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PolyU four projects receive support from the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2024-25

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to advancing public policy research,  leveraging its expertise to make a positive impact on society. Four PolyU projects have secured support from the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) in 2024/25, offering innovative insights into livelihood issues, environmental protection, cooperation with the Mainland, and land and housing challenges. The four projects, led by experts from the Department of Applied Social Sciences, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Department of Building and Real Estate, have collectively received approximately HK$1.93 million. They address a diverse range of societal topics, including income inequality, sustainable aviation fuel, green infrastructure financing, and the circular economy. The four projects are (listed in order of approval): Principal Investigator Project Title Funding Duration Prof. WONG Yee Hang, Mathew Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences Understanding Hong Kong People’s Acceptance of Income Inequality and Preferences of Policy Responses HK$488,750 12 months Prof. CHENG Song Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Implementing Carbon-free Air Travel in Hong Kong: What Fidelity and Resiliency are Needed in Sustainable Aviation Fuels? HK$882,050 18 months Prof. SHEN Jianfu, Jeff Assistant Professor of the Department of Building and Real Estate Climate Policy Risk and Green Infrastructure Financing in the Belt and Road Initiative: Policy Implications for Infrastructure Loan Securitisation HK$503,470 12 months Prof. SHEN Jianfu, Jeff Assistant Professor of the Department of Building and Real Estate Developing a MiC Data Platform for Reusable Modules in the Transitional Housing Projects: Towards a Circular Economy HK$852,150 12 months Administered by the HKSAR Government’s Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, the PPRFS aims to facilitate public policy discussions and enhance policy formulation to meet the needs of society. Research studies supported by the scheme are expected to inform the Government’s policy-making process, drive changes, keep up with national development and international trends, and contribute to policy development. In addition, led by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the PolyU’s Faculty of Business, Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics, and Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, the project “Policy Recommendations on Uplifting Hong Kong’s Status as an International Shipping Centre through Development Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area” has received more than HK$2 million funding support from the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2024/25. 

Media interview: PolyU scholars share insights into Responsible Shipping and GBA smart ports

The shipping industry stands as a vital pillar of global trade, handling 90% of trade volume. However, as international trade grows, the detrimental impacts of shipping activities on the environment, resources, society and lifestyles are increasingly alarming. Recognising this challenge, the United Nations has designated "Responsible Consumption and Production" as one of the Sustainable Development Goals, calling for global action to promote responsible consumption and production, enhance resource efficiency and develop sustainable infrastructure. Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics, and Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), along with Dr John Yu, consultant of the Shipping Research Centre of PolyU, contributed to media articles sharing their insights on sustainable development in the shipping industry. They introduced the "7R" framework for Responsible Shipping, which encompasses responsible policies and procedures, documentation, procurement, services and products, recycling, design and compliance, and reporting. This framework serves as a practical guide for shipping companies to integrate economic, environmental and social considerations into their operations, fostering the sustainable growth of global trade. In addition, the global port industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) at the forefront of smart ports development. Shenzhen's Mawan Port has become a national leader in 5G+ autonomous driving applications, demonstrating significant improvements in operational efficiency. The Guangzhou Nansha Port Phase IV project will further expand capacity. However, the advancement of smart ports in the GBA faces challenges, such as inter-port coordination, technology adoption, and a shortage of skilled labour. To drive smart port development, Prof. Lai suggested building consensus, establishing a coordinated development mechanism, optimising the policy support system and strengthening talent training. Looking ahead, he anticipated the critical role of technological progress in achieving sustainable shipping, meeting industry demand for sustainable supply chains, improving port and community environments, and fostering global trade while protecting the environment. Recently, Prof. Lai’s project “Policy Recommendations on Uplifting Hong Kong’s Status as an International Shipping Center Through Development Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area” has received funding support from the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) 2024/25 for a period of 30 months.  

Media interview: PolyU's Soil Trust project offers an innovative community-based solution to solve food waste

Despite the suspension of Hong Kong's garbage fee policy, food waste remains a significant problem. In 2023, food waste accounted for 30% of urban solid waste, yet the recycling rate was as low as 5%. In response to this challenge, the community-driven "Soil Trust" project, led by Dr Markus Wernli, Research Assistant Professor of the School of Design of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has taken an innovative approach to the problem. They have adapted Japan's Bokashi household food waste composting method, established an experimental farm at Pat Heung, and actively engaged with the community. The team was also honoured with the Promising Award from the international "Don Norman Design Award" (DNDA). The Soil Trust project is a collaborative initiative that brings together PolyU students, members of ethnic minority communities, and participants from local food workshops. It aims to address the food waste issue through eco-friendly farming experiments and community engagement. The project has also developed the “Growers Without Borders” service-learning programme. By combining eco-friendly farming practices with creative community participation, it promotes sustainable land management while tackling the critical issue of food waste. Through the programme, people from diverse backgrounds participate in eco-social farming practices, using kitchen scraps to enrich the soil. In a recent media interview, Dr Markus Wernli highlighted that the Bokashi method offers a sustainable solution for managing food waste. This anaerobic process utilises microorganisms to ferment kitchen waste into fertiliser, providing a convenient and odorless solution for home composting. He emphasised that this effective process reduces the carbon footprint of food waste, raises community awareness, and contributes to Hong Kong's sustainable development efforts. The team’s project, "Soil Trust: Co-producing Local Soil-to-Soil Food Economies" was shortlisted as one of the top eight finalists in the "Outstanding Contribution to Regional Development" category of The Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2024. This accomplishment highlights the PolyU team’s exceptional success in advancing sustainable community development and pioneering innovative farming practices.  

PolyU scholars propose policy recommendations to advance shipping ecosystem in Hong Kong with support from Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting research excellence to address societal challenges and opportunities by providing strategic insights. In response to intensifying competition in the global shipping market, PolyU scholars have conducted a comprehensive study of Hong Kong’s shipping ecosystem and developed policy recommendations aimed at fostering collaborative efforts to enhance the shipping ecosystem within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This project aligns with the long-term initiatives outlined in the 2024 Chief Executive Policy Address and has been supported under the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) 2024/25 of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit of the HKSAR Government. This year, only two out of 37 applications received funding. Led by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the PolyU’s Faculty of Business, Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics, and Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, the project “Policy Recommendations on Uplifting Hong Kong’s Status as an International Shipping Centre through Development Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area” has received more than HK$2 million funding support from SPPRFS 2024/25. The project adopts an ecosystem perspective to examine the local shipping industry. It analyses the components, development trends, industry interactions and adaptability of Hong Kong’s shipping industry to external changes, with the aim of identifying potential opportunities, particularly those brought about by the ongoing development of GBA, to enhance the City’s status as an international shipping centre. The project identifies benchmark characteristics of the shipping ecosystem and assesses how the interaction between the shipping industry’s related sectors fostering value creation and sustainable development. It also provides policy recommendations to leverage Hong Kong’s unique strengths and opportunities. Integrating quantitative analysis with qualitative case studies, industry survey, and expert interviews, the research draws on professional insights from the fields of shipping economics, policy studies and regional development. Prof. Lai said, “This project aims to provide substantial policy recommendations to enhance Hong Kong’s competitive edge in the global shipping landscape. By fostering collaboration with GBA stakeholders and focusing on core areas such as sustainability and technology adoption, we expect the research outcomes to positively impact Hong Kong’s economy and society while also offering valuable insights for other shipping hubs.” The SPPRFS is aimed at encouraging local think-tank experts and scholars (including those from universities and civil society think-tanks) to apply their expertise to conducting evidence-based research on key public policy issues and to facilitating the knowledge transfer of research findings to policy considerations, serving as a channel for the HKSAR Government to tap society’s public policy research expertise.

A delegation from the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and the Xori Group visited PolyU

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honoured to host a delegation from the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong on 27 February, aiming to strengthen ties between Italy and Hong Kong through international collaborations. The delegation was led by Mr Carmelo Ficarra, Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong, and Mr Luca Rollino, CEO of the Xori Group, a leading Italian company specialising in the integration of  engineering, architectural, energy and consulting services. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, along with Prof. Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation of PolyU, and Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean (Global & Industry Engagement) and Professor of the School of Design of PolyU. Discussions focused on future collaborations for the upcoming Business of Design Week (BODW), as well as cultural, academic and technological exchanges. The visit was concluded with tours of PolyU’s state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Research Centre for Deep Space Exploration, University Research Facility in 3D Printing, and the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab. This occasion marks a significant step towards fostering stronger collaboration between Italy and Hong Kong in research and innovation. Both parties expressed their commitment to exploring joint initiatives that contribute to cultural exchange, technological advancements, and sustainable development. 

Geely Holding Delegation visits PolyU

A delegation from Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd.  (Geely Holding) visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 26 February. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on scientific research collaboration and talent cultivation. Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU, introduced the university's outstanding achievements in academic research, technological innovation, and the collaboration between industry, academia, and research. Meanwhile, Mr. REN Xiangfei, Executive Vice President of the Geely Research Institute, provided a comprehensive overview of Geely Group's current development, future strategies, and key technologies driving automotive advancement. During the meeting, Ir Prof. CHAN Ching-chuen, Distinguished Chair Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU, and Prof. ZHAO Haitao, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, presented their research on electric vehicle, large language models, and smart manufacturing, showcasing PolyU's leading research in these vital fields. Following the meeting, the delegation visited the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles and explored the university's research facilities and achievements. This visit provided an excellent platform for communications between Geely Holding and PolyU, establishing a solid foundation for future collaborations and contributing to the high-quality development of China’s automotive industry.

PolyU develops real-time system for monitoring atmospheric corrosion on buildings in Hong Kong

Located in a subtropical region facing the South China Sea, during summer Hong Kong experiences high salinity in the warm sea air which corrodes the metal structures of buildings. To address this challenge posed by the humid environment, researchers from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a real-time monitoring system to evaluate the impact of atmospheric corrosion on steel structures and components in buildings. This system has been deployed to monitor the structural corrosion of a newly-built research complex and a housing project. Based on the data collected, targeted protective measures have been proposed to help achieve sustainable building development. Prof. Kwok-fai CHUNG, Professor of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch), along with his team, have been conducting atmospheric exposure tests at seven sites across Hong Kong since 2010. The results indicate that the corrosion rate of carbon steel typically ranges from 30 to 40 µm per year, whereas zinc and galvanised steel used for outdoor construction exhibit corrosion rates of approximately 3 µm per year. The commercial complexes located around Victoria Harbour are particularly vulnerable to year-round atmospheric corrosion, which compromises the durability of buildings and structures and can even pose safety risks. To assist engineers and professionals in formulating more effective building maintenance strategies, Mr Ka Fai YUEN, PhD student from the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has developed a real-time corrosion monitoring system under the supervision of Prof. Kwok-fai Chung. Between 2020 and 2024, Mr Yuen collected approximately 40,000 real-time corrosion and environmental datasets per year from seven different buildings across Hong Kong. Utilising advanced electrochemistry technology integrated with remote sensing and AI-supported data analytics, the system can evaluate the effects of corrosive chemicals such as chlorine ion, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, as well as collect climatic data including temperature and humidity on steel members and structures. The system significantly improves upon the accuracy of conventional corrosion prediction models and enables long-term corrosion monitoring and assessment for buildings in Hong Kong. Led by Prof. Chung, the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch), has been invited by the Hong Kong Construction Industry Council and Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) respectively to apply the system for corrosion monitoring in the InnoCell at Hong Kong Science Park and technical monitoring of Nam Cheong 220, a social housing project coordinated by HKCSS, to validate the effectiveness of the system and provide critical data for developing appropriate building maintenance strategies. InnoCell is the first building in Hong Kong to adopt a modular integrated construction (MiC) approach. During the two-year monitoring period, the team assessed the corrosion rates of steel structures and their components in both indoor and outdoor environments. The findings revealed that the corrosion rate of steel in indoor environments is only one-third of that in outdoor environments, demonstrating that atmospheric conditions play a significant role in corrosion assessment. Therefore, different levels of corrosion protection should be implemented for indoor and outdoor steel components, with priority given to protecting external steel components to enhance their durability and lifespan. Nam Cheong 220 is Hong Kong’s first structural steel social housing project to adopt modular integrated construction (MiC) technology. The team’s monitoring results showed that the corrosion condition of this type of building was similar to typical buildings in Hong Kong, with no significant corrosion damage observed. These findings align with the inspection results of the steel components during the building’s deconstruction and relocation process, demonstrating that MiC technology is suitable for repeated use and offers an ideal solution for the reuse and relocation of transitional housing. Prof. Kwok-fai Chung said, “Hong Kong’s unique tropical climate and marine environment make atmospheric corrosion a critical issue for buildings. The results of this study will help develop more effective building maintenance strategies, prolonging the lifespan of buildings and structures with reduced manpower and lower cost, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of society.” Mr Ka Fai Yuen said, “PolyU has provided me with invaluable opportunities to apply my knowledge and research findings in practical ways to address societal challenges. These experiences are essential for my future research and personal development.”

Visit by Shunde District delegation

A delegation from Shunde District visited PolyU on 24 February to engage in industry-academia-research exchanges, aiming to fostering collaboration in research projects, technological innovation and transfer, as well as joint talent development initiatives. Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) and Chair Professor of Cell Engineering and ImmunoMedicine in the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU warmly welcomed the delegation. He highlighted PolyU's remarkable achievements in research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration, emphasizing its commitment to transforming research into practical solutions and applications for sustainable societal and economic development. Several PolyU scholars also shared the latest research progress in their respective faculties, and explored potential industrial applications. Prof. Henry DUH, Associate Dean (Global & Industry Engagement) of the School of Design and Director of Research Centre for Art and Culture Technology, explained how artificial intelligence is empowering the cultural and creative industries, driving cross-disciplinary innovation; Prof. LIU Yan, Associate Professor of the Department of Computing, introduced the newly established Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and shared how artificial intelligence and human-machine interaction technology are being used to analyse and improve personal stress resistance and performance; Prof. Hailong HUANG, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, discussed how perception modules and cutting-edge sensor technology contribute to the development of the low-altitude industry and its potential economic applications. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as robotics technology and talent cultivation, expressing interest in collaborative initiatives.  The delegation also visited PolyU's State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology to explore its cutting-edge scientific research and advanced laboratory facilities. PolyU will continue to leverage its advantages in academic and technological innovation, join forces with the Shunde District to promote the transformation of R&D achievements and talent cultivation, and support the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.  

PolyU student honoured as the first undergraduate from Hong Kong to present outstanding research at the International Microwave Symposium 2025

Under the guidance of Dr ZHOU Xinyu, Research Assistant Professor and Head of the RF Microelectronics Circuit (RFMC) Laboratory in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Mr BI Jingyun, an undergraduate student in the RF Microelectronics Circuit (RFMC) Laboratory at PolyU, has achieved a significant milestone by being invited to present his research at the International Microwave Symposium 2025 in San Francisco, United States. Mr BI is the first undergraduate student from a Hong Kong higher education institution to receive this prestigious opportunity. As the first author of the groundbreaking research paper titled "Frequency-Query Enhanced Electromagnetic Surrogate Modeling with Edge Anti-aliasing Pixelation for Bandpass Filter Inverse Design," he has demonstrated PolyU's prominence in the field of microwave engineering. Mr BI’s research introduces an innovative frequency-domain attention modelling framework based on Transformer architecture. Addressing significant challenges in the intelligent design of microwave devices, this framework differs from traditional convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and fully connected networks (MLPs). Through frequency query mechanism and dynamic attention weight allocation, it enables the global correlation of electromagnetic response, and effectively resolves the parameter coupling issue in diagonal connection modelling of microstrip structures. Experimental results have shown that the new proxy model can accurately predict device performance with high precision using minimal data. This methodology has been successfully applied to designing ultra-compact bandpass filters, offering a new and interpretable design approach for complex microwave integrated circuits. PolyU's success in nurturing interdisciplinary talent is demonstrated by the achievements of its young researchers. This international accomplishment not only inspires more students to pursue advanced scientific and technological research but also showcases the cutting-edge innovation capabilities of Hong Kong's young researchers to the international academic community. The International Microwave Symposium is hosted by the Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) under the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It brings together the world's latest research in microwave, radio frequency, wireless technology and high-frequency semiconductor technology. Additionally, it promotes international technical exchanges and cooperation through conferences, seminars, group discussions and exhibitions.

Media interview: PolyU Research Symposium highlights the intersection of blockchain and AI in Web3

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its Research Centre for Blockchain Technology (RCBT) successfully hosted The Hong Kong Research Symposium at Consensus Hong Kong on 20 February. This landmark event provided a unique platform for leading experts, researchers, and industry pioneers to discuss advancements in blockchain, Web3, decentralised artificial intelligence (AI), and post-quantum cryptography — technologies that are redefining global technological and economic landscapes. This symposium was the only university-led session at Consensus Hong Kong, reinforcing PolyU’s pivotal role in driving the future of decentralised technologies. The keynote sessions featured esteemed speakers who shared insights on emerging technologies. Among them was Prof. Jiannong Cao, Dean of Graduate School, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, and Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing at PolyU. In his speech, he discussed the utilisation of AI in decentralised environments and the role of blockchain in enhancing trust and coordination. Prof. Man Ho Allen Au, Professor and Associate Head (Research and Development) of the PolyU Department of Computing, and Prof. Daniel Xiapu Luo, Professor and Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Director of RCBT at PolyU, moderated a panel discussion. They highlighted PolyU’s commitment to academic excellence and its endeavors to position Hong Kong as a premier Web3 hub while also introducing RCBT’s dedication to innovative research and the evolving realm of Web3. In addition, Prof. Au and Prof. Luo conducted a media interview to share PolyU’s dedication to advancing education and blockchain research, as well as their groundbreaking work on zero-knowledge proofs. They offered valuable insights into the future of decentralised applications and their implications on financial infrastructure. The symposium attracted a large number of participants, and the active cooperation and efficient knowledge sharing between academia and industry successfully demonstrated the significant role of collaborative innovation in driving technological advancements. RCBT will continue its commitment to leading-edge research in the blockchain field, promoting technological breakthroughs, and facilitating academic exchanges to advance industrial development.