Water Supplies Department signs MOU with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)

The Water Supplies Department (WSD) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST (GZ)) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Guangzhou on August 24 to strengthen the use of innovative water supply technologies to improve fresh water quality, as well as safeguarding public health and quality of life. The MOU was signed by the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, and Vice-President (Research) of the HKUST (GZ), Professor Ricky Shi-wei Lee. Both parties will maintain close cooperation in technological exchanges, R&D applications, professional training, and talent cultivation.

Mr Wong said that safe and high-quality drinking water is an important cornerstone for safeguarding public health, and the WSD will continue to provide high-quality drinking water for the public. Therefore, both parties will jointly deepen "industry-academia-research" collaboration, marking the WSD's full effort to promote the practical implementation of scientific research achievements. Under the MOU, both parties will cooperate in four cutting-edge fields: microplastics, contaminant identification, advanced water treatment materials, and the application of biotechnology to optimize raw water quality.

This collaboration actively aligns with the national "15th Five-Year" Plan, strengthening the connection of technological innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It showcases the advantages of "Hong Kong-Guangzhou integration" and injects momentum into the development of smart water initiatives. Facing the challenges of climate change and emerging contaminants, the WSD hopes to transform research results into replicable and scalable scientific solutions. Mr Wong pointed out that Hong Kong will cooperate with the International Water Association (IWA) next year to host the inaugural Hong Kong Water Expo and Global Water Summit. This event aims to promote advanced drinking water technologies from the Greater Bay Area to the international community, connecting the country with the world.

Professor Lee expressed that the university will leverage its interdisciplinary advantages to provide advanced research facilities, professional materials analysis, and consultancy services. This will help introduce innovative technologies and safeguard water supply security in the Greater Bay Area.

The WSD will continue to actively communicate and exchange ideas with local, Mainland, and overseas universities, using scientific research and innovation to optimize water quality management and ensure a safe and reliable water supply for Hong Kong.


The WSD and the HKUST (GZ) signed a MOU on August 24, photo shows the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong (third right), and the Vice-President (Research) of the HKUST (GZ), Professor Ricky Shi-wei Lee (third left), at the signing ceremony


Group photo of the WSD and the HKUST (GZ) representatives


Professor Ping Gao of the HKUST (GZ) (left) introduces the advanced membrane technology to the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong