Media Releases

PolyU launches space-themed programme to nurture talents for the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is actively involved in national space missions, and is committed to fostering young people’s interests in space science and contributing to the Nation’s space achievements. In the 2024/25 academic year, PolyU has launched a space-themed programme “Pioneering the Moon: From Exploration to Base Construction”. A public lecture, given by Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU, was held on campus on 7 December, attracting students from 94 secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The programme is organised by PolyU and sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong), with the support of the Chinese Society of Astronautics and the Hong Kong Society of Astronautics. Prof. Wu provided an in-depth overview of lunar exploration achievements and potential strategies for lunar base development. The lecture aroused the students’ enthusiasm in the interactive Q&A session, demonstrating their keen interest in space exploration. The space-themed programme also includes two online lectures and a Lunar Base Design Competition. The online lectures will be held in mid-January 2025, featuring Dr Qi ZHAO, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU, and Mr Eno LAM, Engineer of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, and Space Systems Engineer of the Industrial Centre of PolyU. They will speak on “Lunar Base Construction” and “Our Nation’s Space Aspirations, Impacts, and Local Involvements” respectively, introducing students with deeper knowledge of aerospace. The Lunar Base Design Competition is now open for registration. Participating students can form teams to design a workspace that meets the needs of astronauts based on a chosen theme and propose innovative ideas for its future development. The competition is open to Secondary 3-5/Grade 9-11/Year 10-12/Gao-1 and Gao-2 students from secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, with a deadline for submitting the proposals of 28 February 2025. For details of the space-themed programme “Pioneering the Moon: From Exploration to Base Construction”, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/space/   ***END***

PolyU project develops library of polarised vdW heterobilayers for exploring novel 2D materials, securing support from NSFC/RGC Collaborative Research Scheme

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have broad application in various electronics such as computer memory. Stacking different 2D materials in layers through van der Waals (vdW) forces may further form heterobilayers with new properties and usages. Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have proposed generating a library of vdW heterobilayers with specific properties to screen for materials that have significant development potential. Demonstrating fundamental impact on the next generation of nanoelectronics, photonics and spintronics, the project has received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) 2024/25. Led by Prof. Daniel LAU Shu Ping, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics of PolyU, the project “A Library of Polarized Van Der Waals Heterobilayers: From Prediction to Realization” has been awarded funding of approximately HK$3.55 million under the CRS for a duration of 48 months. The project is in collaboration with Prof. JI Wei, Chair Professor of Renmin University of China. 2D vdW heterobilayers possess rich physical and chemical properties unique to their constituent monolayers. They are fundamentally intriguing and practically appealing to scientists seeking novel physics and design of next generation devices. In their previous research, Prof. Lau and the collaborative team demonstrated unexpected out-of-plane ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity in untwisted, commensurate, and epitaxial MoS2/WS2 heterobilayers synthesised by one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This has aroused interest in exploring novel heterobilayers using CVD, and in the subsequent development of a vdW heterobilayers library. Developing multifunctional 2D polarised electronics is crucial for the next generation of low-power dissipation, high-density memory and integrated circuits. However, the current exploration of vdW heterobilayers relies on a trial-and-error approach. The project aims to develop a simulation model to accelerate the screening of a large number of 2D vdW materials for promising polarised heterobilayers for further experimental evaluation. The model will then be reinforced for more precise prediction, enriching the family of 2D materials with multifunctional properties while also contributing to a solid database of such materials. Prof. Daniel Lau said, “We anticipate that vdW heterobilayers could resolve the scalability and performance issues occurring in current 2D ferroelectrics. Furthermore, the results of our work may provide new insights into building high-density and energy-efficient next-generation non-volatile memory (NVM) and in-memory computing devices.” The project is expected to demonstrate full integration of vdW heterobilayers for high-density NVM, with the aim of stimulating research interest in and attracting attention to vdW heterobilayers for ferroelectricity among academics. Its outcome will also advance the commercialisation of emerging memory devices. The CRS aims to support larger-scale collaborative research across disciplines and/or across universities in the Mainland and Hong Kong, with a view to enhancing research output and impact on both sides. The six focus areas of the Scheme include Information Technology, Life Science, New Materials Science, Marine and Environmental Science, Medicine, and Management Science. ***END***  

PolyU signs MoU with CLP Power to nurture electrical engineering talents and promote innovative technology for advancement of Hong Kong power industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday (11 December), joining forces to cultivate electrical engineering talents in Hong Kong that meet the needs of the power industry’s development. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Joseph LAW, Managing Director of CLP Power, the MoU was signed by Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Grid Modernisation of PolyU, and Mr Paul TOMLINSON, Chief Operations and Transformation Officer of CLP Power. This collaboration marks a significant step for PolyU and CLP Power in advancing education and fostering innovative research in electrical engineering. Both organisations will leverage their respective strengths and expertise to contribute to the cultivation of talent and technological development of the power industry in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). They will utilise advanced technologies, including the metaverse, immersive virtual environments, virtual reality(VR) and augmented reality(AR) to jointly develop innovative digital training and learning materials for students and the industrial practitioners. Students from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU will be offered the opportunity to experience the real working environment of the power industry. This exposure will help them understand the industry’s operations and development, thereby enhancing their integrated skills in both theory and practice. Both organisations will also explore opportunities for academic and research collaboration. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “PolyU is thrilled to collaborate with CLP Power, marking a significant milestone in university-industry partnerships aimed at nurturing electrical engineering professionals. By combining academic theory with practical industry experience, we not only help students gain a thorough understanding of the power industry’s operations and the challenges it faces, but also enhance communication between university researchers and industry experts. This collaboration will also enable us to explore opportunities for jointly applying innovative technologies. Hong Kong takes justifiable pride in its world-class electricity supply reliability, which is among the best in the world. To maintain this competitive edge, it is essential to ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals. Through this partnership, we aim to cultivate future industry leaders and contribute to the sustainable development of the power industry in Hong Kong and the GBA.” Mr Joseph Law said, “CLP Power is pleased to strengthen our strategic partnership with PolyU through this new collaboration. The power industry navigates a key moment in the energy transition, where talent and advanced technologies are essential drivers of Hong Kong's journey toward a net-zero city by 2050 and supporting the continuous development of the society. At CLP Power, we place great importance on nurturing talent, advancing technology, and upholding our mission to continually enhance operational safety, power supply stability, and environmental performance. This collaboration with PolyU will cultivate future energy professionals to meet the evolving needs of both our industry and society at large.”   ***END***

PolyU multimodal robot for post-stroke ankle-foot rehabilitation wins CES 2025 Innovation Award

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to pursuing pioneering research in frontier areas and to embracing a strong culture of knowledge transfer. By translating research excellence into impactful solutions, the University takes the lead in making a positive impact for societal benefits. The first-of-its-kind multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation, developed by PolyU, has been recognised as an Honouree in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 Innovation Awards, reaffirming the effective impact of the University’s PolyImpact philosophy. For the second consecutive year, PolyU has been honoured in the Accessibility & Aging Tech category — the only university in Hong Kong to receive the recognition of this consumer technology award. Following triumph in winning a Gold Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in April, the “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton”, developed by a research team led by Dr Xiaoling HU, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has been named as a CES Innovation Awards 2025 Honouree. The innovation has once again been recognised for its effectiveness in helping stroke patients with hemiplegia to improve the motor function of their lower limb and walking ability. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “Health technology is vital to the well-being of humanity. This award highlights PolyU's commitment to excellence in research, translating into innovative solutions that bring sustainable benefits to the community. We are thrilled by the achievements of PolyU's young researchers on the global research and consumer technology stage. The University will continue to support them in leveraging their strengths and expanding impactful research initiatives.” Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Stroke patients need intensive and long-term rehabilitation training to improve their physical mobility and quality of life. Powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton” is an innovative multimodal device that integrates the advantages of exoskeleton, soft pneumatic muscle, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and tactile sensory feedback in one system. The lightweight wearable design and a 9V rechargeable battery that can be used continuously for four hours, enables patients to pursue rehabilitation training anytime and anywhere. It can effectively correct post-stroke footdrop and foot-inversion and improve the gait and balance of stroke patients in self-help tele-rehabilitation. The IoT technology aligned with artificial intelligence (AI) enables automatic onsite coaching feedback to a stroke patient on their training performance via a mobile app. This allows remote supervision by healthcare professionals and longitudinal management of rehabilitative progress for optimised services, providing a cost-effective and easy-to-access solution for stroke patients’ rehabilitation treatment. Dr Xiaoling Hu said, “This technology and product can seamlessly integrate into routine rehabilitation services, enabling professionals to effectively assist more stroke patients. Through this flexible training approach, we hope to help stroke patients achieve more efficient rehabilitation progress and enhance their ability to perform daily activities, ultimately supporting their path towards greater independence in the long term.” Dr Hu also co-founded the startup Thecon Technology (HK) Limited in 2021 and plans to commercialise the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton next year. The annual CES is organised by the Consumer Technology Association and, as one of its representative awards, the CES Innovation Awards programme recognises and honours outstanding design and engineering in 33 consumer technology product categories. An elite panel of industry expert judges, including media professionals, designers and engineers, reviews submissions based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetics, and design. The upcoming CES 2025 will be held in Las Vegas, the United States, from 7 to 10 January 2025. At the event, PolyU will showcase a range of innovative research projects in healthcare, smart cities, optometry, radiotherapy, AI and IoT sensing.   ***END***

PolyU research unveils critical role of humidity and indoor conditions in heatwave severity assessments, introducing a new framework for standardised heatwave indices

Unprecedented extreme heat represents a critical climate challenge, resulting in approximately 490,000 heat-related deaths globally each year, with 45% of these fatalities occurring in Asia. A study by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has revealed that some existing heatwave indices are unable to accurately capture heatwave severity in diverse geographical regions and climate conditions. It is suggested to include humidity and indoor environmental conditions in identifying a dangerous heatwave. The development of a global heat risk framework and early warning systems are also recommended to alleviate the impact of heatwaves on human health. The research findings have been published in the international journal Nexus. Working outdoors in high temperatures for extended periods can lead to heat stress, dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Currently, there is no global standard for measuring the severity of heatwaves, and each index has different definition of  dangerous heat stress. A research team led by Prof. Qihao WENG, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Land and Space, Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics, and Director of the Jockey Club STEM Lab of Earth Observations together with Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Pir MOHAMMAD, examined the effectiveness of six heatwave indices in identifying dangerous heatwave, including maximum daily air temperature, humidity index, humidex, wet bulb globe temperature, lethal heat stress index and universal thermal climate index. The research team conducted case studies on recent heatwave events observed in Spain and the United States in 2022, as well as in India in 2023. The results revealed that the lethal heat stress index, which combines temperature and humidity, is more effective in identifying dangerous heatwave days in a low-humidity environment compared to other indices. It can also differentiate between areas that are affected by extreme heat stress and those that are not. The other five heatwave indices failed to effectively identify dangerous heatwave conditions in diverse climate, geographic and meteorological conditions. Heatwave lethality depends not only on the maximum air temperature, but also on relative humidity, particularly in sub-tropical regions like Hong Kong. The study showed that, in humid conditions, even if the ambient temperature is only 28 °C, the saturated air moisture makes effective sweat evaporation and heat dissipation difficult and causes body temperature to rise faster, potentially leading to fatigue, dehydration or heat stroke. The team suggested that evaluating heat stress in humid conditions is crucial for better understanding the impact of heatwaves on human health, particularly for construction workers and agricultural labourers who spend substantial time outdoors. In addition, the existing heatwave indices, such as the Hong Kong Heat Index, which is based on outdoor environment conditions, rely on outdoor heat mapping data provided by climate services. However, most heat-related mortalities occur indoors. In Hong Kong’s densely populated environment with many high-rise buildings, residents of rooftop houses and subdivided flats are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. With rapid global warming, the researchers emphasised that building morphology and material, overheating conditions, and air-conditioning are essential in calculating indoor heat stress. They also suggested revisiting thresholds to establish new global criteria for defining dangerous heatwave limits, considering varied climatic conditions and human adaptability based on age, gender and household conditions. Prof. Qihao Weng said, “Understanding the relations between climate, heat stress and health is crucial for formulating targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies. The findings underscore the need for a global heat risk framework and early warning systems, as well as the adoption of more sophisticated heat stress mitigation and adaptation measures by local authorities in response to rapid global warming.” Dr Pir Mohammad said, “The study highlights the potential gap between reported outdoor heat data and often overlooked indoor heat impacts. Integrating these perspectives could provide a more comprehensive understanding of heat-related risks and their public health implications and thus help establish a more precise evaluation of dangerous heatwave conditions.” The research team also discussed enhancing heatwave predictions to mitigate their impacts. They emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among climate scientists, health professionals, policymakers and communities to safeguard public health in a changing climate. ***END***

PolyU and China Southern Power Grid collaborate to advance innovation in the energy sector of the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Southern Power Grid Company (CSG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 5 December to establish a strategic collaboration in areas including new power systems, green and low-carbon technologies, and joint talent development. The partnership aims to support energy development and green transition in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr LIU Qihong, Director and Deputy Party Secretary of CSG, the MoU was signed by Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering  and Mr ZHAN Xiaohui, Assistant General Manager and Director of Human Resources Department of CSG. Prof. Christopher Chao said,“PolyU is committed to addressing major social, technological, and scientific challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovation. With a strong foundation and extensive experience in the fields of energy and power systems research, PolyU will work closely with CSG, a major state-owned enterprise with significant strengths in power system construction and technological innovation. This partnership will leverage the expertise of both parties to accelerate the translation of scientific research outcomes, promote high-quality development in the energy and power sector of the GBA, and contribute to achieving the Nation’s ‘dual-carbon’ goals.” Mr Liu Qihong remarked, “This partnership will drive innovation in the energy industry of the GBA and the Nation by establishing joint talent development and deepening integration in technological innovation. CSG looks forward to working with PolyU to tackle challenges, advance the construction of new power systems, accelerate the digital transformation of the sector, and support sustainable development in the GBA.” The collaboration will focus on several key areas: Talent Development: Establish a joint talent development base to nurture master’s and doctoral students in engineering with international perspectives, as well as industry leaders, fostering the development of multidisciplinary talent. Technological Innovation: Focus on cutting-edge areas such as new power system construction, power artificial intelligence, and smart grid technologies, and jointly undertake fundamental research and technological breakthroughs. Knowledge Exchange: Regularly organise high-level forums, innovation competitions, and exchange activities to promote regional and international technological collaboration and knowledge sharing. Educational Resource Sharing: Collaborate on the development of innovative courses in smart grid technologies, advancing the internationalisation and practical application of curricula in related fields. Looking ahead, PolyU and CSG will deepen their cooperation in low-carbon energy innovation and new power system construction, striving to position the GBA as a global leader in green innovation and development. Attending guests visited PolyU’s Research Centre for Electric Vehicles to understand PolyU’s latest research projects on electric vehicles. ***END***

PolyU shines at 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong, winning the Grand Prize

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) received a total of 18 accolades at the 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong (AEII), including the Grand Prize, one Special Prize, seven Gold Medals, eight Silver Medals and one Bronze Medals. The winning entries include a research project from Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) in collaboration with the University of Waterloo. AEII is a prestigious annual exhibition and competition dedicated to innovations and inventions in Asia. It brings together scholars, experts, and inventors from around the world to showcase a diverse range of groundbreaking inventions and solutions. Among these, the project “Highly integrated wireless ultrasonic motor system for fully enclosed environments”, led by Prof. CHAU Kwok-tong, Chair Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU, was awarded the Grand Prize and a Gold Medal. The wireless ultrasonic motor system designed by the team features a single integrated magnetic coupler connected to the motor, which can control motor systems in fully enclosed environments without power cables, batteries and controllers. The system is adaptable to various applications, facilitating seamless integration. Its streamlines are designed by operating without additional controllers or sensors, which is ideal for environments where traditional cabling is impractical, such as in robotic arms, enhancing mobility and flexibility. In enclosed environments like underground pipelines or underwater propellers, it avoids complications from perforated installation cables, preventing gas or liquid leaks. This innovation brings new solutions for advanced applications in robotics and industrial automation. Among the PolyU award-winning innovations, ten were developed by PolyU-nurtured startups, some of which were founded by the University’s scholars. This highlights the important role of the University’s signature startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, which has supported more than 500 startups over the years. The ecosystem has offered comprehensive support to help numerous PolyU academics, researchers, alumni, and students realise their entrepreneurial dreams. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated the winning PolyU teams, stating: “The remarkable achievements of PolyU academics, students and alumni vividly reflect the University’s strong research capabilities. They embody a spirit of daring to pursue breakthroughs and continuously strive for excellence, benefiting society through cutting-edge research and innovative solutions, while also helping address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We will continue to uphold the PolyImpact philosophy. Through education, research, knowledge transfer, and innovative inventions, the University is dedicated to bringing positive impact to society and mankind for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.” Organised by The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association in partnership with Palexpo, the organiser of the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, this year’s AEII attracted about 140 inventions from Hong Kong, mainland China and other Asian countries and regions. PolyU’s award-winning projects are listed below. To learn more about PolyU’s impactful innovations showcased at the Exhibition, please refer to the Appendix and the website of the PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office.   Project Principal Investigator Awards Highly integrated wireless ultrasonic motor system for fully enclosed environments Prof. CHAU Kwok Tong Chair Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Grand Prize Gold Medal Eye-On-a-Chip technology Dr Liping ZHOU Co-Principal Investigator, CEVR Research Assistant Professor, School of Optometry; and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, PolyU Dr Chau-minh PHAN Principal Investigator, CEVR CAI Award Invention and Innovation - China Association of Inventions Gold Medal “ProRuka” - novel prosthetic hand controlled by wireless sonomyography Prof. ZHENG Yongping Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering; Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering; Co-founder and Director, Sonoconnect Technology Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Mr Vaheh NAZARI Hardware Engineer, Sonoconnect Technology Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Gold Medal Last-centimetre drone delivery in urban environments Dr HUANG Hailong Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Gold Medal Synergistic integration of terrestrial radiative cooling and bifacial solar photovoltaics for low-carbon buildings Prof. LU Lin Vivien Professor, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Dr GONG Quan Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Gold Medal “AkkMore™” - natural fat substitute Dr CHANG Jinhui Research Assistant Professor, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, PolyU Co-Founder, Bo InnoHealth Biotechnology Company Limited (a PolyU academic-led start-up) Gold Medal Artificial reef for oyster reef restoration in topological approach Mr Dean CHAN PolyU School of Design alumnus; Engineer, Team Orz (a PolyU startup)  Gold Medal The microfluidic platform for rapid efficient separation and detection of micro/nanoplastics Dr CHUA Song Lin Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; Technical Advisor, Plastaway Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Dr CHEN Chun Kwan Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; CEO, Plastaway Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Silver Medal High-efficiency GaN converter module for wireless power transfer facilities Dr LIU Wei Lucian Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PolyU Silver Medal “LungRT Pro” - advanced radiotherapy support system Prof. CAI Jing Associate Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Technical Advisor, InsightRT Ltd (a PolyU academic-led startup) Silver Medal “Vcare” - vision training VR device Dr TANG Yuk Ming Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Silver Medal Real-time traffic noise identity extraction Dr LEUNG Chi Kin Randolph Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering Silver Medal “allcareAI”- Smart anti-infection mobile dry toilet Mr Phil WOO Outstanding Alumni Awardee in Entrepreneurial Achievement, PolyU Faculty of Humanities; Co-founder, PREN Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal Flower shaped intelligent medicine box based on artificial intelligence algorithm analysis Mr ZENG Jingqiang PhD graduate of Applied Social Science; CEO, People Strong High-tech Company Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal The method of preparing rPVC composites from PVC waste Mr WONG Chi San PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering alumnus; Executive Director, EBP Biotech Company Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal Wearable smart LED device for knee osteoarthritis Prof. FU Siu Ngor Associate Head and Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; Associate Director, Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology Bronze Medal   PolyU startup wins gold award in GBA entrepreneurship competition A PolyU startup has also achieved remarkable success in another competition held in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). NovelTec Limited, led by Dr WANG Heshou and Dr SUN Jinhong, Postdoctoral Fellows from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU, won the Gold Award in the Start-up Track at the “Qianhai Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao-Taiwan Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2024”. The team has developed their flagship product, the General Intelligent Chassis (GIC), which enables devices to charge without physical contact and achieve L4 autonomy. These advanced features provide the GIC a competitive edge across multiple sectors. The startup has also received funding support from the PolyU Micro Fund to aid its development.   ***END***

PolyU welcomes the appointment of Dr Lam Tai-fai as Council Chairman and Dr Daniel Yip Chung-yin and Mr Arthur Lee Kin as Deputy Council Chairman and Treasurer of the University respectively

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased that Mr John LEE Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Chancellor of PolyU, has re-appointed Dr LAM Tai-fai as PolyU’s Council Chairman, and appointed Dr Daniel YIP Chung-yin and Mr Arthur LEE Kin as Deputy Council Chairman and Treasurer of the University respectively, all for a term of three years with effect from 1 January 2025. Dr Lam Tai-fai is deeply encouraged by the reappointment and is fully aware of the significant responsibility it entails. He has pledged to continue making the utmost effort to serve his alma mater, Hong Kong and the Nation. Dr Lam also extends his sincere gratitude to the HKSAR Government and all stakeholders who have provided valuable support and guidance to PolyU, enabling the University to break into the world’s top 100 universities in the past few years. Now ranked 57th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, PolyU has ascended to become an innovative world-class research university. He looks forward to witnessing all members of the PolyU community united to propel the University to even greater heights. He also hopes that PolyU will nurture more socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective for the benefit of Hong Kong and the Nation. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, welcomed the reappointment and said, “As an outstanding alumnus of PolyU, Dr Lam has served the University in different positions. With extensive experience across various sectors, a wide social network as well as exceptional management skills, he has effectively supported PolyU in addressing challenges and achieving rapid development. For nearly six years, Dr Lam, as the Council Chairman, has led the Council in establishing the University’s development direction, supported the management in executing development strategies, and participated in several important initiatives, such as promoting Chinese culture and enhancing the new main entrance. Under Dr Lam’s leadership, PolyU has demonstrated a strong sense of unity with a solid commitment to exploring reform and innovation, presenting a vibrant and dynamic paradigm.” PolyU also welcomes the newly appointed Deputy Chairman of the Council, Dr Daniel Yip Chung-yin, and the Treasurer of the University, Mr Arthur Lee Kin. Dr Daniel Yip is the Managing Director of the G.E.W. International Corporation Limited and a current member of the PolyU Council. Dr Yip is active in contributing to the business sector and the community, including serving as Honorary President of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Deputy Chairman of the Vocational Training Council, Chairman of the Steering Committee on Promotion of Vocational and Professional Education and Training and Qualifications Framework, and Chairman of the Advisory Committee of Recycling Fund. Mr Arthur Lee has more than 30 years of experience in accounting, planning, corporate governance, taxation and investor relations. Mr Lee is Director of Finance and Risk Management of CLPe. He is Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Accounting Advisors Association, and former Chairman of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Hong Kong. On behalf of the PolyU community, Dr Lam and Prof. Teng also expressed their gratitude to Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU and Ms Loretta FONG Wan-huen, Treasurer of the University, for their valuable advice and contributions to the development of PolyU over the years. ***END***  

PolyU Gala Dinner 2024 raises over $18 million to support university development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held a Gala Dinner on 2 December at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, raising over HK$18 million in donations. This year marks the 30th anniversary of PolyU achieving university status. Embracing the theme “Unite·Innovate·Impact”, the event brought together over 800 distinguished guests, including alumni, benefactors and supporters, to celebrate and contribute to this meaningful cause. The opening ceremony and toast were officiated by a distinguished group of guests, including Mr Michael WONG Wai-lun, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Dr Lawrence LI, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU; Ms Loretta FONG, Treasurer of the University; Dr Sunny CHAI, Chairman of the PolyU Foundation and Co-Chairman of the Dinner Organising Committee; Prof. Alex WONG Siu-wah, Vice Chairman of the PolyU Foundation and Co-Chairman of the Dinner Organising Committee; Dr Daniel C.Y. CHAN, Co-Chairman of the Dinner Organising Committee; Dr Katherine NGAN, Court Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; and Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU. They were joined by representatives of the principal sponsor Mr Yeung FAN, Vice-chairman and General Manager of Glorious Sun Group and the premier sponsor Dr YEUNG Kin-man, President of Biel Crystal Holdings Limited. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng extended his heartfelt gratitude to the entire PolyU community and its supporters in his speech. He said, “From its beginning in 1937 as the Government Trade School to becoming an innovative world-class university today, PolyU has undertaken a momentous 87-year journey with the enthusiastic effort and support of all University members. Embodying the PolyU motto: ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’, we will continue to strive for excellence in education and research and make greater contributions to Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. We look forward to receiving continued support from all sectors to join us in forging new achievements together.” Dr Sunny Chai remarked, “This year holds special meaning for PolyU. It marks both the 30th anniversary of the University attaining university status as well as the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the PolyU Foundation. Flourishing over the past decade, the Foundation has successfully established 39 Endowed Professorships, two Named Professorships and ten Endowed Young Scholar positions to support PolyU’s academic development. These endeavours have not only injected new momentum into the development of the University, but also demonstrated our unwavering commitment to education.” The Gala Dinner featured a series of captivating musical performances. The evening began with the PolyU Choir, under the direction of Mr Alex TAM, performing the PolyU theme song. In addition, Dr Raymond CHAN presented an enchanting piano and guzheng duo with renowned pianist Dr Vivian CHENG, earning thunderous applause. The highlight of the evening was a stunning performance by renowned artist Miss Cally KWONG, who was joined by Mr Michael Wong Wai-lun. Together, they performed a duet and led the audience in a group singalong, bringing the atmosphere to a crescendo. The evening began with the PolyU Choir, under the direction of Mr Alex Tam, performing the PolyU theme song. Dr Raymond Chan presented an enchanting piano and guzheng duo with renowned pianist Dr Vivian Cheng (left). Miss Cally Kwong (right) and Mr Michael Wong (left) gave a stunning singing performance.  A group singalong brought the atmosphere to a crescendo. Another highlight was a charity auction featuring eight exclusive items, including fine wines, a luxury timepiece, and exquisite artworks, generously sponsored by Dr Daniel C.Y. Chan, Ms Shirley CHAN Suk-ling, Ms Fiona CHEUNG Sum-yu, Mr Louis MAK Law-mo, Prof. NG Yuet-lau, Dr Allen SHI Lop-tak and Ir Prof. TSUI Tack-kong. All auction proceeds will be used to support PolyU’s academic and research development. Guests were also invited to explore an interactive exhibition staged at the venue, showcasing impactful research and innovation achievements of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. The exhibition provided attendees with an opportunity to gain deeper insights into PolyU’s latest breakthroughs in research and innovation. The Gala Dinner successfully raised over HK$18 million in total. The net proceeds, after deducting necessary expenses, will be dedicated to supporting the University’s development. Mrs Nina Lam, Dinner Organising Committee member (left), and Prof. Alex Wong, PolyU Foundation Deputy Chairman and Dinner Organising Committee Co-Chairman (right), hosted the live auction. An interactive exhibition was staged at the venue, showcasing impactful research and innovation achievements of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. ***END***

PolyU RISports hosts 2024 Symposium on Sports Science and Technology to promote talent cultivation and industry development

The Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) joined hands with the Samaranch Foundation and AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group to co-organise the three-day 2024 Symposium on Sports Science and Technology. Attracting more than two hundred students, researchers and industry professionals, the event featured a number of Olympic and world champions, scholars and industry leaders from around the world to share their latest research outcomes and experiences in the field of sports technology. The Symposium was held from 30 November to 2 December, with a forum focusing on the theme of sports technology talent and industry development as the highlight of the first day. Six former Olympic or world champion athletes from the Hong Kong, China team, and national teams shared their experiences as athletes, the applications of sports technology, and their personal and professional development after retirement. The distinguished speakers were Ms WANG Xin,  RISports Sports Advisor and PhD student at PolyU, and Olympic Champion in the women’s synchronised 10m platform diving; Ms ZHANG Ping, women’s Olympic volleyball Champion; Ms MA Jin and Mr CHEN Jin, world badminton champions; Ms ZHANG Yuhan, world swimming champion; and Ms Sarah LEE Wai-sze, Hong Kong’s first world champion in women’s cycling. To promote exchange and collaboration between academic and industry sports institutions in the Greater Bay Area, Greater China and around the world, Prof. ZHANG Ming, Director of PolyU RISports led the establishment of the International Society of Sports Science and Technology. The Society’s inauguration ceremony was held during the Symposium forum. The Society aspires to create pathways that are aligned with international standards and serve as a driving force to accelerate development of the sports technology industry. Prof. Zhang Ming said, “Hong Kong plays a crucial role as a ‘super connector’ between Mainland China and the international community in the Nation’s innovation and technology development plan in science and technology. With a solid foundation in applied engineering research, Hong Kong must grasp the opportunity to lead the sports industry by promoting talent cultivation, as well as technological development. PolyU has achieved significant results in interdisciplinary research related to sports technology. The University will continue to leverage its strength in education, research, and technology transfer, to drive development of the sports technology industry in Hong Kong and the Nation.” During the second and third days of the Symposium, scholars and experts from PolyU and academic institutions in Mainland China, the United States, France and the UK shared the latest research outcomes and products in sports science and technology. They discussed how to integrate innovative technologies such as sports biomechanics, intelligent wearable systems and artificial intelligence to enhance training effectiveness. The Symposium also featured Mr CUI Dengrong, Coach of the national swimming team; Prof. LU Yifan, Professor of sport medicine of the School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Beijing Sport University; and Ms Zhang Yuhan, former national swimming team member and world champion sharing their experience of training elite swimmers. Meanwhile, two former Olympic champions Ms Wang Xin and Ms Zhang Ping shared their doctoral research work. To cultivate talents in sports technology, RISports will collaborate with the Department of Biomedical Engineering to launch a new programme “MSc in Sports Technology and Management” in the coming year. In addition, the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biomedical Engineering will incorporate a new stream in Sports Science and Technology. PolyU anticipates training hundreds of high-calibre sports professionals every year, injecting fresh energy into the sports sectors both in Hong Kong and internationally. Academic collaboration and talent development with sports elites is one of PolyU’s key focuses. The University provides a wide array of scholarships to support elite athletes in pursuing bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, and is exploring the development of tailor-made programmes to accommodate athletes’ unique needs in study and training. Ms Wang Xin (left), Olympic Champion in the women’s synchronised 10m platform diving, and Ms Zhang Ping (right), women’s volleyball Olympic Champion shared their doctoral research work. Prof. Lu Yifan (left), Professor of sport medicine of the School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Beijing Sport University hosted the swimming forum, while Mr Cui Dengrong (centre), Coach of the national swimming team, and Ms Zhang Yuhan (right), former national swimming team member and world champion, shared their experience of training elite swimmers.   Six winners for the best presentation awards were selected and presented with certificates in recognition of their achievements. ***END***