Smart cities and energy challenges are two topics of great importance to society today. To help address the pressing needs related to these areas, PolyU is honoured to receive a generous donation from the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation (the Foundation), in support of the establishment of two research institutes, namely the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE).

PolyU’s Council Chairman, Dr Lam Tai-fai, expressed his sincere appreciation to Ir Dr Otto Poon Lok-to, founder of the Foundation, for his support to PolyU. He remarked that “We are excited to join hands with Dr Poon to set up two research institutes focusing on these strategic areas in order to contribute to the further development of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the wider international community.”

Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, also thanked Ir Dr Poon for his unwavering support to PolyU over the years, adding that “Interdisciplinary collaboration can provide solutions to address societal challenges. Against this backdrop, the University has established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), a hub to promote research and innovation across disciplines.” Until now, ten research institutes and five research centres in the areas of land and space creation, smart ageing, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, smart energy, and more have already been set up.

Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI)

SCRI aims at being a global centre of excellence in urban informatics and a living smart cities laboratory for Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in order to promote smart cities development in Hong Kong and in the country. Its research focus areas include Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart Environment, Smart People, Smart Government, and Smart Economy. SCRI is collaborating with some of the world’s top universities, including the University of Cambridge and University College London, as well as major industrial players to develop innovative solutions. To learn more about SCRI’s research, please visit their official website.

Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE)

RISE strives to pursue translational research on innovative solutions for energy-related problems. Its five research focus areas include District Energy Systems and Smart Grid, Smart Buildings and Smart Energy Systems, Advanced Energy Storage Technologies, Advanced and Renewable Energy Conversion Technologies, and Advanced Energy Materials. RISE’s world-class research has been recognised in various global research rankings. Check out the official website of RISE for more details on their latest developments.