The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Hong Kong (HKU), a commitment to nurturing the talent of tomorrow and creating the FinTech expertise of the future.
The agreement will see both parties develop the Technology Oriented Practitioner (TOP) programme.
This is a Work-Study Scheme for first-year students enrolled on the MSc programme in FinTech and Data Analytics at HKU, with ASTRI providing paid full-time employment for up to 30 students for a nine-month period and assigning them to one of ASTRI’s many ongoing FinTech projects. These include a smart credit assessment that helps SMEs secure loans or an AI-driven data analytics platform that empowers more effective risk management, keeping our society safer and smarter.
The Commissioner for Innovation and Technology Rebecca Pun Ting-ting JP witnessed the signing ceremony at the University of Hong Kong.
Hugh Chow, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, said: “We are fully committed to building a bridge of talent between academia and the industry and we are thrilled to be offering this opportunity to future talent in Hong Kong to gain invaluable work experience at such a crucial part of their studies.
“Being a world-leader in FinTech is vital to Hong Kong’s future success and a crucial aspect of the role we will play in the Greater Bay Area, making the most of our city’s unique advantages. We are therefore thrilled to be making such an important contribution to the development of future talent.”
Professor Christopher Chao, Dean of HKU Engineering, added: “FinTech is one of the fastest growing areas in business today. Our Department of Computer Science had recently launched a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Technology [(BASc (FinTech)] and a brand-new interdisciplinary Master’s degree in Financial Technology and Data Analytics for 2021 which aim at nurturing financial technologists and entrepreneurs with essential knowledge in both finance and technology. Through the Work-Study Scheme, our students can gain practical experience and get prepared to contribute to the development of the FinTech industry in Hong Kong and in the region.”
