International Conference Presents Latest in Research and Regulatory in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical scientists and medical device manufacturers are forging closer ties in turning novel research into practical applications at the “BME2010 Hong Kong Biomedical Engineering International Conference and Pre-Conference Workshop”, which was opened today (3 November 2010) by Dr York Chow, Secretary for Food and Health of the HKSAR Government.

Jointly organized by the Biomedical Division of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the four-day event presents the latest R&D results in biomedical engineering, business opportunities, and framework in mandatory regulation of medical devices.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Chan Fuk-cheung, Senior Vice President of HKIE, said, “HKIE is the only accredited organization in Hong Kong that admits qualified engineers. It is expected both the industries and the public can gain more knowledge on the real-life applications of biomedical engineering through this conference.”

Highlighting HKPC’s proactive role in supporting the development of the local medical and healthcare device industry, Mrs Agnes Mak, Executive Director of HKPC, said, “As a bridge between research institutions and industry, HKPC has launched various initiatives to develop new products and transfer novel research breakthroughs for productisation. For example, in September, we and our conference partner organized a programme in Guangzhou to enhance collaboration between the biomedical engineering industries in Hong Kong and the Mainland, and assist local medical device manufacturers to tap the domestic market. Also, we are currently developing an innovative design for a patentable non-radioactive optical 3D imaging system that will improve the detection of skin cancer.”

Under the theme of “Research and Regulatory in Biomedical Engineering”, the event was funded by the Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government.

Other officiating guests at the ceremony included Mr Stephen Chan, Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services; Dr Cheung Wai-lun, Director (Cluster Services) of the Hospital Authority; Prof. John Chai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association; and Prof. William Lu, Chairman of the Biomedical Division of HKIE and BME2010 Conference Chair.

For further information, please contact Bryan So of the Conference Secretary at tel. (852) 2788 5548 or e-mail: bme2010@hkpc.org, or visit the Conference website at https://www.hkpc.org/bme2010. For other media enquiries, please contact Felix Chan of HKPC at tel. (852) 2788 5036 or e-mail: felixchan@hkpc.org.

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Mr Jonathan Ho
General Manager
Corporate Communications
Hong Kong Productivity Council
Tel: (852) 2788 6390
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
Email: jonathanho@hkpc.org
Website: www.hkpc.org

3 November 2010

Dr York Chow, Secretary for Food and Health of the HKSAR Government (centre), accompanied by Dr Chan Fuk-cheung, Senior Vice President of Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (third from left), and Mrs Agnes Mak, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (fourth from right), opened the “BME2010 Hong Kong Biomedical Engineering International Conference and Pre-Conference Workshop”.