As the world faces growing challenges in food security and environmental sustainability, the importance of sustainable agriculture and food innovation has never been more critical. In a significant step towards these goals, PolyU has partnered with Soy-Sky FarmTech Company Limited to establish the PolyU-Soy-Sky FarmTech Joint Laboratory for Innovative Soy Research and Functional Food Development. This collaboration aims to enhance research on soy-based functional foods and promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the Laboratory will conduct innovative research on soybeans and food development, support the creation of novel soy-based functional foods, and foster a culture of “Healthy Eating and Sustainable Living”. Together, PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech aim to advance the agricultural and food technology sectors, extending their research achievements to Belt and Road countries and building a healthier, greener future.

To mark this significant occasion, a donation ceremony featuring the exchange of commemorative souvenirs between Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, and Mr Kenneth Ting, Chairman of Soy-Sky FarmTech, was held at the campus. The event attracted distinguished guests, including Ms Clara Chan, CEO of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, as well as PolyU senior management, scholars, and industry partners.

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Teng highlighted the impactful work of the University’s Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) in food science and human health. The establishment of the Laboratory not only showcases PolyU’s strengths in these fields but also underscores the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in promoting national food security and sustainable agricultural development.

Mr Ting expressed enthusiasm about the Laboratory’s potential to support Soy-Sky FarmTech’s expansion into downstream soybean value chain businesses. He envisions creating a “Hong Kong Soybean Story” that showcases the region’s agricultural technology and food innovation capabilities, contributing to national food security and sustainable development.

Last but not least, Ms Chan expressed her anticipation that this strong partnership will attract more resources and talent in agricultural technology, leading to fruitful research outcomes. The Hong Kong Investment Corporation aims to promote the commercialisation and internationalisation of these innovations, ensuring that Hong Kong’s breakthroughs benefit the world.

The donation ceremony was attended by members of PolyU senior management and scholars, and Soy-Sky FarmTech senior management, shareholders and industry partners, including Prof. Teng (7th from left, front row); Mr Ting (centre, front row); Ms Clara Chan (7th from right, front row); Prof. Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU (front row, 6th from left); Mr K.B. Fung, Vice Chairman of Soy-Sky FarmTech (5th from right, front row); Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU (5th from left, front row); Mrs Lucia Fung, Vice Chairlady of Soy-Sky FarmTech (8th from right, back row); Dr Laura Lo, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU (4th from left, front row); The Hon. Tommy Cheung, Honorary Advisor of Soy-Sky FarmTech (6th from right, front row); Prof. Raymond Wong, Dean of the Faculty of Science of PolyU (3rd from the left, front row); and Prof. Wong Ka-hing, Director of RiFood of PolyU (2nd from left, front row), among others.