輪到你設計 Wheel We Go

(Chinese version available only) 謝媗莃、蔡雅盈、姜賀諺 香港理工大學設計學院社會創新設計四年級學生 我們生活在一個製造障礙的社會。說這句話，不是為了語出驚人，而是平實地說出一個社會的真相。 試想想，我們的城市規劃，當以汽車而非單車及行人優先來設計時，便產生出馬路如虎口的想像，所以行人遵守交通規則橫過馬路同時，也要左顧右盼才能確保安全；而踏著單車，也遠遠不及汽車暢通無阻。正因為此，我們在某程度上，正遇到行動上的不便。 再說，我們若廁身油蔴地地鐵站，那唯一一台供有需要人士使用的升降機，常常大排長龍。輪椅使用者沒有獲得優先使用的權利。可見，即使有可供輪椅使用者使用的無障礙設施，社會上並未有共識，輪椅使用者，要跟其他拖車仔的朋友一齊排排隊，每次等上幾轉才可以享用。沒有或缺乏輪椅使用者參與的城市基建，輪椅使用者便自然地承受著被想像、被照顧和被安排的諸多不便中。職是之故，殘障不光是身體四肢是否健全的問題，更甚者，它是一個文化、政治、經濟、政策的問題。 一、共同設計 共同探索 我們有幸地在過去兩年的學習日子中裏，認識了好些輪椅使用者，並成為朋友。在一些科目的習作中，我們也做過一些設計推廣，以使用輪椅的朋友為中心，想過一些點子。是次藉著為期一年的畢業習作機會，我們想更深入和有系統地思考、探索這題目，試圖透過設計，想像和創造一種通行自由的生活。我們並不是天真地認為，藉著一些小行動便能立即改變由文化生成的偏見與限制，然而，我們希望能透過社會設計，重新打開討論，期望可以稍為鬆綁牢固的社會習性。 社會創新設計得以真正可持續又具創新性，如Elizaberth B. -N. Sanders在回顧過去社會設計發展時所言，必須在一開始便投入共同設計的關係中。換言之，我們不是要先想，怎樣做可持續的設計，也不是將創新放在首先；為免使可持續和創新淪為傳銷口號，我們應由與持份者共同設計開始，這樣才能令設計變得可持續和創新。Ezio Manzini也提到，以協作形式進行設計，是為了改變系統的操作方式，即我們不純是不斷在擴展行動，而是協作能令我們發現更多改變系統的可能性。譬如，我們在傷健的議題上，不應只是進一步擴大既有的公眾教育活動，或做更多現在做著的事情，因為問題並不止於此；藉著與這個議題有關的持份者共同協作，視他們為不可缺席且舉重輕重的一員，我們方能看到現存結構的局限，並提出新的角度去改善系統。 二、脫下「輪椅使用者」標籤 重新了解 在這個項目中，輪椅使用者便是我們與之共同設計的重要伙伴。我們首先與他們做了許多深入的訪談，細緻地了解他們日常生活的每一個細節及流程。由他們幾點起床、如何起床、內務如何自理或被照顧、每天出行的需要等等，就是無所不問，無所不談。感謝他們對我們的信任，將許多私隱都跟我們分享。每一位朋友的分享，都衝擊著我們的認知與常識。他們的故事讓我們發現，「輪椅使用者」並非一個有效的身份，讓我們和大眾了解他們的經驗、需要和人生。每位輪椅使用者因為其家庭成長背景，生命的軌跡與其他人一樣，多元不同。 這樣的反省，使我們意識到設計的社會面向，應要從批判設計中的常識及定義著手，才可以不跟著既有的社會提問方向走，像是要急迫地依著偏差或錯誤的問題提供答案。當我們以具問題意識的方法來審視現象時，原來從他們的日常生活每個細節中，可以暫時懸置我們以「輪椅使用者」這身份看待他們的思考框框。我們得出這樣的了解，不是要否定他們是使用輪椅這回事；更重要的是，透過深入仔細的考察，才能重新找尋問問題的方法。面對著有血有肉、有故事、有盲點、有偏見、有氣餒、有熱誠的生命，我們注定要更謹慎行事。因為我們真箇面對著我們認識的朋友的立體人生。 三、誰的「傷健共融」？ 我們除了與每位輪椅使用者朋友進行了生活作息調查外，也與他們嘗試過許多不同類型的外出活動。由居所走到戶外，我們想了解使用輪椅的朋友可以去到幾遠，接觸有多廣重。過程中，我們想多聽在不同情境中，他們的觀察、經驗和想法。我們開始與輪椅朋友一起遊歷香港，從西九的日落到共同進行的行山活動，看看這個城市究竟有多少工具，令他們可以安心出行，真正達至無障礙社會。   一般來說，輪椅使用者在嘗試新的活動時會感到猶豫，他們特別會考慮到地點的安全性以及場地是否有足夠的無障礙設施。當我們與使用輪椅的朋友郊遊時，我們發現除了日常通行的設施尚有不足之外，輔助通行的支援設施也是很有限的，有時只因有一級樓梯的阻礙，便令他們感到氣餒，無法繼續前行。雖然能透過社企引入一些輔助裝置幫助試登山徑，令他們可以體會享受香港的郊外美景，但整個安排所需要花的資源和心思，遠不及健全人士穿一對鞋帶足夠糧水便可起行容易。   傷健概念最初由英國傷健運動創辦人Mary Robinson，於1970年應英聯邦信託基金會邀請訪港時引入。當時的主張是「傷健平等，機會非憐憫」。2008年8月31日，則有聯合國「殘疾人權利公約」在香港及中國大陸實施。這些年頭，「傷健共融」原為提倡傷殘人士與健全人士之間無分彼此、共同參與。但不知就裏，經過幾十年，以大家熟悉的運動而言，香港的傷殘運動卻演變成學校或社會機構每年一度的活動日。所謂的共同參與，逐漸也被簡化為一般人對共融題材的表面功夫，並未實現兩者真正的平等與共融。當我們訪問使用輪椅的朋友時，他們都會反映，香港在學校和社會中舉辦的共融活動時，大多數活動僅僅是體驗型的。例如，讓學生在社會中體驗行動不便，或是讓蒙眼以體會盲人的生活。這些活動往往伴隨著展覽和講座，似乎只是在強調殘障人士作為受助者的角色，只會進一步塑造殘疾人士在社會上被貼上受助者的標籤。正如Aimi Hamraie從批判性殘疾設計（Critical Diability Design）的角度所言，我們不應歌頌那些所謂「良好的設計」，將路肩變斜，以為是一種大功德。反而，我們應視殘疾朋友為這類項目的專家，從他們的身體機能與外在環境的關係入手，方能締建共融的社會。有意思的是，這裏強調易於通達應從殘疾人士的身體知識結合（access-knowledge），才能算得上完整。   四、Dis-Ability 基於深入的訪談及許多活動的嘗試，令我們逐漸認識到，輪椅使用者的經驗和角度，是我們設計共融項目的基礎與關鍵元素。剛過去的二月份，我們在東華三院環保村舉辦了「輪住去…玩木工坊」，利用廢棄物料升級再造共融遊戲裝置。我們邀請了四位輪椅使用者擔任組長，負責帶領四十多名社區客廳會員進行創作。儘管輪椅使用者在肢體能力上有所限制，但他們的表達能力和溝通能力，促成了許多有趣的互動。在活動中，有輪椅使用者提到裝置高度需調整，因為過高會影響輪椅使用者和小朋友的投入程度。亦有輪椅使用者朋友提出減少一條繩索的控制設計能讓手部力量不足的朋友也能參與。最終，我們一致同意降低裝置高度並減少繩索，這樣就能讓每個人都能享受遊戲。設計一個美觀且富有遊玩享受的遊戲裝置並不困難，但要確保所有人都能參與，特別是輪椅使用者作為重要的持份者，則至關重要。   Dis-Ability，從這個畢業習作中期活動中，我們進一步意識到，使用輪椅的朋友們的能力長期被低估甚至被剝奪展示的機會。他們要靠比健全人士付出好多倍的能量，才能分享到社會的好處。明明他們在社會中也是建設者，他們工作、生活、支援朋友、幫助他人。只是社會多以受助者的身份對待，視而不見他們是與我們平等的人。當下，我們會再舉辦一些更多能讓大家看見輪椅使用者的活動，希望未來能分享更多共融生活的成果。在此，再次感謝一眾輪椅使用者朋友和老師指導，令我們可以在這個共融項目中，顛倒及重新思考幫助者與受助者的位置和定義，去看清建立共融社會的方向。   文章來源：明報—星期日現場(2025年3月16日)

Time-Capsuling: The Untold Journeys of PolyU Design

As Hong Kong's first iconic comprehensive design school, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (“PolyU Design”) has been a vital hub for design education and research, offering world-class undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to nurture creative talent across various industries.   This publication traces PolyU Design's journey from the Hong Kong Technical College to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, capturing responses to changes in industry policies, technological advancements, and insights from thought leaders. It provides a deeper narrative of design development in Hong Kong, allowing readers to understand the School's history and the relationship between design education and the social and economic transformations in the city through a visually appealing and systematic timeline.   The project team dedicated over a year to interviewing individuals from various eras and sectors, each with different connections to the School’s evolution. In addition to utilising the School's internal collections, they sourced valuable materials and artifacts from alumni and other channels. Through meticulous organisation, editing, and design, this significant initiative has come to fruition.   Chapters: (1) Outroduction, (2) Leadership, (3) Programme Evolution, and (4) Research Paradigm.   Click here to begin the journey with us!

Students Shine Bright at the HK4As Student Awards 2024

Congratulations to all students who have been awarded accolades at the HK4As Student’s Award 2024! This year, our students have achieved an impressive array of awards, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication of our students. The HK4As Student’s Award aims to encourage, develop, and nurture young talent aspiring to enter the advertising industry. It is one of the most prestigious awards within the Hong Kong advertising sector. Awarded students: Award: Best of Show, Gold, Best Craft of Art Team: Chan Hiu Tung, Emily, Leung Tsz Ching Issabella, Kan Wai Pang Jason, Wong Miu Lam Award: Silver, Best Craft of Copy Team: Lau Hoi Kiu Zoi, Cheng Dorcas, Hung Sin Yee Sarah, Mok Hoi Ying Karis Award: Bronze Team: Chan Ho Lee Holly, Lam Wing Yee, Lui Wing Chi Gigi Award: Merit Team: Chan Cheuk Yi Zoe, Cheung Sin Ying Helen, Ha Yan Yin Melody Award: Merit Team: Ip Tsz Lok Jenny, Chan Wing Ling Nicole, Hu Ching Yin Janice Award: Merit Team: Mok Dick Ka, Leung Cheuk Lam Hailey, Tang Ka Wing Kary Finalist: Chow Yan Yee Stephanie, Wong Tsz Ching Charlotte, Tsang Wing Ching Vincy, Tam Ka Hei Cherry, Chung Cheuk Lam Susan, Mak Wing Ting Ashley, Fung Yuen Yan Acacia, Chan Pui Pui, Luk Ying Tung Chloe, Lam Chin Wing Vincent, Chan Yi Lin Elaine, Lui Lok Yiu Unita, Leung Ping Ping Sydney, Yeung Sum Yee Tiffany, Ng Wai Tat Billy, Yeung Ching Yan Isa

PolyU Design and Tongji University Forge New Paths in Design and Innovation Collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design and Shanghai International college of Design and Innovation (Shanghai D&I) of Tongji University signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 18 March 2025. This partnership aims to facilitate collaborations in staff and student exchanges for teaching and research, fostering mutual interests and benefits.   Shanghai International College of Design and Innovation (Shanghai D&I) at Tongji University is a globally esteemed design college in China. The college is committed to using design to address global challenges, enhance quality of life, drive social change through innovation, and achieve sustainable development.   We are looking forward to exploring the opportunities that this collaboration will bring for both institutions.

A Peek into the Fly-in Counsellor Adventure!

Last Friday, on 7 March 2025, the School of Design of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU Design) had the pleasure of hosting 33 high school counsellors from Asia (India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam), all the way to Europe (Germany, Greece, Hungary and Russia) and Pan-Africa, along with fellow local Non-JUPAS representatives from Hong Kong! The guests were treated to an exclusive open house, where counsellors had the chance to connect with our ambassadors up close and visit the cutting-edge facilities, offering them a firsthand look at the innovative place that nurtures creativity and design excellence. As a new corner to the 2025 edition, Prof. Gerhard Bruyns, Associate Dean (Academic Programmes) joined the thought-provoking panel discussion, sharing valuable insights into the design education and the dynamic opportunities available at PolyU. The School is grateful for the enthusiastic participation from the crowd and the precious chance to showcase the vibrant community and collaborative spirit that defines PolyU Design. Looking forward to continuing to build strong global connections! About the PolyU Counsellor Fly-in Programme A 4-day engagement hosted by the PolyU Global Engagement Office to allow international high school counsellors to gain first-hand experience of the top-notch programmes of the University, and find out more about the opportunities offered by the city of Hong Kong.

Fostering industry collaboration: The Institutional Convention Conference 2025 Recap

PolyU Design co-organized the Institutional Convention Conference 2025 with the Association for the Betterment of Hong Kong’s Entertainment Industry in Mainland China and the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association on 3 & 4 March 2025, under the theme "New Perspectives on Hong Kong’s Film Industry: Mainland Integration, International Outlook, and Youth Development". Over two days of in-depth discussions, industry practitioners from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and beyond explored the current landscape and future opportunities in the film and creative industries, attracting over 400 participants. As a leading school in design and creative education, PolyU Design remains committed to fostering industry collaboration, nurturing young talent, and driving innovation in the creative sector. The event facilitated meaningful exchanges, further reinforcing our School’s dedication to advancing the creative industry. (Representatives from various parties delivered speech during opening ceremony.) (Left) Mr Gary MAK, Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries (2) / Secretary-General of the Film Development Council, Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (Center) Ir Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student & Global Affairs), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Right) Mr WONG Cho-Lam, Secretary General, Association for the Betterment of Hong Kong’s Entertainment Industry in Mainland China   (All officiating guests, speakers and partners took a group photo.) (1st Row – From Left)  Ms Bonnie WONG, External Affairs Consultant, Association for the Betterment of Hong Kong’s Entertainment Industry in Mainland China. Prof. Kun-Pyo LEE, Dean, School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Mr DENG Wugui, The Film and Television Artistic Director, Bauhinia Culture Group Mr Gary MAK, Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries (2) / Secretary-General of the Film Development Council, Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau Mr Victor TSANG, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau Mr WONG Cho-Lam, Secretary General, Association for the Betterment of Hong Kong’s Entertainment Industry in Mainland China Ir Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student & Global Affairs), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Mr YU Chiu For, Executive Vice-Chairman, Secretary General , China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association Mr CHIN Ka Kok, President, Hong Kong Stuntman Association Mr MAK Chun Hung, President, The Association of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals (2nd Row – From Left) Mr MJ Chun Fung CHAN, Secretary General of Hong Kong Stuntman Association Ms Miranda XU, Vice President, Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment Mr Peter KAM, Composer, Winner of the Best Original Music Award at the Golden Horse Film Festival Mr Ayanga, Chinese musical theatre actor, Head of the musical team of Beijing Dance Drama and Opera Mr AI Xifan, Deputy Director, Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs, Liaison office of the central people’s government in the Hong Kong S.A.R. Prof. Henry DUH, Associate Dean (Global & Industry Engagement), School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. ZHI Feina, Chinese National Academy of ArtsMr YANG Shu, Director of the Production Department, School of Film and Animation, China Academy of Art, Deputy Secretary-General of the Digital Art Council, China Artists Association (Practitioners shared their working experience in Hong Kong and Mainland China.) (From Left) Mr Manho MOK, CEO of Popcorn Media Interactive Limited Mr CHU Wan Pin, Musician, Erhu player and film composer Mr Mike TSANG, Hong Kong Singer Mr WONG Cho-Lam, Secretary General, Association for the Betterment of Hong Kong’s Entertainment Industry in Mainland China (Prof. Feina ZHI analysed Mainland China’s film and television policies) (Practitioners discussed on the crossover between musicals and films.) (From Left) Mr WONG Cho-Lam, Secretary General, Association for the Betterment of Hong Kong’s Entertainment Industry in Mainland China Mr Peter KAM, Composer, Winner of the Best Original Music Award at the Golden Horse Film Festival Mr Ayanga, Chinese musical theatre actor, Head of the musical team of Beijing Dance Drama and Opera Ms Miranda XU, Vice President, Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment(On Screen)Mr Robert NEDERLANDER Jr., President and CEO of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment (Speakers and the Emcee explored the applications and future prospects of AI in film and television content and post-production.) (From Left)Mr Vincent CHOI, EmCee of the conference Mr YANG Shu, Director of the Production Department, School of Film and Animation, China Academy of Art, Deputy Secretary-General of the Digital Art Council, China Artists Association Mr MAK Chun Hung, President, The Association of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals Mr Andy NG, Lecturer, School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University  

PolyVerse Exhibition Concluded with Innovative AI Film Competition and Cultural Heritage Symposium

(February 27, 2025) Hong Kong - The "PolyVerse - Culture and Art Technology Exhibition" concluded with a prestigious closing ceremony and awards presentation for “The AI-Powered Legacy – 48 Hour AI Film Competition” at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Curated by Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean (Global and Industry Engagement) of PolyU's School of Design, the exhibition was supported by 10 prestigious art institutions across China. 25 pioneering research projects and installations were showcased using LG's ultra-fine Smart AI monitors. This extraordinary collection of digital art and cultural innovation demonstrated the dynamic intersection of traditional heritage and cutting-edge technology. (Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU School of design, delivers opening remark to PolyVerse – Culture and Art Tech Exhibition.) (Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean of PolyU School of design (Global and Industry Engagement), delivers curator’s remark to PolyVerse – Culture and Art Tech Exhibition.) (Group photo with sponsors and judges of The AI-Powered Legacy – 48 Hours AI Filmmaking Competition. (From Left) Mr Peng Cheng, CEO of EcoPlants,  Mr Rico Wong, Senior Manager of LG Electronics HK Ltd.,  Dr Charles Cheung, Co-Director of PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre and Deputy Director of NVIDIA AI Technology Center , Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean of School of Design and Director of PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology and Director of PolyU- NVIDIA Joint Research Centre, Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of School of Design,  Alan Lee – Audiovisual Expert, Dr Terry Lam, Dean of the School of Film and Television, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Ms Joyce Lam, Senior Supervisor of LG Electronics HK Ltd.) The closing ceremony was honored by distinguished guests including Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU School of Design, and senior executives from LG, NVIDIA and EcoPlants. The afternoon symposium featured an impressive lineup of seven keynote speakers from China's top art institutions, including Nanjing University, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts and Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (listed in no particular order). These experts addressed crucial topics such as digital heritage preservation, AI in artistic creation, and the future of cultural conservation. (Group photo with all the award winners of The AI-Powered Legacy – 48 Hours AI Filmmaking Competition and participating artists of PolyVerse – Culture and Art Tech Exhibition.) (Group photo with moderator and keynote speakers. (From Left) Dr Zhou Zhibin, Assistant Director of PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre,  Prof. Wu Yangbo, Associate Professor of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Prof. Yu Chunna, Professor of Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts,  Prof. Ren Hongwei, Associate Professor of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute,  Dr Terry Lam, Dean of the School of Film and Television, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Prof. Yangbo, Associate Professor of Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts)   "This exhibition represents a significant milestone in bridging traditional cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology," said Prof. Duh. "The scale of participation, with over 80 creators and researchers contributing their insights, demonstrates the enormous potential for technology to revolutionize cultural preservation and artistic expression."   The symposium presentations explored various aspects of digital cultural preservation, virtual reality in art, and sustainable development in cultural heritage protection. The PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology and PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre served as a collaborative platform that brought together leading academics and industry experts, showcasing their dedication to advancing the field. (The exhibition view of PolyVerse – Culture and Art Tech Exhibition.)   Explore the virtual exhibition now For media inquiries: rc.cat@polyu.edu.hk  

Smart Service Design for EdTech Platform Empowering Secondary Students in Discovering Their Life & Career Purposes

Our Smart Service Design (SSD) students have reimagined MatchBox – an EdTech platform co-initiated by Cocoon Foundation and The D. H. Chen Foundation – to empower secondary students in discovering their life and career purposes! Tasked with enhancing 'authentic learning experiences (ALEs),' our service innovators infused MatchBox with gamified challenges to foster curiosity and resilience, awarding users with prizes that keep up with the times, fun and relaxing user experience, suggestions to bring in new key partners, and so much more! By addressing the needs of users and stakeholders and harnessing the power of AI, students transformed Matchbox into a dynamic tool that bridges ALEs with purpose. "This redesign isn't just about tech – it's about shaping a social learning community," shared a project team. Join us in celebrating how smart service design enriches lives and tackles societal needs! The project is under the SSD's 7-week studio-based subject 'Socio-technical Service Ecosystem' providing multidisciplinary students with a hands-on opportunity to sense innovation opportunities, reconfigure organisational capabilities for new and redefined services, understand the benefits of the platform approach and multilevel nature of service design. Industry Partner: Cocoon Foundation Subject Leader: Dr Norah Wang (PolyU Design) Specialism Leader: Dr Shera Park (PolyU Design)

PolyU Design student shines in 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards Students Poster Design Competition

We are thrilled to announce that our year 4 student Mok Dick Ka, from Advertising Design, has been awarded the 1st runner-up in the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards Students Poster Design Competition.   The Hong Kong Film Awards, renowned as one of Asia's premier film award ceremonies, annually invites students in Hong Kong to showcase their creativity and talent through the poster design competition. This year, submissions were assessed by esteemed industry experts, including the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Hong Kong Designers Association, along with the Vice President and Executive Committee members of the Hong Kong Film Art Association. It is worth noting that Mok Dick Ka was the champion of last year's Design Competition, making this year's recognition even more impressive. Additionally, our student has achieved all three top awards in the previous year's competition. The continuous achievement is a testament to our students' remarkable creativity and skill in the field. About the previous year of Hong Kong Film Awards Students Poster Design Competition.   About the winning design: Brief: Stars 繁星 1st Runner Up: Mok Dick Ka (Advertising Design) 我利用一年的時投身於將金像獎獎座化為立體的藝術素材。透過不同的視角，展現出獎座的獨特之美，並與當屆的主題交相輝映，宛如星辰與夜空的交融。 長時間曝光攝影(Long exposure photography)，將繁星劃破長夜的瞬間捕捉在鏡頭之中，形成一道道璀璨的星軌。這些光影，彷彿映照出電影人在業界中的每一份心血，所有台前幕後，對電影業界的熱誠與追求，成就了香港電影的輝煌篇章。 夜空漫漫，定焦漆黑，尚有繁星閃爍。

PolyU Develops Ground-breaking Social Robot to Alleviate Community Mental Health Support Pressure

(中文版在此頁底)   The Hong Kong Polytechnic University officially launched a Theme-based Research Scheme project funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) to address the increasingly severe mental health issues in Hong Kong. The project, led by Professor Johan F. HOORN from the School of Design and the Department of Computing, has received HK$40.89 million in funding from the UGC and aims to develop a new paradigm for mental health support through the integration of robot technology and artificial intelligence. The UGC's "Theme-based Research Scheme" focuses on leveraging the academic research strengths of UGC-funded universities to investigate themes of strategic importance for Hong Kong's long-term development.   In recent years, the Hong Kong community has faced significant mental health challenges due to social unrest and the pandemic. Research indicates that approximately 12.8% of the population suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, while 61% are experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. This has not only overwhelmed the mental health care system but has also resulted in billions of dollars in economic losses each year, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions.   The project, titled “Social Robots with Embedded Large Language Models Releasing Stress among the Hong Kong Population (T43-518/24-N),” will run for four years until the end of 2029. It aims to utilise localised, cultural, and personal data to train social robots equipped with large language models (LLMs) to provide services to those in need of mental support, particularly vulnerable local communities. These potential users might lack someone to confide in or suitable community support services due to social environment, personal issues, or economic reasons.   The project will employ human-like social robots as natural interaction partners, capable of assisting users with information searches, improving mental and physical health, and supporting educational tasks. The AI system will monitor and utilise topics of concern to citizens to enhance localised and humanised dialogue capabilities. Additionally, it will refine LLMs by strengthening logic, norms, and values to prevent inappropriate behaviour and misinformation. Professor HOORN noted that the team will engage with local communities for field research to assess performance and effectiveness, "we will consult various groups and citizens to inform our robots about cultural considerations and taboos relevant to Cantonese culture, as well as to oversee medical ethics."   These social robots will connect to the award-winning Hong Kong AI hub, HK CityNet, a 2020/21 Theme-based Research Scheme project, while also providing a new software architecture characterised by distributed computing, scalability, and privacy protection. On the hardware side, the team aims to develop affordable, small high-performance computers to run the robots' software at home; the robots will appear as virtual avatars on users' mobile phones, allowing continued communication even when they are out.   The project was announced at an event officiated by Professor Kun-pyo Lee, Dean of the PolyU School of Design, and Professor Qing Li, Head of the PolyU Department of Computing, on 28 February. During the event, Project Leader Professor Hoorn provided an overview of the project to the guests. Co-leaders and collaborators, including Professor Jiannong Cao (PolyU), Professor Sek Ying Chair (CUHK), Professor Song Guo (HKUST), Dr Paul Lo representing Professor Michael Siu (PolyU), Professor Maggie Li (PolyU), Dr Xiaojuan Ma (HKUST), and Professor Chris Webster (HKU) shared their respective approaches to this collaborative initiative. Official collaborators are Professor Bin Xiao (PolyU), Dr Jiayan Pan (Social Work), and Dr Ivy Yan Zhao (PolyU).         香港理工大學正式啟動一項獲大學教育資助委員會（教資會）資助的主題研究計劃，以緩解日益嚴峻的香港心理健康問題。該項目由設計學院及電子計算學系的洪約翰教授（Professor Johan F. HOORN）領導，獲教資會四千零八十九萬港元資助，旨在通過先進技術及人工智能的整合，開展心理健康支援的新格局。教資會的「主題研究計劃」旨在集中本港資助大學的學術研究力量，對香港長遠發展具策略重要性的主題進行研究。 香港社區過去數年經歷過社會事件及疫情，正面臨重大的心理健康挑戰。據研究*顯示，約百分之十二點八的人口患有創傷後壓力症候群，而百分之六十一的人正面對壓力、焦慮和抑鬱，除了導致精神護理系統負荷過重，亦造成每年數十億的經濟損失，因此突顯了創新解決方案的迫切需要。 該名為「香港社區壓力緩解：大型語言模型賦能社交機器人的戰略性研究（T43-518/24-N）」的項目為期四年，直至2029年底，將致力利用本地化、文化和個人數據，對嵌入大型語言模型（LLMs）的社交機械人進行訓練，以向本地有精神支援需要的人士，特別是本地弱勢社群提供服務。此類潛在用戶或受社交環境、個人問題、經濟原因等限制，而缺乏可傾訴的對象或合適的社區支援服務。 項目透過人性化的社交機械人扮演自然的互動夥伴，能夠協助用戶信息搜索、改善身心健康，亦可支援教育工作；其人工智能系統將監測並善用市民關心的話題，以增強本地化和人性化對話能力，同時通過強化邏輯、規範和價值觀來完善大型語言模型，以防止不當行為和虛構「事實」。洪約翰教授指出其團隊將走入本地社區，進行實地研究來評估性能和效果：「我們將諮詢不同的團體及市民，讓他們告訴我們的機械人與廣東文化有關的注意事項和禁忌，亦負責查核有關醫學倫理方面的工作。」 該社交機械人將連接到2020/21年度主題研究計劃項目獲獎的香港人工智能樞紐HK CityNet，同時提供一種新的軟件架構，具備分佈式計算、可擴展性及隱私保護的特點。硬件方面，團隊目標開發價格實惠的小型高性能電腦，用於在家運行機器人的軟件；而該機器人將以虛擬形象出現在用戶手機上，使他們即使外出也能繼續進行溝通。 該項目於2月28日的活動中啟動，由香港理工大學設計學院院長李健杓教授及電子計算學系系主任李青教授主持，而項目負責人洪約翰教授則向與會嘉賓介紹項目概況。出席者包括項目共同負責人包括曹建農教授（香港理工大學）、車錫英教授（香港中文大學）、郭嵩教授（香港科技大學）、盧智恒博士(代表邵健偉教授)（香港理工大學）、李文捷教授（香港理工大學）、麻曉娟博士（香港科技大學）及偉仕達教授（香港大學）。其他參與項目的成員包括肖斌教授（香港理工大學）、趙妍博士（香港理工大學），以及潘佳雁博士（社會工作)。