Media Releases

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***  

PolyU hosts 2025 International Conference on Primary Health Care to explore interdisciplinary collaboration

The Joint Research Centre for Primary Health Care of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently co-hosted the “2025 International Conference on Primary Health Care” with the Schools of Nursing of Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University, and Tianjin Medical University. The Conference explored trends, issues and strategies in interdisciplinary collaboration in primary health care. Over 500 experts from 14 countries and regions participated in the Conference. Dr PANG Fei Chau, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare of the Health Bureau of the HKSAR Government, said the Conference facilitated exchanges and interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, educators, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.  He emphasised that “The Primary Health Commission (PHC Commission) of the Health Bureau is committed to enhancing district-based primary healthcare services, with the aim of shifting the emphasis of the present healthcare system and people’s mindset from treatment-oriented to prevention-oriented and family-centric primary health care. The PHC Commission is dedicated to enhancing co-ordination among various sectors and across different levels of care, and to strengthening district-level PHC services in the community.” Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, highlighted the important role research was playing in the paradigm shift of health care. He stated, “The findings of healthcare researchers are leading to a better understanding of the gap between the current state of primary health care and a possible future of interdisciplinary collaboration. In this regard, PolyU’s key research strategy for building interdisciplinary research has been very successful.  We create synergy in life sciences, healthcare and technology to bring about higher impact in society and support governments in promoting better health and well-being.” Prof. Frances WONG, Director of the Joint Research Centre for Primary Health Care, Chair Professor of Advanced Nursing Practice and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU, outlined the development and work of the Joint Research Centre for Primary Health Care. She emphasised the Centre’s focus on research, knowledge translation, nurturing the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals, and collaborating with stakeholders to provide research data and scientific evidence to improve patient health and to promote policy and social change. Several distinguished guests delivered keynote speeches at the Conference, including (in alphabetical order by surname): Prof. Rebecca IVERS, Head of the School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales; Dr Rob LAWSON, Chairman of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, and President of the European Lifestyle Medicine Council; Dr Pang Fei Chau, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare of the Health Bureau of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Leiyu SHI, Director and Co-founder of the Johns Hopkins Primary Care Policy Centre; Professor of Health Policy and Health Services Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health;   Prof. Sabrina WONG, Science Lead, Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research Primary and Integrated Health Care Innovation Network, The University of British Columbia; Prof. Xifeng WU, Dean, School of Public Health; Vice President, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Director, National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Zhejiang University; Prof. Paul YIP, Chair Professor of Population Health, Department of Social Work and Social Administration; Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong The Joint Research Centre for Primary Health Care was jointly established by PolyU’s School of Nursing and the Schools of Nursing of Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University, and Tianjin Medical University last year. The Centre aims to promote disease prevention through innovative interventions and service models, apply advanced technology to provide continuous and integrated care. ***END***

“Jockey Club Age-friendly Co-creation Project” officially launched, four strategies to help multiple sectors build an age-friendly city

As Hong Kong’s population ages at an unprecedented rate, how can challenges be transformed into opportunities? Today, the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies (the Centre) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the launch ceremony of the “Jockey Club Age-friendly Co-creation Project” (the Project). Supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (The Trust), the event brought together government officials, academics, and sectors leaders to explore how age-friendly measures can enhance the quality of life for the ageing adults (50+) while unleashing the potential of the silver economy, paving the way for an “Age-friendly city.” During the ceremony, the Centre unveiled groundbreaking research findings, demonstrating that age-friendly measures can increase ageing adults’ spending willingness by an impressive 146%. This revelation provides businesses with critical insights to foster age-friendly communities, highlighting the dual benefits of social responsibility and economic growth. Distinguished guests attending the launch ceremony included Dr the Hon LAM Ching-choi, SBS, JP, Member of the Executive Council of the HKSAR Government and Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Centre; Mr HO Kai-ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government; Ms Annie NG, Senior Manager, Charities, The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Prof. Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President; Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); Prof. Eric CHUI Wing-hong, Chair Professor and Head of the PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences; Dr Pun Zee Pamsy HUI, Senior Lecturer and Associate Head of the PolyU Department of Management and Marketing; and Prof. BAI Xue, Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences; Director of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies; and Project Leader of the Project. Building an Age-friendly City Together Prof. Miranda Lou expressed gratitude to The Trust for its support, enabling the Centre to host the Project and inject fresh momentum into Hong Kong’s age-friendly development. Leveraging academic expertise, PolyU will transfer research findings into actionable solutions through four key strategies — Engage and Understand, Build Capacity, Recognise, and Sustain Efforts — encouraging stakeholders to integrate age-friendly elements into their services and operations. Latest Research Findings: Age-friendly Measures Significantly Boost Ageing Adults’ Spending Willingness Prof. Bai Xue and Dr LIU Mengyu, Research Assistant Professor of the Centre, unveiled the latest research findings. Prof. Bai explained, “To better understand the ageing adults’ satisfaction with age-friendly business (AFB) and their spending patterns, the Centre employed a survey experiment approach, simulating various consumption scenarios to assess responses to different age-friendly measures.” The study drew on the Centre’s longitudinal database, incorporating a dedicated module on age-friendly business to explore their impact on spending willingness and their associations with health and well-being. The research included in-depth interviews with over 20 local and international companies and industry associations across sectors such as catering, retail, property management, public transport, technology, and social enterprises. Insights were gathered from mid-to-senior management, decision-makers, and frontline staff, complemented by telephone survey data from 3,000 Hong Kong residents aged 50 and above. The study found that the ageing adults' satisfaction with local age-friendly business measures remains low, with satisfaction levels generally below 25%, indicating substantial room for improvement in addressing the needs of an ageing society. The findings revealed that improvements in the physical environment, staff and personnel, marketing and information, and products and services can increase ageing adults' spending willingness by 13.8% to 39.8%. Friendly staff attitudes had the most significant impact, boosting spending willingness by nearly 40% (39.8%). When all four measures were combined, spending willingness surged by up to 146%, highlighting a strong effect of AFB on consumer behavior. Prof. Bai emphasised, “Age-friendly Business is not just a social responsibility but also a sustainable development opportunity. This Project aims to make Hong Kong a more inclusive and happier city while realising long-term growth of the silver market and boosting social benefits. Four Strategies to Co-create an Age-friendly Future To help businesses transfer research into actionable practices, the Project will adopt four key strategies — Engage and Understand, Build Capacity, Recognise, and Sustain Efforts. The “Age-friendly Business Capacity Building Programme” will offer tailored training for the retail, shopping mall, and catering sectors, covering four themes: physical environment, staff and personnel, marketing and information, and products and services. Through training seminars, experiential learning labs, and co-creation workshops, participants will gain a deeper understanding of ageing adults' needs and learn to integrate age-friendly concepts into daily operations, developing measures which are more convenient for the community-dwelling ageing adults. “Jockey Club Age-friendly City Partnership Scheme” Now Open for Applications To encourage more businesses and organisations to participate, the Project organises the “Jockey Club Age-friendly City Partnership Scheme 2024/2025” with multiple special awards, including Age-friendly Employer Award, Age-friendly Facilities Award, Age-friendly Innovation Award, Age-friendly Collaborator Award, Our City’s Story Award, and My Favourite City Partnership Scheme Award (determined by public voting and judging panel assessment). These awards recognise companies or organisations with outstanding contributions to promoting age-friendly culture and the Scheme is now open for application. Companies and organisations implementing age-friendly practice, or offering a product or service that caters to the needs of ageing adults are invited to submit their applications by 11 April 2025. For details, please visit the Project’s website: https://jccitypartnership.hk. Prof. Bai Xue (left) and Dr Liu Mengyu (right), Research Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences unveiled the latest research findings. The study showed that age-friendly business measures can increase spending willingness of ageing adults, providing valuable insights for the industry. The audience focused intently on the Centre’s latest research findings, gaining an in-depth understanding of how age-friendly measures impact the spending willingness of ageing adults. The launch ceremony of the “Jockey Club Age-friendly Co-creation Project” was successfully held.  Guests from the government, academia, business and social welfare sectors gathered to witness this significant moment and pledged to collaborate in promoting age-friendly policies and measures to create a better life for the ageing adults in Hong Kong. ***END*** About the “Jockey Club Age-friendly Co-creation Project” Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population has led to a growing demand for age-friendly measures, products, and services tailored to older adults. In the 2024 Policy Address, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government emphasised the importance of promoting diverse products and services to meet the needs of the silver market, reaffirming its commitment to building an age-friendly city. In response, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has generously funded the “Jockey Club Age-friendly Co-creation Project”, organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies. The Project aims to transfer academic theories and research findings into actionable solutions, advancing age-friendly measures through four key strategies — Engage and Understand, Build Capacity, Recognise, and Sustain Efforts. Key components include the organization of “Age-friendly Business Capacity Building Programme” and “Jockey Club Age-friendly City Partnership Scheme”.

理大與港專合辦 2025 全國兩會見聞分享會 八高校全國政協委員籲攜手助力教育強國建設 (Chinese version only)

Chinese version only

PolyU hosts AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health Forum, featuring a Nobel Laureate and an expert to explore the future of AI-driven medicine

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science today co-hosted the “AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health” Forum. The event featured a keynote speech by Prof. Barry MARSHALL, 2005 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, who shared his research journey and provided insights into the future of medicine. Prof. Ya-Qin ZHANG, Chair Professor of AI Science and Dean of the Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR) of Tsinghua University also participated in the panel discussion. The event attracted about 500 faculty members, students, alumni, leaders from the innovation and technology sectors, academia, and members of the public, fostering academic exchange and inspiring the pursuit of innovation. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President expressed his gratitude to Prof. Marshall and Prof. Zhang for sharing their insights, which greatly benefited both faculty members and students. He remarked, “Artificial intelligence (AI) is pivotal in shaping the future of medicine. This Forum has provided a valuable platform for all to explore the evolving trends of AI in medicine and to collaborate for a healthier future. PolyU is making significant strides in leveraging the integration of AI into medical science by developing innovative healthcare solutions and collaborating with industry to translate research outcomes into real-world solutions that benefit society. Earlier this year, PolyU established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences to strengthen interdisciplinary research and education in the areas of AI, data science and computing. These efforts lay a solid foundation for the University to realise its  commitment to establishing Hong Kong’s proposed third medical school.” Prof. Marshall is currently Professor and Senior Honorary Research Fellow of the School of Biomedical Sciences, and Director of the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training at The University of Western Australia; PolyU Distinguished Honorary Professor; and Chair Professor of Shenzhen University. In the early 1980s, Prof. Marshall and Australian pathologist Dr J. Robin WARREN discovered that gastritis and peptic ulcers were due to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This groundbreaking research earned them the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and is widely regarded as the most significant discovery in the history of gastroenterology. During his keynote speech, titled “Theory and Practice: Innovation and Curiosity Driven Research”, Prof. Marshall shared his pioneering work on H. pylori. He discussed the infection pathways and treatment methods of the bacterium, as well as his personal experience of drinking a culture of H. pylori to validate his research. His contributions continue to advance global healthcare, particularly in the field of gastrointestinal disease research. In recent years, AI has emerged as a powerful tool in medicine, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance patient care, streamline clinical processes and drive innovative research. During the panel discussion hosted by Prof. Hongxia YANG, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Professor of the Department of Computing, Prof. Marshall and Prof. Ya-Qin Zhang discussed the future development of AI technology in medicine and education. Prof. Marshall said, “AI is revolutionising our ability to diagnose diseases, personalise treatments and predict patient outcomes with unprecedented accuracy. By harnessing vast amounts of data, AI enables us to uncover insights that were previously beyond our reach, ultimately improving patient care and advancing medical research.” Prof. Zhang said, “The field of life sciences and biomedicine has entered the era of Digitalisation 3.0, where AI plays a pivotal role, driving advancements toward greater speed, precision, safety, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. Notable achievements have been made in areas such as protein structure prediction, gene editing, and drug discovery. However, challenges remain in terms of algorithm transparency, interpretability, security, privacy, and ethics. The AIR of Tsinghua University has pioneered the launch of an AI hospital and open-sourcing an AI-powered drug discovery platform, paving the way for biological research to enter the Autopilot era. Moving forward, we hope that academia and industry will further strengthen collaboration, driving the development of a closed-loop ecosystem and uncovering more opportunities for scientific and industrial innovation.” During the Forum, the opening ceremony of the PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology was also performed. Prof. MA Cong, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, will serve as the Centre Director, with Prof. Marshall as a member of its Management Committee. The Centre aspires to advance the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections, such as H. pylori, the most common chronic bacterial infection globally, while leveraging Prof. Marshall’s groundbreaking research to establish AI-driven e-biobanks. These efforts will enhance research capabilities and enable more precise diagnostics. The Centre will also address the urgent need for novel antibiotics, due to rising drug resistance, by developing unique antimicrobial therapies with distinct mechanisms. Prof. Marshall stated that the establishment of the Centre will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in pioneering innovative solutions and fostering collaboration in this dynamic field. ***END***

PolyU and China Tower sign strategic cooperation agreement to advance innovation in low-altitude economy and next-generation networks

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Tower Corporation Limited (China Tower) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to advance key research areas, including the low-altitude economy and next-generation network technologies. By fostering in-depth cooperation to promote technological innovation and translate research outcomes, this collaboration will accelerate the new quality productive forces in these pivotal sectors. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr ZHANG Zhiyong, Chairman of China Tower, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr CHEN Li, General Manager of China Tower, with the aim of establishing a robust and enduring framework for collaborative research and innovation, talent nurturing, and the translation of research outcomes. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng underscored PolyU’s leading role in low-altitude economy research, marked by the establishment last year of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy and the launch in the new academic year of a Master’s programme in Low Altitude Economy, along with the University’s internationally recognised expertise in data science, artificial intelligence and computer science. This partnership will integrate the University’s academic strengths and China Tower’s industry leadership to drive impactful research, build innovative platforms, facilitate effective technology transfer and cultivate highly skilled professionals, thereby contributing to the Nation’s high-quality development goals. Mr Zhang Zhiyong emphasised China Tower’s commitment to innovation-driven growth as the world’s largest telecommunications infrastructure service provider. By sharing resources and pursuing shared goals, China Tower aims to enhance its core competitiveness. This collaboration with PolyU will leverage the strengths of both parties to create a mutually beneficial partnership. With a focus on the low-altitude economy and next-generation networks, the cooperation seeks to generate strong synergy and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement through consistent communication and exchange. The collaboration marks a new chapter in the partnership between PolyU and China Tower. By combining efforts, the parties aim to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and make contributions to new quality productive forces, advancing technological innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond. ***END***

PolyU plans to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, fostering the development of Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) submitted a proposal to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government for the establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school, aiming to train more outstanding doctors to meet the healthcare needs of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). With strong research capabilities, a solid foundation, and extensive experience in healthcare education and training allied health professionals, PolyU is confident and well-positioned to support the initiative proposed in last year’s Policy Address to foster the development of Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President, along with Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. HE Mingguang, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology and Global STEM Scholar, held a press conference today to share the latest developments regarding the University’s efforts to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school. The proposal was prepared based on the 10 key parameters set out by the HKSAR Government’s Task Group on New Medical School, covering innovative strategic positioning, staffing, campus and teaching facilities, clinical exposure and learning resources, curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, student admission arrangements, funding arrangements, implementation plan, teaching and learning quality as well as research excellence. PolyU expressed its heartfelt gratitude to its Expert Advisory Committee members for their significant contributions to the proposal, including: Prof. ZHONG Nanshan, Recipient of the Medal of the Republic; Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Director of the Guangzhou National Laboratory Prof. Barry MARSHALL, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine; Professor, Senior Honorary Research Fellow of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall Centre, The University of Western Australia Dr York CHOW Yat Ngok, Former Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food / Secretary for Food and Health of the HKSAR Government; Former Hospital Chief Executive of Queen Mary Hospital Dr Lam Tai-fai stated, “PolyU is committed to supporting the Government by contributing both financially and through dedicated efforts to develop the third medical school. We stand with the Government during challenging times and pledge to cover all financial expenses if needed before the medical school relocates to the UniTown in Ngau Tam Mei. Over the past half-century, PolyU has trained over 50,000 healthcare professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, optometrists, radiologists and more, playing a pivotal role in the development of Hong Kong’s medical system. This has earned us the recognition and trust of both the public and the Government, who have full confidence in the University’s healthcare education. PolyU has a strong foundation in healthcare education, along with extensive experience and achievements in nurturing healthcare professionals. These outstanding accomplishments and advantages have been accumulated over many years, and there are no shortcuts to attaining them.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated, “PolyU has achieved remarkable success in medicine-engineering integration and AI-powered medical advancements. Among its recent technological breakthroughs are myopia control lenses, a prime example of successfully translating research outcomes into practical applications. With over 35 million units of lenses sold globally, the innovation has significantly improved the vision health of countless children worldwide. Another advancement is an AI-enabled self-testing retinal fundus camera, which can assess cardiovascular disease risk and screen for three common eye diseases. Other innovations include a 3D ultrasound imaging device for radiation-free assessment of scoliosis and portable equipment for the quantitative assessment of chronic liver diseases, such as fatty liver and liver fibrosis.” PolyU plans to offer a four-year bachelor’s degree programme in medicine, targeting undergraduate degree holders. The first intake will admit 50 local and non-local students and will gradually increase the admission quota based on demand. Supported by a robust team of over 1,300 healthcare-related teaching and research staff and equipped with more than 90 specialised laboratories and research facilities, the University intends to invest more resources to enhance its existing health science education and research facilities and strengthen collaboration with the current network of hospitals in Hong Kong that provide clinical teaching, laying a solid foundation for establishing the medical school. PolyU will also establish an “AI+ Academy”, with a focus on pioneering research in AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment. PolyU is thus well-equipped to establish a medical school, leveraging its advantages in medicine-engineering integration to advance healthcare technology and meet the medical needs of Hong Kong and the GBA. ***END***

PolyU project develops a Vision-Language Models for driving assistant, supported by Smart Traffic Fund

In complex driving scenarios, information overload can lead to distractions and delayed reactions. The introduction of Vision-Language models (VLMs) presents new possibilities for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Led by Prof. Pai ZHENG, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the project titled “Develop a Vision-Language Model-based Smart Driving Assistant for Enhancing Safety and Convenience of Motorists” has successfully secured over HK$5 million for a duration of 24 months from the Smart Traffic Fund.            This project aims to develop a smart driving assistant for vehicle cockpits leveraging vision-language models. The objective is to improve driver safety and convenience by analyzing the environment in real time and drivers’ needs to offer appropriate interactive strategy. Prof. ZHENG said, “Besides existing ADAS, our approach offers personalised driving tips to enhance the user experience. The system will collect and analyse personalised interaction data from users, including interactive language descriptions and visual environment information acquired during user participation experiments. This system will dynamically retrieve and generate customised driving strategies based on historical and real-time data, catering to the habits and preferences of individual drivers.” PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with a total of 23 projects receiving grants from the Smart Traffic Fund to date. The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology to enhance commuting convenience, enhance the efficiency of the road network or road space, and improve driving safety. ***END***