ASTRI's summer internship programs offer valuable hands-on experience in innovation and technology to students from around the world. The programs provide opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and explore diverse career paths.
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| ASTRI's summer internship programs are among the largest and most international in Hong Kong, attracting students from top universities worldwide. The programs offer a wide range of research projects and opportunities to explore the I&T ecosystem. Photo: collected. |
HONG KONG – August 28, 2024:
The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has successfully concluded its summer internship programs, offering a record number of 110 undergraduate and postgraduate students from top local and overseas universities an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in innovation and technology (I&T).
ASTRI's "Summer Internship Program" and "FinTech Future Leader Academy (Internship)" are among the largest and most international summer internship initiatives offered by research and development (R&D) institutions in Hong Kong. The programs attracted over 3,000 applications, underscoring their popularity among aspiring I&T professionals.
The selected interns worked on a variety of research projects, guided by senior researchers, in fields such as the Internet of Things, generative artificial intelligence, semiconductors, 5G communication technology, and Internet of Vehicles. Some of the projects included testing C-V2X technology, developing models for crane safety technology, programming virtual avatars, and researching retail technology solutions.
In addition to research roles, interns also had the opportunity to explore other areas within R&D institutions, such as talent acquisition, marketing, technology transfer, and client development. This exposure helped them gain valuable insights into the diverse career paths available in the I&T industry.
To enhance their understanding of industry developments, the interns attended "Tech Talk" seminars and visited leading corporations, including the Bank of China (Hong Kong), Cyberport, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, IBM, Microsoft Hong Kong, and HKSTP Experience Centre.
The program also included social and sports activities to foster cultural exchange and build friendships among the interns.
"These programs are pivotal in nurturing talents, providing students with opportunities to acquire essential knowledge and skills through various R&D projects and enabling them to explore Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem," said Dr. Denis Yip, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI. "I hope these programs will encourage young talents to join the I&T industry upon graduation."
A notable highlight of the program was the collaboration of interns from ASTRI's Innovative Mind Division, who built a tower crane model for testing new construction technology. This project allowed the interns to apply their engineering knowledge and learn from experienced mentors, gaining valuable insights into the design and development process.
Ishita, Kareen, and Stephanie, interns from the Innovative Mind Division, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to work on this project. Ishita, an Aerospace Engineering student at the University of Manchester, noted that the experience challenged her to explore subjects unrelated to her engineering major while applying her existing knowledge. Kareen, studying Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design at Georgia Institute of Technology, appreciated the opportunity to work on a hands-on project and learn from experienced mentors.
The internship program also provided interns with the opportunity to explore career paths beyond traditional research and development roles. Anna, a PhD candidate in Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, joined the Ecosystem and University Technology Transfer Department. She embraced the challenge of a position far different from her university research to broaden her horizons.
"During the internship, I supported organizing various talks and seminars, gaining insights into customer needs from a different perspective, which helps explore new paths for my future career development," Anna explained.
ASTRI's internship programs were funded by the STEM Internship Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission. The participants came from diverse backgrounds, with over 40% from Europe, nearly 40% from the United States and Canada, and approximately 10% each from the Asia-Pacific region and Hong Kong.
ASTRI's summer internship programs have proven to be a valuable platform for nurturing future I&T leaders and promoting Hong Kong's position as a global innovation hub. By providing students with hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to industry leaders, the programs equip interns with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving I&T landscape.