OREANDA-NEWS. November 13, 2015. Ford Motor Company recently announced the recipients of the 2015-16 Ford-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Conservation and Environmental Research Grants program. This year, 20 Master of Science students from HKUST’s School of Engineering were awarded grants.

The Ford-HKUST Conservation and Environmental Research Grants program is a unique partnership between Ford Motor Company and HKUST to help promote environmental sustainability and research, with a focus on green technologies and transportation. 

This year’s recipients will conduct research projects ranging from how to personalize ventilation in vehicles, to an examination of more efficient batteries for next generation vehicles, to the development of smart car windows to help conserve energy.

“Ford is proud to nurture and support young talent through our continuing collaboration with HKUST,” said David Westerman, managing director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company. “The Grants program demonstrates our shared commitment to building a better world through original ideas and new technologies”.

Established in 2013, the Grants program has now become one of the most popular and successful grant schemes for postgraduate students at HKUST, one of the leading universities in Asia. The program has also led to employment opportunities for graduates, with 2014 grant recipient Praveen Balaj now working as a Sheet Metal Formability Engineer at Ford India.

“We highly appreciate Ford’s ongoing support, which has so far provided 42 students with valuable research opportunities and continues to drive academic excellence,” said Professor King Lun Yeung, Associate Dean of Engineering (Research and Graduate Studies), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

“Our close partnerships with industry leaders, such as with Ford through this Grants program, are testaments of our continuing efforts to build international connections and provide a collaborative learning environment.”

As with previous years, Ford contributed HKD 500,000 for the graduate research grants. HKUST matched this contribution, bringing the total grant pool to HKD 1,000,000.

Ford’s Conservation and Environmental Grants Program

Founded in 1983, the Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants program was created to empower individuals and non-profit groups to conduct research and complete projects. Their work allows them to preserve the environmental well-being of their communities and provide solutions contributing to a sustainable planet.

Since launching, Ford has awarded more than USD \\$5 million in grants to hundreds of environmental projects in more than 60 countries around the world.

In Asia Pacific, Ford has played a pivotal role in advancing environmental initiatives for more than a decade across multiple markets, from protecting wildlife and preventing forest fires, to funding cultural heritage projects and replenishing resources in rural communities.