HKU And Microsoft Team Up For AI Research

The partnership grants HKU researchers and students access to Microsoft’s AI platforms and will further research in healthcare, fintech and smart city applications.

AsianScientist (Aug. 27, 2018) – The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Microsoft Hong Kong for artificial intelligence (AI) research.

The partnership aims to provide HKU scientists and students with Microsoft AI technology for research and development projects in the domains of healthcare, fintech and smart city applications. They will also be given opportunities to learn Microsoft’s AI technology through its online platform, as well as obtain Microsoft professional certification in data science and AI.

A six-week online course—Asia’s first online fintech massive open online course, created by HKU with the support of Microsoft and other industry leaders—has also been available to HKU students since May 2018.

“We are glad to have Microsoft participate in this AI partnership. Through this collaboration, our students will be better equipped with knowledge and skills in data science and AI, which is a boon for their career development,” said Professor Andy Hor, vice president and pro-vice chancellor of research at HKU.

One pilot project under the collaboration involves the use of Microsoft’s machine learning model to analyze 20 years of data on liver cancer and to run real-time diagnostics. This could be useful for doctors to decide on the best treatment option for liver cancer patients.

“The healthcare industry is a global priority for every region, and with AI, we look forward to improving and saving people’s lives through technology. We are excited to partner with HKU, a world-renowned university, to combine AI, big data and cloud computing to unlock insights and nurture AI talent in Hong Kong,” said Ms. Cally Chan, general manager of Microsoft Hong Kong.



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Source: University of Hong Kong; Photo: Shutterstock.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

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