especially among our young people.

In this regard, the Gallery's work is both meaningful and impactful. It demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can expand horizons, foster community connections, and inspire the next generation of talent.

In closing, allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Gallery, the Banga family, and all patrons for your generous support and the good work done.

I wish the exhibition every success. And as the Year of the Horse is drawing near, taking this opportunity I wish you good health, happiness and blessings in the Year of the Horse. Thank you.

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CityUHK and Huadong Hospital establish the “Joint Research Institute of Smart Healthcare”

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