Hong Kong Applied Science And Technology Research Institute Company is attracting talents by offering master's and PhD holders awards of HK$50,000 and HK$80,000 respectively after they work for the institute for two years through a talent scheme.

Both local and foreign talents who have graduated from universities within the previous two years are eligible for the program and will be directed to participate in significant research projects related to the Greater Bay Area or even overseas training.

Participants will also receive sponsorships for 24 hours of external courses and take part in corporate social responsibility projects and events hosted by top I&T ecosystem alliance members.

Program participants will be promoted with a pay rise upon completion of their first year with satisfactory performance. The program is now open for application until December 31.

More than 40 job openings in various fields are open for applicants to the program, including artificial intelligence and big data analytics and cybersecurity, cryptography and trusted technologies.

ASTRI chief executive Denis Yip Shing-fai said: "We are keen to attract outstanding advanced degree holders. Along with ASTRI's network, they will broaden their horizons and equip themselves to seize innovation and technology opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and worldwide."

Founded in 2000, ASTRI has undertaken research development projects and nurtured innovation and technology talents over the years.

ASTRI's program comes as the government steps up the city's IT development by attracting talents and investing in startups to help transform Hong Kong into a leading IT hub.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po last month said in the budget speech that a total of HK$16 billion will go toward supporting tech startups.

A HK$5 billion "Strategic Tech Fund" was set up to boost funding for Hong Kong branches of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre and key laboratories.

Denis Yip

ASTRI scouts bright minds for talent scheme