HONG KONG, 18 June 2015 – A group of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) graduate students recently visited Ford Motor's regional headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand as part of the Ford-HKUST Conservation and Environmental Research Grants program.

The Ford-HKUST Conservation and Environmental Research Grants program is a unique partnership between Ford Motor Company and HKUST to help promote environmental sustainability and develop the next generation of science and technology leaders.

Now in its second year, the Grants are used to support postgraduate students research in the fields of environmental and conservation science, as well as conservation engineering, to help promote innovation, environmental conservation and technological advancement. A total of 19 Grants were awarded to Master of Science students from HKUST’s School of Engineering for the 2014-2015 academic year.

During the Thailand visit, the students had the opportunity to present their Grant research project findings to Ford executives, with topics ranging from personalized vehicle ventilation, targeted to each passenger, to energy saving, to application of communication technologies for environmental protection.

They also had the opportunity to tour the Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant in Rayong, to learn about Ford’s manufacturing process and development capabilities, and advanced automotive technologies. FTM is one of Ford’s key manufacturing hubs in the region, and exports vehicles globally.

“Ford is proud to support the development of future leaders and innovators in science and technology through this collaboration with HKUST,” said David Westerman, Managing Director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company. “It’s inspiring to see the students’ projects go from ideas on a page to meaningful solutions that may eventually contribute to a better world.”

This year, Ford contributed US$65,000 (approximately HKD500,000) for the graduate research grants, which was then matched by HKUST.

“We’re proud to support this research grants program that is aimed at driving creativity, innovation and potentially industry-shaping research, with the ultimate goal of building a better world,” explained Westerman.

“We really appreciate the continuing support from Ford. The grant recipients are gaining exceptional research and laboratory experience as well as achieving outstanding results in their research findings,” said Professor King Lun Yeung, Associate Dean of Engineering (Research and Graduate Studies), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Ford’s Conservation and Environmental Grants Program

Founded in 1983, the Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants program was created to empower individuals and non-profit groups to conduct research and projects which help preserve the environmental well-being of their communities and provide solutions contributing to a sustainable planet.

Since launching, Ford has awarded more than USD 5 million in grants to hundreds of environmental projects in more than 60 countries around the world.

In Asia Pacific, Ford has played a pivotal role in advancing environmental initiatives for more than a decade across multiple markets, from protecting wildlife and preventing forest fires, to funding cultural heritage projects and replenishing resources in rural communities.

For more information, please visit www.hkford.com or call 2820 4018.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 194,000 employees and 66 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (www.ust.hk) is a world-class international research university excelling in science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. The University was ranked Asia’s number one by QS Asian University Rankings for the third straight year since 2011. In the field of Engineering and Technology, HKUST was ranked No. 15 in the world by QS World University Rankings by Faculty 2014 and No. 1 in Greater China and No. 21 in the world by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2014-2015.