While digital connectivity is improving our lives and economies, the risk of cyber attacks is increasing as well. Cyber security has now become a priority for governments and organisations around the world.

In response to the growing demand for cyber security professionals in different industries, HKU SPACE signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 December 2018 with the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI), and Dragon Threat Labs Ltd (DTL) to foster academic collaboration, and develop cyber security programmes to help cultivate more talent in this field.

The MOU was signed by Professor William K. M. Lee, Director of HKU SPACE; Dr Lucas Hui, Senior Director of Security and Data Sciences at ASTRI; and Mr Daniel Kelly, Director of DTL. The signing was witnessed by the Hon Charles Peter Mok, JP, Legislative Councillor.

Speaking at the Signing Ceremony, Professor William K.M. Lee, Director of HKU SPACE, said, “Since our establishment in 1957, HKU SPACE has launched many innovative programmes to equip students with the professional skills to thrive and prosper in the ever-changing socio-economic environment. Today, there is a pressing need to nurture cyber security talent to support the growth of the innovative technology industry in Hong Kong. This MOU commits us to working closely together to develop professional experts in cyber security. Each party will leverage its unique capabilities and resources to strengthen the digital technology ecosystem including academic exchanges and organising relevant activities.”

ASTRI was set up by the Hong Kong Government in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research.

Dr Lucas Hui, Senior Director of Security and Data Sciences at ASTRI, said, “As a major global economic hub, Hong Kong thrives on its banking and business sectors. To safeguard our economic activities, and to help drive future growth and prosperity, we need to secure our information, processes and systems. Building a strong pipeline of cybersecurity talent is essential to achieving that goal. ASTRI’s R&D experts will teach and train students with practical and industry-relevant content. Our Cyber Range facility will also allow the students to enjoy hands-on simulated exercises.”

Founded in 2015, DTL is a non-profit organisation based in Hong Kong that focuses on cyber security. One of its major objectives is to nurture more talent in cyber security to help organisations and protect our community against cyber attacks. It is well-known internationally and collaborates with many international companies and alliances. Together they will provide a collective of experts from different fields and backgrounds to share the most up-to-date information on Cyber Security.