Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this Monday (29 April) with BGI College, an education centre of BGI Group. Through developing joint professional programmes and conducting joint training and research, the collaboration aims to nurture talent and drive the development of life sciences in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the country.

Witnessed by HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing and BGI Group Vice President and BGI Global Development Executive Vice President Dr Li Ning, the MoU was signed by HKMU Vice President (Resources and Development) Prof. Lui Yu-hon and BGI College Vice Dean Dr Xiao Minfeng.

HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing said, “Signing of the MoU with BGI College provides not only new collaboration opportunities between the two institutions, but also a more diversified platform for development, learning and research among academics and students of HKMU. HKMU and BGI College will strengthen their collaboration in exploring the development of teaching and research in life sciences, thereby providing additional learning opportunities and research development platforms for HKMU students and nurturing outstanding life science professionals for society.”

BGI College Vice Dean Dr Xiao Minfeng said, “BGI College leverages BGI's comprehensive 'research-education-industry' platform with big data, big science, big industry and big health to advocate 'practical project training for industry development' and establish an innovative platform that complements the current life science education. The alignment of the spirit of openness and freedom in both BGI and HKMU fosters the opportunity for both parties to further explore deeper and broader cooperation, jointly pioneering new frontiers in education and technology.”

HKMU will leverage its academic resources and pedagogical experience, together with BGI College's expertise in bioinformatics and biotechnology, to collaborate on a range of initiatives. These include developing joint undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in cutting-edge areas, such as medical bioinformatics, applied health informatics and biotechnology. Through its established network with local hospitals, HKMU will also provide students with opportunities for in-depth medical learning and practice.

Regarding student training, HKMU and BGI College will launch a joint training programme to enable students to learn about and acquire the latest technology and knowledge in the medical and biological scientific research industries. A training platform will be established at HKMU, with BGI College providing courses in bioinformatics, multi-omics and other relevant areas. Also, HKMU students will have the opportunity to receive short- or long-term training at BGI College in Shenzhen.

In addition, both institutions will initiate research collaboration to promote technology transfer and co-organise conferences, symposia and academic exchanges to further enhance cooperation and development in the field of life sciences.