Chinese Smartphone Giant Oppo and PolyU Collaborate to Establish AI Research Centre in Hong Kong

Oppo and PolyU have renewed their collaborative framework agreement to establish a joint AI research centre in Hong Kong. The research centre will focus on AI imaging technology and talent development, with Oppo pledging over US$4.2 million in funding. The centre aims to recruit doctoral researchers and postdoctoral candidates, with a research focus on computer vision and generative AI technology.

This partnership will see the launch of a joint innovation research centre focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) imaging technology in Hong Kong.

Oppo has committed to providing no less than 30 million yuan (US$4.2 million) in funding over the next five years to support collaborative efforts with PolyU in the field of AI imaging technology. This funding will also be used to expand the co-training opportunities for PhD and postdoctoral researchers.

Zhang Lei, chair professor of computer vision and image analysis at PolyU’s department of computing, highlighted that the primary objective of the research centre is talent development. The new centre, an expansion from a previous joint innovation lab established two years ago, is set to commence operations in January next year. It aims to recruit approximately 25 doctoral researchers and multiple postdoctoral candidates over a five-year period.

The research focus of the centre will encompass computer vision, an area in which Zhang has extensive experience spanning two decades, and will extend to broader research in generative AI (GenAI) technology. GenAI involves the use of algorithms like ChatGPT to generate various forms of content such as audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos.

Zhang emphasised that the Oppo-funded joint AI centre stands out from other local initiatives due to its strong emphasis on nurturing talent rather than solely focusing on corporate project-based research. He stated, “I firmly believe that without the opportunity to nurture talent, anything you pursue serves only a short-term purpose.”

The collaboration between PolyU and Oppo underscores the potential for academia and industry to drive technological innovation while enhancing consumer experiences. Oppo's commitment to developing leading AI experts aligns with the global competition for AI supremacy, particularly between the US and China.

Zhang highlighted the importance of cross-border talent mobility, noting that skilled individuals moving to new markets, including mainland China, can contribute valuable knowledge to local advancements in AI. He also pointed out that Hong Kong's international environment and its strategic location in the Greater Bay Area make it an attractive destination for AI talent.

Oppo and PolyU have renewed their collaborative framework agreement to establish a joint AI research centre in Hong Kong.
The research centre will focus on AI imaging technology and talent development, with Oppo pledging over US$4.2 million in funding.
The centre aims to recruit doctoral researchers and postdoctoral candidates, with a research focus on computer vision and generative AI technology.

Source: SCMP