National Engineering Research Center for Marine Ecological Environment Monitoring Technology Inaugurated in Hong Kong

To thoroughly implement China’s national strategy of building a Maritime Power and to promote technological innovation in marine ecological environment protection, the National Engineering Research Center of Advanced Technology and Equipment for Water Environment Pollution Monitoring and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) jointly established the National Engineering Research Center for Marine Ecological Environment Monitoring Technology, which was officially inaugurated in Hong Kong on October 27, 2025. The establishment of this center marks a new milestone in the technological outreach of the National Engineering Research Center. The inauguration ceremony invited Ms. Diane Wong Shuk-han, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, together with Mr. Mohamed Butt, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr. Zhang Guangsheng, Director of the National Engineering Research Center, and over 100 leaders from the HKSAR Government, business sector, academia, and research institutions. The event witnessed a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s advancement in marine technology innovation and the development of new-quality productivity.

Building a National-Level Platform to Support the Development of "Port 2.0"

The establishment of the Marine Ecological Environment Monitoring Technology Center is a key component of the blueprint for building a marine science and technology innovation system. The Center will focus on R&D of marine ecological environment monitoring technologies and innovative equipment, with emphasis on water quality management, marine ecological protection, and the sustainable use of fisheries and renewable resources. It aims to foster breakthroughs in key technologies and accelerate the transformation of scientific achievements, supporting Hong Kong in building an intelligent and green port system and moving toward the “Port 2.0” era.

Ms. Diane Wong Shuk-han stated that the Marine Ecological Environment Monitoring Technology Center will serve as an important platform, leveraging national-level research strengths and Hong Kong’s international advantages to promote marine science and technology innovation and the development of the blue economy. Mr. Mohamed Butt remarked that the marine economy is one of the key directions for future development. The establishment of the Marine Ecological Environment Monitoring Technology Center signifies a new stage for Hong Kong in the field of marine technology. HKPC will fully support the Center in bringing together research strengths from Hong Kong, the Mainland, and abroad to advance R&D and application of marine ecological environment monitoring technologies and innovative products, accelerate technology transfer and industrial upgrading, and contribute to the marine economic development.

Thematic Speeches and In-depth Exchanges

The event also featured a thematic exchange session where leading experts shared insights on a range of topics. Keynote speakers included Mr. Hou Liang, Executive Director and Senior Engineer of Lihe Technology; Dr. Keith Choy, General Manager of the Green Living and Innovation Division of HKPC; Prof. Gong Shanling, Professor at the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences; Prof. Leung Mei Yee, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health at the City University of Hong Kong; and Prof. Gong Xiaofeng, Director of the Institute of Emerging Industry Development in the Greater Bay Area. They delivered insightful speeches on topics such as the progress and development roadmap of the National Engineering Research Center, development planning of the Marine Ecological Environment Monitoring Technology Center, AI-driven atmospheric and ocean coupled systems, enhancing marine resource monitoring through eDNA technology, and building modern industrial systems and developing new-quality productivity. The speakers shared cutting-edge insights and engaged in deep exchanges with participants.

Technology Extension: Building an International Platform

As an extension of a national-level scientific research platform, the Marine Ecological Environment Monitoring Technology Center will focus on four key areas:

1. R&D of core technologies and equipment for marine ecological environment monitoring;

2. Joint scientific research and technological collaboration;

3. Integrated applications in marine pollution prevention, ecological restoration, and intelligent monitoring systems;

4. Alignment with international standards and cooperation in testing technology and certification.

Leveraging its AI Intelligent Testing Laboratory and Smart Monitoring Equipment System, the Center aims to establish a new model of automated, high-throughput, and high-precision marine ecological monitoring, and build an international platform for technology transfer and industrial cooperation.