Press Release

HKBU and HK Electric sign MOU to further enhance power supply reliability through AI solutions

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

 

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and The Hongkong Electric Co, Ltd. (HK Electric) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 15 July, to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), marking a new chapter in industrial-academic partnership.

The MOU was signed by Professor Terence Lau, Interim Chief Innovation Officer of HKBU, and Mr Raymond Choi, Operations Director of HK Electric.

Professor Terence Lau said: “This initiative not only aims to enhance the capacity for anomaly detection in low-voltage (LV) distribution network but also strives to expand AI applications into broader areas. HKBU and HK Electric will join forces to explore more innovative solutions, advancing Hong Kong’s smart city development together, and contributing actively to the realisation of sustainable development goals.”

Mr Raymond Choi stated: “This collaboration signifies our commitment to advancing operational efficiency and strengthening supply reliability through innovation and technology. By combining world-class academic insight with practical industry experience, we aim to develop smart solutions that elevate the performance of our power infrastructure and foster innovation across the sector.”

The first initiative under the MOU is a joint project titled “Anomaly Detection for Low-voltage Distribution Network Using Artificial Intelligence”, which focuses on improving anomaly detection and in-time maintenance of LV cable circuits across the supply grid of HK Electric for improving supply reliability.

Traditionally, engineers depended on customer feedback and manual analysis of LV cable loading data to uncover potential issues — a reactive approach that limited anomaly detection. Through this collaboration, AI will now be harnessed to analyse real-time loading patterns and pinpoint irregularities indicative of cable failures, enabling faster, more proactive, and precise maintenance.

This technology empowers engineers to swiftly and precisely identify at-risk cables, enabling pre-emptive maintenance that helps prevent supply interruptions. The outcome is a more reliable and resilient electricity network — delivering greater stability and peace of mind to HK Electric’s customers.

As a global university and one of the top research-led institutions in Asia, HKBU has been focusing on key strategic research areas including the application of data analytics and AI in different fields. At the same time, HK Electric, guided by its enduring commitment to excellence, continues to provide safe, reliable power services to the community. This collaboration between industry and academia exemplifies the powerful synergy that transforms pioneering research into real-world solutions. It not only accelerates technological innovation but also sets a benchmark for future partnerships, delivering mutual value to both the power sector and society, and contributing to Hong Kong’s sustainable economic development.

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Professor Terence Lau, Interim Chief Innovation Officer of HKBU (left), and Mr Raymond Choi, Operations Director of HK Electric (right) sign the Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence and develop smart solutions that elevate the performance of power infrastructure.
Professor Terence Lau, Interim Chief Innovation Officer of HKBU (left), and Mr Raymond Choi, Operations Director of HK Electric (right) sign the Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence and develop smart solutions that elevate the performance of power infrastructure.
(From 4th to 1st left) Professor Terence Lau, Interim Chief Innovation Officer; Professor Michael Ng, Dean of Science; Professor Ling Leevan, Head of the Department of Mathematics; and Professor Byron Choi Koon-kau, Associate Head of the Department of Computer Science at HKBU, together with (from 4th to 1st right) Mr Raymond Choi, Operations Director; Mr Tony Yeung, General Manager (Transmission and Distribution); Mr Wilson Kwok, Head of Technical Services; and Mr Chris Poon, Chief Manager (Solutions Development) of HK Electric, attend the signing ceremony.