HKIE and HKPC Organize Biomedical Engineering Conference

Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) - Biomedical Division and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the "BME 2006 Biomedical Engineering Conference" was officially opened today (21 September 2006).

Under the theme of "Biomedical Engineering in Education, Research and Industry", the three-day Conference aims to provide a platform for manufacturers, academics and biomedical engineers to present their latest research achievements and obtain an update on recent advances in the field. Biomedical experts from the USA, the UK, the Mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong shared their insight in clinical engineering and healthcare technology management, profitable partnerships in health, convergence of medical devices and bioscience, development of medical device evaluation technology, as well as the third generation of medicine and healthcare.

The opening ceremony of the Conference was officiated by Mr Francis Ho, Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Communications and Technology) of the HKSAR Government; Ir Wong Kwok-lai, President of HKIE; Ir Andros L M Chan, Chairman of Biomedical Division of HKIE; and Mr Weiman Chu, Director (Manufacturing Productivity) of HKPC.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ir Wong said, "Biomedical engineering is a distinct and essential core discipline that synthesizes the engineering and life sciences with clinical medicine and computation. Facing the industry now are some of the most fundamental biological questions which cannot be solved without dedicated and in-depth researches."

"Equally important is the need to nurture young and enthusiastic biomedical engineers of the future, who can apply the knowledge gained from fundamental studies to find cures and treatments for the devastating diseases of today. By developing biomedical concepts and technologies through researches, we can indeed move the frontiers of engineering ahead," he added.

"Leveraging on traditional engineering skills, advanced medical applications and technology, and the growing focus on education and research, I am confident that the future for biomedical engineering is promising," he said.

According to Mr Weiman Chu, HKPC strives to support the development of the local biomedical engineering industry through various initiatives. He said, "HKPC has been strengthening its support for the medical device and healthcare sector over the past years. Our present services range from facilitating manufacturers in complying with international regulatory requirements to technology upgrading. Through the BME Conference, we also promote information sharing and exchange among biomedical engineering professionals."

Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Ir John Mok, Chairman, Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Manufacturers Association; Ir Roger Lai, Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, HKSAR Government; and Dr Monica Wong, Principal Medical and Health Officer, Department of Health, HKSAR Government.

Comprising seminar sessions, workshops and a technical visit programme, the Conference will conclude with a visit to the Songshan Lake Northern Science and Technology Industry District in Guangdong province on 23 September 2006.

Sponsored by the Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme (PSDAS) under the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau of the HKSAR Government, the Conference is supported by more than 20 professional and industry organizations.

For further information, please contact Mr Bryan So of the Conference Secretariat at tel. (852) 2788 5548/5310 or e-mail: bme2006@hkpc.org, or visit the Conference website at https://www.hkpc.org/bme2006.

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Ms Betty Lee
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Tel: (852) 2788 5895
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Website: www.hkpc.org

21 September 2006