Former full-time Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, whose presence in China was confirmed for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, also participated in the 10th Anniversary Innovation Forum in Hong Kong on August 12. Gates applauded the evolution of Microsoft Research (MSR) Asia, an organization that celebrated its first decade of existence. Microsoft's co-founder, joined by representatives from Hong Kong's scholastic organizations and MSR Asia executives, reinforced his vision that China will play a key role in driving forward global innovation.

Gates indicated that "in the next ten years, when advances in digital and online technology open up new avenues for contributions in the world, China and Hong Kong will represent a very substantial percentage of the innovation that will take place. This is why we're here. In working closely with the best universities [Microsoft Research Asia] brings together the very brightest people from across China and Asia; giving them the expertise, ideas, and resources only Microsoft can offer so they can focus on the new generation of breakthroughs and discoveries."

Microsoft Research Asia has grown substantially from the time of its debut back in 1998. The organization, which initially numbered just a dozen members, now accounts for in excess of 350 employees and just as many collaborators. With headquarters in Beijing, China, MSR Asia explores a wide range of technological innovations from natural user interfaces to search and online advertising.

"For a better future in Asia, [Microsoft Research Asia] has worked closely with the top minds of academia to foster stronger knowledge-based economies throughout the region," added MSR Asia's Managing Director, Dr. Hsiao-Wuen Hon. "Hand-in-hand with universities and institutions, we've made significant strides in helping countries cultivate their next generations of business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs over the past 10 years. We look forward to continuing that winning partnership in China."