Gates marks anniversary of Microsoft research arm

HONG KONG: Bill Gates visited Hong Kong on Tuesday to mark the 10th anniversary of Microsoft Corp's Asian research arm.

Gates, fresh from a visit to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics, praised the company's regional research division, which teams with local universities and institutions.

"As Asia becomes more and more of a global center for innovation, I have no doubt that Microsoft Research Asia and its academic partners will have an even bigger impact on the world of technology," he said in a statement released before he addressed researchers Tuesday night.

Microsoft's Asian research arm employs more than 350 researchers and engineers, funds student fellowships and partners with more than 100 university and institutions. It also runs joint labs with universities in Hong Kong and mainland China, conducting research ``with the goal of realizing Microsoft's vision of future computing.''

In June, Gates stepped down from his full-time role at the software titan he co-founded, but he remains board chairman.