The Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre (APAS), hosted by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), recently facilitated the “APAS Automotive Technology Summit 2023: New Energy and the Hydrogen Chapter.” The aim was to promote the rapid development of the new energy and hydrogen industry by sharing government initiatives, technological breakthroughs and business prospects within the automotive sector.
The Chairman of HKPC, along with the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, the Chief Executive Officer of APAS, and esteemed industry experts and leaders, came together to officiate the event. Industry experts and leaders from both local and international backgrounds gathered to discuss the latest advancements in automotive technology.
Additionally, APAS signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with automotive industry partners from Mainland China, fostering deeper collaboration and knowledge exchange in the technological domain.
The Chairman of HKPC emphasised the significance of strategic emerging industries outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, such as new energy, new energy vehicles, and green environmental protection. The development of hydrogen energy technology was specifically highlighted during the recent “two sessions” of the National Committee.
The HKSAR Government also prioritises the growth of the hydrogen energy industry, the promotion of green transportation, and the advancement of green environmental protection and new energy vehicles. In addition to driving automotive technology R&D and application in Hong Kong, APAS is committed to practical measures that align with government policies. These include the promotion of new energy and hydrogen energy utilisation, with the ultimate goal of establishing Hong Kong as a sustainable and liveable smart city.
The Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry highlighted the significance of new energy technology as a prominent field of innovation in the present era. It was emphasised that new energy technology is among the strategic emerging industries outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan.
The Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, released by the HKSAR Government in December of the previous year, also emphasised the importance of developing industries like advanced manufacturing and new energy technology.
The advanced new energy technology industry holds the potential to address climate change, achieve carbon neutrality objectives, and promote the growth of green industries. The HKSAR Government remains dedicated to promoting green transportation, new energy vehicles, and smart mobility initiatives while actively supporting APAS in its research and development efforts and technology transfer endeavours within relevant domains.
During the event, APAS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an industry partner with the aim of jointly advancing the new energy vehicle industry in the Greater Bay Area. The collaboration seeks to provide technical support for regulations and policies related to new energy and connected vehicles in the region, facilitate the adoption of new energy vehicles, and foster cooperation in the development, testing, and certification of new energy vehicles.
Additionally, APAS signed an MoU with a company that manufactures and distributes fuel cell products to strengthen their partnership in deploying hydrogen energy technology in the transportation and stationary battery market sectors. The agreement also aims to expand the application of hydrogen energy technology to other industries in Hong Kong, enhancing its usage in various sectors.
During the event, industry experts delivered presentations on various topics, including the latest advancements and business prospects in new energy and hydrogen energy technologies, Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality policy, and the development of the new energy vehicle market in Mainland China.
Over 100 industry stakeholders attended the presentations, aiming to explore opportunities and address challenges in the promotion of new energy and hydrogen energy technologies. The objective was to facilitate the sustainable development of the automotive industry by collectively seeking solutions and opportunities in the field.
In addition to hosting the Summit, APAS, as a key driving force in the advancement of automotive technology in Hong Kong, presented a range of market-oriented projects at the event. These projects, developed over the past year, included noteworthy innovations such as the AI-Based Car Exhaust Noise Detector, Heavy-Duty Fully Self-Driving Transporter, Roadside LiDAR and V2X Communication System, Departure Alert System for Minibuses, and Crane Position Monitoring System.
