Media Releases

PolyU establishes eight JC STEM Labs to attract outstanding R&D talent and support Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received a generous donation of over HKD 74 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (the Trust) to establish eight Jockey Club (JC) STEM Labs. Spearheaded by distinguished PolyU scholars selected for the HKSAR Government-initiated Global STEM Professorship Scheme, these JC STEM Labs aspire to advance innovative research in the fields of machine learning and computer vision, healthy built environment, innovative light therapy for eye diseases, quantum technology, 2D quantum materials, earth observations, digital oncology care enhancement and genomics in healthcare. PolyU held an inauguration ceremony for the JC STEM Labs yesterday to express its gratitude and appreciation to the Trust. The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; and Ms Elsie TSANG, Executive Manager, Charities (Talent & Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, together with eight JC STEM Lab Directors. Prof. Wing-tak Wong remarked, “We would like to express our immense gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for their generous support in establishing the state-of-the-art JC STEM Labs. These advanced labs will spearhead research across a range of innovative fields, reinforcing Hong Kong’s standing as an international innovation and technology hub. As PolyU commemorates its 30th anniversary of achieving university status, these new facilities not only represent a pivotal milestone in the University’s development but also underscore our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and technological advancement.” Ms Elsie Tsang said, “By investing in the research endeavours of these JC STEM Labs, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust aims to assist in the creation of an enabling environment that supports the development of STEM talents and strengthens their capacity in applied research and knowledge transfer. Our commitment to this initiative underscores the Club’s purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of society.” The eight JC STEM Lab Directors also presented their Labs’ founding objectives, research areas, key projects and anticipated outcomes, with the aim to create a positive impact on Hong Kong and the world. A brief introduction to the JC STEM Labs is featured below: Lab Lab Director Research focus JC STEM Lab of Machine Learning and Computer Vision Prof. CHAU Lap-pui Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PolyU Explore key technologies in 3D vision, general world models, spatial intelligence, trustworthy AI and robotics, as well as advancing innovations in AI perception, to empower smart manufacturing, mobility, education, entertainment and community wellness. JC STEM Lab of Healthy Built Environment Prof. CHEN Qing-yan Director, PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary; and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Develop innovative solutions to evaluate and design healthy and energy-efficient environments, with applications in airborne infectious disease control and thermal comfort in buildings, transportation and urban areas, aiming to set a precedent for sustainable urban development on a global scale. JC STEM Lab of Innovative Light Therapy for Eye Diseases Prof. HE Mingguang Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology; Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health; and Director, Research Centre for SHARP Vision, PolyU Transform the treatment landscape for ocular diseases, including the enhancement of invasive Repeated Low-Level Red-Light technology by refining light intensity, duration and delivery mechanisms, and extending indications beyond myopia to other eye conditions. JC STEM Lab of Quantum Technology Prof. LIU Ai-Qun Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science; and Director, Research Institute for Quantum Technology, PolyU Develop the quantum computers, quantum communication networks, quantum algorithms and software, quantum machine learning, as well as metrology and quantum sensing. The quantum computing microprocessors “HK-o1”, demonstrated by PolyU, is the first quantum computer in Hong Kong that is making a significant impact on the city. JC STEM Lab of 2D Quantum Materials Prof. LOH Kian-ping Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Department of Applied Physics, PolyU Develop new 2D quantum materials that can reduce energy consumption in spintronic devices, paving the way for faster and more efficient computers and memory storage devices. This will help underpin the rapid progress of information and communication technology. JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations Prof. WENG Qi-hao Associate Director, Research Institute for Land and Space; and Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, PolyU Advance Earth Observation technologies by integrating space-air-ground sensing, AI-powered image processing and urban sensor networks. The lab is pioneering geomatics solutions that revolutionise urban monitoring and environmental management. JC STEM Lab of Digital Oncology Care Enhancement Prof. Janelle YORKE Head, School of Nursing; Angel S. P. Chan Lau Professor in Health and Longevity; and Chair Professor of Nursing, PolyU     Develop a platform for a virtual oncology hospital to enable real-time monitoring of cancer patients’ symptoms related to treatment toxicities, including those from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to facilitate effective clinical decision-making. This can improve patient outcomes and experiences, increase treatment completion rates, enhance survival rates, and lead to significant efficiencies in healthcare. JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare Prof. ZHANG Weixiong Associate Director, PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research; and Chair Professor in Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics, Department of Health Technology and Informatics Develop innovative AI and genomic technologies, including the creation of foundational models, for studying diseases and identifying diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for disease diagnosis and management. This will help revolutionise personalised diagnosis and therapy for cancers and psychiatric disorders, advancing medical care for all. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust established the JC STEM Lab Initiative in 2021 to support the laboratory set-up for scholars selected for the Government-initiated Global STEM Professorship Scheme. The initiative aims to nurture STEM talent in Hong Kong and promote the translation of new science and technology to social impact. The JC STEM Lab of Quantum Technology showcased Hong Kong’s first quantum computer called “HK-o1”. This groundbreaking technology is set to make a significant impact in the field of quantum computing. Besides, the JC STEM Lab is actively engaged in quantum research, including quantum communication chips and quantum sensors and more. Ms Elsie Tsang (5th from right, front row), Executive Manager of Charities (Talent and Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Laura Lo (5th from left, front row), PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement)visited the lab. Prof. Zhang Weixiong, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare introduced projects that combine artificial intelligence computing, genomics, and cellular and molecular biology to study the mechanisms of depression and develop treatment solutions. Ms Elsie Tsang (right), Executive Manager of Charities (Talent and Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club visited The JC STEM Lab of Genomics in Healthcare.   ***END***

PolyU initiatives on teaching and learning innovations recognised in QAC Audit Report

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the Report of Quality Audit of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University from the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) of the University Grants Committee, which was released today. PolyU is grateful for the positive review by the QAC Audit Panel. The Report confirms PolyU’s achievements in safeguarding and enhancing the standards and quality of its academic programmes. It recognises the University’s strategic planning process as “forward-looking” and highlights that the shift towards a scheme-based admission strategy has broadened student learning pathways. The Report highlights two Features of Good Practice of PolyU. The Audit Panel recognises that the University consistently implements its strategies, including the current strategic plan, by effectively monitoring and enhancing the overall performance across all levels by using departmental KPIs. The Audit Panel also acknowledges the significant role and contribution of the Departmental Academic Advisors in ensuring independently the continuous updating and improvement of programmes, with an international and external perspective. The Audit Panel recognises the University’s continuous effort to improve its programmes and processes and the effective implementation of a “consistent and mature process for programme planning, validation and review”. The Report highlights the University’s introduction of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis (AIDA) and Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE) components to the undergraduate curriculum as “a strong example of the continuous revision of the institution’s general offerings with a higher impact on the entire community”. PolyU’s commitment to enhancing teaching, learning, and assessment strategies is duly acknowledged. The implementation of virtual teaching and AI applications further showcases the University’s ability to adapt to an evolving educational environment. The Audit Panel also recognises PolyU’s very wide-ranging portfolio of co-curricular activities that support whole-person development and enhancements made to the Service-Learning programme, which have received highly positive feedback. The Audit Panel highly recognises PolyU’s dedication to providing students with an optimal educational experience, ensuring access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, and delivering impactful, real-world learning experiences. Evidence-based quality enhancement is at the heart of the University’s development strategy. The Audit Panel notes that PolyU has a well-established and mature quality culture, and effectively integrates evidence-based principles into its quality assurance processes. The Panel observes that the University “effectively gathers, analyses and utilises data across all facets of its operations, spanning institutional strategic planning to resource allocation, programme development, and quality assurance and enhancement”. The University also effectively uses surveys and other feedback mechanisms to implement constructive improvements and further develop student learning. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, expressed gratitude to the QAC and the Audit Panel for their rigorous audit work, stating, “The quality audit affirms PolyU’s proactive efforts in promoting teaching innovation, aligning with the goals of our Strategic Plan. PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university, and we will continue to pursue educational excellence by enhancing our teaching and learning quality and further improving students’ learning experience in the years to come.” For the Report of Quality Audit of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, please visit: https://www.ugc.edu.hk/doc/eng/qac/report/polyu202411e.pdf ***END***

PolyU achieves impressive 17th place in QS Asia University Rankings

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has attained encouraging results in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings 2025, rising six places from its previous year’s ranking to 17th. This places the University among the top 20 universities in Asia, reflecting its highly commendable performance in higher education. The Rankings assessed 984 universities in Asia based on 11 indicators. PolyU has excelled in several criteria, achieving a full score on the “International faculty ratio” criterion for two consecutive years, while performing well in “Citations per paper” and “International research network”. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “We are pleased that PolyU has achieved another impressive and encouraging result in the QS Asia University Rankings. PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university that pursues excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer. Moving forward, the University will further strengthen its ties and collaborations with partners around the globe, aiming to play a more important role in the global higher education landscape. We will also support the HKSAR government’s initiative to establish the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand and help develop Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education.” For more information on the QS Asia University Rankings 2025, please visit: https://www.topuniversities.com/asia-university-rankings ***END***

“Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy 2024” successfully completed

The “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy” (the Programme), co-organised for the seventh consecutive year by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and The Hongkong Electric Company, Limited (HK Electric) concluded yesterday with a graduation ceremony. Themed “Low Carbon Transition: Latest Development of Green Energy”, this year’s Programme attracted 26 participants from 7 Belt and Road (B&R) countries and regions, including Chile, Mainland China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Portugal, Russia, and Zimbabwe. Over the course of the 13-day programme, participants engaged in various activities that included lectures, seminars, discussions, experience sharing sessions, as well as field trips in Mainland China and Hong Kong to gain valuable insights into the latest green energy development in the region. The Graduation Ceremony was officiated by Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering; Mr LI Yong, Deputy Director of State Grid Hong Kong Representative Office; Mr WANG Lixin, Deputy President of State Grid Technology College; Ms Liang LI, Chairman of Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xian Jiaotong University; and Mr Francis C.Y. CHENG, HK Electric Managing Director. The success of the event was witnessed by a number of major partners who have dedicated tremendous support to the Programme, including Ir Frank CHAN, Vice President of Hong Kong Institution of Engineers; Mrs Karina CONCHA, Consul General of Chile in Hong Kong; Mrs Alice MUDUMI, Acting Consul General of Zimbabwe in Hong Kong; Mr Petr LARIONOV, Attaché of the Consulate General of Russia in Hong Kong; and together with other senior executives of the co-organisers. Addressing the audience at the Ceremony, Prof. H.C. Man remarked, “PolyU has been actively contributing to the B&R Initiative in various capacities. As a founding member of the University Alliance of the Silk Road, we are part of a vibrant network of 150 universities across 37 countries, dedicated to promoting collaboration and development along this historic route. With the connections built upon the success of the Programme, we are looking forward to developing new initiatives that will further strengthen our collaborations and extend our networks in the region.” Mr Francis Cheng noted, “For HK Electric, a major milestone was achieved in March this year with the launch of L12, a new gas-fired generating unit. It is a testament to our commitment to reducing coal-fired generation. In line with this commitment, we have retired two old coal-fired units, L4 and L5 earlier this year, allowing us to increase our gas-fired generation to around 70% of our total electricity output. We are poised to progress to the next stage of our energy transition, as we continue to provide safe, reliable, green and affordable electricity to our customers. Currently, we are building a new gas-fired generating unit, L13, and at the same time reinforcing our existing infrastructure. We are glad to share with all the participants of this Programme the challenges we have overcome and those which lie ahead.” Mr Li Yong said, “China is committed to promoting the building of a shared future for mankind, encouraging countries to join hands and share each nation’s development outcomes. The State Grid Corporation of China, as the largest public utility enterprise in the world, actively practises the principles of establishing mutual consultations, setups, and shared benefits in the process of high-quality co-building of the B&R Initiative. We strive to promote the construction of a new power system and actively foster cooperation in the energy sector globally. We also hope that this Programme will become a cooperative platform for sharing and exchanging cutting-edge technologies in the field of electric power and energy, continuously assisting countries and regions along B&R to deepen cooperation and achieve win-win outcomes.” Mr Wang Lixin stated, “Since the proposal of B&R Initiative in 2013, its participating countries and regions have been vibrant hubs of cultural and technological exchanges, allowing different civilisations to learn from and respect each other, and enabling diverse perspectives to co-exist and integrate. Since its launch in 2018, the Porgramme has increasingly become a high-quality platform for international exchanges and interactions amongst electric-power talents, yielding fruitful results and demonstrating great vitality. I sincerely hope that everyone will continue to support and contribute to this platform, thereby further bolstering its reputation.” Ms Liang Li said, “This Programme has been held for seven consecutive years. Through in-depth cooperation among the four co-organisers, it has successfully established a platform that connects engineers, researchers, and managers in the electric power and energy sector while also creating favorable conditions for experience sharing on infrastructure construction and engineering technology research in the power and energy field. This project has not only significantly promoted technical exchanges among the participating organisations but also deepened the friendships among the participants. The four parties have agreed to further strengthen their cooperation and jointly envision the completion of a ten-year programme and then eye on further development, with the aim of co-creating a new digital grid and a better future for all mankind.” While many countries have drawn roadmaps to replace fossil fuel vehicles with electric vehicles, highlights of this year’s Programme included a keynote speech on “New Journey on Green Energy Revolution” by Prof. C.C. CHAN, Distinguished Chair Professor of Electric Vehicles and Smart Energy, and Director of the PolyU Electric Vehicle Research Center, who is also known as “Father of Asian Electric Vehicles”. Prof. Chan noted that the energy revolution refers to the transformation of energy generation, to enhance the efficiency of energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions through low-carbonisation, intelligentisation as well as the electrification and hydrogenation of end-use energy. He pointed out that the current new journey of electric vehicle revolution is from electrification to intelligence and internet connected vehicles. He also explained his theory that the integration of energy networks, information networks, and transportation networks and humanity networks would bring tremendous economic and ecological benefits to the society, addressing sustainability challenges facing the fourth industrial revolution, and hence the evolution from the fourth industrial revolution to fifth industrial revolution. Prof. C. C. Chan, who is also known as “Father of Asian Electric Vehicles”, gave a keynote speech on “New Journey on Green Energy Revolution”. Moreover, the Programme provided participants with the opportunity to visit advanced power facilities, including SGCC’s training facilities in Jinan, the State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment in Xi’an, and HK Electric’s Lamma Power Station, Marsh Road Zone Substation and the Mobile Battery Energy Storage System in Hong Kong. These tours enabled them to explore cutting-edge technologies first-hand and gain a deeper understanding of energy management. Participants were also taken to Centre for Advances in Reliability and Safety (CAiRS) jointly established by PolyU and University of Maryland from the US at the Hong Kong Science Park, and introduced to an artificial intelligence (AI) model co-developed by HK Electric and CAiRS. The model evaluates the probability of cable failures by identifying and analysing their health condition, enabling the prediction of the risk of potential failures of these components. HK Electric reported that, with the introduction of the “Three-hypers Index” and other monitoring technologies, the number of abnormal incidents with high-voltage cables has dropped by 40% over the past few years. This shows that innovative technologies have significantly enhanced power supply reliability. This Programme is a pioneering cross-regional and multi-cultural university-industry collaboration and the first-of-its-kind in both Mainland China and Hong Kong. Since its inception in 2018, the Programme has attracted 830 industry professionals from 44 B&R countries and regions, facilitating more than 10,000 hours of exchanges, both online and offline training, as well as field trips. ***END***  

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***