News & Events

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University establishes the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture and signs MoU with the Institute of Humanities, Tsinghua University

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held the Opening Ceremony of the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture (the Research Centre) today and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Humanities of Tsinghua University. The Opening Ceremony was officiated by Mr Kevin YEUNG Yun-hung, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Mr ZHANG Guoyi, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. They were joined by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU’s President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU’s Deputy President and Provost; and Prof. PENG Gang, Vice President of Tsinghua University, and Prof. LIU Shi, Dean of the School of Humanities, Tsinghua University, both via video conferencing, in witnessing the signing of the MoU by Prof. LI Ping, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, PolyU and Prof. ZHONG Weimin, Chairman of the Department of History, Tsinghua University. Mr Kevin Yeung said, “The establishment of the Research Centre by PolyU will facilitate the promotion of Chinese history and cultural education on campus as well as in Hong Kong, helping our young people to learn and understand our country’s history. I hope the Research Centre and the collaboration between PolyU and the Institute of Humanities of Tsinghua University will elevate PolyU’s research in humanities to a new level and yield fruitful achievements. I am confident that both institutions will leverage their academic excellence and unleash a new chapter through this collaboration.” Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “PolyU is committed to nurturing a new generation of young people who love the Nation and Hong Kong, who are aspirational, have a global perspective and adopt positive values. We believe that one should learn and understand the Nation’s history and culture in order to love and contribute to the motherland. In establishing the Research Centre and collaborating with Tsinghua University, we aim to promote Chinese culture, strengthen national education, and enhance the pride of local youth and their identification with and sense of belonging to the Nation. We will strengthen academic exchange between Hong Kong and the mainland, provide training to teachers, and produce related teaching materials. The Research Centre aspires to become an influential academic institution in humanities, endeavours to support the Hong Kong SAR Government’s efforts in promoting Chinese culture and developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, and seeks to help young people in embracing and participating in the Nation’s development.” Since the 2022/23 academic year, PolyU undergraduate students are required to study a subject related to Chinese history and culture to enhance their interest towards Chinese heritage and identification with the Nation through systematic education. PolyU is honoured to have a distinguished panel of advisors for the Research Centre, composed of top historians and leading advocates of cultural development, including the Hon. Mr Kenneth FOK Kai-kong, Member of the Legislative Council; Dr Louis NG, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum; Dr CHAN Man-hung, Honorary Curator of Jao Tsung-I Academy; Prof. Joseph TING Sun-pao, Adjunct Professor of the Department of History at the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Prof. CHENG Pei-kai, former Director of the Chinese Civilisation Centre and Emeritus Professor at City University of Hong Kong; and Prof. Elizabeth SINN, Honorary Professor of the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Hong Kong. Together with the Advisory Committee Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai, they will offer guidance and recommendation on the development of the Research Centre. The research centre will focus on the study of the modern history of China and its social and cultural fabric, as well as the promotion of Chinese history and cultural education. Under the MoU with the Institute of Humanities of Tsinghua University, both parties will collaborate in training teachers, editing teaching materials, conducting thematic research, organising joint seminars, etc, with a view to enhancing academic exchange and promoting Chinese culture together. Prof. Peng Gang said, “The establishment of the Research Centre is significant not only to PolyU but also to Hong Kong. The Institute of Humanities of Tsinghua University will work with PolyU in initiating a wide range of collaborations, including conducting joint studies on traditional Chinese thought and culture and the modern history of China, fostering the education of Chinese history and culture, co-organising diverse academic exchange activities, and co-editing teaching materials and academic publications.”

PolyU collaborates with Aier Eye Hospital Group to nurture Hong Kong’s young optometrists by providing clinical training in mainland China and overseas cities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has joined hands with Aier Eye Hospital Group (Aier) to provide six to eight weeks of clinical training in Aier’s eye hospitals and clinics in mainland China and overseas cities for a maximum of 30 selected students with outstanding academic performance from PolyU’s School of Optometry in five years. The two parties will also explore opportunities to conduct collaborative research on major eye health challenges. The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of the School’s world-leading research capability (with its research impact ranking first in Asia according to Clinical and Experimental Optometry), and Aier’s vast network of over 900 hospitals and clinics in Asia, the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, making it a leading global ophthalmology hospital group. The signing ceremony was held today on PolyU’s campus. Witnessed by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, Prof. David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU, and Ms Elaine ZHANG, Global Strategy and Business Development Director of Aier Eye Hospital Group signed the memorandum of understanding. Prof. Chea-su KEE, Professor and Interim Head of School of Optometry of PolyU and Ms Zhang also signed the agreement on the clinical placement arrangement. Prof. Wong said, “Aier Eye Hospital Group is a well-established medical institution in terms of its massive teams of professional ophthalmologists and optometrists, as well as having over 900 well-equipped eye hospitals and clinics across Hong Kong, mainland China, the USA, Europe and Southeast Asia. PolyU is delighted to further strengthen its strategic collaboration with Aier in advancing the research and clinical talent development of optometry, particularly in terms of providing more comprehensive training for optometry students to accelerate the field’s development in the country and the world.” Ms Zhang remarked, “With Aier’s global eye hospital and clinic network, we are gratified to provide PolyU students with clinical training, including diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. They will gain the opportunity to have first-hand experience of global eye care and medical development, which will help them build a macro and deep professional foundation for their future career.” The School has been proactively collaborating with local ophthalmologists and counterparts around the world to provide students with hands-on experience, preparing them for their future careers in optometry. With the clinical training offered by Aier, the students will further benefit. Prof. Kee added, “The support from Aier will enhance the School’s optometric education and help take the local optometric profession to the next level.” Clinical training cooperation between PolyU and Aier has been in place since 2017. Aier has also set up scholarships for optometry students from PolyU and offered them placement opportunities in its Hong Kong branches.

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.

Ten PolyU projects funded by the NSFC/RGC for Collaborative and Joint Research Schemes

Ten research projects led by scholars at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Research Grants Council (NSFC/RGC) under the Joint Research Scheme (JRS) and the new Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) 2022/23 Exercise. Under the CRS, two PolyU research projects have been awarded a total amount of HK$7.164 million. While under the JRS, eight research projects led by PolyU scholars have received total funding of HK$9.396 million. Both CRS and JRS support research projects for a period of four years. The research projects cover topics in information technology, management science, marine and environmental science, new material science, applied mathematics and biomedical engineering. PolyU scholars are committed to exploring innovative discoveries for a more sustainable future. Some of the projects address imminent social and human needs with, for example, research on a hospital bed sharing mechanism and optimisation, investigation of rainstorm and storm surge occurrence pattern together with flood risk assessment in the Greater Bay Area cities, and time-sequence regenerative repair of atherosclerotic blood vessels with Janus cardiovascular stents. Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation at PolyU, said, “PolyU is dedicated to conducting impactful research through multi-disciplinary collaborations to foster sustainability for a better world. We are thankful for the support of the NSFC/RGC for the PolyU projects funded under the Collaborative Research Scheme and Joint Research Scheme, which reinforces research strengths across the Mainland and Hong Kong to lead innovative discoveries.” The NSFC/RGC supports research projects jointly proposed by Mainland and Hong Kong researchers for their scientific merit. The CRS, which was newly introduced in 2022/23, aims to support larger-scale collaborative research across disciplines and/or across universities in the Mainland and Hong Kong with a view to enhancing research output and impact. The grant for each Hong Kong applicant is limited to HK$3.6 million. The JRS promotes collaboration between researchers in the Mainland and Hong Kong for their complementary strengths. The amount of funding for Hong Kong applicants is limited to HK$1.25 million.   List of PolyU Projects funded under NSFC/RGC Collaborative Research Scheme 2022/23 Research Field Project Title Hong Kong Project Coordinator Mainland Principal Investigator/ Institution Information Technology   Monolithically Integrated Electronics with Two-Dimensional Semiconductors – from Controllable Growth to Device Integration Prof. CHAI Yang Department of Applied Physics Prof. ZHANG Wenjing Shenzhen University New Materials Science Long-cycle and High-energy-density Flexible Li Batteries Using Hollow Multishelled Structure and Hierarchical Composite Electrode Prof. ZHENG Zijian Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Prof. YANG Mei Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences   List of PolyU Projects funded under NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme 2022/23 Research Field Project Title Hong Kong Principal Investigator Mainland Principal Investigator/ Institution Information Technology Enhancing Digital Asset Security Basedon the Blockchain Technology Prof. XIAO Bin Department of Computing Prof. DENG Xiaotie Peking University Management Science Mechanism and Optimization for Hospital Bed Sharing Prof. YE Hengqing Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies Prof. WAN Guohua Shanghai Jiao Tong University Marine and Environmental Science Investigation of Rainstorm - Storm Surge Joint Occurrence Pattern and Induced Flooding Risk Assessment in Coastal Cities within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Dr DUAN Huanfeng Department of Civil and Environment Engineering Prof. ZHENG Feifei Zhejiang University An Integrated System of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Unmanned Surface Vehicles for Smart Maritime Support in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Dr LIU Wei Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Prof. MA Yong Wuhan University of Technology New Materials Science Tin-Based Metal Halide Perovskites for X-Ray Detectors Prof. YAN Feng Department of Applied Physics Prof. YANG Shihe Peking University Others Mathematical Modeling and Analysis on the Predator-mediated Competitions and their Biological Consequences Prof. WANG Zhian Department of Applied Mathematics Prof. LOU Yuan Shanghai Jiao Tong University Stochastic Multiobjective Optimization and Applications Prof. CHEN Xiaojun Department of Applied Mathematics Prof. YANG Xinmin Chongqing Normal University Time-sequence Regenerative Repair of Atherosclerotic Blood Vessels with Janus Cardiovascular Stents Dr ZHAO Xin Department of Biomedical Engineering Prof. YANG Zhilu Southern Medical University

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/.

PolyU 85th Anniversary Public Lecture by Olympic Gold Medallist Ms Guo Jingjing on “Splashing for Lights, Chasing our Dreams”

To mark the 85th anniversary of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the University hosted a public lecture yesterday at the Jockey Club Auditorium and invited Olympic Gold Medallist Ms GUO Jingjing to speak on “Splashing for Lights, Chasing our Dreams”, sharing her path to becoming an Olympic Gold medallist and encouraging young people to pursue their dreams. The lecture was attended by more than 800 guests, staff, students, alumni and public. Ms Guo Jingjing shared highlights of her 22-year career as a professional diver. Despite experiencing a number of injuries during training, she never gave up but insisted on overcoming adversity and continuing to train hard. Before retiring, she competed in four Olympic Games and achieved exceptional success. Ms. Guo Jingjing said, “Success is not about persevering when you see hope, but about persevering to see hope. Success is to compel yourself to be perseverant.” Ms Guo also shared her ideas in discussion with PolyU students and encouraged them to be courageous in pursuit of their dreams and contribute to the Nation and society. Ms Guo Jingjing’s accolades include being the three-meter springboard individual and double runners-up at the Sydney Olympics Games in 2000, the three-meter springboard individual and double champion at the Athens Olympics Games in 2004, and the three-meter individual and double champion at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. Ms Guo is currently a Member of the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA)Technical Diving Committee and Honorary Technical Advisor to the Hong Kong China Swimming Association. Ms Guo is also active in public service. She is an Ambassador of the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF, a WWF Marine Ambassador, an Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong Marine Conservation Ambassador, the Honourable Ambassador of the Child Protection Campaign of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Quality and Talent Migrants Association. Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Acting President of PolyU, said, “We are very honoured to have Ms Guo deliver a public lecture on campus today. I hope our students will look upon Ms Guo as a role model, striving for achieving personal achievements and contributing to the society. PolyU is very supportive of the development of sports and athlete students as sports have positive and long-term impact on individuals and society.” PolyU’s 85th Anniversary celebrations commenced in November last year under theme ‘We Are PolyU • Together We Excel’. Other finale events include the Launch Ceremony of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and the Technology cum I&T forum. An anniversary dinner on Friday will conclude the celebrations on a high note.

“Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Power and Energy” attracted record attendance

The Hongkong Electric Company, Limited (HK Electric); State Grid Corporation of China (State Grid); The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) have co-organised the “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Power and Energy” (the Programme) for the fifth consecutive year. A total of 319 energy professionals from 26 countries/regions completed the training programme this year, a record high in the number of participants. The theme for this year was “High-quality, Sustainable, Resilient Power Grid for Green and Smart Living”, which urged action on sustainable development to create better living. A total of 10 webinars and talks were held during the 5-day training. More than 300 participants across the power industry, including senior executives from Government agencies, energy companies, academics and researchers from Belt and Road countries joined the programme. Addressing the Closing Ceremony, Mr WAN Chi-tin, Managing Director of HK Electric said, “With the outbreak of the COVID-19, Hong Kong like any other country or region, faced enormous challenges. In 2021, thanks to our extraordinary resilience, we managed to achieve a supply reliability rating in excess of 99.9999% for the second consecutive year. This translates to a power interruption of less than half a minute on average for our customers during the year. This serves as another record for our business and a truly exceptional performance in our industry.” Mr LI Ming, State Grid’s Director of International Cooperation Department said, “During the past five years, under the collaborative efforts of all parties, the programme has become a success with energy and innovation. State Grid is open minded about sharing the practices and benefits in promoting energy transition and building a power system based on new energy. With the success of the programme, we wish that we can continue to work together in tackling the two major challenges of energy security and energy transition, and move towards a brighter and greener future.” Mr LIU Yunhou, President of State Grid’s China Technology College, also remarked, “Not only has the number of participants reached a record high this year, but the theme is popular, covering the current situation and future development of energy industry. We sincerely wish the collaboration among the four parties will continue to flourish in the years to come. Professor H.C. MAN, Dean of Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, said, “PolyU is committed to offering education, research innovation and knowledge transfer to meet societal needs. In line with the strategic development of carbon neutrality and green energy in China and the world, PolyU has been actively conducting and promoting researches in these aspects in recent years. The Belt and Road Development Programme provides an important platform for researchers and senior management talents in the region to have in-depth exchanges and discussions on green energy and energy management issues. Over the past 5 years, we have built up connections with hundreds of professionals in the Belt and Road region. We look forward to fostering further collaborations with them to tackle the energy challenges for the benefit of mankind.” Professor GUAN Xiaohong, Academician of Chinese Academy of Science and Dean of Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering of XJTU, said, “We are delighted that the programme has continued to attract more participants in the Belt and Road regions. These activities have not only enhanced mutual understanding and technical exchanges, but also further deepened the collaborations amongst electricity supply companies, universities, and research institutions. We sincerely hope this event can continue to flourish, keep offering updated discoveries, experiences, and outcomes, benefitting practitioners in energy and power industry.” Since the programme commenced in 2018, it has attracted nearly 800 professionals, providing more than 10,000 hours of exchanges, both online and offline training, as well as field trips over the past five years. The four parties will continue to organise activities in the coming future with diverse themes to contribute to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as promoting the experience and knowledge exchanges among senior management executives in power and energy-related fields.

Chinachem Group and PolyU join hands to foster industry-academic collaboration for the sustainable future of the Greater Bay Area

Chinachem Group (Chinachem) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen research collaboration among industry, academia and research organisations to drive innovative solutions for sustainable development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The partnership leverages the combined strengths and experience of PolyU in interdisciplinary research with that of Chinachem in property and community development. The MoU sets out a framework for both parties to conduct three pilot research projects to explore innovative solutions and technology applications to help achieve the goals of carbon neutrality, an inclusive society and a green economy. Through this industry-academia collaboration, Chinachem and PolyU will develop new technology and systems to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption in a next-generation data centre, explore new types of intergenerational housing for future Hong Kong community settlements in the GBA, and experiment with the use of blockchain technology in promoting green economy. Witnessed by Mr Donald CHOI, Executive Director and CEO of Chinachem Group, Mr Hung-han WONG, Executive Director and COO of Chinachem Group, Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU, and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, the MoU was signed by Mr Ricky TSANG, Deputy CFO of Chinachem Group, and Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. “As a socially responsible developer, we need to harness the full power of technology not only to speed construction and reduce costs, but also to create what we term ‘Places with Heart’,” Mr Donald Choi said. “Joint efforts across industries are essential to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is a very valuable step forward in regard to fostering business collaboration with academia and research organisations in order to pioneer innovative technological solutions. I feel very excited and energised about the possibilities for breaking new boundaries together, creating positive value for People, Prosperity and the Planet,” he added. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “This industry-academic collaboration will see PolyU and Chinachem working together to create solutions for major sustainability challenges including energy consumption, climate change, an ageing population and the adoption of green behaviour. PolyU will continue to deepen its collaboration with key partners and stakeholders in society to proactively translate research outcomes into real-world solutions to foster more liveable and sustainable communities in Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” Under the MoU, Chinachem and PolyU will also continue to explore cooperation opportunities in areas including support to start-ups and entrepreneurship, application and commercialisation of new technologies, environmental, social and governance strategy and measurement, and carbon neutrality.

PolyU honours eight outstanding alumni

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce that it has bestowed the “Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2022” on eight alumni in recognition of their significant achievements in their respective fields as well as their contributions to their alma mater and society. They are fitting testament to PolyU’s accomplishments in nurturing leaders for Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The Award aims to give recognition to distinguished graduates of PolyU and its forerunners, namely the Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College and the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Since its launch in 1996, over 90 graduates have been honoured for great distinction in their chosen fields, active support to their alma mater, as well as impactful contributions to the wider community. This year, achievement categories have been established to celebrate the considerable accomplishments of our alumni in specific areas. Recognition is now also given to outstanding young alumni. Organised at three levels, selection and result announcement of the Department and Faculty/School Awards had been completed prior to the selection of the University Award. Recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2022, in alphabetical order of last name, are: Ir Dr Goman HO Wai-ming, Arup Fellow and Director of Innovation, Arup Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Mr Peter LAM Wing-chap, Principal Consultant, Business and Networking Consulting Department, Huawei Technologies Company Limited Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Ir Ricky LAU Chun-kit, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), HKSAR Government Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Prof. Edman TSANG Shik-chi, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry and Director of Wolfson Catalysis Centre, University of Oxford Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement Recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award, in alphabetical order of last name, are: Mr Bayern CHUI Kin-pong, Partner, KPMG China Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Mr James O Hing-pong, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing and Advertising, GOGOX Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement Dr Gilman SIU Kit-hang, Associate Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement Dr Bruce WANG Lei, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, EcoFlow Inc. Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement (Please refer to the Appendix for recipient biodata.) The Selection Committee of the University Award was chaired by Dr LAM Tai-fai, GBS, JP, Council Chairman of PolyU. Members included: Professor Jin-Guang TENG, JP, President, PolyU; Mr SIN Yat-kin, SBS, CSDSM, JP, Council Member, PolyU; The Honourable Duncan CHIU, Court Member, PolyU; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President, PolyU; Ir Eric MA Siu-cheung, GBS, JP, President, Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association; and Ir YAU Kwok-fai, President, Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations. The Award Presentation Ceremony will be held in December 2022.