Media Releases

Three PolyU scholars awarded under national key programme and 52 young scientists honoured by NSFC

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received outstanding support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) for the year 2023. Three research projects have been awarded under the NSFC’s Key Programme, eight research projects under the General Programme, while two research projects led by young scholars have been bestowed the Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Hong Kong and Macau). Additionally, 50 researchers have been awarded the Young Scientists Fund. PolyU's young scientists and innovators have consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to innovation and the advancement of scientific research. The unprecedented number of awardees and research projects affirms PolyU's commitment to nurturing research talents. PolyU takes pride in its top-class researchers and will continue to contribute to the technological and societal development of Hong Kong and the Nation. The Key Programme award offered by the NSFC aims to support scientists engaged in research with a sound basis. The three awarded research projects are “Detection of underground water pipe leakage based on multi-temporal PollnSAR technology” led by Prof. Xiaoli DING, Chair Professor of Geomatics; “Flow boiling technology under extremely high-temperature environment: from fundamental mechanisms to vital materials” led by Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation); and “Low-carbon smart operation of integrated energy system considering multi-energy flow trading mechanism, interaction model and decision-making algorithm under complex time-space coupling environment” led by Prof. Zhao XU, Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The three research projects have received total funding support of RMB 6.18 million. These esteemed scientists from PolyU possess extensive research experience and profound academic expertise. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are delighted that PolyU researchers have been awarded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Our scientific research prowess has been acknowledged, and we take immense pride in this accomplishment. PolyU remains dedicated to fostering a new generation of scientific researchers, attaining impactful scientific research outcomes, and fostering the advancement of innovation and technology in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.” The Excellent Young Scientists Fund aims to support young scholars who have made significant achievements in fundamental research, enabling them to pursue innovative research and development. Each awardee will receive funding of RMB 2 million to support their scientific research projects in Hong Kong for a period of three years. PolyU’s scholars have been recognised by the NSFC for their cutting-edge research projects. The two awardees of the Excellent Young Scientist Fund (Hong Kong and Macau) are Dr Xinyan HUANG, Associate Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and Dr Kathy K. LENG, Assistant Professor of Department of Applied Physics. Dr Huang’s awarded research project is titled “Smouldering Wildfire.” The smouldering combustion of decomposed plant litter and organic soils is the largest combustion and fire phenomenon on Earth, resulting in tremendous economic losses, regional haze events and ecological damage. This multi-disciplinary research project, investigating combustion, safety, ecology and geology, aims to control and reduce mega-scale smouldering wildfires. The research project not only provides scientific guidelines to help reduce carbon emissions from smouldering wildfires but also helps reduce the hazards of wildfires in the Belt-and-Road countries, thereby promoting China as a leader in fighting against global climate change. Dr Leng’s awarded research project is titled “Molecularly Thin 2D Hybrid Perovskite and Innovative Devices.” Molecularly thin 2D hybrid perovskites are a new class of 2D materials characterised by high structural flexibility and interesting optoelectronic properties. The ability to tune the responses of such materials by external stimuli enables applications in intelligent and functional devices. They also serve as new platforms for fundamental physics studies. Dr Leng has published a series of original works in this frontier area, and she will continue her research on the large-scale growth and device applications of these materials. The outstanding scientific research capabilities of PolyU's young scientists have been highly recognised. A total of 50 young researchers of PolyU have been awarded the Young Scientists Fund which aims to inspire innovative thinking among young scholars to nurture research talent for scientific and technological advancement. These young PolyU researchers come from various faculties and schools including the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Construction and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, School of Fashion and Textiles, and School of Hotel and Tourism Management. They cover a wide range of research areas. Thirteen of the awarded research projects were initiated by the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU, which serves as an extended campus base of PolyU and is equipped with research units and laboratories.   ***END***  

PolyU researchers unveil liquid metal microelectrodes with soft, stretchable and permeable properties to be used for implantable bioelectronic devices

Electronic devices that can be attached to the skin or even implanted in the body will become more and more prevalent in near-future technology. Such “implantable bioelectronics” are envisaged as having a wide range of uses from medical technology to the emerging field of augmented reality, and a research team led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a type of microelectrode that is uniquely suited to devices of this kind. A pioneering study entitled “Wafer-patterned, permeable, and stretchable liquid metal microelectrodes for implantable bioelectronics with chronic biocompatibility”, was recently published in Science Advances. Compared with conventional electronics, materials used for wearable or implantable bio-electronic technology require specific properties that are difficult to bring together. They must be stretchable, soft and permeable enough to survive in the human body without causing discomfort or harm to the user. Meanwhile, like everyday household devices, bioelectronics still depend on electrodes that are highly electrically conductive and can be patterned into microscale circuitry. Led by Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, the interdisciplinary research team comprises members from PolyU’s School of Fashion and Textiles, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), as well as from City University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering. The team have overcome several technical limitations to advance the field of wearable technology and invented a method of producing unprecedentedly soft, stretchable and permeable electrodes for implantable bioelectronics. The key step in the fabrication process is the electrospinning of a fibrous polymer onto silver (Ag) micropatterns, resulting in an array of liquid metal microelectrodes (μLMEs) that can be patterned at ultrahigh density – up to 75,500 electrodes per square centimetre, thousands of times higher than previously achieved – and that have long-term biocompatibility. The μLMEs can be comfortably worn on human skin, while a specific application in animal brain monitoring has also been demonstrated. Previously, biocompatible electronics were fabricated on porous elastomers, but the porosity and roughness of these substrates limit the patterning resolution and hence the electrode density. By depositing electronic circuitry onto fibrous polymer substrates through the technique of photolithography, the team successfully overcame this obstacle, achieving μLMEs with tissue-like softness, high conductance under severe strain and long-term biocompatibility. A liquid metal alloy known as eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) was used as the conductive component of the μLMEs, as it has a low melting temperature and retains its conductivity under extreme strain, while being soft and highly biocompatible. The fabrication process involves depositing circuitry patterns comprising EGaIn onto an electrospun, a permeable “fibre mat” of the polymer poly (styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene). This created soft, stretchable electronics that can be comfortably worn and implanted. The concept of a super-elastic fibre mat was first developed by Prof. Zheng’s team in 2021, and is now adopted in the newly developed μLMEs to guarantee a complete photolithographic transfer of the electrode micropatterns from the Ag template, in contrast to the partial transfer achieved when using impermeable substrates. Apart from being soft, liquid-permeable and air-permeable, μLMEs are also highly stretchable, and their electrical resistance increases only slightly after repeated cycles of stretching and release under high strain. When attached to human skin, an electronic patch fabricated from μLMEs leaves only trace or even no residues after being subjected to pressure. This is a promising property for wearable electronics, for which there is expected to be a huge market with applications in physiological monitoring, medical diagnosis and interactive technology. Most notably, the softness and stretchability of the μLMEs also make them ideal for implantation at the neural interface for brain monitoring. The team synthesised an array of μLMEs with a small electrode diameter and high channel density to serve as an electrocorticography signal receiver in a rat brain. With similar mechanical properties to brain tissue, the μLMEs attached closely to the cortical surface and accurately recorded neural signals in vivo. When the sleeping rat sent out discernible brain waves typical of non-REM sleep, the μLME array reliably detected somatosensory evoked potentials in response to electrical stimuli applied to different parts of its body. As Associate Director of RI-IWEAR and Lead Investigator at RISE, Prof. Zheng stated, “Thanks to the combination of photolithography and soft, permeable SBS fibre mats, microelectrodes with unprecedented resolution and biocompatibility are realised. The technological advancement in medical and augmented reality fields can be pushed forward by these μLMEs, which overcome previous technical limitations to the fabrication of bioelectronics.” Receiving funding from the Research Grants Council’s Senior Research Fellow Scheme, PolyU, City University of Hong Kong, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and InnoHK, the research team intends to build on their accomplishments by increasing the patterning resolution of μLMEs. ***END***

PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially unveiled; First research institute established by PolyU beyond the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government held a signing cum unveiling ceremony on 2 September at which the jointly established PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute), based in Jinjiang, was officially inaugurated. This marks a significant achievement in promoting deeper cooperation between Fujian and Hong Kong, as well as a key step by both the University and the City towards creating a better future together. Over 200 guests attended the event, including Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Mr LIN Ruiliang, Vice Governor of Fujian Province; Mr ZHANG Yigong, Communist Party Secretary of Quanzhou City; Mr LIU Lianghui, Secretary of the Party Group of the Federation of Taiwan Compatriots of Fujian Province; Mr WU Weiping, Deputy Director of Fujian Provincial Education Bureau; Mr HUANG Shu, Deputy Director of Fujian Provincial Science and Technology Bureau; Mr ZHOU Xiaohua, Secretary General of Quanzhou Municipal Party Committee; Mr ZHANG Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang City; Mr SU Gengchong, Vice Mayor of Quanzhou Municipal People’s Government; Mr WANG Mingyuan, Mayor of Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government; together with representatives from PolyU, leaders from various levels in Quanzhou and Jinjiang, and representatives from leading local enterprises. As the first research institute established by PolyU beyond the Greater Bay Area, the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute serves to integrate various forms of collaboration including collaborative research, academic exchange, joint training and technology transfer. It will leverage innovative local and international resources, mainly focusing on textile technology, future food, microelectronics, and innovation and technology policy. The Research Institute aims to nurture outstanding engineers and high-quality innovative entrepreneurial talents who are technology application-oriented, and strives to become a hub of technology innovation and attract a cluster of emerging industries helping to shape the future and foster global connections. Dr Lam Tai-fai in his speech stated that technology and innovation are the key forces to drive the development of a society. Jinjiang is a city renowned for its famous Chinese brands and remarkable advancements in technology, economy, culture and art. As a world-class research university, PolyU will take Jinjiang as a starting point to support its technological innovation and strengthen technical cooperation in the areas of textiles, smart manufacturing, integrated circuits and sustainable technology. The University will also promote the transformation and application of technological achievement, contributing to the “Jinjiang Experience” of innovation and development in Jinjiang, Quanzhou and Fujian. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated that it was his first visit to Jinjiang and he had the opportunity to visit numerous enterprises, leaving him impressed by their “high quality and brand creation”, which are prominent features of Jinjiang's economic and social development. With a strength in basic research and innovation entrepreneurship, PolyU is dedicated not only to producing world-class scientific research, but also to making a positive impact on socio-economic development. Jinjiang's solid and robust industrial foundation provides an excellent platform for PolyU and he believes that the University can become a strong driving force in promoting the development of Jinjiang's science and technology industry, leading to mutual benefits. Mr Zhang Wenxian shared his view that education, technology and talent provide foundational and strategic support for building a modern socialist country, and are also crucial for the high-quality development of the private sector economy. He sincerely hopes that through the platform of the Research Institute the University and the City can deepen their collaboration in the integration of government, industry, academia and research. This will promote deep integration of innovation, industrial, financial and talent chains, and co-create a new paradigm of cooperation between Fujian Province and Hong Kong. The Jinjiang Municipal Party Committee and Government are committed to seizing this opportunity to collaborate, concentrate efforts, aggregate resources and integrate policies. They will join hands with PolyU to focus on industry and strive for innovation and for developing the “Jinjiang Experience”, with the PolyU spirit of “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind” shining brightly in Jinjiang’s new era. Apart from the signing and unveiling ceremony, key representatives from the Research Institute introduced research developments and work plans related to textile technology, future food, microelectronics, innovation and technology policy, to local government representatives, research institutions and enterprises. Officials from the Jinjiang Municipal People's Government visited PolyU for the first time after the resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland early this year. Since then, the two parties have maintained close contact and had frequent interactions, reaching consensus and establishing the Research Institute in six months, demonstrating their strong commitment and a high level of efficiency. PolyU hopes to deepen cooperation with local enterprises in Jinjiang through the Research Institute, promote research and help to transform core technologies, in time expanding from Jinjiang to Quanzhou and the entire province. The University also aims to strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration between Fujian and Hong Kong, build a new paradigm of cooperation between Fujian Province and Hong Kong, and cultivate innovative and entrepreneurial talents with advanced technological knowledge and global vision.   ***End***

PolyU Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme 2023 held to nurture high school students as research talents

The Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into a smart city and promoting the development of innovation and technology. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has always attached great importance to the holistic education of young people, aiming to nurture innovation and technology talents to cope with the rapid development of society. To stimulate senior secondary school students’ interest in research, PolyU has successfully organised the third “Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme” (JRMP). The number of students admitted and research projects completed both reached new records. A total of 136 high school students explored thematic research in different fields under the mentorship of approximately 80 scholars from different PolyU faculties/schools and departments. This year’s Programme presented 42 research topics covering a variety of subjects, including not only trending technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, but also rehabilitation sciences, biomedical engineering, hotel and tourism, nursing, languages, business, fashion and design, and various engineering specialisations. With mentorship from experienced PolyU academics, students gained hands-on experience in the process of research design, data collection and analysis, and results reporting over a period of four months. They also had the opportunity to visit PolyU's many laboratories and teaching facilities to deepen their understanding of research, as well as of the knowledge and skills required through closely interacting with the mentors of each project. Students were able to explore PolyU’s diverse undergraduate curriculum and broaden their academic horizons, thereby enabling them to better prepare for their future academic and career pursuits. PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Prof. Ben Young said, “ PolyU has been enhancing its teaching pedagogy, aiming to stimulate young people to reach their potential and develop innovative thinking through various programmes, thus equipping themselves to achieving their goals and embrace future challenges. Since the launch of the JRMP in 2021, 340 senior students from 83 local and international secondary schools have been admitted to the Programme and participated in over 110 research projects. The research results have been recognised by international academic institutions. Our mentees’ research outcomes had been presented at international academic conferences for three consecutive years, and some of them were awarded prizes. The overall achievement was remarkable and encouraging. We hope that under the guidance of PolyU academics, students who have participated in the Programme can further develop their interest in research at an early stage, gaining valuable experience and acquiring new skills through conducting research. By fostering knowledge exchange through cooperation with students from different schools, they may become part of the next generation of research talent. Under the guidance of Dr Xinyan HUANG, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and his team, a student from West Island School conducted a research project “Smart Firefighting with AI and Robots”, and successfully invented an AI robot that could autonomously look for a fire source and extinguish the fire. The student said, “This research successfully applied artificial intelligence and robotic technology to perform intelligent firefighting. It automated the process of locating the fire source and quenching the fire, thus securing firefighters’ safety. We hope the research outcome will inspire and be the reference for the development of similar products. I have been keen on AI and engineering-related subjects for a long time. Joining the JRMP has helped guide the direction of my future study and has broadened my horizons. I wish to keep exploring and have fun by doing research. ” Two students from Diocesan Girls' School and Christian and Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Secondary School conducted their research project “Development of a Metaverse Virtual Environment”. Under the guidance of Dr Yuk Ming TANG, Senior Teaching Fellow of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and his team, the students first tried to develop a game in the metaverse. They shared what they had gained in their foremost research, “The concept of the metaverse has been a hot topic in recent years and has great potential for development. Through conducting a literature review and research on the concept of metaverse, we have learnt the importance of logical thinking and analytical skills from PolyU mentors and the team. We attempted to put ideas into practice by using design and 3D painting skills to create an interactive metaverse environment. This accumulated valuable and unforgettable learning experiences for us, laying a foundation for future study and research.” PolyU strives to cultivate young people’s interest in research, nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators, so as to expand the talent pool in Hong Kong. In addition to encouraging secondary school students to gain different learning experiences through interdisciplinary learning activities, full-time undergraduate students studying at PolyU also have the opportunity to receive funding and conduct research projects under the supervision of PolyU scholars. PolyU will continue its efforts by organising the “Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme 2024” and inviting more schools and students to participate. Applications will commence early next year and the Programme is expected to run from April to August. Programme website, photos and videos: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/prospective-students/undergraduate/local/junior-researcher-mentoring-programme/   ***End***

PolyU publishes Policy Paper on University-Industry Collaboration for Chinese Medicine Innovation in the Greater Bay Area

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have co-authored the Policy Paper on University-Industry Collaboration for Chinese Medicine (CM) Innovation in the Greater Bay Area. The paper outlines recommendations to policymakers for capitalising on the opportunities arising from the dynamic consumer market and talent pool in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) with the aim of fostering the development and innovation in the traditional Chinese Medicine (CM) industry. The key recommendations are: 1. Enhancing Hong Kong’s CM Research and Development Ecosystem Fragmented and limited funding mechanisms for the CM industry remain barriers to developing traditional CM to its full potential. The HKSAR Government is advised to create a supportive and robust environment for the development of the CM ecosystem by expanding the funding scope of the Chinese Medicine Development Fund, and encouraging academia-industry and interdisciplinary collaboration in CM. The establishment of a research platform fund for industry-oriented R&D projects would be conducive to more effective and widespread application of complementary and integrative CM-related healthcare solutions. The establishment of a central research platform, comprising an Evidence-based Chinese Medicine Research Centre in partnership with the Schools of Chinese Medicine in three local universities as well as CM hospitals nationwide, and an International Dietary Supplement and Botanical Drug Research Centre, is encouraged in order to promote mental and physical wellness and validation of CM's efficacy and safety. 2. Promoting the Internationalisation of CM To facilitate the export of the high-quality Lingnan CM brand to international markets, it is recommended to accelerate the approval and mutual certification mechanisms of Chinese proprietary medicine among GBA cities, incentivise cross-boundary collaborations for research and development, streamline evaluation processes and align CM standards with international norms via their progressive integration into the global regulatory framework. 3. Commercialisation and Innovation of CM Health Maintenance Products To bridge the needs of different sectors leveraging technology advancement, the HKSAR Government is encouraged to establish a three-way trading and cross-border cooperative blockchain platform for electronic contracting, circulation and traceability procedures in CM projects. Greater effort in branding and promoting CM-based Health Maintenance Products and functional food is suggested to capture rising demand from the aging population. 4. Constructing a Bio-digital Product Innovation Hub The HKSAR Government is urged to support the adoption of new technology, such as sensors, the internet-of-things and artificial intelligence in CM diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, in order to address an anticipated clinical staff shortage and future therapeutic demands. Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost noted that, “Talents are the key to innovation. The Government is advised to provide financial support for the collaborative training programmes organised by tertiary institutions in the GBA and CM hospitals in Hong Kong and Mainland China, so as to nurture skilled CM talents who are ready for the opportunities emerging from the development of the GBA.” Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT said, “With concerted effort from industry-academia collaboration and supportive government policies, Hong Kong has a distinct advantage in becoming the bridgehead for CM in the international arena. Leveraging our strength in interdisciplinary research, PolyU is dedicated to contributing to the research and application of CM treatment and practices.” The full report is available at: https://polyu.me/3P2x0X7   ***END***

PolyU-nurtured startups listed on Forbes Asia 100 To Watch 2023

Three startups nurtured by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) - Eieling Medical Limited, Fleming MedLab Limited and Telefield Medical Imaging Limited - have been listed in the newly-released Forbes Asia 100 To Watch 2023. This year’s Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list spotlights small companies and startups that are targeting underserved markets or applying new technologies. Thirteen countries and regions are represented across 11 categories, including biotechnology and healthcare, e-commerce and retail, and finance. The PolyU-nurtured companies are among 15 startups from Hong Kong. Both Eieling Medical and Telefield Medical Imaging were co-founded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing at PolyU. Established in 2018, Eieling is a technology development company in advanced medical ultrasound imaging devices. Prof. Zheng and his PolyU research team combined transient elastography diagnostic technology with a real-time ultrasound image guided system to develop a solution called Liverscan® for liver fibrosis assessment. Liverscan® is a low-cost, palm-sized, and wireless device, allowing medical staff to perform liver checkups on patients anytime, anywhere. Eieling has been supported by the Incu-Bio Programme of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and the PolyU Tech Launchpad Fund, as well as secured funding from an industrial partner and several private investors. Clinical trials are now being conducted on the device in several major hospitals in Mainland China and Hong Kong, with a plan for local release this year, registration in Mainland China in 2024 and the United States in 2025, and a full-scale worldwide launch in 2026. Prof. Zheng said, “I have been working in the area of ultrasound for over 30 years, and the innovations in medical ultrasound have the potential to benefit many people in need. I have tried different ways to do technology transfer, including consultancy projects, patent licensing, and collaborative research. I have decided to further engage in technology transfer to enable our university inventions to generate a greater impact and provide more opportunities to my team members through startups. While the process is challenging, we can have better control over the initial development of the product and gain a better understanding of what the real world actually needs, which will guide us in planning for future research and development. I am very happy that our approach fits very well with PolyU’s strategic mission to be an innovative world-class university. Meanwhile, I learned that a start-up needs a CEO with professional experience to operate it when it enters a certain stage, and it is important for further growth.” Founded in 2012, Telefield is a leading global provider of 3D ultrasound imaging technology, equipment and solutions. Prof. Zheng and his PolyU research team have developed a safer and more cost-effective scoliosis assessment system, applying 3D ultrasound imaging technology to generate a radiography-like image of the spine. This breakthrough in assessing spinal deformity, especially in adolescents, is behind the pioneering medical system Scolioscan®. With more than 120 filed or granted patents, Scolioscan® can measure spinal curvature as accurately as X-ray. As the world’s first and only ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, Scolioscan® is currently in use in hospitals and clinics in countries and regions including Australia, Bosnia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Thailand, Romania, Malaysia, Thailand, Mainland China, Macao and Hong Kong, and has helped reduce harmful exposure to radiation for more than 20,000 scoliosis patients worldwide. Telefield has so far secured more than HK$100 million in funding for this innovative project. In April 2023, Telefield achieved the Pre-A round financing totalling nearly HK$40 million, with investors including Fosun Pharma, AEF Greater Bay Area Fund (managed by Gobi GBA), PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund and other industry investors. Fleming MedLab is an academic-led startup co-founded by Dr Kelvin HEUNG Ho-lam, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Building and Real Estate at PolyU, who was a Bronze medallist at this year’s International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva and an awardee of the PolyU Young Innovative Research Award 2023. The company is a biomedical robotics startup specialising in stroke rehabilitation and gait training. Dr Heung’s startup focuses on developing a lightweight, wearable and easy-to-use medical-grade rehabilitation robotic exoskeleton. The system is designed to detect the movement intent of users and provide adaptive assistive force to empower joint movement. Regular use during rehabilitation training can aid in the reorganisation of the brain cortex and recovery of mobility. In order to help accelerate development, Fleming MedLab has secured funding from the PolyU Micro Fund scheme. Dr Heung said, “Suffering from a stroke is potentially life-changing, and our invention aims to assist patients in their recovery and help them regain mobility. With support from PolyU, we can concentrate fully on embracing our entrepreneurial endeavour and translating our research outcomes into real-world impacts.” As an innovative world-class university driven by its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”, PolyU is committed to creating societal impact by advancing knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship. The University has been providing staunch support to students, alumni and faculty members, to enable them to pursue interdisciplinary research in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges and nurture impactful innovation, as well as translate PolyU’s research excellence into practical real-world applications. To date, PolyU has nurtured more than 480 startups, including over 60 academic-led initiatives, four unicorns and quite a number of ponies.   ***END***

PolyU welcomes freshmen by hosting PolyU Orientation Info Day

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the PolyU Orientation Info Day yesterday to welcome freshmen to the PolyU family. The event was organised by the Student Affairs Office, with the theme of “Navigate Your Future”. About 1,300 freshmen attended the President’s Welcome address at the Jockey Club Auditorium or watched the live stream at the Global Student Hub and nearby Lecture Theatre on campus in the morning. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, extended his warmest welcome to the new students and said “PolyU will make every effort to provide students with a holistic education that is not only of a world-class standard but also unlocks your potential in many unique ways. We hope that our students will become the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive and significant contribution to Hong Kong, our Nation and the world.” An inspiring sharing session was delivered by Mr James O Hing-pong, recipient of the 2022 Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing and Advertising of GoGoX, and current students. In addition, new students were treated to a student dance performance and music performance by the PolyU Orchestra and Choir. To help new students become more familiar with PolyU, an Orientation Showcase was arranged in the afternoon and displayed around 60 booths hosted by different administrative units, student societies and interest clubs of PolyU. Around 3,600 students were attracted to explore an array of co-curricular activities and services at PolyU. Prof. Teng showed his support by visiting the booths, encouraging freshmen to actively engage with people from various backgrounds and participate in campus activities in order to broaden their horizons.   ***End***

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.   ***END***

PolyU launches Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Sciences recognising outstanding scholars in the field

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce the launch of the Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Sciences (“the Prize”) which aims to recognise the study of language sciences and honour those who have made distinguished contributions to the field. The Prize is named in honour of the late Prof. Yuen Ren CHAO who is widely regarded as the father of modern Chinese language studies. Prof. Chao’s legacy as a distinguished linguist, poet, composer, translator and educator has left an indelible mark on scholars in China, Asia and around the world. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and the University senior management, joined by Prof. LI Ping, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. William Shi-Yuan WANG, Chair Professor of Language and Cognitive Sciences as well as distinguished guests including Dr Louis NG Chi-wa, Director of Hong Kong Palace Museum; Prof. Ovid Jyh-Lang TZENG, Academician of Academic Sinica; Dr Warren MOK, Artistic Director of Opera Hong Kong and renowned tenor; Ms Bing Bing WANG, renowned soprano; and Prof. XU Jie, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Macau, officiated at the Launch Ceremony. The Ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, followed by a remembering of Prof. Yuen Ren Chao by Prof. William Wang, a sharing of Prof. Chao’s academic influences by Prof. Ovid Tzeng and other distinguished academics, and an insightful talk on Prof. Chao’s academic achievements and contributions by Dr Louis Ng. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU and the Faculty of Humanities are honoured to uphold and further advance the legacy of Prof. Yuen Ren Chao. The Faculty pursues excellence in education and research by adopting a multidisciplinary approach that draws upon language, history, culture, communication and technology. It aims to become a leading hub connecting world-class linguists and language scientists around the globe to advance knowledge for the benefit of society. We are confident that the Prize will serve as a crucial catalyst in fostering greater linguistic and cultural understanding in the years to come.” Dr Louis Ng described Prof. Yuen Ren Chao as a scholar whose knowledge traversed times, cultures and disciplines. He said, “Prof. Chao’s scientific knowledge enabled his use of scientific methods and means, while his musical knowledge inspired his countless linguistic studies. The cross-disciplinary combination of science, language and art prompted him to open a new world for modern Chinese linguistics research.” The programme also included captivating singing performances of How Can I Help But Think Of You and The Sea Rhyme, both composed by Prof. Chao, by renowned artists Dr Warren Mok and Ms Bing Bing Wang. Additionally, a meaningful moment was captured through the recitation of one of Prof. Chao’s essays, Lion-Eating Poet in the Stone Den, by two PolyU students, symbolising the continuation of his language sciences legacy. A book exhibition also paid tribute to Prof. Chao’s remarkable contribution to language sciences. Prof. Ovid Tzeng and distinguished academics including Prof. CHEN Zhongmin of Fudan University, Prof. LI Jen-Kuei of Academia Sinica, Prof. SHI Feng of Nankai University, Dr Peter ZHOU of University of California, Berkeley and Dr CHEUNG Kwan-hin, Former Head of PolyU’s Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies also shared their thoughts on Prof. Chao’s influence on their own academic and personal pursuits via video. During the ceremony, Prof. Li Ping introduced the background of the Prize and announced nomination details and the selection process. Two awards, namely the Lifetime Achievement Award and Early Career Contribution Award, will be presented biennially, starting from 2024, to senior and junior scholars who have made distinguished contributions to research and education in language sciences respectively. A committee composed of world-renowned experts will select the candidates for the awards. The awardees will be featured as presenters of a distinguished lecture hosted by the Faculty of Humanities, along with the conferment of the Prize and cash awards. Nomination starts on 1 September 2023. The host of the Prize, the PolyU Faculty of Humanities, is emerging as a leader in tertiary education in Asia Pacific and the world in the field of language sciences. Capitalising on its strengths in areas such as speech therapy, health communication and language neuroscience, the Faculty is poised to become a hub of language sciences research to create and advance knowledge for the benefit of mankind. The Prize exemplifies PolyU’s commitment to advancing humanities studies and education, and will inspire new generations of students and scholars to innovate in language science research. For more information about the Prize, please visit the official website www.polyu.edu.hk/fh/chao-prize or send enquiries to chao.prize@polyu.edu.hk.   ***END***

PolyU receives staunch support from HKATG to advance satellite technologies for navigation and communication

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group (HKATG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding last month to explore opportunities for collaboration in satellite navigation and communication, satellite remote sensing, payload development and strengthening exchanges among industry, academia and research sectors. Under this collaborative framework, and to promote the development of advanced concepts and technologies such as smart cities and urban air mobility, HKATG will provide PolyU with conventional optical remote sensing and synthetic aperture radar observation data in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. It will also provide low-Earth orbit satellite payload space, payload testing, and low-Earth orbit satellite measurement and control services for research and education purposes. In addition, HKATG has generously donated to PolyU the naming rights of a multispectral optical remote sensing satellite, which is expected to launch in 2024. The total estimated value of this in-kind donation is HK$20 million (including data and equipment). To express its sincere gratitude for HKATG’s generous support, PolyU held an appreciation ceremony yesterday (23 August), attended by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement); Dr Daniel YIP, Non-executive Director, HKATG; Dr Michael HU, Vice President and Technology Strategy Director, HKATG; and interdisciplinary experts from PolyU’s Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics and Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering. These experts specialise in areas relating to satellite applications, control, analysis of remote sensing data, big data and artificial intelligence analysis. Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President said, “As the only university in Hong Kong that has taken part in the Nation’s space missions, PolyU has extensive experience in technological research and development in aerospace technology and satellite navigation. Today’s Ceremony demonstrates the robust partnership between PolyU and HKATG, driven by our shared commitment to making a positive impact on society. HKATG’s generosity will undoubtedly empower our faculty members to further strive for excellence in education and research, nurture future aerospace-related professionals, address societal needs through research innovation, and contribute to the Nation.” Dr Daniel Yip said, “HKATG is pleased to partner with PolyU. Our collaboration will help nurture future talent for the development of new industries and the advancement of aerospace technology in Hong Kong. The Group looks forward to long-standing cooperation with PolyU. Leveraging the University’s extensive pool of research experts and training resources, we will continue to strengthen the talent supply chain and improve product design and quality. This will help power the transformation and upgrading of Hong Kong’s future industries.” To promote the development of smart cities, PolyU has been committed to remote sensing-related research for many years. High-resolution optical satellites can assist remote sensing research projects related to multispectral features including carbon neutrality research, tree health monitoring, land cover classification, marine water quality monitoring and research on urban surface characteristics. The multispectral optical satellite, expected to be launched next year, will be able to provide more frequent and higher resolution satellite data, promoting research and environment-related applications. PolyU researchers will explore using the Golden Bauhinia Constellation low-orbit satellites to enhance navigation services and carry developed navigation payloads in future low-orbit satellites.   ***END***