Media Releases

PolyU secures funding support from the General Research Fund and Early Career Scheme for academic and research merits

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received a total funding support of HK$207.8 million from the General Research Fund (GRE) and the Early Career Scheme (ECS), marking it as the top three universities in terms of total granted amounts. A total of 203 PolyU projects have been awarded grants amounting to HK$185.7 million from the GRE, positioning it as the third-highest ranked university in terms of granted amounts. In the field of engineering, PolyU stands out among universities by securing the largest amount of funding support, reaching HK$93.5 million. The GRF aims to supplement universities’ own research support to researchers who have achieved or have the potential to achieve excellence. It covers two areas of research focused on broad knowledge enhancement and specific purposes. A total of 34 PolyU projects have been funded, amounting to HK$22.1 million from the ECS, positioning it as the second-highest ranked university in terms of granted amounts. In the field of engineering, PolyU ranks at the top among universities, receiving the largest amount of funding support at HK$10.3 million. The ECS aims to nurture junior academics and to prepare them for a career in education and research. Scientific and scholarly merit, and qualification and track record of the principal investigator are among the assessment criteria.   ***END***

PolyU contributes to Nation’s Chang’e-6 historic lunar far-side sampling mission and acquires Chang’e-5 lunar soil samples; Leading deep space exploration research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) research team, after developing and manufacturing the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, has assisted the Nation in completing the world’s first lunar far-side sampling for the Chang’e-6 lunar exploration mission. PolyU also recently obtained approval for the lending of lunar soil samples collected by the Chang’e-5 mission from the Lunar Sample Management Office under the China National Space Administration’s Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Centre. The PolyU research team has obtained two distinct lunar soil samples: a surface soil sample weighing 400 milligrams, which was collected by PolyU’s Surface Sampling and Packing System; and a subsurface soil sample totalling 42.6 milligrams. The samples are currently stored in the lunar regolith storage and analysis system on the PolyU campus which is a unique state-of-the-art integrated multifunctional system for in-situ analysis, enabling researchers to conduct a comprehensive study on the lunar regolith without the need for leaving the storage environment. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, congratulated the team for marking a magnificent chapter in the Nation’s aerospace history and said, “This year, PolyU is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a University. In the recently announced Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings for 2025, PolyU has reached new heights and ranked 57th globally. In addition to achieving this significant milestone, PolyU has successfully obtained approval from the Nation and acquired lunar soil samples collected by the Chang’e-5 mission. The PolyU team will treasure this incredibly precious gift.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU is committed to becoming an innovative, world-class university, highlighting the pivotal role of scientific research in driving innovation and positively impacting society. We focus on nurturing young scientific research talents and passing on research experience from one generation to the next. We will continue to collaborate with interdisciplinary experts and contribute to the Nation’s development towards becoming a major player in deep space exploration and scientific innovation.” The Chang’e-5 lunar sample in-depth analysis and research programme is spearheaded by a PolyU team with extensive experience in deep space explorations, led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), and Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics and Associate Director of RCDSE. The research team, which also includes Dr Wang Xing, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Dr Sergey Krasilnikov, Research Assistant Professor of the same department, will delve into “Finding Water in Lunar Soil” through a microstructural analysis of lunar regolith, including its water content and formation process. Their findings will shed insights into the formation of soil on the Moon’s surface and other celestial bodies, as well as lunar water resources induced by solar wind implantation. Prof. Wu Bo said, “We are glad that our team has successfully applied for and received lunar soil samples from the National Astronomical Observatories in Beijing and brought them back to the PolyU campus for further analysis. The samples will provide valuable scientific insights. Our interdisciplinary team has extensive experience in space missions and our research embraces areas that encompass lunar geological research, topographic and geomorphological analysis of landing sites, development and manufacturing of space payloads, in-depth analysis of lunar soil samples, and space resource utilisation. We look forward to leveraging our research strengths to make further valuable contributions to innovation and technology development in Hong Kong and the Nation.” Prof. Yung Kai-leung noted, “The fact that our team designed and manufactured the Surface Sampling and Packing System for the 2020 Chang’e-5 probe, and brought back the youngest lunar samples yet discovered to Earth, which are now being stored on our campus, holds special meaning for our team. We also plan to apply for lunar samples from the Moon’s far side brought back to Earth by Chang’e-6 in order to make further contributions to humanity’s understanding of the Moon and outer space. With the return of the Mars samples and China’s manned lunar landing ranking high among its scientific priorities through 2030, we look forward to continuing to contribute to the Nation in the years ahead.” The lunar soil samples are rare and scientifically valuable, holding immense potential for pioneering scientific discoveries and future utilisation of lunar resources. A single grain of lunar soil may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the Moon’s formation, evolution, and dynamic environment. The achievements from lunar sample research can also bring long-term benefits to Earth and benefit humanity. As space exploration evolves, with space resource utilisation now emerging as a priority for future programmes, the Space Resources Laboratory at PolyU’s RCDSE has developed resilient capabilities to store and analyse extraterrestrial samples in high-purity nitrogen protection devices for long-term interdisciplinary research. With a vision for the future, the Laboratory is well poised to handle samples from Mars and asteroids, laying the groundwork for the Nation’s further aerospace development.   Led by Prof. Yung Kai-leung (centre) and Prof. Wu Bo (left), both seasoned experts in deep space exploration initiatives, the Chang’e-5 lunar soil analysis research has brought together a distinguished team, including Dr Wang Xing (right), to pioneer research on water trapped in lunar soil.   Prof. Wu Bo (left) and Dr Wang Xing (right) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geoinformatics bring together decades of combined research experience in lunar geology, and landing area mapping and analysis.       PolyU has successfully acquired lunar soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission, including a 400 mg surface sample (left) and a 42.6 mg deep drill sample (right).The Space Resources Laboratory of the PolyU Deep Space Exploration Research Center has set up a lunar soil sample storage and analysis facility to properly store and analyse the lunar soil in depth.   The Space Resources Laboratory of the PolyU Deep Space Exploration Research Center has set up a lunar soil sample storage and analysis facility to properly store and analyse the lunar soil in depth.   ***END***  

PolyU study reveals the mechanism of bio-inspired control of liquid flow, enlightening breakthroughs in fluid dynamics and nature-inspired materials technologies

The more we discover about the natural world, the more we find that nature is the greatest engineer. Past research believed that liquids can only be transported in fixed direction on species with specific liquid communication properties and cannot switch the transport direction. Recently, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have shown that an African plant controls water movement in a previously unknown way – and this could inspire breakthroughs in a range of technologies in fluid dynamics and nature-inspired materials, including applications that require multistep and repeated reactions, such as microassays, medical diagnosis and solar desalination etc. The study has been recently published in the international academic journal Science. Liquid transport is an unsung miracle of nature. Tall trees, for example, have to lift huge amounts of water every day from their roots to their highest leaves, which they accomplish in perfect silence. Some lizards and plants channel water through capillaries. In the desert, where making the most of scarce moisture is vital, some beetles can capture fog-borne water and direct it along their backs using a chemical gradient. Scientists have long sought to hone humankind’s ability to move liquids directionally. Applications as diverse as microfluidics, water harvesting, and heat transfer depend on the efficient directional transport of water, or other fluids, at small or large scales. While the above species provide nature-based inspiration, they are limited to moving liquids in a single direction. A research team led by Prof. WANG Liqiu, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Smart and Sustainable Energy, Chair Professor of Thermal-Fluid and Energy Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering of PolyU, has discovered that the succulent plant Crassula muscosa, native to Namibia and South Africa, can transport liquid in selected directions. Together with colleagues from the University of Hong Kong and Shandong University, the PolyU researchers noticed that when two separate shoots of the plant were infused with the same liquids, the liquids were transported in opposite directions. In one case, the liquid travelled exclusively towards the tip, whereas the other shoot directed the flow straight to the plant root. Given the arid but foggy conditions in which C. muscosa lives, the ability to trap water and transport it in selected directions is a lifeline for the plant. As the shoots were held horizontally, gravity can be ruled out as the cause of the selective direction of transport. Instead, the plant’s special properties stem from the tiny leaves packed onto its shoots. Also known as “fins”, they have a unique profile, with a swept-back body (resembling a shark’s fin) tapering to a narrow ending that points to the tip of the plant. The asymmetry of this shape is the secret to C. muscosa’s selective directional liquid transport. It all has to do with manipulating the meniscus – the curved surface on top of a liquid. Specifically, the key lies in subtle differences between the fin shapes on different shoots. When the rows of fins bend sharply towards the tip, the liquid on the shoot also flows in that direction. However, on a shoot whose fins – although still pointing at the tip – have a more upward profile, the direction of movement is instead to the root. The flow direction depends on the angles between the shoot body and the two sides of the fin, as these control the forces exerted on droplets by the meniscus – blocking flow in one direction and sending it in the other. Armed with this understanding of how the plant directs liquid flow, the team created an artificial mimic. Dubbed CMIAs, for ‘C. muscosa-inspired arrays’, these 3D-printed fins act like the tilted leaves of C. muscosa, controlling the orientation of liquid flow. Cleverly, while the fins on a natural plant shoot are immobile, the use of a magnetic material for artificial CMIAs allows them to be reoriented at will. Simply by applying a magnetic field, the liquid flow through a CMIA can be reversed. This opens up the possibility of liquid transport along dynamically changing paths in industrial and laboratory settings. Alternatively, flow could be redirected by changing the spacing between fins. Numerous areas of technology stand to benefit from CMIAs. Prof. Wang said, “There are foresee applications of real-time directional control of fluid flow in microfluidics, chemical synthesis, and biomedical diagnostics. The biology-mimicking CMIA design could also be used not just for transporting liquids but for mixing them, for example in a T-shaped valve. The method is suited to a range of chemicals and overcomes the heating problem found in some other microfluidic technologies.”   ***END***  

PolyU holds flag-raising ceremony to celebrate 27th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held a flag-raising ceremony on campus to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR). The University is honoured to have had Mr DENG Jianwei, Director-General of the Bureau of Liaison, Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and Mr WANG Jian, Director (Counselor) of the Department of International Organisations and Conferences, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR officiate at the ceremony. They were joined by PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, Deputy Council Chairman Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, University Court Chairman Dr Katherine NGAN, together with Council and Court members, University senior management, University Fellows, Outstanding Alumni, members of the PolyU Foundation, and around 600 distinguished guests, staff, students and alumni, wishing the Nation and Hong Kong prosperity and stability. The ceremony was jointly conducted by the Guo Qi Hu Wei Dui and the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “Over the past 27 years since the establishment of the HKSAR, with staunch support from the Nation and its own distinctive advantages, Hong Kong has grown from strength to strength. It has also actively integrated into the overall national development. As a member of Hong Kong’s higher-education sector, PolyU is dedicated to becoming an innovative world-class university and provides the best holistic education to nurture socially responsible talents who possess a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. We will also continue to pursue impactful research and innovation to meet societal needs, contributing to Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub and advancing national technological self-reliance.”   ***END***

PolyU and AELIS Couture forge innovative partnership for Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Collection

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is excited to announce its partnership with the esteemed Paris fashion house AELIS Couture (AELIS) for the Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Collection that was showcased during the haute couture week in Paris on 27 June 2024. Created by the legendary haute couture designer Sofia Crociani, the Collection introduces sustainable metal-coated textiles developed by PolyU, blending cutting-edge technology with luxury fashion. This innovative textile technology was developed by the research team led by Prof. Kinor JIANG, Professor of the School of Fashion Textiles at PolyU, using developed metallising technology to place ultra-thin, nano-scale metal films onto textiles. Without discharging any polluted water or chemicals, the non-aqueous process results in textiles that are not only visually stunning but also sustainable. For this collection, the PolyU team created a precious gold and silver coated sustainable silk organza with a metallic pearly sheen while maintaining the comfort and flexibility of traditional textiles. The collaboration with AELIS, renowned for its artful designs and sustainable approach to fashion, reflects PolyU’s commitment to advancing textile technology and its applications in the fashion industry. The integration of PolyU’s metal-coated textiles into AELIS Couture’s designs reveals a collection that embodies both style and state-of-the-art technology. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU said, “We are thrilled to partner with AELIS for their Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Collection. The collaboration with AELIS Couture is a shining example of how PolyU’s research can be translated into real-world applications, bridging the gap between technology and artistry in fashion. We are proud to see our sustainable innovations contribute to the creation of couture that is as technologically advanced as it is beautiful.” Sofia Crociani, Founder of AELIS, expressed her excitement at the partnership, “For AELIS Couture, the project with PolyU, born after a cycle of ‘sustainable lectures’ jointly organised by PolyU and the French Consulate in Hong Kong, is the result of a wonderful effort to advance in the ecological and technological research field. Working with PolyU has been an inspiring journey. Their precious metal-coated textiles have allowed us to explore new dimensions of design and sustainability. We are proud to present a collection that reflects the synergy between PolyU’s technological expertise and our commitment to eco-conscious couture.” Through this international collaboration, PolyU joins hands with AELIS to make a bold statement in the fashion world, showcasing the potential of merging sustainability with luxury art-to-wear. The AELIS Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Fashion Show that took place during the “haute couture week” in Paris represents an event where innovation meets grace and elegance, setting a new standard for the future of couture.   ***END***

PolyU unveils novel smart solar-powered freezer truck

The transport sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong, accounting for 19% of total emissions. Supporting the development of green transport can help reduce air pollutant emissions. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting research into green technologies to support Hong Kong’s goal of reducing the City’s total carbon emissions from the 2005 level by half before 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2050. A research team led by Prof. Eric Cheng, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU, received support from the “Innovation and Technology Support Programme (Mid-stream, theme-based)” funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government last June for the research project “Smart Refrigeration Truck Development Programme - Power, Solar and Intelligence Method for Logistics and Storage”. The project is aimed at promoting the transformation of freezer trucks from traditional fuel driven freezer system to smart electric driven and strengthening the wider adoption of solar energy. After one year, the PolyU team has successfully developed a novel freezer truck that supports a solar-powered freezer system and features vehicle-connected power storage and sharing technology. The project has received staunch support from the government, academia and industry, including from Sunlight Eco-tech Limited, Advanced Sunlight Pty Limited from Australia, and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. Currently, there are approximately 5,000 freezer trucks in Hong Kong, and this number is expected to double in the next few years. These vehicles are all powered by fuel engines, which produce a significant amount of exhaust gas and noise when running or idling. In fact, the technology used in conventional freezer trucks is relatively outdated, with the freezer system relying on the vehicle’s internal combustion engine for power. Even when the vehicle is stationary, to maintain operation of the freezer system the engine cannot be turned off. In addition, the temperature of the freezer system is typically maintained at around -20 degrees Celsius, limiting the types of food that can be refrigerated. If each vehicle consumes one to three litres of diesel per hour, it will produce 2.7 to 8.1 kg of carbon dioxide, resulting in annual emissions of approximately 16 tonnes. To offset these carbon emissions, about 760 trees need to be planted. The smart solar-powered freezer truck developed by PolyU provides flexible energy input options. Key highlights are as follows: Extensible solar photovoltaic (PV) panels: Installed on the roof, these PV panels can be extended to increase the truck’s power output, enhancing its energy efficiency. The truck is equipped with an energy storage device that captures and stores the electric energy generated, providing additional energy for the vehicle’s freezer system. Onboard lithium-ion battery: In addition to the solar energy storage, the truck also has an onboard lithium-ion battery that can be connected to standard electric vehicle charging facilities for recharging. When the solar energy storage is filled, and the battery is fully charged, they can power the freezer system for up to four hours. Users also have the option to expand the number and capacity of batteries to further extend operation time as needed. Powerful and versatile freezer system: The onboard refrigeration system can maintain temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius. Moreover, it can continue operating even after the electric engine is turned off, effectively transforming the vehicle into a mobile freezer unit. This can help address the shortage of freezer warehouses in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the freezer truck can connect to other vehicles of the same type for charging and energy sharing. With the vehicle’s smart energy management system, users can not only monitor and control the maximum output power of the PV panels to enhance efficiency of different energy sources, but also optimise the freezer performance, and prolong the life of the onboard battery. Prof. Eric Cheng said, “The HKSAR government has implemented several policies in recent years to promote the popularisation of electric vehicles, including setting a target to cease new registration of fuel-propelled private cars in 2035 or earlier. However, for freight vehicles, the adoption rate of new energy vehicles is relatively slow. We aspire for this research project to take a leading role in encouraging the transport sector to embrace green technologies more readily and contribute more to reducing emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.” The PolyU smart solar-powered freezer truck is now ready for commercialisation, with the expectation that similar vehicles will be launched in the near-future.   ***END***  

PolyU leaps to 67th in the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities Rankings, placing third in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has attained encouraging results in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Global Universities Rankings, surging 33 places to 67th in the world. The University has also been ranked 9th in Asia and third in Hong Kong. In the subject rankings, PolyU has a total of 17 subjects being ranked among the top 50 in the world, with three of them among the top ten, including Civil Engineering (2nd), Engineering (5th), and Mechanical Engineering (6th). Additionally, PolyU came first for eight subjects in Hong Kong, including Civil Engineering, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Green and Sustainable Science and Technology, Environmental Engineering, Social Sciences and Public Health, Economics and Business and Mathematics, reaffirming its leadership both internationally and locally. PolyU is pleased with the remarkable progress in its performance in the Rankings. The University is committed to becoming an innovative, world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility. Moving forward, PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in education, scientific research and innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as strengthen ties and cooperation with partners around the world, with the aim of playing an increasingly important role on the global stage of higher education. The 2024-2025 Best Global Universities Rankings by the U.S. News and World Report covers 51 subject rankings and evaluates 2,250 universities across 104 countries. The Rankings were calculated based on 13 indicators, including global and regional research reputation, total citations, international collaboration and more.   ***END***  

PolyU showcases research and innovations at its first overseas exhibition “Flying High” in France

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is hosting its inaugural “Flying High” exhibition in Paris, France, from now until 1 July 2024. This marks the University’s first international showcase, featuring a diverse array of research and innovations across disciplines from fashion to technology and sustainable materials. At the opening reception, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) remarked, “PolyU is thrilled to bring our research and innovations to Paris, a city that resonates with creativity and innovation, reflecting our own values. ‘Flying High’ is not just an exhibition, it is a testament to our dedication to making a positive impact through our research and knowledge transfer activities. We are excited to share our achievements and to foster international collaborations for a better and sustainable future.” The “Flying High” exhibition is not only witness to PolyU’s commitment to fostering global innovation and excellence in research, but also provides an exchange platform for researchers, industry experts, fashion editors and others. It coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-French diplomatic relations and the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, highlighting the importance of international dialogue and exchange in advancing scientific and cultural understanding. The exhibition comprises two main themes “Style in Motion” and “Sustainability in Innovation”, with 10 projects as follows:   Project Principal Investigator(s) Style in Motion Tai-Chi, Sports and Olympics 2024 This Tai Chi-inspired sportswear collection blends the essence of the East with the electrifying spirit of the Games’ four selected disciplines: breaking, skateboarding, surfing and climbing. Each piece is meticulously engineered to capture the spirit of these vibrant sports, analysing the fluidity and strength required to excel in each. It complements an athlete’s form and improves their performance. Dr Tsai-Chun HUANG, Assistant Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles AI-assisted Personal Training Gear AI-enhanced, wearable sensor-based training gear helps monitor posture, muscle activity and fatigue in real-time during workouts, providing immediate feedback to improve physical performance and minimise the risk of injury. Prof. YIP Yiu-wan Joanne, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Sport-specific Sports Bra Designs from Analysis of Human Dynamic Motion An anatomically tailored sports bra employs analysis of 4D scans to enable bra design to provide precise support for the unique demands of each sport and comfort for women of all ages and sizes. Prof. Kit-Lun YICK, Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Sustainability in Innovation Carbon Neutral Construction Materials New technologies elevate construction projects to champion carbon neutrality, including CarbAggre, a carbon-negative and customisable material developed from construction and demolition waste, and a carbonation concrete coating technology that improves concrete durability. Prof. C.S. POON, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering; Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials; Director, Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality Sustainable Design from Biochar-concrete Newly developed biochar-concrete merges sustainability with aesthetics, revolutionising traditional concrete construction and combating carbon emissions, and so paving the way for a greener world. Dr Brian LEE, Associate Professor, School of Design “Building Clothing” Using Textile Waste “Building Clothing”, developed from textile waste, is a sustainable building envelope for thermal insulation and radiative cooling to revolutionise construction projects and help tackle the challenges of textile waste recycling. Dr Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Assistant Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Metal-coated Textiles with Unique Visual Effects These textiles fuse fashion and sustainability through sputtering coating technology. They are the very first to integrate material science, engineering and manufacturing for lustrous new textiles without any discharge or pollution. Prof. Kinor JIANG, Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Food Waste-derived 3D Printing Material Harnessing the power of 3D printing technology, novel sustainable composite materials have been developed for indoor furnishings by combining spent coffee grounds or tea leaves with polylactic acid. Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Professor, Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Director, Research Institute for Future Food Anti-stain and Antiviral Vegan Leather The world’s first vegan leather boasts both anti-stain and antiviral properties. It leverages structural color technology to ensure whiteness at 90/100 without use of pigment, dye or bleaching agent, and uses silicone that avoid microplastic issues. Prof. Chris K.Y. LO, Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies   Prof. KAN Chi-wai, Associate Dean (Strategic Planning and Development) and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Intelligent Textiles for Interiors, Fashion and Rehabilitation Utilising computer vision and illuminating optical fibres, the intelligent textiles are developed to recognise hand and body gestures to customise colour illuminations instantly, thereby transforming conventionally passive fabrics into interactive textiles. Prof. Jeanne TAN, Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles; Centre Assistant Director, Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design   The “Flying High” exhibition features a diverse array of PolyU’s research and innovations across disciplines from fashion to technology and sustainable materials.   Project images are available here. To learn more about the “Flying High” exhibition, please visit: https://polyu.hk/CZYFn.   ***END***  

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and OPTICAL 88 announced initial results of artificial intelligence diabetic retinopathy screening

In an effort to alleviate the burden on public primary eyecare departments, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and OPTICAL 88 have pioneered a diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening project. This project is part of the "Smart primary healthcare and eyecare service: From data to algorithms and real-world solutions," supported by Prof. Mingguang HE, PolyU Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology at the School of Optometry. Prof. He, also a Global STEM Scholar under the Global STEM Professorship Scheme and Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health, has developed a low-cost, portable, self-testing retinal fundus camera integrated with a bespoke artificial intelligence (AI) system. This innovation has been tested on 320 eligible individuals, demonstrating an impressive accuracy rate of nearly 90% in detecting referable DR. Of these, 13 positive cases were identified, with 5 confirmed as diabetic retinopathy after further evaluation by ophthalmologists. The team has conducted telephone interviews and surveys to assess the diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and practicality of the system, aiming for broader implementation across Hong Kong. Fundus Screening of 50 to 59-year-old Saw Success Rates of Up to 97% The research team conducted DR screening for eligible personnel across OPTICAL 88 outlets at Cityplaza, Telford Plaza, and The Optometry Clinic at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. During the examination, a shot of either eye clearly showed the participant’s fundus, which were graded for risks of diabetes. Success was classified as det ection within 3 shots. The study saw that the screening resulted in nearly a 90% success rate; 100% for participants under 50 years old; 96% for those aged 50 to 59 years old; and 69% for participants who are 70 years old or above. Evidently, the success rate declines with age. 11% of participants saw unsuccessful fundus photographs; while more than half of the participants suffered from small pupils or cataracts. Nearly 30% of participants were unable to obtain gradable fundus photographs within 3 shots; and about 10% of participants were unable to take the photographs due to their inability to focus on the target within the fundus camera. 13 positive cases were identified during the screening: symptoms were found in their fundus photographs. 5 participants were diagnosed with DR after further examination by the research team at the School of Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. AI Fundus Screening: Simple & Convenient – Enhance Optometrists’ Efficiency and Public Awareness of Optical Health Ho Kai Wing, OPTICAL 88 Registered Optometrist (Part I) involved in the project, says “The performance of the AI DR screening was exceptional. Compared to traditional DR screening, the AI version is simpler, faster and accurate – thus more appealing to those who may be less aware on ocular health. Pupil-diluting eye drops aren’t necessary for the screening, and the process can be done through the AI system at the optical shop to ensure early detection. He adds, “Optometrists recommend everyone should undergo a comprehensive eye examination once a year to ensure early detection on eye diseases. However, awareness for ocular health is still low in Hong Kong. The latest AI DR screening system hopes to not only increase the quality and efficiency of the work of optometrists, but it also educates the importance of regular comprehensive eye examinations.” AI Portable DR Camera Improves Primary Eyecare in Hong Kong Expanding the Network of Small and Low-Cost Self-Service Optical Screening In addition to convenience for patients and eyecare professionals, the AI DR screening system is also cost-effective. Each screening takes only 5 minutes, a substantial reduction from the 30-minute traditional DR exams. The AI DR screening can process 2000 patients every month, while the latter can only process approximately 400. The former only costs 46% of the traditional method. To process 1000 patients, for example, the traditional exam requires approximately 2 months; while the AI DR screening needs only 10 days, meaning the screening of 1.5 million Hong Kongers aged 65 or above would only take 3 years, rather than 20 years in the traditional method. Prof. Mingguang HE, PolyU Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology of the School of Optometry, says his DR screening method combines technology and AI to solve 3 major issues in optical screening, thus realising the possibility of conducting optical screening in general outpatient clinics and optical shops. First, the small and low-cost cameras have reduced the cost issues for clinics. Second, the self-service screening process reduces dependency on technicians. Third, the AI diagnostics technology aids technicians in producing timelier and more accurate reports. Looking forward, AI diagnostic technology will not only be able to assist in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, but also help diagnose a wider range of eye diseases, and offer specific treatments, thereby making these screenings more accessible, affordable and accountable. Mr Joshua S. Kanjanapas WONG, Executive Director & Co-CEO of OPTICAL 88 says, “Helping our customers to maintain good eye health  is the top priority at OPTICAL 88. We have joined hands with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to launch the AI DR screening research project with the aim to not only enhance the quality of our professional eye examinations, services and products, but to also promote primary  eye care in Hong Kong. The project can screen out patients with DR signs in a timely manner, so they can seek for medical consultation and treatments when necessary. This project had also collected useful data that can be used to evaluate the benefits of AI technology in primary eyecare. It can also promote the usage of self-service eye health screening tools, and provide insights for the future development of technology in eye care.”   AI Diabetic Eye Screening Research Programme Programme Date： March 1 – April 12, 2024 Candidate Eligibility： 50 year old or above; 18 year old or above with diabetes who hadn’t conducted an eye exam in the past 12 months Participants： 320 Participants’ Average Age： 60.9± 8.3 years old Participants’ Age Range： 32-89 years old Screening Details： Participants were tested for the risk of DR via an AI fundus camera. Results were available 1 minute after test completion. Optometrists then conducted vision tests and explained the results to the participants, who were referred to a specialist or general practitioner for follow-up shall further investigation or treatment was required.   ***END***

PolyU’s response to the Government’s tuition fee adjustment of UGC-funded programmes

In light of the Government’s announcement to adjust the tuition fee levels for publicly funded programmes of UGC-funded universities for the 2025/26 to 2027/28 academic years, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) understands that the Government has made these arrangements after taking into account various factors, including the fact that tuition fees have not been adjusted for many years. PolyU offers a range of financial assistance such as scholarships, bursaries, and interest-free loan programmes, to provide students with the necessary resources to study at university. The University will closely monitor the needs of our students to ensure they receive appropriate support.