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Mr Wang Zhigang, national Minister for Science and Technology, visits ASTRIHONG KONG, Sept. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mr Wang Zhigang, Minister for Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China visited the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) today to understand the latest developments in its R&D endeavours as well as progress of technology commercialisation. During the visit, Mr Wang said, "Hong Kong plays a special role in the overall Innovation and Technology (I&T) development of the country. The HKSAR has an enormous potential to unleash in I&T and ASTRI, as one of the city's most importance R&D centres, can greatly benefit Hong Kong as well as the country by transferring the fruits of innovative R&D." 
 Mr Wang was particularly impressed with ASTRI's Smart City and 5G development endeavours, as well a with the work of the CNERC Branch focusing on IC research. Located in ASTRI, the Branch was established in 2012 with approval from the Central Government's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), as the first CNERC branch outside of Mainland China. The CNERC branch aims to help advance the competitiveness of China's integrated circuit industry by driving world-class applied R&D in this sector, and by grooming talents for the industry. He commended ASTRI's role as a centre of excellence in driving technological innovation that is benefitting not just Hong Kong, but also the country. He pointed out the fact that an institution of ASTRI's calibre can greatly contribute to driving innovation in science and technology, and add value to the economic and social development of the country, as the nation strives for stronger, more sustainable growth. Mr Wang emphasised that the Central Government remains fully committed to supporting Hong Kong's I&T development as well as long-term growth and prosperity. Commenting on the important visit, ASTRI's CEO Mr Hugh Chow said, "The current macro-economic environment requires that the Mainland and Hong Kong strongly collaborate for new avenues of innovation-led growth, in order to drive overall national development in the new era of global economic realities." ASTRI's Chairman Mr Wong Ming-yam commented that, "We are very grateful to have the honourable Minister visit us. His words of appreciation and recognition will tremendously encourage our innovation efforts. ASTRI will continue to innovate advanced technologies and solutions not only to help Hong Kong's local development, but also to contribute nationally in the 'Greater Bay Area' and 'Belt and Road' programmes." About ASTRI Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research. ASTRI's core R&D competencies in various areas are organised under seven Technology Divisions, namely Communications Technologies, Electronics Components, Mixed Signal Systems IC, Advanced Digital Systems, Optoelectronics, Security and Data Sciences, and Intelligent Software and Systems. Five areas of applications including financial technologies, intelligent manufacturing, next generation network, health technologies, and smart city are identified for major pursuit. For further information about ASTRI, please visit www.astri.org. Media enquiries Ms Joey Chan Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180921/2244836-1-a SOURCE Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) 
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