Media Releases

PolyU launches Chinese Culture Festival empowering younger generation with cultural confidence and promoting vibrant traditions of Chinese culture

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting the rich traditions of Chinese culture and, to this end, last year established the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture to facilitate promotion of Chinese history and cultural education on campus. This year, the University is organising the “PolyU Chinese Culture Festival” to showcase the beauty and significance of various aspects of Chinese culture, cultivate a deeper appreciation of Chinese heritage, strengthen a sense of pride and belonging to the Nation among the younger generation, and contribute to the development of Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. As part of the celebratory events commemorating the 30th anniversary of PolyU achieving university status, the University today hosted the Opening Ceremony of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival. The Ceremony was officiated by Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR. She was joined by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs); and Prof. LI Ping, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities. Representatives from the co-organisers of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, including Ms SHEN Jiang, Secretary of the Party Committee at Tiangong University; Prof. YU Chuang, President of the Zhejiang Industry & Trade Vocational College; and Dr Louis NG, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, also joined them to kick off the Festival. Dr Choi Yuk-lin emphasised the significance of higher education as a crucial vehicle for inheriting cultural heritage and driving ideological and cultural innovation. It is also an important foundation for upholding the unity of the country and the Nation. Learning, comprehending and inheriting Chinese culture can enhance the youngsters’ national identity, cultural confidence and their sense of belonging to the Nation. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China report underscored the imperative to reinforce the dissemination and influence of Chinese civilisation, fostering cultural confidence and strength. Additionally, our country’s “14th Five-Year Plan” supports Hong Kong in developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. She mentioned that PolyU hosts the Chinese Culture Festival and co-organises various exciting activities in collaboration with the Hong Kong Palace Museum, mainland institutions and other arts and culture organisations, providing an invaluable platform to promote mutual cultural learning and exchange. As well as making a contribution to the development of Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, these efforts aim to ignite a passion for Chinese culture among PolyU faculty members, students, alumni and the broader community, strengthening their sense of belonging to the Nation and cultural confidence. There will be a series of activities focusing on pottery lacquerware, embroidery, Chinese music, Chinese classics recitation and more. Distinguished scholars, experts and artists will be invited on campus to exhibit the unique artistic charm of Chinese culture through exhibitions, lectures, workshops and musical performance. Dr Lam Tai-fai stated that guided by its motto “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind,” PolyU was committed to nurturing students who possess a strong sense of national identity and a positive mindset. The University would continue to promote Chinese culture and contribute to the development of Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, while providing full support to the City in integrating itself into the overall development of the Nation. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “The ‘Chinese Culture Festival’ is a profoundly significant endeavour for us in terms of nurturing graduates with both ability and moral integrity. It aims to deepen the understanding of Chinese culture among the younger generation and wider society, to foster their pride and sense of belonging to the Nation, as well as to bolster their cultural confidence and patriotic sentiments.” Prof. Ben Young, who also serves as Chairman of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, thanked the broader community for their support of PolyU. He hoped that through the series of stimulating activities, students could deepen their knowledge and understanding of Chinese culture. During the next two weeks, until 27 March, PolyU will be collaborating with Tiangong University’s International Innovation Centre of Chinese Traditional Culture and Artistry Inheritance to co-organise an exhibition on campus showcasing intangible cultural heritage from Tianjin. Eight artists from Tianjin have been invited to exhibit their artworks, including HuLian Art Studio (Prof. Zheng Yong’s Studio), the City’s three unique intangible cultural heritages: Clay Figurines Zhang, Tianjin Kite Wei and Yucheng Hao New Year Painting, as well as other intangible cultural heritages at national, provincial and municipal levels such as Hezhen Handmade Incense, Guanzhao Xuan Ceramic Painting, Zhao’s Gourd-making and Tianjin Musical Instruments Zhang. The exhibition will also highlight a collection of selected works of Wenzhou embroidery, which is also recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage. In addition to the large-scale exhibition, there will be expert lectures, workshops and guided tours, all of which will be open to PolyU students, staff, alumni and the public free of charge. After the Opening Ceremony, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed between PolyU and Tiangong University to reinforce academic exchange and collaboration on scientific research projects. Witnessed by Dr Lam Tai-fai and Ms Shen Jiang, the MoU were signed respectively by Prof. Li Ping and Prof. JIANG Yaming, Dean of the School of International Education and Director of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of Tiangong University, as well as Prof. Erin CHO, Dean of the School of Fashion and Textiles; and Prof. GONG Jixian, Associate Dean of the School of Textile Science and Engineering of Tiangong University. Witnessed by Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman (back row, left); and Ms Shen Jiang, Secretary of the Party Committee at Tiangong University (back row, right), the MoU was signed by Prof. Li Ping, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities of PolyU (front row, left); and Prof. Jiang Yaming, Dean of the School of International Education and Director of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of Tiangong University (front row, right), to reinforce academic exchange and collaboration on scientific research projects. Witnessed by Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman (back row, left); and Ms Shen Jiang, Secretary of the Party Committee at Tiangong University (back row, right), the MoU was signed by Prof. Erin Cho, Dean of the School of Fashion and Textiles of PolyU (front row, left); and Prof. Gong Jixian, Associate Dean of the School of Textile Science and Engineering of Tiangong University (front row, right), to reinforce academic exchange and collaboration on scientific research projects. To find out more about the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, please visit: https://polyu.me/PolyU-Chinese-Culture-Festival (Chinese only). For details about the activities in March, please click here (Chinese only). Activity Highlights (March and April) *** END ***

PolyU researchers invent non-invasive diagnostic device Smart-CKD for advancing clinical management of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10% of the global population, among which renal fibrosis is a progressive process that can lead to end-stage renal failure. Early diagnosis and active monitoring are particularly important. Researchers from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed Smart-CKD (S-CKD), a non-invasive computer-aided diagnostic tool. It integrates ultrasound data and selected clinical variables to provide clinical insights and assesses the risk of moderate-to-severe renal fibrosis progression in CKD patients with a promising diagnostic efficiency of 80%. The research findings have been published in the journal Academic Radiology. Early diagnosis and accurate staging of renal fibrosis significantly guide treatment strategies and prognostic assessment, enabling timely preventive measures to avoid or delay disease exacerbations. However, identifying individuals at high risk of advanced renal fibrosis with precision continues to pose a challenge in clinical practice. To tackle this challenge, a team led by Prof. Michael Tin Cheung YING, Associate Head; and Dr Ziman CHEN, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics at PolyU have collaborated with Dr Zhongzhen SU, Vice President of The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University to invent S-CKD which aims to improve disease progress monitoring and clinical management of CKD using informatic technology. This device offers a cost-effective solution for guiding patient management, thereby contributing notable clinical advantages. Prof. Ying said, “While renal biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing and staging renal fibrosis, its invasive nature imposes limitations on conducting multiple observations and follow-ups, and has potential complications. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop a non-invasive biomarker for precise monitoring and clinical management of renal fibrosis and its progression.” By leveraging machine learning, S-CKD integrates three pivotal clinical parameters - age, ultrasonic renal length and end-diastolic flow velocity of the interlobar renal artery, to assist medical practitioners in assessing renal fibrosis risk in CKD patients during routine clinical practices. It plays a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions and improving patient prognosis. S-CKD is accessible through an online web-based platform or in offline document-based format, making it a user-friendly auxiliary instrument for flexible clinical applications. Prof. Ying said, “We plan to conduct further prospective clinical research on S-CKD, utilising PolyU’s innovative medical technology and facilities in collaboration with medical institutions in the Greater Bay Area and our Hong Kong partners. Together, we will collaborate on research to enhance the impact of S-CKD on clinical management, ultimately improving CKD patients’ prognosis.” Prof. Ying hopes that the World Kidney Day on 14 March could raise public awareness about kidney disease and promote the importance of early prevention of chronic diseases. The research team will continue to make contribution to advancing healthcare development in Hong Kong and the world with their innovative technology.   ***END***

PolyU hosts seminar on sports physiotherapy Hong Kong’s first professional certificate in sports physiotherapy launched to meet industry demand

In response to the increasing demand for sports physiotherapy professionals, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED) of PolyU, and The Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association (HKPA), hosted a seminar titled “The Opportunity, Rewards, and Challenges as a Sports Physiotherapist”. A groundbreaking Professional Certificate Course in Advanced Practice in Sports Physiotherapy was also announced during the event. Esteemed guests attended the seminar including Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Mr WONG Tak Sum, Sam, Commissioner for Sports, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Sports and Recreation Branch, HKSAR Government; Mr WONG Po Kee, Honorary Deputy Secretary General of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, key faculty members of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and SPEED, and executive committee members of HKPA. Mr Wong Tak Sum, Sam, a retired athlete, shared his insights into the evolution of mass and elite sports in Hong Kong, emphasising the pivotal role played by sports physiotherapists. In addition, prominent athletes, such as basketball player Mr LEE Ki, and footballer Mr YAPP Hung Fai, shared their experiences with sports physiotherapy, along with seasoned sports physiotherapist Ms Bonnie LAU. SPEED and HKPA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly introduce a first-of-its-kind 6-month part-time Professional Certificate in Advanced Practice in Sports Physiotherapy at HKQF Level 6 in the coming July, which is tailored for registered physiotherapists in Hong Kong who are seeking to specialise in sports physiotherapy. The comprehensive curriculum is designed by specialists from PolyU’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, covering essential elements of sports physiotherapy, from “Immediate Care for Emergency, Traumatic, and Medical Conditions”, “Principles of Sports Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation”, to “Exercise training principles”. The programme boasts a team of distinguished tutors, including academics from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and experienced sports physiotherapists from HKPA. Students will be able to gain hands-on experience with on-field physiotherapy services under their guidance. Eligible graduates could apply for credit exemptions when articulating with PolyU’s Master of Science in Sports Physiotherapy programme. “We are grateful for the support government showed in developing the field of professional sports physiotherapy,” said Prof. Amy FU, Associate Director of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology, Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management of PolyU, and also the programme coordinator for MSc in Sports Physiotherapy. She added, “With Hong Kong’s athletes gearing up for international and national competitions like the Paris 2024 Olympic Games , the 15th National Games and the FISU World University Games Summer in 2025, and the Asian Games in 2026, the need for qualified sports physiotherapists has never been greater. The launch of this professional certificate course comes at a significant time.” Enrolment for the Professional Certificate in Advanced Practice in Sports Physiotherapy will open in May 2024. For more details, please visit the website here.   ***END***

PolyU School of Design celebrates its 60th anniversary with grand opening ceremony With “Designing Time” as the theme; Launching a new identity and showcasing alumni’s remarkable achievements

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (“PolyU Design” or “the School”) has been an important hub for design education and research in Hong Kong, offering quality undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in design to nurture creative talent across a wide range of industries. To celebrate its 60th anniversary and the remarkable achievements of its alumni, Designing Time - PolyU School of Design 60th Anniversary Celebration Featuring New PolyU Design Identity Launch and One to Ten Outstanding Alumni Exhibition Debut, was held at the Jockey Club Innovation Tower on campus yesterday. The grand opening marks the beginning of the School’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Various guests gathered to show their support, and congratulatory messages from renowned design scholars around the world, including two former deans, the distinguished design academic, Prof. Don NORMAN, were also featured, injecting transformative power into education and the design industry, thus preserving and transmitting design in various forms. Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, hopes that the story of PolyU Design remains not just relevant, but revolutionary. Mr LAU Chun, Raistlin, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR Government, delivers a speech for PolyU School of Design 60th Anniversary Celebration. Mr Victor LO, Chairman and Chief Executive Gold Peak Technology Group Ltd., expressed his pride in PolyU Design’s transformation into a world-class design education provider in China and Asia. Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of School of Design of PolyU, hopes to create a better world where design not only answers questions but also asks them. Grand opening of PolyU Design celebration with the new PolyU design identity launch marks a significant milestone for PolyU Design In a world that constantly seeks answers, PolyU Design dares to keep asking the right questions. The journey of redefining PolyU Design’s brand began not with words, but with a visual cue - a bold new logo designed by a team of young alumni - the graduates of 2022 and 2023, Jeff CHAN, CHEUNG Chi Ho, Eunis LIU, and Thomas NG, under the mentorship of an outstanding alumnus, Mr Tommy LI. This logo, with its striking feature of an invisible ‘i’ in the word design, serves as a powerful catalyst for PolyU Design’s exploration into what truly defines them and forms the foundation of their ethos: Interdisciplinarity - Where disciplines unite, leaders are born. Our logo’s boldness isn’t just a mark; it’s a call for design students to take the wheel in innovation. Inclusiveness - Design with everyone in mind, benefits all. Our creations are universal, speaking to diverse needs and experiences. Our canvas is the world, enriched by the vast spectrum of humanity. Innovation - Design is humanity’s heartbeat. Our creations marry imagination with utility, fusing entrepreneurial drive and sustainable practices to craft a future where innovation thrives in harmony with our planet. One to Ten — PolyU Design Outstanding Alumni Exhibition showcases ten outstanding alumni’s various design creativity To explore the diversity and evolution of design knowledge and to showcase the achievements and contributions of the ten outstanding alumni in the field of design, the “One to Ten — PolyU Design Outstanding Alumni Exhibition”, themed “10 Forms (design diversity), 10 Transmissions (knowledge transmissions),” rethinks the foundation of design. The ten outstanding alumni are Mr Tino KWAN, Mr Eric CHAN, Mr Freeman Lau, Mr Dennis CHAN, Mr Tommy Li, Mr Anthony LO, Mr Alan YIP, Mr CHU Chen-on, Mr Barrie HO, and Mr James O Hing-pong. “One To Ten” highlights the variety of different design fields and the outstanding achievements of the 10 alumni in lighting design, product design, industrial design, architectural design, communication design, design management, automotive design, Chinese cultural design, and brand identity design. It provides a platform to showcase the alumni’s creativity, talent and impact, as well as the School’s 60 years of excellence in education and academic accomplishments to a global audience and allows viewers to experience the alumni’s pursuit of aesthetics and professional skills. PolyU Design, one of the top 20 design schools globally, has gained international acclaim through its commitment to interdisciplinary education, robust research platforms, extensive global partnerships, and its fostering of an entrepreneurial spirit. This approach equips students to tackle complex, technology-integrated design challenges while staying at the forefront of innovation in Asia and beyond. The School offers world-class facilities, providing students and teachers with an excellent foundation to connect with the world and become leaders in their fields. Through their knowledge and mentorship, graduates ensure design continuity by passing on their expertise to the next generation, thus preserving and transmitting design in various forms and moving towards an innovative future with the public.   ***** END *****

Consul General of Sweden to Hong Kong and Macau unveils sustainability success story at PolyU PReCIT Consul General Talk

The fourth in the “Consul General Talk Series” organised by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was held on 29 February. Under the theme of “Innovation, Technology & Carbon Neutrality in Sustainable Cities”, in her keynote address Ms Louise BERGHOLM, Consul General of Sweden to Hong Kong and Macau, showcased Sweden's experiences as a renowned trailblazer of sustainability development in shaping sustainable cities. Sweden is well-known as a sustainability pioneer. Ms Bergholm said, “Sweden aims to be completely fossil-free and use 100% renewable energy by 2045 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We hope our green model, achieved through technical innovation, will encourage more supportive global action on sustainability. With its previous accomplishments in addressing climate change, Sweden has proven that combining sustainability with human well-being is a path to success and development.” PolyU is committed to fostering carbon-neutrality through interdisciplinary research and ground-breaking green tech innovations on campus. Eight PolyU research projects were granted total funding of HK$39.8 million from the HKSAR Government Green Tech Fund, ranking them first in both the number of supported projects and the total awarded funding among UGC-funded universities since the fund's inception in 2020. In addition, HK$24 million was awarded to 34 PolyU projects by the Environment and Conservation Fund from 2020 to 2022, further validating PolyU’s efforts in fostering sustainability. The University has established the Carbon Neutrality Funding Scheme to support research projects focused on decarbonisation. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT said, “Last year was the warmest year on record. We must unite and take decisive action to address the pressing climate challenge. A green campus would set a crucial role model to mobilise concerted efforts on sustainable living. PolyU has laid out its Roadmap to Achieving Carbon Neutrality on Campus, targeting to achieve Scope 1 (direct emission) and Scope 2 (indirect emission) carbon neutrality by 2045, five years ahead of the HKSAR Government's plan.” He added, “The establishment of PReCIT is timely for the shaping of influential I&T policy recommendations to support governmental actions. The Centre has secured a Public Policy Research Fund to assess the adoption of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Hong Kong. With carbon neutrality as one of the Centre’s key foci, we hope to contribute to the accelerated development of sustainable cities.” Prof. Eric CHUI, PReCIT Co-Director and Head of the PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences, emphasised the critical importance of achieving sustainability and urged concerted action in fighting climate change. During the discussion session, there were a number of thought-provoking exchanges among industry influencers and experts focusing on how to adopt best practices for a more sustainable future. Facilitating the sharing of perspectives by Hong Kong-based diplomats, the “Consul General Talk Series” is supported by the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Global Engagement Office to serve as a platform for the PolyU community and the general public to gain insights into the latest I&T policies and prospects in the Belt and Road countries. ***END***

PolyU proposes the establishment of a medical school and a large-scale teaching hotel in the Northern Metropolis to support the development of the medical, hotel and tourism industries in the Greater Bay Area

At a spring media luncheon today, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG outlined the University’s latest developments, alongside other senior management team members, faculty/school deans and representatives. Themed “United and Progressive, Innovation for Strength”, these developments included an earlier proposal to the government for the establishment of a PolyU satellite campus in the Northern Metropolis, with a focus on fostering scientific research and innovation to address the needs of the Greater Bay Area and the Nation. Additionally, PolyU aims to establish a research powerhouse and large-scale research facilities to attract and nurture more innovation and technology (I&T) talents. Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “2024 holds great significance for PolyU as it marks the 30th anniversary of our institution achieving university status. We are thrilled to organise a series of celebratory events under the theme ‘Powering Innovation: 30 Years and Beyond’, including the ‘PolyU Chinese Culture Festival’. The Festival aims to promote the rich traditions of Chinese culture, cultivate a deeper appreciation of Chinese heritage, and strengthen the sense of pride and belonging to the Nation among the younger generation, the PolyU community and wider society.” PolyU proposed establishing a medical school and large teaching hotel with a convention and exhibition centre at the new campus to address the healthcare needs of the Greater Bay Area’s population and boost the region’s tourism, convention and exhibition industries. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “Once established, the Northern Metropolis is projected to have a population of 2.5 million, accounting for one-third of Hong Kong’s population, with an emerging need for medical services. With a long history of excellence, PolyU offers expertise across a wide spectrum of health technology disciplines, including rehabilitation science, medical laboratory science, radiography, nursing, optometry, and more. We hope to fully leverage our strengths in ‘medical and engineering integration’ and build on this solid foundation to advance the integrated development of medicine and health sciences.” In addition, to meet the demand for talent and technology in the Artificial Intelligence era, PolyU also plans to establish its tenth school in the middle of this year, initially comprising three departments, including the Department of Applied Mathematics, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The “PolyU Chinese Cultural Festival” will kick off in the middle of March, focusing on different art forms and themes including pottery lacquerware and embroidery, and inviting scholars, experts and artists to showcase the values and charm of Chinese culture through exhibitions, lectures and workshops.   *** END ***

PolyU and AVSECO forge strategic partnership to drive innovation in aviation security

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Aviation Security Company Limited (AVSECO) are pleased to announce the establishment of a strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovation in the field of aviation security. This collaboration combines PolyU’s academic acumen and research expertise with AVSECO’s industry insights and business acumen, creating a powerful alliance to drive technological advancements and enhance cyber security resilience in the aviation sector. Renowned for its research capabilities and academic strength, PolyU will establish a platform for technical discussions between AVSECO and PolyU experts. This will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, ideas and best practices in aviation security, leading to the design and establishment of consultancy and collaborative research projects. By leveraging PolyU research expertise, AVSECO will gain access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to address their technical needs. Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said in his welcoming speech, “Aviation security plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved in air travel. PolyU has teamed up with AVSECO to address the evolving security challenges in the aviation industry. We will work together to develop new technology for aviation security and work on joint research projects to enhance aviation security worldwide. This partnership will provide our engineering students with valuable knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and hands-on internship opportunities, preparing them for successful careers in the field. We believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial to the next generation of aviation security professionals.” Mr Jacob CHEUNG, Executive Director of AVSECO supplemented, “Hong Kong International Airport, like many airports around the world, not only fully appreciates the importance of technology, but also seeks to embrace all new technological innovations that can improve the traveller experience, drive operational efficiency and bolster the integrity of aviation security systems. Collaboration, coordination and knowledge exchanges between AVSECO and PolyU will undoubtedly foster development and innovation within the airport security sector. This strategic partnership offers the potential for significant advancement in the development of cutting-edge aviation security-related solutions and, through our joint efforts, I am confident that we can greatly enhance airport security for all stakeholders.” The agreement is expected to drive new and more significant engagement initiatives in the near-future, enabling both parties to further explore the opportunities for academic and application research exchanges for students, faculty members and staff. It will help foster a collaborative environment that will benefit both parties and promote academic excellence and foster industry growth.   About The Hong Kong Polytechnic University The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aspires to be an innovative world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, driven by its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”. The University provides the best holistic education to nurture socially responsible “leaders of tomorrow” who possess a strong sense of national identity and a global perspective, and pursues impactful innovation and interdisciplinary research to address the world’s most pressing challenges. A robust culture of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the University, ensuring PolyU’s technologies are transformed into practical real-world applications. The University’s unwavering commitment to excellence has earned it international recognition, with PolyU consistently ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide. Based on this solid foundation, the University will continue to make positive contributions in collaboration with its strategic partners for the betterment of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. About AVSECO Aviation Security Company Limited (AVSECO) has been a leading provider of aviation security services with a strong commitment to safeguarding the travelling public and civil aviation operations at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), providing aviation security and related services since its inception. Based at HKIA, AVSECO employs around 4,500 highly trained personnel who work to ensure that the airport and its facilities are secure. The company’s vision is to deliver world-class aviation security services in Hong Kong and also with the mission to maintain the highest standards of aviation security at the HKIA.   ***END***

PolyU welcomes 2024-25 Budget initiatives promoting research commercialisation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the new initiatives announced by the Financial Secretary in the Government’s 2024-25 Budget that support local universities in pursuing innovative research and translating research outcomes. The Frontier Technology Research Infrastructure Support Scheme, in particular, will facilitate PolyU to make further breakthroughs and technology transfer in the fields of life and health, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, microelectronics and other frontier areas. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU is pleased to learn that the Budget dedicates resources to support universities’ research and knowledge transfer activities, which will enable our University to attract outstanding research talent from around the world to conduct impactful research. Aspiring to be an innovative world-class university, PolyU is committed to promoting interdisciplinary research and has gained recognition for its excellence across various cutting-edge research domains. The University will continue to support the Government’s initiative to enrich the I&T talent pool, and work seamlessly with the Government, industry and various stakeholders to strengthen Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, contributing to the city’s development as an international innovation and technology hub and advancing national technological self-reliance.” PolyU is pleased that $6 billion will be used to provide subsidies for local universities to collaborate with Mainland and overseas organisations to set up life and health technology research institutes. PolyU was approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology to establish the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery which focuses on conducting world-class research in chemical biology and drug discovery. With research expertise spanning drug discovery, biomedicine, healthcare and more, PolyU has a robust research foundation to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths. AI is an important driver of technological and industrial transformation. The launch of a $3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme will boost PolyU’s strength in this domain. PolyU’s Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things focuses on four important application fields to pursue transformational and translational research, namely smart infrastructure and construction, smart connected health, smart connected vehicles and smart connected logistics. The University also continually advances its I&T curriculum, having introduced new MSc programmes in blockchain technology, AI and big data computing, microelectronics technology and materials, intelligent construction, metaverse technology and more to nurture talent that meet industrial needs. To support green development, multiple research institutes and centres of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research will continue to leverage their interdisciplinary research strengths in fields including smart cities, smart energy, sustainable urban development, carbon neutrality and resources engineering to drive innovation. The University has the largest number of projects approved by the Green Tech Fund, Environment and Conservation Fund and Smart Traffic Fund among the UGC-funded institutions, highlighting PolyU’s research capabilities in reducing carbon emissions and strengthening environmental protection in Hong Kong. The PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology provides strategic advice on promoting the development of carbon neutrality and has recently received support from the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit’s Public Policy Research Funding Scheme to assess and research promoting hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and electric vehicles in Hong Kong. To support the Government’s carbon neutrality goals, PolyU has set short-term (2028), medium-term (2033) and long-term (2045) decarbonisation goals. The University also utilises its campus as a testbed to pilot research translation and has established a Campus Carbon Neutrality Committee. PolyU will continue to pursue research excellence, accelerate technology transfer and commercialisation, promote closer industry-academia-research collaboration and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international talent hub, contributing to the betterment of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.   ***END***

PolyU launches Research Centre for Electric Vehicles advancing smart electric vehicle research to achieve carbon neutrality goals

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the “Launch Ceremony of Research Centre for Electric Vehicles cum Forum on Intelligent EV and Energy for Carbon Neutrality” on campus yesterday, in the presence of approximately 350 staff and students, together with leaders from government, innovation and technology, energy and academic sectors. The Research Centre for Electric Vehicles (RCEV) is led by its Director, Prof. C.C. CHAN, who is widely recognised as the “Father of Asian Electric Vehicles”, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Distinguished Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The Research Centre aims to develop a cutting-edge research platform to address energy and technical challenges presented by modern electric vehicles. Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR Government; and Mr Neil Bush, Founder and Chair of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations, delivered opening remarks. Together with Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Prof. C.C. CHAN, RCEV Director, they congratulated the University on the establishment of the Centre. Prof. Sun Dong said, “The establishment of this new university-level research centre marks a significant step forward in guiding Hong Kong’s future direction to attain zero vehicular emissions. By addressing the technical challenges associated with modern electric vehicles, RCEV will provide critical technological solutions that will drive the development and adoption of EVs in Hong Kong and beyond. I am fully confident that RCEV will provide great stimulation to the industry through technological breakthrough.” Mr Neil Bush said, “As an electric vehicle driver for five years and a supporter of environmental protection, I congratulate The Hong Kong Polytechnic University on the establishment of the Electric Vehicle Research Centre. Just as the automobile revolution is deepening, the establishment of this centre will have far-reaching impacts. Electric vehicles are not only a means of transportation, they will promote smart transportation, smart energy, smart networks, smart cities, and smart societies. Prof. C.C. Chan’s recent book on ‘The Integration of Energy, Transportation, Information, and Humanities – The Renaissance of Digital Technology’ was published by top publisher Elsevier and laid down the foundation of theory and practice for sustainable development.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated, “As a leading institution in research and innovation, PolyU has always been at the forefront of addressing societal challenges. The establishment of the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles serves to further our contribution to this important field. The work of the Research Centre will embrace electric vehicle technologies, intelligent transportation systems, and energy management.This holistic approach will result in enhanced energy efficiency, environmental benefits, and the creation of new business opportunities.” At the Launch Ceremony, Memorandums of Understanding were signed between the RCEV, and China Power International Development Limited and Wisdom Motor (HK) Limited respectively. These aim to initiate actions in line with the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint and Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, so as to contribute to the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone.   Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President (1st from right, back row); Prof. C.C. Chan, RCEV Director (2nd from right, back row), Mr Ye Shuiqiu, Deputy Director-General, Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (1st from left, back row); and Mr Chang FANG, Senior Manager, China Power International Development Limited (2nd from left, back row), an MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (right, front row) ; and Mr Weikang LIN, General Manager, China Power International Development Limited (left, front row).   Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President (centre, back row); Prof. C.C. Chan, RCEV Director (right, back row), Dr Yufeng WAN, Director of Wisdom Motor and Partner at Templewater (left, back row), an MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (right, front row); and Mr Felix XU, Chief Strategy Officer and Global Treasurer, Wisdom Motor (left, front row).   As well as Prof. C.C. Chan, a number of distinguished guests delivered keynote speeches at the Forum. They were Mr Peter Major, Chair of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development and Honorary Chairman of the World Digital Technology Academy; Prof. Yin-biao SHU, Immediate Past President of the International Electrotechnical Commission and President of Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering; Dr Gan SONG, Director of Advanced Technology R&D Department of BYD; Mr Joseph LAW, Managing Director of CLP Power Hong Kong; and Mr Eric PANG, Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, HKSAR Government. Prof. C.C. Chan emphasised that it is an opportune time to capitalise on the massive opportunities in electric vehicle research and education. The establishment of the RCEV is geared towards nurturing innovative electric vehicle talents to benefit the Greater Bay Area and the world, while enhancing collaborative efforts with enterprises in mainland China and Hong Kong. The Centre will focus on cutting-edge research on electric vehicles and the friendly interaction between electric vehicles, power grids and 5G networks. It is also set to develop a platform to foster industry-university-research collaboration, thereby catalysing the industrialisation of research outcomes that help achieve higher efficiency, security, reliability and intelligence in electric vehicle technologies. In his closing remarks at the Forum, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), mentioned that PolyU has been paying strong attention to carbon neutrality and is leading in securing Green Tech Fund and Environment and Conservation Fund among all local institutions. PReCIT is pleased to co-organise the event and join the forum. It has also recently secured a Public Policy Research Fund to study hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and electric vehicle related policies. PolyU would continue to strive for excellence in education, research and knowledge dissemination, thereby making significant contributions to the progress of the Nation, while also journeying toward a more sustainable future and achievement of the goal of carbon neutrality.   Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology concluded that PolyU will make continued contributions on the journey toward a more sustainable future and achievement of the goal of carbon neutrality.   ***END***

PolyU and OPTICAL 88 launch joint research project to promote smart clinics recruiting high-risk diabetic patients for new AI-enabled self-testing retinal fundus camera

It is estimated that in Hong Kong approximately 10% of individuals aged 35 to 64 suffer from diabetes, with 30% of them developing diabetic retinopathy (DR) and facing risk of blindness. This results in substantial demand for annual retinal examinations, creating a significant healthcare challenge. The current shortage of manpower in the public healthcare system and long waiting times are delaying timely and appropriate treatment. The “Smart primary healthcare and eyecare service: From data to algorithms and real-world solutions” project, funded by the Hong Kong Government’s Global STEM Professorship Scheme, has supported The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and OPTICAL 88 in a DR screening project for diabetic patients which aims to relieve the pressure on the public healthcare services’ primary eye care sector. Working on the project since March 2024, Prof. Mingguang HE, PolyU Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology of the School of Optometry, Global STEM Scholar under the Global STEM Professorship Scheme and Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health, has invented a low-cost, portable, self-testing retinal fundus camera with a custom artificial intelligence (AI) system to conduct DR screening for eligible personnel. Portable, self-testing retinal fundus camera proves high accuracy and efficiency The camera with custom AI and mechanical automation systems developed by Prof. He and his team have not only resolved the limitations of traditional retinal fundus camera equipment, but has also enabled small-scale and low-cost self-testing medical screening, revolutionising the primary eye care sector. Retinal and optic nerve diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy (commonly known as diabetic eye), age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity and others all have ocular manifestations in the retinal fundus. Retinal fundus photography can, therefore, assist in diagnosis. The team’s portable, self-testing retinal fundus camera with a custom AI system has a sizeable database of clinical and fundus image data that is connected to a cloud-based analysis system. Leveraging this extensive database, the team has developed a deep learning model that can automatically identify and analyse retinal fundus images, with a proven accuracy of 98.9% in detecting referrable DR. The application of this AI fundus photography technology in the primary eye care sector is expected to help resolve issues of high healthcare cost and shortage of manpower. Prof. He said, “The self-testing retinal fundus camera with custom AI system will not only improve the efficiency and accuracy of primary eye care, but will also promote self-testing amongst the Hong Kong public, with the hope that more organisations will be able to develop smart clinics, introducing such equipment at affordable prices and helping to relieve the burden on the public healthcare system.” Prof. He adds that the smart clinic research conducted in collaboration with OPTICAL 88 will facilitate the use of AI-backed, low-cost portable retinal fundus cameras for DR screening in the primary care system, improve accessibility to healthcare amongst the Hong Kong public and ensure more patients receive the timely diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases. Recruitment for the evaluation of the benefits of self-testing OPTICAL 88 is the first optical chain to employ the self-testing retinal fundus camera with custom AI and mechanical automation, with the systems installed in two of its retail shops. It is recruiting people aged 50 or above and diabetic patients aged 18 or above who have not had an eye examination in the past 12 months to participate in the AI Diabetic Eye Screening Research Project. Participants will be assessed and then undergo AI diabetic eye screening, alongside a consultation with OPTICAL 88’s optometrists. They are required to complete a questionnaire survey and conduct a telephone interview three months later. The study will evaluate the self-testing model; test the diagnostic accuracy of the system; determine screening rates and patient compliance; as well as assess the cost-effectiveness of the self-testing model in comparison with traditional methods by studying the perceptions, confidence, experience and satisfaction of primary healthcare providers (including general practitioners and optometrists), support staff and clinic managers. Mr Joshua S. Kanjanapas WONG, Director of OPTICAL 88, said, “The vision health of the Hong Kong public has always been a priority for OPTICAL 88. We have invested very considerable resources in educating the public on the importance of regular and comprehensive eye examinations. Many ocular diseases do not show symptoms at the early stages, meaning that the prime window for treatment may be missed by the time symptoms become apparent. OPTICAL 88 keeps abreast of the latest technological developments and frequently introduces appropriate healthcare products to offer professional and convenient services to the public, aiming to promote the advancement of optometry in Hong Kong.” “We are delighted to join hands with PolyU in the AI Diabetic Eye Screening Research Project. The Project’s objectives align perfectly with our company’s ethos, which is to offer efficient assessments of high-risk individuals for early detection and timely referrals so they can seek the professional help and treatment that they need. Meanwhile, the data collected from the Project will evaluate the benefits of AI technology in the primary eye care sector and facilitate the development of smart clinics, so as to foster the future development of ophthalmology,” Mr Wong added. For enquiry and application of the recruiting scheme, please email to aiclinic@polyu.edu.hk. ***END***