HKT and ASTRI sign MoU to set up a Joint R&D Lab at the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park

HKT (SEHK: 6823) – HONG KONG, 21 April 2026 – HKT and Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to establish a Joint Research and Development Laboratory (the HKT-ASTRI Joint R&D Lab) at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP) in the Lok Ma Chau Loop. The initiative aims to advance digital transformation across enterprises, support the development of Hong Kong’s digital economy and smart city, and accelerate the city’s progress towards becoming an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub.

 

The MoU was jointly signed by Mr Steve Ng, Managing Director, Commercial Group at HKT and Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, witnessed by Ms Susanna Hui, Group Managing Director of HKT and Ir Prof Sunny Lee, Board Chairman of ASTRI. Mr Daniel Cheung, the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, who also attended as a guest of honour.

 

Under the MoU, HKT will leverage its strengths in fibre and mobile network and system integration capabilities, coupling with ASTRI ‘s research, development and innovation expertise to co-develop new products and solutions in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G/6G mobile technologies, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, low-altitude economy solutions, cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT).

 

The HKT-ASTRI Joint R&D Lab, located in Building 8 of HSITP, is among the first batch of projects to settle in after the park’s official opening last December. The lab’s establishment not only underscores HKT and ASTRI’s strong support for the Northern Metropolis development, but also enables both parties to leverage the park’s unique advantages in convening I&T talent and expertise from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Benefiting from the nation’s “early and pilot implementation” policies, the Joint R&D Lab will serve as an ideal platform for technology testing, cross‑boundary collaboration, and technology transfer.

 

Mr Daniel Cheung, the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy of the HKSAR Government, said, “The establishment of the Joint R&D Lab signifies Hong Kong’s commitment to advancing AI and digital transformation. It further consolidates Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T centre, injecting strong momentum into the development of new quality productive forces and digital transformation. It is a decision with great strategic vision to establish the Joint R&D Lab in the HSITP. The Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone is a key measure of the HKSAR Government to align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Joint R&D Lab will be able to fully seize the enormous opportunities of regional collaboration. The Government hopes the R&D outcomes can deliver impactful and practical solutions that support digital transformation in the private sector, empower enterprises with new impetus, and strengthen their competitiveness, while improving the efficiency of public services to benefit society at large at the same time.”

 

Ms Susanna Hui, Group Managing Director of HKT, said, “As Hong Kong’s leading technology solutions enabler, HKT is a steadfast supporter of innovation, committed to playing a bridging role between innovation and the market. Leveraging our network infrastructure, industry partner ecosystem, and our large customer base, we offer testing platforms, data environments, and go-to-market channels to accelerate the translation of research outcomes into market-ready products and solutions. By working together with ASTRI, we will deepen collaboration in areas such as AI, 5G/6G, and LEO satellite technology. This initiative fully aligns with the vision of the National 15TH Five-Year Plan, helping reinforce Hong Kong’s role as an international I&T hub and transform Hong Kong’s I&T strengths into tangible economic momentum, contributing to the nation’s pursuit of high-level technological self-reliance.”

 

Ir Prof Sunny Lee, Board Chairman of ASTRI, said, “This year marks the commencement of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which emphasises the advancement of original innovation and development of core technologies, and supports the “AI Plus” technologies. We are honored to set up joint laboratory at HSITP during this pivotal moment. We look forward to working closely with HKT to develop AI-enabled advanced information and communications technologies, enhancing enterprises’ competitiveness across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to address evolving business challenges. We are committed to developing a comprehensive I&T chain, facilitating co-ordinated development of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, and accelerating the translation of R&D outcomes from the lab to market. Through these efforts, we aim to elevate the standing of Hong Kong technologies on the global stage and promote the city’s high-quality economic development.”

 

In addition, HKT applies ASTRI’s patented AI Intrusion Detection and Prevention System to its 2500MB broadband service, developing an AI Firewall solution tailored for SMEs. It helps businesses detect and block cyber intrusions, providing a simpler and more cost-effective approach to cybersecurity for SMEs.