Nanotechnology is one of HKUST's the internationally recognized strengths. As part of its strategic partnership with industry, the University today (Tuesday) signed a collaborative agreement with Finetex Technology Global Limited (Finetex), a world-leading manufacturer of nanostructured materials.

Prof Tony Eastham signed a collaborative agreement on a research project of carbon-nanofibers and nanocomposites with Mr Jong Chul Park, CEO of Finetex Technology Global Ltd.

The agreement will foster collaboration between HKUST and Finetex on a research project for the development and applications of carbon-nanofibers and nanocomposites.

With the financial support of Finetex, the FINETEX-HKUST R & D Center begins its existence at HKUST today. The R & D Center will undertake multi-disciplinary research and development of nanofibers and nanocomposites and will in doing so provide technological expertise to Finetex Technology and the industry.

Dignitaries attending the signing ceremony included Prof Tony Eastham, Acting Vice-President for Research and Development at HKUST and Chief Executive Officer of HKUST R and D Corporation Ltd, Professor of Department of Mechanical Engineering of HKUST Prof Kim Jang Kyo, Consul General of the Republic of Korea Mr Tong Youn Seok, Chief Executive Officer of Finetex Mr Jong Chul Park, Chief Operating Officer of Finetex Mr Jong Man Park, Vice President of Finetex Mr David Kim and Director of Finetex Mr Eunsung Park.

Prof Tony Eastham and Mr Jong Chul Park, CEO of Finetex Technology Global Ltd are unveiling the plaque of FINETEX-HKUST R & D Center.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Eastham said that the establishment of the FINETEX-HKUST R & D Center would serve as a platform between academia and industry to carry out targeted scientific research. HKUST would provide technological expertise to Finetex to undertake multi-disciplinary research and development of nanofibers and nanocomposites. The collaboration would be of significant benefit to the industry, as well as to the university.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Mr Jong Chul Park said that HKUST was widely known and highly respected for its pioneering research in nanotechnology and composite materials.

With HKUST's expertise and worldwide research network, the university would make Finetex nanostructured products better serve the industry and its customers.

About Finetex Technology Inc.

Finetex Technology Inc was founded in 2004 after a decade of research, which resulted in a unique electrospinning process to produce nano-scale fibers and structures that can be manufactured on a mass scale. These nano fibers and structures are used in a wide-range of applications and markets. Finetex has on-going expansion plans in North America and Europe with marketing offices located in Asia, North America and Europe to ensure strategic global market presence and support.