Media Releases

PolyU students win gold medal in iGEM Competition 2024 with novel dual-targeting nanobody to overcome drug resistance in pancreatic cancer cells

A team of students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has won a gold medal and been listed among the top 10 undergraduate teams at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) 2024 Grand Jamboree held in Paris. They also received dual nominations for Best Oncology Project and Best New Composite Part. Centred on the development of a novel dual-targeting nanobody to address gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer patients, the winning project demonstrated exceptional potential for advancing innovation in cancer treatment and research, as well as broader application in synthetic biology. Pancreatic cancer has a higher mortality rate than many other major cancers and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Hong Kong. Traditional treatments face challenges such as lack of targeted therapies and the low efficiency of chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to drug resistance, particularly to gemcitabine, a standard chemo-therapeutic agent. This is indicative of a concerning trend of decreasing sensitivity to first-line treatments for early-stage pancreatic cancer. The PolyU team has developed a novel strategy to overcome this treatment challenge. Through bioinformatic analysis, they identified two crucial cell surface receptors, namely EGFR and HER2, which significantly correlate with tumour growth and resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. Based on these findings, the team designed “Panobody”, a dual-targeting nanobody that can specifically block EGFR and HER2 and their signalling pathways. Subsequent experiments on Panobody, both used alone and in combination with gemcitabine, verified its effectiveness in inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell growth and even increasing their responsiveness to gemcitabine therapy. Competing with 195 undergraduate teams from around the world, the interdisciplinary team of 11 students from the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering spent eight months in rigorous laboratory work and comprehensive project development, while also consulting prominent clinical experts with extensive experience in pancreatic cancer treatment. Additionally, they conducted various innovative public engagement initiatives to promote awareness about pancreatic cancer, including creating an interactive educational game, setting up community booths and collaborating with the Hong Kong Cancer Fund for charity donation. The team was under the guidance of Prof. Terence LEE, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and other experts at PolyU. Prof. Lee applauded the team’s dedication to both scientific excellence and public engagement, and remarked, “This outstanding result not only recognises the high quality, impact and ingenuity of their work, but also highlights PolyU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of biotechnology leaders.” The iGEM Competition, established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2004, is an annual, worldwide synthetic biology event aimed at undergraduate university students, as well as high school and graduate students. The Competition challenges participants to address real-world problems by designing, building, testing and measuring a system of their own design using interchangeable biological parts and standard molecular biology techniques. For more details about the winning project, please visit: https://2024.igem.wiki/hkpolyu/   ***END***  

PolyU and OPPO to establish Joint Innovative Research Centre on AI-driven computational mobile imaging

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a collaborative framework agreement with Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd (OPPO) to upgrade the existing “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Lab” (former Joint Lab) into the “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Research Centre” (Joint Innovation Research Centre), effective from January 2025. This new framework will not only continue present research on artificial intelligence (AI) driven computational imaging but will also conduct more comprehensive and in-depth research that will cover the applications of smartphone AI imaging at all levels. OPPO aims to provide total funding of no less than RMB 30 million to the Joint Innovation Research Centre over the next five years to support PolyU’s research and the Centre’s operation. PolyU and OPPO have successfully commercialised research outcomes and jointly nurtured a number of AI talents through their partnership over the past few years. PolyU PhD students who joined the former Joint Lab have been closely working with OPPO engineers and have developed sophisticated Generative AI algorithms, which can instantly process unclear pictures on smartphones, resulting in high-resolution and realistic pictures to the naked eye. This innovation has already been integrated into OPPO’s flagship smartphones. As the demand for mobile video filming and multimedia content creation continues to grow, the future research direction of the Joint Innovation Research Centre will extend to more complex areas, such as video algorithms, album editing and lightweight Generative AI models. The Centre aims to leverage AI technology for mobile devices while maintaining high-quality image output. Additionally, the Joint Innovation Research Centre will continue to foster talent cultivation, academia-industry cooperation and technological innovation development. The signing ceremony for the collaborative framework agreement took place last Friday (1 November) at the PolyU campus, witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr Jason LIAO, President of the OPPO Research Institute. The agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr Zheng QIN, Head of Industry-Academia Affairs of OPPO. Prof. ZHANG Lei, Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image Analysis of the Department of Computing, PolyU, will serve as Director of the Joint Innovation Research Centre on behalf of the University. Prof. TENG remarked, “To address the opportunities and challenges of the AI era, PolyU will officially establish the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January 2025. This is an important move to implement the University’s innovation development strategy, aiming to meet growing technological needs and support talent nurturing. The Department of Computing, which houses the Joint Innovation Research Centre will also join the new faculty. The new structure will effectively promote in-depth exchanges and collaboration among research teams, and create more impactful outcomes. We believe that this in-depth cooperation with OPPO will enable us to fully seize opportunities and actively promote technological innovation and knowledge transfer.” Mr LIAO said, “In the three years of collaboration between OPPO and PolyU, we have witnessed significant technological breakthroughs and notable achievements in talent cultivation through the Joint Lab. Adhering to our mission of ‘Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World’, OPPO is dedicated to deepening the integration of academia-industry cooperation in the field of AI through this renewal, bringing more innovative intelligent imaging experiences to global users.” About PolyU The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aspires to be an innovative world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, driven by its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”. The University provides the best holistic education to nurture socially responsible “leaders of tomorrow” who possess a strong sense of national identity and a global perspective, and pursues impactful innovation and interdisciplinary research to address the world’s most pressing challenges. A robust culture of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the University, ensuring PolyU’s technologies are transformed into practical real-world applications. The University's unwavering commitment to excellence has earned it international recognition, with PolyU consistently ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide. Based on this solid foundation, the University will continue to make positive contributions in collaboration with its strategic partners for the betterment of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world. ***END***

PolyU honours two distinguished personalities at 30th Congregation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its 30th Congregation today, presided over by PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG. At the Congregation, held in the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus, Honorary Doctorates were conferred upon two prominent figures and Doctor of Philosophy degrees were awarded to 237 graduates. The two honorary degree recipients were (in alphabetical order of last name; please refer to the Appendix for the recipients’ biodata): Prof. Bernard L. FERINGA, 2016 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and Jacobus H. van’t Hoff Distinguished Professor of Molecular Sciences at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, JP, Specialist in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery and PolyU Deputy Council Chairman Prof. Jin-Guang Teng extended his warmest congratulations to the honorary doctorates and doctoral graduates, highlighting that this is also a very special time for PolyU as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of attaining university status. PolyU is committed to evolving its initiatives and strategic directions in response to the changing needs of society, with the enhanced vision of becoming an innovative world-class university that pursues excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. “We aspire for our graduates to become leaders and drivers of innovation, with research leading to innovations that bring direct societal benefits, and for the spirit of innovation to be embedded in all our endeavours.” said Prof. Teng. He added, “As our society is being rapidly transformed by the rise of emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, we are addressing the growing demand for talent and technological expertise by establishing the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January next year. Additionally, we aspire to set up a second campus in the Northern Metropolis, which will include a medical school to cultivate a new generation of medical professionals and innovators. This aligns with the government’s initiative to position Hong Kong as an international health and medical innovation hub.” Prof. Teng encouraged the graduates to drive positive change and innovation in their respective fields, “Stay engaged with your alma mater, support one another, and continue to embody the spirit of innovation for excellence that defines PolyU.” The University is conferring academic awards on a total of 10,819 students this year, including 412 Doctor of Philosophy degree graduates, 196 professional doctoral degree graduates, 40 Master of Philosophy degree graduates, 5,752 taught master’s degree graduates, 4,302 bachelor’s degree graduates, 30 postgraduate diploma recipients, and 87 sub-degree award recipients.   ***END***

PolyU innovative project on osteoarthritis treatment supported by French National Research Agency/RGC Joint Research Scheme

Scientific research offers solutions to combatting disease with novel treatment options. In addition to such research being vital to the well-being of humanity, advancements in medical technology have far-reaching impacts on global health. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received support from the French National Research Agency (Agence Nationale de la Recherche)/Research Grants Council Joint Research Scheme (ANR/RGC JRS) - 2024/25 Exercise to conduct an innovative project focused on osteoarthritis treatment. The project, titled “Deciphering and Targeting Cholinergic Signaling to Treat Osteoarthritis,” is led by Dr WEN Chunyi, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU. It has been awarded approximately HK$2.27 million (Hong Kong) and €378,000 (France) under the ANR/RGC JRS for a duration of 36 months. Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability in older adults, characterised by the loss of articular cartilage that cushions the joint during movement. The funded project integrates collaborative research in rheumatology and biomedical engineering to advance osteoarthritis treatment. This initiative is undertaken in collaboration with Prof. Jeremie SELLAM, Professor of the Department of Rheumatology of Sorbonne University in France. The project aims to investigate the role of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, as well as to dissect the intertwined neuronal and chondrogenic cholinergic systems in vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment. Additionally, it will evaluate the database and serum biobank from a randomised controlled trial on VNS treatment in patients with inflammatory hand osteoarthritis. Dr Wen and his team have established a long-standing collaboration with the French experts. Their collective expertise and pilot studies have addressed technical challenges related to vagus nerve stimulation in small animal models, the monitoring of in vivo cholinergic activity, and the interactions between acetylcholinesterase and the α7-nAChR. Dr Wen said, “We anticipate elucidating the interaction between neuronal and chondrogenic cholinergic signalling proteins in the pathogenesis of inflammatory osteoarthritis, with the vision of developing a novel neuromodulation therapy.” The ANR/RGC JRS aims to strengthen collaboration between French and Hong Kong research communities. Both basic and applied research proposals of high academic merit in all areas are invited under the scheme. ***END***

PolyU researchers advance marine conservation and sustainable seafood research

Hong Kong’s unique marine environment, with its rich ecosystems, provides vital habitats and food sources for various marine species. However, rapid urbanisation and population growth pose significant challenges, including marine pollution, overfishing and climate change. A research team from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is actively addressing these sustainability challenges. Their focus is on innovative marine pollution monitoring technologies and sustainable seafood research, which includes assessing the impacts of microplastics on marine ecosystems and human health, and restoring pearl oyster reefs, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3 and 14. Monitoring of microplastics in seafood Plastic waste is pervasive, and microplastics are easily ingested by marine life, accumulating in their bodies and affecting other levels of the food chain and so posing a major threat to marine ecosystems. According to 2023 statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, Hong Kong residents consume an average of 65 kilograms of seafood per person per year, which is over three times the global average of about 20 kilograms. Led by Dr James Kar-Hei FANG, Associate Professor of FSN, the research team employs automated mapping techniques using Raman microspectroscopy to extract and characterise microplastics accumulated in local seafood, such as green-lipped mussels (Perna viridis). The study revealed that each gram of fresh mussel meat contained 0.2 to 1.8 items of microplastics, ranging from 40 to 1,000 micrometres in length. It is estimated that each Hong Kong resident could ingest up to 10,380 microplastics annually through consumption of bivalve shellfish, a concerning figure. The research has been published in Journal of Hazardous Materials. To further confirm the potential ingestion of microplastics by humans, the team analysed the microplastic content in Hong Kong residents’ faeces. It is estimated that their intake rate of microplastics could be about five times higher than those observed in other Asian and European regions. The research has been published in Toxics. Based on these findings, the team is actively exploring the potential health consequences of microplastics on humans, and collaborating with other PolyU Departments to investigate methods such as bubble barriers and bacterial biofilms to remove microplastics from seawater. Dr Fang has recently received the 2024 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation, one of the six global awardees and the sole awarded scientist from East Asia. He stated, “Our research findings continually inspire us to develop and apply advanced technologies to explore innovative solutions and strategies to address the microplastic issue, mitigate its impacts, protect precious marine ecosystems, and ensure the sustainability of marine food sources.” Restoration of pearl oyster reefs Dr Fang’s contributions to marine conservation extend to the restoration of pearl oyster reefs to improve marine environmental health and biodiversity, thereby benefiting local fishery resources. Historically, Hong Kong boasted rich pearl oyster reef ecosystems, providing habitats for other marine life and supporting a thriving pearl industry. However, over-exploitation and marine pollution have led to the degradation of pearl oyster populations, diminishing the surrounding ecosystem services. To enhance the marine environment and biodiversity, Dr Fang’s team has selected sites in Hong Kong’s Tolo Channel to restore pearl oyster reefs using cultured pearl oysters. They employ advanced 3D technologies to track and analyse the influences of these reefs on local biodiversity, and leverage the filter-feeding nature of pearl oysters as a biomonitoring tool to assess marine pollution and improve water quality. The team also collaborates with local fishermen on aquaculture technology to support sustainable fisheries development. Through pearl oyster aquaculture, Dr Fang aims to promote the econutrition concepts and revitalise the local pearl industry, benefiting both the environment and the community. His insights have been published in One Earth. While Hong Kong’s marine ecosystems face challenges, they also hold immense research potential and hope. Dr Fang remarked, “Past research by scientists and scholars has provided crucial scientific evidence and technical support for marine conservation and sustainable development. However, marine conservation represents a prolonged and rigorous task that requires the collective efforts of governments, academia, businesses and citizens. Through research innovation and community education, our goal is to raise conservation awareness and inspire a sense of responsibility within the community to protect the environment, contributing to the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s ecosystems.” For more details, please visit: https://polyu.me/3NLYGza ***END***

PolyU and Times Higher Education co-host global AI forum

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Times Higher Education (THE) will co-host a global forum themed “Higher education in the AI era” at Hotel ICON on 29 November 2024. The THE Global AI Forum will bring together over 30 leading scholars and thought leaders in the fields of higher education and AI from more than 10 countries and regions worldwide. Delegates will share insights and discuss the impact of AI on the development of higher education. They will also have the opportunity to engage deeply with the latest advancements in AI, explore the opportunities and challenges these advancements present to higher education, and discuss potential collaboration among institutions. Additionally, there will be an innovation showcase featuring practical applications of advanced technologies. Officiating guests, Mr Jeff SZE, Under Secretary for Education of the Education Bureau of the HKSAR Government; Mr Tim LUI, Chairman of the University Grants Committee; and Ms Simone Dilena, President (Asia Pacific) of THE, will deliver opening remarks. The Forum will feature two presidential chats, where presidents and other members of senior management from higher education institutions in Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas will discuss the impact of AI on higher education leadership and how universities can harness AI partnerships to foster innovation and inclusion. Additionally, there will be four panel sessions, featuring academics and industry leaders who will share their insights on the role of AI in redefining education, empowering research and collaboration, driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and promoting social good. A fireside chat session titled “China’s AI industry in the age of large models: Navigating opportunities and challenges” will also take place, featuring three esteemed AI experts: Dr Ya-Qin ZHANG, Dean and Chair Professor of the Institute of AI Industry Research at Tsinghua University; Prof. Wen GAO, Boya Chair Professor and Director of Faculty of Information Engineering Sciences at Peking University, and  Founding Director of Peng Cheng Laboratory; and Prof. Hongxia YANG, Professor of the PolyU Department of Computing. For more information and registration details, please visit: https://polyu.me/3Ybgicw. ***END***

PolyU’s first in-orbit material experiment testbed completed catalyst material experiments in Low Earth Orbit

The Nation’s first reusable and returnable satellite, Shijian-19, was successfully retrieved and returned to Earth after conducting multiple space experiments in Low Earth Orbit. Among the payloads was an in-orbit material experiment testbed developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), which is Hong Kong’s first reusable experimental payload to return from space. The China National Space Administration held the payloads handover ceremony for the Shijian-19 satellite in Beijing last Thursday (24 October), marking the successful completion of the satellite’s return mission. Led by Prof. Daniel LAU, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics of PolyU, who is also a member of the University’s Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), the project was jointly developed with the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the testbed was designed and manufactured at PolyU’s Industrial Centre. The entire research and production process was completed on the PolyU campus. This project aims to study the effects of microgravity, vacuum, and radiation on the effectiveness of high-performance catalysts, laying a foundation for space application catalyst materials for producing fuels, oxygen, and specific chemicals. The equipment design considered the averaging material’s radiation exposure rate and high penetrability to improve overall testing efficiency. The payload can be rapidly reused without replacing core components, significantly reducing the overall cost of future experiment opportunities through its reusability. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, commended the research team on their outstanding achievement, and said, “PolyU has been actively contributing to various national space projects. We are thrilled to see PolyU’s independently developed and produced in-orbit material experiment testbed aboard the Shijian-19 satellite, demonstrating the University’s research strength in interdisciplinary fields that include deep space exploration, materials science, and engineering. We look forward to fostering further research innovation and contributing to the Nation’s goal of becoming a global leader in aerospace and technology.” The design of the catalyst material testing device is based on Prof. Lau’s earlier development of the APMA system for carbon dioxide electroreduction, which can convert carbon dioxide into ethylene for industrial purposes to provide an effective solution for reducing CO2 emissions. This research has already led to collaborations with an energy and chemical enterprise and received a gold medal at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland. At the time, PolyU won awards for 28 inventions, including the Mars Landing Surveillance Camera for the Tianwen-1 Mars Soft Landing Mission, developed by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of PolyU’s RCDSE. Prof. Lau recalled that the idea for this interdisciplinary collaboration originated at the award ceremony in Geneva, “Prof. Yung’s team suggested that my new catalyst could be applied to deep space exploration. We returned to the University and immediately began exploring the collaboration, conducting multiple tests on campus before the testbed was finally sent into space.” The in-orbit material experiment testbed has been retrieved and will be analysed in PolyU’s laboratory. Prof. Lau added, “The team hopes to explore the effects of space environments on different materials, which could provide new insights for future deep space exploration missions.” PolyU’s RCDSE  has already launched several fundamental research projects, including in materials science, microbiology, lunar base construction technologies, remote sensing technology, lunar regolith studies, and space resource utilisation. Additionally, the research centre is involved in the development of microsatellites and CubeSats, showcasing PolyU’s comprehensive strategy in deep space research. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to actively participate in major national space missions. ***END***

PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology hosts forum to envision future of new energy vehicles in Hong Kong

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the PolyU Research Centre for Electric Vehicles (RCEV) and The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), hosted the forum “The Future of New Energy Vehicles in Hong Kong” on 22 October 2024. The event brought together leading experts and representatives from the Government and industry to provide insights into the latest developments in new energy vehicles, covering governmental policies, technological advancement, and industry perspectives crucial for shaping the future of transportation in a sustainable city. Over 130 PolyU faculty members, students, alumni and industry partners attended. In his welcoming speech, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, highlighted a statistic from the Hong Kong Transport Department: from the beginning of 2024 to October, the first registration rate of new energy vehicles in the commercial sector is relatively low at 7.6%, suggesting there is significant room for I&T development and policy refinement for more effective promotion of heavy new energy vehicles. He welcomed the Government’s efforts to further accelerate the development of new energy, as well as the launch of the Subsidy Scheme for Trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Heavy Vehicles as outlined in the recent Policy Address. Dr Hon CHAN Han-pan, Member of the Legislative Council, delivered opening remarks on the topic “Future Development of New Energy Vehicles in Hong Kong”. He pointed out some of the challenges of adopting new energy vehicles in Hong Kong and called for the establishment of electric vehicles charging facilities on rural land and the introduction of Chinese new energy vehicles in the City. He emphasised that promoting new energy vehicles is a pressing matter in the context of a response to the Government’s plan to cease new registration of fuel-propelled and hybrid private cars in 2035 or earlier. Mr Eric WONG Lui, Assistant Director of the Gas and General Legislation Branch of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), introduced the latest developments related to hydrogen energy in Hong Kong, including the practice of green transportation by adopting clean hydrogen and related legislative amendments. Mr Wong mentioned workforce training for new energy vehicles. With facilitation of EMSD, a local leading provider of vocational and professional education and training will launch three training courses - hydrogen fuel awareness, registered hydrogen vehicle mechanics and competent persons trainings next year. He also highlighted that the Master of Science in Electric Vehicles offered by PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering contributes to nurturing specialised professionals for Hong Kong. Dr Kenneth LEUNG Kai-ming, Ex-Principal Assistant Secretary for the Environment and Ecology Bureau, explained the environmental benefits of implementing zero-emission operations. He detailed the Government’s efforts over the past two decades to foster sustainable transportation development in Hong Kong, including the establishment of the New Energy Transport Fund, introduction of the first registration tax concessions, the One-for-One Replacement Scheme for electric vehicles and EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme. Following implementation of these schemes, the overall air quality in Hong Kong has shown a discernible improvement, with significant reductions in roadside air pollutants. Prof. C.C. CHAN, Distinguished Chair Professor of Electric Vehicles and Smart Energy and Director of PolyU RCEV, explained the new journey of electric vehicle revolution is from electrification to intelligence and connectivity of electric vehicles. He analysed two major challenges within this transition, including the harmonious interaction between electric vehicles and power grids, as well as the integration of people, vehicles, roads and the cloud,  along with the development of related standards. Referencing the success of the Chinese automotive industry in replacing traditional production methods characterised by high inputs, high consumption and high emissions with three green new productivity factors of high technology, high efficiency and high quality. Through innovations and policies, new energy vehicles are being adopted, thereby gradually progressing towards smart cities. Mr Aaron BOK Kwok-ming, Past President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and former Head of the Civil Engineering Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, believes that targeted subsidies can attract the public to adopt new energy and hydrogen vehicles. He encouraged collaboration between sectors, including the Government, real estate and tech firms, to advance the technology and streamline various regulatory process for electric vehicle charging installations and, in turn, help scale the necessary infrastructure. Mr ZHANG Qi, Head of the Hong Kong R&D Center of NETA, examined the collaborative forces within the industry chain, promoting productivity excellence for Hong Kong. He envisioned that in the next three to five years, new energy vehicle technology will be rapidly mature, with innovative technologies leading industry development. Notably, intelligent driving technology will be transformative, altering car attributes and driving a complete restructuring of the automotive industry. Dr Oscar CHAN, Research Assistant Professor of PReCIT and of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU, shared outcomes of the project “Assessing the Adaptation of New Energy Vehicles in Hong Kong: The Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles and Electric Vehicles”, which is funded by the Government’s Public Policy Research Funding Scheme. He stated that accelerating innovations in the production, transportation, and storage of hydrogen energy, and the achievement of larger coverage of “green” and “blue” hydrogen, will help promote hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and help meet the long-term environmental goals of the city. The panel discussion session, moderated by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU and Co-Director of PReCIT, invited keynote speakers to exchange insights on best practices and future trends of new energy vehicles in relation to various topics. He also added that the development of new energy vehicles contributes to promoting sustainability, benefiting future generations, and enhancing people’s happiness. The exchange of insights would set the stage for PReCIT to recommend forward-thinking, long-term and strategic policies. ***END***

PolyU develops innovative welding technology for ultra-high strength S960 steel making its debut in Hong Kong public works project

S960 steel is lighter and stronger than commonly used S355 steel, making it an effective material for bridge construction. However, the welding process can reduce its mechanical properties, limiting its applications. A research team from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a welding technology for efficient applications of ultra-high strength S960 steel. By precisely controlling the heat input during welding, the mechanical properties of the steel are maintained. This innovation has been adopted in recent footbridge construction in the Fanling North New Development Area, marking Hong Kong’s first public works using S960 steel, and facilitating innovative application of high-strength steel in bridge construction.  S960 steel is an efficient structural steel known for its remarkable strength. It meets stringent requirements stipulated in many material specifications and structural design codes, making it widely applicable in the construction of high-rise buildings and long-span structures such as sports and exhibition centres. However, the mechanical properties of S960 steel may undergo significant changes during welding, resulting in reductions of both strength and ductility of up to 20% to 30%. Led by Prof. Kwok-fai CHUNG, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC) of PolyU, the research team has developed an innovative solution to maintain the mechanical properties of the S960 steel, by examining effects of heat input energy during welding onto the S960 steel through experimental investigations and numerical simulations. In collaboration with a local steel fabricator, the research team concludes that there are optimal ranges of heat energy for different weld joint designs for S960 steel of various thicknesses which minimise or even eliminate adverse effects of welding. As demonstrated in a recent project undertaken by the Civil Engineering and Development Department of the Government of the HKSAR, this solution has been adopted in two segments of a footbridge in the first phase of the Fanling North New Development Area – Fanling Bypass Eastern Section (Shek Wu San Tsuen North to Lung Yeuk Tau). The two segments were designed as stiffened box girders made of the S960 steel and were fabricated in a factory with effective control of the welding processes.  Site assembly of these two segments of the foot bridge was completed in September this year. The new welding technology enables the use of thinner and fewer steel materials, thereby reducing the self-weight of the footbridge, and hence, the number of foundation piles required. This, in turn, has led to decreased carbon emissions and enhanced sustainability. Prof. Chung said, “We are dedicated to conducting impactful research on the scientific understanding, engineering principles and design guidance needed to facilitate engineers in adopting high-strength S690 and S960 steel in construction, setting a precedent for modern steel construction. The Fanling North project is a good example of using S960 steel for construction in Hong Kong and provides valuable reference for formulating relevant technical guidelines and specifications for future use.” The technology developed by Prof. Chung’s research team for the effective application of the S690 steel has been implemented in various infrastructure projects, including the Double Arch Steel Bridge of the Cross Bay Link in Tseung Kwan O, the long-span roof structures of the Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool, and the steel roofs of both the East and West Stands of the Yuen Long Stadium (which is currently under construction). ***END***

PolyU joins forces with Yan Chai Hospital Board to cultivate allied healthcare professionals, providing placement opportunities for new Master’s Degree Programme in Dietetics

With an aging population, the demand for nutritional professionals in Hong Kong is steadily increasing. In the 2025/26 academic year, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will offer a new Master of Science in Dietetics* programme to train a new generation of dietitians for various sectors, including healthcare, the food industry and public health. PolyU and Yan Chai Hospital Board (Yan Chai) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to provide placement opportunities at Yan Chai's affiliated social service units, with the aim of jointly advancing local dietetics education. The collaboration marks the first dietetics placement being conducted in nursing homes and care and attention homes in Hong Kong, setting a new benchmark in local dietetics education. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, and Dr CHOI KO Yin-kei, Maggie, member of the Yan Chai Hospital Board. Prof. CHEN Sheng, Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN) of PolyU, and Dr CHEUNG Man-ka, Marcella, Chairman of the Yan Chai Hospital Board, signed the MOU on behalf of both parties. Prof. Kwok-yin Wong stated, “PolyU is committed to providing students with the best holistic education and to upholding a strong sense of social responsibility. FSN is dedicated to proposing innovative ideas in food science and nutrition for societal benefit. Over the years, Yan Chai has been providing social services for the elderly in Hong Kong, including medical care and dietary support, ensuring appropriate assistance for the elderly. This collaboration represents a new milestone in PolyU’s development of allied healthcare professionals, expanding training to include dietetics through placements at Yan Chai’s affiliated social service units, promoting community dietetics service and strengthening the local primary healthcare system.” Dr Cheung Man-ka, Marcella, stated, “We intend that through placements at Yan Chai's affiliated units, PolyU students will be able to apply the dietetics theories learned in the classroom to real-world settings. Through interactions with service users, students will gain insight into their actual needs. We hope that students will also develop independent thinking, problem-solving and communication skills during their placements, laying a solid foundation for their future careers as professional dietitians.” Through the collaboration, students in MSc in Dietetics programme will have the opportunity to undertake placements at three units under Yan Chai. Placement activities will include providing nutrition counseling to clients, participation in the daily operations of the facilities, designing diversified nutritional menus and organising health promotion activities. In the future, both parties will collaborate to provide valuable placement opportunities for students aspiring to become dietitians, contributing more significantly to the health and well-being of the elderly. *This programme is subject to approval. ***END***