News & Events

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 and Hangzhou government to establish joint technology and innovation research institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hangzhou Gongshu District People’s Government have reached an agreement to promote industry-academia-research collaboration and complementarity between Hong Kong and Hangzhou. At the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong & Macao - Zhejiang Week & Zhejiang and Hong Kong Cooperation Theme Forum 2023 on 26 June, Mr John LEE Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr YI Lianhong, Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, and Mr LU Shan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang People's Government witnessed the signing of co-operation agreements between Zhejiang and Hong Kong. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr SHEN Jianli, Vice District Mayor of Gongshu District, signed a framework agreement to promote the establishment of the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute to carry out in-depth and effective industry-academia-research collaboration. The Research Institute will set up three research centres in the initial stage, tentatively named the “Rail Transit Intelligent Centre,” “Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Research Centre,” and “Digital Medical Beauty Research Centre”. The research centres will focus on three key aspects: technology research and development, entrepreneurial incubation, and talent cultivation. They aim to promote complementary advantages and coordinated development between Hangzhou and Hong Kong, which will work together to develop innovative solutions, with the development of a first-class technology innovation base to achieve mutual benefit. During the same event, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr YU Zhihong, Chairman of Zhejiang Transportation Investment Group Co., Ltd. (Zhejiang Transportation Investment Group), signed a Zhejiang-Hong Kong cooperation agreement in scientific research. PolyU’s rail transit research team and Zhejiang Transportation Investment Group will cooperate in various aspects, such as research and development of new products and technologies, global promotion of innovative achievements, talent cultivation, and scientific research collaboration. On 27 June, Mr SONG Xinjian, Second-Level Inspector from the Hangzhou Science and Technology Bureau, led a delegation from several major administrative regions of Hangzhou (Qiantang District, Gongshu District, Yuhang District, and High-tech Industry Development Zone) and executives from several companies to PolyU campus and visited the Chinese National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC-Rail) and the Biomaterials Laboratory, so as to gain a deeper understanding of PolyU’s scientific research talent advantages and innovative research technology. Both parties will further explore the working plan of the Research Institute and jointly seek future cooperation opportunities. Moving forward, PolyU will continue to focus on cooperation with enterprises and closely connect with the Mainland, in order to carry out influential scientific research in various cutting-edge technology fields, promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, integrate with national development, and fully support Hong Kong in building an international innovation and technology centre.

PolyU and Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (tentative) to establish Technology and Innovation Research Institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (“EIT”, tentative) have reached an agreement to establish the PolyU-Ningbo Technology and Innovation Research Institute, aiming to strengthen and facilitate research collaboration among industry, academia and research organisations in Hong Kong and Ningbo. PolyU and EIT will collaborate in multiple fields, including advanced manufacturing, chemical energy and low-carbon sustainability development, with the overall aim of advancing innovative research technology and transforming core technologies. The operational objective is to promote complementary advantages and coordinated development between the two universities, and together develop innovative solutions to establish leading innovation hubs. PolyU envisions effective collaboration between the two universities 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. The collaboration will involve PolyU faculty members, students and alumni engaging in scientific research, exchanging ideas and starting businesses in Ningbo. The framework agreement was signed on the PolyU campus on 25 June 2023 by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Prof. ZHANG Dongxiao, Executive VP and Provost of EIT. The signing was witnessed by Mr. PENG Jiaxue, Zhejiang Provincial Committee Standing Committee member and Ningbo Municipal Party Secretary, Mrs Carrie LAM, Former Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Prof. CHEN Shiyi, President of EIT.

PolyU and Jinjiang Government to establish joint technology and innovation research institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government have reached an agreement to establish the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute, aiming to strengthen and facilitate research collaboration among industries, academia and research organisations in Hong Kong and Jinjiang. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr WANG Mingyuan, Mayor of Jinjiang, signed the relevant agreement at an event held in the Quanzhou Nanyi National High-tech Zone on 2 June. The research institute will leverage PolyU’s research strengths and achievements to meet Jinjiang’s industrial needs and facilitate the city’s industrial transformation. PolyU and Jinjiang city will partner in various fields such as new textile materials, fashion design, intelligent wearable systems, microelectronics, future food, and public policy. The two parties will also nurture entrepreneurial talents with innovative technological knowledge and a global perspective. Capitalising on PolyU’s research excellence and Jinjiang’s industrial strengths and resources, the collaboration between the two parties will support Jinjiang’s development into a top-notch innovation hub, jointly promote the two-way integration of the industrial chain and the innovation chain, and inject new impetus into the development of local high-tech industries.

PolyU and Wenzhou government sign agreement to drive the establishment of a joint technology and innovation research institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Wenzhou Municipal People’s Government have reached an agreement to drive the formation of the PolyU-Wenzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute, with the aim of promoting Wenzhou to become a key innovation and technology hub for entrepreneurs and talents. Through this innovation platform which is the result of government-academia collaboration, both sides will partner in the research of core technologies in various fields including new energy, advanced materials, intelligent wearable devices, maritime engineering equipment, offshore wind power, blockchain, and fashion design. PolyU will leverage its research excellence to support Wenzhou’s development into a top-notch technology innovation base, through fostering the city’s translational research and commercialisation of research and innovation. Both sides will also join hands to nurture innovative and entrepreneurial talents who are knowledgeable about critical technologies of the future and possess a global outlook. The framework agreement was signed on PolyU’s campus on 22 May 2023 by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU’s Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr WANG Zhenyong, Vice Mayor of Wenzhou. The signing was witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU; together with Mr LIU Xiaotao, Standing Committee Member of the Zhejiang Provincial Communist Party Committee and the Party Secretary of Wenzhou; Mr WANG Jun, Secretary General of the Wenzhou Municipal Communist Party Committee; and Mr WANG Chi, Head of the United Front Work Department of the Wenzhou Party Committee. PolyU has established strong partnerships with universities and research institutes in the Mainland. The University also collaborates with Mainland businesses and local authorities in the promotion of translational research and knowledge transfer, while actively encouraging its students to learn about the development trends and opportunities in the Mainland. Recently, PolyU has engaged numerous local governments to discuss establishing joint technology and innovation research institutes, which connect PolyU’s capabilities and achievements in basic research to the needs of local industries. These collaborations would contribute to the Nation’s self-reliance in its pursuit of technological advancement and benefit the development of local manufacturing sectors.

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.

Inspiring talk by “2021 Touching China” recipient Ms Janis Chan on “No Poverty Land” documentary series

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Student Affairs Office hosted the Dean of Students Talk Series 2022/23: “Together We Dream, We Fly” yesterday at the Jockey Club Auditorium. Ms Janis CHAN, who was named an Inspirational Role Model in the “2021 Touching China Awards”, was invited for sharing. She spoke about her documentary series “No Poverty Land”, sharing her journey of filming the documentary as well as her life experience to encourage young people. The talk was attended by Prof. SONG Lai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in HKSAR; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and other members of PolyU’s management. They were joined by around 500 guests, PolyU staff, students, alumni and secondary school students. Ms Chan shared her experiences filming the documentary across six provinces in three months. She said it was a rare opportunity to film this documentary, which showed the achievements made in alleviating poverty on the Mainland, and conveyed an uplifting message to the audience. During the event, Ms Chan interacted with PolyU students, including Ms CHUI Cho-kwan, awardee of the STARS scholarship, and Mr LEE Cheuk-him, mentee of the “INSPIRE” Mentorship Programme, and shared her experiences working in the media industry. She said Hong Kong has the distinct advantage of enjoying the strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, and encouraged young people to think outside the box, accomplish their goals and pursue their 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 Jinjiang city to drive the development of joint research institute and commence research projects on industrial modernisation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the city government of Jinjiang signed a framework agreement to drive the establishment of the PolyU-Jinjiang Research Institute with the aim to strengthen research collaboration among industry, academia and research organisations and foster development along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. PolyU’s Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) will collaborate with the Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau to carry out research projects on leveraging Hong Kong’s resources and advantages in innovation and technology in response to Jinjiang’s industrial modernisation needs. The Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau will provide funding support for the research. It is expected that the research findings will promote research collaboration between Hong Kong and Jinjiang and facilitate Jinjiang’s industrial modernisation. The signing ceremony of the agreement was held today at the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU and Mr WANG Mingyuan, Mayor of Jinjiang, the five-year cooperation agreement was signed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr HUANG Tiankai, Member of the Standing Committee of Jinjiang Communist Party Committee and Head of Jinjiang United Front Work Department. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, and Mr CAI Wensi, Director of the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government General Office, signed an agreement on research projects. Dr Lam Tai-fai delivered a speech at the ceremony, saying, “The Central Government strongly emphasises and offers staunch support to the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong, providing tremendous opportunities for collaboration among the government, industry, academia and research organisations. I am confident that PolyU and Jinjiang will leverage their complementary strengths and forge an effective collaborative platform for the government, industry, academia and researchers, promoting technology and knowledge exchange, especially in the areas of textiles, smart manufacturing, integrated circuits, and green technology. The partnership will also foster Jinjiang’s industrial modernisation by utilising Hong Kong and PolyU’s I&T resources.” Mayor Wang said, “Jinjiang is in the midst of industrial transformation and modernisation. PolyU's strengths in talent development and research can be deeply integrated with Jinjiang's industry power and market advantages. We hope to leverage PolyU's research capability and educational excellence to cultivate Jinjiang’s talents in business management, manufacturing and administration. We will also draw upon PolyU’s support in innovation and technology to aid traditional industries such as shoe production, clothing, textiles, and equipment manufacturing. Lastly, PolyU's expertise in innovation and new technologies will support Jinjiang to develop high-tech sectors such as the integrated circuit industry.” The two parties will explore the establishment of the PolyU-Jinjiang Research Institute, which will be planned and managed by PolyU, and Jinjiang city will provide venues, funding, subsidies on research projects and industry-research collaboration, as well as support for talent attraction measures. In addition, PolyU scholars and experts will visit Jinjiang for academic exchange, participate in expert panels for entrepreneurial teams, and attend major planning meetings. Jinjiang city will actively promote the establishment of laboratories for joint projects between enterprises and PolyU, and deepen cooperation in talent nurturing, innovation and entrepreneurship, technological innovation, knowledge transfer, and more. Mayor Wang was accompanied by representatives from the Jinjiang government and executives from companies specialising in textiles and clothing, sports shoes and apparel, food, new materials and household products. They visited PolyU’s Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, and Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things to learn about the University’s achievements and developments in interdisciplinary research and industry-academia-research collaboration.