ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has expanded its operation to Shenzhen, in alignment with the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area". This move aims to enhance collaborative innovation among industry, academia, and research institutes in the region.

ASTRI Technology Research (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. [ASTRI (Shenzhen)], a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASTRI, relocated to the "Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone" (Hetao Cooperation Zone) earlier this year and was officially inaugurated today. This expansion marks a significant step in accelerating innovation and technology (I&T) cooperation within the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The opening ceremony was officiated by Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority in Shenzhen, and Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI. Other guests include government officials and industry leaders from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, witnessing ASTRI's making new strides in Shenzhen, GBA and beyond.

Creating a World-Class Technology Industry Cluster

Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, stated: "The Hetao Cooperation Zone is crucial for integrating I&T development between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Our goal is to establish a world-class I&T ecosystem that fosters talent and knowledge exchange. ASTRI's presence in Hetao will enhance cooperation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen's innovation sectors, contributing to the national development of 'new quality productive forces'."

Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority in Shenzhen, stated: "We will continue to provide robust support and quality services for all research and technology institutes in the Hetao Cooperation Zone, particularly those with presences in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong for promoting cross-border collaboration, such as ASTRI and ASTRI (Shenzhen). These supportive measures aim to facilitate the flow of talents, goods, capital, technology and information, which are crucial for the I&T development."

Enhancing Competitiveness Through Technology

Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI, highlighted the support from the Hetao Cooperation Zone provides for ASTRI (Shenzhen) in terms of space, policy, and funding.  "ASTRI (Shenzhen) will integrate research capabilities from both regions to strengthen collaboration with GBA corporations. We aim to undertake more cross-border R&D projects to promote technological transformation and industrialisation in the region."

He added, "By leveraging the strengths of both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, we aim to advance the development of an international I&T centre in the GBA, enhancing its global influence and achieving collaborative innovation and high-quality development."

At the opening ceremony, ASTRI (Shenzhen) hosted agreement signing ceremony with three Mainland enterprises: HKP Talential (Shenzhen) New Energy Co Ltd, Shenzhen Power Maker Technology Co Ltd, and the National Energy Internet Innovation Centre Co Ltd.

Ir Sunny Lee commented, "These collaborations exemplify how corporations can leverage Hong Kong's innovation and technology to enhance operational efficiency and overall competitiveness. We expect these partnerships to attract more business to engage with our R&D capabilities."

Focusing on Semiconductor and Smart Mobility Technologies

ASTRI (Shenzhen)'s new facilities are strategically located in the Hong Kong Science Park (Shenzhen Branch). The setup of over 1,300 sqm includes approximately 1,100 sqm of space, housing an office and an exhibition hall, with an additional 300 sqm of laboratory within the Hetao Cooperation Zone.

The facility's location benefits from the "No.1 Channel of Futian Bonded Area", a dedicated immigration passage connecting Lok Ma Chau with the Shenzhen Futian Free Trade Zone. This strategic positioning allows for a commute time of just 35 minutes between ASTRI's Hong Kong headquarter and ASTRI (Shenzhen), facilitating seamless collaboration between researchers and supporting ASTRI's expansion in the Mainland.

In July 2023, ASTRI's "International Application Fundamental Research Institute Project" was officially launched in the Hetao Cooperation Zone. ASTRI (Shenzhen) has initiated several R&D and testing projects, primarily focusing on third-generation semiconductors and next-generation communication technologies. Key developments include GaN high-end power technology development and testing platform, SiC smart power system development and testing platform, and smart campus simulation and testing platform. These platforms aim to facilitate technology transfer, commercialisation and promote technology exchanges while cultivating top-tier talent. Furthermore, in June 2024, ASTRI (Shenzhen) supported the first cross-border C-V2X test at Hetao, successfully completing autonomous driving tests and data collection under various extreme road conditions.

Ir Sunny Lee concluded, "Looking ahead, ASTRI (Shenzhen) will serve as a 'super connector', promoting collaboration among government, industry, academia and research institutes. We aim to facilitate the transformation and industrialisation of collaborative innovation outcomes between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in the Hetao Cooperation Zone and the GBA, contributing to the nation's development of 'new quality productive forces'."

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3XG8DDW 

 

(From left to right) The opening ceremony of ASTRI (Shenzhen) was officiated by Ms Grace Lai, Director of Shenzhen Liaison Unit, HKSAR Government; Dr Jimmy Chiang, Deputy Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, HKSAR  Government; Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority in Shenzhen; Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI; Mr He Xinhong, Deputy Director of the Shenzhen Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office; and Mr Lau Wai Ming, Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR Government

 

 

ASTRI (Shenzhen) hosted agreement signing ceremony with three mainland enterprises. From left to right: Mr Zhou Xiaoming, Chairman of Shenzhen Power Maker Technology Co Ltd; Mr Chiu Hing Yuen, CEO of HKP Talential (Shenzhen) New Energy Co Ltd; Dr Daniel Shi, Chairman of ASTRI (Shenzhen), and Dr Zhao Zhigang, Dean of National Energy Internet Innovation Centre Co Ltd

 

 

(From left to right) Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI; and Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority in Shenzhen, joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of ASTRI (Shenzhen)

About ASTRI

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness through applied research. ASTRI's core R&D competence in various areas is grouped under five Technology Divisions: Advanced Electronic Components and Systems; Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies; Communications Technologies; Innovative Mind, and IoT Sensing and AI Technologies. It is applied across six core areas which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, New-Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Digital Health, Application Specific Integrated Circuits and Metaverse.

Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research, I&T talents and received numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations as well as outstanding business and community contributions. ASTRI has transferred 1,500 technologies to the industry and has been granted over 1,100 patents in the Mainland, the United States, and other countries. For further information, please visit www.astri.org

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

ASTRI's New Presence in Shenzhen Drives "New Quality Productive Forces" Pioneering Hong Kong's R&D Institute in Hetao Fuelling Innovation in Greater Bay Area

A Sustainable Sanctuary Inspired by Nature on the Yarra River

MELBOURNE, Australia, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is thrilled to announce that reservations are now being accepted for 1 Hotel Melbourne, a landmark waterfront property set to debut in June 2025. This marks 1 Hotels' highly anticipated entrance into the Australian market, bringing an award-winning blend of sustainable luxury and nature-inspired design to the heart of Melbourne, in collaboration with industry-leading developer Riverlee.

The centerpiece of this remarkable building is the heritage listed Goods Shed No. 5, the last of the unrenovated goods sheds in what was once Melbourne's busiest port. The property will redefine luxury hospitality in the region with a philosophy that combines sustainability, style, and rejuvenation to create a transformative guest experience.

"At 1 Hotels, we believe that luxury and sustainability can—and should—go hand in hand," says Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. "With 1 Hotel Melbourne, we've created a waterfront destination that immerses guests in nature while celebrating the city's rich legacy and forward-thinking spirit. This hotel isn't just about where you stay—this is about how you feel, how you connect, and how travel can inspire a deeper commitment to the world around us. The water inspires calm and serenity, which is what our brand is meant to convey: an oasis for travelers to escape the rigors of travel."

"Opening reservations for 1 Hotel Melbourne is an exciting milestone as we bring our mission-driven hospitality to Australia," says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. "From reclaimed materials and immersive biophilic design to thoughtfully curated wellness offerings, this property is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and the extraordinary guest experiences that define 1 Hotels."

"Through our partnership with 1 Hotels, we have reimagined this heritage waterfront site into a sustainable luxury destination that honours Melbourne's maritime past while setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship," says David Lee, Development Director at Riverlee. "This project perfectly embodies Riverlee's commitment to creating visionary developments that respect our city's past while building for its future."

Located on the southwestern edge of Melbourne's CBD, 1 Hotel Melbourne offers prime access to some of the city's most celebrated attractions, including Marvel Stadium, the Royal Botanic Gardens, top shopping districts, and world-class theaters. Guests can explore the city via the world's largest tram network—just two minutes away. The hotel is also adjacent to a 3,500-square-meter native-planted park and offers direct access to Melbourne's serene riverfront and an extensive network of walking and biking paths.

1 Hotel Melbourne is a showcase of architectural innovation and sustainable design. The striking asymmetric façade features floor-to-ceiling windows with lower glazing that echoes the panels of Goods Shed No. 5 and upper panels that reflect the rippling surface of the Yarra River, while more than 2,000 living plants throughout the property blur the line between indoors and out. The lobby's reception desk—crafted from fallen trees, reclaimed timber furnishings, and restored elements from Goods Shed No. 5—underscores a deep commitment to adaptive reuse and circular economy principles. Commissioned art reflects the city's rich creative scene.

The property is on the path to achieving LEED Silver certification and is prioritizing recycled and reclaimed materials throughout the design. Timber sourced from abandoned local rail bridges and wharfs, nearly 2,000 bluestone pavers reinstalled as pathways, and restored steel trusses and window frames preserve the building's industrial character while celebrating Melbourne's rich history. As part of the development, 1 Hotel Melbourne also includes 114 exclusive 1 Homes residences, seamlessly integrating sustainable luxury into private living spaces.

Tranquil Rooms Designed for Mindful Luxury

1 Hotel Melbourne features 277 guest rooms, including 36 suites, each designed as a peaceful sanctuary that merges natural beauty with modern comforts. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with natural light and frame serene views of the Yarra River or the Melbourne skyline. Sustainability is at the forefront, from energy-efficient smart thermostats and low-VOC materials to collaborations with local artists and the use of heritage architectural elements.
There are bedheads made from reclaimed timber railway bridges, live-edge furniture, and doors featuring preserved moss panels alongside room numbers carved from salvaged wharf timber, delicately etched by long-gone naval worms—an unexpected nod to the site's maritime history. Rooms also have thoughtfully curated amenities like Bamford Wellness Spa products created in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living.

Culinary Experiences Inspired by Land and Sea

Dining at 1 Hotel Melbourne is also inspired by nature. The soon-to-be-revealed signature restaurant led by a dynamic much-loved chef will offer menus that showcase the freshest seasonal produce, with a focus on ingredients sourced from local farmers, fishers, and artisans. Neighbours grab-and-go café will feature organic bites and artisanal products, perfect for a quick snack or thoughtful gift. Guests can sip on foraged cocktails and boutique Victorian wines in the lobby bar, a social hub with breathtaking river views. 

For corporate events, weddings, or intimate gatherings, the hotel offers a range of light-filled, nature-inspired spaces overlooking the river. The Seafarers Event Space, a 1,000-square-meter riverside venue, accommodates up to 900 guests and features expansive windows, lush greenery, and state-of-the-art technology. Additional meeting rooms, including a boardroom and a relaxed lounge, provide flexible options for both corporate and social gatherings. Cutting-edge audiovisual capabilities enhance every event, while a curated approach to music reflects the energy and rhythm of Melbourne.

Wellness is integral to the 1 Hotel Melbourne experience. Guests can recharge at the Field House Gym, the hotel's state-of-the-art fitness center, equipped with world-class, cutting-edge equipment, personal trainers, and a variety of fitness experiences including mindful programming such as yoga and meditation. Guests can unwind in the indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a Jacuzzi-style spa. And Bamford Wellness Spa is introducing holistic wellness treatments inspired by local therapies, setting a new benchmark for well-being in Australia.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the property's operations. Biophilic design creates spaces where guests can connect with nature through abundant natural light, living greenery, and organic materials. The hotel also utilizes advanced air quality management systems and innovative water conservation technologies. Through a partnership with Foodprint Group, 1 Hotel Melbourne aims to divert over 90% of waste. Single-use plastics are eliminated in favor of sustainable alternatives like reusable glassware and compostable materials. Thoughtful touches throughout the hotel inspire guests to reflect on their environmental impact and embrace sustainable living long after they leave.

Reservations Now Open

Be among the first to experience 1 Hotel Melbourne, where nature and luxury converge to create an extraordinary retreat in the heart of the city. Reservations are now open. To book your stay or learn more, visit 1hotels.com/melbourne or contact MEL1HSE-Sales@1hotels.com.

ABOUT STARWOOD HOTELS

Starwood Hotels, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach (Miami) and Manhattan and includes Brooklyn Bridge (New York City), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), Sanya (China), Toronto, San Francisco, Nashville, the recently opened Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property, and the brand's first European property in Mayfair (London), with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Melbourne (Australia), Seattle, and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York City, with projects under development in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Brickell (Miami), and the Maldives; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and now includes Manchester (UK) and Silicon Valley (California), with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Adelaide (Australia), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Leveraging its marketing, design, operational, and technological expertise, Starwood Hotels is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world. Additional information can be found at starwoodhotels.com.

ABOUT 1 HOTELS

As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. With properties among some of the first to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, 1 Hotels is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South Beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River in February 2017; West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in June 2019; Sanya (China) in 2020; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; and in 2023, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand's first European property. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Melbourne (Australia), Seattle and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico). Additional information can be found at 1hotels.com.

ABOUT RIVERLEE
Riverlee is a Melbourne based, privately owned property group specializing in development and asset ownership across the commercial, residential, and retail sectors. Established in 1993 by Clement Lee, Riverlee is known for delivering visionary projects that lead the industry, both creatively and commercially, while always honoring the region's heritage, environment, and community.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

1 Hotel Melbourne Now Accepting Reservations

1 Hotel Melbourne Now Accepting Reservations