News and Achievements

PolyU students win gold medal in iGEM Competition 2024 with novel dual-targeting nanobody to overcome drug resistance in pancreatic cancer cells

A team of students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has won a gold medal and been listed among the top 10 undergraduate teams at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) 2024 Grand Jamboree held in Paris. They also received dual nominations for Best Oncology Project and Best New Composite Part. Centred on the development of a novel dual-targeting nanobody to address gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer patients, the winning project demonstrated exceptional potential for advancing innovation in cancer treatment and research, as well as broader application in synthetic biology. Pancreatic cancer has a higher mortality rate than many other major cancers and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Hong Kong. Traditional treatments face challenges such as lack of targeted therapies and the low efficiency of chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to drug resistance, particularly to gemcitabine, a standard chemo-therapeutic agent. This is indicative of a concerning trend of decreasing sensitivity to first-line treatments for early-stage pancreatic cancer. The PolyU team has developed a novel strategy to overcome this treatment challenge. Through bioinformatic analysis, they identified two crucial cell surface receptors, namely EGFR and HER2, which significantly correlate with tumour growth and resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. Based on these findings, the team designed “Panobody”, a dual-targeting nanobody that can specifically block EGFR and HER2 and their signalling pathways. Subsequent experiments on Panobody, both used alone and in combination with gemcitabine, verified its effectiveness in inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell growth and even increasing their responsiveness to gemcitabine therapy. Competing with 195 undergraduate teams from around the world, the interdisciplinary team of 11 students from the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering spent eight months in rigorous laboratory work and comprehensive project development, while also consulting prominent clinical experts with extensive experience in pancreatic cancer treatment. Additionally, they conducted various innovative public engagement initiatives to promote awareness about pancreatic cancer, including creating an interactive educational game, setting up community booths and collaborating with the Hong Kong Cancer Fund for charity donation. The team was under the guidance of Prof. Terence LEE, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and other experts at PolyU. Prof. Lee applauded the team’s dedication to both scientific excellence and public engagement, and remarked, “This outstanding result not only recognises the high quality, impact and ingenuity of their work, but also highlights PolyU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of biotechnology leaders.” The iGEM Competition, established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2004, is an annual, worldwide synthetic biology event aimed at undergraduate university students, as well as high school and graduate students. The Competition challenges participants to address real-world problems by designing, building, testing and measuring a system of their own design using interchangeable biological parts and standard molecular biology techniques. For more details about the winning project, please visit: https://2024.igem.wiki/hkpolyu/   Press release: English Chinese   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po

President’s Sharing Session with Students of the 2024/25 Academic Year

To strengthen the dialogue between students and the University’s Management, the first President’s Sharing Session with Students of the 2024/25 academic year was held on 24 October 2024. Over 100 students actively participated, engaging in meaningful discussions with University leadership. The session offered an invaluable opportunity for students to connect directly with the Senior Management Team, sharing their perspectives and posing questions. President Jin-Guang Teng kicked off the event with an informative presentation on the latest developments and initiatives at the University. Following this, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Prof. Ben Young provided valuable insights into the wide array of student support services and resources available at PolyU. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing management to address students’ inquiries. Key concerns included campus facilities, dining options, accommodation, and academic-related matters, providing a valuable platform for open communication and understanding student experiences while addressing their challenges.  

Congratulations to the PolyU athletes for their outstanding performance in the 2024 "Nike University Elite Challenge" Marathon Road Relay

Congratulations to the PolyU athletes for their outstanding performance in the 2024 "Nike University Elite Challenge" Marathon Road Relay, clinching the championship among the challenge elite university teams and sweeping the individual men's titles in the 4km and 5km legs.   The PolyU team, composed of five male and five female student athletes, travelled all the way to Shanghai on 28th Sep for the competition. They passed the baton through 10 legs, sprinting a total of 42 kilometres around the stadium, ultimately outpacing five other challenge elite university teams to seize the championship. Notably, CHAN King-hei and TSE Chun-yin won the Overall Men's Individual Champion in the 4km leg and 5km leg respectively. The unity and determination embodied by all 10 student athletes were truly commendable. Once again, congratulations to everyone!  More details: PolyU Facebook PolyU Instagram PolyU LinkedIn PolyU Twitter  

A thousand PolyU members and guests attend flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held a flag-raising ceremony on campus to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. PolyU’s Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai, President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, Deputy Council Chairman Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, University Court Chairman Dr Katherine NGAN, Honorary Court Chairman Dr Roy CHUNG Chi-ping, President Emeritus Prof. the Honourable POON Chung-kwong, Ms ZHOU Qian, Director-General of the Department of Treaty and Law, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, together with Council and Court members, University senior management, University Fellows, Outstanding Alumni, members of the PolyU Foundation and close to 1,000 distinguished guests, staff, students and alumni joined the ceremony, wishing prosperity and stability for the Nation. The ceremony was performed by the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team. Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU’s Chairman of Council remarked, “The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China is a significant milestone in the Nation’s development and a year of great importance. As a global top 100 institution, PolyU will unite its efforts, leveraging its solid foundation to support the development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology centre and a talent hub.  We will capitalise on the advantages of the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ to contribute to the high-quality development of the Nation for a glorious future.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU’s President said, “Over the 75 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Nation has made remarkable achievements, especially with numerous breakthroughs in science and technology. Aspiring to be an innovative world-class university, PolyU is dedicated to nurturing socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, pursuing world-leading research and innovation for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” Press release: English Chinese   Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News am730 Ta Kung Pao Wen Wei Po Hong Kong Commercial Daily HK01 Hong Kong China News Agency China News Service ifeng.com Today Commercial News Sina 千龍網  

Empowering Tomorrow's Talent: Government Career Fair 2024 at PolyU

In collaboration with the Careers and Placement Section of the Student Affairs Office (SAO CPS) and the Civil Service Bureau of the HKSAR Government, the "Government Career Fair 2024" was successfully held on 26 September. The Fair featured the participation of 30 government bureaux and departments, showcasing over 50 civil service grades. The event provided PolyU students with an invaluable opportunity to explore potential career pathways within the HKSAR Government and public service.  We were honoured to welcome distinguished guest, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, Secretary for the Civil Service, accompanied by Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), who visited the Fair and had sharings with PolyU students. They interacted with students at the booths and participated in a panel sharing session, eager to understand students’ career aspirations and provide valuable insights. Enthusiastic students expressed a strong desire to contribute to the HKSAR Government after graduation. Mrs Yeung encouraged them to prepare themselves early, grasp this opportunity to understand the entry requirements and the work of different grades in the Government, fostering a collective effort towards a brighter future for Hong Kong. The Fair facilitated invaluable connections between students and current civil service officers. Several bureaux and departments also conducted career talks. By forging connections and gaining insights into civil service roles, students were empowered to deepen their understanding and envision their futures in public service.  #PolyU is dedicated to fostering students’ holistic development, enhancing their professional skills, and encouraging early career planning. The SAO CPS is committed to equipping PolyU students for their future careers by launching initiatives such as the “INSPIRE” Mentorship Programme, campus recruitment events, training workshops, and career advising, facilitating PolyU students in preparing well for success in their future workplaces. More details: Press Release from HKSARG PolyU Facebook PolyU Instagram PolyU LinkedIn PolyU Twitter SAO Instagram   Online coverage: RTHK Bastille Post Hong Kong Economic Journal Wen Wei Po Hong Kong Commercial Daily Dot Dot News Yahoo HK Sina HK ifeng.com

Campus Life Festival 2024

What an amazing four days at the Campus Life Festival 2024!  Held from 23 to 26 September, the Festival brought together nearly 40 SAO interest clubs and non-local student associations, attracting over 14,000 enthusiastic attendees!   Despite a little rain on some days, the energy was absolutely electric! Students didn’t let the weather dampen their spirits; instead, they embraced the fun with open hearts and big smiles!   From vibrant booths showcasing music, arts, sports, and culture to the joy of connecting with friends old and new, the Festival truly captured the essence of student life. It was all about celebrating our diverse talents and backgrounds, fostering meaningful connections, and creating a vibrant campus life that inspires us all.

中國石化 x 香港理工大學 「能源至淨 生活至美」優秀學生獎勵計劃捐贈儀式圓滿舉行 (In Chinese Only)

中國石化與香港理工大學（理大）舉行中國石化「能源至淨 生活至美」優秀學生獎勵計劃（計劃）捐贈儀式，理大再獲中國石化捐贈100萬元人民幣以支持計劃，印證雙方建立更廣泛的合作，攜手為培養更多具有國際視野和創新能力的高素質人才做出貢獻。 在捐贈儀式上，中國石化集團副總經濟師及香港代表處總代表蔣振盈先生、理大行政及拓展副校長盧麗華博士及中企協副總裁曾燊典先生分別致辭，並與大學教育資助委員會秘書處助理秘書長（發展）梁竚琦女士、立法會議員簡慧敏律師、聯合出版集團總裁李濟平先生、新華社亞太總分社相關負責人李凱先生、香港大公文匯財關集團總裁嚴中則先生等相關機構和媒體的嘉賓，以及一眾中國石化駐港單位和理大師生的代表齊聚一堂，共同見證儀式。 蔣振盈先生在致辭中指出，中國石化以「能源至淨 生活至美」為價值理念，始終堅持履行經濟責任與社會責任相統一，計劃旨在幫助更多的優秀大學生去追逐夢想，早日成為具有國際視野、具備家國情懷和過硬本領的建設國家與香港的棟樑之材。他宣布，2024年，中國石化再捐贈100萬元人民幣，推進第三期「能源至淨 生活至美」優秀學生獎勵計劃的實施。 盧麗華博士對中國石化鼎力支援理大教育事業，為社會培育優秀人才表示衷心感謝。她表示，中國石化已經是連續第三年以捐贈獎學金形式獎勵理大學生，獎學金覆蓋範圍已全面延伸至本科生、碩士生和博士生，鼓勵學生的全面發展、科研能力和創新精神，預計今次的捐贈將惠及超過100名學生。在獎學金之外，雙方還開展多方面的交流與合作，包括科研項目、學生的參觀訪問和公益活動等。她又期待理大與中國石化共同譜寫「開放合作、互利共贏」的新篇章，為香港的人才培養、科技創新和國家的發展作出貢獻。 曾燊典先生表示，中國石化與香港理工大學合作推出優秀學生獎勵計劃，譜寫了央企與香港高校合作關愛支持青年成長的佳話。他指出，中國石化是中企協會會員企業的優秀代表，積極支持香港社會公益事業，近年來在關心青年方面做了很多實事；而理大作為全球知名學府，為香港、為國家培養了大量青年才俊。他相信通過理大與中國石化等具有社會責任擔當的企業的通力合作，將會培育出更多愛國愛港、具有國際視野、可擔大任的新一代大學生，為建設美好香港作出積極貢獻。 自2022年起，中國石化與理大設立中國石化「能源至淨 生活至美」優秀學生獎勵計劃，支持理大嘉許和勉勵成績優異的本科生，以及在研究生學術會議中表現優異的博士生、碩士生和「創新書院」的本科生。計劃實施兩年以來，中國石化累計已向理大捐贈了150萬元人民幣，共有來自五個學院的170名優秀本科生和研究生獲得獎勵。今次捐贈進一步鞏固計劃的成效，為助力大學生專注學業、提升综合素質發揮了積極作用。   傳媒報道： 香港新聞網 中國石化報社 大公報 文匯報 橙新聞 新華網 華僑報 新聞稿： 中文版

Rowing Club Women’s Team Became the Gold Medallist

PolyU SAO Rowing Club women’s team seized the gold medal at HILX Challenge Cup 2024 Hong Kong Universities Rowing Championships.   Beaming sunshine marked the start of the Men’s 4 Heat and Women’s 2x Heat events on 24 August 2024, a highly anticipated sporting event among higher education rowers. Fierce competition took place on the gleaming waters of Shing Mun River, with our 24 PolyU Rowing Club members rushing their adrenaline to the finishing line to enter the finals held on 25 August. Riding on the success of the 1st runner-up achievement in the same competition last year, our students have started intensive training since July and are aiming even higher this year. The 11 race teams demonstrated their strength in the Women’s 4 Final, Men’s 4 Final, Women’s 1x Final, Women’s 4+ Final, Women’s 8+ Final and Men’s 8+ Final.   Our Women’s team continued to prove they are the best team among universities, earning championship title in three of the four races and topping the overall scoreboard. The women’s team gold medallists celebrated with Acting Dean of Students, Prof James Dai, at the prize-giving ceremony.   The 2024-25 Executive Committee of PolyU SAO Rowing Club attributed the victory to the team’s dogged determination. Arduous physical training not just drilled their body but also challenged themselves to the limit, unleashing their potentials to more opportunities. With the continuous support from SAO, the Club is ready to take to the next level.   Job well done, PolyU SAO Rowing Club.  

PolyU hosts Orientation Info Day 2024 to welcome over 1,900 freshmen

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted its annual Orientation Info Day on 29 August, ushering in the 2024/25 academic year with the theme “Navigate Your Future.” Organised by the Student Affairs Office, the event welcomed new students who will soon embark on their university journey at PolyU. This morning, about 1,900 freshmen attended the President’s Welcome address at the Jockey Club Auditorium, and watched the live stream at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub and at various other venues on campus. In his address, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU extended his warmest welcome to the freshmen and introduced the history of and talent development in PolyU. He remarked, “With the vision of being an innovative world-class university, PolyU aspires to nurture students into socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. We also strive to embed the spirit of innovation in everything we do at PolyU, hoping that our students will become leaders and drivers of innovation, and bring direct benefits to society.”  In the sharing session that followed, Dr CAI Jin, recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement of the PolyU Faculty of Business and Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sing Tao News Corporation Limited, gave an engaging speech about his academic and personal development at PolyU, while current students talked about their campus life. The event also featured vibrant student dance as well as a musical performance by the PolyU Orchestra and PolyU Choir, celebrating the University’s vibrant and artistic environment. The Orientation Showcase, a vibrant hub of activity, was held at the Shaw Sports Complex throughout the day. Around 60 booths hosted by different academic departments, student societies and interest clubs provided freshmen with a comprehensive view of PolyU’s diverse range of co-curricular activities and support services. The Showcase allowed them to interact with staff and senior students, learn about holistic student development programmes offered by the University, and explore various opportunities for personal and professional growth.  Prof. Teng showed his support by visiting the Showcase. He encouraged the freshmen to seize the opportunity to participate in different activities offered by the University and engage with peers from various backgrounds so as to broaden their horizons and unleash their potential.   Media Coverage: Sing Tao Daily Sing Tao Daily (Video) Press Release:  English Chinese

PolyU Inter-Collegiate Mixed Gender Water Polo Invitational Tournament

PolyU promotes Women’s Water Polo at the Inter-Collegiate Mixed Gender Water Polo Invitational Tournament held on 24 August 2024. The result of 6 participating teams and the individual awards are: Champion: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) 1st Runner-Up: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) 2nd Runner-Up: City University of Hong Kong (CityU) 4th Place: The University of Hong Kong (HKU) 5th Place: Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) 6th Place: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Men’s Top Scorer: CHING Tsz Shun (PolyU) 39 Goals Women’s Top Scorer: CHAN Pak Yin (CUHK) 40 Goals Men’s Most Vaulable Player: YIU Wan Hin (PolyU) Women’s Most Vauluable Player: SEETO Wai Ching (PolyU) Congratulations to the PolyU Water Polo Team and all winning teams. If you are interested in playing water polo, please do not hesitate to contact PolyU Water Polo Tean via email sportsdev@polyu.edu.hk.