VIP group photo. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT (2nd from the left), Prof. Eric Chui, Head of APSS of PolyU & Co-Director of PReCIT (1st from the left), and Prof. ZHAO Xiao-lin, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU and Associate Director of RILS (1st from the right), with distinguished guests, Mr Maurits ter Kuile, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macao SAR (3rd from the right), and Ms Jennifer Lee, Senior Public Diplomacy Officer, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macao SAR (2nd from the right).
Prof. Chao delivered a welcoming speech, underscoring the importance of combining diplomatic collaboration with cutting-edge innovation to tackle pressing global challenges.
Mr ter Kuile shared his insights with the audience.
Prof. Zhao shared about the floating solutions.
The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the sixth Consul General Talk on 25 March 2025, featuring Mr Maurits ter Kuile, the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Hong Kong and Macau. The talk provided attendees with a unique opportunity to gain insights from the Consul General’s extensive experience in Dutch diplomacy, alongside a sharing session on floating solutions from Prof. Zhao Xiao-lin, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU and Associate Director of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS). The talk was supported by the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS), Global Engagement Office (GEO), and RILS of PolyU.
In the welcoming speech, Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research & Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, underscored the importance of combining diplomatic collaboration with cutting-edge innovation to tackle pressing global challenges. Prof. Chao added, “by working together, we can leverage our collective expertise to create sustainable, adaptable environments that benefit communities worldwide.”
Themed “Dutch Diplomacy, a candid conversation with the Dutch Consul General,” Mr ter Kuile shared that “as Dutch diplomats, we are working for the freedom, prosperity and security of the Netherlands and its citizens. We do so by finding common ground and working together with other countries in solving global challenges. At the Consulate General in Hong Kong, this means that we promote bilateral trade and provide consular services. Hong Kong and the Netherlands are both densely populated hubs for international trade. This provides great opportunities to work together, especially if we can come up with sustainable solutions that can help reduce the consequences of climate change.”
Prof. Zhao shared his insights on “Innovative Partnerships: Floating Solutions from the Netherlands and PolyU”, a topic that has gained significant attention for its pivotal role in combating climate change and advancing sustainability. He emphasised the transformative potential of cross-border collaborations in scaling resilient, and eco-conscious technologies.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including students, academics, and professionals, all eager to engage in meaningful discussions about the intersection of diplomacy and innovative research.
The Consul General Talk Series highlights PolyU’s dedication to global interaction and intellectual dialogue. By bringing together perspectives from diplomats based in Hong Kong, the series provides a platform for both the PolyU community and the general public to explore the latest innovations and technology policies in Belt and Road countries, fostering opportunities for meaningful collaborations.
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