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“International Exchange for S&T Professionals Thematic Event on Artificial Intelligence” Successfully Concluded

l, and co-organised by the Shenzhen Center for International Exchange of Personnel, the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of PolyU and Hong Kong Young Scientist Association, the International Exchange for S&T Professionals Thematic Event on Artificial Intelligence successfully concluded yesterday. We were honoured to have Mr Gao Changlin, General Manager of the Beijing-Hong Kong Exchange of Personnel Centre and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, deliver the welcome speech for the forum. Prof. ZHANG Chengqi, Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence of Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence of PolyU, served as the moderator. In the forum, Prof. Marco AIELLO, Professor of Computer Science of University of Stuttgart; Prof. CAO Jiannong, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science of PolyU and Director of RIAIoT; Prof. Petia RADEVA, Full Professor of Universitat de Barcelona; Prof. TAI Yanlong, Full Professor of Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Technology System and Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Michael Opoku Agyeman, Professor of Computer Engineering and Founder and Director of Centre for Advanced and Smart Technologies of University of Northampton; Prof. YANG Hongxia, Professor of Department of Computing of PolyU; and Prof. Javaid BUTT, Professor of Manufacturing and Product Design of Birmingham City University, shared their valuable insights on innovative philosophies, practical experiences, collaboration and evolution of artificial intelligence. The discussions have advanced AI technological innovation, industrial upgrading and high-quality development to promote high-quality socio-economic development.   Photo Album: Click Here  

Forum on 'Soft Connectivity' in Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cross-border Science-Technology Cooperation" Held in Qianhai

9 December 2024, Forum on 'Soft Connectivity' in Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cross-border Science and Technology Cooperation was successfully held at the Qianhai International Talent Port. The event was jointly organized by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Policy Research Center for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) (Qianhai), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute (SZRI), and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Qianhai Disruptive Technology Innovation Research Centre. The forum brought together numerous experts, scholars, and industry representatives from both Shenzhen and Hong Kong to discuss cooperation and development in areas of research management, research integrity, and bioethics. In his opening remarks, Professor Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, emphasized the critical role of Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Professor CHAO stated, "The concept of 'soft connectivity' can address institutional and cultural barriers in cooperation, enhance the efficiency of scientific research collaboration, and open smoother channels for Shenzhen-Hong Kong cross-boarder cooperation." Dr CHEN Rong, Director of Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Strategy Research Center (Administrative Center of Shenzhen Virtual University Park), noted that promoting the alignment of rules and mechanisms between Shenzhen and Hong Kong through “soft connectivity” is the key to enhancing the cooperation's overall effectiveness. Professor LU Haitian, Director of Mainland Development and Core Member of PReCIT at PolyU, along with Dr HUANG Shan, Postdoctoral Fellow of PReCIT and SZRI delivered a keynote speech titled "Key Issues in the Policy Research of 'Soft Connectivity' in Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cross-border Sci-Tech Cooperation,” focusing on analyzing the opportunities and challenges and sharing their latest research findings. During the breakout discussion sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on topics of "Building Research Management Systems," "Establishing Research Integrity Systems," "Overcoming Bioethics Recognition Barriers," "Sharing Large Research Instruments," and strategies for attracting and retaining talent. All the participants actively exchanged ideas and proposed several practical suggestions aimed at promoting scientific research cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Several prominent guests shared their insights at the forum. Professor Eric CHUI, PolyU Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of PReCIT, Professor ZHANG Chenqi, Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence at PolyU Department of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Dr ZHAN Xueyong, Associate Professor of PolyU Department of Management and Marketing and Core Member of PReCIT, Ms Amylia CHAN, Assistant Director of Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship, and Ms CHEN Qidong, Deputy Director of the PolyU SZRI, also attended the forum. This forum not only provided a platform for researchers from Shenzhen and Hong Kong to exchange ideas but also laid a solid foundation for future cooperation. It is anticipated that more achievements in Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation will be witnessed in the near future.   Chinese Version Coverage: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/biz=MzUzNDE2MDQ1Nw==&mid=22475104      

Supported by PReCIT – Forum on China’s Macroeconomics and the Greater Bay Area Integration Successfully Concluded

Supported by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and organized by Sing Tao News Corporation, the Forum on “China’s Macroeconomics and the Greater Bay Area Integration 2024 (「中國宏觀經濟暨大灣區融合論壇2024」)” was successfully concluded. The Forum brought together government officials, experts and scholars, as well as industry practitioners to jointly discuss new trends in China's macroeconomics and the integrated development of the Greater Bay Area. The forum covered topics of China’s Macroeconomics, the Economy in the Greater Bay Area, and the Economy in Hong Kong, focusing on the new economic landscape between China and the United States, an interpretation of the policies from the 3rd plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, and the opportunities and challenges of high-quality development. In addition, attendees also delved into the new trends of the missions of the Greater Bay Area and the national strategy, as well as Hong Kong's responses to reforms and its outbound strategy. In the forum, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, shared the latest scientific innovation and knowledge transfer initiatives of PolyU. Prof. CHAO used PolyU’s Jinjiang Research Institute as an example to illustrate how PolyU built research institutes that are deeply interconnected with local industry, so as to integrate into the national development framework and to contribute to sustainable economic growth. As a leading organization in policy research in innovation and technology, PReCIT plays a vital role in shaping the discourse on economic integration and innovation in the region.   Media Coverage:  Sing Tao Daily: https://polyu.me/3Zs7KhW  

Prof. CHAO Shared How to Help Hong Kong Integrate into Country’s Development

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT outlined six directions to better integrate Hong Kong into the Country’s development. These include strengthening collaborative division of labour within the Greater Bay Area, optimizing the business environment to promote green financing services, and nurturing talents in the Greater Bay Area to leverage international advantages.   Media Coverage: Sing Tao Daily - https://std.stheadline.com/realtime/article/2038082  

PReCIT Successfully Co-Hosts Session on "Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong" at the PolyU AIR Summit

Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) co-hosted a parallel session at the Aerospace Innovation Research Summit (AIRSummit) held on 19 November 2024. Themed “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong”, the event brought together lawmakers, scholars, and industry practitioners to witness and celebrate the launch of PolyU Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE) and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PolyU and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA). In his speech, Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, said, “The low altitude economy is an emerging industry that the Nation is actively promoting. As one of the engines driving the development of new productive forces, PolyU is committed to supporting the development of related technologies, including drone package delivery and unmanned autonomous systems in urban landscapes. Regarding talent development, PolyU will launch an MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy in September 2025. This unique interdisciplinary programme will balance technical research and business operations, covering topics from aircraft design in aviation hardware to civilian aviation software, including airspace management, flight path planning, and cargo and passenger transportation. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to cultivate talent essential for advancing the low-altitude economy.” In the same session, distinguished keynote speakers, including Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of the LAEA, Mr Gary YEUNG, MH, President of Smart City Consortium, Prof. SHU Zhenjie, Chief Scientist of Chinese Aeronautical Establishment, Mr ZHANG Hong, Vice President of Guangzhou EHang Intelligent Technology Company Limited, and Prof. ZHAO Yun, Henry Cheng Professor in International Law and Associate Dean (Mainland Affairs) of Faculty of Law at the University of Hong Kong, offered thought-provoking presentations from different perspectives and inspired engaging discussions. The event was successfully concluded with a speech by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of PReCIT.  The event was supported by PolyU Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE), the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA), and Smart City Consortium (SCC).    Press Release: English - https://polyu.me/40V6syy; Chinese - https://polyu.me/40P8Jv5   More Photos: Click here   Online Coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/48ZmGbZ Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3V1h7UB Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/3ZgYnlp Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/4fAaMaH Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3ARVgbg Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/40QlGVt (subscription required) Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/490tPZe Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3Of1FAa Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4eKztAk Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/3OdIDKN Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/3AM0G7I Line Today - https://polyu.me/3CCsmMT HKong.hk - https://polyu.me/4hOqWit People’s Daily Overseas Edition - https://polyu.me/4fXlyYj The 21st Century Business Herald - https://polyu.me/4hXnCRX Southern Finance - https://polyu.me/4hW8eVV Sina - https://polyu.me/40Ypfc7 East Money - https://polyu.me/48XLtNk NetEase - https://polyu.me/48XLzoa 雲南網 - https://polyu.me/3AEDDM7

Deep Integration of Industry, Academia, and Research Drives the Future of AI Technology

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, and Prof. ZHANG Lei, Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image Analysis, were interviewed by Financial Times (Chinese) on Prof. ZHANG's study on AI imaging technology and PolyU’s collaboration with OPPO, as well as PolyU’s efforts to join forces with universities in the mainland and the rest of the world to advance research and education.   Media Coverage: 金融時報：https://www.ftchinese.com/story/001104762?archive

Prof. Christopher CHAO Shared Vision of the PolyU-Qianhai Advanced Technology Innovation Centre

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, shared the vision, development and research foci of the PolyU-Qianhai Advanced Technology Innovation Centre in an interview with Southern Finance. Prof. CHAO mentioned that the centre focuses on two areas, including smart sensing manufacturing and smart healthcare, aiming to bring PolyU's relatively mature and rapidly implementable research outcomes to Qianhai for direct technology transfer and incubation.   Media Coverage: 南方財經：https://www.sfccn.com/2024/11-8/wOMDE0NzNfMTk2NTYwOQ.html

Sing Tao Daily and PolyU Jointly Held the “Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2024”

Sing Tao News Corporation, in collaboration with the Center for Economic Sustainability and Entrepreneurial Finance (CESEF), and the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, organised the “Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2024” (the Scheme) yesterday. Thirty-four companies received multiple awards after professional selection and public voting, with twelve companies awarded the "Prestigious ESG Accomplishment of the Year." The “Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2024” aimed to recognize outstanding companies actively practicing ESG principles, and to enhance public awareness of ESG through industry expertise and knowledge sharing. The CESEF and the PReCIT provided professional comments and advice on the ESG performance of all participating companies for the enhancement of performance in the three major areas of environmental, social and governance.   Dr Cai Jin, Executive Director of Sing Tao News Corporation, highlighted that the Scheme’s primary objective was to promote ESG concepts and recommendations within society through Sing Tao's extensive news network coverage and the exceptional academic platform of PolyU. The Scheme aimed to encourage more companies to integrate ESG into their daily operations, thus enhancing their ESG performance and further contributing to the sustainable development of society.   Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, emphasised that ESG not only signifies corporate development, but also reflects social responsibility. The Scheme acknowledged companies that demonstrated courage in embracing social responsibilities and actively advocated for sustainable development. Prof. Chao also stressed that while companies pursue economic growth, they must integrate sustainable development into their core strategies to help reduce costs and enhance brand image and market competitiveness.   Mr Joseph Chan Ho-lim, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, mentioned that the Scheme highly affirmed companies excelling in ESG practices and provided an opportunity to promote and reinforce ESG concepts, thereby enhancing society's understanding and emphasis on ESG while promoting the establishment of sustainable development models in Hong Kong.   ***END***   Online Coverage: The Standard - Subsidy extension for green loans will help raise more funds Sing Tao Daily - 理大表彰ESG突出企業 趙汝恒倡建透明報告機制 提升港國際競爭力         星島「ESG認證計劃暨嘉許禮2024」今舉行 首邀大灣區企業參與 實踐綠色轉型 永續領航                              星島夥理大舉辦論壇推動ESG 蔡晋：助企業找出提升業績關鍵點                              ESG有利帶動本港就業 歐洲企業來華發展 或在港設分公司                              綠色金融資助計劃涉債規模突破1萬億 陳浩濂：鼓勵企業來港轉型融資                              綠色科技歐企來華發展 投資推廣署邀落戶香港 Headline Daily - 理大表彰ESG突出企業 趙汝恒倡建透明報告機制 提升港國際競爭力         星島「ESG認證計劃暨嘉許禮2024」今舉行 首邀大灣區企業參與 實踐綠色轉型 永續領航                              星島夥理大舉辦論壇推動ESG 蔡晋：助企業找出提升業績關鍵點                              ESG有利帶動本港就業 歐洲企業來華發展 或在港設分公司                              綠色金融資助計劃涉債規模突破1萬億 陳浩濂：鼓勵企業來港轉型融資 星島環球 -          星岛“ESG认证计划暨嘉许礼2024”今举行，首邀大湾区企业参与，实践绿色转型，永续领航                              理大表彰ESG突出企业，赵汝恒倡建透明报告机制，提升港国际竞争力                              星岛伙理大推动ESG，CEO蔡晋盼传媒结合权威机构，助企业寻提升业绩关键点                   ESG有利带动香港就业，欧洲企业来华发展，或在港设分公司

Prof. Eric CHUI Penned an Article to Analyse the Implications of ESG Practices in the UK and Europe for Hong Kong

With deepening awareness among governments, businesses, and the public, and continuous development in relevant culture and regulations, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) has become a mainstream valued by the market. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU and Co-Director of PReCIT, penned an article in Sing Tao Daily to analyse the implications of ESG practices in the UK and Europe for Hong Kong. Prof. CHUI also shared insights on the better ways to integrate ESG into companies’ long-term strategies.   Online Coverage: Sing Tao Daily: https://www.stheadline.com/esg/3397370

“Interdisciplinary Symposium on Institutions, Governance, and Innovation” Successfully Concluded

The Department of Management and Marketing (MM) of PolyU successfully hosted the Interdisciplinary Symposium on "Institutions, Governance, and Innovation" on October 24 and 25, 2024. In the Innovation Policy Forum, co-organised by MM and PReCIT, five overseas and local renowned scholars in strategic management and public policy, including Prof. Ruth V. Aguilera from Northeastern University, Prof. Rodolphe Durand from HEC Paris, Prof. Cathy Yang Liu from Georgia State University, Prof. Xun Wu from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Prof. Valery Yakubovich from University of Pennsylvania, shared their insights on the critical roles of institutional contexts and governance structures in driving innovation and technology industries in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The moderators, Prof. Eric Chui, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU and Co-Director of PReCIT, and Dr Xueyong Zhan, Associate Professor of MM and Core Member of PReCIT, both mentioned Hong Kong’s feature of having 5 Hong Kong universities listed among world’s top 100, having the ability to nurture strong leaders and talents and to conduct world-leading research that can foster interdisciplinary collaboration and advance knowledge in the field of innovation.