News

Director of SCRI won PolyU’s inaugural Patents Achievement Award

The PolyU Patents Achievement Award was newly launched this year in appreciation and honour of the remarkable achievements of departments and inventors that actively engaged in IP filing. The scheme includes two categories of award. The “Top Patents Filing Award” considers the IP filing activities over the past five years, while the “Most Active Patents Filing Award” focuses on the IP filing activities within the award year. Results of the inaugural award have been announced.   Congratulations to Prof. John SHI Wenzhong, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), won the “Top Patents Filing Award”!

SCRI Research Seminar on Fusion for Reconstruction of Remote Sensing Data was held successfully on 25 June 2024

  The Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) successfully organized a research seminar on 25 June 2024 on the topic of "Fusion for Reconstruction of Remote Sensing Data" by Professor Qunming Wang from the College of Surveying and Geo-Informatics at Tongji University, China.     During the seminar, Professor Wang shared insights into his achievements in integrating spatio-temporal-spectral information for data reconstruction. Furthermore, he introduced the applications of these reconstruction methods to various topics, including quality improvement of surface soil moisture and land surface temperature products, as well as global mapping of key elements related to the carbon cycle.  

SCRI Research Seminar on Multiscalarity in Urban Systems was held successfully on 14 June 2024

On 14 June 2024, the Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) successfully hosted a research seminar on "Multiscalarity in Urban Systems." The seminar featured a presentation by Professor Elsa Arcaute, Professor of Complexity Science at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis of University College London.   Professor Arcaute introduced commuting networks and how a framework of multiscalarity can help identify regional characteristics, such as specialization in economic activity, the range of skills among individuals, and the functional complementarity between cities.   The seminar provided a valuable platform for discussing the importance of considering multiple scales when analyzing and understanding the complex dynamics of urban systems. Professor Arcaute's insights generated engaging and fruitful discussions among the participants.  

OGCIO Delegation Visits PolyU's Smart Cities Research Institute on 12 June 2024

The Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomed a visit by a delegation from the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), the Government of the HKSAR.   The delegation was led by Mr. Kingsley Wong, Deputy Government Chief Information Officer, who was accompanied by Ms. Cari Wu, Assistant Government Chief Information Officer (Industry Development), and Mr. Ken Siu, Chief Systems Manager (Data Analytics).   PolyU was represented by a team of esteemed professionals, including Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), who emphasized the importance of integrating research with practical applications to address urban challenges. Prof. SHI Wenzhong, John, Director of SCRI, highlighted the institute's cutting-edge research and its impact on creating sustainable and intelligent urban environments.   During the visit, the delegation and PolyU representatives exchanged views on fostering innovation and advancement in smart city development. The discussion covered a range of topics, from data analytics and cybersecurity to the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in urban management. The visit concluded with a tour of SCRI's state-of-the-art facilities, showcasing the institute's capabilities and the innovative research conducted by its team.

Joint Participation of SCRI, RIAIoT and Sun Yat-sen University at Guangzhou Smart City Expo 2024

The Smart City Research Institute (SCRI) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), along with the Research Institute for AIoT and the School of Geography and Planning at Sun Yat-sen University, have successfully concluded their participation in the Guangzhou Smart City Expo 2024. The event, which took place from June 5th to 7th, featured the latest advancements in smart city technologies and urban planning.   The Guangzhou Smart City Expo 2024 was a landmark event that brought together global experts, policymakers, and innovators to explore the latest trends and innovations in smart city development. With a focus on sustainability, technology integration, and urban resilience, the expo showcased the collaborative spirit driving the future of urban living.   Key Highlights: Innovative Collaboration: The three institutions presented a unified front, showcasing their collaborative efforts in developing smart city solutions that leveraged the power of AI, IoT, and advanced urban planning techniques. Interactive Exhibitions: Attendees experienced interactive demonstrations of smart city technologies, including mobile mapping solutions, intelligent transportation systems, and urban environmental monitoring tools. Knowledge Sharing: Expert panels and keynote speeches provided insights into the challenges and opportunities of smart city development, with a special focus on the role of AI in shaping the cities of tomorrow.    About the Participants: Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) at PolyU: SCRI is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation in the field of smart cities, focusing on creating sustainable and livable urban environments. Research Institute for AIoT at PolyU: This institute specializes in the integration of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, driving advancements in smart city infrastructure and services. School of Geography and Planning at Sun Yat-sen University: Renowned for its contributions to urban planning and geographical sciences, the school is at the forefront of developing strategies for sustainable urban development.

SCRI Seminar on 3D Mapping Technology Innovation and Applications was held successfully on 31 May 2024

The Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) successfully held the SCRI seminar on "3D Mapping Technology Innovation and Applications" on 31 May 2024. The seminar featured presentations by Sr. Yue-chun CHAN, Head of the Spatial Data Office of the Development Bureau, Mr. Alex CHU, Assistant Director/Survey and Mapping of Lands Department, and Prof. John SHI, Director of SCRI and Chair Professor of Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing.   The seminar attracted around 40 participants in person. First, Sr. Chan's presentation provided an overview of the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) and showcased its potential through various use cases, inspiring participants with the possibilities of shaping Hong Kong into a smart city. Next, Mr Chu introduced the work of the Survey and Mapping Office (SMO) of the Lands Department on spatial data initiatives and SMO's efforts in leveraging the data to support smart city development. Finally, Prof. Shi shared the latest 3D mapping technologies and applications.   Following the three presentations, Prof. Shi moderated a Q&A session, in which the audience engaged in a fruitful discussion with the distinguished speakers.    

Delegation from Hetao Development Authority Visit SCRI

A delegation led by Ms LI Huilai, Deputy Director of Hetao Development Authority visited the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) on 24 April 2024. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Prof. John Shi, Director of SCRI. During the visit, an exchange discussion was arranged to explore the future development and collaboration opportunities in the promising Hetao Area. SCRI is dedicated to fostering collaboration with industry counterparts and governmental entities to promote knowledge transfer, research excellence, and societal impact.

“Meet PolyU Academicians and Distinguished Scholars” video series | Professor John SHI Wen-Zhong, Director of SCRI

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently launched a new video series “Meet PolyU Academicians and Distinguished Scholars” to introduce outstanding research and innovations by PolyU scholars.   Watch the episode featuring Professor John Shi Wen-Zhong, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Chair Professor of Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing of PolyU, to delve into Professor Shi’s journey in the field of uncertainty modelling and quality control for spatial data and spatial analyses since the 1990s.   Learn more: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/academicians/our-academicians/shi-wenzhong-john/ Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5UWyw7JpeY

Delegation from the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and the Hong Kong Institution of Engineering Surveyors (HKIES) Visit SCRI

President Dr Diane Dumashie and Vice President Sr Prof. Winnie Shiu of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG); and President Mr Lam Lit Yin, Chairman Mr NG Kwok Fai and Secretary Mr HO Chi Chung, Freddy of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineering Surveyors (HKIES) visited the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) on 5 January 2024. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Prof. John Shi, Director of SCRI and SCRI representatives. During the visit, an exchange meeting was arranged to explore the research collaboration opportunities in the areas of smart city and potential partnership with the two professional institutions.  

SCRI wins the First Prize of the 2023 Science and Technology Progress Award in Surveying and Mapping

The project of "北京市典型區域變化發現技術研究與疑似違法建設場景應用”, led by Professor John Shi, the Director of SCRI has been awarded the First Prize of the 2023 Science and Technology Progress Award in Surveying and Mapping. Presented by the Beijing Society of Surveying and Mapping, the prestigious award is given in recognition of research development in the field.   Award-winning project 北京市典型區域變化發現技術研究與疑似違法建設場景應用 Award First Prize Affiliation Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Congratulations to Prof. Shi and the SCRI research team!