Water Dept Partners with HKUST-Guangzhou to Advance Water Quality Technology
Bastillepost · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Water Services Department and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) signed a three-year cooperation memorandum on August 24, 2025, in Guangzhou to strengthen innovation-driven improvements in drinking water quality. The agreement, signed by Water Services Department Director Enoch Wong Yan-nok and Vice President for Research Professor Peter Lee Sai-ming, covers technical exchange, research applications, professional training, and talent development. The collaboration will concentrate on four frontier areas: microplastics, pollutant identification, advanced water treatment materials, and biotechnology applications for optimizing raw water quality. Hong Kong plans to co-host the first Hong Kong Water Expo and Global Water Summit with the International Water Association next year.
Key Points
- Water Services Department Director Enoch Wong Yan-nok (left) and HKUST(GZ) Vice President Professor Peter Lee Sai-ming signed the memorandum on August 24 in Guangzhou
- The three-year agreement targets four research areas: microplastics, pollutant identification, advanced water treatment materials, and biotechnology for raw water optimization
- The collaboration aligns with China's 15th Five-Year Plan to strengthen Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area technological innovation integration
- Hong Kong will co-host the inaugural Hong Kong Water Expo and Global Water Summit with the International Water Association next year
- HKUST(GZ) will provide advanced research facilities, professional material analysis, and consulting services to support water supply safety in the Greater Bay Area
Why It Matters
The partnership represents a significant step toward translating academic research into practical water quality solutions, positioning Hong Kong as a regional hub for smart water management. By addressing emerging challenges such as microplastics and climate-driven water quality changes, the collaboration aims to develop scalable scientific approaches that can be applied across the Greater Bay Area. The planned international expo will further elevate the region's profile by showcasing Greater Bay Area drinking water technology to a global audience .
The partnership represents a significant step toward translating academic research into practical water quality solutions, positioning Hong Kong as a regional hub for smart water management. By addressing emerging challenges such as microplastics and climate-driven water quality changes, the collaboration aims to develop scalable scientific approaches that can be applied across the Greater Bay Area. The planned international expo will further elevate the region's profile by showcasing Greater Bay Area drinking water technology to a global audience .