PolyU is strengthening its presence in Mainland China by broadening collaborations with Chinese universities and research organisations. The goal is to amplify the global impact of its efforts in education, research, and knowledge transfer.

The latest example is a strategic alliance with the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CSU.CAS). The new partnership is aimed at expanding space technologies to support national objectives and advancing global space science.

To mark the development, Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, led a delegation to visit CSU.CAS in Beijing, where he signed a strategic framework agreement with its Deputy Director, Mr Wang Ke. The agreement covers key areas, ranging from space manufacturing, lunar exploration, to electronic information and artificial intelligence.

Extensive research network and innovative space technologies

Professor Chao emphasised the innovation potential of the partnership, powered by integrating Hong Kong's global resources with the engineering strengths and practical expertise found in Mainland China. He affirmed PolyU’s commitment to enabling Hong Kong to leverage its unique knowledge and perspectives to support national scientific and technological growth.

PolyU’s extensive international research network and innovative technologies have already led to significant breakthroughs in lunar exploration. Milestones include designing and building the automatic Surface Sampling and Packing System for the Chang'e-5 mission, which collected lunar soil. PolyU technology was also instrumental in the historic Chang'e-6 mission, which brought back the first ever samples from the far side of the moon.

Complementary strengths with strong engineering expertise

Mr Wang Qiang, Deputy Director (in charge) of CSU.CAS, remarked, “We highly value our partnership with PolyU, given its active involvement in national space missions, and expertise in key areas such as space manufacturing, satellite remote sensing, information and communication technology, and artificial intelligence.”

CSU.CAS brings complementary strengths to the alliance, including strong engineering expertise in the design and development of space application systems and payload technologies specifically developed for manned space engineering endeavours.

The PolyU delegation and members of CSU.CAS

Cross-regional scientific research platform

The two organisations plan to develop a cross-regional scientific research platform that leverages their individual and combined strengths. This long-term initiative will feature a joint space manufacturing laboratory, extensive research projects, academic exchanges and other collaborative activities. It aims to foster international cooperation, promote talent exchange, and nurture a new generation of highly skilled and globally minded scientists and engineers.

Looking ahead, the partnership will remain strategically aligned with national priorities, focusing on the integration of space science, technological applications and industrial development to propel the growth of China's aerospace industry.