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AFBlockchain is a project initiated by the PolyU School of Accounting and Finance (AF) to establish a campus blockchain infrastructure. It is a consortium blockchain connecting AF with other institutions. The decentralised blockchain network allows AF to collaborate more tightly and more transparently with industry and other universities. AFBlockchain is built with R3 Corda. Our nodes are members of the Global Corda Network, which also connects many well-known institutions on a global scale. The platform serves as a hub and sandbox, where users can try out innovative blockchain solutions in a real-world setting.
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain is a special type of distributed ledger, where transaction records are batched into blocks before being committed to the ledger. In a distributed ledger system, a ledger is collectively held by a group of participants, rather than maintained solely by a central authority, who may arbitrarily modify the ledger data. Each party maintains its own transaction records while remaining in sync with other parties via a unanimously agreed protocol. Smart contracts are codes that execute themselves when certain events occur within a distributed ledger system. The execution of smart contracts requires little or no human intervention. The code can carry out assorted operations as evidenced by decentralised finance, DeFi.
Why build AFBlockchain?
We recognise that the transformative and disruptive power of blockchain technology is comparable to that of the Internet. AFBlockchain is a campus blockchain project designed to explore such power using immutable academic records, decentralised verifiable certificates, and badges. We focus on the blockchain’s network perspective and strive to build a vibrant community. AFBlockchain is not a private blockchain available only at PolyU, but rather a consortium blockchain network that focuses on connections with industry and other universities. With smart contracts and decentralised applications (D’Apps), we hope AFBlockchain will help overcome hurdles and create a more transparent and efficient environment for University-University and University-Industry collaboration.
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Prof. Brian Kei
Professor of Practice (FinTech)
School of Accounting and Finance |
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Dr Yong Jimmy Jin
Assistant Dean (Fund-raising and Development)
Faculty of Business
Associate Professor
School of Accounting and Finance |
AFBlockchain Features:
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Department-Led: AFBlockchain is initiated by AF. With students and faculty members as the core members, we are committed to providing a platform for students to learn and apply blockchain technologies.
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Industry-Driven: AFBlockchain aims to nurture a consortium of industry and academia as we strive to use blockchain technology to address real-world problems and create value for society.
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Built with Corda: AFBlockchain is built with Corda, a blockchain platform developed by R3. We are also a member of the Global Network, a global consortium of institutions that includes many international banks.
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Sandbox and Hub: AFBlockchain provides a sandbox for students to innovate and create. Students can build their own D’Apps on the sandbox for proof of concept (POC) before deploying them for production.
Pilot Application – TCPCM
Theme-based Capstone Course Management (TCPCM) is a pilot application on AFBlockchain. In this case, AFBlockchain connects industry experts to AF’s untapped talent pool through student capstone projects with indisputable milestones. It uses blockchain technology to record student progress in their capstone projects and provides tamper-proof e-verified competency certificates, called badges. TCPCM has a general verification panel for everyone with a badge link to verify student achievements. We have already engaged with many businesses, including BSN, CHENG & CHENG Taxation Service Limited, Chinese Gold & Silver Exchange, Dresden Green Consulting, G10, FutureNow, PharmCare, Red Date (Hong Kong) Technology, UiPath, ZHONGHUI ANDA CPA Limited.
AFBlockchain Team
Our cross-disciplinary team consists of students and professors from departments that include the Faculty of Business, the Department of Computing, and the School of Design. Everyone is based in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. We all are excited about Blockchain and DLT, and we are looking forward to working with you to build a better future.
