May 16, 2011

Since its establishment, with the help from the industry, academia and the Government, the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization (HKBIO) has always been dedicated to promote biotechnology as a sustainable industry in Hong Kong as well as to educate people from different fields on general knowledge about biotechnology.

On May 16, 2011 (Monday), HKBIO had the privilege to hold a welcoming reception for Professor Bruce ALBERTS at the Hong Kong Jockey Club in Happy Valley. Professor ALBERTS is the Editor-in-Chief of Scienceand a United States Science Envoy. He is also a Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco, to which he returned after serving two six-year terms as the president of the National Academy of Sciences(NAS). Professor ALBERTS is also noted as one of the original authors of The Molecular Biology of the Cell, a preeminent textbook in the field.

Our special guests for the evening include The Honourable Mr. LEUNG Chun-Ying, GBS, JP, the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council, The Honourable Mrs. Regina IP LAU Suk-Yee, GBS, JP, the Legislative Council Member, Ir. Dr. the Honourable Samson Wai-Ho TAM, JP, the Legislative Council Member, Prof. Tong F. CHAN, the President of The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, and Mr. Nicholas BROOKE, the Chairman of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks. Together with guests from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R., the U.S. Commercial Service Hong Kong, local universities and prominent trade organizations, as well as Council Members, Advisors and Fellows of HKBIO, participants shared a wonderful evening with exchange of opinions on science and technology development in Hong Kong.

Prof. Albert Cheung-Hoi YU, HKBIO's Chairman gave a warm welcome to Prof. ALBERTS during the opening speech. He also mentions that this evening reception is a good start of biotechnology exchange between the U.S. and Hong Kong. 
Prof. Bruce ALBERTS said he was pleased to represent the U.S. biotechnology industry and to share his experience here. He hopes that this kind of beneficial events could be held more frequently in the future. Prof. ALBERTS also added that biotechnology is rapidly growing in Asia with a very prosperous future. 
The Honourable LEUNG Chun-Ying, GBS, JP stressed on HKSAR Government's role in promoting Hong Kong as Asia's biotechnology hub, where people from various countries and the mainland China could exchange thoughts and opinions on collaboration and cooperation. 
The Honourable Mrs. Regina IP LAU Suk-Yee, GBS, JP mentioned that life sciences industries in Hong Kong have their unique culture of developing without much Government support, while awaiting something more proactive from the government. 
Mr. Nicholas BROOKE said the Government could provide more support to the biotechnology industry in Hong Kong in order to increase international visibility. Hong Kong Science Park will continue to promote and support Hong Kong's biotechnology industry.

Please click here for the Event Summary in pdf version. For media enquiries, please contact Ms. Otata LI (2799-7688) of the HKBIO Secretariat.