Western Canada’s TRLabs is collaborating with two Hong Kong agencies on information and communications technology (ICT) research.
The agreement between TRLabs and Cyberport focuses on digital content (New Media) research exchange. Cyberport’s Digital Media Centre will be operational in March.
A second agreement between TRLabs division NEWT and Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association affiliate Hong Kong Wireless Development Centre (HKWDC) calls for collaboration on wireless technology and applications development between the two wireless development centres.
Premier Ralph Klein was on hand for the signing ceremony. “The willingness of TRLabs to reach out internationally in this way is impressive, and deserves to be commended,” said Klein.
TRLabs president and CEO Roger Pederson said: “Wireless communications and New Media are staking their claim in the information and knowledge economy of the future.
“Our research program is expanding to capitalize on the growing opportunities in both of these sectors,” Pederson said. “The infusion of new perspective and exchange of ideas this partnership provides will accelerate our research program in these areas, with a resulting benefit to our members and to Western Canada.”
Noting that Hong Kong and China represent economies with an increasing global presence, Pederson said the “bridge to Asia we have opened here today will help bring the vast potential of these two ICT sectors to life for Western Canada.”
Cyberport – Hong Kong’s information technology (IT) flagship – is a $2-billion US landmark project creating an interactive environment that will be home to a strategic cluster of more than 100 IT companies and more than 10,000 IT professionals.
The HKWDC is a regional hub for mobile and wireless application development, providing infrastructure support to the mobile and wireless application development industry in Hong Kong. The centre opened in December 2003.
Edmonton-headquartered TRLabs creates innovative technologies and trains students to enhance ICT expertise and improve Canada’s global competitiveness. With 57 partner members representing industry, government and university, the pan-western consortium operates labs in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg employing 230.
TRLabs’ wireless communications research is a core focus at the NEWT (Network for Emerging Wireless Technologies) centre in Calgary. The centre is a world-class, state-of-the-art test centre that offers the wireless developer easy access to needed pre-launch product testing.
TRLabs’ New Media research is a core focus in Regina.
Web watch:
www.trlabs.ca
www.newt.trlabs.ca
