The Institute of Digital Medicine (IDM) of City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and the Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST) in Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Seoul on 18 March. It aims to establish collaboration on health-related research, particularly in cell and gene therapy, bioinformatics and biomedical engineering, as well as talent development and commercialising digital health solutions to benefit society.

The MoU was signed by Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise) at CityUHK, and Professor Chang Yun Sil, Director of SAIHST.

SAIHST is a leading institute, jointly established by industry – Samsung Group, a hospital – Samsung Medical Center, and academia – Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) – to advance research and nurture professional experts to lead the future of biomedical sciences. SAIHST is Korea’s first graduate school of interdisciplinary convergence medical science to conduct healthcare-focused research and education. The institute partnered with universities and research institutes in more than 10 countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and partnership with domestic and global pharmaceutical companies, large corporations and biotech firms.

IDM was established in April 2024. In collaboration with renowned universities and medical schools around the world, as well as clinical and industry partners and health tech investors, IDM utilises CityUHK’s research strengths in engineering, data science and life science to develop innovative technologies to explore digital health solutions, for the long-term benefit of doctors and patients.

 “Global collaboration is crucial for the development of digital medicine,” said Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK. “The partnership between IDM and SAIHST marks a significant milestone in advancing health technology innovation. With CityUHK’s dynamic innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, I am confident that our joint efforts will empower our future leaders on the global stage and create a positive impact on Hong Kong, Korea, and beyond.”

IDM and SAIHST will establish talent-nurturing collaboration with an international perspective. SAIHST will support eligible top-tier researchers and scientists by facilitating their visits to Hong Kong, participating in programmes offered by the CityUHK Academy of Innovation, and providing internship opportunities for CityUHK students.

The two parties will strengthen their partnership in health-related innovations through CityUHK’s HK Tech 300 programme, jointly transforming innovative ideas into practical applications and promoting the development of deep-tech start-ups.

Following the signing ceremony, CityUHK's IDM delegation held discussions with professors from four SAIHST departments: Health Sciences and Technology, Digital Health, Medical Device Management and Research, and Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, and shared the development of CityUHK's IDM.