News

PolyU led discussion on AI’s transformative impact on education and research at the 2nd Asian Universities Science and Technology Innovation Forum

PolyU participated in the 2nd Asian Universities Science and Technology Innovation Forum, held in Tokyo on 17-18 February. The event was co-organized by the China Association for International Exchange of Personnel (CAIEP) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).  The forum aimed to promote collaboration and foster knowledge exchange among universities to address global challenges and drive sustainable development. As the main supporting university representative from Hong Kong, Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, joined a roundtable discussion on the transformative impact of AI and digitalisation in education. In his speech, Prof. Chao emphasised the crucial role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future of education, research, and technology transfer. He highlighted AI’s potential as a tool in educational settings, its ability to drive innovation and breakthroughs in fundamental research, and its capacity to reduce costs in technology transfer. On the second day of the event, Prof. Chao led a dialogue with university leaders to explore collaborative opportunities and foster partnerships aimed at creating sustainable solutions that benefit both academia and society. The event brought together over 30 university leaders from across Asia, including representatives from China (Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, and other Asian countries and regions. Notable participants included PolyU, Peking University, University of Science and Technology of China, Fudan University, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Waseda University, among others.  PolyU is committed to advancing translational research, fostering technological innovation, and nurturing talent. By continuing to build strong collaborative relationships with global universities, PolyU aims to transform challenges into opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to global sustainable development and societal progress.  

PolyU signs collaborative agreements with the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute to advance research in AI, 6G, and Web 3.0

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute have formed a partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a collaborative agreement. This strategic collaboration aims to propel the development of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), 6G and Web3.0, reinforcing Hong Kong as an international hub for innovation and technology (I&T). Leveraging PolyU’s interdisciplinary research excellence and academic expertise, and the research and development resources and experimental environment provided by the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute, this partnership aims to integrate the unique advantages of both parties to propel fundamental research and technological innovation. In addition, a comprehensive talent exchange and training framework will be established, featuring a joint training programme for talents and internship opportunities for doctoral students. The aim is to nurture high-tech professionals who can meet the evolving demands of future technological advancements. The signing ceremony was held at PolyU on 19 February. Witnessed by Ms Lilian CHEONG, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Mr LING Hao, Chairman of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Dr LIN Erwei, Chief Executive Officer and Director of China Mobile International Limited, the MoU was signed by Prof. LI Qing, PolyU Chair Professor of Data Science and Head of the Department of Computing and Mr SHEN Weizhong, President of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute. Subsequently, a collaborative agreement was signed by Prof. CAO Jiannong, Dean of the PolyU Graduate School and Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, and Mr SUN Lin, Vice-President of China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute. Ms Lilian Cheong commended the collaboration between the two institutions which is set to drive significant advancements in research and industrial development across key areas such as AI, 6G, and Web3.0. By leveraging collaboration between industry, academia and research, this partnership will inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s I&T development, and strengthen the connection between local universities and enterprises, fostering technological innovation and industrial collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stressed PolyU’s dedication to fostering technological innovation and nurturing skilled professionals in response to diverse global challenges. This partnership with the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute can more fully leverage the benefits of academia-industry synergy. Both parties will focus on the advancement and application of strategic technologies, including AI, 6G and Web3.0, as well as on cultivating a new generation of I&T talent, thereby providing strong support for Hong Kong’s social and economic development. Mr Shen Weizhong emphasised that the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute is committed to advancing cutting-edge technologies. This partnership will capitalise on the Institute’s expertise in technology application, industry influence and market reach to support PolyU’s translation of research outcomes, while also encouraging innovation and advancing the cultivation of high-end talent. Under the agreement, PolyU and the China Mobile (Hong Kong) Innovation Research Institute will collaborate closely in key areas of AI and Web3.0. In terms of AI, their focus will be on enhancing the development and deployment of large language models, improving task planning and problem-solving capacities, and driving the widespread adoption of AI across diverse industries. It aims to enhance Hong Kong’s competitive edge in the global AI landscape. In the realm of Web3.0, they will develop a robust and scalable distributed computing infrastructure to support large-scale model research and development, in alignment with Hong Kong government policies to harness blockchain technology. In addition, this partnership will drive innovation and transformation within the local financial industry, enhancing Hong Kong’s international competitiveness and solidifying its pioneering position in adoption of Web3.0 technologies. Further expanding the scope of their collaboration, the two parties, along with China Mobile Hong Kong, will also explore the potential of satellite-integrated precise positioning and low-altitude economic applications by utilising 5G networks to enhance high-precision positioning capabilities. This collaboration aims to support the development of Hong Kong’s smart city infrastructure and propel the growth of innovation across related industries. This partnership is of great significance, as it not only catalyses Hong Kong’s I&T development, but also promotes Hong Kong-Mainland integration, opening a new chapter of development for GBA in global technology industry.

PolyU and international scientists utilise satellite positioning data to unveil ice sheet melt behaviour in Greenland, aiding in the assessment of sea-level rise

Melting of the Greenland ice sheet is currently the primary driver of sea-level rise. For the first time, scientists from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with a team of global researchers, have integrated various modern space geodetic techniques, particularly satellite positioning data, to monitor the subsidence of vertical bedrock and successfully quantify summer water storage in the Greenland ice sheet. This achievement offers new insights and evidence regarding the contribution of ice sheets to global sea-level rise. Findings from their research have been published in the international journal Nature. The Greenland ice sheet is second in size only to Antarctica, with an ice thickness of about 3 kilometres. If it were to fully melt, the average global sea level would rise by seven metres. However, many questions remain unanswered regarding the processes of englacial water accumulation, storage, and ultimate release. Prof. Jianli CHEN, Professor of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, and core member of Research Institute for Land and Space, collaborated with international experts from Hong Kong, Mainland China, the US, the Netherlands, and Belgium to explore the hydrological processes in Greenland. Their research focuses on the evolution of meltwater storage to better understand ice sheet melting behaviour and its impact on sea-level rise. The increase in water storage caused by the melting of ice sheets is one of the key factors leading to bedrock subsidence. However, the satellite gravimetry commonly used is not optimal for conducting regional assessment of Greenland hydrology. To tackle this challenge, the research team has pioneered the use of the Greenland GPS Network (GNET) and satellite gravity measurements provided by NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment. GNET comprises numerous Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations around Greenland to provide continuous positioning data. The team analysed data from 22 GNSS stations close to bedrocks and glacier outlets over the period from 2009 to 2015 to detect the regional melting water storage beneath the ice sheets and quantify the elastic deformation and subsidence of vertical bedrock, thereby better understanding the spatiotemporal behaviour of meltwater. GNSS was also used to help monitor large scale mass redistribution in the climate system, such as groundwater depletion and change in lake water storage. The study revealed that during the summer melt season, most of the meltwater is temporarily stored within the ice sheet, peaking in July and then gradually decreasing. The buffered meltwater leads to a maximum subsidence of up to 5mm in the bedrock near the GNSS stations in Greenland. In 2010 and 2012, extreme melting events led to the bedrock subsiding by as much as 12 and 14 millimeters, respectively. The study also suggested that the duration of meltwater storage in the ice sheet at most GNSS sites is about  8 weeks but with regional variation. It is above average at about 9 weeks in the northeast and west, while at around 4.5 weeks in the south and southeast. As recent extremely high summer temperatures may become the norm in the foreseeable future, accurate prediction of meltwater storage in those years is crucial for assessing sea-level rise. Since meltwater runoff modelled from regional climate models could have overestimated water retention or underestimated snowmelt runoff, the team suggested that upward adjustments of up to 20% may be necessary for the warmest years. Prof. Chen said, “This study, which involved years of preparation, not only integrated various modern space geodetic techniques but also involved challenging expeditions to some of the most remote areas of the planet. The significant results underscore the importance of extensive international cooperation in addressing climate change challenges. Our research will contribute to achieving accurate model performance for warmer years, aiding in the projection of ice-sheet behaviour and its impact on sea-level rise in the coming decades. This holds particular significance amidst anticipated Arctic warmings.”

Three PolyU Scholars elected as Fellows of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to excellence in research, making far-reaching contributions to the development of society and the well-being of humanity by leveraging the advancement of scientific research. Three PolyU Scholars have been elected as Fellows of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE) for recognition of their remarkable achievements in engineering sciences and applications. The three PolyU Scholars are (in alphabetical order) Prof. TAO Xiaoming, Chair Professor of Textile Technology at the School of Fashion and Textiles and Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems; Ir Prof. YIN Jian Hua, Distinguished Research Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and Ir Prof. ZHAO Xiao Lin, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Prof. TAO has gained international recognition for her leading research in intelligent fibrous materials, nanotechnology, photonic fibres and fabrics, flexible electronic and photonic devices, yarn manufacturing, and textile composites. She has spearheaded a team of innovative inventors, achieving the acquisition of over 40 international and national patents. Her invented technologies have been licensed to companies worldwide for industrial applications. She discovered a novel yarn structure, which can achieve combined properties of low torque, low twist and high strength. Additionally, she invented a series of devices for spinning machines and testing instrument. The Nu-TorqueTM technology was commercialised by Central Textiles in Hong Kong and later licensed to thirteen companies worldwide. Her research on smart textiles and sensing technologies has been adopted for personal healthcare in commercial wearable products for ECG, respiration, and gait. Prof. Yin is a world-leading scholar in developing an original non-linear rheology theory and one-dimensional (1D) and 3D Elastic Visco-Plastic (EVP) constitutive models for soils. His works, including the Yin and Graham’s 1D and 3D EVP models developed from his non-linear rheology theory, are applied in the consolidation analysis of soils. And this was considered as a main milestone contribution by Géotechnique, the world’s top 1 geotechnical journal, over 60 years (1948-to-2008) in the UK. His two methods, - a numerical approach applying Yin and Graham’s 1D and 3D EVP models and a simple method for consolidation settlement analysis - have been adopted in “Canadian Foundation Engineering Manual” (5th-edition-2023).  Also, his EVP models have been implemented in popular international software “Plaxis” and “ICFEP” software package developed by Imperial College London, both of which are used by the global geotechnical community. He also invented a transducer for direct measurement of effective stress in saturated soils. This invention has solved “a centennially unsolved case” and is recognised as “an unprecedented achievement in the field of soil mechanics, following Terzaghi’s seminal work.” Prof. ZHAO’s significant research impact in structural and civil engineering has earned him numerous prestigious international awards and honours, including the Humboldt Research Award and fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. His current research focuses on high-performance sustainable materials for civil engineering applications, steel-concrete-FRP hybrid construction, and floating structure technology. His international leadership in the development and construction of steel and hybrid tubular structures is widely recognised. His research team has also made significant contributions to understanding the behaviour of steel structures and concrete-filled tubular structures under various conditions, including static and blast loading, fire, earthquake, and fatigue. His research achievements have been incorporated into standards in Australia and America, as well as  Eurocode and ISO standards. Additionally, he has chaired a technical committee of the International Institute of Welding, contributing to the development of two ISO standards and four international design guides, which are widely used by engineers worldwide. The HKAE aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence in engineering, contributing to the advancement of society and the development of Hong Kong and our Nation. It comprises a distinguished group of Fellows from various disciplines, recognised as leaders in their profession, with remarkable achievements in engineering sciences and applications.

Ministry of Education Delegation visits PolyU and commends Unversity’s efforts on industry-academia integration

A delegation led by Dr WU Yan, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) yesterday. The delegation met with the PolyU management team and researchers to gain insights into the University’s latest developments, particularly its achievements in knowledge transfer related to artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare technology. Dr Wu commended the University’s innovative research and its effort in fostering industry-academia integration. He welcomed closer collaboration between PolyU and mainland cities, as well as national research institutes, to further translate technology into practical applications, contributing to technological development in both regions and benefiting the community. The delegation representatives included Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Mr CHEN Wei, Deputy Director of Bureau IV of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council; Dr YANG Dan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges and Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Education; Dr ZHOU Tianhua, Director of the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education; Prof. WANG Weiming, Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG); and other representatives from the Ministry of Education, HKMAO of the State Council, and LOCPG. Accompanied by PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai, President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG and other management team members, the delegation visited the AIR Lab at the University’s Industrial Centre, where PolyU scholars introduced and demonstrated a number of innovation projects in healthcare and AI. These projects included an AI diabetic retinopathy screening system, a large medical model for cancers, myopic defocus technology for myopia control in children, a liver fibrosis and fatty liver screening system, a 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, a virtual MRI contrast enhancement system for precise tumour detection and treatment, robots for post-stroke ankle-foot rehabilitation, a portable high-definition corneal topographer, an AI-based platform to enhance the discovery and development of novel drugs, and a project integrating genomics and biomedical technologies in the diagnosis, treatment, and etiology analysis of mental disorders. All these projects demonstrate the achievements of PolyU in translating research outcomes into real-world applications and drive the advancement of healthcare sector. The delegation then met with the University’s management and researchers. Dr Wu Yan highlighted ongoing efforts to establish regional technology transfer centres across the Nation, followed by the development of a network in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths. Dr Wu also noted that PolyU’s achievements in industry-academia integration, particularly in medicine-engineering integration, have been widely recognised. These achievements are evident not only in the pursuit of innovation but also in the translation of technologies into practical real-world products in areas such as ophthalmology, drug development and rehabilitation robotics. He further stated that the nation is promoting “New Engineering, New Medicine, New Agriculture, and New Liberal Arts 2.0”, incorporating AI to transform traditional industries and develop new disciplines. PolyU has excelled in facilitating medicine-engineering integration and is well-placed to participate in the strategic work of the healthcare technology transfer centre in the GBA. Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked that the visit from the Ministry of Education delegation provides significant encouragement to PolyU. The University is dedicated to nurturing socially responsible talents with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective for societal benefits, supporting the goal of building China into a leading country in education. In addition to establishing the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture, PolyU launched the Chinese Culture Festival last year to promote Chinese culture and has made courses on Chinese history and culture compulsory for undergraduate students. Dr Lam pointed out that PolyU’s limitation is its small campus capacity. The University has been seeking to expand its space and hopes to receive support from the HKSAR Government and various sectors to meet its future development needs. Dr Choi Yuk-lin noted that PolyU is undergoing rapid development, with its global and subject rankings constantly rising, solidifying its position as a key player in the local education sector. Hong Kong must seize the opportunities presented by national development, particularly the technology transfer network established in the GBA. In addition to securing land in the Northern Metropolis for the education sector, the Education Bureau will also innovate and adapt its policies to address future challenges effectively. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng emphasised that PolyU has over 40 years of extensive experience in healthcare education, having trained 52,000 graduates employed across various healthcare professions. The University offers a wide range of programmes, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiotherapy, optometry, medical laboratory science, speech therapy, and nursing. These programmes are supported by more than 1,300 healthcare-related teaching and research staff, as well as state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. With these advantages, PolyU is well-positioned to establish a medical school. In training medical professionals, the University can harness the synergy among its diverse programmes to cultivate talent in a cost-effective manner. Group photo of Dr Wu Yan (6th from left), Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, and PolyU scholars who showcased projects during the visit, including (starting from 1st from left) Prof. MA Cong from the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; Prof. Dennis TSE and Prof. HE Mingguang from the School of Optometry; Prof. Yang Hongxia from the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences; Prof. ZHANG Weixiong from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Department of Computing; (starting from 7th from left) Prof. Yongping Zheng and Prof. HU Xiaoling from the Department of Biomedical Engineering; Prof. Jing CAI from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. ZHANG Dan from the Department of Mechanical Engineering; and Prof. Chea-su KEE from the School of Optometry. The delegation and PolyU representatives exchanged views. Dr Wu Yan, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, delivered a speech at the meeting. Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of HKSAR Government, spoke at the meeting. Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, delivered a welcoming address. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, introduced the latest developments of the University.

PolyU scholar awarded ASCE Greater China Distinguished Leadership Medal 2025

Prof. XIA Yong, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been awarded the ASCE Greater China Distinguished Leadership Medal at the 3rd ASCE Greater China Conference.  Prof. XIA is recognised for his exceptional innovative contributions and outstanding leadership in advancing the ASCE Greater China Section and the civil engineering profession in the region. The award’s selection process involved a comprehensive evaluation of criteria such as professional contributions, academic influence, and international engagement.  Prof. Xia has been engaging in research of large-scale civil engineering structural health monitoring, structural damage identification, and substructure methods. Being an expert in the field, his developed technologies have been applied to numerous landmark structures, including the 600-m tall Canton Tower, the 632-m tall Shanghai Tower, the 1377-m long main span Tsing Ma Bridge, the world’s longest 55-km long Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, and the PolyU Footbridge. For more of Prof. XIA’s achievements: Machine learning methods for structural health diagnosis and operation maintenance of bridges Digital Twin-based Long-span Bridge Health Monitoring PolyU Joint Research Research Centre for Marine Infrastructure The ASCE Greater China Section serves as a vital platform for fostering the growth of civil engineering in Greater China. It facilitates knowledge exchange, networking opportunities and professional development among its members, uniting engineers across diverse disciplines within civil engineering, including structural, geotechnical, construction, environmental, materials and water resources. Credit: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) Joint Research Research Centre for Marine Infrastructure  

Media interview: PolyU scholar shares Eco-blocks development and construction application

As one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Hong Kong faces a significant challenge in carbon emissions from the construction sector, which accounts for over 50% of the city's total emissions. Promoting the green transformation of the construction industry has become critical. Green buildings aim to reduce environmental impact by integrating innovative technologies and sustainable design principles, with the widespread adoption of green building materials. Prof. Poon Chi-sun, Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials and Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) focuses on converting waste materials, such as construction debris, glass aggregates and incineration ash, into sustainable building materials, thereby reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental quality. Prof. Poon was featured in the TV programme “Carbon Revolution in China” to introduce Eco-blocks, a type of green construction material produced from construction and other waste materials. These blocks utilise advanced recycling technology and are manufactured through low-carbon methods. By grinding recycled glass into powder as a substitute for cement, the production process significantly lowers carbon emissions.  In addition, Eco-blocks not only relieve the burden on overloaded landfills, but also address issues related to rainwater accumulation and flooding, as they are capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, contributing to carbon sequestration. In response to the increasing demand for green design in architecture, Prof. Poon believes that innovation and sustainable development contribute to a healthier environment and improved living conditions. He emphasises the collective responsibility to confront the challenges of climate change, fostering a path towards a more sustainable future.  

Diversity fosters interdisciplinary research to tackle vital societal challenges

As an interdisciplinary researcher holding dual PhDs in Computer Science and General Literature, Prof. Johan F. Hoorn, Full Professor of the School of Design and Department of Computing and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) uniquely integrates science and the arts, focusing on logic-based artificial intelligence, human-robot interaction, and the psychological aspects of technology. His work aims to integrate personality and emotion into robot design, fostering more natural interactions between humans and machines. Drawn to PolyU after a global tour for a documentary on his social robots addressing loneliness in older adults, Prof. Hoorn appreciates the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration. His current research intersects affective computing and social robotics, exploring emotional ambiguity in decision-making through quantum probability. One of his notable projects, which was awarded a grant under the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based Research Scheme 2024/25, focuses on "Social Robots with Embedded Large Language Models Releasing Stress among the Hong Kong Population." This initiative aims to develop social robots that can provide customised mental care and support, enhancing the well-being of those underserved by traditional healthcare. Prof. Hoorn highlights the importance of diversity in driving interdisciplinary collaboration to foster innovative solutions for intricate societal challenges. At PolyU, he finds an inspiring environment that encourages creative design and deep exploration of quantum models, backed by supportive leadership. Prof. Hoorn said, “It’s the only place I have ever worked where I can do creative design and simultaneously delve into quantum probability to model robot behaviour.”

PolyU and Shandong First Medical University forge partnership to nurture healthcare professionals and advance radiation oncology research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Shandong First Medical University (SDFMU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration on medical education and innovation, including nurturing healthcare professionals and joint medical research. This partnership will synergise PolyU’s education and research strengths in health technology and informatics, and SDFMU’s extensive experience in clinical work and the application of cutting-edge medical technologies for tumour radiotherapy, advancing talent and research development in the field. The MoU signing ceremony was held in Jinan, Shandong Province, last month. Witnessed by Mr CHEN Ping, Vice Governor of Shandong Province; Prof. Jing CAI, Head of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. YIP Shea-ping, Chair Professor of Diagnostic Science and Molecular Genetics of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. Sijin LIU, Secretary of the Party Committee of SDFMU; and Prof. YU Jinming, Hospital President of the Cancer Hospital of SDFMU, the MoU was signed by Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Prof. WANG Yuxuan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of SDFMU. Prof. David Shum said, “The signing of this MoU marks an important step as PolyU and SDFMU join forces to drive medical education and research to new heights. The partnership will combine PolyU’s strong research capabilities in health technology with the rich clinical experience in cancer treatment that SDFMU has accumulated, striving to propel future development of radiation oncology.” Prof. Wang Yuxuan remarked, “This collaboration between the two universities represents our shared vision for the advancement of medicine. We hope that it will further strengthen our exchanges and cooperation in talent nurturing, research and innovation, and clinical practice, thereby injecting new impetus into the development of the Nation’s healthcare industry. Under the MoU, PolyU and SDFMU will seek to develop various academic and professional exchanges and explore potential for collaboration in nurturing healthcare professionals, establishing joint laboratories and more. Capitalising on their respective strengths, both parties aspire to cultivate future medical talents and advance research outcomes, with the aim of contributing to the enhancement of healthcare standards in the Mainland and Hong Kong. During the trip, the delegation from the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics participated in the 2nd Cancer Particle Radiotherapy Conference, co-hosted by the Cancer Hospital of SDFMU and the Shandong Anti Cancer Association. The delegation members engaged in lively discussion with some of over 2,000 experts from around the world about the pioneering concept, new technology and treatment outcomes of particle radiotherapy for cancer. At the Conference, Prof. Jing Cai delivered a speech centred on the future use of artificial intelligence in radiotherapy.

PolyU and CSD sign MOU to promote upcycling of food waste and development of eco-friendly products

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Correctional Services Department (CSD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to jointly promote the upcycling of food waste and the development of environmentally friendly products, injecting new impetus into the sustainable development of the correctional industry. The MoU sets out a framework for collaboration between PolyU and CSD to jointly promote innovative development initiatives over the next five years, including the application of PolyU’s scientific research results on food waste upcycling to industrial production in correctional institutions; and the provision of vocational training to persons in custody (PICs) in the design and production of environmentally friendly products by PolyU to enhance their employability. The collaboration not only promotes environmental protection but also assists in the rehabilitation of PICs. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr NG Chiu-kok, Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation and Management), the MoU was signed by Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food and Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of PolyU, and Mr TONG Soen, Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation). Prof. Chao said at the ceremony that PolyU has been tackling social challenges and promoting sustainable development through innovative research and translating research outcomes over the years. The “food waste-derived 3D printing material” patented technology covered in the collaboration project was developed by PolyU’s Research Institute for Future Food, which opens up a new way to tackle the problems of municipal food waste and greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong. Both parties will work together to create a mutual aid ecosystem, where new economic, ecological, and cultural value can be generated, contributing to the realisation of a cohesive society and sustainable development. Addressing the ceremony, Mr Ng said that the CSD has been committed to introducing green measures in correctional work to build an integrated and sustainable correctional system. The signing of the MoU marks an important milestone in the sustainable development of correctional work. The first phase of the collaboration involves the application of PolyU’s patented technology for making 3D printing material with spent coffee grounds to the industrial production work performed by PICs. PolyU will also provide vocational training in product design for PICs to develop more environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products. The environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products will be available for sale on the CSD Sports Association's online charity gift sales platform, Made In Prison, to promote messages of supporting rehabilitation and environmental protection to the public. All proceeds from the sale, after deducting necessary costs, will be donated to various local registered charities, providing PICs with opportunities to contribute to the community.