Media Releases

PolyU secures Strategic Public Policy Research Funding from the Government to drive cross-regional cooperation in GBA construction industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to conducting public policy research, leveraging its research strengths to benefit the community. The University has been granted funding from the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit’s Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) 2023/24, being the only institution receiving such support this year. Developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is a critical step in implementing the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”. Led by Prof. Geoffrey Q.P. SHEN, PolyU Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships) and Chair Professor of Construction Management of the Department of Building and Real Estate, the project “Policy Framework for Cross-Regional Cooperation Strategies in the Greater Bay Area’s Construction Industry” has received HK$3.96 million funding support from the SPPRFS 2023/24 for a period of 36 months. Focusing on development opportunities for the GBA under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the research examines three strategic areas - talent cooperation, project management cooperation and regulatory cooperation. It aims to provide effective guidance and identify appropriate strategies to enable government departments and the industry to promote high-quality cooperation within the construction industry across the GBA. In addition to this funding, in the two rounds of the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) 2023/24, PolyU secured funding for a total of eight projects encompassing different key areas such as cooperation with the Mainland, economic development, innovation and technology, environmental protection, education and youth development, political development and governance, and livelihood issues. PolyU projects funded in the latest round include: “Assessing the Adaptation of New Energy Vehicles in Hong Kong: The Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles and Electric Vehicles”, led by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology; “Policy Recommendations on Sustainable Logistics Development in Hong Kong under the Global ESG Trend and Initiatives”, led by Dr Yung Po TSANG, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; “Electrifying the Bus System in Hong Kong: Feasibility Analysis and System Optimization”, led by Dr ZHUGE Chengxiang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics; and “Relationship between Travel Behaviour and Built Environment Factors: Impacts on Mobility and Quality of Life of People with Physical Disabilities”, led by Dr Esther H.K. YUNG, Associate Professor of the Department of Building and Real Estate. SPPRFS and PPRFS are administered by the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit. Funded projects are expected to provide valuable insights into the Government’s policy-making process, with outcomes which can be effectively and practically translated into policy. SPPRFS aims to support longer-term public policy research on strategic themes and research areas identified by the Government, with a funding cap of HK$5 million for each project. PPRFS focuses on smaller-scale public policy research of shorter duration, with a funding cap of HK$1 million or below for each project.   ***END***

Five PolyU research granted RGC Research Impact Fund Leading local universities in number of funded projects

Five projects led by researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have received funding from the Research Grant Council (RGC) Research Impact Fund (RIF) 2023/24, leading the way among local universities in terms of the number of funded projects. The five projects have been granted total funding of HK$20.9 million. Embracing diverse research areas, the funding will support PolyU researchers in translating scientific findings into real-world applications and providing more impactful solutions to benefit society. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are pleased to have attained such encouraging results, which recognise our scientific research prowess. PolyU’s research excellence in the fields of microbiology, construction and environment, geoinformatics technology and intelligent wearable textiles will continue to make influential contributions to society. Furthermore, collaboration between academia and industry will leverage synergistic strengths and facilitate the translation of research into real-world applications.” The five funded projects are: “Development of Bacterial Pseudaminic Acid-based Vaccine to Combat Infections Caused by Multidrug Resistant Bacteria”, led by Prof. CHEN Sheng, Head and Chair Professor of Microbiology of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition; “Digital Twin-enabled Intelligent Assessment and Maintenance of Offshore Wind Turbine Structures in a Life-cycle Context”, led by Prof. ZHU Songye, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; “An AI-enabled Geospatial Platform for Smart Facility Management and Smart Mobility of People with Disabilities, led by Dr LIU Xintao, Associate Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics; “Durable Low-carbon Asphalt Pavement Built with Recycled Waste Polyolefin Plastics through Reactive Extrusion”, led by Prof. LENG Zhen, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and “Developing a New Generation of Pressure-controlled Wearable Soft Braces to Improve the Efficiency and Compliance in Treating Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”, led by Prof. YIP Yiu-wan Joanne, Associate Dean and Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles. The RIF encourages academics to harness the potential of their research to deliver benefits to the wider community, spurring impactful and translational research projects. The Fund also promotes collaboration between academia and government departments, the business sector, industry and research institutes. Successful projects are granted funding of up to HK$10 million per project for a three to five-year period. In total, 14 projects were supported by the RIF in the 2023/24 exercise. For further information of these PolyU funded projects, please refer to the appendix.   ***END***

PolyU holds 2024 New Year’s Day flag-raising ceremony

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held a flag-raising ceremony on campus to welcome the New Year. PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai, President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, Deputy Council Chairman Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, President Emeritus Prof. the Honourable POON Chung-kwong, Emeritus Professor (Structural Engineering) Prof. Jan-ming KO, together with Council and Court members, University senior management, University Fellows, Outstanding Alumni, members of the PolyU Foundation, distinguished guests, staff, students and alumni attended the ceremony, wishing the Nation and Hong Kong prosperity and stability. The ceremony was performed by the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team. Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “Over the past year, Hong Kong has advanced towards a new stage, moving from stability to prosperity, with the economy showing gradual recovery and society restoring its stability. We are also pleased to see the District Council Election concluded successfully, which strengthens the implementation of the ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ principle. In 2024, PolyU will harness its strengths in education, research and knowledge transfer, while rendering its full support to the HKSAR government in integrating itself into the overall development of the Nation and fully capitalising on our distinctive advantages of strong support from the Motherland and close connection to the world under the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, working hand in hand with our country to create a better future.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “With the aspiration to be an innovative world-class university, PolyU is committed to nurturing socially responsible talents who possess a strong sense of national identity and a global perspective, and to pursuing impactful research and innovation to address societal needs. As the new year begins, we will continue to strive for excellence, support the development of Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub, and contribute to the advancement of our Nation, as guided by our motto: ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’.”   ***END***

PolyU and HKPM host Stories of China Lecture by Palace Museum Director Dr Wang Xudong - “Dunhuang and the Palace Museum: The Fruits of Exchange and Mutual Learning among Cultures”

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) jointly organised the Stories of China Lecture on “Dunhuang and the Palace Museum: The Fruits of Exchange and Mutual Learning among Cultures” at the Jockey Club Auditorium, PolyU on 11 December. Dr WANG Xudong, Director of the Palace Museum, was invited to speak at the lecture and shed light on the protection and inheritance of Dunhuang and the Forbidden City. Approximately 600 guests, PolyU staff, students, alumni and members of the public joined the event to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. The lecture was attended by Ms Winnie TAM Wan-chi, Chairman of the HKPM Board; Prof. LEE Chack-fan, Vice Chairman of the HKPM Board; Dr Louis NG, Museum Director of the HKPM; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU. Joined by Prof. HAN Xiaorong, Head of the Department of Chinese History and Culture, PolyU as a moderator, Dr Wang also engaged in discussion with two PolyU postgraduate students on the continuity and dissemination of Chinese culture. In his lecture, Dr Wang discussed the formation, development and preservation of Dunhuang and the Palace Museum, and inspired the audience to embrace their cultural heritage with confidence. By fostering a more open-minded and inclusive appreciation of the outstanding achievements of human civilisation, it is hoped to cultivate a nation with strong cultural influence, safeguard humanity’s precious cultural heritage and strive towards building a community with a shared future for mankind. Dr Wang served consecutively as the Deputy Director, Executive Deputy Director and Director of the Dunhuang Academy. He is now a Party Member of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Director of the Palace Museum. Dr Wang’s work focuses primarily on the conservation of caves, ancient mural paintings and earthen sites, as well as research into monitoring and early warning systems and preventive conservation of cultural heritage. He has presided over sixty conservation projects at nationally protected key cultural heritage sites, published more than thirty academic papers and six monographs as primary author, and has been granted numerous titles and awards.   ***END***

PolyU Grand Concert 2023 successfully held: Bringing together esteemed artists to foster the inheritance of musical greatness

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held the PolyU Grand Concert 2023 last week at the Jockey Club Auditorium. The concert, themed “Echoes of Generations,” brought together esteemed musical legends and rising young talents to create a captivating musical journey that connected generations and fostered the inheritance of art and culture as well as musical greatness. The Grand Concert attracted full-house guests and members of the PolyU community, who came together to enjoy the enchanting power of music. This year’s Grand Concert was presented by the PolyU Artists’ Alliance, and the Concert programme was curated by the Alliance’s Convenor, Dr Liza WANG, a veteran performing artist and PolyU Fellow. The Concert was also directed by PolyU Artists’ Alliance member Mr LEUNG Kin-fung, a world-class musician and PolyU Fellow. Earlier this year, the University inaugurated the PolyU Artists’ Alliance, comprising renowned artists in different fields. Dr Liza Wang said, “We were very pleased to invite established maestros and up-and-coming young talents to perform with PolyU’s community. Through performances in music, dance and other art forms, we presented classic pieces that carried a series of historical and cultural memories, as well as pieces which incorporated modern elements. We aimed to integrate ancient and modern cultures from East and West, and connecting generations via diversified artistic performances and collaboration between artists and PolyU’s staff, students and alumni.” The Grand Concert featured an all-star lineup of distinguished artists delivering a variety of world-class performances spanning different genres and art forms. The performers included renowned tenor Dr Warren MOK; guzheng virtuoso Dr Lunlun ZOU, a PolyU Fellow; Steinway Artist Dr Vivian CHENG Wai; soprano Ms Bing Bing WANG; soprano Ms Louise KWONG; conductor of the PolyU Choir Mr Alex TAM; the Hong Kong Dance Company; current undergraduate student and pop-singer Miss Gigi YIM Ming-hay; and undergraduate student Mr Tony AU YEUNG. The Concert also featured talents from the PolyU community, PolyU Orchestra and PolyU Choir. The PolyU Grand Concert 2023 not only represented PolyU’s commitment to advancing art and culture but also fostered creativity and promoted an appreciation for art and culture among the next generation as well as in the wider community.     This year’s Grand Concert was presented by the PolyU Artists’ Alliance, and the Concert programme was curated by the Alliance’s Convenor, Dr Liza Wang, a veteran performing artist and PolyU Fellow.   The PolyU Grand Concert 2023 was directed by PolyU Artists’ Alliance member Mr Leung Kin-fung, a world-class musician and PolyU Fellow.   Mr Leung Kin-fung, who is also a renowned violinist, performed a violin solo from the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto Excerpt.   The renowned tenor Dr Warren Mok (right) and soprano Ms Bing Bing Wang (left) respectively performed the songs O Sole Mio and Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiss from Giuditta. They also performed a chorus of Brindisi from La Traviata.   Dr Lunlun Zou performed a guzheng solo from Singing the Night among Fishing Boat.   Steinway Artist Dr Vivian Cheng Wai (front) performed a piano solo from the Yellow River Piano Concerto, 3rd & 4th movements and Hungarian Dance No.1 Piano Duet with PolyU student Mr Tony Au Yeung (back).   Soprano Ms Louise Kwong performed O mio babbino caro (Oh my dear Papa) from Gianni Schicchi.   Conductor of the PolyU Choir Mr Alex Tam performed in the PolyU Grand Concert 2023.   The Hong Kong Dance Company, a PolyU Artists’ Alliance member, performed a Group Dance (Han Dynasty).   PolyU student and pop-singer Miss Gigi Yim Ming-hay sang three pop songs, including《大開眼界》, Only for Me and《今生今世》.   Conducted by Mr Leung Kin-fung, the PolyU Orchestra performed Selections from The Phantom of the Opera.   Conducted by Mr Alex Tam, the PolyU Choir sang The Song of PolyU and I Will Sing You the Stars.   ***END***

PolyU, CityU, CUHK and HKUST co-organise Hong Kong Partners Week to promote study in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), City University of Hong Kong (CityU), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recently welcomed representatives from 38 university partners to promote study in Hong Kong and strengthen bonds with overseas universities. The senior management and faculty members of the four universities greeted their global university partners from Australia, Austria, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, the UK, and the USA earlier this month, introducing them Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a destination for international exchange students, the city’s strengths and opportunities and the campuses’ world-class research and student facilities. This programme “Hong Kong Partners Week”, held from 5th to 8th December, also invited leading speakers from the industry to share Hong Kong’s latest development. The programme began with a talk by Mr Daniel CHAN, Head of Greater Bay Area (GBA) of HSBC, who spoke about Hong Kong’s development and positioning as part of the GBA’s and the city’s opportunities for international students. Mr Bernard CHAN, Chairman of M+ Museum, then shared Hong Kong’s development and opportunities in art and culture, while Dr Eden WOON, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, gave insight into the city’s business landscape and opportunities. In addition to university facilities, such as PolyU’s Pao Yue-kong Library, CUHK’s Art Museum and the School of Chinese Medicine; CityU’s Milk Product Counter and Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre; HKUST’s Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility and the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute; as well as various student residences, the overseas delegates also visited Hong Kong Science Park which is managed by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Albert WONG, and his team shared Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development and related opportunities for international students. They also visited Central, Tai Kwun, the Palace Museum and the West Kowloon District to learn about Hong Kong’s history and cultural heritage conservation, as well as art and culture development. The delegates found the programme fruitful and inspiring. A university partner from The Netherlands said, “It was great to return to Hong Kong for the first time since the pandemic. I am deeply appreciative of the invitation to attend the Hong Kong Partners Week. The comprehensive reintroduction to four of the top universities was exceptionally well-coordinated.” Another university representative from the UK said, “I feel I am well informed and more ready to promote Hong Kong to our students than before, and I really hope this will generate good mobility both ways!” Universities in Hong Kong have strong and extensive student exchange programmes which provide overseas learning opportunities for Hong Kong students. It also brings in international exchange students to study in Hong Kong, which significantly contributes to campus internationalisation. Through fostering close ties with overseas university partners, universities in Hong Kong continue to promote higher education in the city, reinforcing the exchange of students, and helping Hong Kong to develop into an international higher education hub. The list of participating university partners are: Australia: RMIT University The University of Melbourne The University of Sydney University of South Australia Austria: Vienna University of Economics and Business Canada: Queen’s University The University of British Columbia Ireland: Trinity College Dublin University College Dublin Italy: University of Bologna Spain: ESADE Business School Sweden: Lund University The Netherlands: Maastricht University Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Wageningen University and Research UK: Newcastle University The University of Liverpool The University of Manchester The University of Warwick University College London University of Bath University of Bristol University of East Anglia University of Exeter University of Leeds University of Southampton University of St Andrews USA: Clarkson University San Diego State University The Pennsylvania State University The University of Utah University of California, Davis University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Merced University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Notre Dame University of Southern California University of Wisconsin-Madison     The participants visit CityU.   The participants visit CUHK.   HKUST Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Prof. WANG Yang (first row, eighth right) welcomes the participants to visit HKUST.   Mr Daniel Chan, Head of Greater Bay Area (GBA) of HSBC   Mr Bernard Chan, Chairman of M+ Museum   Dr Eden Woon, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (right)   Mr Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP   The participants visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum.   ***END***

PolyU Seal of Love Foundation Building Naming Ceremony

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has recently renamed the Block BC building on campus as the “Seal of Love Foundation Building”. A Naming Ceremony was held on 8 December to honour the recognition and generous support of the Seal of Love Charitable Foundation (the Foundation) for PolyU’s education and research development. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, accompanied by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, presented mementos to Mr Lawrence CHAN, Chairman of Seal of Love Charitable Foundation Limited, Ms Dee Dee CHAN, Director of Seal of Love Charitable Foundation Limited, and members of the Chan family. Together with University senior management, they officiated at the plaque unveiling ceremony for the “Seal of Love Foundation Building”. Witnessing this important moment, the ceremony was also attended by friends of the Chan family. The Chan family’s long-standing ties with PolyU date back to the 1980s. Pioneering Hong Kong hotelier Mr CHAN Chak Fu was an early champion of the proposal to set up the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and made a donation to the then Hong Kong Polytechnic for a hospitality vocational training programme. In 2017, the family made a generous donation to SHTM to further develop the School’s excellence in the hospitality industry. In recognition of the contribution, the building that houses the School was named the Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Building. Now, the Seal of Love Charitable Foundation, founded by Mr Lawrence Chan, son of Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu, has shown its support again to PolyU by providing a donation of $45 million to establish the “Seal of Love Charitable Foundation Health and Service Impact Fund,” which has the aim of advancing PolyU’s research impact in health-related disciplines. The first project beneficiary will be a five-year mental health initiative called The Resilience Students Training Hub (“ReST Hub”). ReST Hub’s goal is to turn university campuses across Hong Kong and Asia into mental health promotive ecosystems through services, trainings, and community engagement events. Also a keen supporter of PolyU, Ms Dee Dee Chan, daughter of Mr Lawrence Chan and granddaughter of Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu, is currently a member of the University Council, as well as a Director of Hotel Icon Limited and a governing committee member of the PolyU Foundation. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng sincerely thanked the Foundation for their generosity and long-standing support to PolyU. He said, “We are honoured to receive this generous donation from the Foundation in support of PolyU’s education and research development for promoting mental wellness among students and youth, and the vision of transforming university campuses into mental health promoting ecosystems.” The “Seal of Love Foundation Building” is located adjacent to the University main entrance and the iconic long staircase. It not only preserves the memories of generations of staff and students, but also symbolises the close partnership between the Foundation and PolyU.   ***END***

HOYA Vision Care Offers HK$3.8M glasses and instrument to the School of Optometry at PolyU

A six-year follow-up clinical study published in 2022 on MiYOSMART, the myopia control spectacle lens co-developed by HOYA Vision Care and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has shown that the patented Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) technology is a simple, safe, effective and non-invasive way to slow the progression of short-sightedness in children. The myopia management effect among children aged 8-13 after cessation of MiYOSMART is also proven to be continuously sustained over time with no rebound effect. Following the success of the collaboration, HOYA Vision Care has, this year, provided HK$3.8 million of in-kind support to the School of Optometry at PolyU to fund a new research project entitled “Effectiveness of the Defocus Incorporated Spectacle Lenses on Fast Progressing Myope: A Randomised Control Trial”, with an aim of enhancing the myopia management solution and help children with rapid myopia progression. A New Study to Develop a More Effective Evidence-based Myopia Management Solution Prevalence of myopia in Asia prompted the aforementioned new study to closely examine children in Hong Kong aged between 4-12, whose cumulative myopia progression had drastically increased by more than -0.5/D in a year, or whose axial length had increased significantly by 0.27mm in a year. This kind of fast progressor is associated with greater risk of sight-threatening complications and poor quality of future vision, even when corrected. Timely treatment for this group of young patients is crucial, because myopia is best treated early to avoid vision complications in the long run. George KWAN, Managing Director of HOYA Lens Hong Kong Limited and HOYA Lens Taiwan Limited says, “Myopia has become a global concern. An estimated five billion people, that is half the global population, could be affected by myopia by 2050. HOYA Vision Care has always been committed to ensuring that evidence-based myopia treatment is available to meet the growing needs of the public, the younger generation in particular. Since its launch in 2018, the MiYOSMART spectacle lens has gained the trust of parents of over 2 million children across the world.” In the new two-year clinical study, HOYA Vision Care is offering about 700 pairs of glasses to participating children. “The children have to get a new pair of glasses about every six months during the two-year assessment. We hope our in-kind donation will encourage participation and strengthen the validity of the study, while helping more children in need,” Mr Kwan added. Dr Dennis TSE, Associate Professor of the School of Optometry at PolyU shared his view that, “Although, in Asia, myopia is most common among young children due to hereditary, lifestyle and environmental factors, prolonged reading, screen time, the lack of outdoor activities and insufficient lighting at work are also considered to be factors that contribute to the rapid progression of myopia.” Dr Tse also explained that, “The purpose of the current research is to examine the effectiveness and performance of Defocus Incorporated Spectacle lenses on controlling myopia progression in fast-progressing myopic children. We are grateful for the collaboration with HOYA Vision Care, especially for the in-kind donation of spectacle lenses and professional advice that are critical to the discovery of a more effective treatment for myopia.” Promoting axial length monitoring for myopia progression management The LENSTAR Myopia by HOYA and MiYOSMART spectacle lenses will be mutually complementary for the promotion of the accuracy of data collection in related research studies and efficient myopia management. LENSTAR Myopia by HOYA helps monitor and manage the results of myopia management cases through biometrics and analytical visualizations. Furthermore, its new Age-Match Myopia Control (AMMC) module provides the eye care professional with a tool which gives a clear treatment goal: keeping axial length growth at a physiological emmetropic rate. Axial length is found to be a key driver for the development of myopia and the measurement of axial length is an excellent way to predict the onset and progression of myopia. To encourage axial length monitoring, one set of LENSTAR Myopia has been donated to the School of Optometry of PolyU by HOYA Lens HK Limited. The set was also introduced to Hong Kong optical stores, enabling access to easy and fast axial length measurement to ensure the wider public's myopia progression is better predicted and controlled with tested and trusted solutions.   ***END***

PolyU hosts JHMUA Annual Meeting and Presidents’ Forum to foster dialogue on university development in Jiangsu, Hong Kong and Macao

Hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance (JHMUA) Annual Meeting and Presidents’ Forum was held yesterday on PolyU campus. The event brought together 130 education officials and senior management members from 38 member universities in Jiangsu, Hong Kong and Macao to discuss the development of the Alliance and collaboration in areas including talent development and research on innovative technologies. The distinguished guests in attendance at the meeting included: Ms LIU Jin, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges (Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs) of the Ministry of Education; Dr CHOI Yuk Lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Ms WU Cheng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the HKSAR; Mr LI Yongxian, Director of the University Office under the Education and Youth Affairs Department of the LOCPG in the Macao SAR; Mr TENG Sio Hong, Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR; and Prof. James TANG Tuck-hong, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee. In her opening remarks, Ms Liu Jin stated, “Tertiary institutions in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao can complement each other’s strengths and share resources. The Ministry of Education actively supports them in strengthening exchanges and reinforcing synergies among themselves. In recent years, a number of university alliances have been established. JHMUA should focus on the big picture and provide support for national and regional development. Each university should leverage its strengths to promote the development of high-level universities in Jiangsu, Hong Kong and Macao. Additionally, the Alliance should also provide a platform to facilitate exchanges between tertiary institutions, contribute to global governance and nurture the next generation in these three places.” PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG remarked, “Since its inception in 2021, JHMUA has played a pivotal role in bringing together its member institutions to leverage complementary strengths and foster cooperation. It has facilitated numerous exchanges and cooperation activities and established various professional alliances that have enabled member institutions to engage in initiatives across different professional fields. In recent years, with JHMUA serving as a platform, PolyU has enhanced its collaboration with various municipal governments in Jiangsu Province. Together, we have established the PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute, founded in collaboration with the Wuxi Municipal Government. In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Nanjing Municipal Government for the establishment of the PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute. These initiatives have not only driven innovation and technology development in the Yangtze River Delta but also fostered industry-academia-research collaborations between universities and local governments.” Mr JIANG Yong, Director-General of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, delivered a speech via video link at the meeting, while Prof. Haitian LU, PolyU Director of Mainland Development Office was the event moderator. During the meeting, Prof. Wang Yonggui, Deputy Director of the School Affairs Committee of Nanjing Normal University, summarised the past achievements of JHMUA and outlined future work plans with a view to deepening the integration of resources among member institutions and driving innovation and development. In the Presidents’ Forum session, Prof. TAN Zhemin, President of Nanjing University; Prof. Yonghua SONG, Rector of the University of Macau; and Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, each delivered a report. They shared best practices and their experiences in promoting regional cooperation and higher education development, as well as offering suggestions on how to confront the challenges of the evolving era by leveraging their unique strengths and taking into account the characteristics of Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. They also elaborated on their strategies and accomplishments in terms of talent development and scientific research. During the panel sessions, leaders from member institutions shared their insights into the opportunities and challenges facing higher education in the age of artificial intelligence and big data, as well as research and industrial-technological innovation in universities. The delegates also discussed various other issues including talent cultivation, education and teaching, research and innovation, and industry-academia cooperation with a view to inspiring the development of tertiary institutions in the new era. The event laid a solid foundation for JHMUA in its pursuit of new opportunities for advancement. Following the event, Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang Teng; alongside other members of the PolyU senior management team, welcomed over 200 esteemed guests to a dinner held at Hotel ICON. Distinguished attendees included Mrs Carrie LAM CHENG Yuet-ngor, former Chief Executive of the HKSAR; Prof. Tan Zhemin, President of Nanjing University; Mr LI Weihua, Vice Chairman of the Jiangsu Overseas Friendship Association; Mr SONG Lai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Youth Affairs of the LOCPG in the HKSAR, as well as representatives from member institutions. The JHMUA was jointly established by Nanjing University, PolyU and the University of Macau in December 2021. Upholding its mission of “Openness, Sharing, and Diversity”, the Alliance aspires to leverage the advantages of tertiary institutions in Jiangsu Province, Hong Kong and Macao to strengthen exchange and collaboration in areas including talent cultivation and research in innovation and technology. With the full support of the governments of the three regions, the JHMUA now consists of 38 member institutions, including 26 from Jiangsu Province, nine from Hong Kong and three from Macao.   ***END***

Smart Traffic Fund supports two PolyU projects on long-span bridge health monitoring and parking management

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has secured funding support for two innovative projects from the Smart Traffic Fund. Total funding of around HK$17.36 million has been granted for these projects which aim to enhance health monitoring of long-span bridges and optimise urban parking management respectively. Details of the two PolyU projects: Digital Twin-based Long-span Bridge Health Monitoring Led by Prof. Yong XIA, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the project has secured funding of approximately HK$13.4 million for a duration of 24 months. The project aims to develop a digital twin-based long-span bridge health monitoring platform. The Tsing Ma Bridge will serve as the testbed for this project, focusing on the development of an automatic traffic monitoring system, a bridge fatigue damage assessment and prediction system, a vehicle-barrier collision monitoring system and a vehicle safety assessment system in high winds. Sensors on the bridges, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, finite element analysis and Bridge Information Modelling will be integrated into the monitoring platform to enhance the efficiency of the road network and road space, as well as to improve driving safety. Blockchain-enabled Cyber Physical System for City-wide Parking Management Led by Dr Yung Po TSANG, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, the project has received funding support of approximately HK$3.95 million for a duration of 24 months. The project utilises Web 3.0 and blockchain technology to establish decentralised identity for drivers, enabling intelligent access control to car parks. Additionally, an AI-powered spatiotemporal clustering analysis system will be developed to evaluate the supply of and demand for parking spaces. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “PolyU researchers have been contributing to smart traffic development projects, receiving robust support for their ongoing endeavours. We are dedicated to accelerating our research efforts, aiming to improve road and infrastructure safety while enhancing traffic commuting efficiency within our communities. This funding support reaffirms our commitment to advancing technology and conducting innovative research for the betterment of society.” PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with a total of 17 projects receiving grants from the Smart Traffic Fund to-date. More information on other approved projects is available at https://stf.hkpc.org/list-of-approved-projects/   ***END***