Recently, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative innovation and technological development. Both parties commit to leveraging their respective strengths and actively exploring the establishment of a joint research and development laboratory or innovation center to propel the development of environmental engineering in both Hong Kong and mainland China.
The collaboration between HKPC and HIT encompasses joint annual applications and executions of research and development projects in the environmental field. Additionally, they will collaboratively organize training programs on environmental technologies, conducting workshops and seminars to introduce technical and policy aspects of environmental engineering in mainland China and Hong Kong. This includes disseminating knowledge on artificial intelligence, new industrialization, carbon neutrality, and green technology to enhance management capabilities in environmental, social, and governance aspects.
Mr. Eric Lai, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, expressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, as outlined in the latest 2024-2025 budget, is advancing towards becoming an "International Green Finance Center." As a leading research institution, HKPC is committed to promoting green technology and innovation development. The Green Living and Innovation Department collaborates continuously with businesses, academic institutions, and research organizations to drive the research and development of environmental protection technologies.
Academician Ren Nanqi, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment at HIT, highlighted that China's technological innovation and ecological civilization construction are entering a new phase. With the explicit support for Hong Kong to build an international innovation and technology center, both HKPC and HIT are jointly focusing on cutting-edge technology areas, further strengthening technological innovation cooperation between the two regions, and exploring the application and development of innovative technologies.
It is noteworthy that Green and Smart Living is one of the eight key development areas for HKPC. In response to the Hong Kong government's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and transforming Hong Kong into a green and livable smart city, HKPC provides advanced technological solutions and advisory services to businesses. This includes tailored carbon-neutral and smart living consulting services for various industries, aiding companies in formulating feasible carbon reduction goals and plans, and expanding low-carbon business opportunities through the utilization of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of smart living while minimizing environmental impact.
