Microsoft commits up to HK$10 million with software, services, devices and work experience to equip Hong Kong talent with the skills to excel in the 21st century
Hong Kong, 18 December 2014 – Microsoft and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have announced that they will join forces to establish the PolyU-Microsoft Smart Computing Laboratory at the Department of Computing (COMP). The joint laboratory will support applied research and teaching as well as learning activities relating to smart computing. In addition, the laboratory will explore and develop smart applications through work-integrated education on the latest computing technologies, practices and trends. This is a multi-year commitment by Microsoft which includes software, cloud services, devices, consultancy resources and internships that will total up to HK$10 million over a three-year period.
“Microsoft believes technology is fundamental to innovation and creating opportunities, and our SparkHK program enables us to collaborate with different sectors to foster a more competitive and sustainable Hong Kong,” said Horace Chow, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong. “This partnership with PolyU exemplifies our close collaboration with local academia over the long term to drive innovation and human progress through technology to make Hong Kong a smarter city and more competitive in many important aspects.”
“Now, we (PolyU) are very pleased to partner with Microsoft, a global technology leader with deep roots in Hong Kong, and we truly appreciate their great support and contribution to drive innovations and home-grown talent,” said Nicholas Yang, Executive Vice President of PolyU. “PolyU’s motto is to learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind. We believe that the Laboratory will provide the most fertile ground for our students to learn and apply the latest technologies on a profusion of applications more exciting and significant than they can ever imagine.”
“The partnership between PolyU and Microsoft on the Smart Computing Laboratory is one of the most significant initiatives to mark the 40th Anniversary of COMP,” said Prof. Jiannong Cao, Chair Professor and Head, Department of Computing of PolyU. “This joint laboratory will facilitate teaching and learning, research and work-integrated education in the areas of cloud computing, big data computing, human-centered computing and mobile computing, and also inspire students with experience in applying these smart computing technologies in real-life usage scenarios.”
Smart computing is comprised of two dimensions including the design and building of smart computing systems and how to use computing technology to design smart things and make human life better. It is emerging as an important multidisciplinary area, which effectively makes use of computer hardware, software, social media and communication networks together with digital sensors, smart devices, Internet technologies, big data analytics, computational intelligence and intelligent systems to realize various innovative applications.
With the PolyU-Microsoft Smart Computing Laboratory, PolyU’s COMP will embrace cloud and smart computing on all fronts, enabling an integrated cloud-based platform for teaching and learning as well as fostering the research and development of next-generation city applications used by citizens to live better and smarter lives. The partnership spans the following areas: –
- Establishment of a Smart Computing Laboratory facility which is adequately equipped with software, hardware and mobile devices for smart computing research, training and applications development
- Joint applied research projects on smart computing (e.g. big data computing and human-centered computing) through university and industry collaboration
- Software, cloud services and devices sponsorship for teaching, academic research and applications development
- Work-integrated education workshops throughout the year so that COMP’s students can learn the latest technology trends and master the knowledge base and skillsets
- Professional consultancy for the setup and operation of the Smart Computing Laboratory, as well as facilitating applied research and hosting training workshops for students on key trends and technology solutions to support the COMP curriculum
- Annual competition and awards every year for high performing students and researchers who win the annual Innovation Competition, including cash prizes and intern placements of 1-3 months at Microsoft Hong Kong
- International exchange and exposure in Microsoft’s overseas offices for winners of annual competition
The PolyU-Microsoft Smart Computing Laboratory is expected to be in operation before the end of this 2014/2015 academic year.
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About PolyU
The (PolyU) is a university with a proud and illustrious history. Formerly known as the Hong Kong Polytechnic, the Institution assumed full university status in 1994. The University prides itself on its professional education and innovative research as well as close ties with business and industry. It is the largest publicly-funded tertiary institution in Hong Kong in terms of number of students, with over 32,000 full-time and part-time students, and a vast pool of more than 330,000 graduates.
PolyU website: www.polyu.edu.hk
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Hong Kong was established in 1991.
