Biotechnology Research Institute at HKUST inaugurated

Abstract

[evdate 1990-01-16] 12:F World Shipping Cenrre. Vice-Chancellor and Presldenr Professor Chto-Wei Woo. OS MA PhD For Immediate Release 16 January, 1990 Biotechnology Research Institute at HKUST inaugurated To help develop biotechnology industries in Hong Kong and as a testimony of the willingness of Hong Kong to support research to prepare herself for the twenty first century,

the Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) at the Hong Kong University of Science and

Technology (HKUST) was inaugurated on 16 January, 1990. Established by a grant of $130 million from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club (RHKJC),

the BRI is one arm of the Hong Kong Biotechnology Project funded by the RHKJC. The other arm

is the Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology located at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Research conducted at the BRI will include Genetic Engineering and Molecular Pharmacology, Molecular Immunology, Biomedical Instrumentation and Modeling, Industrial and

Agricuitural Biotechnology, Marine Biotechnology, and Bioengineering. Focus will be on

midstream research and development with an eye on potential applications, and on the training

of specialists who will fuel Hong Kong{????} biotechnology industries in the coming decade. When the

Institute reaches its full strength, no fewer than fifty academics from ten Departments are

expected to take part in interdisciplinary research, advanced training, and international

cooperation programmes. The inauguration ceremony, held in Hong Kong Hotel, was presided over by Chairman of

the HKUST Council Sir S Y Chung, GBE, JP and Vice Chancellor Prof Chia-Wei Woo. A plaque to

commemorate the special occasion was unveiled by Guests of Honour, Mr John Chan, LVO, OBE,

JP, Secretary for Trade and Industry, who is a member of the HKUST Council and the Board of

Overseers on Biotechnology appointed by the Government, and Mr Gordon Macwhinnie, CBE, JP,

Chairman of the Stewards of the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. The plaque will in due course be

installed at the University campus at Clear Water Bay. , -- Immediately following the Inauguration Ceremony various HKUST faculty and BRI programme heads spoke on BRl{????} programmes. Prof Chih-Yung Chien, Pro-Vice-Chancellor

(Academic Affairs) of the HKUST, first gave introductory remarks about the BRI. Acting

Director of BRI and Head of Biology Prof Mu-ming Poo then spoke on Biotechnology and the

Research Institute. Other speakers on BRI programmes included Prof H K Chang, Dean of

Engineering: Prof J Tse-fei Wong, Head of Biochemistry; Prof Donald C Chang, Professor of

Biology; and four BRI consultants, Dr K Chien-Hsing Chang, Dr Raymond S C Wong, Dr Wan-

Keung R Wong and Dr I-Hsun Ni. The Ceremony was attended by representatives from Government, other tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, local business and biotechnology industry, hospitals and media.

For Inquiry, contact Office of Public Affairs, 3021450.