Media Releases

PolyU, Beijing Jiaotong University and MTR Academy co-organise “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport” to nurture talent and promote sustainable railway development across Belt and Road countries and beyond

To foster exchanges and nurture talents in the railway industry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) and MTR Academy (MTRA) are leveraging their respective strengths in academia, research, and railway operations to co-organise the “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport” (the Programme). The collaboration establishes a cross-regional knowledge-sharing platform to advance railway development in Belt and Road countries and regions and enhance industry excellence. The Programme officially launched on 7 April 2025, with 44 senior railway executives and scholars from 13 countries and regions participating. The Programme marks the first joint initiative under a three-year cooperation agreement signed by the three parties. With the theme of “Sustainable Rail Transport: Planning, Operations and New Technologies”, the Programme offers a series of thematic lectures and interactive seminars as well as visits to railway operators and academic institutions in both Hong Kong and Beijing including MTR’s depot and training centre, the PolyU’s Smart Railway Research Laboratory and BJTU’s research facilities. Industry veterans, scholars and railway specialists will share the latest developments and their extensive experience in the field, providing participants with an in-depth understanding of the entire lifecycle of railway projects - from planning and development to operations management, with a focus on the application of cutting-edge technologies such as digitalisation, automation and green energy. The opening ceremony of the Programme was held yesterday (7 April) at the MTRA, officiated by Prof. HC MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, Prof. BAI Yun, Vice Dean of the School of Traffic and Transportation of BJTU, Ms Margaret CHENG, President of MTRA, and Dr Mark HO, Dean of MTRA. Prof. HC Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, remarked, “PolyU possesses leading research capabilities in the field of smart railways. We are delighted to collaborate with MTRA and BJTU on this Programme, sharing our cutting-edge research with industry professionals and experts from around the world. We look forward to driving further innovation through this partnership, establishing connections and networks with more countries and regions, thereby contributing to railway development in Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” Prof. Bai Yun, Vice Dean of the School of Traffic and Transportation of BJTU, remarked, “BJTU is deeply honoured to co-organise this Programme with MTRA and PolyU. As a key talent cultivation and research innovation base in China’s railway sector, BJTU looks forward to leveraging this Programme to share its expertise in operations and management with global peers, explore cutting-edge industry trends, and promote technological innovation and international collaboration in sustainable railways, with a view to contributing wisdom and strength toward building a green, low-carbon, and inter-connected intelligent transportation system.” Dr Mark Ho, Dean of MTRA, remarked, “Bringing together academic excellence from leading universities and invaluable industry expertise from a railway operator, the Programme provides an in-depth exploration of railway planning, operations, and the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of railways. More importantly, it serves as a platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among railway professionals, government authorities and academic researchers. I hope this tripartite collaboration can help to build a stronger and more connected railway community to meet the growing demands of the global transport network and promote sustainable urban development.” The Programme runs from 7 to 19 April in Hong Kong and Beijing. For details, please refer to the following website. Participants include representatives from Australia, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mainland China and Hong Kong. ***END***

PolyU hosts Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences Launch Ceremony cum Academic Forum; Promoting interdisciplinary research and future AI computing

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in support of the HKSAR Government’s initiative to expand the local talent pool in innovation and technology, officially established its tenth academic unit this year — the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS). The Faculty aims to drive cutting-edge research and education in applied mathematics, computing, data science and artificial intelligence (AI), injecting new momentum into economic development. PolyU held the launch ceremony and academic forum for the new Faculty today. Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, of the HKSAR Government, Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President, along with University senior management, officiated at the Ceremony. Distinguished guests joined the event to celebrate the Faculty’s establishment. An academic forum themed “Future AI Computing” was also held, bringing together leading experts and scholars to explore current trends and future applications of AI. With emerging technologies rapidly transforming society, the AI era has created an urgent demand for talent and technical expertise. In response, PolyU launched FCMS this January, bringing together the resources and strengths of three academic departments — the Department of Applied Mathematics, the Department of Computing and the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The Faculty offers a wide range of undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes, including master’s programmes covering AI and big data computing, blockchain technology, and metaverse technologies. FCMS is committed to nurturing forward-looking and practically skilled technology talent. In his speech, Prof. Sun Dong said, “The Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to enlarge the I&T talent pool and equip our young people with skills needed for the future.  We continue to proactively promote science and mathematics education and strengthen digital education so as to provide talent support for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.  Looking ahead, the demand for skilled professionals in I&T fields will continue to grow.  The new faculty will certainly play a pivotal role in meeting this ever-increasing demand to nurture the future generation of talent in the era of AI and digital transformation.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “Emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are reshaping industries and societies at an unprecedented pace. At PolyU, one of our key strengths lies in our ability to respond to the evolving demands of society and industry. The establishment of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences will enable us to address the growing need for talent and technology in the era of artificial intelligence. The new Faculty will serve as a robust platform for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to drive technological progress for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” Prof. Changwen CHEN, Interim Dean of FCMS and Chair Professor of Visual Computing, stated, “As a world-class research university, PolyU has introduced ‘Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics’ (AIDA) to the undergraduate curriculum in 2022, the first in the world to integrate compulsory AI education into the undergraduate curriculum. As is well-known, the advancement of Data Science and AI is driven by two foundations: Computing and Mathematics, which also form the distinctive foundation of this new Faculty.” Following the inauguration ceremony, the academic forum featured distinguished speakers including Prof. MA Yi, Director and Chair Professor of the Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science at The University of Hong Kong; Prof. YAO Xin, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) of Lingnan University; Dr MEI Tao, Founder and CEO of HiDream.ai; and Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of FCMS at PolyU. The panellists shared insights on the future of AI development, education and practical implementation, inspiring attendees to consider the boundless potential of future technologies. PolyU also recently established the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), which will provide opportunities for researchers from a wide range of disciplines to collaborate with researchers from the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences. Together, they will develop AI models with deep domain expertise for various professions, elevating Hong Kong as a global hub for Generative AI development. In the near future, PolyU will also establish the Language Education Institute to lead the transformation of language education among university students using AI and other technologies. Last month, PolyU submitted a proposal to the HKSAR Government for the establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school. The proposal aims to integrate PolyU’s strengths in health technologies, engineering and AI, alongside its experience in training over 50,000 healthcare professionals over the past 45 years, to nurture a new generation of technologically proficient and compassionate doctors for the AI-driven healthcare landscape. For more information about the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fcms/   ***END***  

PolyU establishes Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure with support from Otto Poon Charitable Foundation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has established the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI), a pioneering strategic research institute focused on global climate change, with the staunch support of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation. The Research Institute aims to be a global leader in the research and development of resilient and sustainable solutions for urban areas and rural communities to mitigate the challenges brought about by global climate change. PolyU held an Opening Ceremony and Forum today at Hotel ICON that drew nearly 300 participants, including faculty members, students and industry experts. RICRI brings together a distinguished collaborative network of renowned experts from Mainland institutions including Tsinghua University, Nanjing University and Beijing Normal University, alongside Hong Kong government departments and industry partners. The Research Institute will serve as an interdisciplinary research platform to build an effective and integrated scientific think-tank, aiming to foster deep integration across government, industry, academia and research for the advancement and application of sustainable development in Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “The establishment of RICRI represents a landmark milestone in PolyU’s endeavour to address the urgent realities of climate change. This visionary initiative has been made possible through the generous support of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation, and we are deeply grateful to Dr Otto Poon for his strong support and commitment to advancing research and innovation in climate resilience. Dr Poon is an outstanding alumnus of PolyU, a University Fellow, and has been a long-standing supporter of PolyU’s development, empowering our University to make significant contributions for the betterment of society.” Ir Dr Otto POON, Founder of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation and PolyU University Fellow, said during the ceremony, “Climate change is becoming an increasingly severe global challenge. All sectors of society must work together to enhance infrastructure resilience through scientific research and innovative technologies. I am pleased to support the establishment of RICRI and hope it will become a world-leading research centre for climate-adaptive resilient infrastructure in both urban and suburban areas, the promotion of innovation, exchange of policy development, and establishment of guidelines, standards and good practices of infrastructures for Hong Kong, the Nation and the global community.” Speaking at the event, Mr TSE Chin-wan, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, outlined the Government’s strategies and measures to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, along with efforts to enhance climate adaptation and resilience. He also highlighted advancements in green technology and finance. He said, “Building a climate-resilient city is important—not only for protecting our properties but also our lives. As we celebrate the establishment of RICRI, let us work together to build a climate-resilient Hong Kong and a new ecological civilisation for us and our children.” RICRI is led by Prof. Xiang-dong LI, PolyU Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology, and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development. The Institute focuses on four key research areas: climate change and extreme weather; urban infrastructure and resilience; rural community and disaster mitigation; climate-resilient policy and implementation. The forum held alongside the inauguration explored a wide range of topics, including: monitoring and prediction of extreme climate events in Hong Kong and surrounding regions; monitoring and adaptation of civil infrastructure towards resilience; urban resilience enhancement for energy-building-transport-water sector synergization toolbox; nature-based solutions for urban infrastructure resilience and water disaster management; resilience of rural infrastructure and communities to climate change; and intelligent platform and toolbox for urban infrastructure resilience. In support of the University’s research endeavours in the areas of smart city and sustainable energy, the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation has in recent years contributed to the establishment of two research institutes at the University — the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) — as well as two endowed professorships for related disciplines. The establishment of RICRI further strengthens PolyU’s research capabilities in climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience, advancing the pursuit of sustainable development. RICRI will offer research schemes and funding support in the field of climate-resilient infrastructure, including the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Distinguished Lecture Series (CRIDLS), the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Fellowship (CRIF) and the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Research Scheme (CRIRS). For more information about the Research Institute, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ricri/ Ir Dr Otto Poon hopes that RICRI will foster deep integration across government, industry, academia and research for the advancement and application of sustainable development in Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. Mr Tse Chin-wan, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, outlined the government’s strategies and measures to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, along with efforts to enhance climate adaptation and resilience. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said the establishment of RICRI represents a landmark milestone in PolyU’s endeavour to address the urgent realities of climate change. Dr ZHOU Jinfeng, Founding President and Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, extended congratulations on behalf of Mr Liu Zhenmin, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Affairs, on the establishment of RICRI. RICRI is led by Prof. Xiang-dong Li, PolyU Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology, and Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development. A forum was held alongside the opening ceremony, attracting hundreds of faculty members, students, and industry experts. ***END***

PolyU-nurtured biopharmaceutical start-up ABRAM accepted by Roche Accelerator

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) celebrates the acceptance of ABRAM Therapeutics Limited (ABRAM), a start-up co-founded by a PolyU scholar, into the Roche Accelerator. This marks the first time a Hong Kong-based start-up being welcomed by this prestigious innovation hub. Nurtured within the PolyVentures start-up ecosystem, ABRAM focuses on its ground-breaking drug candidate, ABarginase, for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders such as diabetes and fatty liver disease. This milestone will significantly advance the development of the drug, paving the way for its clinical application to benefit patients worldwide. The start-up was co-founded by Prof. Thomas LEUNG Yun-chung, Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Lo Ka Chung Charitable Foundation Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Director of University Research Facility in Life Sciences, along with Prof. Alisa SHUM Sau-wun, Associate Professor of the School of Biomedical Sciences of the Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) to further develop and commercialise ABarginase, the breakthrough outcome of their joint research project. ABarginase is the result of innovative drug design and advanced protein engineering. Employing a long-acting formulation to provide sustained therapeutic effects, this next-generation recombinant human arginase offers enhanced efficacy with reduced dosing frequency. Preclinical data demonstrates ABarginase’s remarkable potential to promote substantial weight loss, restore healthy body composition, reverse insulin resistance, and alleviate inflammation. These properties address the underlying causes of obesity-related chronic diseases, heralding a transformative approach to the effective treatment of metabolic diseases. ABarginase has been awarded the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations Best Invention Award and a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 48th International Exhibition of Invention Geneva. Roche, one of the world’s largest biotech companies and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics, pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop transformative and innovative solutions across major disease areas. Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, neurology and cardiovascular, renal and metabolism. As Roche’s first in-house accelerator globally, the Roche Accelerator provides tailor-made support for member start-ups in pharma, diagnostics, personalised healthcare, and digital and AI-driven healthcare. With “disruptive innovation” as a key selection criterion, Roche Accelerator accepts fewer than 5% of its applicants. By joining Roche Accelerator, ABRAM gains access to Roche’s extensive expertise and resources, which will expedite the clinical development of ABarginase, facilitating the translation of this cutting-edge therapy from laboratory research to clinical application. Prof. Leung said, “Joining this distinguished innovation ecosystem as the first Hong Kong-based start-up is a significant honour for our team and a testament to the collaborative research efforts between PolyU and CUHK. We believe that the strategic collaboration between Roche and ABRAM, along with the resources of a multinational pharmaceutical company and Hong Kong’s strengths in basic scientific research, will accelerate the clinical translation of ABarginase.” Prof. Shum added, “Our mission aligns seamlessly with Roche’s vision of ‘doing now what patients need next’. With the mentorship and resources provided by the Roche Accelerator, we are better positioned to make ABarginase available to millions of patients struggling with obesity.” Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated ABRAM, stating, “ABRAM’s achievement validates our efforts in empowering researchers and start-ups in translating research discoveries into impactful real-world solutions. It exemplifies how cross-institutional collaborations can lead to the birth of game-changing biopharmaceutical technologies. We look forward to seeing ABarginase make a positive impact on global healthcare and will continue to support PolyU start-ups in their pursuit of innovation, enabling more life-saving and life-enhancing technologies to reach the market and benefit humanity.” PolyU is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, nurturing the next-generation of entrepreneurs eager to tackle societal challenges with innovative solutions. Through PolyVentures, PolyU supports its start-ups at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys – from education and ideation to incubation, acceleration, and fundraising. To date, it has nurtured over 500 start-ups, including four unicorns. ***END***

Olympic fencing gold medallist Vivian Kong inspires PolyU’s community to pursue dreams with passion and perseverance

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to fostering whole-person education through diverse activities, including inviting accomplished leaders from the community to share their success stories, encouraging young people to embrace their aspirations and create their own futures. In line with this commitment, PolyU hosted the Dean of Students Talk Series: “Together We Dream, We Fly” today at the Jockey Club Auditorium. In particular, Ms Vivian KONG, a three-time Olympian who made history by winning Hong Kong’s first-ever fencing gold medal in women’s individual épée at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, was invited to deliver an inspirational talk to the PolyU community. The event attracted around 1,000 attendees, including members of PolyU’s management, staff and students. Under the theme “Smiling Together, Striding On”, Ms Kong shared her journey to becoming an Olympic champion, balancing elite competition with academic excellence, developing mental resilience, and advancing her career in sport-related fields. Ms Kong’s accomplishments extend beyond her Olympic gold medal and world number-one ranking in fencing. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Stanford University and a Master’s degree in Chinese Law from Renmin University of China. She currently serves as Assistant External Affairs Manager at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, where she focuses on youth and sports development and supports community social betterment initiatives. Ms Vivian Kong said, “I am truly fortunate to have discovered fencing. It is my greatest passion. Winning gold at the Paris Olympics is not just my achievement alone. I share it with everyone who cheered for us along the way. Thanks to support from the community , athletes like myself were able to fully devote ourselves to training and to performing at our very best when representing Hong Kong, China. One of the community supporters was The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which for many years has been a steadfast supporter of community and elite sports development, as well as helping to establish major sports facilities. Aside from providing a solid foundation for the advancement of elite sports, the Club has enabled people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience the joy of sports. That’s why I’m so pleased to be part of the Jockey Club family. I look forward to contributing to Hong Kong’s sports development and to supporting the Club’s purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of society.” During an interactive session facilitated by Ir Prof. Horace K. W. MUI, Interim Dean of Students at PolyU, and Mr Oscar LEE, Deputy Executive Manager, Public Affairs (Charities Communication), Ms Kong engaged with two PolyU student-athletes, namely Ms KWAN Yee-man, Fencing athlete, and Mr MAK Hong-nin, Judo athlete. Their discussion explored practical strategies for maintaining academic excellence while pursuing sporting ambitions, effective time and stress management, and personal growth through competitive challenges. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “We are very honoured to have Ms Kong share her experiences on campus today. Her accomplishments speak for themselves, and her dedication, both in and beyond sports, makes her an inspiring role model for PolyU students. I hope our students will learn from Ms Kong’s pursuit of excellence with her determination and resilience. PolyU strongly supports the development of sports and student-athletes. Sports nurture important personal attributes such as teamwork, discipline, resilience, and perseverance. These attributes are vital for navigating life’s challenges and creating a positive impact in terms of both individual growth and societal advancement.” Continuing its longstanding tradition of fostering youth development and academic advancement, The Hong Kong Jockey Club provided invaluable support by facilitating Ms Kong’s inspirational talk at this campus event. Over the years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has provided unwavering support to PolyU, contributing substantial funding  through The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to advance PolyU’s mission as an innovative world-class university. The enduring partnership has seen the Club’s Charities Trust fund major campus facilities, including the Jockey Club Auditorium and Jockey Club Innovation Tower. In recent years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club supported PolyU’s Global STEM Professors by establishing JC STEM Labs and funded various significant projects in applied social sciences, social innovation and rehabilitation sciences. In addition, it has provided scholarships and fellowships for PolyU students. PolyU places a strong emphasis on students’ whole-person development, including sporting excellence. The University offers various schemes that enable student-athletes to excel academically while pursuing their sporting dreams. The Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme, established in 1998, has admitted over 1,500 elite athletes to date. Complementing this initiative, the University also provides the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA), and an Elite Athletes Study Programme in collaboration with the Hong Kong Sports Institute. Additionally, the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme (STARS) supports the holistic development of students with special talents not only in sports, but also in arts and culture, leadership and community services, and STEM. ***END***

PolyU research projects were selected for the List of 100 Innovative International Technology Transaction Projects at the 2025 ZGC Forum

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PolyU and CITIC Group join forces to establish Interdisciplinary Mathematical Digital AI Joint Laboratory

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PolyU hosts seminar on “Challenges and Opportunities of China’s Diplomacy in the New Era”, featuring keynote speeches by former ambassadors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture, Confucius Institute of Hong Kong and Mainland Development Office, in collaboration with the China Foreign Affairs University, today hosted the seminar “Challenges and Opportunities of China’s Diplomacy in the New Era”. The event featured keynote speeches by two eminent former ambassadors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who shared their insights on cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), and evolving China-Russia relations. Over 200 PolyU faculty members, students, alumni and members of the public attended to learn about the development of China’s foreign policy and the challenges and opportunities that the Nation is facing. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman remarked, “China’s peaceful rise, fuelled by reform and opening-up, has elevated it to become the world’s second-largest economy, significantly enhancing its global standing. In this new era, Hong Kong must fully leverage both the advantages of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle and its unique role as a ‘super connector’ to support the Nation’s diplomatic efforts and contribute to its broader foreign policy strategy. In line with the mandate of tertiary institutions developing future-ready leaders, PolyU is committed to nurturing socially responsible students with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, equipping them to drive societal progress and contribute to the Nation’s development. This includes requiring undergraduate students to take courses in Chinese history and culture. We extend our gratitude to the ambassadors for their valuable insights, which have deepened the University community’s understanding of the characteristics, strategies and practices of China’s foreign policy, while also broadening their global perspectives and reinforcing their national pride. These efforts contribute to strengthening the Nation’s international cooperation and engagement.” Ambassador HUO Yuzhen, Former Ambassador of China to the Czech Republic and Romania, has been dedicated to promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and CEEC. She has held various diplomatic positions, including Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic and Deputy Director-General of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the Seminar, Ambassador Huo delivered a keynote speech titled “Advancing Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics: Forging New Progress in China-CEEC Cooperation”. She outlined the origins of China-CEEC cooperation and highlighted the achievements in various fields such as railway and port infrastructure, manufacturing, advanced technology, green energy and technology, culture, education, tourism, finance and healthcare. She also discussed how these collaborations have propelled the development of China-Europe relations and shared her outlook on the prospects of China-CEEC cooperation. Ambassador Huo stated that China-CEEC cooperation represents an innovative initiative to deepen collaboration across various fields amid the evolving international landscape. It promotes the balanced and stable development of China-Europe relations, serves as a key platform for strengthening bilateral ties and provides crucial safeguards when facing global challenges. Since the cooperation mechanism was launched 13 years ago, the parties have created an all-round and multi-level cooperation framework, achieving fruitful results in a range of areas that benefit the people of our nation and CEEC. Looking forward, both parties should enhance the scale and quality of cooperation, particularly through closer collaboration in emerging fields such as green energy, advanced technology and artificial intelligence, while improving mechanisms to facilitate deeper cooperation. Another keynote speaker, Ambassador YUE Bin, formerly China’s Ambassador to Georgia and Tajikistan, currently serves as a distinguished professor at the China Foreign Affairs University. With 37 years of diplomatic experience, Ambassador Yue specialises in China-Eurasia relations, having served as a Counselor at the Chinese embassies in Tajikistan and the Republic of Lithuania, as well as a Minister Counselor at the Chinese embassy in Russia. In his keynote speech “New Era of Sino-Russian Relations amid a Century of Change”, Ambassador Yue analysed the turbulence and transformations in the international politics, economics and security landscape. He outlined the historical evolution of China-Russia ties, the distinctive features of their partnership in the new era, and its strategic value and profound significance in the current era. Ambassador Yue stated that the “once-in-a-century transformation” represents a forward-looking and scientific assessment of the evolving international landscape in the 21st century. Central to the historic changes is the rise of emerging economies, particularly reflected in China’s rapid development, which has catalysed a reconfiguration of the global economic order and become a pivotal driver of this unprecedented evolution. Over the years, China-Russia relations have steadily deepened, progressing from mutual recognition as friendly nations to a strategic cooperative partnership, then to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and now a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership for the new era. This evolution underscores the growing political trust, deepened interest integration, and enhanced strategic synergy between the two nations. In the new era, China-Russia relations are characterised by the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, supported by a comprehensive interaction mechanism, robust economic and trade cooperation, rich and diverse cultural exchanges, and collaboration in international and regional affairs, to establish a long-term, stable, and mutually beneficial partnership. ***END**

PolyU and Amway (China) establish Joint Laboratory for Phytonutrients and Aging Research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Amway (China) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Joint Laboratory for Phytonutrients and Ageing Research. Over the next three years, the parties plan to allocate dedicated research funding, jointly nurture postdoctoral researchers, and enhance the development of the health industry in the Greater Bay Area through the creation of a phytonutrient database and development of functional assessment models. Witnessed by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR); Dr Eric DU, Principal Scientist of the Research and Development Centre of Amway (China); and Dr Clark CHEN, Senior Scientist of the Centre, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Mr Johnson HAN, General Manager of Innovation and Science of Amway (China). Following the signing, representatives from both parties officiated at a plaque unveiling ceremony, marking the establishment of the Joint Laboratory for Phytonutrients and Aging Research. Over 20 experts joined this noteworthy occasion to celebrate the collaboration. Prof. Wing-tak Wong highlighted the significant potential of this partnership, given the growing demand for phytonutrients products. The Laboratory aims to leverage the opportunities for research innovation and commercialisation in the field, developing new solutions that benefit human health, science and technology, and the economy. Mr Johnson Han shared his company’s decades of research and market experience in phytonutrients, which will complement the work of PolyU’s exceptional research team. In the afternoon, Amway (China) representatives engaged in a series of professional exchanges with PolyU faculty members and students, including at the Frontier Forum on Cognitive Enhancement and Health Management hosted by the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), which attracted over a hundred participants. Dr Clark Chen, Prof. Raymond CHANG, Professor of the School of Biomedical Sciences of The University of Hong Kong, and Dr Fiona CHEN, Senior Lecturer of the College of Professional and Continuing Education of PolyU, delivered keynote speeches on phytochemical mechanisms and interventions for neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, Dr Eric Du conducted a lecture for students from the PolyU Department of Food Science and Nutrition, where he detailed Amway’s experience in building a phytonutrient-centric research and development model for advancing the modern big health industry. Through this partnership, both parties will integrate their strengths and resources to propel research development in phytonutrients, marking a significant step toward achieving a healthy ageing society. ***END***

PolyU study recommends creating integrated tourism cluster brand for the Greater Bay Area

Tourism is considered a key industry in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), which sets its sights on becoming a world-leading destination. The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today released its policy study findings on the strategies and potential for creating an integrated brand tourism cluster by leveraging the strengths of the cities within GBA. The study has been supported by the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme of the HKSAR Government. Entitled “Developing a Tourism Cluster in the Greater Bay Area: A Dual Branding Perspective”, the study is spearheaded by Prof. Kam HUNG, Principal Investigator and SHTM Professor, with the team comprising Prof. Tony TSE, SHTM Professor of Practice; Prof. Rob LAW, Chair Professor of Smart Tourism and Deputy Director of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Economics and Management of the University of Macau; and Prof. Shina LI, Professor of the School of Tourism Management of Sun Yat-sen University. A robust mixed-method approach was employed to analyse the tourism attractions, advantages and tourist experience of GBA cities. The team conducted site visits to the 11 GBA cities to examine their tourism resources, including service quality, interactions with tourists and condition of key attractions. A nuanced understanding of tourists’ sentiments and preferences was gained through big data analysis of 200,000 reviews and comments extracted from popular online platforms. In-depth interviews with 182 local residents, cultural and tourism officials, and business owners were conducted to further explore perspectives of different stakeholders. With its unique geographical location, economic vitality and cultural resources, GBA is rapidly emerging as an important tourist destination. However, the research team found that cities in the region are primarily focused on establishing their individual brand identities, and the overall regional brand remains somewhat vague. Clear, cohesive and independent branding is therefore needed to differentiate the GBA tourism cluster from other destinations, convey place meanings and attract more visitors. Strategic recommendations The study proposed a brand architecture for the GBA tourism cluster, which aims to balance each city’s identity with the region’s overall promise. Recommendations include diversifying tourism itineraries and services by integrating individual cities’ strengths. A heritage itinerary, for instance, explores some of the region’s historic landmarks such as Hong Kong’s Clock Tower and Jiangmen’s Diaolou towers. The nature and adventure itinerary highlights the region’s stunning natural landscapes like Zhaoqing’s karst formations and Huizhou’s coastline. A child-friendly tour features family-oriented attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom and Safari Park. The study also suggested forming a cross-regional unit to initiate and coordinate branding efforts for the GBA tourism cluster and adopting a multifaceted marketing approach to raise awareness of the cluster’s tourism offerings, with a focus on its seamless travel connections and the abundant experiences it provides. Digital marketing strategies can focus on social media promotion and collaborations with influencers to draw younger audiences. Offline campaigns encouraging tourists to visit multiple destinations, such as offering discounted multi-destination package in collaboration with airlines, travel agencies and local hospitality providers, and organising themed events and festivals in rotation across cities, are also recommended to complement digital initiatives. Impact on GBA development The research team further pointed out that a well-defined and cohesive regional tourism brand will bring about transformative impact to the development of GBA in the following aspects. 1. Sharpen the competitive edge in tourism: Regional branding will highlight GBA’s unique identities, such as its blend of urban sophistication with natural beauty and cultural richness, attracting tourists looking for unique experiences and ensuring that the region stands out in the global tourism market. 2. Propel economic growth: Improved branding will help attract more tourists to and investment in the GBA tourism infrastructure, including hotels, resorts and transportation networks, thereby increasing revenue on various fronts, creating jobs in relevant industries and boosting the local economy. 3. Foster regional collaboration and integration: Regional branding will encourage greater collaboration among GBA cities, such as in the development of seamless transportation networks and shared marketing campaigns, further strengthening connection and interaction between the cities. 4. Promote sustainable development: While the regional tourism brand highlights GBA’s rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes, it will also lead to increased efforts and relevant policies to preserve and promote local traditions and historical sites, and to protect the environment. 5. Enhance global recognition and influence: As a key emerging tourism cluster in China, successful GBA branding will attract international events, conferences and exhibitions, enhancing the region’s international profile, while also influencing global tourism by setting a precedent for other regions. Prof. Hung remarked, “By strategically positioning GBA as a unified yet diverse destination, the region can better leverage its collective strength, foster innovation and create new opportunities for sustainable growth in the region. In addition, the study has contributed to the academic literature on destination branding, particularly in the context of tourism clusters, providing valuable insights for other regions looking to develop similar strategies.” Prof. Kaye CHON, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, said, “The GBA’s success will not only benefit the region but also serve as a model for other destinations worldwide. SHTM is very proud to contribute to the development of the tourism industry in this significant way.” Please click here for the full report. ***END***