A delegation from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), led by Vice President ZHENG Hairong, embarked on a remarkable visit to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, from October 21st to 24th. During this visit, they engaged in extensive discussions with Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and American University of Sharjah (AUS), marking a pivotal step in enhancing trilateral collaboration in the realms of research, academia, technology, and innovation. 

The highlight of the visit was the signing of two strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between SIAT and SRTIP, as well as SIAT and AUS. The MoUs were signed in the presence of Vice President ZHENG Hairong, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SRTIP and President of AUS, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP, Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and officials from the three institutions.  

Prior to the signing ceremonies, the SIAT delegation visited AUS and met with Dr. Tod A Laursen，Chancellor and Dr. Mohamed El Tarhuni, Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer at AUS. The delegation later explored potential collaboration avenues with the AUS College of Engineering (CEN) represented by Dean Dr. Fadi Aloul, Associate Dean Dr. Lotfi Romdhane, and Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering Dr. Imran Zualkernan.  

During visit, ZHENG Hairong stated, "We can strengthen collaboration with AUS in the fields of information science, engineering, and material science, enhancing research efforts and facilitating short-term faculty exchanges as well as internship programs for graduate students." 

The delegation later toured SRTIP led by Hussain Al Mahmoudi, who highlighted key areas of the park, including Sharjah Open Innovation Lab "Soilab", a critical resource for research and development projects.   

ZHENG Hairong expressed profound admiration for the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, he also expressed his deep impression on the rapid technological innovation development in Sharjah, with many initiatives already at the forefront of the international landscape.He went on to highlight the striking similarities between the development models of SIAT and SRTIP, emphasizing the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership.  

The visit ended with a pivotal meeting with Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, which set the stage for the signing ceremonies. 

During the ceremony, ZHENG Hairong expressed gratitude to AUS for their arrangements and introduced SIAT as a national research organization under CAS. With over 17 years of development, SIAT has established 8 sub-research institutes and boasts a staff of over 5,000. SIAT has also forged international collaborations with 53 countries and regions. ZHENG Hairong warmly welcomed AUS to Shenzhen, which has been ranked as the world's second most ideal innovation city for scientists. 

"The collaboration between SIAT and AUS, as well as SRTIP, holds great promise. It will not only facilitate knowledge sharing but also contribute to the advancement of technological innovation and research," ZHENG Hairong emphasized. 

As per the agreements, the institutions will also organize joint conferences, seminars, camps, training programs, courses and lectures. SIAT and AUS would exchange materials and publications of common interest; develop joint research projects; organize faculty, student and administrator exchange programs; and hold cooperative international educational programs; while SIAT and SRTIP would share expertise on new and emerging technologies. 

The MoU between SIAT and SRTIP outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation between the two entities, aiming to promote various activities and collaborations in the field of innovation, entrepreneurship and technology, and explore opportunities for joint research and development projects. It also sets the stage for the identification and support of spinouts and startups that seek to leverage SRTIP as a launchpad for commercialization from SIAT. Furthermore, the collaboration will extend to the development of the AI Hub at SRTIP, which holds great promise for advancing artificial intelligence research and innovation, and exploring possibilities of setting up a SIAT Development Center at SRTIP. 

This collaboration between SIAT, SRTIP and AUS signals a big step forward for technology and innovation sectors, both locally and internationally. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the partnership aims to bring transformative solutions to the world. 

Signing Scene. (Image by AUS) 

Media Contact:
ZHANG Xiaomin
Email:xm.zhang@siat.ac.cn