June 3 , 2010

Report of the Inauguration Ceremony of Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization on June 3, 2010

CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday 3 June marked the day Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization (HKBIO) was inaugurated. The inauguration ceremony was a memorable experience for everyone who attended. On this day, the Charles K. Kao Auditorium at Hong Kong Science Park fitted out to welcome more than 250 guests, including government leaders and officials, industry and commercial representatives, academicians and members of affiliated associations.

The ceremony began with a welcoming address by Chairman of HKBIO, Prof. Albert Cheung-Hoi Yu. In his speech, Prof. Yu spoke about HKBIO’scommitment towards the world’s biotechnology future and he emphasized the importance of strengthening Hong Kong’s biotechnology industry with the economy heading into a knowledge era. “Technological innovation can make effective use of science for the benefit of people and agriculture, and improving the environment,” said Prof. Yu. “Biotechnology is changing the world, andwith the development that Hong Kong has already made in this area to date, we arein a position of unprecedented strength to cultivate and excel biotechnology to achieve benefits for the economy.”

Following Prof. Yu’s welcome speech was the first guest of honor speaker Ms. Janet Wong Wing-chen (JP), Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, who presented a solid overview of the advances that biotechnology has made over the past decade. Ms. Wong pointed out that the local biotechnology industry is steadily growing, emphasizing Hong Kong biotechnology as an ‘upcoming high value-added industry with tremendous potential.’ With the Hong Kong government actively developing more high value-added industries, among them innovation and technology, Ms. Wong announced that she looks forward to closer cooperation between HKBIO and the Innovation and Technology Commission, to help grow biotechnology in Hong Kong.

Mrs. Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee (GBS, JP), Legco Member, was the second guest of honor speaker. In her speech, Mrs. Regina Ip talked about the need todevelop high-tech industry if Hong Kong is to take a pivotal role in China’s development. The potential for biotechnology in Hong Kong is huge as she stated, recalling her university teacher previously saying that ‘biotechnology is this century’. For Hong Kong to realize its potential, Mrs. Ip explained that Hong Kong should strengthen its scientific infrastructure and commercialization strategies with management and clear direction.

The final guest of honor speaker was Mr. E. Anthony Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP). Mr. Tan spoke on the activities and programs that HKSTP offers in support of the growth and development of biotechnology. With innovation and technology sector identified as one of the six primary economic areas of potential and growth, HKSTP expects to be a key contributor towards this realization.

After the ceremony speeches, HKBIO Chairman Prof. Yu presented souvenir gifts to all the guest of honors and honorary fellows of HKBIO including Prof. Albert Chan Sun Chi (President-elect of Hong Kong Baptist University, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences), Prof. Pan Yong Hua (Director-General of Education and Science Department, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR), Prof. Walter Ho Kwok Keung (Managing Director of Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology, Vice Chairman of HKBIO) and Prof. Che Chi Ming (Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences).

A group photo of honorary guests, honorary fellows, council members and special guests was then taken proceeding to ribbon-cutting marking the inauguration of HKBIO. During ribbon-cutting, both Ms. Janet Wong and Prof. Pan Yong Hua annunciated “HKBIO is officially inaugurated”. The sounds of their words reverberated through the auditorium as hundreds of balloons poured down through audience and guests.

Front row (L to R):Prof. Albert Chan Sun Chi, Mr. E. Anthony Tan, Ms. Janet Wong Wing Chen, Prof. Albert Cheung-Hoi Yu, Prof. Pan Yong Hua, Mrs. Regina Ip Lau Suk-Yee, Prof. Walter Ho Kwok Keung, Prof. Che Chi Ming.

Back row (L to R): Prof. Wendy Hsiao Wen-Luan, Dr. Lui Ming Wah, Mr. Peter Wong Kwok Keung, Mr. Geoffrey Woodhead, Dr. Terence Lok-Ting Lau, Dr. Wilton Chau Chi Wai, Dr. Chu Kee Hung, Dr. Bernard Chan Pak-Li.

After the ceremony guests gathered outside the auditorium for networking reception and an optional tour of the Hong Kong Science Park was organized, courtesy of HKSTP.

For event details and photo galleries, please refer to the full report in pdf

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