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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

RiFood Director appointed as Chairman of Advisory Panel on Safety Assessment of Cultured Meat

Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), was appointed as the Chairman of Advisory Panel on the Safety Assessment of Cultured Meat by the Expert Committee on Food Safety of the Government of HKSAR for a term of four years with effect from 14 February 2025. The panel is responsible for providing advice to the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene on matters relating to the criteria for the safety assessment of cultured meat and its derived products and their food safety for human consumption.

Prof. DUAN Huan-feng honoured with “2024 Dayu Water Conservancy Science and Technology Progress Award”

Congratulations to Prof. DUAN Huan-feng, Member of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, on receiving the “2024 Dayu Water Conservancy Science and Technology Progress Award (2nd Class)” by the Ministry of Water Resources of China, for his project titled “Key Technologies for Real-time Hydraulic Simulation and Precise Regulation of Complex Urban Water Supply Networks”. This accolade is given to individuals who have made exceptional technological innovations and significant contributions to the advancement of water science and technology, bringing substantial economic and social benefits. Prof. Duan’s research focuses on the critical areas of hydraulics and water resources, including urban hydraulics, urban asset management, coastal urban flooding, hydro-environmental management and computational fluid mechanics. He has spearheaded numerous significant research projects and secured grants from various funding bodies in Hong Kong and the Mainland China.

RiFood co-organises workshops to promote food upcycling and reduce food waste

The Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) recently co-organised workshops with the aim of promoting food upcycling and reducing both food waste and carbon footprints. The workshop titled “From Waste to Worth: What Is Upcycled Food and Why Should We Try It?”, held in collaboration with the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and the Campus Facilities and Sustainability Office (CFSO) on 10 February 2025, discussed the significance of food upcycling in minimising food waste and lowering carbon emissions. Participants also had the opportunity to try upcycled snacks. Additionally, in the “Brew-tiful Workshop” co-organised with the Food and Wine Academy of SHTM on 11 February 2025, participants explored the art of crafting beers, upcycling coffee grounds, bread and fruit into beers with unique flavours, distinct from traditional wheat-brewed varieties.

PolyU and CSD sign MOU to promote upcycling of food waste and development of eco-friendly products

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Correctional Services Department (CSD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to jointly promote the upcycling of food waste and the development of environmentally friendly products, injecting new impetus into the sustainable development of the correctional industry. The MoU sets out a framework for collaboration between PolyU and CSD to jointly promote innovative development initiatives over the next five years, including the application of PolyU’s scientific research results on food waste upcycling to industrial production in correctional institutions; and the provision of vocational training to persons in custody (PICs) in the design and production of environmentally friendly products by PolyU to enhance their employability. The collaboration not only promotes environmental protection but also assists in the rehabilitation of PICs. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr NG Chiu-kok, Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation and Management), the MoU was signed by Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food and Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of PolyU, and Mr TONG Soen, Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation). Prof. Chao said at the ceremony that PolyU has been tackling social challenges and promoting sustainable development through innovative research and translating research outcomes over the years. The “food waste-derived 3D printing material” patented technology covered in the collaboration project was developed by PolyU’s Research Institute for Future Food, which opens up a new way to tackle the problems of municipal food waste and greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong. Both parties will work together to create a mutual aid ecosystem, where new economic, ecological, and cultural value can be generated, contributing to the realisation of a cohesive society and sustainable development. Addressing the ceremony, Mr Ng said that the CSD has been committed to introducing green measures in correctional work to build an integrated and sustainable correctional system. The signing of the MoU marks an important milestone in the sustainable development of correctional work. The first phase of the collaboration involves the application of PolyU’s patented technology for making 3D printing material with spent coffee grounds to the industrial production work performed by PICs. PolyU will also provide vocational training in product design for PICs to develop more environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products. The environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products will be available for sale on the CSD Sports Association's online charity gift sales platform, Made In Prison, to promote messages of supporting rehabilitation and environmental protection to the public. All proceeds from the sale, after deducting necessary costs, will be donated to various local registered charities, providing PICs with opportunities to contribute to the community.