The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Engineering FinTech Applied Research Academy (CEFAR) and A China-based innovative technology provider recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), strengthening their strategic partnership by launching the 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion programme, to attract and develop students interested in financial technology careers.
Scheduled to launch in the second half of 2022, the collaboration aims to foster a strong and growing FinTech ecosystem by bringing together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia and research, to contribute to young talent development, and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation hub and accelerate the development of the Greater Bay Area, which are among the key priorities of the Central and HKSAR governments.
As part of the MOU, selected CUHK students can join the company’s global FinTech training programme 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion, including enrolment in its online FinTech courses and dialogue series. Students who aspire to pursue a career in FinTech can also join the 10×1000 community to interact with trainers, tutors and other members globally, and exchange ideas and knowledge.
This collaboration builds on CUHK and the company’s relationship exploring more possibilities for the application of digital innovations, which have included the firm’s offer of more than 100 R&D vacancies for CUHK graduates last year. The company will also provide speaking opportunities where industry practitioners can share knowledge, in addition to offering internship opportunities and recruitment support.
Later this year, the innovative technology provider will sponsor two Industrial Projects for CUHK Master of Science in Financial Technology students, who will take up the challenges of solving real-life problems by applying the knowledge and skills they have learnt in class, with guidance and supervision from the company. Topics for the projects include how FinTech will drive the further development of Ant’s business.
The MOU was signed by Professor Martin D. F. Wong, Dean of CUHK’s Faculty of Engineering, and the Executive Vice-President of Strategy Development and Government Affairs of the company’s branch that oversees the GBA region.
Professor Wong remarked that since its inception in 2020, CEFAR has successfully undertaken many applied research projects. The collaboration with the innovative technology provider means the academy has strengthened another connection with the industry, elevating our efforts to develop a larger pool of FinTech talents to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s future.
She noted that CUHK is a world-renowned university and its Faculty of Engineering is widely recognised as a pioneer in developing our next generation of technology leaders. The company is honoured to partner with CEFAR to expand the range of opportunities that can be offered to the students in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area who will be shaping the FinTech industry’s future.
As the university works toward a shared commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation centre, they will support academic exchanges, sharing of thought leadership, student internships, recruitment efforts and career counselling.
About CEFAR
To meet the demand for FinTech applied research and talent development in Hong Kong, the Faculty of Engineering at CUHK has set up CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research Academy (CEFAR Academy), to achieve the following objectives:
- Chart directions in, promote and accelerate applied research in FinTech applications to reinforce the position of Hong Kong as an International Financial Centre.
- Foster a strong and growing FinTech ecosystem, comprising key stakeholders from Government, Industry, Academia and Research in contributing to FinTech applied research and talent development and deepen such engagement.
- Create theme-based/domain-based project repositories by categorizing FinTech applied research problems/business opportunities and the associated research findings.
- Develop a steady pipeline of FinTech talents, equipped with strong applied research capabilities to meet industry demands.
