PCCW Global, the international operating division of HKT, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong’s Policy Research Institute of Global Supply Chain (PRISC). The two signatories will collaborate in conducting high-level academic research covering the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, focusing on major projects involving smart city applications and infrastructure, as well as technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and cloud computing.

PCCW Global and PRISC will carry out research in areas including dissemination of information combined with predictive and big data analytics, involving the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and blockchain, all to meet business demands globally.

In a related development, PCCW Global and the Administration Committee of Hengqin New District recently signed a collaborative agreement to explore the prospect of building and operating AI training facilities, as well as demonstration and operation centers, in Hengqin in the Greater Bay Area.

PCCW Global and PRISC intend to build a research and training center at Hengqin to facilitate high-level research, while combining academic thinking with the wealth of technological and commercial know-how held by a truly global telecommunications provider. The move is aimed to facilitate the next wave of smart city applications and technologies to meet the needs of both the Greater Bay Area as well as major projects around the world.

Smart city applications involve the exchange of data and connection of citizens in one environment via sustainable enabling technologies exemplified by the IoT and cloud computing. The best smart cities have distinguished themselves by harnessing technology to improve the quality of life for their citizens.

The collaboration project will be overseen by PRISC’s Dr. George Ho (Principal Investigator), together with Dr. Collin Wong and Dr. Jack Wu at the School of Decision Sciences.

Mr. Craig Price, Senior Vice President, Mobility Product Development and Marketing, Mobility and Voice, PCCW Global (4th from left), and Dr. Collin Wong, Associate Dean (External) of School of Decision Sciences, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (4th from right), sign the MoU to develop smart city applications and technologies.