Media Releases

Inauguration of PolyU Endowed Professorships and Endowed Young Scholars to celebrate strong town-and-gown partnerships for advancing innovative research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held “The Fifth Inauguration of Endowed Professorships cum The Second Inauguration of Endowed Young Scholars” at the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus yesterday. It was an occasion to honour distinguished scholars for their remarkable academic and research achievements, and to pay tribute to the University’s philanthropic partners for their support. The event marked the inauguration of five new Endowed Professorships, four successive Endowed Professorships, five new Endowed Young Scholar positions and one successive Endowed Young Scholar position. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, remarked that the Endowed Professorship Scheme and the Endowed Young Scholars Scheme were hallmarks of PolyU’s commitment to “Partnership for Impact”, exemplifying the dynamic collaboration between the University and philanthropists, united in the quest for knowledge and pioneering research to benefit society. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all donors and benefactors, and congratulated the endowed professors and young scholars. He said that he was proud to see that the Schemes had developed by leaps and bounds, and that the diversity of research topics had expanded to encompass many new critical domains for addressing evolving societal needs. With the continuous support of donors, scholars and the wider community, he is confident that PolyU will reach even greater heights in advancing cutting-edge research for the benefit of Hong Kong, our Nation and the world. PolyU established the Endowed Professorship Scheme in 2012 to propel research excellence by attracting and retaining top scholars, and engaging the support of the community. Recognising the importance of nurturing promising early-career academics, the University further launched the Endowed Young Scholars Scheme in 2021. These Schemes have provided the endowed professors and young scholars with extra resources to facilitate them in embarking on innovative projects with societal impact. To date, PolyU has established a total of 39 Endowed Professorships, two Named Professorships and ten Endowed Young Scholar positions. The newly conferred Endowed Professorships and Endowed Young Scholars are listed below.   Endowed Professorships Appointees Sin Wai Kin Foundation Endowed Professorship in Humanities and Technology LI Ping Limin Endowed Professorship in Integrated Strategies and Leadership in Fashion Erin CHO Kuok Group Endowed Professorship in Mathematical Science YANG Tong Kuok Group Endowed Professorship in Nature-Inspired Engineering WANG Zuankai Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professorship in Renewable Energy LI Gang   Successive Endowed Professorships  Appointees Henry G. Leong Endowed Professorship in Elderly Vision Health HE Mingguang Angel S.P. Chan Lau Endowed Professorship in Health and Longevity Janelle YORKE Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Endowed Professorship in Rehabilitation Sciences Marco PANG Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Endowed Professorship in Smart and Sustainable Energy WANG Liqiu   Endowed Young Scholars Appointees Kuok Group Endowed Young Scholar in Aging and Neuroimaging HSU Chun Liang Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering ZHAO Xin Kuok Group Endowed Young Scholar in Child and Adolescent Health Eva HO Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Colour and Imaging Science Tommy WEI  Wong Tit Shing Endowed Young Scholar in Smart Robotics ZHENG Pai    Successive Endowed Young Scholars Appointees Thetos Foundation Endowed Young Scholar in Social Services Crystal KWAN   To learn more about PolyU Endowed Professorship Scheme and Endowed Young Scholars Scheme, please refer to the Schemes’ website. ***END***  

PolyU and University of Waterloo partner to establish the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology for advanced applications

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has teamed up with the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) at the University of Waterloo (UW), Canada’s largest nanotechnology institute, to establish the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN). This Centre will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary research, advancing fundamental knowledge of nanotechnology and addressing societal challenges. The RCNN aims to enhance nano research, foster collaborative research for cutting-edge applications and promote knowledge transfer between the two institutions. By leveraging the strengths and resources of PolyU and UW, this international strategic partnership is set to make impactful contributions towards tackling global challenges across various domains, including functional devices, clean energy, environmental applications, and biomedical technologies. The Centre’s launch ceremony was held alongside the Forum on Nano Research for Innovation at the PolyU campus on 3 September. The event attracted the participation of over 80 scholars, researchers and industry professionals. The ceremony to celebrate the official establishment of the Centre was officiated by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. Jianhua HAO, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices and Director of the RCNN; Prof. Raymond Wai-yeung WONG, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Prof. Daniel S.P. LAU, Head of the Department of Applied Physics and Chair Professor of Nanomaterials; Prof. Christina WONG, Director of the Research and Innovation Office; and Prof. Sushanta MITRA, Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering of UW. In his welcome address at the launch ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao emphasised the significant impact of nano research in its connection to various fields of science and engineering. The partnership between PolyU and UW marks a major milestone in their shared pursuit of scientific excellence and innovation. The RCNN serves as a unique research platform and facility that harnesses international research expertise to develop novel approaches and technologies in nanoscience for diverse applications, ultimately enhancing human life. Prof. Jianhua Hao explained that in the face of the rapid development of nanotechnology, the RCNN is committed to strengthening its research efforts and addressing challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. The Centre seeks sustainable funding to propel advanced applications and foster knowledge exchange between academia and industry. By leveraging publications in respected journals, the RCNN also aims to build up an international reputation and global standing in the field. Prof. Sushanta Mitra highlighted the fact that the application of nanotechnology not only enhances efficiency, strength and cost-effectiveness but also creates new development opportunities. WIN has a substantial 285,000 square feet of expansive technology research and development space and facilities, which play a key role in the development of advanced materials, interconnected devices and innovative energy systems, as well as in the establishment of the RCNN. The Forum brought together international speakers and participants with the aim of sparking innovative ideas to drive technological advancements and impactful solutions. Prof. Zhong Lin WANG, Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and International Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering and Prof. Zhongwei CHEN, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, delivered keynote speeches aimed at promoting new technologies and impactful solutions by inspiring innovative thinking. Distinguished international speakers, including UW researchers, shared their expertise and insights on nano research related to functional devices, clean energy, environmental applications, as well as biomedical and health technologies. Earlier, in June, Prof. Jianhua Hao visited UW to discuss future research collaborations, including joint research proposals, faculty and researcher mobility, co-supervision of PhD and postdoctoral fellows, and the co-organisation of international conferences and workshops. WIN is a global leader in discovering and developing smart and functional materials, connected devices, next generation energy systems, and therapeutics and theranostics. These discoveries made by scientists and engineers are fundamentally transforming the world and addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.   ***END***

PolyU and Suzhou Kowloon Hospital partner to establish joint innovation incubation platform advancing medical technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed a collaboration agreement with Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group, to jointly establish the “Suzhou Kowloon Hospital – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Innovation Incubation Platform”. The two institutions will leverage their respective strengths, sharing resources over the next three years to promote the translation and application of medical technology research outcomes. This will help drive innovation and clinical application research in the field and enhance the development and quality of the healthcare industry, enabling patients to enjoy better treatment and service. PolyU is committed to promoting PolyImpact through excellence in education, research and knowledge. Leveraging its innovative inventions, the University also aims to translate research outcomes into practical solutions that benefit society. Focused on developing a new medical and healthcare services platform, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital aspires to promote comprehensive application and improvement of medical products. Witnessed by Dr Lawrence LI, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU, and Mr Hei SUN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Qiang CHEN, Vice President of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group. Under this agreement, PolyU and Suzhou Kowloon Hospital will strengthen their collaboration in accelerating research and clinical application in areas including medical engineering and artificial intelligence to foster innovation and translation in medical technology. To this end, a biomedical technology innovation incubator will be established, whereby Suzhou Kowloon Hospital will consolidate its extensive clinical resources to support PolyU research teams and startups in developing novel medical products, ensuring their application across multiple scenarios. In addition, the two institutions will initiate various clinical application research projects, leveraging PolyU’s robust research capabilities and the clinical experience of Suzhou Kowloon Hospital expert team. Their collaboration aims to facilitate technological enhancements and validate clinical efficacy and safety. PolyU students will be provided with internships, field visits and professional exchange opportunities to enrich their understanding of medical engineering and information technology in clinical practice. Relevant PolyU departments and faculties will also provide professional medical practitioners with tailored study programmes and industry training to foster talent development. Dr Lawrence Li, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU remarked, “PolyU is pleased to collaborate with Suzhou Kowloon Hospital to establish the ‘Suzhou Kowloon Hospital – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Innovation Incubation Platform’, marking another milestone in the University’s research and entrepreneurship development. As the University’s first clinical incubation platform, it not only provides research teams with clinical support, but also enables our startups to accelerate the translation of research outcomes into clinical applications. At PolyU, we are committed to cultivating an innovative entrepreneurial spirit through the PolyVentures ecosystem by offering comprehensive support to startups. This partnership will reinforce this ecosystem and nurture next-generation entrepreneurs.” Mr Hei Sun, Chairman of the Hong Kong Kowloon Group said, “Through this close collaboration, we will create an innovative platform which provides integrated support for R&D, incubation and acceleration to promote knowledge transfer and technological exchange. This is a pioneering initiative that facilitates medical and industrial collaboration for leveraging complementary advantages and synergy. It also provides young entrepreneurs and researchers with an opportunity to showcase their talent, and provides a new engine to help drive technology transfer and industry transformation across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, the Yangtze River Delta and the Asia Pacific region more broadly.” Following the signing ceremony, a panel discussion was held with the participation of PolyU academics, experts from Suzhou Kowloon Hospital and representatives from Mainland medical technology companies. Discussion was themed around the topic “Building Collaborative Ecosystems: How Universities, Hospitals and the Healthcare Industry Can Collaborate to Spur Innovation” and addressed some of the challenges faced by the industry, and explored strategies to strengthen organisational cooperation to drive industry growth.   ***END***

PolyU promotes new mental wellness initiative on campus, strengthening student resilience with gamified training programme

Young people are experiencing more stress and struggles with their mental health than ever before. The School of Nursing and the Mental Health Research Centre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have jointly developed the Resilient Students Training Hub (ReST Hub), a research-driven service and education initiative, with the vision to transform university campuses into mental health and resilience-promotive ecosystems. ReST Hub hosted its first campus-wide promotion event between 26 August and 3 September, which attracted around 3,000 students. Findings from previous PolyU research showed that nearly three-in-four university students in Hong Kong had experienced at least one serious and potentially traumatic adversity in their childhood, which negatively impacts their sense of self and ability to manage emotions and form healthy relationships. Although the numbers are concerning, researchers have found an antidote – resilience. Made possible by generous funding from “Seal of Love Charitable Foundation Health and Service Impact Fund” supported by the Seal of Love Charitable Foundation, ReST Hub adopts a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and preventative approach to promoting youth mental health. It achieves this by empowering the PolyU community with a shared language to talk about mental health and equipping students with essential skills to strengthen their resilience in a safe, engaging, and accessible environment. Joined by Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), and Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Mr Lawrence CHAN, Chairman of Seal of Love Charitable Foundation Limited, and Ms Dee Dee CHAN, Director of Seal of Love Charitable Foundation Limited, visited the event to show their support. Ms Chan said, “The mental crisis we are facing now with our young people is unprecedented. British author Warsan Shire once said of refugees, ‘You have to understand that no one leaves home unless the water is safer than the land.’ May we, as a community, create a place together for our students where the land feels safer than the water.” During the event, students were recruited to experience some of ReST Hub’s activities, including “Mission ReST,” a gamified resilience-building programme co-created with over 200 PolyU students. Through self-discovery, game-based challenges, and collaborating and connecting socially with peers, the programme aims to equip students with the tools and essential skills to bounce back from challenges, take care of their mental wellbeing, and face the future with a meaningful outlook. Students were also introduced to “How are you, PolyU?”, an online self-assessment screening platform designed to help users gain a better understanding of themselves and their overall wellbeing in terms of emotions, behaviours and relationships via evidence-based tools, and to provide them with immediate feedback and resources for further support if indicated. Both activities aimed to raise awareness about mental health, encourage support-seeking, and ultimately create a more compassionate and resilient community. The first year at university is a vital transition period between secondary and tertiary education, and can be challenging and stressful for many students. Dr Grace W.K. HO, Principal Investigator of ReST Hub and Associate Professor of PolyU School of Nursing said, “It is important to engage students in the mental health conversation at the beginning of their university journey, and provide them with ample opportunities to strengthen their resilience along the way. Our week-long promotion event targets incoming freshmen and conveys a simple yet reassuring message: Your mental health matters and you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.” For more information about ReST Hub and its activities, please visit the ReST Hub website and follow ReST Hub on social media.   ***END***  

PolyU PReCIT submits 2024 Policy Address Recommendations; Focusing on four key themes for Hong Kong’s sustainable development

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has submitted its recommendations to the HKSAR government for the 2024 Policy Address. The recommendations cover four major themes: Carbon Neutral Cities, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Innovation and Technology (I&T) Development, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and Life and Health Technology. PolyU held an event today to introduce the recommendations and invited Legislative Council members the Hon Duncan CHIU and the Hon TANG Fei to share their insights. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said, “This is the third year that PolyU has submitted policy recommendations to the HKSAR government. Over the past two years, our suggestions have been highly valued and adopted by the government. This is not only an affirmation of our work but also encourages us to continue to make positive and proactive contributions to society.” Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, gave an overview of the recommendations and said, “Our recommendations are structured around four key themes. Each theme is carefully chosen to address both current challenges and future opportunities, ensuring that Hong Kong continues to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.” Prof. Eric CHUI, Co-Director of PReCIT and Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences, moderated the discussion session. He said, “By focusing on these critical areas, we aim to support the government’s efforts in fostering innovation, enhancing connectivity, and improving the quality of life for all residents.” Mr Kar-kan LING, Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) (left) and Prof. Daniel T. L. Shek, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) (right) are PReCIT’s core members. Prof. C.C. CHAN, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Distinguished Chair Professor of Electric Vehicles and Smart Energy, and Director of Research Centre for Electric Vehicles at PolyU, also contributed to the recommendations. Key recommendations include: 1. Implementing Comprehensive Carbon Auditing and Building Carbon Neutral Cities Hong Kong’s carbon emissions mainly come from the electricity generation sector, transportation, and waste. To achieve carbon neutrality, PReCIT recommends that the government implement comprehensive carbon auditing measures to accurately track greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all sectors of the economy and establish similar emissions reporting requirements for companies and organisations above a certain size threshold, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Hong Kong’s carbon footprint. The government can develop a centralised, publicly accessible platform to report and track Hong Kong’s GHG emissions data over time, to address the need for improved transparency. In addition, PReCIT encourages the government to support the development of new technologies, such as green hydrogen energy and waste-based biomass power generation, and to promote the construction of related infrastructure. The government can promote the development of green hydrogen energy by enterprises and research institutions through incentives such as tax incentives, research and development grants, and low-interest loans. 2. Strengthening I&T Collaboration in GBA; Developing a Smart Northern Metropolis The HKSAR government can formulate strategies to facilitate the integration of transitional housing residents into the community and provide community-oriented social services. The Northern Metropolis can take reference from Shenzhen’s experience in the low-altitude economy (LAE), establishing the San Tin Technopole as a central innovation hub to foster collaborations with the Shenzhen I&T Park and advance the construction of a GBA Smart City Cluster. Furthermore, Hong Kong needs to continue to refine its laws and regulations related to the LAE, establish an inter-departmental working unit for the efficient supervision of LAE development, and build R&D centres focusing on low-altitude transportation technologies to advance research in this area. At the same time, Hong Kong is recommended to establish a unified financial standards system, promote the application of a Global Legal Entity Identifier (LEI), and enhance the security and international competitiveness of financial transactions. 3. Promoting Belt and Road (B&R) Collaboration and Retaining Talent PReCIT recommends that the government considers allocating funds and/or creates platforms that are conducive to knowledge exchange, cooperative research, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) between B&R partners and experts from Hong Kong and the GBA. In addition, the government should assume a leading role in establishing a BRI government-industry-academia-research consortium. Other specific recommendations include: increasing the number of Belt and Road scholarships and encouraging graduates to work in Hong Kong; supporting Hong Kong institutions to set up joint student training centres overseas; striving to include Hong Kong in the China Scholarship Council Scholarship Programmes; deepening cooperation among universities in Hong Kong and the Mainland and encouraging joint training programmes; and expanding the “Strive and Rise Programme” from Hong Kong to Belt and Road countries to help address intergenerational poverty. 4. Enhancing Healthcare to Address an Ageing Population and Chronic Diseases Facing the challenges of an ageing population and chronic diseases, Hong Kong needs to strengthen primary healthcare. PReCIT suggests establishing a nutritionist registration system and subsidising community nutrition services. At the same time, it is recommended to establish a “Greater Bay Area Future Food Research Institute” to promote the sustainable development of the food industry. To incorporate traditional Chinese medicine into mainstream healthcare, it is necessary to strengthen its basic research and clinical applications and formulate relevant norms. It is recommended to leverage the advantages of local universities in research and education across various healthcare disciplines to accelerate the cultivation of high-quality talent in the healthcare field and expand Hong Kong’s medical talent pool. Additionally, it is recommended to strengthen exchanges and cooperation of clinical medical talent and medical industry technology innovation talent with the Mainland (especially the GBA) at multiple levels, including health departments, hospitals, and social organisations. In addition, in order to leverage new technologies to empower the “Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trials Institute”, PReCIT suggests combining big data and artificial intelligence technologies in the medical field, and developing telemedicine platforms to provide remote diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and patient monitoring. It is also recommended to integrate and anonymise relevant data to establish a medical research database, which is open for further analysis by universities and research institutions. Simultaneously, it is recommended to discuss with various stakeholders the establishment of a scientifically comprehensive full-process drug regulatory mechanism, and further improve the adequacy and efficiency of the drug approval and regulatory system. Promoting the cooperation of trial sites with the GBA and nationwide to build a regional clinical trial coordination platform is also suggested. These measures will also accelerate the clinical application of new drugs and devices, driving the development of Hong Kong as a regional pharmaceutical research and production base. Composed of academics from different disciplines and professions, PReCIT promotes interdisciplinary policy research and strives to become a leading I&T think tank in Hong Kong and the region. For the full text of the recommendation report, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/research/publications/   *** END ***

PolyU hosts Orientation Info Day 2024 to welcome around 1,900 freshmen

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted its annual Orientation Info Day today, ushering in the 2024/25 academic year with the theme “Navigate Your Future.” Organised by the Student Affairs Office, the event welcomed new students who will soon embark on their university journey at PolyU. This morning, around 1,900 freshmen attended the President’s Welcome address at the Jockey Club Auditorium, and watched the live stream at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub and at various other venues on campus. In his address, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU extended his warmest welcome to the freshmen and introduced the history of and talent development in PolyU. He remarked, “With the vision of being an innovative world-class university, PolyU aspires to nurture students into socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. We also strive to embed the spirit of innovation in everything we do at PolyU, hoping that our students will become leaders and drivers of innovation, and bring direct benefits to society.” In the sharing session that followed, Dr CAI Jin, recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement of the PolyU Faculty of Business and Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sing Tao News Corporation Limited, gave an engaging speech about his academic and personal development at PolyU, while current students talked about their campus life. The event also featured vibrant student dance as well as a musical performance by the PolyU Orchestra and PolyU Choir, celebrating the University’s vibrant and artistic environment. The Orientation Showcase, a vibrant hub of activity, was held at the Shaw Sports Complex throughout the day. Around 60 booths hosted by different academic departments, student societies and interest clubs provided freshmen with a comprehensive view of PolyU’s diverse range of co-curricular activities and support services. The Showcase allowed them to interact with staff and senior students, learn about holistic student development programmes offered by the University, and explore various opportunities for personal and professional growth. Prof. Teng showed his support by visiting the Showcase. He encouraged the freshmen to seize the opportunity to participate in different activities offered by the University and engage with peers from various backgrounds so as to broaden their horizons and unleash their potential.   ***END***

PolyU joins forces with Peking University Third Hospital to foster collaboration on physiotherapy

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this month, deepening their collaboration in the field of physiotherapy. The MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Prof. LI Rong, Vice President of PUTH and Director of the Reproductive Medicine Department. The MoU aims to establish a strategic partnership between PolyU and PUTH, focused on developing physiotherapy research, cultivating talent and building research platforms to enhance industry development and meet the growing global demand for healthcare. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “PolyU is committed to conducting world-leading research and innovation, while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to provide societal solutions. As a top-tier comprehensive hospital in China, with clinically orientation, PUTH promotes the innovative development of medical technologies through research and technology transfer. By joining hands, both parties will leverage their respective strengths to jointly advance physiotherapy treatment technologies, achieving mutual benefits and translating cutting-edge research into practical applications to create a positive impact globally.” Prof. Li Rong said, “PolyU's Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has a distinguished international reputation. This collaboration with PolyU marks a new chapter, whereby both parties will elevate the standard of education and research in physiotherapy, ultimately enhancing physiotherapy services for patients.” The collaboration will enhance regional medical technology capabilities and benefit more patients in need. Looking forward, PolyU and PUTH will deepen their cooperation in areas such as clinical treatment, technological innovation, and talent cultivation, striving to set new benchmarks in the field of physiotherapy services in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.   ***END***

PolyU inaugurates the Cross-strait Hong Kong and Macao Service-learning Student Conference

Chinese version only

PolyU researchers and academic-led startups seize prestigious awards at HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers and academic-led startup teams participated for the first time at the HICOOL 2024 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition, showcasing seven groundbreaking research projects that highlight the University’s exceptional capabilities in research and knowledge transfer. As the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong involved in multiple national space missions, the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” developed and manufactured by the PolyU research team was publicly exhibited outside Hong Kong for the first time. Meanwhile, other PolyU researchers presented innovations and inventions in quantum technology and biomedical engineering which received international recognition and garnered awards. In support of the Nation’s first lunar sample return mission, Chang’e 5, and the world’s first lunar far-side sampling for the Chang’e-6 lunar exploration mission, a PolyU research team, led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, and Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, developed and manufactured the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology. Designed by PolyU and manufactured in Hong Kong, the System includes two samplers for collecting loose and sticky forms of lunar regolith, two high temperature near-field cameras, as well as a primary packaging and sealing system for sealing the samples in a container. The System is a testament to the University’s significant contribution to the Nation’s efforts to establish leadership in space exploration and technology. The entrepreneurship project “Quantum Chip-based Key Distribution System”, led by Prof. LIU Ai-Qun, Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology and Global STEM Professor, was awarded a second prize along with a cash award of one million yuan. The System harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to provide users with an information-theoretically secure solution to key exchange, ensuring the long-term security of communication. By utilising advanced photonic chips, it achieves the miniaturisation and integration of quantum communication hardware, significantly reducing the cost of quantum communication equipment while enhancing the flexibility and broad application of quantum encryption. Scolioscan®, the world’s first radiation-free 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, was developed by a research team led by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering at PolyU and Co-founder of Telefield Medical Imaging Limited (under Aitrasound group). The innovation secured a third prize and a cash award of half a million yuan. Scolioscan® addresses the drawback of frequent X-ray exposure by offering a radiation-free and accurate spine evaluation that allows individuals to undergo frequent safe spine check-ups. This innovation allows doctors to continuously monitor the progression of scoliosis in their patients and develop personalised treatment plans. The System has successfully completed clinical trials and obtained medical device certification in mainland China, Europe, Australia and Thailand. It is currently in use in hospitals and clinics in more than 20 countries and regions, including Australia, Bosnia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Malaysia, Romania, mainland China and Hong Kong. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice-President (Research and Innovation) who led the delegation to participate in the Summit, stated, “Innovations from PolyU research and startup teams stand out among thousands of global competitors. Their achievements reaffirm the effective impact of the University’s PolyImpact philosophy. Through education, research, knowledge transfer and innovative inventions, the University is dedicated to translating research outcomes into impactful applications that deliver lasting and substantial benefits to society. We are committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness by nurturing research talent, enhancing the local I&T ecosystem and fostering the development of new quality productive forces, all aimed at developing Hong Kong into an international I&T hub.” Through the PolyVentures ecosystem, the University provides comprehensive entrepreneurial support to its academic- and student-led startups. Five PolyU academic-led startup teams were invited to take part in roadshows during the Summit to showcase their innovations to prospective investors. Scolioscan®: A Radiation-free 3D Ultrasound Scoliosis Assessment System (Prof. Zheng Yongping) K-Shape: The world’s first portable high-definition corneal topographer (Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of the School of Optometry, and Co-founder of GOOD Vision Technologies Company Limited/Wellsees Technologies Company Limited) Mutual Cognitive Human-Robot Collaborative Manufacturing System (Dr ZHENG Pai, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Co-founder of CobotAI Limited) Virtual MRI Contrast Enhancement System for Precise Tumour Detection and Treatment (Prof. CAI Jing, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, and Technical Advisor to MedVision Limited) Quantitative User Experience Evaluation for Spatial Computing: Enhance Delightful User Experiences in XR and Metaverse (Prof. Tommy Minchen WEI, Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, and Co-founder of Guardian Glow Limited) Furthermore, the research project on the extraction of a novel bioactive molecule, Oxyphylla A, for the treatment of mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease led by Prof. LEE Ming-yuen, Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Founder of AIM International Pharmaceutical Limited, was also showcased at the Summit. This year, the HICOOL 2024 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition was held in Beijing from 23 to 25 August. The event attracted over 500 I&T companies and more than a thousand investors from around the world. This year’s entrepreneurship competition received 7,406 project submissions from 124 countries and regions, with nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs vying for 200 winning spots. Outstanding projects were awarded first, second and third prizes, along with the prestigious Bole Prize. In addition to cash prizes, the winning teams will receive entrepreneurial guidance and support. The competition spans seven technology verticals, including Artificial Intelligence/Virtual Reality/Fintech, Medicine and Healthcare, New Generation Information Technology, High-end Equipment, and more.   ***END***

PolyU, Beijing Jiaotong University and MTR Academy sign a cooperation agreement to nurture railway professionals in Belt and Road Countries

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) and MTR Academy signed a cooperation agreement yesterday (26 August 2024) and announced the launch of the Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport, which aims to facilitate talent development as well as cooperation and exchange in technologies by combining the teaching resources and research capabilities of the two universities together with the practical experience of the railway operator to promote the railway development in Belt and Road countries. The inaugural Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport will be launched in October this year, offering the “Sustainable Rail Transport: Planning, Operations and New Technologies” training programme which targets about 30 senior executives, scholars, researchers and trainers who are engaged in railway development, planning, policy and operations, as well as future transport advocates who aspire to promote smart mobility initiatives and integrated transportation systems in Belt and Road countries and regions. The two-week training programme will be conducted in Beijing and Hong Kong, and will include lectures, workshops and discussion forums. Participants will also visit the facilities of railway operators in Beijing and Hong Kong to better understand the industry’s latest developments. The training programme will provide a platform for participants to exchange ideas on the application of emerging technologies and operations with a view to accelerating sustainable development in infrastructure, economics and people’s livelihoods in Belt and Road countries and regions. The parties target to launch at least one training programme annually under the three-year cooperation agreement. The signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement was held in Beijing, with the agreement being signed by Prof. HC MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, Prof. MENG Lingyun, Dean of the School of Traffic and Transportation of BJTU, and Dr Mark HO, Dean of MTR Academy.  Prof. HC Man said, “PolyU is committed to supporting the Belt and Road initiative for talent development in the field of engineering. We are pleased to enter into this tripartite partnership with the MTR Academy and Beijing Jiaotong University to organise the Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport. PolyU’s smart railway technology innovations, already deployed in various countries and regions, demonstrate our commitment to translating research outcomes into practical solutions. Through this programme, PolyU hopes to foster advanced exchanges and knowledge sharing and realise new collaboration opportunities with experts in Hong Kong and Belt and Road countries.” Prof. Meng Lingyun said, “Since the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing Jiaotong University has proactively served major strategic needs of the country, fully leveraging its strengths in transportation and promoting educational and research cooperation in the field of railway transportation. We sincerely hope that this Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme will provide an opportunity to work with PolyU and MTR Academy to build a high-level international exchange platform for sharing advanced railway technologies and valuable operational management experience.” Dr Mark Ho said, “Railways play an indispensable role in the sustainable development of urban planning. The Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme is the first to be jointly organised by a railway operator and universities. MTR Academy looks forward to this collaboration to provide a knowledge platform for the Belt and Road countries. Our sharing of MTR’s world-class experience in railway operation and management will enable the programme to blend theory and practice, thereby achieving the goal of fostering the sustainable development of mass transit systems and smart cities through regional exchanges.” Initially, the collaboration will focus primarily on training. The three parties will continue to explore other possibilities for long-term cooperation to promote exchanges in the field of railway transportation in support of the Belt and Road Initiative.   ***End***