CityU, HITSZ establish joint lab for trust and intelligent data to develop regional tech innovation hub

City University of Macau (CityU) and Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen campus (HITSZ) have partnered to establish the joint lab for trust and intelligent data. The signing ceremony recently took place at CityU’s Taipa campus, with Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Data Science, Zhou Wanlei, and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Academician Fang Bixing representing their respective institutions.This collaboration aligns with the integration strategy of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, aiming to deepen research cooperation between the two universities, build a secure artificial intelligence (AI) innovation system, and promote the intelligent upgrade of key industries such as electric power and healthcare, thus supporting the construction of a regional technology innovation hub.

Attendees at the signing ceremony included Vice President of Guangzhou University Tian Zhihong, Dean of the School of Cybersecurity Yin Lihua, and Associate Dean of CityU’s Faculty of Data Science Zhu Tianqing.

In his remarks, Vice Rector Zhou Wanlei viewed the joint laboratory as an important initiative for Macao’s integration into the national research system. He mentioned future efforts to promote joint applications for national key projects, incubate sci-tech projects, facilitate technological translation, establish data security industry standards, and cultivate talent for cross-border data intelligence.

Academician Fang Bixing stated that the joint lab would leverage the strengths of both universities—CityU’s expertise in cross-border data research and HITSZ’s experience in practical implementation—to address security and privacy challenges in the flow of data elements.

Seminar to explore R&D innovation and industry-academic collaboration

To deepen academic exchange and technological cooperation between mainland China and Macao, CityU recently held a seminar on technological project applications and industry-academia collaboration. The event invited industry experts, including Li Fenghua from the Institute of Information Engineering of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Liu Lianggang, an advisor for technology from the Macao’s Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT), to discuss the implementation of research and regional cooperation with CityU’s research team. The atmosphere for academic discussion was lively.

Vice Rector Zhou Wanlei emphasized CityU’s development direction focused on interdisciplinary integration and deep connections between industry and academia, aiming to enhance engagement between young faculty and industry. He noted that these collaboration programs enabled young faculty to work with enterprises and jointly tackle technological challenges. Additionally, Vice Rector Zhou mentioned that the on-campus joint laboratories established with technology companies also provided spaces for joint R&D, allowing students to participate in market-oriented projects.

Academician Fang Bixing delivered a speech titled “three-dimensional drive: Academia, Guidelines, and Market”, outlining pathways for research innovation. He emphasized that academic-driven initiatives should benchmark against privacy protection research, focusing on core areas; guidelines should align closely with major national strategies, such as the digital economy of the Greater Bay Area; lastly, market-driven efforts should involve forming a corresponding research team to guide students in visiting industrial parks and transform technical challenges into research topics.

FDCT representative, advisor for technology Liu Lianggang, introduced the research funding policies and emphasized that the fund would support cross-border collaboration projects, encouraging Macao teams to participate in national-level project applications.

Prof. Tian Zhihong, vice president of the Guangzhou University, shared practical experiences regarding “breakthrough thinking”. This included linking faculty promotion evaluations to technology transfer outcomes, establishing a pioneering industry-research team to organize technology roadshows, and creating specialized talent training programs to meet the needs of Greater Bay Area development.

Prof. Yin Lihua, dean of the School of Cybersecurity of Guangzhou University, emphasized the importance of practical talent cultivation. She mentioned the establishment of 32 joint laboratories between the university and enterprises, aiming to engage students in projects from the moment they enroll. Dean Yin also highlighted their “eaglet incubation fund” to support faculty and students in entrepreneurship through equity share and mentioned that each faculty member must facilitate at least one technology application each year.

Prof. Li Fenghua, professor at the Institute of Information Engineering of Chinese Academy of Sciences, proposed new directions for educational innovation, emphasizing the need to strengthen foundational modules and simulation-based teaching for undergraduates, while fostering interdisciplinary learning skills and academic sensitivity in postgraduate students.The CityU’s research team actively participated in discussions, suggesting the establishment of a cross-border data collaboration pilot zone. They exchanged ideas with the scholars on topics such as technological application and intellectual property distribution, reaching a consensus on the need for policy guidance, platform development, and market-oriented operations to accelerate the deep integration of industry and academia.

Going forward, CityU will continue to promote R&D and regional technological cooperation, supporting the development of Macao’s tech industry and promoting the innovation ecosystem in Greater Bay Area.

Source: Faculty of Data Science
Photo Credits: CityU Reporter

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CityU, HITSZ establish joint lab for trust and intelligent data to develop regional tech innovation hub

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