The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Engineering FinTech Applied Research Academy (CEFAR) and Ant Group (Ant) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), strengthening their strategic partnership by launching the 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion programme, to attract and develop students interested in financial technology careers.

Scheduled to launch in the second half of 2022, the collaboration aims to foster a strong and growing FinTech ecosystem by bringing together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia and research, to contribute to young talent development, and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation hub and accelerate the development of the Greater Bay Area, which are among the key priorities of the Central and HKSAR governments.

As part of the MOU, selected CUHK students can join Ant’s global FinTech training programme 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion, including enrollment in its online FinTech courses and dialogue series. Students who aspire to pursue a career in FinTech can also join the 10×1000 community to interact with trainers, tutors and other members globally, and exchange ideas and knowledge.

This collaboration builds on CUHK and Ant’s relationship exploring more possibilities for the application of digital innovations, which have included Ant’s offer of more than 100 R&D vacancies for CUHK graduates last year. Ant will also provide speaking opportunities where industry practitioners can share knowledge, in addition to offering internship opportunities and recruitment support. Later this year, Ant will sponsor two Industrial Projects for CUHK Master of Science in Financial Technology students, who will take up the challenges of solving real-life problems by applying the knowledge and skills they have learnt in class, with guidance and supervision from Ant. Topics for the projects include how FinTech will drive the further development of Ant’s business.

The MOU was signed by Professor Martin D. F. Wong, Dean of CUHK’s Faculty of Engineering, and Ms Jennifer Tan, Executive Vice-President of Strategy Development and Government Affairs of Ant Group overseeing the GBA region.

Professor Wong remarked, “Since its inception in 2020, CEFAR has successfully undertaken many applied research projects. The collaboration with Ant means we have strengthened another connection with the industry, elevating our efforts to develop a larger pool of FinTech talents to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s future.”

Ms Tan added, “CUHK is a world-renowned university and its Faculty of Engineering is widely recognised as a pioneer in developing our next generation of technology leaders. Ant Group is honoured to partner with CEFAR to expand the range of opportunities that we can offer to the students in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area who will be shaping the FinTech industry’s future. As we work towards our shared commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation centre, we are excited to support academic exchanges, sharing of thought leadership, student internships, recruitment efforts and career counselling.”