Media Releases

PolyU hosts the first assistive technology symposium in Hong Kong to expedite adoption of technology in social welfare and healthcare industries

The Research Centre for Assistive Technology (RCATech) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) joined hands with the Association of Engineering and Medical Volunteer Services (EMV) to co-organise the symposium “Evolution of Assistive Technology Devices: Pathway to Equal Opportunity and Quality of Life in Hong Kong”, which was held on the PolyU campus on 14 December. The event brought together around 300 occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals, from NGOs, public and private hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and government departments, to share insights on the latest development of assistive technology devices in Hong Kong. The Symposium was officiated by Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Prof. Frank CHAN Fan, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Honorary Advisor to RCATech of PolyU; Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Director of RCATech of PolyU; and Mr Wilson CHEUNG, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee of EMV. In his welcoming speech, Prof. David Shum stated, “The PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences has a long history of providing the best education for social and healthcare professionals and in conducting innovative and impactful research to solve complex social and health problems and to improve the well-being of humankind. It is the first time for RCATech to collaborate with EMV, an NGO partner, on hosting a symposium focused on assistive technology. By exploring the current development of assistive technology, participants were able to re-evaluate its impact on our society, particularly for individuals with disabilities in Hong Kong.” The Symposium featured 10 prominent speakers from the health technology sector and eight product showcases of assistive technology devices. Prof. Frank Chan provided profound insights into the transformative power of assistive devices in enhancing quality of life. He stated, “In our pursuit to advance assistive technology, the greatest reward we aspire to is the heartfelt gratitude from those we serve. Picture the joy in hearing someone say, ‘I used to be spoon-fed, but now I can eat by myself,’ or the relief in, ‘I felt ashamed when others had to clean my body, but you have given me the dignity to do it on my own.’ Imagine the profound impact of someone sharing, ‘Standing up and walking has always been my dream, and you have made it possible with the exoskeleton.’ These simple tasks, often taken overlooked by many, represent monumental achievements for those unable to perform them independently. Your empowering support and compassionate care mean everything to them, profoundly transforming their lives.” Prof. Kenneth Fong stated, “Considering the ageing population together with half a million people with disabilities, there may be one million people who need assistive technology in Hong Kong. There is pressing need to develop assistive technology devices to support people with disabilities and their carers. The Research Centre for Assistive Technology will continue to advocate and strengthen research, development and commercialisation of assistive and rehabilitation technologies in Hong Kong and the GBA.” The Symposium strengthened industry collaboration and fostered networking opportunities that will help enhance public awareness in assistive technology and facilitate knowledge translation to community levels. Ms Catherine WAN, Executive Director of EMV, hopes that assistive technology can help everyone to improve their quality of life and achieve greater fulfilment.   ***END***

The Hong Kong Palace Museum and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Launch the Joint Chinese Textile Centre

The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) are pleased to announce the establishment of The Hong Kong Palace Museum – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Joint Chinese Textile Centre (“the Centre”). Drawing on the unparalleled strength of the nearly 3,000 items from the Chris Hall Collection at the HKPM (“the Collection”), the promised gifts from the esteemed art collector Mr Chris HALL to the Museum, the Centre is committed to advancing global understanding and innovative application of Chinese historical textiles from different perspectives, ranging from art, history to science and technology, through research, teaching, training, public education, and publication projects. The Signing Ceremony of the collaborative agreement for The Hong Kong Palace Museum – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Joint Chinese Textile Centre was held at the HKPM today. Witnessed by Mr Leo KUNG, Chairman of the HKPM Board; Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; and Mrs Betty FUNG, Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, the Agreement was signed by Dr Louis NG, Museum Director of the HKPM and Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs). Combining the expertise and research capacity of HKPM in Chinese history, arts and culture, and that of PolyU in textiles, fashion and design, the Centre is well-positioned to lead and promote research, education, publication, and creative projects related to historical Chinese textiles. The Centre’s key focuses include the history of Chinese textiles, Chinese textile archaeology, and Chinese costume, as well as textile scientific research, textile technology, and the Silk Road. The Centre will provide PolyU with valuable resources for teaching, research, and outreach initiatives of its Faculty of Humanities, School of Fashion and Textiles, School of Design, and other faculties/departments as well as opportunities for PolyU faculty members and students to study the Collection. PolyU will also develop teaching materials and offer courses specialising in the history of Chinese textiles and silk by leveraging the Collection. Through the Centre, PolyU and HKPM will jointly organise academic activities focusing on historical Chinese textiles, including courses, seminars, workshops, and publications. Mr Leo Kung, Chairman of the HKPM Board, said, “The Hong Kong Palace Museum – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Joint Chinese Textile Centre, established through the collaboration between two important institutions, provides an important platform to promote the study and appreciation of Chinese textiles culture globally. It also allows students and the public alike to explore the history and cultural heritage of Chinese textiles with the two institutions’ shared vision and mission of preserving and bringing forward Chinese culture. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr Chris Hall for his generous promised gifts to the HKPM, which are one of the world’s most comprehensive and significant collections of historical Chinese textiles. With this collection, the HKPM is poised to play a leading role in the study and display of Chinese textiles and promote international exchange through exhibition, research, and education programmes.” Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, said, “The establishment of the Joint Chinese Textile Centre marks a significant advancement for PolyU and the Hong Kong Palace Museum in promoting research, education, and the inheritance and innovation of Chinese textiles. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU has earned international acclaim for its academic and research achievements in textiles and design over the years. This collaboration will harness the strengths of both institutions to amplify the impact of this world-class Collection in research, teaching, contemporary fashion, and design. It aims to enhance global awareness and appreciation of Chinese textile art, while preserving the rich traditional Chinese culture and solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.” A major exhibition featuring the Chris Hall Collection at the Hong Kong Palace Museum will be presented at the Museum next year The renowned Hong Kong-based Chinese textile collector, Mr Chris Hall, has offered the HKPM his promised gifts as “The Chris Hall Collection at the Hong Kong Palace Museum”. This collection includes nearly 3,000 works spanning from the Warring States period (475– 221 BCE) to the 21st century. It encompasses examples of all major categories in Chinese textiles with unique strength in areas, such as rank badges from the Ming and Qing dynasties and religious textiles. Accompanied by extensive research materials that include textile sample books, this collection will provide a key resource for the study of Chinese textiles. Mr Chris Hall will formally donate the Chris Hall Collection at the Hong Kong Palace Museum to HKPM in 2034. Starting from December 2024, part of the Collection will be transferred to the Museum’s premises as promised gifts, making HKPM the repository of one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of historical Chinese textiles. Featuring the Collection, the HKPM will present a large-scale survey exhibition in the second half of 2025 with the themes of the history of Chinese silk culture and the cross-cultural exchanges exemplified through textiles. The HKPM will lead the documentation and digitilisation projects for the Collection. Mr Chris Hall said, “My promised gifts to the Hong Kong Palace Museum are the fruition of my art collecting efforts over the past few decades. They testify to nearly three thousand years of history in China, its splendid culture, and the Chinese people’s pursuit of beauty. I am pleased to have the Hong Kong Palace Museum as the home of this Collection. I believe that the Centre will offer an interdisciplinary and international research and creative platform that brings together many exceptional experts in the fields of curation, research, education, and publication. The Centre will make the Collection more accessible and impactful, serving as a research resource for many students and scholars, and a source of inspiration for artists and designers. I hope that the Centre will help increase our historical and cultural knowledge and encourage the appreciation of the beauty of Chinese textiles by the general public.” Details of the Centre and the major exhibition featuring The Chris Hall Collection at the HKPM will be announced on the HKPM website in due course. Mr Chris Hall introduced the highlights from “The Chris Hall Collection at the Hong Kong Palace Museum”. ***END***

PolyU signs MoU with Southern Medical University to advance medical development and cultivate research talent

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Southern Medical University (SMU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 10 December, joining forces on advancing medical development through innovative research and nurturing medical talent, contributing to the global medical industry, human health and well-being. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr ZHANG Yurun, Secretary of the Party Committee of SMU, the MoU was signed by Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU, and Prof. LIU Shuwen, Vice President of SMU. PolyU and SMU will leverage their respective strengths to explore innovative research in cutting-edge medical technologies and enhance the quality of medical education. The collaboration aims to comprehensively improve healthcare service levels in both regions, and further promote the transformation and application of medical research and technological achievements. During their visit to PolyU, the delegation from SMU engaged in in-depth discussion on joint medical research, education and talent cultivation, exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration. Prof. Dong presented the latest developments and plans of PolyU in innovative research and interdisciplinary education. Prof. Liu provided a comprehensive overview of SMU’s development history, outstanding achievements and future vision. PolyU has extensive experience and a solid foundation in health science education and research, and has established collaborative partnerships with several universities, including SMU. The SMU delegation visited the University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience and the University Research Facility in 3D Printing, to gain insights into PolyU’s leading research facilities and experimental technologies. These cutting-edge technologies and innovative outcomes demonstrate the University’s strong capabilities in medical research, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration between the two institutions. ***END***

PolyU launches space-themed programme to nurture talents for the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is actively involved in national space missions, and is committed to fostering young people’s interests in space science and contributing to the Nation’s space achievements. In the 2024/25 academic year, PolyU has launched a space-themed programme “Pioneering the Moon: From Exploration to Base Construction”. A public lecture, given by Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU, was held on campus on 7 December, attracting students from 94 secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The programme is organised by PolyU and sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong), with the support of the Chinese Society of Astronautics and the Hong Kong Society of Astronautics. Prof. Wu provided an in-depth overview of lunar exploration achievements and potential strategies for lunar base development. The lecture aroused the students’ enthusiasm in the interactive Q&A session, demonstrating their keen interest in space exploration. The space-themed programme also includes two online lectures and a Lunar Base Design Competition. The online lectures will be held in mid-January 2025, featuring Dr Qi ZHAO, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU, and Mr Eno LAM, Engineer of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, and Space Systems Engineer of the Industrial Centre of PolyU. They will speak on “Lunar Base Construction” and “Our Nation’s Space Aspirations, Impacts, and Local Involvements” respectively, introducing students with deeper knowledge of aerospace. The Lunar Base Design Competition is now open for registration. Participating students can form teams to design a workspace that meets the needs of astronauts based on a chosen theme and propose innovative ideas for its future development. The competition is open to Secondary 3-5/Grade 9-11/Year 10-12/Gao-1 and Gao-2 students from secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, with a deadline for submitting the proposals of 28 February 2025. For details of the space-themed programme “Pioneering the Moon: From Exploration to Base Construction”, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/space/   ***END***

PolyU project develops library of polarised vdW heterobilayers for exploring novel 2D materials, securing support from NSFC/RGC Collaborative Research Scheme

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have broad application in various electronics such as computer memory. Stacking different 2D materials in layers through van der Waals (vdW) forces may further form heterobilayers with new properties and usages. Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have proposed generating a library of vdW heterobilayers with specific properties to screen for materials that have significant development potential. Demonstrating fundamental impact on the next generation of nanoelectronics, photonics and spintronics, the project has received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) 2024/25. Led by Prof. Daniel LAU Shu Ping, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics of PolyU, the project “A Library of Polarized Van Der Waals Heterobilayers: From Prediction to Realization” has been awarded funding of approximately HK$3.55 million under the CRS for a duration of 48 months. The project is in collaboration with Prof. JI Wei, Chair Professor of Renmin University of China. 2D vdW heterobilayers possess rich physical and chemical properties unique to their constituent monolayers. They are fundamentally intriguing and practically appealing to scientists seeking novel physics and design of next generation devices. In their previous research, Prof. Lau and the collaborative team demonstrated unexpected out-of-plane ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity in untwisted, commensurate, and epitaxial MoS2/WS2 heterobilayers synthesised by one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This has aroused interest in exploring novel heterobilayers using CVD, and in the subsequent development of a vdW heterobilayers library. Developing multifunctional 2D polarised electronics is crucial for the next generation of low-power dissipation, high-density memory and integrated circuits. However, the current exploration of vdW heterobilayers relies on a trial-and-error approach. The project aims to develop a simulation model to accelerate the screening of a large number of 2D vdW materials for promising polarised heterobilayers for further experimental evaluation. The model will then be reinforced for more precise prediction, enriching the family of 2D materials with multifunctional properties while also contributing to a solid database of such materials. Prof. Daniel Lau said, “We anticipate that vdW heterobilayers could resolve the scalability and performance issues occurring in current 2D ferroelectrics. Furthermore, the results of our work may provide new insights into building high-density and energy-efficient next-generation non-volatile memory (NVM) and in-memory computing devices.” The project is expected to demonstrate full integration of vdW heterobilayers for high-density NVM, with the aim of stimulating research interest in and attracting attention to vdW heterobilayers for ferroelectricity among academics. Its outcome will also advance the commercialisation of emerging memory devices. The CRS aims to support larger-scale collaborative research across disciplines and/or across universities in the Mainland and Hong Kong, with a view to enhancing research output and impact on both sides. The six focus areas of the Scheme include Information Technology, Life Science, New Materials Science, Marine and Environmental Science, Medicine, and Management Science. ***END***  

PolyU signs MoU with CLP Power to nurture electrical engineering talents and promote innovative technology for advancement of Hong Kong power industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday (11 December), joining forces to cultivate electrical engineering talents in Hong Kong that meet the needs of the power industry’s development. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Joseph LAW, Managing Director of CLP Power, the MoU was signed by Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Grid Modernisation of PolyU, and Mr Paul TOMLINSON, Chief Operations and Transformation Officer of CLP Power. This collaboration marks a significant step for PolyU and CLP Power in advancing education and fostering innovative research in electrical engineering. Both organisations will leverage their respective strengths and expertise to contribute to the cultivation of talent and technological development of the power industry in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). They will utilise advanced technologies, including the metaverse, immersive virtual environments, virtual reality(VR) and augmented reality(AR) to jointly develop innovative digital training and learning materials for students and the industrial practitioners. Students from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU will be offered the opportunity to experience the real working environment of the power industry. This exposure will help them understand the industry’s operations and development, thereby enhancing their integrated skills in both theory and practice. Both organisations will also explore opportunities for academic and research collaboration. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “PolyU is thrilled to collaborate with CLP Power, marking a significant milestone in university-industry partnerships aimed at nurturing electrical engineering professionals. By combining academic theory with practical industry experience, we not only help students gain a thorough understanding of the power industry’s operations and the challenges it faces, but also enhance communication between university researchers and industry experts. This collaboration will also enable us to explore opportunities for jointly applying innovative technologies. Hong Kong takes justifiable pride in its world-class electricity supply reliability, which is among the best in the world. To maintain this competitive edge, it is essential to ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals. Through this partnership, we aim to cultivate future industry leaders and contribute to the sustainable development of the power industry in Hong Kong and the GBA.” Mr Joseph Law said, “CLP Power is pleased to strengthen our strategic partnership with PolyU through this new collaboration. The power industry navigates a key moment in the energy transition, where talent and advanced technologies are essential drivers of Hong Kong's journey toward a net-zero city by 2050 and supporting the continuous development of the society. At CLP Power, we place great importance on nurturing talent, advancing technology, and upholding our mission to continually enhance operational safety, power supply stability, and environmental performance. This collaboration with PolyU will cultivate future energy professionals to meet the evolving needs of both our industry and society at large.”   ***END***

PolyU multimodal robot for post-stroke ankle-foot rehabilitation wins CES 2025 Innovation Award

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to pursuing pioneering research in frontier areas and to embracing a strong culture of knowledge transfer. By translating research excellence into impactful solutions, the University takes the lead in making a positive impact for societal benefits. The first-of-its-kind multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation, developed by PolyU, has been recognised as an Honouree in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 Innovation Awards, reaffirming the effective impact of the University’s PolyImpact philosophy. For the second consecutive year, PolyU has been honoured in the Accessibility & Aging Tech category — the only university in Hong Kong to receive the recognition of this consumer technology award. Following triumph in winning a Gold Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in April, the “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton”, developed by a research team led by Dr Xiaoling HU, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has been named as a CES Innovation Awards 2025 Honouree. The innovation has once again been recognised for its effectiveness in helping stroke patients with hemiplegia to improve the motor function of their lower limb and walking ability. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “Health technology is vital to the well-being of humanity. This award highlights PolyU's commitment to excellence in research, translating into innovative solutions that bring sustainable benefits to the community. We are thrilled by the achievements of PolyU's young researchers on the global research and consumer technology stage. The University will continue to support them in leveraging their strengths and expanding impactful research initiatives.” Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Stroke patients need intensive and long-term rehabilitation training to improve their physical mobility and quality of life. Powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton” is an innovative multimodal device that integrates the advantages of exoskeleton, soft pneumatic muscle, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and tactile sensory feedback in one system. The lightweight wearable design and a 9V rechargeable battery that can be used continuously for four hours, enables patients to pursue rehabilitation training anytime and anywhere. It can effectively correct post-stroke footdrop and foot-inversion and improve the gait and balance of stroke patients in self-help tele-rehabilitation. The IoT technology aligned with artificial intelligence (AI) enables automatic onsite coaching feedback to a stroke patient on their training performance via a mobile app. This allows remote supervision by healthcare professionals and longitudinal management of rehabilitative progress for optimised services, providing a cost-effective and easy-to-access solution for stroke patients’ rehabilitation treatment. Dr Xiaoling Hu said, “This technology and product can seamlessly integrate into routine rehabilitation services, enabling professionals to effectively assist more stroke patients. Through this flexible training approach, we hope to help stroke patients achieve more efficient rehabilitation progress and enhance their ability to perform daily activities, ultimately supporting their path towards greater independence in the long term.” Dr Hu also co-founded the startup Thecon Technology (HK) Limited in 2021 and plans to commercialise the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton next year. The annual CES is organised by the Consumer Technology Association and, as one of its representative awards, the CES Innovation Awards programme recognises and honours outstanding design and engineering in 33 consumer technology product categories. An elite panel of industry expert judges, including media professionals, designers and engineers, reviews submissions based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetics, and design. The upcoming CES 2025 will be held in Las Vegas, the United States, from 7 to 10 January 2025. At the event, PolyU will showcase a range of innovative research projects in healthcare, smart cities, optometry, radiotherapy, AI and IoT sensing.   ***END***

PolyU research unveils critical role of humidity and indoor conditions in heatwave severity assessments, introducing a new framework for standardised heatwave indices

Unprecedented extreme heat represents a critical climate challenge, resulting in approximately 490,000 heat-related deaths globally each year, with 45% of these fatalities occurring in Asia. A study by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has revealed that some existing heatwave indices are unable to accurately capture heatwave severity in diverse geographical regions and climate conditions. It is suggested to include humidity and indoor environmental conditions in identifying a dangerous heatwave. The development of a global heat risk framework and early warning systems are also recommended to alleviate the impact of heatwaves on human health. The research findings have been published in the international journal Nexus. Working outdoors in high temperatures for extended periods can lead to heat stress, dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Currently, there is no global standard for measuring the severity of heatwaves, and each index has different definition of  dangerous heat stress. A research team led by Prof. Qihao WENG, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Land and Space, Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics, and Director of the Jockey Club STEM Lab of Earth Observations together with Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Pir MOHAMMAD, examined the effectiveness of six heatwave indices in identifying dangerous heatwave, including maximum daily air temperature, humidity index, humidex, wet bulb globe temperature, lethal heat stress index and universal thermal climate index. The research team conducted case studies on recent heatwave events observed in Spain and the United States in 2022, as well as in India in 2023. The results revealed that the lethal heat stress index, which combines temperature and humidity, is more effective in identifying dangerous heatwave days in a low-humidity environment compared to other indices. It can also differentiate between areas that are affected by extreme heat stress and those that are not. The other five heatwave indices failed to effectively identify dangerous heatwave conditions in diverse climate, geographic and meteorological conditions. Heatwave lethality depends not only on the maximum air temperature, but also on relative humidity, particularly in sub-tropical regions like Hong Kong. The study showed that, in humid conditions, even if the ambient temperature is only 28 °C, the saturated air moisture makes effective sweat evaporation and heat dissipation difficult and causes body temperature to rise faster, potentially leading to fatigue, dehydration or heat stroke. The team suggested that evaluating heat stress in humid conditions is crucial for better understanding the impact of heatwaves on human health, particularly for construction workers and agricultural labourers who spend substantial time outdoors. In addition, the existing heatwave indices, such as the Hong Kong Heat Index, which is based on outdoor environment conditions, rely on outdoor heat mapping data provided by climate services. However, most heat-related mortalities occur indoors. In Hong Kong’s densely populated environment with many high-rise buildings, residents of rooftop houses and subdivided flats are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. With rapid global warming, the researchers emphasised that building morphology and material, overheating conditions, and air-conditioning are essential in calculating indoor heat stress. They also suggested revisiting thresholds to establish new global criteria for defining dangerous heatwave limits, considering varied climatic conditions and human adaptability based on age, gender and household conditions. Prof. Qihao Weng said, “Understanding the relations between climate, heat stress and health is crucial for formulating targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies. The findings underscore the need for a global heat risk framework and early warning systems, as well as the adoption of more sophisticated heat stress mitigation and adaptation measures by local authorities in response to rapid global warming.” Dr Pir Mohammad said, “The study highlights the potential gap between reported outdoor heat data and often overlooked indoor heat impacts. Integrating these perspectives could provide a more comprehensive understanding of heat-related risks and their public health implications and thus help establish a more precise evaluation of dangerous heatwave conditions.” The research team also discussed enhancing heatwave predictions to mitigate their impacts. They emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among climate scientists, health professionals, policymakers and communities to safeguard public health in a changing climate. ***END***

PolyU and China Southern Power Grid collaborate to advance innovation in the energy sector of the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Southern Power Grid Company (CSG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 5 December to establish a strategic collaboration in areas including new power systems, green and low-carbon technologies, and joint talent development. The partnership aims to support energy development and green transition in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr LIU Qihong, Director and Deputy Party Secretary of CSG, the MoU was signed by Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering  and Mr ZHAN Xiaohui, Assistant General Manager and Director of Human Resources Department of CSG. Prof. Christopher Chao said,“PolyU is committed to addressing major social, technological, and scientific challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovation. With a strong foundation and extensive experience in the fields of energy and power systems research, PolyU will work closely with CSG, a major state-owned enterprise with significant strengths in power system construction and technological innovation. This partnership will leverage the expertise of both parties to accelerate the translation of scientific research outcomes, promote high-quality development in the energy and power sector of the GBA, and contribute to achieving the Nation’s ‘dual-carbon’ goals.” Mr Liu Qihong remarked, “This partnership will drive innovation in the energy industry of the GBA and the Nation by establishing joint talent development and deepening integration in technological innovation. CSG looks forward to working with PolyU to tackle challenges, advance the construction of new power systems, accelerate the digital transformation of the sector, and support sustainable development in the GBA.” The collaboration will focus on several key areas: Talent Development: Establish a joint talent development base to nurture master’s and doctoral students in engineering with international perspectives, as well as industry leaders, fostering the development of multidisciplinary talent. Technological Innovation: Focus on cutting-edge areas such as new power system construction, power artificial intelligence, and smart grid technologies, and jointly undertake fundamental research and technological breakthroughs. Knowledge Exchange: Regularly organise high-level forums, innovation competitions, and exchange activities to promote regional and international technological collaboration and knowledge sharing. Educational Resource Sharing: Collaborate on the development of innovative courses in smart grid technologies, advancing the internationalisation and practical application of curricula in related fields. Looking ahead, PolyU and CSG will deepen their cooperation in low-carbon energy innovation and new power system construction, striving to position the GBA as a global leader in green innovation and development. Attending guests visited PolyU’s Research Centre for Electric Vehicles to understand PolyU’s latest research projects on electric vehicles. ***END***

PolyU shines at 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong, winning the Grand Prize

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) received a total of 18 accolades at the 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong (AEII), including the Grand Prize, one Special Prize, seven Gold Medals, eight Silver Medals and one Bronze Medals. The winning entries include a research project from Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) in collaboration with the University of Waterloo. AEII is a prestigious annual exhibition and competition dedicated to innovations and inventions in Asia. It brings together scholars, experts, and inventors from around the world to showcase a diverse range of groundbreaking inventions and solutions. Among these, the project “Highly integrated wireless ultrasonic motor system for fully enclosed environments”, led by Prof. CHAU Kwok-tong, Chair Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU, was awarded the Grand Prize and a Gold Medal. The wireless ultrasonic motor system designed by the team features a single integrated magnetic coupler connected to the motor, which can control motor systems in fully enclosed environments without power cables, batteries and controllers. The system is adaptable to various applications, facilitating seamless integration. Its streamlines are designed by operating without additional controllers or sensors, which is ideal for environments where traditional cabling is impractical, such as in robotic arms, enhancing mobility and flexibility. In enclosed environments like underground pipelines or underwater propellers, it avoids complications from perforated installation cables, preventing gas or liquid leaks. This innovation brings new solutions for advanced applications in robotics and industrial automation. Among the PolyU award-winning innovations, ten were developed by PolyU-nurtured startups, some of which were founded by the University’s scholars. This highlights the important role of the University’s signature startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, which has supported more than 500 startups over the years. The ecosystem has offered comprehensive support to help numerous PolyU academics, researchers, alumni, and students realise their entrepreneurial dreams. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated the winning PolyU teams, stating: “The remarkable achievements of PolyU academics, students and alumni vividly reflect the University’s strong research capabilities. They embody a spirit of daring to pursue breakthroughs and continuously strive for excellence, benefiting society through cutting-edge research and innovative solutions, while also helping address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We will continue to uphold the PolyImpact philosophy. Through education, research, knowledge transfer, and innovative inventions, the University is dedicated to bringing positive impact to society and mankind for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.” Organised by The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association in partnership with Palexpo, the organiser of the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, this year’s AEII attracted about 140 inventions from Hong Kong, mainland China and other Asian countries and regions. PolyU’s award-winning projects are listed below. To learn more about PolyU’s impactful innovations showcased at the Exhibition, please refer to the Appendix and the website of the PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office.   Project Principal Investigator Awards Highly integrated wireless ultrasonic motor system for fully enclosed environments Prof. CHAU Kwok Tong Chair Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Grand Prize Gold Medal Eye-On-a-Chip technology Dr Liping ZHOU Co-Principal Investigator, CEVR Research Assistant Professor, School of Optometry; and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, PolyU Dr Chau-minh PHAN Principal Investigator, CEVR CAI Award Invention and Innovation - China Association of Inventions Gold Medal “ProRuka” - novel prosthetic hand controlled by wireless sonomyography Prof. ZHENG Yongping Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering; Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering; Co-founder and Director, Sonoconnect Technology Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Mr Vaheh NAZARI Hardware Engineer, Sonoconnect Technology Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Gold Medal Last-centimetre drone delivery in urban environments Dr HUANG Hailong Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Gold Medal Synergistic integration of terrestrial radiative cooling and bifacial solar photovoltaics for low-carbon buildings Prof. LU Lin Vivien Professor, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Dr GONG Quan Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Gold Medal “AkkMore™” - natural fat substitute Dr CHANG Jinhui Research Assistant Professor, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, PolyU Co-Founder, Bo InnoHealth Biotechnology Company Limited (a PolyU academic-led start-up) Gold Medal Artificial reef for oyster reef restoration in topological approach Mr Dean CHAN PolyU School of Design alumnus; Engineer, Team Orz (a PolyU startup)  Gold Medal The microfluidic platform for rapid efficient separation and detection of micro/nanoplastics Dr CHUA Song Lin Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; Technical Advisor, Plastaway Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Dr CHEN Chun Kwan Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; CEO, Plastaway Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Silver Medal High-efficiency GaN converter module for wireless power transfer facilities Dr LIU Wei Lucian Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PolyU Silver Medal “LungRT Pro” - advanced radiotherapy support system Prof. CAI Jing Associate Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Technical Advisor, InsightRT Ltd (a PolyU academic-led startup) Silver Medal “Vcare” - vision training VR device Dr TANG Yuk Ming Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Silver Medal Real-time traffic noise identity extraction Dr LEUNG Chi Kin Randolph Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering Silver Medal “allcareAI”- Smart anti-infection mobile dry toilet Mr Phil WOO Outstanding Alumni Awardee in Entrepreneurial Achievement, PolyU Faculty of Humanities; Co-founder, PREN Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal Flower shaped intelligent medicine box based on artificial intelligence algorithm analysis Mr ZENG Jingqiang PhD graduate of Applied Social Science; CEO, People Strong High-tech Company Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal The method of preparing rPVC composites from PVC waste Mr WONG Chi San PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering alumnus; Executive Director, EBP Biotech Company Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal Wearable smart LED device for knee osteoarthritis Prof. FU Siu Ngor Associate Head and Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; Associate Director, Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology Bronze Medal   PolyU startup wins gold award in GBA entrepreneurship competition A PolyU startup has also achieved remarkable success in another competition held in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). NovelTec Limited, led by Dr WANG Heshou and Dr SUN Jinhong, Postdoctoral Fellows from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU, won the Gold Award in the Start-up Track at the “Qianhai Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao-Taiwan Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2024”. The team has developed their flagship product, the General Intelligent Chassis (GIC), which enables devices to charge without physical contact and achieve L4 autonomy. These advanced features provide the GIC a competitive edge across multiple sectors. The startup has also received funding support from the PolyU Micro Fund to aid its development.   ***END***