Privacy Policy - HKU TEC

Privacy Policy Statement

The University of Hong Kong (“HKU”) is committed to meeting internationally recognized standards of personal data privacy protection in compliance with the requirements of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) of Hong Kong. In doing so, HKU ensures that its staff adhere to the highest standards of security, confidentiality, and integrity in the collection, use, storage, disclosure, and handling of personal data.

The HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (“HKU TEC”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), as a unit of The University of Hong Kong, is committed to safeguarding the privacy of individuals who interact with our website, programmes, events, services, and activities.

This Privacy Policy explains how HKU TEC collects, uses, stores, protects, and manages personal data through the website www.tec.hku.hk (“Website”) and related services.

By accessing and using this Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

1. Collection of Personal Data

HKU TEC may collect personal data when you:

Visit or browse our Website;
Register for events, workshops, competitions, programmes, or activities;
Subscribe to newsletters or mailing lists;
Submit enquiries, applications, registrations, or feedback forms;
Participate in surveys, training sessions, startup support initiatives, incubation programmes, or other entrepreneurship-related activities;
Contact us through email, telephone, social media channels, or other communication platforms.

The personal data we collect may include:

Name;
Email address;
Telephone number;
Mailing address;
Organisation, company, institution, or affiliation;
Job title or position;
Student, researcher, entrepreneur, mentor, investor, or supporter status;
Programme or event participation information;
Any other information voluntarily provided by you.

Provision of personal data is voluntary unless otherwise specified. However, failure to provide certain information may prevent us from processing your request, registration, or application.

2. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Website, certain information may be collected automatically through cookies, analytics tools, and server logs. Such information may include:

Internet Protocol (IP) address;
Browser type and version;
Device type and operating system;
Date and time of access;
Pages viewed and navigation patterns;
Referring website addresses;
Website usage and interaction data.

This information is generally collected for statistical, security, administrative, and website improvement purposes.

3. Purposes for Collection and Use of Personal Data

HKU TEC may use personal data for the following purposes:

Administering and managing events, programmes, workshops, competitions, and activities;
Processing registrations, applications, enquiries, and requests;
Providing startup support, incubation, acceleration, mentoring, and entrepreneurship services;
Communicating with participants, applicants, partners, and stakeholders;
Distributing newsletters, publications, updates, promotional materials, and information relating to HKU TEC activities;
Conducting surveys, assessments, research, and programme evaluations;
Managing partnerships, sponsorships, and engagement initiatives;
Maintaining security and integrity of our systems and Website;
Complying with legal, regulatory, audit, and reporting obligations;
Improving the quality, effectiveness, and user experience of our services and Website.

Personal data will only be used for purposes directly related to those for which it was collected or as otherwise permitted by applicable law.

4. Direct Marketing Communications

Subject to applicable legal requirements, HKU TEC may use your contact information to send you:

Newsletters;
Event invitations;
Programme announcements;
Funding, startup, and entrepreneurship opportunities;
Updates regarding HKU TEC activities and services.

You may opt out of receiving such communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions contained in the communication or by contacting us directly.

5. Disclosure and Transfer of Personal Data

HKU TEC does not sell or rent personal data to third parties.

Personal data may be disclosed or transferred where necessary to:

Relevant faculties, departments, schools, centres, institutes, administrative offices, and units within HKU;
Event organisers, programme partners, sponsors, mentors, speakers, judges, collaborators, and service providers involved in delivering HKU TEC activities;
Contractors, consultants, professional advisers, auditors, and legal representatives engaged by HKU or HKU TEC;
Government authorities, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, or courts where required by law or legal process;
Other parties where the individual has provided consent.

Any disclosure will be made only where necessary and subject to appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.

6. International Transfer of Data

Certain service providers, partners, platforms, or systems used by HKU TEC may be located outside Hong Kong. Where personal data is transferred internationally, HKU TEC will take reasonable steps to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place and that personal data is protected in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.

7. Cookies and Similar Technologies

The Website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

Improve website functionality and performance;
Enhance user experience;
Remember user preferences;
Generate website usage statistics and analytics;
Support website security and administration.

Users may adjust browser settings to refuse cookies. However, certain parts of the Website may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

8. Data Security

HKU TEC maintains appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal data against:

Unauthorized access;
Accidental loss;
Misuse;
Disclosure;
Alteration;
Destruction.

Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel who require such information for legitimate business, academic, administrative, or operational purposes.

While reasonable security measures are implemented, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

9. Data Retention

Personal data will be retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including:

Programme and event administration;
Operational and administrative requirements;
Legal and regulatory compliance;
Audit and record-keeping obligations.

When personal data is no longer required, it will be securely deleted, destroyed, anonymized, or archived in accordance with HKU policies and applicable legal requirements.

10. Links to Third-Party Websites

The Website may contain links to websites operated by third parties. Such websites are not under the control of HKU TEC or HKU.

HKU TEC is not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of third-party websites. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.

11. Access and Correction of Personal Data

Under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, individuals may have the right to:

Request access to personal data held about them;
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data;
Enquire about HKU TEC’s policies and practices relating to personal data.

Requests for access or correction should be submitted in writing to the contact details below. HKU TEC may require verification of identity before processing such requests and may charge a reasonable administrative fee where permitted by law.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

HKU TEC reserves the right to amend, modify, or update this Privacy Policy at any time.

Any changes will be posted on this page and will become effective upon publication. Users are encouraged to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how personal data is protected and managed.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your personal data rights, or would like further information regarding the handling of personal data by HKU TEC, please contact:

HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (HKU TEC)
The University of Hong Kong
2/F, Pao Siu Loong Building
The University of Hong Kong
Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Email: hkutec@hku.hk
Telephone: +852 3910 2495 [tec.hku.hk]