Following is the opening speech by the Acting Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Dr David Chung, at the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) Automotive Parts and Accessory Systems (APAS) R&D Centre Showcase 2018 today (July 26):
Willy (Chairman of the HKPC, Mr Willy Lin), Mohamed (Executive Director of the HKPC, Mr Mohamed Din Butt), Lawrence (Chief Executive Officer of the HKPC APAS R&D Centre, Dr Lawrence Cheung), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. I am pleased to be here today to join the APAS R&D Centre Showcase 2018.
The Automotive Parts and Accessory Systems R&D Centre was established with funding support from the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) in 2006. Since then, the APAS has been striving to promote and co-ordinate applied research in key area of automotive parts technology, and work closely with the industry to encourage investment in local R&D and drive commercialisation of R&D results. All these are meant to build a vibrant I&T ecosystem and connect the Government, industry, academia and research sectors for technology collaboration.
The APAS has been committed in providing technical support to enterprises interested in entering the automotive parts industry, and supporting small and medium enterprises in developing technologies for electric vehicle industry. Since its establishment, APAS has commenced over 120 research projects, involving a total project cost of over $400 million. The amount of industry income for APAS increased by 175% from $9.7 million in 2016-17 to $26.7 million in 2017-18, demonstrating its growing support from the industry.
To complement the efforts of R&D centres, the Government endeavours to create a favourable environment for R&D centres. Take a few new moves as examples, a five-year pilot Technology Talent Scheme will be introduced this quarter. Under this Scheme, a Postdoctoral Hub programme will provide funding support to ITF recipients, including R&D Centres, to recruit up to two postdoctoral talent for R&D work. Furthermore, the Legislative Council Finance Committee just approved our proposal to allow R&D Centres to retain their commercialisation income for use in more strategic activities, such as technology and market analyses, infrastructure building, staff development or experimental projects. We hope that this will further incentivise commercialisation of R&D results.
Throughout the years, the APAS contributed significantly to I&T development in Hong Kong through nurturing research talent and winning international recognition for their innovations. The event today is a good occasion for APAS to showcase its R&D deliverables to the industry, partners and other stakeholders, and collect their views on future development of APAS. Through today's fruitful exchanges with experts and industry leaders on the latest market needs and development, APAS will surely be able to develop strategies that can provide even better support for the industry’s sustainable development and global competitiveness.
I wish the event a great success. Thank you.
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