The era of artificial intelligence (AI) has created an urgent global demand for talent and technical expertise. In response, PolyU has officially launched its tenth academic unit, the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS). This strategic addition aims to drive cutting-edge research and education in applied mathematics, computing, data science and AI, thereby injecting new momentum into economic development and technological innovation.

Established in January 2025, FCMS consolidates the resources and strengths of three academic departments: the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Computing and the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. FCMS offers a wide range of undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes, including master’s programmes covering emerging technologies such as AI and big data computing, blockchain technology, and metaverse technologies. It is committed to nurturing forward-looking and practically skilled technology talent, aligning with the HKSAR Government’s initiative to expand the local talent pool in innovation and technology (I&T) and develop Hong Kong into an international I&T hub.

The launch ceremony of FCMS, held in April, brought together distinguished guests, including Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; and Professor Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, along with University management.

Professor Sun stated, “We continue to proactively promote science and mathematics education and strengthen digital education so as to provide talent support for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. Looking ahead, the demand for skilled professionals in I&T fields will continue to grow.”

Professor Teng highlighted that the new Faculty will address the growing talent need, stating, “FCMS will serve as a robust platform for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to drive technological progress for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.”

The Interim Dean of FCMS is Professor Chen Changwen, Chair Professor of Visual Computing. He introduced the Faculty and stated that “The advancement of Data Science and AI is driven by two foundations: Computing and Mathematics, which also form the distinctive foundation of this new Faculty.” In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, PolyU ranked 40th globally in Data Science & AI, among the 26 subjects in which the University ranks in the top 100.

An academic forum themed “Future AI Computing” was held, featuring leading scholars discussing current trends and future applications of AI.

PolyU’s efforts to advance AI also include the establishment of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), which aims to facilitate collaboration between researchers from different disciplines and those from FCMS. Together, they will develop AI models with deep domain expertise for various professions, elevating Hong Kong as a global hub for Generative AI development.