In a recent interview with Master Insight, President Professor Jin-Guang Teng shared his views on PolyU’s strategic development blueprint. He discussed strengthening the University’s collaboration with the Mainland by establishing research institutes and embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning. He also shared insights on the higher education environment in Hong Kong.

Professor Teng outlined three key directions to develop PolyU into an innovative world-class university: nurturing graduates who can be leaders of innovation, conducting research that brings valuable innovation to society, and ensuring that all of PolyU’s endeavours embody an innovative spirit. He highlighted some of the University’s innovative initiatives, such as being the first institution in the world to launch a master’s course on the metaverse, establishing the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, and collaborating with Mainland cities to set up translational research institutes.

The University plans to establish around 15 Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) in various Mainland cities to transform research outcomes into real-world applications. Professor Teng remarked, “We want to increase PolyU’s research impact by meeting the needs of local industries, which would contribute to the Nation’s self-reliance in its pursuit of technological advancement and boost new quality productive forces.” He added, “We accurately meet the needs of each city, to ensure that the MTRIs can truly foster the economic and social development of that place.”

Concerning the use of AI, Professor Teng emphasised the University’s open attitude towards it. “If a technology is widely adopted in societies and industries, students need to learn about it and adapt to it. We support students using AI and ensure it positively impacts teaching and learning.” To achieve this, PolyU established the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD) to support the University in integrating AI into pedagogical approaches, with a recent focus on language education.

Professor Teng also addressed Hong Kong’s advantages and shortcomings in developing into an international hub for post-secondary education. He saw the benefit of the city fully leveraging the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and integrating with the GBA and the Nation’s development.

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Master Insight