An agreement on the Joint Doctorate Supervision Scheme was signed Saturday by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Microsoft Corporation.

Under the scheme, HKUST and Microsoft Research Asia (MSR Asia) will co-supervise PhD candidates in computer science to nurture the region's next generation of IT talents.

MSR Asia will nominate candidates for admission to HKUST's Computer Science PhD program. Candidates' thesis research will be jointly supervised by HKUST faculty and senior MSR Asia research staff.

Students will be required to fulfill all PhD coursework and examinations in the first year at HKUST, and carry out research at MSR Asia, Beijing, under the guidance of the co-supervisors. Ultimately students will be awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree in computer science by HKUST.

"The Scheme will benefit our students with the best academic and industrial supervisors and an unparalleled, dynamic research environment," said HKUST President Professor Paul Chu.

"Both MSR Asia and HKUST are committed to promoting innovation, enhancing the development of IT industry, and nurturing IT talents for the region. The Joint Doctorate Supervision Scheme marks an important step towards achieving our shared goals," said Managing Director of MSR Asia Harry Shum.