PolyU is set to expand its successful “We Care We Share” community tele-rehabilitation programme in Mainland China, thanks to a HK$6.1 million donation from the Keswick Foundation. The initiative, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, is expanding its influence beyond Yunnan and into the north-western and north-eastern parts of the country. What began as a compassionate response to a natural disaster is developing into a nationwide healthcare solution.

Originally established in 2014 to help residents affected by the Ludian earthquake in Yunnan, the programme plans to implement a three-pronged model based on technology empowerment, community linkage and talent cultivation. Over the next three years, the expanded initiative will provide rehabilitation training for 5,000 local students and medical professionals, and deliver innovative tele-rehabilitation services to 500 families .

Programme gains recognition for transformative results
At the official launch ceremony, Legislative Council member Dr David Lam, highlighted rehabilitation as an essential extension of medical care. He commended PolyU project’s transformation from a regional programme in Yunnan to a nationwide system. “With breakthroughs in rehabilitation brought by technological applications like artificial intelligence and robotics, I believe PolyU can contribute to the Nation by leveraging its strengths in this discipline,” he said.

Professor Miranda Lou, PolyU Executive Vice President, reflected on how the programme has not only transformed the lives of recipients, but also brought hope to their families and communities through its professional knowledge, skills, and therapeutic services. She also expressed gratitude to the Keswick Foundation for its continued support, which will enable PolyU to expand its contribution to society as the programme reaches a new milestone.

Mrs Clara Weatherall, Chairman of the Keswick Foundation Board of Governors, explained the Programme’s unique approach. “What makes ‘We Care We Share’ particularly special is how it combines expert professional care with practical, innovative community solutions. Together, we are empowering local professionals, communities, and families to build sustainable, lasting change,” she said.

The programme’s expansion represents a new chapter for PolyU’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS). Positioning itself as a premier academic entity—not only in Asia, but also across Belt and Road nations and beyond—RS will harness cutting-edge technology to deliver tele-rehabilitation through interregional and interdisciplinary collaborations. The goal is to raise awareness of rehabilitation services while supporting a broader population in need across Mainland China.