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The Hong Kong Special Administration Region Government would strive to develop innovation and technology into an important budding industry through the development of Science Park Phase 3 and a series of supporting policies, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said today (March 1).
Officiating with Professor Charles K Kao and Mrs Kao at the naming ceremony of the Charles K Kao Auditorium in Hong Kong Science Park, Mr Tsang said Professor Kao's achievements in research and development (R&D) were remarkable.
Professor Kao drastically changed modern communication through fibre optics which transmitted boundless knowledge and information far and wide, laying a modernised foundation for the knowledge-based society of today. His winning of the Nobel Prize in Physics last year was truly deserved, Mr Tsang said.
"Professor Kao's achievement has promoted youngsters' interest in innovation and technology, and enhanced public awareness of the importance of technology to improving life and social development."
"As Professor Kao said in his biography, perseverance is the key to success. His steadfast belief eventually led him to success. I wish to take this opportunity to share this encouragement with our R&D personnel and the youngsters, whose strenuous efforts in R&D can turn Hong Kong into a first class knowledge-based metropolis."
Actively participating in the preparation of the Science Park, Professor Kao was a member of the first Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation in 1998. The Hong Kong Science Park now has more than 300 local and overseas science and technology companies, and nearly 7,000 R&D personnel working there, making it the flagship of innovation and technology development in Hong Kong.
As the architectural landmark in the Science Park, Charles K Kao Auditorium has 288 seats and is fitted with advanced equipment, including optical fibre cables, projectors and screens and multi-media facilities. Since its inception in 2007, the auditorium has provided the venue for seminars and events for companies located inside and outside the park. An exhibition on Professor Kao's life and achievements will also be held in the auditorium.
The naming ceremony was co-hosted by the Government and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. Other officiating guests included the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Mr Duncan Pescod, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Miss Janet Wong, Chairman of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Nicholas Brooke, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr E Anthony Tan.
Ends/Monday, March 1, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:39
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