News

BEEE’s Team Awarded Gold Medal for Innovative Micro Hydropower Project at Geneva Inventions Expo

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) continues to make strides in groundbreaking research and innovation, as Professor Yang Hongxing from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) has been awarded a Gold Medal for his project on "A Novel Wireless Self-adaptive Hydropower Harvesting System for Applications in Urban Water Supply Pipelines".  Professor Yang and his team's innovative project has the potential to revolutionize the way we supply power to the Water Intelligent Network (WIN) for managing water supplies and reducing water leakage from urban water pipelines.  Their recognition at the Expo is a testament to the University's outstanding research and innovation capabilities, and it reaffirms PolyU's position as a leading institution for cutting-edge research and development. We congratulate Professor Yang Hongxing and his team for their outstanding accomplishment and the well-deserved recognition they have received for their groundbreaking work. Their dedication and hard work will undoubtedly lead to further advancements in the field of micro hydropower and inspire future generations of researchers and innovators.  

Result Announcement - Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BEEE 2023

The Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department aims to give public recognition to outstanding graduates of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) for their significant contributions to their profession and community, as well as to their alma mater. The Award was first presented in 2010, and this year marks the 8th round of the selection process.   We are pleased to announce the two distinguished awardees for 2023:   Outstanding Alumni Award in Professional Achievement of PolyU BEEE 2023 Ir Chiang Gary Kai-Wai Ir Chiang Gary Kai-Wai is a highly experienced Building Services Engineering professional with over 20 years of experience in the field. He has worked in various disciplines, including consultancy, contracting, energy management, carbon management, safety management, and currently focuses on developing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) financial business models to support local companies in achieving their 2050 carbon neutrality targets. Additionally, he is involved in promoting Smart Home business development and adoption to drive digital transformation in the residential sector, working with local start-ups to develop Smart Home solutions that enhance energy efficiency, security, and health.   Ir Chiang earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Building Services Engineering from Polytechnic University, where he demonstrated exceptional academic performance and leadership skills. His passion for design and energy efficiency led him to pursue his career in consultancy, where he gained extensive knowledge and experience. Later, he joined one of the largest utility companies in Hong Kong, where he held various energy-related positions in local and China GBA.   Committed to making a positive impact on the community and promoting the development of Building Services Engineering, Ir Chiang actively serves professional institutions to promote best engineering practices and mentor young engineers in their career paths. He has held various posts in professional institutions, including Chairman of Energy Institute-HK Branch (2012-2014) and Chair of Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (2023/2024). He also serves as a Working Group Member nominated by HKSAR Government, such as EMSD, to provide technical advice and gather feedback from the industry. In addition, he participated in overseas learning activities for Building Services Engineering students in the early years of his career.   Ir Chiang also served as a part-time lecturer for the Professional Diploma in Architectural Studies at HKU Space from 2011 to 2013, where he imparted essential BSE knowledge and skills related to design and professional practice, and developed talented pre-professional graduates capable of pursuing further studies or working in the industry.   Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement of PolyU BEEE 2023 Professor Jinqing Peng Professor Peng is currently an active professor at Hunan University in China, having obtained his Ph.D. from the Department of Building Services Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2014. He served as a post-doctoral fellow at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory from 2015 to 2017 before joining Hunan University in 2017. Since then, his research interests have focused on the development of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) windows, distributed energy storage, building energy demand response, and energy flexibility.   Prof. Peng has secured over 10 competitive research grants as the principal investigator, and has made significant academic contributions in these fields, including theoretical analysis and numerical modeling of BIPV windows, development of high-efficiency BIPV modules, and modeling and rating of window shading systems. He has published more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, including 120 SCI-indexed papers, which have been cited over 5700 times. In 2019, he was recognized as the youngest Most Cited Chinese Researcher in the building and construction field, and in 2022, he was ranked as one of the World's Top 2% most-cited scientists by Stanford University. In recognition of his work in BIPV, he was awarded the second prize of the Science and Technology Progress Award of the Ministry of Education in 2019.   Prof. Peng is an active scholar, serving on the editorial boards of top international journals, such as Applied Energy, Engineering, and Energy and Built Environment. He also acts as a subject editor for the International Journal of Building Simulation and an associate editor for the Journal of Thermal Science. In addition, he serves as the Deputy Director of the Solar Building Committee of the China Renewable Energy Society (CRES), Executive Member of the Building Commissioning and Operations Committee of the China Association of Building Energy Efficiency (CABEE), and Vice Director of the Key Laboratory of Building Safety and Energy Efficiency of the Ministry of Education, China.   The Department is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these two awardees in the building services engineering industry and their contributions to the community and PolyU. We extend our gratitude to all the Selection Panel members for their excellent volunteer work in the selection process.  

Exploring Building Environment and Energy Engineering PolyU Taster Programme 2023

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) is delighted to announce the success of the PolyU Taster Programme 2023. Held on 14 April 2023 at the PolyU campus, the programme drew S4-S5 students who were keen to explore the field of building environment and energy engineering. The programme began with a warm welcome by BEEE student helpers at the reception, followed by introductions to the BEEE department and our undergraduate programmes by Ir Dr Lai Hung Kit Joseph and Ir Dr Wong Ling Tim. Dr Cheung Hiu Dan Hilda delivered a presentation on software application, specifically on DIALUX Professional Lighting Design. A student sharing session was also presented by the awardee of the Outstanding Student Award 2022, Mr Ho Cheuk Him. The highlight of the programme was the demonstration and laboratory tour, which included the SHKP project. Our academic staff and technical support staff guided participants, offering them a glimpse into the real-world applications of the theories and concepts they had learned. We would like to express our sincerest appreciation to all participants for their enthusiastic engagement and support. We would also like to extend our gratitude to all staff and student helpers involved in making this programme a success. For those who missed this year's programme, we encourage you to stay tuned for the upcoming PolyU Taster Programmes and take advantage of the opportunity to explore different departments and fields of study. To view photos from the programme, please visit our photo gallery here.  

BEEE Students Awarded HKIE BSD Outstanding Student Award 2022

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is proud to announce that three of our students, ALDAN Gulzhan, CHEUNG Wai Kit and YAU Lok Sang, have been awarded the HKIE BSD Outstanding Student Award 2022. The HKIE BSD Outstanding Student Award recognizes outstanding academic achievements and contributions to the field of Building Services Engineering. The award certificates were presented during the HKIE BSD AGM on April 14, 2023. The students were excited to celebrate this recognition with their fellow colleagues in the industry. We are proud of our students' accomplishments and wish them continued success in their studies and future careers. Congratulations once again to ALDAN Gulzhan, CHEUNG Wai Kit and YAU Lok Sang.

BEEE Hosted Successful Seminar on 3D Printing and Biofabrication for Healthcare and Sustainability

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University successfully hosted a BEEE Seminar on 3D Printing and Biofabrication for Healthcare and Sustainability on April 3, 2023. This was the first BEEE seminar held after all COVID-related social-distancing measures in Hong Kong that impacted our campus operations have now been removed. The seminar was informative and thought-provoking and was attended by academic staff, students, and members of the public. The seminar featured a presentation by Prof. Yan Yan Shery Huang, Professor of Bioengineering, leading the Biointerface Group at the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge. Prof. Huang discussed her group's recent work on 3D printing and biofabrication for Soft/ Green/ Bio & Living materials at different length scales, which can be intertwined with sensing elements. She also discussed how these technologies can be applied in healthcare, and how fibre printing can underpin future eco-friendly sensor fabrication with implications for environmental sensing. Prof. Huang's presentation was informative and engaging, and the attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions. The seminar provided valuable insights into the latest developments in 3D printing and biofabrication, and how these technologies can be applied to improve healthcare and sustainability. BEEE invites all members of the public to attend its upcoming events and seminars, which are aimed at providing valuable insights and knowledge on the latest developments in building service engineering and related fields.  

BEEE Students Awarded CIBSE-HKR Student Award 2022/23

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is proud to announce that three of our students have been awarded the CIBSE-HKR Student Award 2022/23. The CIBSE-HKR Student Award recognizes outstanding academic achievements and contributions to the field of Building Services Engineering. To Pui Mei, a Master of Engineering in Building Services Engineering student, has been awarded the Post-graduate Degree Category award. Ho Cheuk Him, a Bachelor of Engineering in Building Services Engineering student, has been awarded the Bachelor Degree Category award. Leung Tsz Hin, a Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering student, has been awarded the Sub-Degree Category award. We congratulate them on their achievements. The award certificates were presented during the CIBSE-HKR annual dinner on March 16, 2023. The students were excited to celebrate this recognition with their fellow colleagues in the industry. We are proud of our students' accomplishments and wish them continued success in their studies and future careers. Congratulations once again to To Pui Mei, Ho Cheuk Him, and Leung Tsz Hin.  

BEEE’s Undergraduate Student Awarded Outstanding Student Award 2022 & Presidential Student Leadership Award 2022/23

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is pleased to announce that our undergraduate student, HO Cheuk Him has been awarded both the Outstanding Student Award 2022 and Presidential Student Leadership Award 2022/23. As a recipient of the Outstanding Student Award 2022, HO Cheuk Him has been recognized for his all-round achievements, including strong leadership ability, good personal qualities, active involvement in extra-curricular activities and community services, and global outlook. This award is given to one student from each academic department who represents the faculty and PolyU as a whole.  Furthermore, HO Cheuk Him has also been awarded the Presidential Student Leadership Award 2022/23, which recognizes exceptional leadership experiences and qualities demonstrated both in the University and the community. The award also requires good academic achievement, competent language proficiency and communication skills, good personal qualities and conduct, and commitment to serving the local and global community. HO Cheuk Him's outstanding achievements and contributions as a BEEE student have made him a role model for other students. We congratulate him on his success and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

BEEE Fire Group awarded the 2023 PolyU Micro Fund for Smart Robotic Firefighting

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to report that Mr WANG Meng (BEEE Research Assistant, PolyU) and his teammates have emerged as winners in the final round of the PolyU Micro Fund Scheme 2022-2023 Cohort 1. The team will receive a HK$120,000 start-up grant and an acceptance into the Ideation Program of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP), which comes with a HK$100,000 start-up grant. Furthermore, they have also qualified for the HKSTP Incubation Program, with a conditional acceptance to receive up to HK$1.29 million in start-up support over a period of three years.   PolyU Micro Fund (MF) Scheme is the first funding initiative to cultivate innovative and entrepreneurial ambiance in the PolyU community and to promote knowledge transfer and commercialization of PolyU’s innovations and technologies. The funding support is up to HK$120,000 for each awarded start-up. The three-year HKSTP Incubation Programme aims to help technology startups specializing in deep tech research to develop innovative solutions. Satisfy their R&D and business development needs with up to HK$1.29 million in financial aid.    Supervised by Dr Xinyan Huang, Mr WANG Meng and his team proposed and developed a winning project titled "Autonomous Firefighting Robot". The project innovatively integrates a variety of artificial intelligence technologies into the firefighting robot to improve its autonomy and intelligence. This can significantly boost the role of robots in firefighting and rescue missions and safeguard the lives and assets of citizens, which has earned recognition from the judging panels.   Congratulations to Mr WANG Meng for his accomplishment, and the Department wishes his continued success in his future endeavors.  

International Symposium on Colour Imaging and Metaverse Draws Top Researchers and Industry Professionals to PolyU

The International Symposium on Colour Imaging and Metaverse was held at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 27-28 January 2023, where around 100 researchers and industry professionals gathered to exchange knowledge and insights on colour, imaging, and metaverse related technologies.  The event was a huge success, with distinguished international speakers sharing their works and ideas on various topics such as product design, next-generation display applications, fashion and textiles, and human skin colour in the virtual world. The symposium was attended by prominent technology companies such as Apple, ByteDance, Huawei, and SenseTime, as well as top universities such as Chiba University, Columbia University, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The launch ceremony of the Colour Imaging Metaverse and Research Centre (CIMRC) was held on the first day of the symposium. The research centre, which aims to carry out impactful research to better understand the human visual system and to develop innovative solutions for imaging and metaverse related technologies, was officiated by Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, Hon Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation) of HKSAR, Mr Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology of Invest Hong Kong, Prof Li Ping, Dean of Faculty of Humanities of PolyU, Prof Li Xiangdong, Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment of PolyU,  Prof Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation of PolyU and Dr Tommy Wei, Director of CIMRC. Dr Tommy Wei, Director of CIMRC, also participated in the symposium as the moderator for the panel discussion on "User Experience in Metaverse" and gave an invited talk on "Addressing Challenges Introduced by Advanced Imaging Systems". Dr Wei's expertise and contributions to the field of colour, imaging and metaverse were highly valued by the attendees. The Symposium was co-organized by the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) of PolyU, which is dedicated to promoting technology development and research within the university and fostering partnerships with industries, governments, and other organizations to benefit society. In conclusion, the International Symposium on Colour Imaging and Metaverse was a significant event that brought together international scholars and professionals to share their advancements in the field and inspire new ideas for future developments.  

New Assistant Professor -Dr Yuen Anthony Chun Yin

BEEE is pleased to announce a new Assistant Professor, Presidential Young Scholar, Dr Yuen Anthony Chun Yin, starting on 12 January 2023. Dr Yuen received his PhD degree in January 2015 from the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia.   Dr Yuen started his academic career as a Lecturer at UNSW in 2021 and was appointed as the Centre Manager in 2018 for the Australian Research Council-funded ARC Training Centre for Fire Retardant Materials and Safety Protection Technologies.   Throughout Dr Yuen’s research career, his total research funding sums up to AUD$11.62 million in external grants (ARC Discoveries, CRC-Ps, CRC Bushfire Tactical Research Fund, Innovation Connections, etc).   Dr Yuen's research focuses on the development of computational material science modelling techniques to deliver in-depth characterisations of the atomistic physiochemical behaviours of nanocomposites such as interfacial and surface science reactions between molecules. He has developed novel simulation approaches to enhance the reliability and capability of Molecular Dynamics (MD) and computational multiphase fluid dynamics (CMFD) models, which formulated a systematic, state-of-art numerical modelling platform to effectively and physically described the thermal degradation, chemical decomposition, thermo/electrical conductivity, charring and self-extinction behaviours of Advanced Materials (i.e. MXene, Graphene). Dr Yuen has published >110 journal articles and 2 book chapters with >3000 citations and 33 H-index on Google Scholar. Until Jan 2023, he has supervised 6 PhD and 4 MPhil candidates to completion. He serves as the guest editor for the journals Polymers, Molecules, Sensors, and Frontiers of Materials.