Prof. AU Man Ho Allen, our Professor and Associate Head (Research and Development), has been named one of six recipients of the Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology (HKEST) Award 2024-25 from the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE). This accolade recognises his outstanding contributions to the fields of cybersecurity, cryptography, and blockchain innovation. Upon receiving the award, Prof. Au expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am deeply honoured to receive the HKEST Award. This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the incredible support I have received from my colleagues, students, and collaborators. I am especially thankful to PolyU for its continued support and the collaborative environment that has enabled my work to thrive." Prof. Au's research focuses on applied cryptography and blockchain technology, aiming to develop practical, secure, and privacy-preserving solutions for the Web3 ecosystem and the digital economy. He highlighted the significance of applied cryptography in today’s digital economy, particularly in fields such as FinTech and privacy-enhancing technologies. He further remarked, "I hope this recognition will inspire greater collaboration across academia and industry and encourage our students and early-career researchers to pursue meaningful, high-impact innovation in engineering and technology." Established in 2022 by HKAE and the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), the annual HKEST Award honours young scientists and engineers demonstrating exceptional talent and impact in Hong Kong’s engineering and technology sectors. It supports the government’s mission to strengthen innovation ecosystems and cultivate local talent. For more information about the HKEST Award and its impact on the engineering community, please visit the HKAE’s website.
