An undated file photo shows a general view of Hong Kong Science Park, in Hong Kong. (PHOTO / VCG)
Hong Kong’s young entrepreneurs and scholars said the new development plan of twin science parks straddling Hong Kong’s border with Shenzhen will provide a promising opportunity for young professionals to take part in the nation’s scientific and technological advancements, and further drive the transformation of research breakthroughs.
Neil Ng Tin-lun, a tech innovation assistant researcher of Our Hong Kong Foundation, welcomed the plan. He said it includes policies that will help resolve problems that have long restricted Hong Kong-Shen-zhen tech collaboration and will allow Hong Kong’s young people to leverage Shenzhen’s enormous potential.
Ng highlighted the significant advantages presented by the plan to Hong Kong’s biotechnology sector, including support for the development of precision medicine, cell therapeutics, and drug/vaccine research by expediting approvals processes through the National Medical Products Administration GBA Centre.
The plan also proposes to relax the “negative list” for foreign investment, allowing Hong Kong firms to engage in previously restricted areas such as cell therapeutics, gene therapy, and medical equipment in the Shenzhen park, Ng said. He added that it will open up new investment and business windows for biopharmaceutical companies looking to expand in the cooperation zone.
These policy breakthroughs enhance job prospects for Hong Kong’s science graduates and encourage them to pursue their scientific passions and business ventures within the new zone, which has been described as “China’s new Silicon Valley”.
Mak Chi-hang, executive director of Shenzhen Tung Tak Sim Biotechnology and a Hong Kong doctoral student at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, said that the cooperation zone is expected to evolve into a hub of limitless possibilities, showcasing China’s innovative and courageous inno-tech pursuits.
Mak described the plan as timely as Hong Kong’s five leading universities have established research institutes and development centers in the cooperation zone, leading to remarkable advancements in research transfer and innovation.
He noted that the Shenzhen park focuses on supporting the development of high-tech industries, including the biopharmaceutical sector in which he is involved. He expressed the hope that these policies will attract more young Hong Kong entrepreneurs and innovators to Shenzhen, helping them to transfer their companies’ research achievements on to the Chinese mainland.
This will contribute to the innovation of traditional Chinese medicine and offer more favorable conditions for Hong Kong’s young people to engage in the nation’s development, Mak added.
Tomson Lau Shing-ho, another doctoral student from Hong Kong studying at the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, said the Hetao plan will play a significant role in fostering the development of talent in TCM.
He said he believes that the unique advantages of Hong Kong, such as its modern technologies and research capabilities, will help cultivate and promote a more modern and scientific perspective on TCM.
Suen Wang-yung, a Hong Kong young entrepreneur and director of China Econ-Tech Invest Corp, said the Hetao plan will create a comprehensive hub on the border of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and enhance the efficiency of people, goods, and capital flow.
He said this plan holds great potential for the Greater Bay Area to become an international platform, fostering the development of more researchers in the region. It also serves many Hong Kong scholars’ demands to establish a more internationally oriented platform on the mainland.
Suen said he believes that this plan carries immense significance for Hong Kong’s young people. Through this platform, many mainland scholars and researchers are expected to be attracted to the Greater Bay Area, which may also boost other development zones like Hengqin in Zhuhai and Nansha in Guangzhou. With the support of innovative policy measures, young researchers can better integrate with the global community and make a greater impact on the world, he added.
