Media Releases

PolyU researchers introduce pioneering metaverse-enabled expressive arts therapy programme to foster empathy in adolescents

Innovative technology continues to drive educational transformation, not only enhancing the teaching experience and its effectiveness, but also providing support for students with diverse learning needs. An interdisciplinary research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has designed an expressive arts therapy programme utilising metaverse and virtual reality technologies to foster empathy and self-expression among adolescents, thereby improving their social skills and mental well-being. Led by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences; Dr Grace NGAI, Associate Professor of the Department of Computing; Dr Richard LI, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Department of Computing; and Dr Peter NG, Assistant Professor of the Department of Computing and the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the research team collaborated with Sheng Kung Hui (S.K.H.) St. Christopher’s Home to provide an eight-week therapy course for 30 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 from March to December 2023. The course was delivered by a licensed expressive arts therapist online via a virtual platform on a one-to-one basis. Through virtual reality technology, the course enabled the expressive arts therapist and the adolescents, who were situated in different locations, to engage in real-time interaction and collaborate in three-dimensional art creation based on a variety of themes. During the course, adolescents created their own personalised virtual avatars and made use of a wide range of virtual tools for their artistic expression, while the therapist provided guidance and support to them on how to express themselves and understand the feelings and thoughts of others, through art. The research team surveyed the participating adolescents before and after the course. They found that over 70% showed significant improvement in empathy, with a nearly 40% increase in their scores in relation to interpersonal response, while older participants exhibited greater progress. The findings indicate that the course is effective in fostering adolescent ability to imagine and understand the perspectives and situations of others. Meanwhile, assessments from the art therapist further revealed more than 70% of participants were willing to open up and share their emotions during the course, while almost half of them engaged in self-exploration and self-reflection. The research team concluded that, built upon metaverse and virtual reality technologies, this novel platform for art creation allows adolescents to freely present their thoughts and feelings, while a virtual environment provides them with a sense of security which facilitates closer and more comfortable interaction and communication between them and the therapist. Positive feedback was also received from the adolescent participants who said that they were delighted to be exposed to a new way of creating art and to gain a better understanding on how to build positive relationships with others and the community. They were also excited about participating in similar innovative programmes in the future. Prof. Eric Chui believes that, with ever-evolving social needs and technological advancements, social workers have the responsibility to stay updated on relevant technology so as to be able to offer innovative and timely services. This programme is evidence of an innovative and successful use of metaverse technology in the development of adolescent mental well-being, while also illuminating the potential of educational innovation. He added that the younger generation in Hong Kong is facing numerous pressures, and therefore any method encouraging them to share and relax is worth the social welfare sector exploring. Ms Kiann WONG, registered social worker at S.K.H. St. Christopher’s Home, said that this innovative programme has been profoundly beneficial to the growth of adolescents, allowing them to explore new technologies like the metaverse and virtual reality, and to learn about the importance of empathy. She hoped to continue collaboration with PolyU and provide more innovative learning opportunities for young people. With an aim of supporting a broader range of communities in need, the research team intends to fine-tune the design of the course based on the experience and findings from the programme and expand it to a more diverse audience base, especially including adolescents with special educational needs or facing behavioural and other mental difficulties.   ***END***

PolyU breaks into global top 100 in its debut in THE Impact Rankings, shining in multiple sustainable development goals

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has attained encouraging results in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024, ranking 77th in the world. It is PolyU’s first time participating in the Rankings and the result reflects the University’s praiseworthy achievements in promoting sustainability. THE Impact Rankings measures a university’s success in delivering on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It assesses performance in four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. This year, the Rankings include 2,152 universities, from 125 countries and regions. PolyU performed well in “Good Health and Well-being” (SDG 3), “Quality Education” (SDG 4), “Sustainable Cities and Communities” (SDG 11)” and “Partnerships for the Goals” (SDG 17), where it topped the other Hong Kong universities in the first and placed 2nd in the City for the other three. In particular, the University’s contribution to “Quality Education” stood out among its peers from around the world, ranking 4th globally. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “We are pleased with the University’s impressive performance in its debut in THE Impact Rankings. PolyU is committed to becoming an innovative, world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, and to pursuing impactful research and innovation to address societal needs. Moving forward, we will continute to strive for excellence in education, scientific research and innovation, contributing to the goal of sustainable development.” PolyU has been at the forefront of addressing societal sustainability challenges. The PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology provides strategic advice on promoting the development of carbon neutrality, while multiple research institutes and centres of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research continue to leverage their research strengths to drive innovation in fields including smart energy, sustainable urban development and mental health. Articulating its commitment to social responsibility, PolyU has incorporated Service-Learning into its undergraduate mandatory curriculum, with the aim of educating students about social issues and enabling them to apply their classroom knowledge in service to the community. Over the years, students have participated in service learning projects across mainland China, as well as in Cambodia, Rwanda and beyond.   ***END***  

PolyU and Diocesan Girls’ School establish AI Swimtech Laboratory, developing biomechanical training to enhance swimmers’ performance

A team led by Dr Billy SO, core member of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Assistant Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), is committed to enhancing the performance of swimmers by integrating sports technology with biomechanics. By employing advanced wearable sensors and an underwater camera system, the team captures and analyses data on swimmers’ start jump motion and swimming postures, including body movement and muscle activity, thereby assisting coaches in designing training programmes for athletes. The student swimming team of the Diocesan Girls’ School (DGS) is currently adopting these biomechanical training methods into their routine training with the aim of achieving greater effectiveness. To catalyse joint research in the fields of sports science and technology, PolyU RISports and DGS have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the “PolyU-DGS AI Swimtech Laboratory”. Under the agreement, DGS will provide swimming facilities, where PolyU researchers will install equipment for data collection and will arrange student swimmers to participate in a research trial. This collaboration aims to strengthen research on enhancing elite athletes’ performance and talent identifications by more fully unleashing their potential, thereby maximising athletic performance at school level and nurturing more outstanding swimmers for the local community in the long run. It also aspires to promote STEM education and foster a culture of innovation and technology on campus. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) remarked, “In recent years, Hong Kong’s ‘flying fishes’ continue to shine on the international stage. The integration of technology in athletic training not only more effectively unlocks their potential, but also helps them achieve notable results. PolyU is committed to the translation of research outcomes and so is delighted to collaborate with Diocesan Girls’ School to enhance their student athletes’ competitiveness. We believe that students can gain valuable immersive learning experiences by participating in research work, which helps cultivate their interest in innovation and technology, as well as develops knowledge in mathematics, science and engineering.” Mrs Stella LAU, Headmistress of DGS stated, “Diocesan Girls’ School, a school with over 160 years of history, has been at the forefront in promoting innovative technology education in recent years. Today, RISports team from PolyU is collaborating with our swimming athletes to put their research achievements in artificial intelligence and biomechanics into practice. Not only will this empower our student athletes to excel in their swimming performance, it will enhance our students’ practical application capabilities in sports science as well as their problem-solving skills using artificial intelligence. This project better equips our students for today’s vast innovation and technology-driven world.” Each subtle movement can be the key to victory in competitive swimming, especially in short course competition. With this in mind, Dr Billy So aspires to develop systematic biomechanical training and explore its effectiveness in enhancing swimmers’ performance. The key findings of his research are as follow: (1) Start jump motion analysis The start jump in swimming demands precise timing, speed and angle of both the jump and entry into the water. The team places patches of a surface electromyography system on athletes’ lower limbs to capture start jump motion. With the use of a reaction time start board and video analytics, the system also provides immediate data on jump reaction, entry angles and speed, to assist swimmers in promptly adjusting their start jump posture. Approximately 30 DGS swimming team students were invited to participate in a six-week training programme, employing this system during 50-metre freestyle swimming practice twice a week for 20 minutes per session. The participants are found to have improved their performance by an average of 0.127 seconds on start jump. By utilising the system to compare and analyse the start jump reaction of participating athletes before and after training, the results show that their average reaction time improved by 0.127 seconds. With the use of surface electromyography system, a reaction time start board and video analytics, the system captures start jump motion with a view to assisting athletes in promptly adjusting their posture. (2) Propulsive force analysis The propulsive force in swimming originates from stroking and kicking, while the stability of core muscles aids in increasing the propulsive force generated from these movements. The team employs an underwater surface electromyography system and a tethered swimming testing system to analyse the propulsive force generated by athletes during swimming. This helps coaches adjust athletes’ techniques and develop suitable training to enhance swimming performance. Approximately 30 student athletes from PolyU and local sports organisations participated in an eight-week muscle training programme focused on core stability. The two systems were then employed to evaluate the athletes’ performance in utilising core muscles during swimming and the propulsive force generated. The results indicate that the average swimming propulsive force generated by the participating athletes increased by about 10%, while their speed in the 50-metre freestyle improved by 0.02 to 0.03 metres per second. Employing an underwater surface electromyography system and tethered swimming testing system helps the team analyse the propulsive force generated by athletes during swimming. This aids coaches in adjusting athletes’ techniques and developing suitable training to enhance swimming performance. (3) Muscle activity analysis The team uses waterproof wearable surface electromyography sensors and an underwater camera system to capture muscle activity of swimmers’ arms, shoulders, legs and trunk during start jumps, strokes and turns in freestyle swimming. The system will be tested in the swimming pool at DGS with the participation of its elite student swimmers. Looking forward, the team will collaborate with PolyU’s Department of Computing to integrate video motion analysis and wearable motion inertial sensors to leverage the collected data in developing a novel artificial intelligence model, thereby further enhancing the accuracy of the system. The team has employed waterproof wearable surface electromyography sensors and an underwater camera system to capture muscle activity of swimmers during freestyle swimming. The graphic shows the muscle activity pattern.   ***END***

PolyU develops and manufactures space instruments for the Nation’s Chang’e-6 mission, successfully completing the first lunar far side sampling in human history

In support of the Nation’s landmark sample return mission from the far side of the moon, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) collaborated with the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) to develop and manufacture the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” for this historic task. On June 3, the PolyU-developed system accomplished the tasks of automatic sample collection and packaging on the lunar surface, following the soft landing of the Chang’e-6 probe, marking a milestone in human space exploration. The probe has already taken off from the moon with the cargo of the first-ever lunar soil samples from the far side set to return to Earth on June 25. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, congratulated the research team on their outstanding achievement, and said, “With over 30 years of experience in deep space research, PolyU is the only university in Hong Kong that has participated in various national space projects. We feel honoured and grateful for the Nation’s continued trust and support in our research endeavours. We look forward to leveraging our expertise and collaborating with researchers in the Mainland to make meaningful contributions in national space missions.” Commenting on Hong Kong’s contribution to the national space mission, Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU, said the team is deeply grateful for the opportunity granted by the motherland. “Because the Moon’s rotational period is tidally locked in sync with its orbital period around the Earth, the moon’s far side remains invisible to Earth’s observation, making direct communication with the vehicle impossible. As a result, the difficulties and challenges of sampling on the lunar far side are greater than those encountered on the near side. Drawing on our experience from previous projects, we’ve successfully integrated numerous enhancements into the system, enabling a timely sampling within a more restricted timeframe. We are very grateful to our Nation for entrusting us with the task, showcasing Hong Kong’s space research capabilities and playing a pivotal role in the journey of our Nation’s space missions,” Prof. Yung explained. Unlike previous methods adopted by other countries involving drilling or manual excavation, PolyU’s “Surface Sampling and Packing System” is designed as fully automated multi-point lunar surface sampling and with a packaging mechanism. In Hong Kong, PolyU was involved in the design and manufacturing of Samplers A and B, together with two accompanying high temperature Near-field Cameras for multiple-point surface sample collections, and automatic vision guidance of the sampling, sample deposition and sample container pickup and precision placement into the ascender. The PolyU-designed and manufactured flight units also included a primary sealing and packaging system that consisted of a sample container and its sealing mechanism. The sampling process briefly started with the Near-field Cameras mounted on the robotic arm next to Samplers A and B. These Cameras guided the sampling and sample deposition into the PolyU sample container in the primary sealing and packaging system. Upon the completion of the sampling process, the sample container was sealed by the sealing and packaging device for picking up by the sampler which was vision-guided by the Near-field Cameras for automatic precision insertion into the ascender for transporting back to Earth. Since 2010, PolyU has been participating in the Nation’s space exploration programmes and collaborating with the China Academy of Space Technology to develop and manufacture sophisticated space instruments. PolyU researchers have also used advanced topographic mapping technologies to evaluate and identify the best landing sites for spacecraft. These contributions supported the success of the Nation’s lunar exploration missions, including Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4 and Chang’e-5, as well as the Mars exploration mission Tianwen-1. In 2021, PolyU established the “Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations”. In 2022, the University established the “Joint Research Centre of Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology” in collaboration with the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology. PolyU engages in local STEM outreach initiatives, fostering enthusiasm for space exploration among local youth. The University is committed to elevating young people’s passion for a career in space technology thus making contributions to the scientific development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. To promote STEM education among young people, PolyU has launched “Science World: Exploring Space to Benefit Mankind”, a science education programme for secondary school students that fosters creativity and innovation in space exploration. Under this initiative, the championship team from from Diocesan Boys’ School, under the guidance of Prof. Yung and his team, the same experimental proposal has been preliminarily accepted by the China Manned Space Agency, offering local students a unique opportunity for their experiment to be performed at the China space station in the future. Please click here to obtain more photos.   ***END***  

Emerging Hong Kong fashion talents take centre stage at PolyU Fashion Show 2024 injecting renewed vigour into the fashion industry

Hong Kong's fashion world is bursting with creativity and vitality! The much-awaited annual PolyU Fashion Show 2024, was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 5 June 2024. Organised by the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Show featured 40 exceptionally talented students who captivated the audience and impressed the judges and industry professionals with a spectacular runway show. The distinctive styles, imaginative designs and modern fashion concepts of the young students look set to add powerful new momentum to the local fashion scene. This year, the Show attracted an impressive audience of nearly 1,500 in-person guests, while an extensive online audience of over 45,000 viewers from across the globe watched on YouTube, Wechat, and Weibo live streams. These numbers highlight the growing influence of the PolyU School of Fashion and Textile and further emphasise its position as a pioneer in fashion education. The Show unveiled 30 remarkable new collections by fresh graduates (Class of 2024) specialising in fashion design, knitwear design, intimate apparel and activewear design from the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles - the flagship SFT programme. In addition, a cohort of the outstanding graduating students from the MA in Fashion and Textile Design, further impressed the guests with 10 cutting-edge masterpieces. The SFT is recognised worldwide as a leading fashion and textiles education institution, committed to establishing a thriving creative community that cultivates students with a global perspective and encourages innovative ways of thinking, that empower young talent to flourish as outstanding designers and visionary leaders in the contemporary fashion industry. Thanks to generous support from numerous industry partners and sponsors, the Show connected the students with many influential figures from across the fashion and technology sectors, facilitated their understanding of current industry trends and helped propel them further along their career path. Seven awards and scholarships were presented at the Show in recognition of students’ outstanding work and to encourage the talented students to pursue their dreams in fashion while embracing their academic journey at SFT. The judging panel for the Consinee Grand Award, sponsored by the Consinee Group, comprised leading fashion industry professionals including Ms Florence TSUI, Consinee Group Marketing and Business Development Manager. In addition, four outstanding SFT alumni who served as fashion practitioners in their respective fields also joined the panel in selecting the winner. They were Ms CHAN Brun (BA, 2013), founder of röyksopp gakkai, a local brand that crafts enchanting collections inspired by mushroom-infused narratives and the transformative journey of youth; Mr Derek CHAN (MPhil, 2016), Design Director of DEMO, a fashion label that reimagines traditional masculinity in contemporary and gender-neutral designs; Mr Tak LEE (BA, 2014), founder of Tak L., whose design philosophy celebrates the beauty of impermanence and natural evolution; and Ms Katherine HO (BA, 2016), Editor-in-Chief of L'OFFICIEL HONG KONG, a renowned fashion magazine from France. The HKIAIA Overall Grand Award, sponsored by the Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries’ Association, which was the event’s Diamond sponsor, was another highlight of the night. Ms Karen NG, Secretary of the Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries’ Association, was invited to be the judge for this prestigious award. Other members of the judging panel for the other various awards and scholarships were (in alphabetical order): • Ms Janet CHEUNG, Vice Chairman and Project Director, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association • Mr Stafford LAU, Founding Chairman of SFAA Foundation Limited; Director of Stella Blu Textile Limited • Ms Sherin TANG, Senior Manager - Admin and Operations, The Mills Fabrica • Ms Brenda YANG, Technical Manager, Flinders Merino Group and The Woolmark Company • Ms Dilys YIU, Design Director, Fenix Group Holdings Limited The winner of the Consinee Grand Award was Lai Chu Yi with her outstanding work themed “Let it rot”. The collection showcases a "let it rot" lifestyle, utilising textiles, volume, and silhouettes. It captures the pressure young people face under social labels, emphasising fabric weight and recreating relaxed bed-like features for space and comfort. The HKIAIA Overall Grand Award winner was Peggy Poon Hei Man. Her exceptional collection created under the theme “Toxic Breath” embodies love as a beautiful yet painful experience, symbolising its suffocating nature and its ability to strip away freedom. Red and black dominate the collection, with red lycoris representing the sorrow within this intense love. Prof. Erin CHO, Dean of SFT said, “The annual PolyU fashion show serves as an extraordinary platform that highlights the exceptional talent, unwavering dedication and profound passion displayed by our gifted students. It is truly inspiring to witness these aspiring individuals present their innovative ideas to the world, captivate the attention of industry professionals and ignite inspiration for their future careers. This year, we took immense pride in observing a multitude of breathtaking designs, as our students brought their unique fashion perspectives to life on the runway.” “Virtual Utopia” by LO Chi Ho, Steven, winner of the Go Green Award.   “Magic Mushroom Dreamland” by CHEUNG Wai Yee, winner of the Best Use of Australian Merino Wool Award.   “I am rooted, but I flow” by HUI Hei Yan, winner of the HKFDA Scholarship of Creativity 2024.     Appendix: List of Awardees ***END***    

PolyU reaches record high in QS World University Rankings — Striving to address challenges of land and space shortages; Contributing to the development of an international education hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has reached new heights in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2025, surging eight places from the previous year to 57th. The University has also achieved highly commendable results in several performance indicators, including the “International Research Network” and “Citations per Faculty”, where it rated second and third in Hong Kong respectively. PolyU has been relentlessly pursuing excellence and actively attracting top-tier global talents. Efforts made by the University to this end include recruiting 13 internationally renowned scholars through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s Global STEM Professorship Scheme to strengthen the relevant disciplines. The QS ranking clearly reflects the University’s teaching and research quality as well as its global impact. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, stated, “Once again, PolyU has attained a remarkable result in the QS World University Rankings, rising from 106th in 2019 to this year’s 57th. We are getting closer to our goal of becoming one of the world’s top 50 universities. With this truly encouraging result, we will continue making concerted efforts to scale new heights.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU is committed to becoming an innovative, world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility. Capitalising on our distinctive holistic education philosophy, we strive to nurture talents to address societal needs and benefit society with our demand-driven research. Moving forward, the University will continue to pursue excellence in education, scientific research and innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as strengthen ties and cooperation with partners around the world with the aim of playing an increasingly important role on the global stage of higher education.” PolyU also excelled in the recently announced QS World University Rankings by Subject, ranking within the top 20 globally for five subjects: Hospitality and Leisure Management (11th), Civil and Structural Engineering (14th), Architecture and Built Environment (14th), Art and Design (19th) and Marketing (19th). Among them, Hospitality and Leisure Management, Engineering – Civil and Structural, Art and Design, and Marketing are all the top-ranked in Hong Kong. Looking ahead, PolyU will fully support the HKSAR Government’s vision to develop the city into an international hub for post-secondary education while also seizing the opportunities brought by Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Facing significant challenges posed by severe land and space shortages for its future development, the University expects steadfast support from the HKSAR Government in increasing land supply, including the establishment of a satellite campus in the Northern Metropolis, so as to contribute to the advancement of Hong Kong’s I&T industry and the Nation’s technological self-reliance.   ***END***

PolyU establishes research centre to advance innovations for grid modernisation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today announced the establishment of the Research Centre for Grid Modernisation (RCGM). The Centre aims to foster innovations and applications for modernisation of the power grid and the development of novel electric power systems to support Hong Kong’s and the country’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable energy development. The RCGM launch ceremony took place on the PolyU campus, drawing together leaders from 35 government bureaus, quangos, research institutes, professional bodies and industry associations. Representatives from numerous large-scale Hong Kong, Macao and Mainland China enterprises from across various sectors including power and energy, energy management, microelectronics, telecommunications, electrical engineering and railway transportation were also in attendance. Academic leaders, experts and scholars from 26 universities in Hong Kong, Macao and the mainland were also present at the event. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr TSE Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government; Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; and Dr HAO Yingjie, Secretary-General of the China Electricity Council. Mr QIAN Chaoyang, President of China Southern Power Grid Company Limited delivered a keynote speech. They were joined at the ceremony by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology; Ir Alfred SIT Wing-hang, Professor of Practice (Electrical Engineering) and Adjunct Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, Honorary Director of RCGM, former Secretary for Innovation and Technology, and Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the HKSAR Government; and Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering, and RCGM Director. Together, they extended their congratulations to the University on the establishment of the Centre. Mr Tse Chin-wan said, “Hong Kong strives to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The Government has set out four decarbonisation strategies, namely net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction, to actively reduce carbon emissions from source. The path to carbon neutrality requires the concerted efforts of the community. I express my warmest congratulations to PolyU for launching the RCGM cum Academician Forum on Intelligent Carbon-neutral Electricity Grid and Cooperation Workshop, bringing together representatives from the academia, industry and government departments, facilitating the valuable exchange of insights enabling cooperative sustainable development in the Greater Bay Area. Let us seize this opportunity to learn more about the collaborative advancement of carbon neutrality and new power systems.” Prof. Sun Dong extended his congratulations on the establishment of RCGM via a video and stated, “The establishment of the PolyU RCGM is not only well-timed but also a crucial leap forward. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the RCGM team. With world-class power systems experts at the helm, I am confident that the Centre will emerge as a cutting-edge R&D hub, paving the way for the realisation of modern grids, smarter cities and, ultimately, more intelligent societies.” Dr Hao Yingjie stated, “The establishment of the PolyU RCGM signifies a concrete step toward developing new power systems. This initiative aims to consolidate industry expertise, foster cooperation throughout upstream and downstream of the industry chain, and support the transition to clean and low-carbon energy. The China Electricity Council will collaborate with PolyU and other tertiary institutions in exploring and promoting the establishment of new regional power systems, thereby facilitating the evolution and enhancement of the power industry and the implementation of new energy systems. Ultimately, this endeavour seeks to accomplish the ‘double carbon’ goal.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said in his welcoming remarks, “With the societal need for grid modernisation and PolyU's unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, RCGM will serve as an internationally recognised platform to attract and nurture global talents to develop cutting-edge technologies and transfer them to solve the challenges and problems faced by the power and electricity industries. Furthermore, the pioneering work of the Centre will contribute to the development of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub in the Greater Bay Area.” In recent years, the world has witnessed an increase in extreme weather events, unpredictable climate patterns, and the aging of power networks and equipment. These factors have collectively led to a rise in the frequency of major power outages globally. The reliability of global power supply is facing unprecedented challenges, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions in current power and energy systems. The pursuit of carbon neutrality has introduced a large number of new devices and systems into the grid, including wind farms, solar farms, energy storage systems and electric vehicles. This massive integration poses significant risks to the reliability and economic operation of today’s power systems. To mitigate these risks, it is imperative to harness emerging technologies across various fields including sensors, 5G/6G communications, microelectronics, AI, big data analytics, robotics and more. These technologies are crucial for modernising power grids and reducing operational risks. RCGM aims to establish an international platform for grid modernisation for exchange and collaboration with academia, industry and governments worldwide. With a mission to build a secure and sustainable energy future for the benefit of all mankind, the Centre is dedicated to pursuing impactful multidisciplinary research and development of secure, sustainable, and affordable power and energy systems. Additionally, it aims to facilitate R&D and knowledge transfer, demonstration, and deployment of cutting-edge electric grid and sustainable energy technologies, and powering future smart and carbon-neutral zones in the Greater Bay Area. Prof. Chung Chi-yung said, “RCGM is strategically located in Hong Kong, an international metropolis with a dense population and many high-rise buildings that requires an exceptionally reliable power supply. This provides an ideal backdrop for R&D, including demonstration, testing and application of innovative technologies in grid modernisation for a smart city of the future. Moreover, the Hong Kong government’s vision of transforming the city into a global hub for innovation and technology is backed by robust funding and policy support. We aim to establish the Centre as a leading global hub for collaborative research and knowledge transfer in electric grid modernisation to enable a secure and sustainable energy supply.” Ir Alfred Sit Wing-hang said, “Modernising our electricity grid to make it more effective in supporting renewable energy and new energy applications is definitely one of the areas that we should examine in our journey towards this goal. As a PolyU alumnus, I am proud that my colleagues are willing to take the lead in setting up this pioneering Research Centre in Hong Kong with the aim of working together with experts from both overseas and the mainland for this important mission, ensuring that it becomes a beacon of innovation and excellence in the field of power systems engineering.” RCGM has garnered staunch support from various organisations and tertiary institutions, serving as the Centre’s inaugural partners. In addition, the Centre has invited five distinguished experts and scholars who have made remarkable contributions to the field of energy and power to join as honorary advisors. These honorary advisors include Prof. ZHOU Xiaoxin and Prof. CHENG Shijie, who are academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as Prof. XUE Yusheng and Prof. YU Yixin, who are academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Furthermore, Prof. C.C. CHAN, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Distinguished Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles, also serves as an honorary advisor of RCGM. During the event, RCGM and Shenzhen Auto Electric Power Plant Company Limited announced their partnership in establishing the PolyU-Autosun Joint Laboratory for Sustainable PowerTech Research in Modern Grid. This collaborative effort aims to propel research and development in electric vehicle charging technology, smart microgrids, new energy storage systems and safety and health monitoring systems for power equipment.   ***END***   Appendix Partner organisations and institutions of RCGM (sorted by stroke counts of Chinese names): ABB (Hong Kong) Limited The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) NTT Com Asia Limited Hong Kong International Airport China Southern Power Grid Company Limited The Hongkong Electric Company Limited China Southern Power Grid Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau Co., Ltd. The Hong Kong Electrical & Mechanical Contractors' Association Limited New Energy Security Research Center of China Academy of Building Research The Hong Kong Federation of Electrical and Mechanical Contractors Limited China Huadian Hong Kong Company Limited Electrical & Mechanical Services Department of HKSAR Government China Electricity Council MTR Corporation Limited Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering Digital China Holdings Limited China Unicom Global Limited Shenzhen Dark Energy Power Supply Co., Ltd. CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Shenzhen Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone Development Co., Ltd. CHINT Group Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Auto Electric Power Plant Co., Ltd. Analogue Holdings Limited Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited   Siemens Limited China Resources Power Holdings Company Limited The Jardine Engineering Corporation Limited AscenPower Semiconductors Co. Ltd. China Southern Power Grid Digital Grid Research Institute Co., Ltd. Gowin Semiconductor Corporation Schneider Electric (Hong Kong) Limited Guangdong Guangzhou Power Supply Bureau Co., Ltd. REC Engineering Company Limited Macau Electricity Company Limited The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (Electrical Division)     China Three Gorges University Hohai University Shanghai Jiao Tong University Changsha University of Science and Technology Shanghai University of Electric Power Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) Shandong University Chongqing University Tianjin University The University of Hong Kong Beijing Jiaotong University Zhejiang University Sichuan University Tsinghua University Shihezi University Hunan University Xi’an Jiaotong University Huazhong University of Science and Technology Northeast Electric Power University North China Electric Power University Southeast University South China University of Technology Wuhan University Jinan University Wuhan University of Technology University of Macau  

PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management celebrates 45 years of Educational Excellence; Renowned hotelier Mr Jung-Ho Suh inducted into the School’s Gallery of Honour

The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) celebrated “45 Years of Educational Excellence” by hosting a gala dinner at Hotel ICON on 30 May. Nearly 300 guests from around the world attended the event to celebrate the School’s 45th anniversary. The School also announced that Mr Jung-Ho SUH, Chairman of the Ambassador Hotel Group, was inducted into the SHTM Gallery of Honour on the same day and presented him the prestigious SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award at the dinner. In her welcome address, Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU, said, “The year 2024 represents a special milestone for the SHTM. For everyone at the School and the University, the key thing to celebrate is not the mere passage of time, but the vision and scale of achievement that have led to the creation of a world-leading centre of educational and research excellence that continues to set new standards for advancing knowledge and serving the hospitality and tourism industry. I have full confidence in the SHTM’s ability to reach even greater heights of global excellence and continue to lead development in the field in the years ahead.” In its pursuit of excellence, the SHTM strongly emphasises innovative research and encourages a robust research culture amongst its international faculty of more than 90 academics from 20 countries and regions worldwide. In the current academic year, more than 1,450 students from around the world are enrolled on the School’s programmes, which range from the undergraduate to doctoral levels. The upscale Hotel ICON, which opened in 2011, is at the core of the SHTM’s innovative approach to education and research. This unique, purpose-built and purpose-driven hotel not only supports the School in nurturing a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals who will become leaders in hospitality and tourism, but also enables SHTM faculty members to conduct in-depth research to advise this global industry. Along with providing world-class facilities for learning and research, the School has continuously expanded its innovative programme offerings over the years. In 2023, SHTM became a two-time recipient of the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) Institutional Achievement Award, exactly two decades after first receiving this recognition from the Society in 2003. These impressive results are due to the hard work and endeavours of all SHTM and Hotel ICON colleagues. They would also not have been possible without the support and guidance from PolyU, members of the School’s International Advisory Board, the School’s Advisory Committee, the industry and SHTM alumni. As the School bids farewell to its first 45 years, it sets its sights on achieving further global excellence in the field over the next decades. The celebration culminated in the announcement of the prestigious 2024 SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr Jung-Ho Suh, Chairman of the Ambassador Hotel Group, was honoured with the accolade. An esteemed leader in the dynamic field of hospitality, Mr Suh is a pioneer of the hospitality industry in Korea. He has achieved remarkable business success by expanding Ambassador Hotel Group, one of the country’s top hotel groups, to embrace a highly diverse range of brands under Accor-Ambassador Korea. His achievements and contributions to the hospitality industry are exceptional. Mr Suh is truly a role model for future hospitality professionals and a source of inspiration for all. At the ceremony, Mr Suh said, “It is a great honour to be bestowed the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award. I am humbled to accept it and join past recipients, whom I have long admired and respected. It has been a tremendous pleasure to be a part of this exciting global industry, which has, in itself, been extremely rewarding.” “The SHTM, under the leadership of Dean Kaye Chon, has gone from strength to strength, and is now among the top few hotel and tourism schools in the world. I am very much encouraged to have witnessed the School’s ongoing efforts in nurturing generations of hospitality leaders, driving the overall development of the industry. On the occasion of the School’s 45th anniversary, may I congratulate all SHTM faculty and staff on achieving this major milestone,” he continued. Highly regarded for his exemplary achievements in hospitality, Mr Suh has relentlessly pursued innovation and success, both within the Ambassador Hotel organisation and in the broader hospitality industry. His strong academic foundation, which includes a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and an MBA degree from UNLV’s Business College, has equipped him with a profound understanding of the hospitality industry and a passion for the profession. The numerous accolades Mr Suh received for his contributions to the tourism industry in Korea and France further validate his exceptional leadership and dedication. Please visit the School’s website for the biography of Mr Jung-Ho Suh. Expressing his sincere congratulations to Mr Suh on receiving the honour, Prof. Kaye CHON, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, said, “The SHTM prides itself in being a leading force in education and research in hospitality and tourism. Our commitment to excellence is well supported by industry heavyweights and visionary leaders such as Mr Jung-Ho Suh. With steadfast support from our industry partners, our School is committed to nurturing the bright minds who will become future leaders of this very exciting global industry.” The Gallery of Honour is located in the SHTM lobby and displays portraits of the outstanding recipients of the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award, who represent the world’s most successful hospitality organisations and recognisable brands. The School established the Award to honour individuals who have made substantial contributions to the development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, the region and the world, as these leaders have helped define the global hospitality landscape and drive the industry forward. Mr Jung-Ho Suh (right) inducted into the SHTM’s Gallery of Honour.   ***END***  

PolyU Young Innovative Researcher Award fosters new energy for scientific research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has honoured six young researchers with the Young Innovative Researcher Award (YIRA) 2024. Their research endeavours cover a wide range of areas and bring benefits to materials science, green energy, environmental development, and healthcare through the utilisation of cutting-edge technologies. The research projects of the six awardees encompass various areas, including new materials, green energy, advanced manufacturing, intelligent construction, textile technology, and medical technology. These projects explore the frontiers of knowledge, consider practical applications, and assess their impact on various industries. These projects include the design of a new generation of nano-porous materials to enhance the storage and release of hydrogen, the development of novel computing devices to reduce computational energy consumption in Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), and the design of a recycling certification to establish a sustainable circular economy. Additionally, the awardees are working on the development of biocompatible smart wearable materials for daily health monitoring, the advancement of high-performance swept lasers for applications in industrial inspection and medical diagnostics, and the exploration of four-dimensional (4D) real-time tumour tracking technology to improve cancer treatment. Prof Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Chairman of the YIRA 2024 assessment panel, said, “Congratulations to the six awardees. Their research projects span across disciplines and fields, dedicated to providing solutions to the challenges our world faces today, while showcasing promising prospects. PolyU takes pride in nurturing numerous outstanding scientific talents who are ambitious, dedicated to research, and pursue innovation. Previous awardees have gained international recognition for their excellent research capabilities.” The University is committed to supporting researchers in developing impactful interdisciplinary research and leveraging their expertise to contribute to emerging and future industries. This initiative aligns with the national vision of fostering “New quality productive forces” while simultaneously bolstering the talent pool. For the third consecutive year, the YIRA aims to recognise young researchers under the age of 35 with outstanding research capabilities. Each awardee will receive HKD 500,000 in research funding and a personal cash reward of HKD 20,000.   The Young Innovative Researchers 2024 are (in alphabetical order): Awardees Research Focus Description Dr CHEN Jiewei Research Assistant Professor Department of Applied Physics Novel Computing Devices for Low-power Artificial Intelligence of Things Develop novel topological devices with new physical mechanisms in the post-processing units of AIoT to reduce computational energy consumption while minimising unnecessary data transmission by improving intelligent sensing, pre-processing, and information extraction capabilities. Dr CHEN Shaoyu Assistant Professor School of Fashion and Textiles Smart and Recyclable Materials from Supramolecular-Dynamic Covalent Co-Assembly of Stimuli-Responsive Amphiphiles and Biobased Polyelectrolytes Adopt ecological and recyclable approaches to biocompatible and intelligent materials with feedback signals. These materials are designed for use in advanced wearable sensors, textiles, and soft robotics, enabling daily health monitoring and more. Dr GUO Xiaomeng Associate Professor Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies Promoting Usage of Recycled Materials Through Label Design Design recycling certification mechanisms to promote green consumption and motivate enterprises to adopt recycled materials, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the circular economy. Dr HUANG Dongmei Assistant Professor Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering High performance swept laser and its applications Develop high-performance swept lasers with a high sweep rate, wide sweep range, and long coherence length, as well as accelerate innovation and breakthroughs in their applications, which range from medical diagnostics to industrial detection. Dr LI Tian Assistant Professor Department of Health Technology and Informatics Contrast-Adaptive Real-Time (CART) 4D-MRI Technique via Cascaded Deep Learning for Abdominal Tumour Tracking in MRI-guided Radiotherapy Propose a new real-time 4D tumour tracking solution called CART 4D-MRI to overcome the limitations in imaging speed and quality of current Magnetic Resonance-guided Radiotherapy (MRgRT) techniques. This innovation aims to provide faster and clearer tumour images, facilitating improved treatment for abdominal cancer patients. Dr TIAN Tian Assistant Professor Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Design and development of novel nano-porous materials with enhanced hydrogen storage and delivery capacity Design and synthesize a new generation of nanoporous materials to enhance hydrogen storage and delivery capacities. This will address current technical bottlenecks, such as storage costs and safety risks, and ultimately facilitate the transition to a net-zero society in the long term.     ***END***  

PolyU promotes traditional Chinese silk printing at Chinese Culture Festival; in collaboration with Beijing Union University and Lanzhou Jiaotong University to showcase intangible cultural heritage fostered by the Silk Road

Since launching the Chinese Culture Festival in March this year, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has organised a series of events embracing different art forms and themes to enhance appreciation of Chinese culture among the PolyU community and the general public. Continuing the success of previous events and taking traditional Chinese silk printing techniques as its theme, PolyU presents the exhibition “Indigo Dyeing from the Blue — The Silk Road Textile Dyeing Enters Hong Kong”. From today until 12 June, the exhibition, together with a seminar, workshops and guided tours, will unveil an aspect of the rich cultural heritage of China and its ancient textile artistry. A kick-off ceremony co-organised by PolyU, Beijing Union University and Lanzhou Jiaotong University was held today on campus with officiating guests including Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Acting President; Prof. Qi ZHANG, Dean of College of Art at Beijing Union University; Prof. GUAN Lansheng, an Inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage “Ranxie Tie-dye Technique” and Professor of Beijing Union University, together with PolyU senior management and faculty/school deans. Addressing the ceremony, Prof. LI Ping, Committee Member of PolyU Chinese Culture Festival and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at PolyU, said, “PolyU places great emphasis on traditional Chinese culture education and it is hoped that the Chinese Cultural Festival can deepen the younger generation’s understanding of Chinese culture and foster their pride and sense of belonging to the Nation. The title of this exhibition, ‘Indigo Dyeing from the Blue’, refers to the indigo dye extracted from the indigo plant to produce a dark blue colour. However, it is not just an echo of the theme, dyeing, but also reference to a Chinese idiom suggesting that the young can have achievements through diligence over the previous generations. As such, we hope our youngsters will excel in the future contributing to the overall development of Hong Kong and the Nation.” Prof. Qi Zhang, Dean of College of Art at Beijing Union University, stated, “Prof. Guan Lansheng is a representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage ‘Tie-dyeing Technique’. Most of the works exhibited are his representative artworks accumulated over decades, some were specially created for this exhibition. Building upon tradition yet innovative, the exhibits showcase both traditional and modern art styles, highlighting the value and charm of Chinese cultural heritage. We hope that through this exhibition, Beijing Union University and PolyU can continue laying a solid foundation for collaboration going forward.” Ranxie, the ancient Chinese art of dyeing silk fabrics decorated with figures, originating from China, India and Egypt, and includes the exquisite “Four Techniques”: twist-dyeing, wax-resist dyeing, clamp-dyeing and ash-dyeing. These techniques thrived along the Silk Road during the Han and Tang dynasties, contributing to the formation of a vast network of cultural exchange. Now, with the shared intangible cultural heritage of the Belt and Road countries and regions, Ranxie not only holds significant cultural value, but also symbolises a strong people-to-people bond. The Exhibition proudly showcases a diverse collection of Ranxie artworks across the PolyU campus and in Hotel ICON, the teaching and research hotel built for the University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management. In addition to the Exhibition, Prof. Guan Lansheng, together with Prof. WONG Man-kin, Professor and Associate Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Science and Prof. KAN Chi Wai, Professor and Associate Dean of the PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles will deliver a lecture on the unique attraction of Ranxie techniques and their connection with Chinese traditional colours. Prof. Guan will also provide on-site explanations of the featured artworks during the guided tours, and host workshops to teach the dyeing techniques to participants so that they can create their own works while experiencing the spirit of craftsmanship underlying the techniques, all of which will be open to PolyU students, staff, alumni and the public free of charge. To learn more about the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, please visit the website or click here to obtain details and photos of featured exhibits.   ***END***