Hong Kong, February 15, 2012 (Thursday) - Established by the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, HKUST NIE Social Media Laboratory officially opens today. As Asia’s first research laboratory specializing in the study of social media culture and technologies, HKUST NIE Social Media Laboratory will bring academic and commercial significance to the development and application of social media in the region.

The laboratory celebrates its opening this day at Tin Ka Ping Hall, Lo Ka Chung University Centre at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, with the presence of Prof. Tony F. Chan, President of the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology; Mr. Samson Tam, JP, Member of Legislative Council (Information Technology); Prof. Khaled Ben Letaief, Dean of School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology; Mr. Herman Lam, CEO of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited; Ms. Jan Wong, General Manager of Openrice Ltd and Mr. Charles Mok, Founding Chairman of the Internet Society Hong Kong.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Tony F Chan, President of the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology said, “At HKUST, we believe that innovation should play a strong role in the globalized world. We are proud to establish the first social media laboratory in Asia. With this laboratory, our faculty and researchers are taking an active part in nurturing research and development talents in the blooming new arena of social media, and building Hong Kong as a leading hub of creative media and IT technologies in the region.”

Prof Khaled Ben Letaief, Dean of School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology remarked “The establishment of HKUST NIE Social Media Laboratory fortifies our university's commitment to attracting next generation research and development talents in the area of social media development. The fruits of our research are to be applied to different aspects, and we look forward to seeing commercialization of research results, in answer to the market needs.”

Prof James She, Director of HKUST NIE Social Media Laboratory of the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology said “I would like to express my gratitude to the partners who are officiating the ceremony here with us today for their generous support. Together with the local business sector, the Laboratory strives to derive utilizable and wildly recognized results from research data, and to promote social media research globally.”

Collaboration with Cyberport
HKUST NIE Social Media Laboratory also sealed collaboration with Cyberport in establishing a video mobile social network, to provide an electronic platform for showcasing video programs produced by HKUST students introducing latest digital media technologies. Cyberport will offer technical support and demonstration platform that connects the students with local SMEs through its Technology Centre. Students are also encouraged to join training courses, workshops, seminars and forums organized by Cyberport to keep up with the latest I.T. trend and technologies, in order to explore business opportunities. Mr. Herman Lam, CEO of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited remarked “The collaboration between Cyberport and the Laboratory is in line with our mission of promoting digital technology. We aim to attract and nurture a pool of next-generation talents in social media and digital technology, and to provide a bridging platform between technology research and commercial sector.”

Other Collaboration
HKUST NIE Social Media Laboratory will also be working with local telecommunication giant PCCW, renowned international digital content provider Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and local social media group OpenRice.com.