News & Events

PolyU and Huizhou Daya Bay sign a cooperation agreement to establish joint technology and innovation research institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Huizhou Municipal Government, together with the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone (Daya Bay Development Zone), have entered into a cooperation agreement for the joint establishment of the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute with a signing ceremony held on campus on 13 May. Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, introduced the University’s latest developments and its strategic goals for future expansion in mainland China to the visiting Huizhou delegation. He added that PolyU is committed to promoting technology and innovation, and nurturing research talents. Its unique strengths in fundamental and applied research, innovation and entrepreneurship have enabled it to make a significant contribution to the high-quality development of the country. Leveraging PolyU and Huizhou’s advantages and coordinated development, the two parties will jointly establish the Research Institute to deepen their cooperation and further the translation of research outcomes, providing core technology for local industry. The Research Institute will serve as a driving force for the development of the technology industry in Huizhou, thus achieving mutual benefits for all parties. Mr LIU Ji, Secretary of the Huizhou Municipal Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Huizhou Municipal People’s Congress, stated that PolyU possesses first-class innovative talents and strong research capabilities, while Huizhou has a solid modern industrial foundation and broad scenarios for innovation application. The joint establishment of the Research Institute will definitely promote complementary advantages. With a focus on Huizhou’s industrial development, the Research Institute will fully capitalise on PolyU’s talent and research strengths to encourage further incubation and commercialisation of research outcomes in Huizhou, so as to accelerate its contribution to the further growth of Guangdong’s development. The Research Institute will also integrate high-end science and technology innovation resources from the region and abroad to cultivate high-calibre engineers, and innovative and entrepreneurial talents with mastery of key future technologies, to develop the Research Institute into a world-class technology and innovation platform. Witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Mr LIU Ji, Secretary of the Huizhou Municipal Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Huizhou Municipal People’s Congress; Mr LAI Jianhua, Member of the Standing Committee of the Huizhou Municipal Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department; and Mr LI Ming, Member of the Standing Committee of the Huizhou Municipal Committee and Head of the Organisation Department, the cooperation agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Ms LI Junling, Vice Mayor of the Huizhou Municipal Government; and Mr GUO Wupiao, Chairman of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Management Committee of the Daya Bay Development Zone. Other guests included representatives from PolyU and the Huizhou Municipal Government and enterprises. Technological innovation has become a key driver of social development. At the event, Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices of PolyU, introduced the Research Institute’s development plan. The Research Institute will focus on the fields of petrochemicals, new energy materials, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing. Through cooperation with Huizhou and the Daya Bay Development Zone, it will fully leverage the advantages of all parties and implement an innovation-driven development strategy to actively promote industry-university-research collaboration, making contributions to the technological innovation of Hong Kong, Huizhou and the Nation, and creating a new model of government-university collaboration.

PolyU signs a collaborative agreement with Guangdong University of Technology to nurture talents in entrepreneurship and innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Guangdong University of Technology (GDUT) have reached an agreement to jointly cultivate innovative and entrepreneurial talents. Together, they have launched the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Immersive Experience Project” which promotes talent exchange and the implementation of entrepreneurial cooperation projects through a credit system, creating a high-quality talent ecosystem for innovation and technology. The collaboration agreement signing ceremony was held at the Innovation Valley of GUDT, a national innovation and entrepreneurship education practice base. The Ceremony was witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Mr Kelvin WONG, Director of the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office; Prof. HU Qintai, Secretary of the Party Committee of GDUT; Prof. WANG Zhenyou, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President; and Mr ZHANG Xueli, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice school-level cadre. The Agreement was signed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Prof. QIU Xueqing, President of GDUT. Dr Lam Tai-fai stated, “We believe the cooperation between the two parties can effectively leverage the strengths of both schools and contribute to the further development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a world-class bay area. PolyU has established a complete entrepreneurial training ecosystem and the subject ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ has become a compulsory course for undergraduate students. After the launch of this cooperative project, the two schools will pursue comprehensive cooperation, including establishing a service consultation hub for innovation and entrepreneurship talents in both institutions, co-organising international exchange activities, promoting implementation of entrepreneurial cooperation projects for students from both schools and jointly cultivating high-quality innovative and entrepreneurial talents in various fields.” Prof. Hu Qintai expressed the view that, “Cross-border cooperation in talent cultivation is important for both universities to anchor the strategic positioning of ‘one point, two locations’ in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to serve and integrate into the development of the Greater Bay Area, and to promote the high-quality development of both schools. GDUT will work with PolyU to jointly create a new benchmark for the integrated development of a modernised bay area with Chinese characteristics, cultivate top innovative talents, help the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area become a world-class talent hub, promote student exchanges between the two institutions, and provide opportunities for young people in Guangdong and Hong Kong to contribute to the dawning of the era.” PolyU and GDUT will embark on comprehensive cooperation, utilising the innovative and entrepreneurial teaching resources, professional talents and social networks of both universities to achieve effective resource sharing. With the strong support of our country and its close connection to the world, the two schools will promote collaborative development for the training of innovative and entrepreneurial talents, while also encouraging students from both schools to conceive and start entrepreneurial projects and then incubate them to take root in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

PolyU partners with Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory to establish joint research centre to drive development of offshore wind power technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory (the Laboratory) signed an agreement to jointly establish the PolyU-Yangjiang Laboratory Joint Research Centre for Offshore Wind Power (JRC). The JRC will be operated and managed jointly by the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and the Laboratory, signifying an increasingly close research collaboration between the two organisations in offshore wind power technology. Under the new partnership, PolyU and Yangjiang researchers will share resources and laboratory facilities, and join force in research projects on new technologies and materials for offshore wind power applications, as well as translating the research outcomes into practical solutions for industry. The JRC signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus and attended by a delegation from Yangjiang in Guangdong province together with PolyU representatives. Distinguished guests included Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation); Mr LIU Dewei, Vice Mayor of Yangjiang Municipal People’s Government; Prof. DONG Cheng, PolyU Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement); Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR); Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS; Mr MO Jiaqiang, Deputy Director of Yangjiang Science and Technology Bureau; Mr LIN Tao, Deputy Director of Yangjiang Development and Reform Bureau, and Prof. ZHU Ronghua, Director of Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “Wind power has emerged as a pivotal strategy for many countries to achieve carbon neutrality. The collaboration between PolyU and Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory not only propels the advancement of offshore wind power knowhow, but also fortifies a mutual engagement in research, talent development and knowledge exchange. The JRC will amalgamate the research capabilities and expertise of both organisations to address major scientific challenges and surmount technical barriers in the energy field. This, in turn, will support the development of a world-class research and innovation powerhouse for wind power industry and clean energy.” The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the HKSAR Government has estimated that wind power could satisfy approximately one-third of Hong Kong’s electricity demand if the City’s offshore wind energy reaches 10.7 billion kilowatts. The construction of offshore wind turbines often involves technical challenges in engineering design and construction. The collaboration between PolyU and the Laboratory will facilitate interdisciplinary research and the development of practical engineering solutions to benefit Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world in the construction of offshore wind farms. The Laboratory brings together top experts from mainland universities, including Zhejiang University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, South China University of Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Guangdong Ocean University and Hebei University of Engineering, to conduct research on fundamental science, as well as applied and core technology in the field of offshore wind power. Established in 2021, RILS is one of PAIR’s 18 constituent research institutes and research centres with over 50 PolyU scholars from different disciplines specialising in interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer across five major areas: land reclamation; innovative solutions for land and space development; environmental treatment and impact; land economics and planning; and land analysis and management. Offshore wind power is one of the areas which RILS actively pursues. In November 2023, RILS delegates visited wind energy-related laboratories in Yangjiang, including the Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory and met with representatives of the Laboratory for potential research collaboration opportunities.

PolyU and Guangming District Government to establish joint industrial technology and innovation research institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Guangming District Government, Shenzhen have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly establish the PolyU-Shenzhen Industrial Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Research Institute), aimed at strengthening and facilitating the exchange of pedagogy, technology and talent between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. PolyU is the first Hong Kong higher education institution to achieve a strategic partnership with Guangming District Government. The University envisions effective collaboration in industry, academia and research, leveraging the advantages of PolyU's scientific talents and innovative research technologies, and attracting more high-quality Hong Kong enterprises and researchers to the region. The collaboration will involve PolyU faculty members, students and alumni engaging in scientific research, exchanging ideas and starting businesses in Shenzhen. The MoU was signed on 28 August at the Guangming Science City in Shenzhen. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, Prof. Kwok-Yin WONG, Vice President (Education), and Prof. CHOW Ming-cheung, Head of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, as well as Ms CAI Ying, Guangming District Party Secretary, Mr QIU Haohang, District Mayor, and Ms Yang LI, Head of the United Front Work Department, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr YAO Gaoke, Deputy District Mayor of Guangming District. In his speech, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG explained that PolyU is an innovative and research-oriented university with unique strengths in fundamental research and innovation entrepreneurship. The Research Institute will closely integrate with the development characteristics and planning of Shenzhen and Guangming District. The Research Institute will leverage the University’s strengths in scientific research, target cutting-edge scientific issues, focus on innovation, and make producing significant scientific research outcomes a core objective. Alongside the construction and operation of major technological infrastructure in Guangming Science City, the Research Institute will actively promote the transfer and transformation of relevant technological achievements, contributing to the Nation's achievement of high-level technological self-reliance and strength. Representatives of Guangming District stated that through this collaboration with PolyU, they will fully utilise PolyU’s advantage as a “super connector”, who plays a leading role in supporting technological innovation and industrial development through its strong disciplinary strengths and national key laboratories. By integrating the resource advantages of both parties, the aim is to build an internationally leading high-end research platform in the fields of life sciences and high-end manufacturing, creating an innovative community that brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators. According to the MoU, the collaboration encourages and assists young faculty and alumnus from PolyU to start businesses in Guangming District, while establishing a sustainable development base for technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, it also aims to cultivate future industry leaders with innovative drive and advanced experience in scientific and technological research and development, making substantive contributions to the construction of a high-level talent aggregation area in the Greater Bay Area. Through the platform of the Research Institute, both parties will further promote the deep integration of innovation, industry, funding and talent, deepening technological innovation cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and advancing the goal of high-quality development in the Greater Bay Area.

PolyU hosts premier interdisciplinary research conference in the Greater Bay Area with Prof. Yan Nieng and over 100 leading experts as distinguished speakers

The first and largest interdisciplinary research and development conference in Hong Kong commenced at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today, with some 100 internationally renowned experts as distinguished speakers to share their knowledge and insights during the 4-day conference. The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) Conference provided an opportunity for stakeholders from industry, academia, and governments worldwide to engage in closer exchange and collaboration, enriching and expanding interdisciplinary knowledge to foster a brighter and more sustainable future. Under the theme of “Research Excellence for Societal Impacts”, the Conference has 15 streams focused on three core areas: advanced technologies and manufacturing, good health and well-being, and smart and sustainable cities. Besides insightful keynote and discussion sessions, the programme also comprises laboratory visits and presentations of select research papers. At the Conference opening session, Prof. YAN Nieng, Founding President of the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation and a world-leading structural biologist, delivered an insightful presentation on the frontier research of proteins that may play a key role in the pharmaceutical development of pain relief solutions. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “This academic conference is specifically dedicated to interdisciplinary research and emerging technologies, which are especially relevant in today's complex world. Tackling pressing societal issues, such as climate change, an ageing population, poverty, energy shortages and so forth requires game-changing interdisciplinary solutions that transcend the boundaries of individual disciplines.” Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Chairman of the Conference’s Scientific Committee, said, “As we finally emerge from the pandemic and return to normality, this year's Conference marks a new chapter for academia in Hong Kong and around the world to establish, renew and deepen interdisciplinary collaboration for the benefit of society.” Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science of PolyU, said, “The Conference is important for us to understand what it means to be innovative, interdisciplinary, and agile. It is a major step towards closer interinstitutional and cross-sectoral collaboration to embrace the challenges ahead.” Officially inaugurated in July 2022, PAIR is PolyU’s interdisciplinary research hub with 16 research institutes and centres and over 400 senior researchers, making it the largest research platform of its kind in the Greater Bay Area.

PolyU’s new Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab joins Hai Robotics to introduce smart delivery system for fostering co-creation and innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been playing a pioneering role in driving innovation and technology (I&T) and knowledge transfer in Hong Kong, nurturing numerous I&T talents and continuously enhancing its curriculum and research facilities, in order to empower students for the Industry 4.0 era. Among these accomplishments, PolyU has fostered the development of unicorn start-up Hai Robotics, which has successfully commercialised its scientific research for global markets with its world-leading autonomous case-handling robotic system. Joining hands with Hai Robotics, PolyU today officially launched the cutting-edge Smart Delivery System in its new Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AIR Lab) at the University’s Industrial Centre. The Smart Delivery System aims to strengthen PolyU’s robotics education and encourage co-creation and innovation among students and researchers. Dr Miranda LOU, PolyU’s Executive Vice President, said, “PolyU places a strong emphasis on whole-person education as well as innovation and entrepreneurship, in order to nurture talents who meet the needs of society. Over the years, PolyU has been strengthening its PolyVentures start-up ecosystem, supporting PolyU academics, researchers, alumni and students in their entrepreneurial endeavours. The University has also provided all-round support to start-ups at different stages of their development, helping them to translate and commercialise their research outputs for the benefit of society. The collaboration between PolyU and Hai Robotics, supported by the company’s warehouse automation solutions, will not only accelerate the University’s future R&D but also empower students to acquire knowledge about the application of novel smart technologies.” The AIR Lab is an innovative teaching and research platform, with a total area of 1,800 square metres. It is equipped with advanced robotic arms, robots, automatic guided vehicles, drones, as well as machine learning kits related to AI robotics and Industry 4.0. The Laboratory allows educators, students and researchers to explore various aspects of the emerging field of collaborative robotics, including application development, component fabrication, control system design, autonomous system development, and intelligent and AI algorithm design for robots. The Smart Delivery System comprises three components: Hai Robotics’ Autonomous Case-handling Robot system, PolyU’s Autonomous Mobile Robots, and an enterprise resource planning software system. It will support researchers in developing various collaborative robot application technologies, and offer a communal logistics service for the Lab’s users, making the venue a living laboratory. The AIR Lab currently houses 15 PolyU project teams that focus on the use of AI and robotic technologies in areas such as healthcare, rehabilitation, sports technology, engineering, energy, computing, and sustainability. Hai Robotics was founded in 2016 by two graduates of the PolyU Department of Electronic and Information Engineering – Mr Richie CHEN, a 2012 graduate, and Mr Bing FANG, who graduated in 2014. The start-up has grown rapidly by capitalising on the manufacturing advantages of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the opportunities of the Mainland China market. It soon expanded its global presence, with a valuation that has now reached around US$2 billion. Mr Fang returned to his alma mater today to share his experiences and encourage young people to gain a sound understanding of the environment and the opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in the GBA in order for them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

PolyU and MCMIA co-organise university-industry collaboration forum to drive Chinese medicine innovation in the GBA

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) co-organised the “University-Industry Collaboration on Chinese Medicine Innovation Forum”, bringing together over a hundred academic and industry leaders from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to share insights on how to promote the development of Chinese medicine (CM) under the latest national plan and policies. Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said, “The HKSAR Government has always been supporting the research and development of Chinese medicine. The additional funding added to the Chinese Medicine Development Fund in the 2023-24 Budget and the expected opening of the first Chinese medicine hospital in the year 2025 will promote CM as an increasingly integral part in Hong Kong’s healthcare system. Furthermore, the GBA’s development brings invaluable opportunities for the local CM industry. The Government, industry and academics shall work closely to seize these opportunities and develop a long-term plan for improving the ecosystem of the local industry.” Mr Harry Kwok Chun YEUNG, Chairman of the MCMIA Foundation, shared insights on talent nurturing initiatives for Chinese medicine innovation, explaining how the industry renders support to outstanding talents who want to pursue research in CM. Mr Yeung emphasised that innovative CM research is vital for the industry’s development and he thanked the Vincent and Lily Woo Foundation for establishing a fellowship scheme to nurture young talents in the GBA. The forum explored how stakeholders including governments and research institutions in Hong Kong, Macao, and Mainland China could deepen collaboration to promote CM development and grasp the research and business opportunities in the GBA. Topics discussed included university-industry collaboration on Chinese medicine development in the GBA, talent nurturing initiatives for Chinese medicine innovation, and universities’ initiatives in CM innovation. Moderated by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of PolyU, the panel discussion presented long-term measures to drive CM innovation in Hong Kong from business, technology and policy perspectives. These recommendations will be submitted to the Government during the 2023 Policy Address public consultation. Other experts shared their insights on CM innovations at the forum and discussed how universities in the region can integrate the advantages of artificial intelligence and other advanced technology into CM research, and explored interdisciplinary collaboration among institutions in the field of CM.   About the Co-organisers The Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) was established under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) in October 2021. Led by Prof. Man-sau WONG, Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Director of RCMI of PolyU, the Centre aims to foster interdisciplinary and translational research for developing novel drugs, new treatment protocols and programmes based on CM practices for application in clinical settings or the community, thereby bringing CM innovations into clinical practice and informing relevant policy. The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) was founded in 2022 as a university-level interdisciplinary policy research centre. Led by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, and Prof. Eric Chui, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of PReCIT of PolyU, the Centre aims to support Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development in the GBA via interdisciplinary collaborative research including but not limited to carbon-neutral cities, I&T development in the GBA, and the Belt and Road Initiative’s development in Southeast Asia. The Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) was established in 2000 as a non-profit trade organisation by a group of Chinese medicine (CM) business professionals, scientists and academics. It is currently under the chairmanship of Mr Lawrence LO. The goal of the association is to foster Hong Kong as an international centre of CM through its modernisation, popularisation and the enhancement of the professionalism of the CM industry.

PolyU and HKXF ink MoU to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship; Drive young entrepreneurs’ participation in GBA’s I&T development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Hong Kong X Foundation (HKXF) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership aims to foster the development of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, cultivate student- and researcher-led innovation and entrepreneurship, facilitate Hong Kong’s integration into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and support the implementation of the National 14th Five-Year Plan that seeks to actively transform Hong Kong into an international I&T hub. The PolyU and HKXF partnership combines the advantages and resources of both institutions. Through the Hong Kong InnoX Academy, a non-profit educational institution wholly owned by HKXF, PolyU and HKXF will collaborate in I&T education, incubation and investment funding. The partnership will also provide young I&T entrepreneurs with all-round support and assistance through regular activities such as entrepreneur workshops, company visits, seminars and mentorship schemes. PolyU is one of the first Hong Kong universities to create a seed funding programme. In 2011, the University introduced the PolyU Micro Fund Programme to instil an innovative and entrepreneurial atmosphere within the PolyU community. The University strives to inspire new ideas among students and translate academic research into practical applications through knowledge transfer and technology commercialisation for the benefit of society. HKXF, spearheaded by Sequoia China, shares the same vision with PolyU in terms of driving an innovative and entrepreneurial ethos. The Foundation is devoted to reinforcing Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem in the digital era by supporting young I&T talents and entrepreneurs; promoting I&T development in the GBA; encouraging young people to seek innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities in the Nation, overseas and in Hong Kong; and assisting young I&T entrepreneurs in their I&T journey by offering appropriate platforms. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Zexiang LI, Co-founder of Hong Kong X-Tech Startup Platform, Professor of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Dean of Hong Kong InnoX Academy; and Prof. Guanhua CHEN, Co-founder of Hong Kong X-Tech Startup Platform, Director of the Centre of Hong Kong Quantum AI Lab and Professor of the Department of Chemistry of The University of Hong Kong, the MoU was signed by Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU and Ms Jessica CHEN, Vice-president of Sequoia China, Executive Director of HKXF and Project Lead of Hong Kong InnoX Academy at the signing ceremony. Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, said: “With support from the Nation and the strong promotion of the HKSAR government, Hong Kong’s I&T industry has entered a new stage of development. PolyU has been dedicated to nurturing I&T talents, and this adheres to the same philosophy and vision of HKXF. The two parties have been closely collaborating in multiple areas, such as the FYP+ (Final Year Project+) to support students in turning their graduation projects into entrepreneurial projects, the InnoX Camp to groom scientific and technological talents, and joint investments in PolyU start-ups. Through the signing of the MoU, both parties will combine their expertise in promoting I&T to nurture more talents, optimise the I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong and the GBA, and create better opportunities for the younger generation.” Ms Jessica Chen, Project Lead of Hong Kong InnoX Academy, added: “The HKXF has been serving the creative community in Hong Kong and the GBA on a non-profit basis and has directly supported over 240 innovative projects in the past six years. In this process, PolyU, as a pioneer institution in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, has been an essential partner of ours. The signing of the MoU with PolyU has built a solid foundation for our cooperation and helped us to explore more ways to collaborate. In the future, through the joint efforts of both parties, we can provide more career options for university students and young people, which will hopefully help Hong Kong to become a global innovation and technology hub.” PolyU and HKXF will continue to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students and researchers and support them in realising their full potential and entrepreneurial dreams. PolyU and HKXF will foster the translation of academic research into real-life applications to benefit society through I&T. The two parties also hope to contribute to Hong Kong’s transformation into an international I&T hub and support the city’s integration into the GBA and the Nation’s development, helping to open a new chapter for Hong Kong’s I&T development.

PolyU and Hanson Robotics inaugurate the Centre for Humanistic Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to foster translational research in the GBA

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Hanson Robotics Limited (Hanson) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Centre for Humanistic Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CHAiR) for translational research with the goal of advancing the well-being of humanity. The partnership integrates PolyU’s strength in interdisciplinary research and Hanson’s well-known humanoid robotics platform to explore technology applications. Sophia, Hanson’s most advanced human-like robot, will work with PolyU researchers to enhance the contribution of AI and robotic technology for social and commercial benefits. Research into and applications of AI and robotics are essential to the advancement of industry. As an interdisciplinary research and development centre, CHAiR brings cross-faculty collaborations in research fields such as AI, the internet of things (IoT), neuroscience, design, computer science, mechanical engineering, material science, healthcare and the humanities. In collaboration with Hanson, CHAiR supports innovation and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. PolyU Prof. Jiannong CAO, Dean of Graduate School, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, is the principal investigator and administrative director of CHAiR. Prof. Cao and Dr David HANSON, CEO and Founder of Hanson Robotics, are the co-chair of the Centre’s steering committee. Witnessed by Prof. Jin Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Mr Doug GLEN, Executive Director of Hanson Robotics, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Dr Hanson. During the signing ceremony on 5 December 2022, Sophia made conversation with the guests. She said, “I look forward to learning many new skills and abilities. With your help, maybe I can learn how to be a nurse, a teacher, a concierge, a librarian. You can teach me how to be a better companion, a more skilful artist, a funnier entertainer.” Dr Hanson said, “CHAiR is perfectly positioned to refine and improve the performance of Sophia-class robots in ways that promote the growth of a new service robot industry. Once the industry starts to expand, so too will investment in improved hardware, software and manufacturing technologies.” Prof. Teng said, “Academia-industry collaboration is one of the most productive mechanisms for creating and implementing innovations. There is tremendous untapped potential for humanistic social robots. Let us aspire that CHAiR will be a major catalyst for the onset of the age of humanistic robots.” Prof. Cao, who is also Director of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), said the Institute has been working on practical solutions to key challenges in advanced AIoT technologies and applications. He said, “It is a natural evolution for RIAIoT to partner with Hanson Robotics to tackle even more ambitious opportunities in humanistic AI and social robotics. CHAiR will play a unique and important role to combine Hanson’s know-how with world-class academics here at PolyU.” Hanson Robotics is an AI and robotics company dedicated to creating socially intelligent machines that enrich the quality of our lives. Sophia is the world’s first robot citizen and the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.

PolyU launches Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology to advocate for strategies for integrating with the Nation’s development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the “Forum on Integrating I&T into GBA and the National System cum Launch Ceremony of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT)” on campus today as one of the PolyU’s 85th Anniversary celebratory events. About 300 staff, students, alumni, leaders from I&T, finance, academia and guests attended this grand occasion and exchanged views on how Hong Kong can proactively integrate into the Nation’s development plan. Mr XU Jie, Deputy Director-General of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China; Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR Government; and Ms LI Fangfang, Director of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered opening video remarks to congratulate PolyU on its 85th Anniversary and the official debut of PReCIT. Prof. Sun Dong remarked, “I wish to congratulate PolyU on the establishment of the new Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology. I trust that the Centre will play an important role in facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration for more impactful research, in particular in the I&T field. I am sure that today’s discussions will be inspiring and fruitful, leading to more bright ideas and innovation.” The launch ceremony was officiated by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Ms Lillian CHEONG, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Mr Charles LI, Co-Founder and Chairman of Micro Connect and Former Chief Executive of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President; Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, PolyU Deputy Council Chairman; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT; and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of PReCIT. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “For more than eight decades, PolyU and its predecessors have played an important role in answering the call of the times and contributing to the advancement of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The establishment of PReCIT is just another timely step taken by the University to respond to key national strategies that unleash unlimited opportunities for Hong Kong’s future development.” PReCIT is a University-level interdisciplinary policy research centre with the aspiration to be the leading I&T thinktank in Hong Kong and the region. At the launch ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao introduced PReCIT’s background and three major research foci – carbon neutral cities, the Greater Bay Area I&T development, and the Belt and Road Initiative development in Southeast Asia, with a view to dovetailing with the National 14th Five Year Plan in supporting Hong Kong to develop into an international I&T hub. He explained, “The respective strengths of Hong Kong and the mainland should complement each other in deliberation on cross‑boundary integration proposals which aim to foster R&D commercialization in order to unleash the potentials of the GBA and Belt and Road economies as well as the opportunity associated with re‑industrialization. Achieving that goal requires a cross‑boundary policy on I&T cooperation including with regard to the flows of I&T material, capital, data and people between Hong Kong and mainland provinces. PReCIT, as the advocacy body of PolyU, endeavours to formulate strategies that support Hong Kong’s participation in the national pioneering technology missions.” Mr Charles LI presented the keynote speech on how GBA’s strengths in innovation and wealth of talents, coupled with Hong Kong’s global connectivity, help channel global funds to micro and small businesses in mainland China, and provide a new alternative to impact investment, citing Micro Connect as an example. Prof. C.C. CHAN, Co-Founder of the Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians; Dr Otto POON, President of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences; Dr Sunny CHAI, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries; and Dr Stephen WONG, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the Public Policy Institute, Our Hong Kong Foundation, were invited to share their insights, ahead of the announcement of the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint, in the panel discussion session moderated by Prof. Haitian LU, PolyU’s Director of Mainland Development and Core Member of PReCIT. Prof. C.C. Chan shared his experiences on cooperating with the innovation and technology sector in the mainland. He reiterated that it is important for the HKSAR government to work together with stakeholders, especially experts and the capital market, to advance I&T development. Dr Otto Poon called on the government to set a R&D policy direction that supports the Nation’s development. He also suggested Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA together establish an intellectual property exchange platform for university researchers to present their research outcomes and attract further funding. Dr Sunny Chai explained how Hong Kong serves as an industrial and I&T headquarters in connecting the GBA and ASEAN for research commercialisation and empowering advanced manufacturing, capitalising on the City’s strengths in the industry chain and as a financial centre. Dr Stephen Wong emphasized that collaboration and integration with other GBA cities across the value chain are critical in unleashing the potential highlighted by the Policy Address measures on attracting enterprises and talents. Therefore, joint cross-border policy initiatives are important to overcome barriers to deepening market access and facilitating movements of factors of production. Prof. Eric Chui concluded that concerted effort from all sectors of the community is essential to provide a sustainable and supportive environment for high-calibre and potential I&T talents to be persuaded to stay in Hong Kong. For more information about PReCIT’s events, please visit www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/.