The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft Research Asia to strengthen collaboration in medical health education and research. The MoU focuses on three key areas: nurturing talent, transforming smart healthcare, and advancing research, to foster future collaboration in medical education through a comprehensive approach.
According to the MoU, the two parties will use their respective strengths in research to foster exchange and collaboration in the medical health sector across three major areas. These include: (1) Pioneering innovative medical pedagogies utilizing cutting-edge technology to nurture the next generation of medical talent for future healthcare needs; (2) Exploring emerging healthcare service models to promote more efficient and intelligent medical services, seamlessly integrating medical and home care to improve patient care and quality of life; and (3) Advancing frontier medical health research, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), to facilitate the in-depth integration of basic medicine, clinical research and public health in pursuit of research breakthroughs and knowledge transfer endeavors.
HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP expressed gratitude to Microsoft for their confidence in HKUST. She said, "The emergence of AI has brought unprecedented changes for our future. As a forward-looking university, we have long collaborated with Microsoft, pushing the boundaries in different areas of research. This new initiative, which integrates AI and biomedicine, will pioneer innovative medical education and advance cutting-edge medical research, leading to improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Through close exchange and collaboration, we strive to create powerful synergies in the field while strengthening HKUST's teaching and research capabilities, as we work towards the vision of establishing the third medical school in Hong Kong".
Dr. ZHOU Lidong, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft and Managing Director of Microsoft Research Asia, said, "Microsoft Research Asia has always been committed to driving impactful technological innovations through interdisciplinary and cross-border research, shaping a brighter future for human society. With an extensive collaboration spanning over 24 years with HKUST, we are now expanding our collaboration beyond the realm of computer science to encompass the dynamic landscape of the medical and health sector. We look forward to jointly promoting the integration and development of innovative technologies alongside fundamental medical and health research, cultivating the next generation of biomedical talents with interdisciplinary capabilities, while bringing about positive and profound impacts on global health improvement".
As Hong Kong's first research university, HKUST is distinguished by its strong research foundation and a diverse array of internationally renowned scholars and experts. The University has achieved world-class excellence, particularly in fields such as neuroscience, genetics, bioengineering, AI, data science, and robotics. Recently, HKUST has set its sights on establishing the third medical school in Hong Kong, with the mission of cultivating future-ready medical professionals capable of integrating innovative approaches with clinical skills. This initiative aims to enhance local healthcare services in both quality and capacity, aligning with Hong Kong's ambition to become an international hub for medical training, research, and innovation. Over the years, the University has made significant research breakthroughs in medicine, including a highly accurate blood test for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, a microscope that facilitates real-time decision-making during cancer surgery, and a series of large AI models designed to assist both general practitioners and specialists in diagnosis.
Founded in 1998, Microsoft Research Asia is the company's research division in the Asia-Pacific region, with labs and teams based in Beijing, Shanghai, Vancouver, Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The lab has consistently pioneered innovative technologies, making a significant impact both within Microsoft and globally. Microsoft Research Asia fosters long-term, effective collaborations with universities and research institutions, promoting cross-regional, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary exchanges to spark innovation and drive industry advancement.
