To foster intellectual exchange among life sciences entrepreneurs and advance technological innovation and investment, Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) and Swiss Biotech Association co-organized the “Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Conference: Perspectives from Hong Kong and Switzerland” with sponsorship from Invest Hong Kong. Today’s conference successfully convened leading experts, entrepreneurs, and investors from Hong Kong and Switzerland to share insights and practical experiences in life sciences entrepreneurship and investment. Speakers engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the current state and future trends of life sciences entrepreneurship and its ecosystem, thereby exploring potential investment opportunities and collaborations to drive sustainable industry growth.

Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR, in a pre-recorded speech extended her sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society and the Swiss Biotech Association for facilitating this invaluable opportunity for professionals from both regions to connect, share and collaborate. She said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to promoting innovation and technology (I&T) development. The Government adopted an industry-oriented approach and identified technology industries with an edge and of strategic importance to Hong Kong, such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology. To put Hong Kong’s advantages in scientific research in good use, a HKD 6 billion has been allocated to support local universities in setting up life and health technology research institutes and foster cross university/institutional and multi-disciplinary collaboration in life and health sciences research. The Government will continue to support entrepreneurs, researchers, and science organizations to make Hong Kong a life sciences innovation hub. As part of the Greater Bay Area and a gateway to Mainland China and APEC, Hong Kong offers unique research and business opportunities.

Mr Daniel Freihofer, Consul General of Switzerland in Hong Kong, stated, “Bringing together brilliant minds from Hong Kong and Switzerland to exchange ideas, share experiences and spark new collaborations is exactly the kind of initiative that strengthens our already strong ties. Switzerland is home to more than 1,000 biotech and life sciences companies, covering everything from pharmaceuticals and medical technology to next-generation therapies. There is already strong Swiss engagement in Hong Kong’s biotech sector. More Swiss start-ups and investors are looking to this region as an exciting place for expansion and collaboration. Collaboration has always been a driving force behind breakthrough innovation and I have no doubt that the connections made here will help shape the future of biotech in both regions.” 

Mr Antony Leung, Vice Chairperson of HKLSS; Chairman of Nan Fung Group and Chairman and Co-founder, New Frontier Group, said, “The life sciences sector is at the forefront of addressing critical global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. Translational research, particularly in biomedical sciences, demands highly trained talent, interdisciplinary collaborations, a mature capital market, and access to a large consumer market. This conference is the first key event of HKLSS this year, where counterparts from Switzerland, Hong Kong and Mainland China gather to explore the current and future trends in life sciences entrepreneurship and investment. This exemplifies our two visions: first, to foster international and interdisciplinary collaborations; and second, to help position Hong Kong as a life sciences hub for talent, research, and investment. We hope to build a vibrant life sciences ecosystem for Hong Kong and the region.

Dr Bettina Ernst, Vice-President, Swiss Biotech Association and Chief Executive Officer, BERNINA BioInvest, who possesses over 10 years of experience in healthcare ventures, shared, “Today’s event is a reminder of the power of partnerships—whether it’s between start-ups and investors, or researchers and entrepreneurs. By building bridges between Switzerland and Hong Kong, we are not only creating opportunities for growth but also shaping the future of life sciences together. The exchange of ideas between academia, government, and industry leaders demonstrated the collaborative spirit required to drive this sector forward. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of our speakers, panelists, moderators, and participants for making this event a resounding success.” 

Insightful Sharing from Experts, Accompanied by Start-ups Showcases

Dr Qiusong Tang, Head of Roche Accelerator, shared insights in the plenary session on “Catalyzing Biotech Innovation in Hong Kong: Bridging Swiss Excellence to China’s Ecosystem”. He emphasized Roche's commitment to advancing biotech innovation through strategic partnerships and investments. By strengthening industry partnerships, harnessing China’s innovative capabilities, and leveraging the diverse R&D strengths among Hong Kong, China's Mainland, and Switzerland, the synergy can unlock potential and accelerate growth, ultimately contributing to global life sciences breakthroughs. 

Dr Eric Adam, Chief Operations Officer, HAYA Therapeutics SA, shared the company’s focus on RNA therapeutics for cellular reprogramming to treat rare and chronic diseases. He introduced its lead program and vision for heart failure treatment, which aim to enter phase 1a clinical trials next year. 

One of the conference highlights was the outstanding start-ups that showcase their technologies and products to counterparts. Speakers from Swiss start-ups include Mr Erik van den Berg, Chief Executive Officer, Memo-Therapeutics AG; Dr Christian Leisner, Chief Executive Officer and Director, CDR-Life AG; and Dr Andrea Chicca, Chief Executive Officer, Synendos Therapeutics AG. They introduced their corporate philosophies and unique edges via live streaming. This session was moderated by Ms Tinnie Chau, Principal, Private Equity, Ally Bridge Group.

On the Hong Kong side, Dr Lydia Leung, Chief Executive Officer, Belun Technology; Prof Zongli Zheng, Co-Founder and Chairman, GenEditBio; and Dr Eddy Wu, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Arctic Vision, presented to onsite and online audience. This session was moderated by Dr Chuen Yan Leung, Partner (Healthcare Investment), Value Partners Group and Co-founder, Silver Dart Capital.

Bilateral Knowledge Exchange: Unveiling New Investment and Collaboration Opportunities

The conference also explored the potential in investing and enhancing biotech ecosystems. Dr Igor Fisch, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, NewBiologix; and President, FONGIT, presented via live streaming on start-up incubation. He introduced FONGIT, a non-profit foundation based in Geneva, which supports over 220 biotech start-ups by offering coaching, financing, space and labs, among other resources. The platform has resulted in over 250 patents and new products.

Mr Emmanuel Hui, Member of the Advisory Board of HKLSS and Chief Executive Officer, Tiger Jade Pebble Accelerator, brought a wealth of knowledge in start-up acceleration anchored in Hong Kong. As founder of an early-stage biomedical accelerator, he outlined that healthy start-up development relies on regulatory clarity, market-driven KPIs, an effective business model, and good marketing. Compared with Switzerland, he believes Hong Kong has a comparable population, quality of academia, and a free economy, but it will take time for Hong Kong to build on its heritage of translational science. He looks forward to the day that Hong Kong will have as many homegrown pharmaceutical giants as Switzerland does.

In a fireside discussion moderated by Dr Bettina Ernst, panelists Dr Eric Adam; Mr Emmanuel Hui; Dr Grace SN Lau, Head of Life and Health Technology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; Prof Anderson Shum, President, The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences; and Mr Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology, Invest Hong Kong, provided valuable insights into fostering the robust growth of Hong Kong's life sciences ecosystem. They conducted a comparative analysis of the ecosystem development in both regions, highlighting similarities and differences. It is a shared objective for the organizers, supporting organizations and participants to foster mutual learning and the adoption of best practices, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel investment prospects and collaborative opportunities.

On 12th October, the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS or the Society) held a Presentation Ceremony at the AIRSIDE headquarters of Nan Fung Group for the Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards (the Scholarship Awards), honoring 10 outstanding undergraduate students in life sciences and biomedical science. Like last year, this year’s selection process utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate applicants’ overall abilities in the first round, followed by a second-round interview which served to identify students with the greatest potential.

Over 100 Nominations Received, Recipients from 5 Local Universities

The Scholarship Awards were established in 2022 by HKLSS with a goal of supporting outstanding undergraduate students to pursue life sciences or biomedical studies in local universities. The Awards have received overwhelming responses since its inauguration, and this year made no exception as over 100 nominations were received. The 10 recipients who stood out are second- or third-year students from City University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong, who are studying in related fields of biomedical engineering biochemistry, and biomedical sciences.

In addition to the HK$50,000 scholarship, each awardee will also be entitled to participate in the Society’s 12-month Mentorship Scheme and be given priority to apply for the Summer Internship Program in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen. While the scholarship enables students to focus on their studies, the diverse learning opportunities that come with it can also broaden their horizons, enrich their academic and professional experiences, and support their all-round development so as to nurture them into future leaders in the life sciences and biotech industries.

Apart from excelling academically, scholarship recipients should also show their academic and career aspirations. The selection process included two rounds of interviews: with last year’s successful implementation of AI, the first-round interview continued to use the technology to evaluate applicants’ abilities and soft skills, whereas the second-round interview was conducted by industry experts, including representatives from startups, biomedical centers, and biotechnology companies, who assessed students’ potential and suitability based on industry standards and trends.

A Presentation Ceremony that Promotes Diverse Exchange within the Industry

(Photo 2: Mr Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology at Invest Hong Kong and the Guest of Honor, delivers words of encouragement)

Mr Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology at Invest Hong Kong, was the Ceremony’s Guest of Honor who also delivered words of encouragement, while Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS, presented the awards.

Prof Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS, said in his speech, “This year marks the 5th anniversary of HKLSS. We have strived to attract, nurture, and unite life sciences talent in Hong Kong by promoting knowledge exchange, collaboration, and participation, so as to strengthen the local life sciences ecosystem. The scholarship not only recognizes students’ past efforts but, more importantly, encourages and supports their future professional development in the life sciences industry.”

Representatives from various universities and nominators of the scholarship also attended the Ceremony. The Society hoped to bring together organizations from various professional fields to foster further exchange.

Recipients Express Gratitude for Guidance on Future Paths

During the Ceremony, two scholarship recipients shared their gratitude on behalf of all awardees. Fu Tianlu, a second-year student majoring in biochemistry at The University of Hong Kong, said, “I am very grateful to HKLSS for the scholarship, which allows me to continue my research in biological sciences and hopefully pursue a PhD. When I complete my studies, I hope to use my expertise to help the people of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area live healthier and longer lives.”

Printer Roshni Olga, a third-year biotechnology and business student at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said, “I hope to develop innovative therapeutics to address unmet healthcare needs. With this scholarship, I am one step closer to my goal. The Mentorship Scheme and Summer Internship Program will also help me find my footing in Hong Kong.”

The Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS), dedicated to cultivating professional talents in life sciences since its establishment in 2018, continues to provide the vastly popular Summer Internship Program. This year saw the 6th edition of the program, which both the number of applicants and final admissions reached record highs. It also marks the first time internship opportunities being offered in Shenzhen, in addition to Hong Kong and Shanghai. The expansion allows undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain a deeper understanding of the frontier developments and technological innovations in the life sciences industry in Mainland China. The program concluded with a closing ceremony last Saturday, where participating organizations and the distinguished guests witnessed the interns’ growth.

The six-week Life Sciences Summer Internship Program is conducted annually from early July to mid-August. This year, over 400 applications were received, of which, many had come from students studying abroad. In the end, 42 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and abroad were selected. The students interned at 23 organizations including start-ups, venture capital firms, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, and non-governmental organizations in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The internship offered them with opportunities to explore in pioneering research and technologies, which equipped them for future careers.

Prof Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS, said in his speech, “Exposing our talent to diverse perspectives and career paths is a key part of preparing them for the future. This is the reason we launched our summer internship program back in 2019. By engaging talent to work and live in the three cities, we can further enhance cross-cultural exchange and learning opportunities for our interns. This cross-city collaboration is crucial as we collectively work to cultivate the next generation of life sciences leaders.”

Prof Wong added, “Before the internship program began, we also launched a five-day study tour to Wuxi and Shanghai, in partnership with the Hong Kong Wuxi Trade Association. This allowed our interns to gain insights into different aspects of the industry that are not easily accessible in Hong Kong alone.”

Program Expands to Shenzhen, Benefiting Both Employers and Students

Shenzhen-based Signet Therapeutics participated in the program for the first time. Dr Shu Zhuo, Vice President and Head of R&D at Signet, expressed his delight with the company’s involvement. He mentioned that Signet, located in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, aims to attract Hong Kong talents for internships and exchanges. Dr Zhuo said, “Our company has developed a focused and systematic training program specifically for interns, covering areas from organoid platforms to drug pipelines, allowing students to gain substantial experience within six weeks.” He also praised the Hong Kong students for their global perspective and communication skills, stating, “Their innovative thinking is remarkable, enabling them to effectively analyze and solve problems, which enriches our working environment. For R&D companies like ours that require constant innovation, such cultural exchange is essential.”

Internship Program Equips Overseas Students in Future Career Planning

16 students participating in this year's summer internship program are from overseas universities. Among them, Susan Pan, who is enrolled in the HKU-Cambridge Undergraduate Recruitment Scheme (Natural Sciences), interned at Signet’s R&D department this summer through HKLSS’s program. She said, “I believe Shenzhen's life sciences and pharmaceutical development is among the best in the country. As the hub of the Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen has great potential for joint development with Hong Kong. During my internship in Shenzhen, I was able to interact with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds, all of whom are highly motivated and eager to explore.”

Susan values this internship, which provided her with a more concrete vision for her future career, such as first-hand experience of laboratory work and experiment processes. She encouraged other peers who are considering to join the Internship Program, “Be proactive in engaging and communicating with your colleagues. Be brave to ask questions and learn from your seniors. Enjoy this internship as it is an invaluable opportunity to learn and explore.”

In-Depth Understanding of Hetao Development

A record number of postgraduate students participated in the HKLSS Summer Internship Program this year. Tony Xie, a PhD candidate at the University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Medicine, chose to intern in Shenzhen, joining the The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center. Tony believes that participating in the internship as a postgraduate student has many benefits, “In addition to broadening my horizons and opening up possible career paths, I believe employers will view graduates who have completed an internship as more experienced and prepared, and it serves as an advantage in the job market. Interning in Shenzhen required adapting to cultural differences at the beginning, but I gradually realized that their equipment and working environment are very similar to those in Hong Kong, making it easier for us to adapt.”

Students participating in the Internship Program noted that the HKLSS internship is highly regarded by their academic institutions and various corporations. The program also includes workshops, site visits, and exchange activities that enrich the participants’ understanding and better prepare them for their future careers. HKLSS will continue strengthening its collaboration with laboratories and biotech companies in Shenzhen and Hetao area. Additionally, it aims to provide study tour opportunities in more locations in the fields of research, testing, and artificial intelligence for local and overseas students.

This content is only available in Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese.

This content is only available in Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese.

Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS), which endeavors to nurture talent in the life sciences field, held its 5th Anniversary Celebration at AIRSIDE last night. Over 200 distinguished guests, including HKLSS advisory board members, mentors, employer representatives, industry and institutional partners, mentees and mentee alumni gathered to celebrate HKLSS’s contribution in providing extensive career opportunities for life sciences students, assisting them in leveraging Hong Kong’s access to Mainland China, attracting non-local students to pursue career development in Hong Kong, as well as positioning Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a hub for life sciences and technology in Mainland China and globally.

Celebrative moments on stage with distinguished guests

Established in 2018, HKLSS aims to construct a dynamic life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong through knowledge exchange, cross-sector collaboration and public engagement, as well as nurturing and attracting talent. In the five years since its founding, HKLSS has already convened over 2,000 members and 50 collaborators in both Hong Kong and Mainland China. Mr Vincent Cheung, the Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS, expressed in his welcoming remarks, “HKLSS will continue its commitment to enhancing the talent pipeline and fostering growth in the life sciences community. Our Society will amplify efforts to strengthen talent cultivation, in order to position Hong Kong and the GBA as a leading life sciences and technology hub not only in Mainland China but globally.”

Mr Vincent Cheung gave out welcoming remarks

Since its inception in Shanghai in 2019, HKLSS Summer Internship Program has assisted 180 students in completing their internships. Among them, 97% of students have pursued career opportunities or continuing education in the life sciences professions upon graduation. Cheung added, “We are dedicated to attracting and retaining non-local students, encouraging them to pick Hong Kong as their preferred location for advanced education, research, and forming technology firms. Through various activities, including seminars and workshops, we are actively targeting non-local students in Hong Kong and overseas, encouraging them to pursue life sciences careers in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Furthermore, we hope to foster science communication and raise awareness about the significance of life sciences in our daily lives. Through these efforts, HKLSS aims to contribute to the country's growth and positively impact the life sciences ecosystem.”

Honorable Duncan Chiu delivered opening remarks

Honorable Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation), said, “The HKSAR Government has been striving to develop life sciences and compete for talent in recent years, including proactively nurturing local talents and attracting expats to pursue career development in Hong Kong. I hereby convey my deep gratitude to HKLSS for its efforts over the past five years. Not only has HKLSS provided the Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards, which has supported outstanding undergraduate students to pursuing life sciences and biomedical sciences programs at six local universities, it has also established the Mentorship Scheme and Summer Internship Program. Such initiatives can “build nests to attract phoenixes”, helping retain talents for the innovative technology industry and Hong Kong by supporting locals and students from the Mainland to explore career opportunities and providing necessary support throughout their journeys. I wish HKLSS another five prosperous years in nurturing more new blood. Let us contribute to the development of Hong Kong as an international innovative technology centre together.”

Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung encouraged students in his keynote address

Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung, Member of the HKLSS Advisory Board, and Henry Fok Professor in Infectious Diseases and Chair of Infectious Diseases at the Department of Microbiology of The University of Hong Kong, encouraged students by sharing his experiences of becoming a specialist in both Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, “The purpose of science is to reveal what is hidden below the surface, or to remove what is covering reality; or to put it simply, to discover. No matter if you want to become a great doctor or scientist, you have to acquire good core values—fairness, compassion, humility and excellence — as well as learn to investigate an issue and compare it with these core values. We should reflect on ourselves daily, not to mention having the courage to acknowledge and rectify mistakes made. Young people have to be a team player who respects others and is sensitive to the needs of other team members.”

Nearly 100 experts from the life sciences and biomedical sectors have participated in the Mentorship Scheme since its inauguration in 2019, benefiting over 330 mentees. Two groups of mentors and mentees shared their experiences and takeaways about the Scheme. A mentee said the scheme offers a unique lens to understand industry opportunities and is beneficial to future career planning. A former mentee has become a “Young Mentor” this year. He believed that identifying personal strengths and weaknesses, building a unique mix of generalist and specialist skills, as well as personal branding were beneficial areas of focus for growth. As a mentor, he wanted to facilitate the personal discovery process and offer advice to the mentees based on his time-tested career journey. He believed mentees can obtain possibly different but complementary suggestions and inspirations by connecting with mentors at different career stages.

The 5th Mentorship Scheme has selected 100 participants from a record-high number of applications. They will follow 80 professional mentors, including three new “Young Mentors”. The HKLSS mentors include multiple notable figures, such as Dr Celine Chan, the Chief Operating Officer of Centre for Novostics; Professor Tom Cheung, the S H Ho Associate Professor of Life Science of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Mr Vincent Cheung, the Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS and the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nan Fung Group; Dr Benjamin Li, the Founder and the Director of Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited; and Mr Antony Leung, the Group Chairman of Nan Fung Group.

Looking ahead, HKLSS will remain committed to investing in talent development and building closer relationships with start-ups and science organizations. Through these efforts, HKLSS aims to contribute to the country's growth and positively impact the life sciences ecosystem. HKLSS will also publish life sciences talent survey results tracking students and graduates of relevant university programs over three years, and launch enhanced supporting services for further studies and career development.

The two key annual programs of the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (“HKLSS” or “the Society”), the Mentorship Scheme and the Summer Internship Program, have been met with enthusiastic responses this year, with a total of 700 applications received by the deadline of 15 January, doubling the number received in previous years. Many of the applicants are from overseas regions, such as the United States, Canada and Australia. To celebrate the Society’s 5th anniversary, HKLSS will be holding the 5th Anniversary Celebration cum Mentorship Scheme Kick-off Ceremony in March, bringing together industry leaders and young students and kick-starting a new journey in which knowledge and experience will be passed down to a new generation, with a view to fulfilling the Society’s mission of cultivating talent in life sciences.

Celebrating the 5th Anniversary and Seizing the Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area

Approaching the milestone of its 5th anniversary this year, HKLSS will organise a series of activities to connect the industry and promote public engagement, furthering its mission of cultivating talent and boosting the development of Hong Kong’s life sciences industry. In the future, the Society will strengthen co-operation with local institutions and enterprises in the Greater Bay Area, holding more study tours, internships and seminars in both Hong Kong and the mainland, so as to encourage young people to seek opportunities in mainland China while basing themselves in Hong Kong. 

Professor Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS, is pleased to see an increase in the number of applications for the two programs. This year, many students from the top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings have applied for the programs and many overseas students are interested in returning to Hong Kong for internships. The Society hopes to attract more talent from the mainland and overseas in order to build a dynamic life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong.

Assembling Industry Elites to Support Young Students

The one-year Mentorship Scheme has always been a highlight among the Society’s events, enjoying immense popularity among the mentees and the industry. Since its inauguration in 2019, the number of the scheme’s mentors and mentees has seen exciting growth year after year. As the program enters its 5th year, nearly 100 professional mentors have been invited to participate in the scheme, including experts in life sciences and biotechnology-related industries, young entrepreneurs and senior management, such as Mr Vincent Cheung, CEO of Nan Fung Group, Prof Daniel Lee, Associate Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise) of CUHK, Mr Antony Leung, Chairman of Nan Fung Group, Dr Benjamin Li, Founder and Director of Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd., and Mr Andrew Pang, Principal of Ally Bridge Group.

As for the mentees, the Society is now conducting a selection process in which about 100 participants will be chosen from a pool of applicants. The Scheme is targeted at undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 or above studying life sciences–related disciplines. Interested graduates or students studying other subjects will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. After the selection, students will be matched with mentors according to their backgrounds and preferences in the areas of business development, entrepreneurship, life sciences–related investments, science communication, research and development, and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). Each mentor will be assigned one to two mentees and will meet with them regularly to share their valuable experience and insights.

Dr Stella Wong, a former mentee of the Mentorship Scheme who will soon become a Young Mentor, said, “I was honoured to be mentored by Dr Benjamin Li, Founder and Director of Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd., who shared with me his journey from a start-up to a large-scale enterprise, as well as his insightful experiences on selecting the right investors for the business, which was extremely rewarding.”

Exploring More Locations in the Mainland with Internships and Study Tours

The Life Sciences Summer Internship Program was also met with an overwhelming response, with the number of postgraduate applicants being the highest ever. The program provides six weeks of internship opportunities for university students each year, taking them out of campus to work in start-ups, venture capital firms, NGOs, and healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, where they will be exposed to cutting-edge research and technology, and are able to explore the development of the field together with industry practitioners.

Having engaged organisations in both Hong Kong and Shanghai last year for the first time, the program will expand further to Shenzhen this year. In addition, the Society will collaborate with biotechnology enterprises in the mainland to organise a one-week summer study tour to Wuxi and Shanghai, providing interns with an in-depth understanding of the life sciences development trends in the Yangtze River Delta and a glimpse of the culture of Hong Kong and mainland enterprises. The program is now in its selection stage and more details will be announced in due course.

Ms Lisa Cai, Director of Pivotal Life Sciences, one of the participating companies, has been in close contact with the interns. She noticed that after joining the program, the interns became aware that they had a wide range of career paths to choose from after graduation, and that research and development or professorship was no longer their only option since their internships had enabled them to develop their careers in many different areas.

Approaching its 5th anniversary, HKLSS will continue to nurture more talent and promote the development of the life sciences industry in the future. For more information about the 5th Anniversary celebrations, please visit this link.

Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS or the Society) held a Presentation Ceremony for the Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards (the Scholarship Awards) on 14 October to honor 10 outstanding undergraduate students in life sciences and biomedical science. This year, the Society has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to evaluate the applicants’ talents and soft skills in different aspects, with a view to selecting the students who demonstrated extraordinary potential.

Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Chairman of HKLSS, Mr Antony Leung, HKLSS Vice Chairman, Mr Charles Ng, Guest of Honor, selection panel, institutional representatives and awardees

Assisting Professional Assessment with AI and Selecting Talents by Industry Standards

The Scholarship Awards consisted of two rounds of interviews, and all applications were meticulously assessed by professional judges. In the first round, AI technology was introduced to help the judges get a better understanding of the applicants’ profiles, evaluating their problem-solving ability, vision and entrepreneurial mindset, communication skills, collaboration and self-learning capacity. To test their spontaneous reactions and performance under stress, students were required to answer questions within a time limit during the interview. Meanwhile, the AI program would analyze their level of confidence and on-the-spot reactions based on their facial expressions.

Shortlisted candidates who were invited to the second interview were then assessed by a selection panel formed by experts in the field. Referring to standards and trends within the industry, they evaluated the students’ potential and decided whether they were qualified for the scholarship.

The judges were exceptionally pleased with the students’ outstanding performance, which far exceeded their expectations. They believed that students were familiar with different online systems after participating in online classes frequently in the past few years. The application of AI technology automated the interview process and helped the Society in handling a large number of applications, thus improving the overall efficiency.

Enthusiastic Response from Applicants and the Diverse Backgrounds of the Awardees

This year’s Scholarship Awards received an overwhelming response from over 110 applicants, who are from 6 local tertiary institutions with diverse backgrounds. The 10 awardees are students from City University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong who are studying biomedical science, biotechnology, veterinary medicine and pharmacy. By supporting students from different disciplines, HKLSS hopes to inspire breakthrough research, encourage innovative thinking and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, thereby laying a solid foundation for the future development of the life sciences.

Mr Charles Ng, Executive Director of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Financial Secretary's Office, is giving a speech

The Society invited Mr Charles Ng, Executive Director of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Financial Secretary's Office to be the Guest of Honor of the ceremony, while Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Chairman of HKLSS, presented the awards. With a view to bringing together organizations from different professional fields and promoting exchanges, the Society also invited representatives from various tertiary institutions and the nominators.

Nurturing All-Round Leaders with Enriching Experiences

The Scholarship Awards were established in 2022 by HKLSS with a goal of supporting outstanding undergraduate students to pursue life sciences or biomedical studies in local universities. This year, students were required to submit a proposal on the integration of life sciences into the community as they apply for the Scholarship Awards, which is in line with the Society’s mission of promoting the practical and social application of life sciences in the society.

In addition to the HK$50,000 scholarship, each awardee will also be entitled to participate in the Society’s 12-month Mentorship Scheme and be given priority to apply for the Summer Internship Program. While the scholarship enables students to focus on their studies, the diverse learning opportunities that come with it can also broaden their horizons, enrich their academic and professional experiences, and support their all-round development so as to nurture them into future leaders in the life sciences and biotech industry.

One of this year’s scholarship awardees, Chong Jer Shyuen, a third-year student majoring in biomedical science at the University of Hong Kong, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Society for its support, “I am thrilled to participate in the Mentorship Scheme and to have the opportunity to take part in an internship. I hope I will get to know the experts in the field and learn from them to enhance my skills and broaden my network. I will continue to strive for excellence academically, contribute to the community by taking part in the developments of life sciences and biotechnology.”

Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (hereinafter referred to as “the Society” or “HKLSS”) has concluded its Summer Internship Program 2023 (the Program) with success on 30 August. A total of 16 companies from the biotechnology industry in Hong Kong and Shanghai participated in this year’s Program, providing a six-week full-time work experience to 32 interns in both locations. During the Program, HKLSS organized over 40 hours of enlightening activities in Hong Kong and Shanghai, including visits, seminars and workshops, giving students a comprehensive understanding of trends within the field, with an aim of offering opportunities for young talents to put their knowledge into practice.

Interns Learn about Research Technology under the Guidance of Professor Dennis Lo

The highlight of this year’s Program was a visit led by Professor Dennis Lo, SBS, JP, Vice-Chairperson of HKLSS and President of Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, to the Centre for Novostics founded by Professor Lo himself. The Centre plays a pivotal role in the international scientific research community. It aims to develop cell-free nucleic acid-based diagnostics in blood and other body fluids, particularly around prenatal diagnosis and cancer diagnostics, with cutting-edge molecular diagnostic techniques. These research areas will accelerate the application of liquid biopsy and promote Hong Kong as a leading molecular diagnostic center in the world.

During the visit, Professor Lo introduced the technologies developed for single-gene disorders and other pregnancy-related conditions, and demonstrated the research equipment. For students, it was an invaluable opportunity for them to observe up close innovative technologies in science. In addition to enhancing their professional knowledge, it also stimulated their enthusiasm for scientific research, making it a fruitful learning experience. After the visit, Professor Lo had lunch with the interns and shared with them some anecdotes and insights on his journey of scientific research.

Professor Lo guides students during the visit to his Centre for Novostics

Enthusiastic Response from Renowned Enterprises in Hong Kong and Shanghai

Known for its mission of nurturing young talents, the Program has received overwhelming response since its inauguration in 2019. This year, HKLSS selected 32 students from various institutions in Hong Kong and overseas from over 300 applicants. These students were received internships from leading medical, pharmaceutical, venture capital and biotechnology companies in Hong Kong and Shanghai and were provided with opportunities to experience first-hand the innovative development of the fields.

The Program was also well supported by related industries. Participating companies include multinational corporations such as Arctic Vision, AstraZeneca, Delos Capital, Nan Fung Life Sciences, Simcere Pharmaceutical, Zhaoke Ophthalmology and others.

To encourage applications for the Program, HKLSS collaborated with local and overseas institutions such as City University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong, Imperial College London, University College London, University of Oxford and The University of British Columbia to promote the Program on campus. HKLSS also assisted those in need to apply for funds provided by the HKSAR Government under the STEM Internship Scheme, supporting more young people who are interested in developing their career in related fields to participate in the Program, which is in line with HKLSS’s mission of bringing together life sciences talents.

Exciting opening events with industry leaders

Officially launched on 27 June, the Program commenced with an opening ceremony held in Hong Kong, which was graced by the presence of various distinguished guests: Ms Lillian Cheong, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government gave an opening speech while Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Chairman of HKLSS extended a warm welcome to all participants. Professor Lap Chee Tsui, GBM, GBS, JP, Member of the Advisory Board of HKLSS and Founding President of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences also gave a keynote speech. Professor Helen Meng, Director of Centre for Perceptual and Interactive Intelligence of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr Alan Cheung, Senior Director of Trust and Artificial Intelligence Technologies of ASTRI , and Ms Cintia Nunes, General Manager and Head of Asia of The Mills Fabrica, participated in the discussions.

On 30 June, the Program set off to Shanghai for a welcome dinner, during which Dr Jay Mei, Member of the Advisory Board of HKLSS and Founder, Chairman and CEO of Antengene, and Dr Eddy Wu, Founder and CEO of Arctic Vision, were invited to deliver speeches.

Diversified Activities to Broaden Students’ Horizons

The Program was packed with diverse activities. Apart from the placement, interns also participated in a number of guided visits to companies in Hong Kong and Shanghai, including the Shanghai headquarters of the internationally renowned pharmaceutical companies Roche and AstraZeneca, as well as MobiDrop, providing the interns with a comprehensive survey of the development opportunities in the industries.

In addition, HKLSS organized seminars on various topics and invited industry elites to share and exchange ideas with the interns to broaden their horizons. The speakers included Ms Gladdy He, Member of the Advisory Board of HKLSS  and Founder and CEO of Become Consulting, and Mr Michael Chu, Associate Director - Life Sciences, Business and HR Support of Links International. They gave an overview of the industry in mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as the career prospects for graduates.

Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Chairman of HKLSS, with the interns

Acquiring knowledge and seizing industry opportunities

Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Chairman of HKLSS, said, "We hope that our interns will be exposed to different facets of the industry and that they can explore career options beyond academia.” The life sciences industry is full of opportunities. Graduates can work not only in research but also in other professions such as business development, investment, policy research, testing or marketing. The Program has deepened students’ understanding of the industry and helped them establish a network within it.

HKLSS is approaching its fifth anniversary. As always, the Society endeavours to nurture talents in life sciences and will strive to expand the Program to more regions. In doing so, the Society aims to build a dynamic life sciences ecosystem and address the lack of locally funded internships.

Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS or The Society) established Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards earlier, which are set to encourage outstanding undergraduate students to pursue a life sciences or biomedical science program in a UGC-funded institution. Thirteen awardees, chosen by the professional selection panel, are from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong. The Presentation Ceremony was held on 26 November 2022.

Hon Mr Duncan Chiu, The Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation), attended the Ceremony as the Guest of Honour to commend all the awardees. He stated in his speech, “The development of science and technology is highly valued both locally and in Mainland China right now, the Hong Kong government even aims to become an international centre for science and technology. We are therefore most in need of such talents. We are grateful to HKLSS for setting up the Scholarship Awards timely to nurture talents for the future science and technology industries.”

After presenting the awards to the students, Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Chairman of HKLSS and CEO of Nan Fung Group shared that the focus of HKLSS in the coming years will be on facilitating the development of biotechnology. The Society will strive to develop young talents to help them integrate into the life sciences sector.

Representatives from different institutions also attended the Ceremony to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of the awarded students. They included Prof Ian Holliday, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning)  of The University of Hong Kong; Prof Daniel Lee, Associate Vice-President and Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer of The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Dr Ann Lau, Assistant Dean (Education), Faculty of Medicine and Associate Director (Undergraduate Education) , School of Biomedical Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong;    Prof Kai Liu, Cheng Associate Professor of Science of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; and Dr Rosa Tang, Deputy Director of Student Affairs and Head of Career Centre of Hong Kong Baptist University.

HKLSS set aside HKD$1 million in the first year of the scholarship awards. Each awardee will receive a scholarship of HKD50,000 in the current academic year with other complimentary entitlements, including the access to the Society’s Mentorship Scheme, and priority in enrolling onto the Society’s Summer Internship Program.

All awardees expressed that they have benefited immensely from Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards, not only in academic terms, but also in terms of learning more about the life sciences industry. Charlton Sullivan, one of the award recipients commented, “The Scholarship Awards are designed to equip life sciences students with knowledge and experience in the biotech sector. The Mentorship Program and Internship Scheme will provide us with an understanding of how biotech companies operate so I will be well prepared for my future career.”

Another awardee, Charmaine Tsang expressed gratitude to HKLSS for the valuable learning opportunities that nurtured students to become life sciences professionals. She said, “Although my university offers plenty of educational resources, there are limited occasions to obtain real-world experience. The Scholarship Awards fill the gap by providing opportunities for students to apply their learning, so they can gain insights into areas of their future study and career development, including R&D, entrepreneurship and the healthcare sector.”