An inauguration ceremony of the Microsoft-CUHK Joint Laboratory for Human-Centric Computing and Interface Technologies was held on Wednesday at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Jointly established by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Microsoft Research Asia, the laboratory will further unite research strengths of both sides to develop innovative human-centric computing and interface technologies that improve quality of life.

It will also strive to promote collaboration between the academia and the information technology (IT) industry, provide leading research infrastructure and nurture talents.

According to Helen Meng, a professor of the university's systems engineering and engineering management department, the essence of human-centric computing and interface technologies is to enhance user-computer interaction by imitating the natural modalities of human communication.

The novel technologies endow the computer with perceptual abilities to "see" the user, "hear" his or her speeches, and "sense" his or her gestures and touch, explained Meng.

"Computers will become more user-friendly, more accessible, andmore applicable to our daily lives," added she.

Vice-Chancellor of the university Professor Lawrence J. Lau said at the ceremony that he looked forward a creative, innovativeand rewarding research journey between the university's Faculty ofEngineering and Microsoft Research Asia.