Notices

The "BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024" (STIP 2024), organised by the Hong Kong Alliance for Science and Innovation and sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (BOCHK), held a press conference today on 70/F of the Bank of China Tower to announce the laureates. The "STIP 2024 in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics" was awarded to Professor CHAI Yang from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; The "STIP 2024  in Life and Health" was awarded to Professor NG Siew Chien from The Chinese University of Hong Kong; The "STIP  2024 in New Materials and New Energy" was awarded to Professor ZHANG Hua from the City University of Hong Kong; The "STIP  2024 in Advanced Manufacturing" was awarded to Professor CHEN Shih-Chi from The Chinese University of Hong Kong; The "STIP 2024 in FinTech" was awarded to Professor WANG Cong from the City University of Hong Kong. Each laureate will be awarded HK$2 million, sponsored by BOCHK, for a total of HK$10 million, recognising their contributions to scientific research and the impact of their achievements on the transformation of R&D outcomes in Hong Kong.

Professor Yuk Ming Dennis LO, President of the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation, the incoming President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Professor Yuk Ming Dennis LO, President of the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and the incoming President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, stated in his address that "STIP has already gained widespread recognition despite its recent establishment. This is partly because the laureates are truly distinguished scientists who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in scientific research and influence on transformation. We aim to support and inspire researchers, particularly those aged below 50, to continue their pursuit of scientific excellence. We believe that these young talents represent the future of Hong Kong's scientific and technological innovation. Their creativity and passion for research are vital for advancing the technological development of Hong Kong and the Nation". Professor Dennis Lo expressed his hope that STIP will act as a gas station in the marathon of scientific research and inspire these rising stars by providing them with more resources and support them to reach a higher level on their research career path.

Mr. XING Guiwei, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK

Mr. XING Guiwei, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, remarked: "The STIP has come to its third year, continuing to encourage researchers in the field of science and technology to make breakthroughs. The scope of the Prize has been expanded to cover the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and recognising the contributions of scientists and research teams from Hong Kong's education institutions and related research organisations in promoting the development of technological innovation in Hong Kong. We are honored to support this Prize and facilitate innovation and research and development in the region. BOCHK will continue to actively embrace new technologies and concepts and push forward with digital transformation, driving societal development through technology. This will aid Hong Kong in integrating more seamlessly into the national development plan and help establishing the city as an international hub for innovation and technology".

BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE 2024 - Laureate in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Professor CHAI Yang has made significant contributions to AI sensor technology, particularly in the development of a biomimetic sensory fusion computational paradigm. This paradigm enables artificial vision sensors to process information directly within the sensor itself, thereby reducing the need for frequent data transmission to external computing units, enhancing computational efficiency, and expanding the functionalities of sensors in Internet of Things applications. Professor CHAI is currently works in the Department of Applied Physics of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he also serves as the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science (Research) and the Director of the Joint Research Center of Microelectronics.

Laureate in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Professor CHAI Yang from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 

BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE 2024 - Laureate in Life and Health Sciences

Professor NG Siew Chien's research has identified novel microbial characteristics in intestinal inflammation and autism spectrum disorders. By utilising gut microbiota, she has successfully developed precise tools that allow for the non-invasive, rapid, and accurate diagnosis of autism and inflammatory bowel disease, aiding in early assessment of risks and the initiation of intervention treatments. Professor NG is currently a Croucher Professor at the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She also serves as the Assistant Dean (Development) of the Faculty of Medicine, the Director for the Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), and a New Cornerstone Investigator.

Laureate in Life and Health Sciences, Professor NG Siew Chien from The Chinese University of Hong Kong

BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE 2024 - Laureate in New Materials and Energy

Professor ZHANG Hua has made pioneering contributions to the field of phase engineering of nanomaterials, successfully synthesising and stabilising unconventional-phase nanomaterials, and exploring their unique physicochemical properties and applications in clean energy, catalysis, and sensors. This work advances the design and production of novel catalysts. Professor ZHANG is currently the Herman Hu Chair Professor of Nanomaterials in the Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, and also the Director of the Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy.

Laureate in New Materials and Energy, Professor ZHANG Hua from The City University of Hong Kong

BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE 2024 - Laureate in Advanced Manufacturing

Professor CHEN Shih-Chi has made groundbreaking developments in the field of 3D micro- and nanomanufacturing. By successfully integrating novel control of ultrafast laser pulses with material and precision machinery development, his research achieves higher accuracy and lower the cost in nanoscale 3D printing technologies. This advancement has greatly benefited the manufacturing of components in the fields of photonics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. Professor CHEN serves in the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Laureate in Advanced Manufacturing, Professor CHEN Shih-Chi from The Chinese University of Hong Kong

BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE 2024 - Laureate in FinTech 

Professor WANG Cong has made outstanding contributions to the development of innovative technologies in data security and artificial intelligence security. His research not only enhances the security of private data usage but also unlocks the immense potential value of data within the FinTech ecosystem. Professor WANG is currently a Professor and the Associate Head of the Department of Computer Science at the College of Computing, City University of Hong Kong.

Laureate in FinTech, Professor WANG Cong from The City University of Hong Kong

About BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE

The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize, driven by the mission of rejuvenating Hong Kong and the country through Innovation and Technology development, encourages researchers and innovators to aim at the forefront of world science and technology, to meet the country's major strategic needs, to impact economic and social development, and to improve people's livelihoods.

The "BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE", launched in 2022 and now in its third year, has extended the nomination scope to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for the first time, rewarding outstanding scientists and research teams for their significant achievements in scientific and technological innovation and transformation in Hong Kong or research institutions of Hong Kong institutions located in the Greater Bay Area. The Prize aims to encourage these innovators to get a foothold in Hong Kong, connect with the Greater Bay Area, serve the Nation, and contribute to the world.