The Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE) is pleased that five of its academics have been awarded funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) Joint Research Scheme 2020/21. Following are the details:

On 24 November 2020, the first lunar sample return mission of China was launched. Collecting and returning 2kg samples of lunar regolith was Chang’e 5, which was equipped with a system for surface sampling and packing that was developed by PolyU researchers. Led by Prof. Kai-leung Yung of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, the PolyU team included Prof. Bo Wu of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, who developed the innovative techniques for high-precision high-resolution 3D mapping and geomorphologic analysis of the landing region. The characterisation of the landing region was important for selecting the final landing site for Chang’e 5.

A low voltage innovation laboratory platform jointly established by Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau (SPSB) and PolyU has begun its operations in Shenzhen. It is the first laboratory in China that integrates grid systems and building electrical systems, and serves as a foundation for the Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau, as well as the China Southern Power Grid, to research and develop their own intelligent power distribution equipment independently, and to address various safety issues in the distribution and utilization of electricity. Developed by Prof. Yaping Du, Prof. Mingli Chen, and their team at the Department of Building Services Engineering (BSE), this lab is currently operated by the Futian Power Supply Bureau of Shenzhen in collaboration with BSE.

Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau will continue to work with PolyU and other experts in the future to unleash the advantages of Shenzhen and Hong Kong with an aim to construct leading research bases and enhance academic research in this area.

The PolyU Postdoc Matching Fund Scheme 2020/21 has supported 13 academics in the Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE) to each engage a postdoc fellow (PDF) in their research for two years. Following are the details:

A second-year surveying student in the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) was awarded the winning trophy in the Tiny Model (Public Category) of the Maintenance and Appreciation of Historical Buildings Creativity Competition organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS). Miss Wing-yan Lo created a 1 to 200 scale model of Lui Seng Chun in beige and grey, with one colour marking the original building structure and the other the revitalized new structure, which was clearly visible from the cross-section on the top and back of the model. The revitalized building has managed to retain its architectural value and meet contemporary building codes at the same time.

Participating in the competition has enhanced Miss Lo’s awareness of heritage conservation and maintenance. She thinks there is much to explore in historical buildings: their rich history, cultural traditions and architectural features may reflect the needs of the society at a particular point in time. “With conservation and timely maintenance, historical buildings are given a new lease of life. Surveyors can play an active role in the process to address the problems of ageing buildings and to provide professional planning advice on heritage conservation. It is crucial to preserve our heritage as these buildings are a witness to the development of Hong Kong and valuable assets of the city.”

Miss Wing-yan Lo (middle) at the award ceremony

An MSc student in Facility Management (FM) in the Department of Building Services Engineering (BSE), Miss Ashley Leung, has been awarded the 2020 International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Foundation Scholarship (Hong Kong Chapter). A student of Dr Joseph Lai, Associate Professor and leader of the MSc programme in FM, Miss Leung received the scholarship for her exceptional academic achievement, strong leadership, and interpersonal skills. Currently working as a local public hospital administrator, she has been invited to attend the IFMA World Workplace 2021 Conference and Expo.

The IFMA Foundation scholarship programme started in the early 1990s. Scholarship recipients receive a cash award and fully subsidized World Workplace conference travel, registration and participation.