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The Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) Appointment of Chief Executive Officer
02 JAN 2025
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Ceo Image Mrdi Gao TengCeo Image Mrdi Gao Teng

HONG KONG, 2 JANUARY 2025 – The Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) announced today the appointment of Dr GAO Teng as Chief Executive Officer of the institute with effect from 2 January 2025. The Board of Directors expresses gratitude to Dr Gao for his commitment to MRDI and welcomes the tremendous value his extensive experience and profound knowledge will bring to the institute.

“Dr Gao Teng brings a wealth of experience, international vision and excellent strategic and leadership skills to MRDI, and we are delighted to welcome him as our Chief Executive Officer”

, said Professor Philip Chan Ching Ho, BBS, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “He has impressed the Board with his continuous impact on the microelectronics industry and ecosystem over the past 30 years, demonstrating a strong results-driven mindset and innovative technology leadership. The Board firmly believes his exceptional insight across regions and markets, coupled with his solid leadership and project management experience, will effectively steer MRDI through its next strategic phase, taking concrete actions to unleash the potential of "1 to N" transformation in R&D outcomes and industry development. We look forward to Dr Gao's contribution in establishing MRDI as a pioneer in the microelectronics sector and driving the sustained development of Hong Kong into an international I&T hub.”

“I am deeply grateful for the Board's trust and the support from my colleagues at MRDI”, said Dr Gao Teng, Chief Executive Officer of MRDI. “MRDI and I are delighted to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries. As Chief Executive Officer, I am honoured to lead this centre that promotes global microelectronics research and innovation whilst fostering collaboration. I hold deep respect for our public mission and the team. The establishment of MRDI marks a pivotal moment in Hong Kong's microelectronics progression. Our vision is to become a leading institution supporting microelectronics development in the Asia-Pacific region. We provide a collaborative platform for “government-industry-academia-research” cooperation to enhance industry competitiveness, foster innovation and meet the evolving needs of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. In the Microelectronics Centre in Yuen Long InnoPark, we will establish two 8-inch pilot lines (one for SiC and another for GaN) to support enterprises and SMEs in overcoming technical challenges, conducting trial production and commercialising research outcomes. Further, actively cultivate multilateral collaborations with universities and research institutes, both locally and globally, to nurture our talent in microelectronics and drive synergistic R&D results.”

Introduction on Dr Gao Teng

Dr Gao Teng, a distinguished figure with a rich three-decade tenure in cross-national operations and management within the innovation and technology sector, is a pioneering individual recognised for his outstanding contributions. Since 1995, Dr. Gao studied and worked in Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC) for 20 years, a globally renowned independent nanoelectronics R&D centre based in Belgium. Dr Gao was appointed as the first General Manager of IMEC China in 2010, playing a pivotal role in IMEC's establishment and rapid expansion in China since then. Dr Gao aided IMEC with unwavering dedication in laying the foundation for development and rapidly expanding into the domestic market. IMEC has become well-known in the domestic industry and at various levels of government.

In 2015, Dr Gao joined Shanghai Industrial Technology Research Institute (SITRI) as Chief Strategy Officer. During his tenure in SITRI, he was appointed as President of SITRI’s subsidiary, namely Shanghai International Micro-Tech Affiliation Center (SIMTAC) and SITRI’s affiliated entity, namely Fuzhou Internet of Things Open Lab (FIoT-LAB). In 2023, Dr Gao was appointed as Vice President of Zhejiang ICSprout, responsible for leading the advancement of integrated circuit virtual manufacturing projects. Dr Gao spearheaded teams of international professionals from Mainland China and overseas for years, many of whom have become senior executives or startup founders today. Through his successful efforts in securing government funding, efficiently leveraging resources, and implementing innovative strategies, Dr Gao has played a crucial role in advancing cutting-edge research and development initiatives while meeting market demands and propelling technological advancements. Dr Gao's visionary leadership has led to the establishment of four R&D institutes and organisations, including IMEC China, SIMTAC, FIoT-LAB, and Shanghai Automotive Chip Engineering Center.

Dr Gao Teng possesses a strong academic foundation, including a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Southeast University in China, a master's degree in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Microelectronics from the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium. KU Leuven, home to numerous leading researchers, is a highly regarded European university known for its innovation and excellence. Dr Gao further earned an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree from the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), a top business school in the world, co-founded by the Chinese Government and the European Union (EU) in 1994.

Dr Gao's remarkable ability to form partnerships within the I&T ecosystem reinforces his position as a transformative force in research and development. Significantly, his leadership has guided billion-RMB projects to fruition, highlighting his capacity to drive substantial investments towards steering initiatives and partnerships that propel technological innovation to new heights. His steadfast commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence continues to shape a future defined by innovative advancements and transformative technologies.

For more information about MRDI and Dr Gao, please contact our Marketing and Corporate Communications Department. 

About Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI)

In the 2023 Policy Address, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced a series of measures to promote Hong Kong’s I&T development, including the establishment of MRDI within 2024 to lead and promote collaboration among universities, research centers and industry. On 17 May 2024, the Finance Committee of Legislative Council approved the creation of a new commitment of $2,838.4 million under the Innovation and Technology Fund for the establishment and operation of MRDI. Two pilot lines of the MRDI will be set up at the Microelectronics Centre in the Yuen Long InnoPark.

MRDI is dedicated to researching and developing core technologies of thirdgeneration semiconductors, with a focus on taking concrete actions in unleashing potential of “1 to N” transformation of R&D outcomes and industry development, thereby contributing to the development of Hong Kong as an international I&T centre.

MRDI initially focuses on supporting third-generation semiconductors, including Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitride, which are applicable to new energy vehicles, as well as other industrial and consumer electronic products and renewable energy. The market potential for these technologies is enormous. The establishment of MRDI marks a new chapter in the development of microelectronics in Hong Kong and envisions becoming one of the leading institutions supporting microelectronics development in the Asia-Pacific region.