Media Releases

PolyU develops innovative welding technology for ultra-high strength S960 steel making its debut in Hong Kong public works project

S960 steel is lighter and stronger than commonly used S355 steel, making it an effective material for bridge construction. However, the welding process can reduce its mechanical properties, limiting its applications. A research team from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a welding technology for efficient applications of ultra-high strength S960 steel. By precisely controlling the heat input during welding, the mechanical properties of the steel are maintained. This innovation has been adopted in recent footbridge construction in the Fanling North New Development Area, marking Hong Kong’s first public works using S960 steel, and facilitating innovative application of high-strength steel in bridge construction.  S960 steel is an efficient structural steel known for its remarkable strength. It meets stringent requirements stipulated in many material specifications and structural design codes, making it widely applicable in the construction of high-rise buildings and long-span structures such as sports and exhibition centres. However, the mechanical properties of S960 steel may undergo significant changes during welding, resulting in reductions of both strength and ductility of up to 20% to 30%. Led by Prof. Kwok-fai CHUNG, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC) of PolyU, the research team has developed an innovative solution to maintain the mechanical properties of the S960 steel, by examining effects of heat input energy during welding onto the S960 steel through experimental investigations and numerical simulations. In collaboration with a local steel fabricator, the research team concludes that there are optimal ranges of heat energy for different weld joint designs for S960 steel of various thicknesses which minimise or even eliminate adverse effects of welding. As demonstrated in a recent project undertaken by the Civil Engineering and Development Department of the Government of the HKSAR, this solution has been adopted in two segments of a footbridge in the first phase of the Fanling North New Development Area – Fanling Bypass Eastern Section (Shek Wu San Tsuen North to Lung Yeuk Tau). The two segments were designed as stiffened box girders made of the S960 steel and were fabricated in a factory with effective control of the welding processes.  Site assembly of these two segments of the foot bridge was completed in September this year. The new welding technology enables the use of thinner and fewer steel materials, thereby reducing the self-weight of the footbridge, and hence, the number of foundation piles required. This, in turn, has led to decreased carbon emissions and enhanced sustainability. Prof. Chung said, “We are dedicated to conducting impactful research on the scientific understanding, engineering principles and design guidance needed to facilitate engineers in adopting high-strength S690 and S960 steel in construction, setting a precedent for modern steel construction. The Fanling North project is a good example of using S960 steel for construction in Hong Kong and provides valuable reference for formulating relevant technical guidelines and specifications for future use.” The technology developed by Prof. Chung’s research team for the effective application of the S690 steel has been implemented in various infrastructure projects, including the Double Arch Steel Bridge of the Cross Bay Link in Tseung Kwan O, the long-span roof structures of the Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool, and the steel roofs of both the East and West Stands of the Yuen Long Stadium (which is currently under construction). ***END***

PolyU joins forces with Yan Chai Hospital Board to cultivate allied healthcare professionals, providing placement opportunities for new Master’s Degree Programme in Dietetics

With an aging population, the demand for nutritional professionals in Hong Kong is steadily increasing. In the 2025/26 academic year, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will offer a new Master of Science in Dietetics* programme to train a new generation of dietitians for various sectors, including healthcare, the food industry and public health. PolyU and Yan Chai Hospital Board (Yan Chai) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to provide placement opportunities at Yan Chai's affiliated social service units, with the aim of jointly advancing local dietetics education. The collaboration marks the first dietetics placement being conducted in nursing homes and care and attention homes in Hong Kong, setting a new benchmark in local dietetics education. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, and Dr CHOI KO Yin-kei, Maggie, member of the Yan Chai Hospital Board. Prof. CHEN Sheng, Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) of PolyU, and Dr CHEUNG Man-ka, Marcella, Chairman of the Yan Chai Hospital Board, signed the MOU on behalf of both parties. Prof. Kwok-yin Wong stated, “PolyU is committed to providing students with the best holistic education and to upholding a strong sense of social responsibility. FSN is dedicated to proposing innovative ideas in food science and nutrition for societal benefit. Over the years, Yan Chai has been providing social services for the elderly in Hong Kong, including medical care and dietary support, ensuring appropriate assistance for the elderly. This collaboration represents a new milestone in PolyU’s development of allied healthcare professionals, expanding training to include dietetics through placements at Yan Chai’s affiliated social service units, promoting community dietetics service and strengthening the local primary healthcare system.” Dr Cheung Man-ka, Marcella, stated, “We intend that through placements at Yan Chai's affiliated units, PolyU students will be able to apply the dietetics theories learned in the classroom to real-world settings. Through interactions with service users, students will gain insight into their actual needs. We hope that students will also develop independent thinking, problem-solving and communication skills during their placements, laying a solid foundation for their future careers as professional dietitians.” Through the collaboration, students in MSc in Dietetics programme will have the opportunity to undertake placements at three units under Yan Chai. Placement activities will include providing nutrition counseling to clients, participation in the daily operations of the facilities, designing diversified nutritional menus and organising health promotion activities. In the future, both parties will collaborate to provide valuable placement opportunities for students aspiring to become dietitians, contributing more significantly to the health and well-being of the elderly. *This programme is subject to approval. ***END***

PolyU researchers harness generative AI to preserve Cantonese Porcelain art and heritage

The advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked concerns about the diminishing value of traditional art forms and the potential for substitution. Nonetheless, through their fusion, they offer new avenues for conserving art and culture while also igniting interest in passing down the heritage from generation to generation. Embracing generative AI as an innovative tool to expand artistic and cultural horizons, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have developed a creative painting platform named “Beauty of Cantonese Porcelain” to preserve and educate the artistry of this legacy porcelain. This handcrafted decorative porcelain showcases the distinct folk art of the Lingnan region, highlighting its intricate and refined painting techniques that embody the rich heritage and ingenuity of traditional Chinese art and craft culture. Led by Prof. Henry DUH, Associate Dean (Global & Industry Engagement) and Professor of the School of Design, Director of both PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre and Research Centre for Art and Culture Technology at PolyU, the research team meticulously collected and processed thousands of images of Cantonese porcelain. They used these images to build a robust generative model aimed at making this cultural heritage more accessible and understandable. Prof. Duh said, “Generative AI can significantly enhance human culture by preserving traditional art forms, fostering artistic innovation, and improving accessibility to art creation. It supports educational initiatives and draws newcomers to intangible cultural heritage while providing tools that require less technical skill. However, ensuring ethical practices, transparent AI processes and human supervision are crucial to uphold cultural values and artistic integrity.” Generative AI’s expansive text-to-image models are the main technology that drives this platform to guide and generate traditional cultural content, such as Cantonese porcelain painting techniques. The models can create images from text descriptions, which is essential for ensuring consistency with the traditional style. Moreover, this innovative platform highlights several technological features, including few-shots fine tuning, layered generation, and symbol element generation.  The research team then integrated the concept of 2D and 3D painting into an art platform, creating a user-friendly interface tailored especially for beginners. This platform assists users in swiftly learning the painting techniques of Cantonese porcelain through an intuitive design. Through real-time evaluation by a large AI model, users receive personalised guidance to enhance their skills as they create artwork. By merging symbolic painting language with the advanced localised controllable generation, the platform enables users to creatively express their artistic ideas with meticulous details. This ensures that the artworks created closely adhere to the traditional Cantonese porcelain style, thus preserving and promoting the history and culture of Cantonese porcelain through innovative utilisation of modern technology. Utilising this technology to expand datasets would increase the variety and quantity of training data to include more cultural products and styles, allowing the model to generate a broader range of traditional content. By creating a more intuitive user interface, artists can interact more naturally with the platform while professionals can explore the potential of generative AI to enrich cultural and artistic heritage. Prof. Duh said, “By collaborating with museums and cultural preservation organisations, it could validate and improve this innovative approach across a wider spectrum of intangible cultural heritage fields. Further enhancements to the multimodal large-scale models with a feedback system that provides insights into the generated content can be used for additional training and refinement of the models.” ***END***

Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Hong Kong shares insights into development of the innovation ecosystem in Belt and Road region at PolyU PReCIT Consul General Talk

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the fifth talk in the “Consul General Talk Series”, which featured a keynote address by Mr Kerim Sercan EVCIN, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Themed “More BRI Engagement in Regional Changing Innovation Ecosystem,” the talk attracted a diverse audience of academics, students, and the general public. The talk was supported by the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Global Engagement Office of PolyU. The talk was also attended by distinguished guests including Mr Nicholas HO, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Government of HKSAR, and Mr Uğur Öztürk, Consul of the Republic of Türkiye in HKSAR, together with Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT; Prof. Geoffrey SHEN, PolyU Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships); and Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement). In his remark, Mr Nicholas Ho emphasised that innovation and technology is at the core of Hong Kong’s future and the City’s cental role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Mr Ho mentioned that Hong Kong is collaborating on I&T development with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, bringing together Hong Kong’s solid R&D capabilities and other cities’ prowess in innovation and advanced manufacturing, to unleash the potential of new quality productive forces. He also said that Hong Kong stands ready to collaborate with Türkiye to embrace new technologies and digital infrastructure. Mr Kerim Sercan Evcin took the stage to discuss the strategic role of Türkiye in the BRI and its implications for the regional innovation landscape. Mr Evcin also shared insightful views on potential areas of cooperation for further engagement between Türkiye and Hong Kong, and how Türkiye and Hong Kong can play an important role in each other’s development. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of PReCIT, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in fostering innovation. He said, “As an active participant in BRI, Türkiye has emerged as one of the important players in this transformative project. With its strategic geographic location and its emphasis on trade and economic cooperation, Türkiye has also become a vital link connecting Europe to Asia. Türkiye’s involvement in the BRI has opened up exceptional opportunities for economic growth and technological advancements.” A Turkish PolyU student, Dora Saylıkoğlu, was also invited to speak at the talk. He introduced some aspects of Turkish culture and also shared his enjoyable moments in Hong Kong with all the participants. The Consul General Talk Series is a testament to PolyU’s commitment to global engagement and intellectual exchange. Facilitating the sharing of perspectives by Hong Kong-based diplomats, the series serves as a platform for the PolyU community and the general public to gain insights into the latest I&T policies and prospects in the Belt and Road countries, and paves the way for meaningful partnerships. Prof. Chao (left) presented a souvenir to Mr Kerim Sercan Evcin (right). Prof. Chao (left) presented a souvenir to Mr Nicholas Ho (right).   *** END***

PolyU welcomes alumni and friends to InnoTech Open Day × Alumni Homecoming 2024, witnessing the University’s remarkable I&T and entrepreneurship development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held the InnoTech Open Day × Alumni Homecoming 2024 on campus to showcase the University’s impactful achievements in interdisciplinary research, knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship that contribute to Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. The InnoTech Open Day showcased PolyU research and entrepreneurial outcomes, providing valuable opportunities for its faculty members, students, alumni, I&T entrepreneurs, industry partners and researchers to explore collaboration opportunities. The Alumni Homecoming Day, held in the afternoon, featured a variety of fun-filled activities for PolyU alumni, including campus adventures, activities for kids, sports and a talent show that enabled alumni to reunite on campus and witness the remarkable advancement of their alma mater. The event was attended by over 7,800 alumni and friends. The officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Ms Cheng WU, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Hon. Mr Duncan CHIU, a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council (Functional Constituency - Technology and Innovation) and PolyU Court member; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Dr Lawrence LI, PolyU Deputy Council Chairman; Dr Roy CHUNG Chi-ping, Honorary Court Chairman of PolyU;  Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Dr Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation). Hon. Mr Duncan Chiu said, “PolyU is well respected for its pursuit of academic excellence and groundbreaking innovations. Over its 87-year history, PolyU has been a nurturing ground for top-tier talents, a cradle for pioneering technical advancements, and a powerhouse for transformative innovations. Today’s event showcases PolyU’s exciting innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. It is my hope that the event will spark mutually-beneficial exchanges between PolyU researchers and industry leaders. I also encourage you to engage with PolyU’s talented researchers to share valuable insights into market and social needs and explore potential collaboration and technology transfer opportunities.” “PolyU has consistently been at the forefront of supporting Hong Kong’s economic and social progress. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of achieving university status, we have strived to nurture the talent society needs, adapting to its evolving demands—from manufacturing to services. Our dedication to innovation is evident in our impressive research growth, with our research staff doubling in just five years, alongside the establishment of PAIR and our Mainland translational research institutes,” said Prof. Jin-Guang Teng. “With half a million graduates, PolyU proudly holds the largest alumni community in Hong Kong. We are committed to strengthening our connection with alumni, supporting their career advancement, and fostering mutually beneficial collaborations. Together, we can address the unprecedented challenges of today while contributing to the development of Hong Kong, our Nation, and the world.” Dr Lawrence Li remarked, “To uphold its motto, ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’ and align with recent resolutions from the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China which emphasised the Nation’s modernisation and innovation-driven development, PolyU is actively contributing to the advancement of innovation and technology in Hong Kong, our country, and beyond through its unique PolyImpact and PolyVentures startup ecosystem. The former transforms research excellence into real-world solutions addressing significant global challenges, while the latter offers comprehensive support to aspiring entrepreneurs and startups.” At the opening ceremony, PolyU also signed cooperation agreements with eight companies to establish strategic partnerships. The parties will leverage their respective strengths in research and industry to nurture I&T leaders and entrepreneurs, with a view to super-charging the impact of PolyVentures, accelerating incubation and growth of startups, and providing more comprehensive support for PolyU students, alumni and academics who are committed to entrepreneurship. The companies and organisations involved are Beijing Iestreet Holding Limited, Hangzhou Innovation Incubation Center (Hong Kong) Limited, Hong Kong Kowloon Group, PanMediso Holdings (Shenzhen) Limited, Qianhai International Intellectual Property Comprehensive Operation Service Centre, SIMIC Holdings Company Limited, Sun Wah Group and Surrich International Company Limited. In addition, PolyU honoured six young researchers with the Young Innovative Researcher Award 2024 in recognition of young researchers with outstanding research capabilities. Three scholars and one team were presented with The President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement 2023 in recognition of their distinguished accomplishments and contributions in the areas of research and scholarly activities, as well as knowledge transfer. The InnoTech Open Day, the University’s flagship I&T event, showcased the remarkable creativity of the PolyU community through a variety of exhibitions, seminars, forums and startup showcases. The Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering demonstrated autonomous drone parcel delivery in urban areas, with which it aims to inspire the development of a low-altitude economy in Hong Kong. Additionally, a robot with new wireless charging technology developed by the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles was showcased to promote the technology for electric vehicle. PolyU young and excellent scholars, along with 17 research institutes and research centres under PAIR, and 18 PolyU-nurtured startups, also exhibited a wide range of inspiring inventions and achievements enabled through industry-academic-research collaborations and entrepreneurship. The innovations included a novel 3D model depicting the topography and landscape of the lunar south pole, a pipeline defect detection robot and a vision training VR device. Some showcases offered experience activities, including a portable non-invasive system for liver fibrosis assessment, and a smart wheelchair capable of navigating rough terrains like grassland, beaches and stairs. Another highlight was a sharing session, designed to broaden the horizons of young entrepreneurs, by PolyU alumnus Mr SHEN Peng, Founder and CEO of Waterdrop Inc., a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange with a market value of nearly US$420 million, who shared his journey to entrepreneurial success, elaborating on how he transformed his start-up company into a leading insurance technology and healthcare platform in Mainland China. Representatives from incubation and investment platforms in mainland China also gave their insights into the opportunities and challenges of investment in the region, providing valuable inspiration for those wishing to start their own business. As the annual signature event for PolyU alumni, the Alumni Homecoming Day received the enthusiastic support of over a hundred alumni. Participants enjoyed various exciting activities, including campus adventures, thematic guided tours and an Outstanding PolyU Alumni jogging tour. A group of alumni presented a vibrant showcase that included Chinese and western music, dance, taekwondo, a magic show and a choir performance. The event also featured a friendly futsal match, Ping-Pong demonstration match, along with Ping-Pong training sessions and play zones for kids. Meanwhile, special booths hosted by various faculties, schools, departments and alumni associations showcased numerous creative achievements, including ReST Hub, a flexible scoliosis brace with an artificial hinge, and speech therapy games. Prof. WU Bo, Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, introduced a novel 3D model depicting the topography and landscape of the lunar south pole. PolyU Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things showcased a real-time pipeline defect detection robot. A PolyU-nurtured startup showcased “Vcare” , a device that offers personalised vision correction training for myopia, amblyopia and strabismus. A PolyU-nurtured startup showcased “Liverscan®”, a portable non-invasive system for liver fibrosis assessment. A PolyU-nurtured startup showcased a smart wheelchair capable of navigating rough terrains like grassland, beaches and stairs.   ***END***

PolyU Design hosts "Time-capsuled Histories: Six Decades of PolyU Design" exhibition, celebrating 60 years of design excellence in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design) is hosting the exhibition “Time-capsuled Histories: Six Decades of PolyU Design” from now until 11 November 2024. Part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the exhibition showcases the School’s history and features works by alumni spanning half a century, witnessing the University’s significant role in advancing design education and the design industry in Hong Kong. As Hong Kong’s first and iconic comprehensive design institution, PolyU Design is a vital hub for design education and research, offering world-class undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to nurture creative talent across various industries. The exhibition is divided into five sections: PolyU Design’s headship mapping, curriculum development, research development, alumni design works and a showcase of research publications. Commissioned by Prof. Kun-Pyo LEE, Dean of PolyU Design, a research team from the School dedicated over a year to sourcing valuable artefacts and materials from alumni and former staff from various eras and sectors who have close connections to the School’s evolution. The materials have been meticulously organised and presented using a visually appealing and systematic timeline to showcase the journey of PolyU Design from its roots in the Hong Kong Technical College to its home in PolyU, capturing responses to changes in industry policies and technological advancements. The exhibition explores the School’s history and the relationship between design education and social and economic transformations in Hong Kong, while also providing a deeper narrative of design development in the City. Another exhibition highlight is the impressive lineup of works created by designers who graduated from PolyU Design between 1973 and 2023. It highlights the evolution of design and artistic works from the 1980s to the present, reflecting changes in both local and global markets. These pieces include art inspired by the red lampshades of local wet markets symbolising Hong Kong’s value and global talents, a speaker system designed from a recycled plastic container, a branding project for the HKSAR Government’s Green@Community initiative, a multi-functional golf bag that has been a popular seller for over 16 years, and many more. Multiple research publications by PolyU Design scholars from different eras are also exhibited. Mr SIU King Chung, the Project Leader and former Associate Dean of the School, and a group of alumni will present the School’s 60-year journey and development during the sharing session: “Time-Capsuling: The Untold Journeys of PolyU Design”. Members of the public are welcome to visit and explore the legacy and future of design education in Hong Kong while also celebrating the remarkable journey of PolyU Design, where the past inspires the present and motivates the future. “Time-capsuled Histories: Six Decades of PolyU Design” Exhibition Exhibition Period: 7 October to 11 November 2024 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays and Public Holidays) 10:30 am to 7:00 pm Venue: Podium, Jockey Club Innovation Tower, PolyU Registration: Pre-registration is required for external visitors. For more details of the exhibition and registration, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/alumni/events/2024/10/20241011_sd-time-capsuled-histories/?sc_lang=en ***END***

PolyU welcomes 2024 Policy Address measures on education and innovation & technology development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the diverse measures announced by the Chief Executive in the 2024 Policy Address. These include the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, the establishment of a third medical school, the creation of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, the expansion of research funding, and increased investment in innovation and technology (I&T) industries. These initiatives aim to advance Hong Kong as an international hub for post-secondary education and health and medical innovation, and an international I&T centre. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, said, “PolyU fully supports the Government’s initiatives to promote Chinese culture. Last year, we launched the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture to enhance education in Chinese history and culture. In March this year, we kick-started the ‘PolyU Chinese Culture Festival’ to highlight the beauty and importance of various aspects of Chinese culture, fostering a deeper appreciation of Chinese heritage. This festival aims to strengthen pride and a sense of belonging to the Nation among the younger generation and contribute to Hong Kong’s development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. PolyU is pleased that the Government has reserved land in the Northern Metropolis for the development of Northern Metropolis University Town and supports the creation of a third medical school by local universities. To tackle the challenges of an aging population and rising chronic disease rates, Hong Kong needs the third medical school to cultivate more clinical medical talents. PolyU is actively preparing the proposal for establishing the medical school. With our strong background in health science education and research, we are well-equipped to expand training for medical students, becoming a comprehensive training hub for medical and healthcare professionals. We believe this new medical school will stand out from the existing two, making significant contributions to society. Earlier this week, PolyU and Sun Yat-sen University signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly cultivate interdisciplinary medicine-engineering talents to meet the keen demand for quality medical and healthcare services in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.” PolyU has previously submitted a proposal to the Government requesting land in the Northern Metropolis to establish a medical school. Over the past 40 years, PolyU has trained over 50,000 allied healthcare professionals across various disciplines, significantly supporting the development of Hong Kong’s medical system. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU supports the Government’s establishment of the Committee on Education, Technology, and Talents to coordinate and promote the integrated development of these areas and to promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high‑calibre talents. PolyU is committed to recruiting outstanding academics and researchers globally to engage in cutting-edge research, contributing to the Nation’s technological self-reliance and high-quality development. The University continually innovates its curricula to prepare future-ready talents for advancements in emerging technologies. This year, PolyU established the new Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and next year, we will launch the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, focused on the AI era to meet the growing market demand for talent in these fields.” PolyU supports the Government’s creation of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to attract more overseas students, particularly from ASEAN and Belt and Road countries. PolyU is dedicated to fostering an internationalised learning environment and drawing students from around the globe to Hong Kong. In the 2023/24 academic year, PolyU organised over 330 undergraduate recruitment and promotion events across nearly 40 countries and regions, including 26 Belt and Road and ASEAN countries. The number of non-local undergraduate applicants from these regions has increased by 50% this year. PolyU will continue to actively promote the unique strengths of Hong Kong's higher education worldwide. Strengthening the position as an international I&T hub To support the Government’s initiative to promote the low-altitude economy (LAE) as a growth engine for new quality productive forces, PolyU is establishing a research centre for LAE to explore viable solutions for developing this sector in Hong Kong, supporting the smart city development. PolyU’s research teams have extensive expertise in technologies related to LAE, such as precise control and reliable positioning of unmanned aerial vehicles, airspace management, flight routes/depots and vertiports locations optimisation, etc. Additionally, the University plans to launch an MSc programme in LAE next year to nurture talent for future industrial development. PolyU has established three research centres under two InnoHK research clusters. We are pleased with the Government’s plan to create a third research cluster focused on advanced manufacturing, materials, energy, and sustainable development, including a research centre under the cluster to participate in the Chang’e-8 mission. With over 30 years of experience in deep space research, PolyU is the only university in Hong Kong participating in multiple national space missions. The university will fully support these initiatives. PolyU welcomes the Government’s expansion of research funding, which attracts more organisations to support research endeavours of institutions. In the 2023/24 academic year, PolyU ranked second among the eight UGC-funded institutions in terms of funding from the Research Grants Council, underscoring our research strengths. We are pleased to see the Government’s increased investment in I&T industries, including life and health technology, AI and robotics, semi-conductors and smart devices, advanced materials, and new energy. Over the years, PolyU has incubated over 500 startups through the PolyVentures ecosystem, involving more than 7,600 entrepreneurs. The University will continue collaborating with enterprises and venture capital firms locally and internationally to advance its startup accelerators. The Government’s promotion of new energy development and the implementation of the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong to advance green and low-carbon hydrogen applications align with recent submission from PolyU’s Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology to the Government. **END***

PolyU and Sun Yat-sen University collaborate to cultivate interdisciplinary medicine-engineering talent to support the long-term development of the healthcare system and to boost Hong Kong’s biomedical industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday to initiate education and research collaboration in interdisciplinary medicine and engineering. This partnership aims to jointly cultivate medical professionals, develop new programmes in medical technology, establish joint laboratories, facilitate academic and professional exchanges, and enhance collaborative research outcomes. By leveraging the strengths of both institutions, the collaboration will promote the novel development in interdisciplinary medicine and engineering, help to alleviate the pressures on Hong Kong’s healthcare system, elevate clinical medical research, and support the development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) into an international health and medical innovation hub. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, and Prof. YANG Qinghua, Executive Vice President of SYSU. Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU, and Prof. KUANG Ming, Dean of Zhongshan School of Medicine of SYSU, signed the MOU on behalf of both parties. The two institutions will focus on exploring educational and research collaboration in interdisciplinary medicine and engineering, including the integration of PolyU’s niche disciplines with the clinical medical expertise of the SYSU Zhongshan School of Medicine. Both institutions plan to jointly offer an eight-year (four plus four) dual bachelor’s degree programme in medicine and explore a dual degree professional doctorate programme in medicine and engineering. The initiative aims to cultivate students with expertise in medicine and engineering and to facilitate graduates in obtaining cross-border medical practice qualifications that are recognised in both Hong Kong and Mainland China. Prof. Wing-tak Wong stated, “This collaboration is a significant step towards PolyU’s goal of establishing a medical school. As one of the world’s top 100 universities, PolyU boasts strong capabilities in health science and engineering. The Zhongshan School of Medicine at SYSU is renowned for its foundational and clinical medicine disciplines, recognised as ‘Double First-Class’ disciplines. Together, we can harness the advantages of ‘medicine-engineering integration’ to create synergies in cutting-edge research and clinical medicine, foster the integrated development of the medical and healthcare disciplines, nurture more clinical medical talents, and meet the high demand for quality healthcare services in Hong Kong and the GBA.” Prof. Kuang Ming stated, “The Zhongshan School of Medicine of SYSU has maintained close ties with PolyU. Over the years, the Zhongshan School of Medicine has provided a high-quality teaching platform for cultivating top medical talent and offering strong academic support for medical services. PolyU has a long history in teaching and research of health science, training numerous allied healthcare professionals who are familiar with the operation of the public healthcare system and are well-positioned to extend medical training to medical students. With the development of artificial intelligence and robotics, there is an increasing demand in the GBA for medical talent with a ‘medicine-engineering integration’ background. This collaboration is expected to achieve complementary advantages, advance medical education and curriculum innovation, and address the long-term medical talent needs of the GBA.” The current population of the GBA has reached 86 million, with an increase of over 440,000 permanent residents last year. The population of the Northern Metropolis will reach 2.5 million, which is one-third of Hong Kong’s total population. This highlights the urgent demand for high-quality medical services in Hong Kong and the GBA. Therefore, it is imperative to cultivate medical students with knowledge in both medical and engineering technologies. Additionally, the HKSAR Government hopes to leverage Hong Kong’s medical strengths to fully promote the development of the biomedicine and medical device industries, which will increase the demand for talent in clinical medical technology. PolyU has a solid foundation and extensive experience in health science education and research, supported by world-class facilities. The University has submitted a proposal to the HKSAR Government for the establishment of a PolyU satellite campus in the Northern Metropolis with a medical school. We hope the new medical school will help ensure the quality and sustainability of future medical services. Over the past 40 years, PolyU has nurtured over 50,000 allied healthcare professionals in various disciplines, including medical laboratory science, medical imaging, radiotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, optometry, prosthetics and orthotics, and speech therapy, supporting the long-term development of the healthcare system. The University has established strong collaborative relationships with hospitals under the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, and other medical institutions. PolyU also excelled in various disciplines globally, including engineering, data science and AI, and nursing. The collaboration between PolyU and SYSU is expected to leverage their strong capabilities in clinical medicine and engineering, further deepening clinical medical cooperation across the border. This will facilitate “medicine-engineering integration” and cultivate more interdisciplinary medicine-engineering talent for Hong Kong and the GBA.

PolyU Info Day 2024 draws over 40,000 visitors

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held its Information Day (Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes) 2024 (Info Day). PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, Deputy President and Provost Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Vice President (Education) Prof. Kwok-yin WONG and Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Prof. Ben YOUNG attended the opening ceremony alongside other management team members, faculty/school deans and representatives to kick off the event, before visiting booths set up by faculties, schools and departments. This year, Info Day attracted over 40,000 secondary school students, parents and individuals interested in pursuing further studies to learn about the University’s latest admissions and programme information. The Info Day featured a series of activities, including admissions talks that covered admission information for applications via JUPAS, non-JUPAS (non-local qualifications), senior year admission (Associate Degree or Higher Diploma qualifications) and National College Entrance Examinations (Gaokao). There were also 200 programme consultations, guided tours to the University’s laboratories and other facilities, student sharing sessions and workshops, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the PolyU admission requirements and obtain programme information for planning their academic journey. The activities attracted a great deal of interest from both students and parents. With the aim of nurturing future-ready professionals and driving social innovation, PolyU is enhancing its undergraduate admission arrangements from the 2025/26 academic year onwards to provide students with more flexible and interdisciplinary study options. The University will also offer various new undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes that cover emerging fields to help meet society’s talent needs. Among them, the Faculty of Construction and Environment will launch the BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies*, while the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, which will be established in January 2025, will introduce the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Data Science and Analytics / Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence). From the 2025/26 academic year, PolyU will offer different pathways for students to enable them to tailor their studies to better suit their personal interests. Students with clear academic goals can choose their preferred departmental schemes or programmes directly, while those who wish to further explore their aspirations can enrol in one of the seven new bachelor’s degree schemes to gain a better understanding about the different majors available within a faculty. In particular, students who are admitted to the Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies will be able to explore study areas from across different faculties/schools before deciding their majors, allowing for more self-directed and flexible learning. Under these new arrangements, all undergraduates (except for those from the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and those enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies) will follow a Common Year 1 Curriculum within their faculty in their first year to build a solid foundation of knowledge, after which they can choose a major within the faculty based on their preferences and academic performance. Following the same mechanism, students who have enrolled in departmental schemes or programmes will also be allowed to switch to other majors within their faculty. PolyU has always attached great importance to holistic education and strives to nurture students’ global outlook. Starting from the 2025/26 academic year, an additional HK$30,000 overseas exchange funding will be offered to all undergraduate students who receive an academic Entry Scholarship, enabling them to participate in non-local learning activities through the Work-Integrated Education programme, Service-Learning projects, exchanges, field trips and other programmes. The University aspires to provide opportunities for all undergraduates to engage in at least one non-local learning experience by the 2027/28 academic year. For more information on PolyU’s newly launched Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2024/0930_polyu-info-day-2024-to-be-held-on-12-october/ * This programme is subject to approval   ***END***

PolyU and EssilorLuxottica join hands to cultivate next generation of professional optometrists; EssilorLuxottica donates full set of optometric equipment to PolyU School of Optometry to enhance students’ clinical skills

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received the donation of a complete set of optometric equipment for an eye examination room from EssilorLuxottica, demonstrating their commitment to and collaboration in training and fostering development of future optometrists. An equipment handover ceremony took place at PolyU on October 8, in a simple yet significant event highlighting the impact of this donation on nurturing the next generation of professional optometrists. The ceremony was jointly officiated by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, PolyU Vice President (Education); Prof. CAI Jing, Acting Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of the PolyU School of Optometry, together with Mr Pan LU, General Manager, HK&TW Professional Solutions at EssilorLuxottica; Mr David SOH, Managing Director of Essilor Hong Kong Ltd; and Mr Henry LEUNG, Commerical Director of Essilor Hong Kong Ltd. The inauguration of the eye examination room symbolises a step forward for students of the School of Optometry, who can contribute to the optometry industry in the future. Mr Pan Lu said in his speech, “EssilorLuxottica has always believed in the importance of education and the necessity of cultivating future optometric professionals. By providing state-of-the-art instruments, we aim to enhance the training and practical experience of students of the PolyU School of Optometry, laying a strong foundation for their careers. EssilorLuxottica is committed to working hand in hand with PolyU School of Optometry to advance the industry and make a greater contribution to society.” Prof. Kee Chea-su expressed his gratitude for EssilorLuxottica’s longstanding support, stating, “In addition to this latest donation which enhances the School’s teaching resources, EssilorLuxottica has also provided scholarships to our students, encouraging them to strive for excellence. The company’s support aligns with our mission to provide outstanding optometric education and training. The School will make good use of this equipment to improve students’ clinical capabilities.” Subsequent to the ceremony, the guests visited the optometry clinic at PolyU to take a close look at the equipment donated by EssilorLuxottica. During the visit, students of the School demonstrated the use of the equipment, allowing everyone to experience its functionalities firsthand. EssilorLuxottica’s donation includes not only standard optometric equipment but also four sets of innovative advanced instruments, providing students at the School with exposure to cutting-edge market technologies, thereby enhancing their practical experience and professional skills. Developed and manufactured by EssilorLuxottica, the four sets of the industry’s most advanced instruments are: 1. Eye physiology automatic screening solution Enabling rapid and fully-automatic comprehensive eye health screenings for eye disorders, including cataracts, glaucoma, and keratoconus, within two minutes. Evaluating patient’s eye fatigue and higher-order aberrations in real time Enabling students to understand a patient’s eye condition effectively and recommend suitable lenses solution. 2. State-of-the-art digital phoropter Incorporating an exclusive optical module producing instantaneous and continuous power change Adopting Cutting-edge “Digital Infinite Refraction” technology, which can determine prescription from traditional 0.25D to an accuracy of 0.01D Providing more accurate prescription and superior eye examination experience for students 3. Fully automatic AKR biometer combo Providing a fully automatic objective refraction and axial-length measurement Evaluating the myopia risk level by comparing the axial length with the growth curves Assisting in comprehensive myopia management through continuous monitoring. 4. Electronic measurement solution Adopting the next-generation progressive lens fitting parameter measuring instrument Using advanced digital technology for precise measurements Measuring various personalized fitting parameters for optimal comfort Analysing the wearer’s natural posture for ensuring visual comfort and familiarity with the latest progressive lens fitting modes The longstanding and close collaboration between PolyU and EssilorLuxottica reflects their joint commitment to advancing excellence in eye care and nurturing the next generation of professional optometrists to address industry workforce challenges.   ***END***