News

BEEE Members Visit The Henderson: Exploring Innovation in Building Technologies

We are delighted to share that a team from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), including Assistant Professor Prof. Cynthia Hou, Lecturer Dr Hilda Cheung Hiu Dan and BEEE students, was recently invited by Ir Dr Edward Chan—recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award in Community Service Achievement, PolyU BEEE 2024—for an exclusive tour of The Henderson, an iconic new landmark in Central.   During the three-hour private tour, Prof. Hou, Dr Cheung, and fellow participants had the unique opportunity to explore the building’s breathtaking views, stylish and sophisticated design, and the advanced yet discreet building engineering technologies that power this remarkable structure. The experience not only broadened their perspectives but also inspired new ideas for the future landscape of building technologies and occupant management.   Prof. Hou expressed her gratitude for the invitation, noting, “The visit to The Henderson was truly inspiring. It was wonderful to witness firsthand how innovative engineering solutions are seamlessly integrated into modern architecture, setting new standards for the industry.”   BEEE extends its sincere thanks to Ir Dr Edward Chan for his continued support and for fostering meaningful connections between alumni and the department.  

BEEE Celebrates Recipients of Presidential Student Leadership and Outstanding Student Awards 2025/26

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of our students for the 2025/26 academic year.   Presidential Student Leadership Award 2025/26 The Presidential Student Leadership Award was established to give due recognition to young student leaders who possess, display, and apply exemplary leadership qualities and skills. We are delighted to share that Ms. XIE, Jingxuan has been selected as the recipient of the “Presidential Student Leadership Award” for 2025/26. This prestigious award recognises her exceptional leadership, commitment to service, and positive impact on the PolyU community.   Outstanding Student Award of Department 2025/26 We are also pleased to announce that Mr. Li Jiefu has been selected as the recipient of the “Outstanding Student Award of Department” for 2025/26. PolyU organises the Outstanding Student Award Scheme annually to recognise full-time final-year students who excel in both academic and non-academic pursuits. Awardees are selected not only for their outstanding academic achievements, but also for their well-rounded qualities, including strong leadership abilities, exemplary personal conduct, active participation in extra-curricular activities and community service, and a global outlook.   Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Li shared: “Since choosing building sciences and engineering as my major, I have aspired to contribute to the development and construction of the Greater Bay Area. My studies at PolyU have equipped me with the knowledge required to design building services systems and develop engineering solutions that enhance building sustainability. These skills have enabled me to transform my aspirations into practical ideas and real-world applications.   After graduation, I plan to pursue further studies to deepen my understanding of advanced engineering practices related to buildings and the environment, with the aim of playing a significant role in the construction industry of the Greater Bay Area. Ultimately, my goal is to lead projects that create sustainable buildings while providing high-quality indoor environments that support the comfort and well-being of their occupants.”   Congratulations to Ms. XIE, Jingxuan and Mr. Li Jiefu on these well-deserved recognitions! We wish them continued success in their future endeavours.  

AABSE Spring Reunion 2026– Bridging Generations in BEEE

The AABSE Spring Reunion 2026 (建環聚賢), organised by the Alumni Association of Building Services Engineering (AABSE) and the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), was successfully held on 6 March 2026 (Friday) at the Communal Building, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The event brought together BEEE staff members, alumni, and over 40 students for an evening of networking and celebration.   Before the dinner, alumni had the opportunity to join a lab tour of the HVAC laboratory. This provided a valuable chance for alumni to reconnect with the department, learn about the latest research and projects, and gain insights into the academic experiences of current BEEE students.   The dinner fostered meaningful exchanges among staff, alumni, and students. The reunion not only strengthened the bonds within the BEEE community but also highlighted the ongoing achievements and initiatives of the Department.   We look forward to more successful gatherings in the future!  

BEEE PhD Students Won First Prize in Arup Research Competition 2025

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that our PhD students, Mr. Cheung Wai Kit (team representative), Ms. Zhou Yuxin, and Mr. Zhang Lei, supervised by BEEE Associate Professor Prof. Huang Xinyan, have been awarded First Prize in the Arup Research Competition 2025 hosted by Arup Hong Kong.   This year’s competition theme was “Empowering the Future: Energy Transition and Urban Development”. The winning project, titled “Multi-Modal Sensor Fusion for Early Thermal Runaway Prediction in Large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems”, focuses on using multi-modal sensing technologies to predict battery thermal runaway before venting or thermal runaway occurs. This innovative research has strong potential for future application in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which help to prevent thermal runaway incidents and enhance the safety and reliability of BESS.   The Arup Research Competition was held in three rounds with 42 submissions from research postgraduate students across Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China. This competition sought interdisciplinary and forward-thinking research papers that explore how energy transition can drive equitable, resilient, and smart urban development. Mr. Cheung and his team stood out and won the First Prize in the competition.   The Department of BEEE congratulates Mr. Cheung Wai Kit, Ms. Zhou Yuxin, and Mr. Zhang Lei on their outstanding achievement and wishes them continued success.  

BEEE Undergraduate Students Honoured with Prestigious ASHRAE Scholarships

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that two outstanding students have been awarded prestigious scholarships from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for the 2026-2027 academic year. Ms Lan Yufei has been selected as the recipient of the Society’s Undergraduate James R. Bullock Jr. Scholarship. This award recognizes Yufei’s exceptional academic achievements, dedication to the field, and commitment to advancing sustainable engineering in the built environment. Ms Xie Jingxuan has received the ASHRAE General Scholarship, one of two one-year undergraduate engineering scholarships awarded annually. This scholarship is granted in recognition of Jingxuan’s outstanding scholastic and leadership abilities, exemplary character and potential service to the HVAC&R profession.   These awards highlight the remarkable talent and dedication of BEEE students and underscore the department’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in the HVAC&R industry. Congratulations to Ms Lan Yufei and Ms Xie Jingxuan on their well-deserved achievements!  

MScHPB Student Gathering Brings Students and Staff Together

The MSc in High Performance Buildings (MScHPB) Programme hosted a warm and engaging student gathering on 3 February 2026 at PolyU. Organized under the leadership of Professor Du Yaping, Programme Leader, the event provided a wonderful opportunity for students to connect, share experiences, and celebrate together ahead of the New Year.   The afternoon began with a welcome speech from Professor Du, who encouraged students to make the most of their time in the programme and to support one another throughout their academic journey. Professor Jiang Liming and Ir Dr Lui Che Heng Gigi also joined the event and shared their insights, enriching the experience for all participants. This was followed by a lively self-introduction session, where students shared their names, nationalities, hobbies, and study backgrounds, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie.   A student sharing session allowed participants to exchange insights and experiences, further strengthening the bonds within the cohort. The gathering continued with an informal staff-student interaction over a light lunch, creating a relaxed atmosphere for meaningful conversations.   The event concluded with a group photo session, capturing the memorable moments shared by all attendees.   The MScHPB Student Gathering was a resounding success, bringing together students and staff in a spirit of friendship and collaboration. We look forward to more opportunities to connect and grow as a community in the future.   The photo gallery can be found here.  

Bridging Students and Industry: Success of the BEEE Engineer Pop-up

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) successfully hosted the “Engineers of the Future: BEEE Engineer Pop-up” on 2 February 2026 at PolyU. The event brought together students and representatives from leading professional engineering societies for an evening of insightful sharing, networking, and career exploration.   The evening began with a warm welcome speech by Dr Hilda Cheung, Undergraduate Programme Leader and Lecturer, who encouraged students to actively engage with the professional community and embrace opportunities for growth.   Throughout the event, representatives from six prominent engineering societies—including ASHRAE Hong Kong Chapter, BSOMES, CIBSE Hong Kong Region, CIPHE Hong Kong Branch, HKIE Building Services Division, and the Society of Operations Engineers (Hong Kong Region) —delivered informative briefings. Each society introduced their mission, activities, and the pathways they offer for students to pursue professional qualifications and industry recognition.   The event concluded with a lively Q&A session and networking opportunity, allowing students to interact directly with society representatives, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into the engineering profession.   The BEEE Engineer Pop-up provided an excellent platform for students to connect with industry leaders, broaden their understanding of the engineering landscape, and take meaningful steps toward their future careers.   Thank you to all the representatives, students, and guests who contributed to the success of this event. We look forward to more opportunities to inspire and empower the engineers of tomorrow!   The photo gallery can be found here.    

BEEE Community Night – BE Elevated & Excellent: A Night of Connection and Celebration

The BEEE Community Night – BE Elevated & Excellent was successfully held on 30 January at Ju Yin House, PolyU, bringing together students, alumni and academic advisors for an evening of sharing, recognition, and networking.   The event kicked off with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Professor Ni Meng, Head of BEEE, who highlighted the importance of community and excellence within the department. This was followed by an inspiring sharing session from Dr Jackie Ng, President of the Alumni Association of Building Services Engineering (AABSE), who reflected on the achievements and growth of the BSE alumni community.   Current student and MC for the evening, Ms Karen Cheung, shared her own journey and experiences under BEEE, offering encouragement to fellow students to strive for excellence and stay connected with the BEEE family.   A highlight of the evening was the certificate presentation ceremony, where Professor Ni, Associate Head (Teaching), Professor Vivien Lu and Associate Head (Partnership), Professor Jiang Liming, recognized the dedication and contributions of the BEEE Students’ Society Committee Members and Class Representatives. The moment was captured with a group photo, celebrating the spirit of teamwork and leadership.   The night continued with a lively quiz game organized by the BEEESS – Amor, engaging participants in a fun and interactive way. Guests then enjoyed a delicious dinner, providing a perfect opportunity for networking and reconnecting with old friends and new faces alike.   Excitement peaked during the lucky draw, with prizes presented by the Ug programme leader Dr Hilda Cheung, the department’s Associate Heads, the AABSE President, and Professor Ni. Congratulations to all the lucky winners!   The event concluded with more dinner and networking, leaving everyone with fond memories and a renewed sense of community spirit.   Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making the BEEE Community Night a memorable success. We look forward to more opportunities to connect, celebrate, and elevate excellence together!   The photo gallery can be found here.    

BEEE Researcher Receive the President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025

Congratulations to Professor Wei Minchen Tommy, Associate Head (Research) and Professor, Director of the PolyU-Qianhai Technology and Innovation Research Centre, and Limin Young Scholar in Colour and Imaging Science, for being awarded the President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025. This is the highest institutional accolade, recognizing the outstanding achievements of our staff.   Category of Award: Individual Awards – Research & Scholarly Activities (Early Career Researcher)   Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations to Professor Wei on his exceptional achievements!  

BEEE PhD Student Awarded Silver Award in the Hong Kong Techathon+ 2026

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that our PhD student, Mr. Wong Ho Yin, supervised by BEEE Associate Professor Prof. Huang Xinyan, has won the Silver Award in the Digital Economy & Smart City Open Group Division at the Hong Kong Techathon+ 2026.   In January 2026, Mr. Wong continuously promoted his fire safety engineering research outcome initiated in the PolyU Maker Fund Programme 2021 to the audience in the Hong Kong Techathon+ 2026. His project, titled ‘GABES Smart Fire Management,' is an Internet of Things (IoT) system comprising a wireless detector mesh network and dynamic exit signs. The fire detector system, which utilizes artificial intelligence technology, can significantly reduce the number of false alarms and provide an early warning, while the dynamic exit sign system guides evacuees towards the safest evacuation paths, reducing evacuation time. This project will be a crucial component of the novel smart firefighting technology developed at PolyU (the SureFire Project), and this will be applied to the next generation of smart and resilient buildings that will help Hong Kong achieve the status of the world's leading smart city.   Co-organised by HKSTP and 15 leading universities and institutions in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Techathon+ encourage innovators to embrace the challenge with innovative vibes! This isn’t just any tech event – it’s a collaborative playground for the brightest minds to come together, share ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. This year, the competition cumulated 7,000+ students and 2,400+ ideas. Competing with such a large number of participants, Mr. Wong and his team stood out and won the Silver Award in the Digital Economy & Smart City Open Group Division.   The Department of BEEE congratulates Mr. Wong Ho Yin and his team on their outstanding achievement and wishes them continued success.