PolyU paid tribute to 507 staff members for their contribution and commitment to the University over the years. They were presented with Long Service Awards during a special event held on 21 February. Council Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai and President Professor Jin-Guang Teng shared the joy with the awardees and thanked them for their dedication and devotion to the institution.

Professor Teng said, “We are experiencing a period of success and growth. For six consecutive years, we have been ranked among the top 100 universities globally, and we are now proudly ranked by QS as the 57th best university in the world. Your contributions form the foundation of our success and are deeply valued.”

This year, three staff members received 40-year awards, 18 took home 35-year awards, while 50 received 30-year awards and 36 staff marked 25 years at PolyU. A further 36 received 20-year awards, 88 were recognised for 15 years of service, and 104 and 172 staff were applauded for their 10- and 5-year tenures.

One of the 30-year awardees was Professor Jin-Guang Teng, who joined the then Hong Kong Polytechnic as Lecturer in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering in October 1994, and took office as PolyU President on 1 July 2019. Professor Fu Siu-ngor (30-year) and Professor Haiyan Song (20-year) also received Long Service Awards.

Professor Fu Siu-ngor

• Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

• Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management

• Associate Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology

Embodying resilience and commitment to enhancing life quality through knowledge, Professor Fu Siu-ngor has dedicated over three decades to advancing the science of physiotherapy at PolyU. She graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic as a physiotherapist in 1982. Her passion for teaching and research led her back to PolyU in 1994, where she witnessed its transformation into a research-driven university. Professor Fu has nurtured countless students in Hong Kong and Mainland China, collaborating with Huazhong University to train physiotherapy graduates. Her research focuses on musculoskeletal injury prevention and rehabilitation, and developing treatments and equipment for chronic pain. She has provided physiotherapy services to many elite athletes, including competitors at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Despite challenges, Professor Fu remains committed to her aspirations, balancing service and research, and is grateful to her mentors and supporters. Her work has significantly impacted physiotherapy, benefiting patients and society. (Full story)

Professor Haiyan Song

• Associate Dean and Chair Professor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management

• Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism

• Director of the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism

Professor Haiyan Song’s journey at PolyU began after two invitations from Professor Kaye Chon, Dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). Initially declining in 2001 due to a promotion at the University of Surrey, Professor Song was moved by Professor Chon’s persistence during a typhoon in Macau in 2004. Drawn by the opportunity to be part of SHTM’s transformation into a research-led school, he left a comfortable life in the UK to join PolyU. As Associate Dean, Professor Song has leveraged his expertise in Tourism Economics to initiate many projects, including the China Tourism Forum and the Journal of China Tourism Research. His leadership helped SHTM become a global leader in tourism research. Professor Song attributes the school’s success to the collaborative spirit and visionary leadership at SHTM. Despite opportunities elsewhere, he remains committed to PolyU, valuing its unique environment for achieving personal and professional goals. (Full story)