Bayer Sponsors HKUST Expand Chem-Lab Facilities

Abstract

[evdate 1999-02-12] For immediate release 12 February 1999

BAYER SPONSORS HKUST EXPAND CHEM-LAB FACILITIES

Bayer AG has donated DM200,000 (about HK$ 1 million) to the Department of Chemistry at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. This generous donation will enable the Department to enhance the productive and technical capabilities of its laboratories through the acquisition of additional state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Bayer掇 relationship with HKUST started in 1995 when the two parties collaborated in a research project on drug discovery and development.

Dr Michael Portoff, managing director of Bayer China Company Ltd and Professor Chia-Wei WOO, president of HKUST, officiated at the donation ceremony on 9 February 1999.

"HKUST is well known outside China for its concept of combining research, technology and management in one entity. It is also especially committed to international cooperation between academia and industry, as demonstrated in its partnership with Bayer," said Dr Portoff. "Cooperating with this leading research institution lays the foundation for further joint projects in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland," Dr Portoff added. To coordinate these efforts, Bayer intends to set up a research based liaison office on the HKUST premises.

In expressing the university's appreciation for Bayer's ongoing support, President WOO said, " HKUST's constant mission is to be both more Chinese and more international. Successful cooperation with Bayer will not only benefit both sides, but will also deliver a positive impact on the development of research and technology in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland."

Bayer AG is an international chemicals and health-care group. Employing some 143,000 people worldwide, the group has operations in almost all countries of the globe. Investment in China is now one of the company's top priorities. Bayer now has 12 joint ventures on the Mainland, and annual China sales equivalent to more than HK$ 4.5 billion.

Note to Editors: Please direct enquiries to Mr King Cheng at 2358-6305 or email pamedia@ust.hk.