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PolyU PReCIT submits 2024 Policy Address Recommendations; Focusing on four key themes for Hong Kong’s sustainable development

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has submitted its recommendations to the HKSAR government for the 2024 Policy Address. The recommendations cover four major themes: Carbon Neutral Cities, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Innovation and Technology (I&T) Development, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and Life and Health Technology. PolyU held an event today to introduce the recommendations and invited Legislative Council members the Hon Duncan CHIU and the Hon TANG Fei to share their insights. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said, “This is the third year that PolyU has submitted policy recommendations to the HKSAR government. Over the past two years, our suggestions have been highly valued and adopted by the government. This is not only an affirmation of our work but also encourages us to continue to make positive and proactive contributions to society.” Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, gave an overview of the recommendations and said, “Our recommendations are structured around four key themes. Each theme is carefully chosen to address both current challenges and future opportunities, ensuring that Hong Kong continues to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.” Prof. Eric CHUI, Co-Director of PReCIT and Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences, moderated the discussion session. He said, “By focusing on these critical areas, we aim to support the government’s efforts in fostering innovation, enhancing connectivity, and improving the quality of life for all residents.” Mr Kar-kan LING, Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) (left) and Prof. Daniel T. L. Shek, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) (right) are PReCIT’s core members. Prof. C.C. CHAN, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Distinguished Chair Professor of Electric Vehicles and Smart Energy, and Director of Research Centre for Electric Vehicles at PolyU, also contributed to the recommendations. Key recommendations include: 1. Implementing Comprehensive Carbon Auditing and Building Carbon Neutral Cities Hong Kong’s carbon emissions mainly come from the electricity generation sector, transportation, and waste. To achieve carbon neutrality, PReCIT recommends that the government implement comprehensive carbon auditing measures to accurately track greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all sectors of the economy and establish similar emissions reporting requirements for companies and organisations above a certain size threshold, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Hong Kong’s carbon footprint. The government can develop a centralised, publicly accessible platform to report and track Hong Kong’s GHG emissions data over time, to address the need for improved transparency. In addition, PReCIT encourages the government to support the development of new technologies, such as green hydrogen energy and waste-based biomass power generation, and to promote the construction of related infrastructure. The government can promote the development of green hydrogen energy by enterprises and research institutions through incentives such as tax incentives, research and development grants, and low-interest loans. 2. Strengthening I&T Collaboration in GBA; Developing a Smart Northern Metropolis The HKSAR government can formulate strategies to facilitate the integration of transitional housing residents into the community and provide community-oriented social services. The Northern Metropolis can take reference from Shenzhen’s experience in the low-altitude economy (LAE), establishing the San Tin Technopole as a central innovation hub to foster collaborations with the Shenzhen I&T Park and advance the construction of a GBA Smart City Cluster. Furthermore, Hong Kong needs to continue to refine its laws and regulations related to the LAE, establish an inter-departmental working unit for the efficient supervision of LAE development, and build R&D centres focusing on low-altitude transportation technologies to advance research in this area. At the same time, Hong Kong is recommended to establish a unified financial standards system, promote the application of a Global Legal Entity Identifier (LEI), and enhance the security and international competitiveness of financial transactions. 3. Promoting Belt and Road (B&R) Collaboration and Retaining Talent PReCIT recommends that the government considers allocating funds and/or creates platforms that are conducive to knowledge exchange, cooperative research, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) between B&R partners and experts from Hong Kong and the GBA. In addition, the government should assume a leading role in establishing a BRI government-industry-academia-research consortium. Other specific recommendations include: increasing the number of Belt and Road scholarships and encouraging graduates to work in Hong Kong; supporting Hong Kong institutions to set up joint student training centres overseas; striving to include Hong Kong in the China Scholarship Council Scholarship Programmes; deepening cooperation among universities in Hong Kong and the Mainland and encouraging joint training programmes; and expanding the “Strive and Rise Programme” from Hong Kong to Belt and Road countries to help address intergenerational poverty. 4. Enhancing Healthcare to Address an Ageing Population and Chronic Diseases Facing the challenges of an ageing population and chronic diseases, Hong Kong needs to strengthen primary healthcare. PReCIT suggests establishing a nutritionist registration system and subsidising community nutrition services. At the same time, it is recommended to establish a “Greater Bay Area Future Food Research Institute” to promote the sustainable development of the food industry. To incorporate traditional Chinese medicine into mainstream healthcare, it is necessary to strengthen its basic research and clinical applications and formulate relevant norms. It is recommended to leverage the advantages of local universities in research and education across various healthcare disciplines to accelerate the cultivation of high-quality talent in the healthcare field and expand Hong Kong’s medical talent pool. Additionally, it is recommended to strengthen exchanges and cooperation of clinical medical talent and medical industry technology innovation talent with the Mainland (especially the GBA) at multiple levels, including health departments, hospitals, and social organisations. In addition, in order to leverage new technologies to empower the “Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trials Institute”, PReCIT suggests combining big data and artificial intelligence technologies in the medical field, and developing telemedicine platforms to provide remote diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and patient monitoring. It is also recommended to integrate and anonymise relevant data to establish a medical research database, which is open for further analysis by universities and research institutions. Simultaneously, it is recommended to discuss with various stakeholders the establishment of a scientifically comprehensive full-process drug regulatory mechanism, and further improve the adequacy and efficiency of the drug approval and regulatory system. Promoting the cooperation of trial sites with the GBA and nationwide to build a regional clinical trial coordination platform is also suggested. These measures will also accelerate the clinical application of new drugs and devices, driving the development of Hong Kong as a regional pharmaceutical research and production base. Composed of academics from different disciplines and professions, PReCIT promotes interdisciplinary policy research and strives to become a leading I&T think tank in Hong Kong and the region. For the full text of the recommendation report, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/research/publications/   *** END ***

PolyU hosts Orientation Info Day 2024 to welcome around 1,900 freshmen

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted its annual Orientation Info Day today, ushering in the 2024/25 academic year with the theme “Navigate Your Future.” Organised by the Student Affairs Office, the event welcomed new students who will soon embark on their university journey at PolyU. This morning, around 1,900 freshmen attended the President’s Welcome address at the Jockey Club Auditorium, and watched the live stream at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub and at various other venues on campus. In his address, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU extended his warmest welcome to the freshmen and introduced the history of and talent development in PolyU. He remarked, “With the vision of being an innovative world-class university, PolyU aspires to nurture students into socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. We also strive to embed the spirit of innovation in everything we do at PolyU, hoping that our students will become leaders and drivers of innovation, and bring direct benefits to society.” In the sharing session that followed, Dr CAI Jin, recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement of the PolyU Faculty of Business and Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sing Tao News Corporation Limited, gave an engaging speech about his academic and personal development at PolyU, while current students talked about their campus life. The event also featured vibrant student dance as well as a musical performance by the PolyU Orchestra and PolyU Choir, celebrating the University’s vibrant and artistic environment. The Orientation Showcase, a vibrant hub of activity, was held at the Shaw Sports Complex throughout the day. Around 60 booths hosted by different academic departments, student societies and interest clubs provided freshmen with a comprehensive view of PolyU’s diverse range of co-curricular activities and support services. The Showcase allowed them to interact with staff and senior students, learn about holistic student development programmes offered by the University, and explore various opportunities for personal and professional growth. Prof. Teng showed his support by visiting the Showcase. He encouraged the freshmen to seize the opportunity to participate in different activities offered by the University and engage with peers from various backgrounds so as to broaden their horizons and unleash their potential.   ***END***

PolyU joins forces with Peking University Third Hospital to foster collaboration on physiotherapy

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this month, deepening their collaboration in the field of physiotherapy. The MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Prof. LI Rong, Vice President of PUTH and Director of the Reproductive Medicine Department. The MoU aims to establish a strategic partnership between PolyU and PUTH, focused on developing physiotherapy research, cultivating talent and building research platforms to enhance industry development and meet the growing global demand for healthcare. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “PolyU is committed to conducting world-leading research and innovation, while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to provide societal solutions. As a top-tier comprehensive hospital in China, with clinically orientation, PUTH promotes the innovative development of medical technologies through research and technology transfer. By joining hands, both parties will leverage their respective strengths to jointly advance physiotherapy treatment technologies, achieving mutual benefits and translating cutting-edge research into practical applications to create a positive impact globally.” Prof. Li Rong said, “PolyU's Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has a distinguished international reputation. This collaboration with PolyU marks a new chapter, whereby both parties will elevate the standard of education and research in physiotherapy, ultimately enhancing physiotherapy services for patients.” The collaboration will enhance regional medical technology capabilities and benefit more patients in need. Looking forward, PolyU and PUTH will deepen their cooperation in areas such as clinical treatment, technological innovation, and talent cultivation, striving to set new benchmarks in the field of physiotherapy services in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.   ***END***

PolyU inaugurates the Cross-strait Hong Kong and Macao Service-learning Student Conference

Chinese version only

PolyU researchers and academic-led startups seize prestigious awards at HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers and academic-led startup teams participated for the first time at the HICOOL 2024 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition, showcasing seven groundbreaking research projects that highlight the University’s exceptional capabilities in research and knowledge transfer. As the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong involved in multiple national space missions, the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” developed and manufactured by the PolyU research team was publicly exhibited outside Hong Kong for the first time. Meanwhile, other PolyU researchers presented innovations and inventions in quantum technology and biomedical engineering which received international recognition and garnered awards. In support of the Nation’s first lunar sample return mission, Chang’e 5, and the world’s first lunar far-side sampling for the Chang’e-6 lunar exploration mission, a PolyU research team, led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, and Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, developed and manufactured the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology. Designed by PolyU and manufactured in Hong Kong, the System includes two samplers for collecting loose and sticky forms of lunar regolith, two high temperature near-field cameras, as well as a primary packaging and sealing system for sealing the samples in a container. The System is a testament to the University’s significant contribution to the Nation’s efforts to establish leadership in space exploration and technology. The entrepreneurship project “Quantum Chip-based Key Distribution System”, led by Prof. LIU Ai-Qun, Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology and Global STEM Professor, was awarded a second prize along with a cash award of one million yuan. The System harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to provide users with an information-theoretically secure solution to key exchange, ensuring the long-term security of communication. By utilising advanced photonic chips, it achieves the miniaturisation and integration of quantum communication hardware, significantly reducing the cost of quantum communication equipment while enhancing the flexibility and broad application of quantum encryption. Scolioscan®, the world’s first radiation-free 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, was developed by a research team led by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering at PolyU and Co-founder of Telefield Medical Imaging Limited (under Aitrasound group). The innovation secured a third prize and a cash award of half a million yuan. Scolioscan® addresses the drawback of frequent X-ray exposure by offering a radiation-free and accurate spine evaluation that allows individuals to undergo frequent safe spine check-ups. This innovation allows doctors to continuously monitor the progression of scoliosis in their patients and develop personalised treatment plans. The System has successfully completed clinical trials and obtained medical device certification in mainland China, Europe, Australia and Thailand. It is currently in use in hospitals and clinics in more than 20 countries and regions, including Australia, Bosnia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Malaysia, Romania, mainland China and Hong Kong. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice-President (Research and Innovation) who led the delegation to participate in the Summit, stated, “Innovations from PolyU research and startup teams stand out among thousands of global competitors. Their achievements reaffirm the effective impact of the University’s PolyImpact philosophy. Through education, research, knowledge transfer and innovative inventions, the University is dedicated to translating research outcomes into impactful applications that deliver lasting and substantial benefits to society. We are committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness by nurturing research talent, enhancing the local I&T ecosystem and fostering the development of new quality productive forces, all aimed at developing Hong Kong into an international I&T hub.” Through the PolyVentures ecosystem, the University provides comprehensive entrepreneurial support to its academic- and student-led startups. Five PolyU academic-led startup teams were invited to take part in roadshows during the Summit to showcase their innovations to prospective investors. Scolioscan®: A Radiation-free 3D Ultrasound Scoliosis Assessment System (Prof. Zheng Yongping) K-Shape: The world’s first portable high-definition corneal topographer (Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of the School of Optometry, and Co-founder of GOOD Vision Technologies Company Limited/Wellsees Technologies Company Limited) Mutual Cognitive Human-Robot Collaborative Manufacturing System (Dr ZHENG Pai, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Co-founder of CobotAI Limited) Virtual MRI Contrast Enhancement System for Precise Tumour Detection and Treatment (Prof. CAI Jing, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, and Technical Advisor to MedVision Limited) Quantitative User Experience Evaluation for Spatial Computing: Enhance Delightful User Experiences in XR and Metaverse (Prof. Tommy Minchen WEI, Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, and Co-founder of Guardian Glow Limited) Furthermore, the research project on the extraction of a novel bioactive molecule, Oxyphylla A, for the treatment of mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease led by Prof. LEE Ming-yuen, Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Founder of AIM International Pharmaceutical Limited, was also showcased at the Summit. This year, the HICOOL 2024 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition was held in Beijing from 23 to 25 August. The event attracted over 500 I&T companies and more than a thousand investors from around the world. This year’s entrepreneurship competition received 7,406 project submissions from 124 countries and regions, with nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs vying for 200 winning spots. Outstanding projects were awarded first, second and third prizes, along with the prestigious Bole Prize. In addition to cash prizes, the winning teams will receive entrepreneurial guidance and support. The competition spans seven technology verticals, including Artificial Intelligence/Virtual Reality/Fintech, Medicine and Healthcare, New Generation Information Technology, High-end Equipment, and more.   ***END***

PolyU, Beijing Jiaotong University and MTR Academy sign a cooperation agreement to nurture railway professionals in Belt and Road Countries

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) and MTR Academy signed a cooperation agreement yesterday (26 August 2024) and announced the launch of the Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport, which aims to facilitate talent development as well as cooperation and exchange in technologies by combining the teaching resources and research capabilities of the two universities together with the practical experience of the railway operator to promote the railway development in Belt and Road countries. The inaugural Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport will be launched in October this year, offering the “Sustainable Rail Transport: Planning, Operations and New Technologies” training programme which targets about 30 senior executives, scholars, researchers and trainers who are engaged in railway development, planning, policy and operations, as well as future transport advocates who aspire to promote smart mobility initiatives and integrated transportation systems in Belt and Road countries and regions. The two-week training programme will be conducted in Beijing and Hong Kong, and will include lectures, workshops and discussion forums. Participants will also visit the facilities of railway operators in Beijing and Hong Kong to better understand the industry’s latest developments. The training programme will provide a platform for participants to exchange ideas on the application of emerging technologies and operations with a view to accelerating sustainable development in infrastructure, economics and people’s livelihoods in Belt and Road countries and regions. The parties target to launch at least one training programme annually under the three-year cooperation agreement. The signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement was held in Beijing, with the agreement being signed by Prof. HC MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, Prof. MENG Lingyun, Dean of the School of Traffic and Transportation of BJTU, and Dr Mark HO, Dean of MTR Academy.  Prof. HC Man said, “PolyU is committed to supporting the Belt and Road initiative for talent development in the field of engineering. We are pleased to enter into this tripartite partnership with the MTR Academy and Beijing Jiaotong University to organise the Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport. PolyU’s smart railway technology innovations, already deployed in various countries and regions, demonstrate our commitment to translating research outcomes into practical solutions. Through this programme, PolyU hopes to foster advanced exchanges and knowledge sharing and realise new collaboration opportunities with experts in Hong Kong and Belt and Road countries.” Prof. Meng Lingyun said, “Since the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing Jiaotong University has proactively served major strategic needs of the country, fully leveraging its strengths in transportation and promoting educational and research cooperation in the field of railway transportation. We sincerely hope that this Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme will provide an opportunity to work with PolyU and MTR Academy to build a high-level international exchange platform for sharing advanced railway technologies and valuable operational management experience.” Dr Mark Ho said, “Railways play an indispensable role in the sustainable development of urban planning. The Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme is the first to be jointly organised by a railway operator and universities. MTR Academy looks forward to this collaboration to provide a knowledge platform for the Belt and Road countries. Our sharing of MTR’s world-class experience in railway operation and management will enable the programme to blend theory and practice, thereby achieving the goal of fostering the sustainable development of mass transit systems and smart cities through regional exchanges.” Initially, the collaboration will focus primarily on training. The three parties will continue to explore other possibilities for long-term cooperation to promote exchanges in the field of railway transportation in support of the Belt and Road Initiative.   ***End***

PolyU collaborates with SF&OC to provide sports therapy and rehabilitation services to emerging athletes

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to leverage PolyU’s professional rehabilitation services and research excellence to support up-and-coming athletes from the four member associations of SF&OC: Handball Association of Hong Kong, China; The Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China; The Gymnastics Association of Hong Kong, China; and The Hong Kong, China Tennis Association. The collaboration aims to enhance athletes’ performance and reduce injury risks, helping them achieve better results in competitions. The signing was witnessed by Ms Candy NIP, Acting Commissioner for Sports of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; and Mr Timothy FOK, President of SF&OC. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr Edgar YANG, Honorary Secretary General of SF&OC signed the MOU on behalf of both parties. The ceremony was also attended by PolyU’s Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Prof. David SHUM; Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS), Prof. Marco PANG; Associate Head of RS, Prof. Amy FU; and SF&OC’s Honorary Deputy Secretary General, Mr WONG Po Kee; as well as representatives from the member associations and athletes. Dr Lam said that the Hong Kong, China delegation had made historic achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, winning two gold and two bronze medals and bringing honour to both Hong Kong and the Nation. He continued by noting that their success was not only due to the athletes’ perseverance and hard work, but also to the dedicated efforts of their support team. He said, “PolyU has consistently supported the promotion and implementation of the Government’s five sports development policy objectives. We sincerely thank SF&OC for their work over the years, providing athletes with an excellent environment within which they can develop, finally achieving great success in their sporting careers. We look forward to collaborating with SF&OC, leveraging PolyU’s expertise and research achievements in the field of rehabilitation therapy to offer better training and support for the athletes, helping them shine in international competitions and bring glory to Hong Kong and the Nation.” Mr Fok noted that, “As a university focusing on science, engineering and technology, PolyU gives full play to its advantages in sports science and sports therapy to provide athletes with sports technology, injury prevention and rehabilitation support, and help athletes overcome injuries to regain or even improve on their pre-injury level of performance.” He was grateful for PolyU’s keen support to athletes and those collaborating to foster a favourable environment for athletes, adding that he was looking forward to closer cooperation with PolyU in the future. Through the collaboration, a team of staff and students, led by Prof. Fu, will provide pre-season assessments, training support, rehabilitation therapy and on-site support to up-and-coming athletes from four national sports associations. It is expected that around 100 students from PolyU’s Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and Master of Science in Sports Physiotherapy, and the School of Professional Education and Executive Development of PolyU’s Professional Certificate in Advanced Practice in Sports Physiotherapy will participate in the first academic year. The team aims to use this collaborative model to conduct assessments to identify injury-prone areas, observe athletes’ training posture and analyse movements that may lead to injury, provide rehabilitation therapy for injured athletes and offer on-site support for competing athletes. This initiative is expected to enhance athletes’ performance and bring greater sporting glory to Hong Kong.   *** END ***

PolyU Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme 2024 held to inspire interest in research among high school students

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) places great emphasis on holistic education of young people and on providing them with enriching and diverse learning opportunities, aiming to nurture talents who can drive innovation in the society. To foster high school student interest in research, PolyU organised the fourth “Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme” (JRMP), enabling participants to engage in diverse research projects under the guidance of PolyU academics. A record 180 students from 58 local and international secondary schools were selected to participate in this year’s Programme, supported by 70 academics from various faculties, schools and departments at PolyU. Mentees from JRMP 2024 participated in 30 projects, covering topics related to various fields, including applied social sciences, design, fashion and textiles, hotel and tourism, language, nursing, rehabilitation sciences, as well as various engineering specialisations such as aeronautical engineering, biomedical engineering and building engineering. Over a four-month period, under the guidance of PolyU academic mentors, students gained practical experience in research design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Through hands-on learning, they developed the skills necessary for successful research endeavours. The programme also included visits to PolyU’s laboratories and classrooms, providing students with exposure to the university’s academic environment and diverse undergraduate offerings, preparing them for their future studies and careers. Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), said, “PolyU is committed to leveraging our top-notch academics to support the development of young research talents in Hong Kong. The JRMP is designed to expose secondary school students to research experiences, with the guidance of our esteemed academic staff. Some of them will even have the opportunity to present their research findings at international conferences and make a real impact. Our mentees from last year’s programme submitted their project to the American Association for Applied Linguistics Conference 2024, and presented their research at the conference in the Houston, Texas. It shows that this Programme has sparked a passion for research in students, and I look forward to welcoming them to PolyU, as our students, or even better, as future researchers, to drive impactful innovations for our future.” Prof. Ben Young (6th from left) joined the sharing session by the JRMP mentors and mentees.  Supervised by Dr Henry CHU, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, three students from Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College and Maryknoll Fathers’ School conducted the research project “Development of a self-driving robot for use in an indoor environment”. Students described their programme experience as “stimulating.” They shared, “As the use of automation and robotics technologies becomes more prevalent, these technologies are having a greater impact on our daily lives. In this project, we had the opportunity to learn how a self-driving car operates, from computer programming to the utilisation of sensors and lidar systems, and even covering the concept of artificial intelligence. This inspired our interest in engineering, and we are keen to study relevant disciplines at the university.” Under the guidance of Prof. YICK Kit Lun, Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) and Dr SHI Qiuqiong, Research Assistant Professor of the SFT, three students from St Paul’s Convent School and Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School learnt how to design sports bras in their research project “Activewear design in the digital age”. They said, “We are all interested in fashion design. This project covered practical design knowledge and introduced us to relevant technological trends. Most impressively, we had the opportunity to use the advanced 4D body scanner and motion capture system with ourselves as models. With these firsthand experiences, we gained a profound insight into the impact of technology on fashion design.” Two students from the YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College and Maryknoll Fathers’ School completed the research project “Exploring the attitudes and behaviours of elderly patrons towards self-service technologies in restaurants: A case study of elderly restaurant customers in Hong Kong” under the guidance of Dr Ada LO, Associate Professor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management. They said, “Our mentor’s guidance was invaluable throughout the project. We gained a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies by actively participating in various stages of the research process, including conducting a thorough literature review, in-depth interviews and data analysis. Our generation is accustomed to self-service technologies, so it is hard for us to imagine the challenges they bring to the elderly. After this experience, we have gained a deeper understanding of issues like social inclusion and how the hospitality and tourism industry can positively impact community well-being. We hope our findings can serve as a reference for the industry in enhancing the elderly’s experience using these technologies.” PolyU launched JRMP in 2021 to introduce high school students to diverse research areas and multidisciplinary knowledge, igniting their passion for inquiry. This initiative aims to nurture a new generation of local innovation and technology (I&T) talent, supporting Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub. Since its launch, the Programme has attracted 520 students from 108 local and international secondary schools, who completed a total of 144 research projects. Moving forward, JRMP will expand to welcome more secondary schools and students. Applications will open early next year, with the Programme scheduled to run from April to August. For this year’s programme website, photos and videos, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/prospective-students/undergraduate/local/junior-researcher-mentoring-programme/   ***End***

PolyU scientists harness quantum microprocessor chips for revolutionary molecular spectroscopy simulation

Quantum simulation enables scientists to simulate and study complex systems that are challenging or even impossible using classical computers across various fields, including financial modelling, cybersecurity, pharmaceutical discoveries, AI and machine learning. For instance, exploring molecular vibronic spectra is critical in understanding the molecular properties in molecular design and analysis. However, it remains a long-standing computationally difficult problem that cannot be efficiently solved using traditional super-computers. Researchers are diligently working on quantum computers and algorithms to simulate molecular vibronic spectra. However, they are limited to simple molecule structures, as they struggle with low accuracy and inherent noise. Engineering researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have successfully developed a quantum microprocessor chip for molecular spectroscopy simulation of actual large-structured and complex molecules, a world-first achievement. Capturing these quantum effects accurately requires meticulously developed simulations that account for quantum superposition and entanglement, which are computationally intensive to model classically. The research is published in Nature Communications, in a paper titled “Large-scale photonic network with squeezed vacuum states for molecular vibronic spectroscopy.” This cutting-edge technology paves the way to solving complicated quantum chemistry problems, including quantum computational applications which are beyond the capabilities of classical computers. The research team is led by Professor LIU Ai-Qun, a Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science and Director of the Institute for Quantum Technology (IQT), a Global STEM Scholar and Fellow of Singapore Academy Engineering, together with the main project driver, Dr ZHU Hui Hui, Postdoctoral Research Fellow of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the first author of the research paper. Other collaborators are from Nanyang Technological University, City University of Hong Kong, Beijing Institute of Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, the Institute of Microelectronics and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. Dr Zhu’s team have experimentally demonstrated a large-scale quantum microprocessor chip and introduced a nontrivial theoretical model employing a linear photonic network and squeezed vacuum quantum light sources to simulate molecular vibronic spectra. The 16-qubit quantum microprocessor chip is fabricated and integrated into a single chip. A complete system has been developed, including the hardware integration of optical–electrical–thermal packaging for the quantum photonic microprocessor chip and electrical control module, software development for device drivers, user interface and underlying quantum algorithms which are fully programmable. The quantum computer system developed provides a fundamental building block for further applications. The quantum microprocessor can be applied to solving complex tasks, such as simulating large protein structures or optimising molecular reactions with significantly improved speed and accuracy. Dr Zhu said, “Our approach could yield an early class of practical molecular simulations that operate beyond classical limits and hold promise for achieving quantum speed-ups in relevant quantum chemistry applications.” Quantum technologies are crucial in scientific fields, including material science, chemistry and condensed matter physics. As an attractive hardware platform, the quantum microprocessor chips present a promising technological alternative for quantum information processing. The research findings and the resulting integrated quantum microprocessor chip developed open significant new avenues for numerous practical applications. These applications include solving molecular docking problems and leveraging quantum machine learning techniques like graph classification. Professor Liu said, “Our research is inspired by the potential real-world impact of quantum simulation technologies. In the next phase of our work, we aim to scale up the microprocessor and tackle more intricate applications that could benefit society and industry.” The team has introduced a groundbreaking development in quantum technology, which can be considered “a game changer.” They have successfully tackled the highly challenging task of molecular spectroscope simulation using a quantum computing microprocessor. Their research marks a significant advancement in quantum technology and its potential quantum computing applications.   ***END***

PolyU and AquaBloom join forces to nurture sports technology talent and advance industry development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group Limited (ABSG) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the “Sports Technology Talent and Industry Development Centre”. The Centre aspires to cultivate top industry talents and accelerate sports research and industry development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through education programmes, academic exchanges and joint research projects. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Dr Rocky CHENG, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, the MoU was signed by Prof. Ming ZHANG, Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomechanics of PolyU and Mr Mike YANG, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABSG. This strategic partnership will leverage PolyU research strengths and ABSG industry experience to foster each other’s academic activities and education projects on sports technology. The Centre will connect PolyU researchers with local sports organisations to form an expert team comprising academics, researchers, sports professionals and industry practitioners. The team will engage in impactful interdisciplinary research and collaborate on projects eligible for local and national funding. In terms of talent development, leveraging its robust local and global networks, ABGS will also offer internship and career placements to students enrolled on the PolyU Master of Science programme in Sports Technology and Management, which will welcome its first intake in 2025. For the industry, the Centre will provide enterprises with professional services that encompass knowledge transfer, investment, business expansion, networking and technology empowerment. Additionally, it will also function as an incubator and accelerator to foster the development of the sports industry in the region. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “Leveraging its world-class academic and research capabilities, PolyU has produced numerous innovations and inventions and is committed to translating its research outcomes to create positive impact on society. We are delighted to join forces with ABSG to establish the Sports Technology Talent and Industry Development Centre. With our research capabilities and ABSG’s robust network, the Centre can promote advanced sports technology research and talent development through collaborations among industry, academia and research sectors. This will not only accelerate the development of the sports industry and enhance its overall competitiveness in the Greater Bay Area, but will also promote high-quality economic growth in the region.” Mr Mike Yang said, “As a globalised and leading SportsTech focused platform, ABSG is thrilled to partner with PolyU to establish the Sports Technology Talent and Industry Development Centre. By combining the distinctive strengths of both organisations, we are committed to delivering unparalleled value in talent development and to propelling industry growth. We are confident that this centre will not only be one of a kind within Hong Kong and the GBA, but will also offer sustainable social, academic, industrial and economic benefits to all stakeholders across the globe.” In the future, the Centre will explore opportunities for collaboration between PolyU-nurtured enterprises and ABSG’s key innovation projects. The synergy between the two organisations can propel talent development, innovation and knowledge transfer in sports technology.   ***END***