News

PolyU scholars discuss the latest developments in AI, demonstrating the University’s leadership in AI education and research

(11 March 2025) The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today hosted its inaugural Public Forum for Research and Innovation. Titled “DeepSeek and Beyond”, the keynote speech was delivered by Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the PolyU Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences and Professor of the Department of Computing, who highlighted the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI). The event attracted over a thousand participants, including faculty members, students, alumni, and leaders from the innovation and technology sector, as well as academics and the public. Additionally, over 390,000 viewers tuned in through the live streaming platforms. The Forum began with a welcoming speech delivered by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science of the PolyU Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering. This was followed by Prof. ZHANG Chenqi, Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence of the PolyU Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Director of the PolyU Shenzhen Research Institute introducing the speaker. Prof. Zhang said, “The development of large models is at the core of competition in the AI wave. DeepSeek has demonstrated that high-performance AI models can be achieved using fewer and less advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), demonstrating that cutting-edge AI technology can be realised through the optimisation of algorithms.” The large AI model developed by the mainland Chinese startup DeepSeek has garnered wide acclaim around the world for its low-cost, high-performance, and open-source framework, disrupting the traditional “computing power-first” logic of AI model training. At the Forum, Prof. Yang highlighted the potential of generative AI (GenAI), adding that it presents abundant opportunities for various sectors, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, media and fashion, and for applications in medical imaging analysis, fraud detection, predictive maintenance, retail inventory management, content creation, and design and marketing. Prof. Yang also recounted the evolution of AI and shared her professional milestones with the audience, notably the development of the M6 large model, which trained a 10-trillion-parameters model using just 512 GPUs. Prof. Yang further elaborated on how her GenAI project, Co-GenAI, improves the accessibility of AI technology while minimising dependence on large-scale centralised computing resources, thereby transforming the trajectory of AI progress. This ground-breaking effort has positioned Hong Kong and the Mainland at the forefront of global advancement in GenAI. Moderated by Prof. Zhang Chenqi, a panel discussion was also held, featuring esteemed panellists Prof. Yang Hongxia and Prof. LI Qing, Head and Chair Professor of Data Science of the PolyU Department of Computing, and Co-Director of the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism. The scholars discussed the opportunities and challenges that advancements in AI present for higher education and research. They also engaged in fruitful discussion with participants during the question-and-answer session. The topics included the application of AI in industry, the regulation of information, its impact on the employment environment and economic development, and the integration of AI technologies. PolyU is committed to advancing AI education and research. In January 2025, the University established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences with a vision to lead global advancements in digital transformation and AI through distinguished education, research, and knowledge transfer.

PAIR Research Impact Video Series | Episode 3 | Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction: Transforming greenhouse gas into raw material for plastics

The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) is excited to present the third episode of the PAIR Research ImpactVideo Series. The Series invites PAIR researchers to share their latest research achievements and solutions to major challenges in the society. The third episode titled “Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction: Transforming greenhouse gas into raw material for plastics” features Prof. Daniel LAU, Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute (PRI), Member of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Head of Department of Applied Physics and Chair Professor of Nanomaterials. In the episode, Prof. Lau introduced the novel electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction system developed by his team. This system can efficiently convert CO2 into ethylene, a key raw material for plastics, contributing to carbon neutrality. The “catalyst material test device” has been carried into space along with the aerospace programme of the China National Space Administration to test for its stability in space. The team is collaborating with industry partners to enhance the device’s stability and explore its application in overseas petrochemical plants and waste-to-energy facilities. Watch the video now to discover how this chemical process works! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrzF8HsMGq8

PAIR Newsletter · Issue 13 · March 2025 is now available online

We are excited to release the latest issue of the PAIR Newsletter! Issue 13 of the PAIR Newsletter newly includes the PAIR Three Year Report, a special report on PAIR’s operations from 2021/22 to 2023/24, summarising the major developments and achievements at the Academy in the first three-year operating cycle.  PAIR has finished the first cycle with great achievements.  The summary report provides a glimpse into the fruitful outcomes in scientific research, funding schemes, knowledge transfer and collaborations at the Academy. The Feature Story section of this Issue covers the insights from PAIR Senior Fellow Prof. Philip RUSSELL on the development and application of “photonic crystal fibre” (PCF), a hollow-core fibre which he proposed in 1991 and revolutionised the way how light travels in glass fibre; as well as the research works by Prof. WENG Qihao, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, which integrate geospatial artificial intelligence to give important insights about urbanisation and develop solutions to mitigate its impacts. The Research Achievements section includes some of the latest discoveries at PAIR, including evidence that signifies the presence of ocean on Mars billion ago.  The People section highlights PAIR scholars who have recently been recognised for their research excellence and elected to prestigious academies.  The News & Events section provides a brief review of the many scholarly exchange activities at PAIR over the last few months, media coverages of the works by PAIR scholars, and new partnerships in conducting research and setting up new laboratories. Read on to find out the exciting updates at PAIR! PAIR Newsletter · Issue 13: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/pair/publications/issue-13/

Four PAIR members appointed leadership positions at new Mainland Translational Research Institutes

Four members of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) have been appointed to lead two newly established technology and innovation translational research institutes in Mainland China, reinforcing the PolyU’s commitment to advancing its mission in translational research and industry-academia research collaboration. Prof. FAN Jintu, Director of Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF), and Prof. SHOU Dahua, Member of RCTFF, have taken on leadership roles as Director and Associate Director of the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute, respectively. Established on 11 February 2025, the Institute is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge innovation in textile and fashion technology, intelligent wearable systems, smart manufacturing and sustainability. By leveraging PolyU’s strengths in technology transfer and incubation, the Institute aims to support elevating Xingguo’s position as a regional and national hub for manufacturing and innovation for Mainland China’s textile and fashion industries. Prof. CHEN Wu, Associate Director of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), and Prof. YAN Feng, Associate Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), have been appointed as Director and Associate Director of the PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute, respectively. Incorporated on 13 February 2025, the Institute focuses on pioneering research in deep space exploration, low-altitude economy and sensing technology. Committed to sustainable development, it will drive technological research and development, entrepreneurial incubation and talent cultivation, and integrate Hefei’s robust resources and PolyU’s research excellence in accelerating the translation of scientific innovations and facilitating their practical applications in the industry. The new institutes underscore the important role of PolyU in advancing regional innovation networks and strengthening industry-academia research partnerships to address global challenges, further demonstrating PolyU’s contributions to and impacts on China’s strengths in strategic science and technology.

PAIR Public Forum for Research and Innovation: DeepSeek and Beyond

Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek’s recently released model has sent shockwaves across global tech industry. DeepSeek garnered attention with its low-cost, high-performance model, challenging industry-leading US competitors. DeepSeek’s breakthrough has changed the way how people think about AI development, but has also triggered concerns over privacy security, technological competition and other issues. The explosive growth of generative AI (GenAI) tools is an established trend. How can Hong Kong find its place in the global race for AI? How can Hong Kong universities and research institutions get a piece of the pie, respond to the AI surge and embrace the ample opportunities ahead? In what ways can scientists and researchers contribute to Hong Kong’s AI competitiveness? The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) will host its inaugural Public Forum on Research and Innovation, titled “DeepSeek and Beyond”, on 11 March 2025. Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences and Professor in the Department of Computing at PolyU, will share her Co-Gen AI project, which includes innovative features that have made AI development more accessible and less dependent on massive centralised computational resources, helping Hong Kong occupy an important position in the global generative AI development landscape. Prof. YANG Hongxia is a distinguished AI scientist with over 15 years of experience, specialising in large-scale machine learning, data mining, and deep learning. Throughout her illustrious career, Prof. Yang has developed ten significant algorithmic systems that have enhanced the operations of various enterprises. Her research focuses on pre-trained models, big data analytics, and the practical deployment of large language model systems in real-world settings. Prof. Yang has an impressive academic record, having published over 100 top-tier papers, which have garnered approximately 12,000 citations and an H-index of 46. She also holds more than 50 patents. Her contributions to the field have been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the 2019 Super AI Leader Award at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the 2020 National Science and Technology Progress Award. Prof. Yang was named one of Forbes China’s Top 50 Women in Tech for 2022, and she received the AI 2000 Most Influential Scholar Award for 2023–2024. She founded foundational modelling teams at both ByteDance and Alibaba and has held prominent roles at Yahoo! Inc. and the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center. Prof. Yang earned her Ph.D. from Duke University and her B.S. from Nankai University. She is recognised globally as a pioneer in the field of Generative AI. Register now! Don’t miss the chance to learn from distinguished scientist! PAIR Public Forum for Research and Innovation: DeepSeek and Beyond Date: 11 March 2025 (Tuesday) Time: 3:00pm–4:30pm (Hong Kong time) Venue: PolyU Jockey Club Auditorium Language: Putonghua Registration: https://polyu.hk/nYjLT

PolyU’s AI-powered healthcare technologies featured in RTHK TV programme

Prof. HE Mingguang, Director of Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology, Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health; and Ir Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, were featured in RTHK’s TV programme “Hong Kong United”. They introduced two of PolyU’s innovative inventions that integrate AI with healthcare technology, including an AI-powered portable camera designed specifically for retinal screening of diabetic retinopathy, and “Scolioscan”, a portable palm-sized 3D ultrasound imaging device for radiation-free assessment of scoliosis. Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/3QrsOB7 (04:09 - 08:52) (Chinese only)

Biotech expert Prof. John A. ROGERS from Northwestern University delivers PAIR Distinguished Lecture

Prof. John A. ROGERS from Northwestern University, United States, delivered the 35th PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Bioelectronics – Frontiers in the Integration of Technology with Biology” on 19 February 2025 on the PolyU campus. The lecture attracted over 130 participants to join in person and captivated an online audience of over 12,800 from different countries and regions who watched the live broadcast on multiple social media platforms, including Bilibili, WeChat, Weibo and YouTube. The lecture began with a warm welcome and introduction of the speaker by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR. Prof. Rogers kickstarted his presentation by providing an overview of the advanced electronic technologies designed for stable, intimate integration with living organisms. These technologies serve as the foundations for patient monitoring and disease treatment. Specifically, the ability to inject miniaturised, biocompatible electronic systems into soft tissues or laminate them onto vital organs opens unique opportunities in tracking and manipulating biological activity, with significant implications in human healthcare.   Prof. Rogers also discussed the core concepts in materials science, circuit design, and manufacturing that underpin these technologies, including bioresorbable or “transient” devices engineered to dissolve in the body in sync with natural processes. He also presented several joint interdisciplinary projects with long-time collaborator Prof. HUANG Yonggang, including skin-like wireless devices for tracking vital signs and bioelectronic “medicines” for neuroregeneration and temporary cardiac pacing. Following the presentation was a question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. The audience engaged in a productive discussion with Prof. Rogers. Please click here for an online review.

RIAM Member makes breakthrough discovery in structure and synthesis of 2D ferroelectrics

A research team led by Prof. ZHAO Jiong, Member of the Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Physics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has made significant discoveries in the research on 2D ferroelectrics and 2D van der Waals materials. The team unveiled a pioneering approach for the large-scale synthesis of Indium Selenide (In2Se3), and provided new insights into the critical mechanisms that underlie the characteristics of 2D van der Waals materials and bilayer 2D materials. In2Se3 is a promising 2D ferroelectric material but the large-scale synthesis of 2D In2Se3 films with the desired phase is still lacking. The team utilised transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique to directly observe and analyse the ferroelectric domains, domain walls and other crucial features at the atomic level within the materials, and have successfully synthesised 2D In2Se3 films with pure phase. The findings were published in Nature Nanotechnology. Furthermore, the team unveiled the ultra-high plasticity of materials in 2D metal monochalcogenides such as InSe, and the complex vortex patterns with tunable characteristics in twisted-bilayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). The two findings have been published in Nature Materials and Science, respectively. These scientific discoveries significantly boost technological advancements in microelectronics, artificial intelligence and quantum information, and has promising prospects for diverse applications including high-density memory devices, energy conversion systems, sensing technologies and catalysis technologies. The studies were supported by PolyU’s Atomic Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory and contributions of the research team of Prof. Daniel LAU Shu-ping, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the PolyU Department of Applied Physics; Prof. YANG Ming, Assistant Professor in the PolyU Department of Applied Physics; and Prof. LY Thuc Hue, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemistry of City University of Hong Kong. Press Release: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2025/0218_polyu-researchers-make-breakthrough-discovery-in-structure-and-synthesis-of-2d-ferroelectrics/

Prof. SONG Haiyan featured on Now News on use of robotics and AI in hotel industry

Prof. SONG Haiyan, Director of Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), Associate Dean and Chair Professor of School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism, was interviewed by Now News to share his views on how robotics and AI can address manpower shortages and enhance customer experiences in the hotel industry. Prof. Song said, “Some people think that the development of AI and robotics may replace certain jobs in the hotel industry, and this is indeed true. However, the use of robotics and AI also creates opportunities for new and higher-level jobs. As the hotel and tourism industry evolves in the future, many new business operating models and applications of science and technology will emerge.” Online coverage: Now TV - https://polyu.me/3X2DREI (00:15 - 02:08) Yahoo HK - https://polyu.me/43gMAan

Prof. Daniel LUO named distinguished member of Association for Computing Machinery

Prof. Daniel LUO Xiapu, Member of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT) and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Professor in the Department of Computing, has been inducted as a Distinguished Member of the Association for Computing Machinery for 2024, in recognition of his seminal contributions to safeguarding blockchain and smart contracts along with Android and its applications. A total of 56 scholars were awarded this prestigious honour, and they were selected by their peers for their significant technical achievements and volunteer service to the professional community.   Online coverage: ifeng.com - https://polyu.me/3Qj2EjT NetEase - https://polyu.me/41gnqqM Sina - https://polyu.me/4gI5rOk Sohu - https://polyu.me/4hEcxos