************************************************

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, was impressed by the vigor and commitment of students, researchers and technologists engaged in new and innovative technology during a recent visit to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

During the visit yesterday (Thursday) evening, Mr Tung talked to students working in computer barns and gained first hand knowledge of the latest research work being conducted on campus.

The Chief Executive was met by the President, Professor Chia-Wei Woo, Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, Professor Otto Lin and members from the university faculty.

On arrival, Mr Tung met with a group of young entrepreneurs who had just graduated from the HKUST and together founded an information technology company, with the support of the Technology-based Business Incubation Programme organised by the Hong Kong Industrial Technology Centre Corporation (HKITCC) in conjunction with HKUST.

Through this programme, the company moved into the Tech Centre at the HKUST to develop its project on Authentication and Verification Interview System and Veriscribe System.

"I am pleased that young people can have such innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. Through them, I can see how we can turn our vision for new and innovative technology development into reality," Mr Tung said.

The university faculty briefed Mr Tung on the gradual shift of the culture in Hong Kong to model on the United States to commercialise research findings in universities and apply them to the industry.

Mr Tung exchanged views with the university faculty on the future development of new and innovative technology in Hong Kong; ways to encourage young people to engage in this field; and technological collaboration with the Mainland.

During the two-and-a-half-hour visit, Mr Tung chatted with students who were working on their projects late in the evening in the various computer barns. He also toured around several major laboratories and was briefed by researchers there on the projects they were working on. The laboratories visited included the Robot Manipulation Laboratory, Cyberspace Centre, Consumer Media Laboratory and Microelectronics Fabrication Facility.

Mr Tung learnt from the university faculty that many of these research projects were made possible as a result of the support from the Industry Department and the private sector.

"I am most impressed by the advanced research facilities at the HKUST and the very devoted and talented faculty and researchers there," Mr Tung said. "Their devotion and commitment to the development of new technology is a major driving force in enhancing our competitiveness," Mr Tung said.

"These research efforts in our academic community help to improve the quality of life and propel economic growth," Mr Tung said. "I am delighted to see so many bright and hardworking young people putting their heads together for the better future of Hong Kong."

"With their commitment and contributions, I see a community going forward with confidence in the development of new technology; and with their innovative minds, I see Hong Kong capable of taking a lead in the Information Age," Mr Tung said.

End/Friday, May 8, 1998

NNNN