News

BEEE Students Embark on Study Tour to Harbin Institute of Technology

From 16 to 22 December 2025, fifteen undergraduate and three postgraduate students from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) participated in a memorable study tour to Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, China. The tour was led by Ir Professor Lu Lin Vivien, Prof. Hou Cynthia, and Dr Tsang Tsz Wun, Hayley, and was generously sponsored by the PRC Ten Thousand People’s Scheme (內地與港澳高等學校師生交流計劃項目, 簡稱萬人計劃) of the PRC Ministry of Education (教育部) and BEEE.   A highlight of the visit was the technical seminar held on 17 December, where BEEE students and staff joined HIT students and professors for an engaging session on solar energy and deep space cooling. Prof. Lu delivered a presentation titled “Steering the Solar Photons for Building Energy Transition,” while Prof. Edwin Tso from CityU also delivered a keynote address. Both professors shared their research on harnessing solar energy and the coldness of deep space for building energy efficiency. Representatives from both universities exchanged insights on their research and student life, further fostering academic collaboration and cultural understanding.   The hospitality extended by HIT staff, students, and local residents made the trip especially memorable. HIT representatives organized a warm welcome event, hosted campus tours, and arranged lab visits and meetings with faculty and students to facilitate research exchanges and mentorship. Students also had the opportunity to visit museums highlighting the history of HIT, its contributions to space research, and the rich heritage of Harbin.   This study tour provided a valuable blend of academic exchange and cultural immersion, strengthening the partnership between BEEE and HIT and forging lasting personal and professional connections. The experience not only broadened students’ horizons but also inspired future collaboration and innovation in building environment and energy engineering.   The photo gallery can be found here.  

BEEE Celebrates Recent Research Funding Successes

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce several significant research funding achievements by our academic members. These successes reflect our commitment to advancing innovative technologies and sustainable solutions for the built environment, both locally and globally. NSFC/RGC Collaborative Research Scheme 2025/26 Project Title: Development of high performance and durable solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) for coupling with Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) reactor for green synthetic liquid fuel production Principal Investigator: Prof. Ni Meng, Head of Unit Amount Awarded: HKD 3,600,000 Project Overview: This project aims to develop advanced solid oxide electrolysis cells for efficient co-electrolysis of water and carbon dioxide, enabling integration with Fischer-Tropsch reactors for green synthetic liquid fuel production. The team will engineer novel perovskite cathode materials using entropy engineering and in situ nanoparticle exsolution, supported by machine learning and theoretical modelling. Multiphysics simulations will evaluate system performance under fluctuating renewable power input, and a coupled system will be developed to demonstrate fuel production. The project will support carbon neutrality by advancing renewable energy storage, carbon dioxide utilization, and clean fuel technologies, contributing to sustainable energy development in Hong Kong, the Nation and globally. Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao Technology Research Programme (Type C) 2025 Project Title: Development of key technologies for lightweight, high-performance proton-conducting fuel cells or electrolysers towards the additive manufacturing for carriers and portable devices 面向載具及便攜設備的增材製造輕質高性能質子導體燃料電池或電解池關鍵技術開發 Principal Investigator: Prof. Ni Meng, Head of Unit Amount Awarded: RMB 3,000,000 Project Overview: This project will develop high performance, compact and lightweight solid oxide cells (SOCs) capable of working as a fuel cell for powering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and as an electrolyzer for on-site oxygen production by carbon dioxide electrolysis on Mars. Additive manufacturing technology will be developed for SOC fabrication. Numerical modeling will be conducted for analyzing the Multiphysics processes in the SOCs, such as heat and mass transfer, charge transport, and electrochemical reactions, for design optimization. National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the National Science Centre (NCN) of Poland Cooperation Research Program Project Title: Fire dynamics of high-power electrical network and multi-scale smart risk evaluation model for new-energy buildings 新能源建築高能量電網火災動力學及多尺度智慧預測模型研究 Principal Investigator: Prof. Huang Xinyan,  Associate Professor Amount Awarded: RMB 1,500,000 Project Overview: New-energy buildings introduce an indoor high-energy electrical network that uses a tremendous amount of high-power cables to link the power generation system, energy storage system and fast charging/discharging system, posing significant fire risks and complex fire behaviours. This international collaborative research will conduct fundamental research on the fire dynamics of high-power cables and relevant cable fire events in new-energy buildings all around the world, develop AI-powered fire models to evaluate and mitigate these fire risks, and propose a new scientific framework to guide the overall fire safety design strategies for new-energy buildings.  We congratulate Prof. Ni and Prof. Huang on their outstanding achievements and look forward to the impactful outcomes of these projects. These successes further strengthen BEEE’s position as a leader in research and innovation for a sustainable future.  

BEEE PhD Student Awarded the Margaret Law Fire Safety Award 2025 by Arup

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 Cheung Wai Kit, supervised by BEEE Associate Professor Prof. Huang Xinyan, has been awarded 3rd place in the Margaret Law Fire Safety Award by Arup.    Mr. Cheung’s research project, titled “Visibility in Smoke: Advancing Fire Safety Design through Modern Exit Signs Analysis”, was awarded 3rd place. This project reappraises the foundational visibility in the smoke model in the 1970s, which is widely used in the performance-based fire safety design and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to estimate the visibility in building spaces during fire smoke scenarios. The research outcomes have been published in Fire Safety Journal, led by PolyU and in collaboration with the Building Research Institute (ITB), Poland and the University of Wuppertal, Germany. The full paper is open access in https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2025.104573   The Margaret Law Fire Safety Award by Arup is an annual global award that recognises outstanding student projects or research advancing fire safety engineering solutions. This award celebrates Dr Margaret Law MBE, a pioneering fire scientist who started the discipline of Fire Safety Engineering at Arup in 1974, perpetuating her legacy by recognising and inspiring a new generation who uphold the practical application of scientific understanding and technical rigour. See more details in https://www.arup.com/news/margaret-law-fire-safety-award-applications-open/    The Department of BEEE congratulates Mr Cheung Wai Kit on this outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success.  

Congratulations to BEEE Alumni on Winning the FCE Outstanding Alumni Award

We are delighted to announce that our distinguished BEEE alumni have been recognized with the Outstanding Alumni/Young Alumni Award by the Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE) at PolyU. This prestigious faculty-level award honors alumni for their exceptional professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater. The Award is presented in three categories: Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurial Achievement, and Scholarly Achievement. Award Recipients: Ir CHENG Wai Lung, Brian Outstanding Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Master of Science in Construction and Real Estate The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2002) Bachelor of Engineering in Building Services Engineering The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1995)   Ir Cheng is the Executive Director and Managing Director of Analogue Holdings Limited, a leading building services engineering group with operations spanning Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Macao, UK, and USA. Under Ir Cheng’s visionary leadership, the company has pioneered the adoption of MiMEP (Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) and advanced modular construction practices, setting new industry benchmarks for efficiency, safety, and innovation. He has driven digital transformation through the development of proprietary apps and the integration of robotics and BIM technologies, earning the company numerous accolades.  Ir Cheng is highly regarded for his active involvement and leadership in prominent professional institutions as well as public and higher education sectors. Through these roles, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of industry standards, professional training, and best practices. His commitment to professional excellence is matched by his dedication to nurturing young engineers, supporting industry standards, and promoting social responsibility through community initiatives and mentorship programmes. His active engagement with PolyU as an advisory committee member and scholarship sponsor has greatly benefited students and strengthened ties between academia and industry.   Prof. WANG Yuanhao Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Doctor of Philosophy The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2011)   Prof. Wang is a Professor at the University of Science and Technology Beijing and Distinguished Chair Professor at the Shenzhen Hoffmann Advanced Materials Research Institute. He is a leading expert in micro- and nanomaterials for green buildings, resource recycling, and new energy materials and devices. Renowned for his pioneering research and industrial innovation, Prof. Wang has made significant contributions to the advancement of sustainable construction materials, resource recycling technologies, and energy-efficient solutions.    He has published over 130 academic papers, holds more than 20 Chinese invention patents, and has led numerous national and regional research projects that have had substantial impact on both academia and industry. Prof. Wang’s work has driven the development and commercialisation of innovative materials and technologies, resulting in notable economic and environmental benefits. As an active collaborator with PolyU, he continues to promote sustainable development, foster industry-academic partnerships, and inspire the next generation of researchers and engineers through his leadership and dedication to professional excellence. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ir CHENG Wai Lung, Brian and Prof. WANG Yuanhao for their remarkable accomplishments and for bringing pride to the BEEE community. Their dedication and success serve as an inspiration to all our students and alumni.  

BEEE Undergraduate Honoured with WeCan Scholarship 2025/26

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that Mr Lam Chak Fung, an undergraduate student in our department, has been awarded the esteemed WeCan Scholarship for the academic year 2025/26.   Established in 2015, the WeCan Scholarship Scheme aims to support students from Project WeCan schools by providing grants that enable them to pursue first degree courses at the eight UGC-funded universities and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Starting from 2024/25, the Scheme has been further expanded to include courses under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). Each successful candidate is eligible to receive a scholarship of up to HK$25,000 per year, with continued support based on satisfactory academic performance and the completion of volunteer service hours.   In addition to financial support, WeCan scholars become members of the WeCan Alumni, actively engaging in community service and participating in various WeCan activities as volunteers. To date, a total of 985 students from Project WeCan schools have benefited from this scholarship, including 71 recipients in the 2025/26 academic year.   We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr Lam Chak Fung on this remarkable achievement and wish him continued success in both his academic journey and his contributions to the community.  

Clarification on remarks regarding the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire

I wish to address and clarify several points arising from my recent media interviews regarding the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, which have drawn significant attention from both media and the public. In the interview, I stated that bamboo is a combustible material and can contribute to fire spread, referencing the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Foundation Report 2025, which confirms that “bamboo, like wood, is combustible, and undergoes a similar combustion process.” I also mentioned that other materials present, such as plastic nets and foam plates, may have played a role in the rapid development of the fire. However, I acknowledge that my comments may have given the impression that bamboo scaffolding was the major factor in the fire’s spread. This was not my intention. The actual contribution of bamboo, relative to other materials, is a complex scientific question that requires systematic investigation and fire experiments. At present, there is no comprehensive research on this issue in Hong Kong or elsewhere. My intention was to highlight the need for further study and caution in the use of combustible materials, especially in buildings occupied by vulnerable residents. I also wish to clarify that my statement suggesting the fire spread “in one or two minutes” to approximately 30 floors was not based on detailed investigation, but rather an observation of the rapid vertical fire spread. I regret any misunderstanding and will refrain from making further public comments until thorough scientific research has been conducted. During the interview, I mistakenly stated that fire engines from Chinese Mainland had arrived in Hong Kong to assist with firefighting efforts. This was incorrect. My comment was based on social media footage, but I have since learned from official sources that no such deployment occurred. I sincerely apologise for this error and any confusion it may have caused. Regarding the question of aerial ladder trucks, I stated that no city has ladder trucks capable of reaching 100 or 200 meters. While such equipment does exist in some places, including Shenzhen, their use is limited by practical constraints such as the width of access roads. I acknowledge that my statement may have oversimplified the issue and appreciate the opportunity to clarify. This interview has underscored the need for rigor and prudence in public commentary on matters of community significance. As an academic, I recognise that my statements carry responsibilities to factual accuracy and professional integrity. Moving forward, I will uphold our academic mission’s core principles: verifying information thoroughly, basing remarks on evidence and expertise, and exercising greater caution. This experience reinforces my commitment to responsible engagement on public safety and community issues. Thank you.   Xinyan Huang Associate Professor, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering 30 November 2025      

BEEE PhD Student Team Awarded in the Hong Kong ICT Startup Award 2025

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 “Smart Living (Smart Home and Community)” category at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2025.   Mr. Wong’s team project, “GABES AlphaNexus System”, initiated in the PolyU Maker Fund Programme 2021 and thus established a start-up, GABES Limited, which received the Silver Award. The project 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 is crucial to the novel smart firefighting technology developed at PolyU (the SureFire Project). This technology will be applied to the next generation of smart and resilient buildings, helping Hong Kong become the world's leading smart city.   The Hong Kong ICT Awards were established in 2006. It is the most recognised and longest-standing information technology award in Hong Kong. It aims at recognising and promoting outstanding local information and communications technology (ICT) inventions and applications, thereby promoting constant innovation and pursuit of excellence in the entire ICT industry.   The Department of BEEE congratulates Mr. Wong Ho Yin and his team on their outstanding achievements and wishes them continued success.  

BEEE Team Wins CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award for AI Firefighting Robot

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University congratulates the project team led by Prof. Huang Xinyan on winning the Best of Innovation Award at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 for their AI-powered firefighting robot.   The Consumer Electronics Show is one of the world’s largest technology events, and its annual CES Innovation Awards recognize outstanding achievements in design and engineering. This year, more than 3,600 entries competed across 36 categories. A total of 338 products received Innovation Awards, and only 30 (less than 1%) earned the top distinction, Best of Innovation—among them, the BEEE team’s smart firefighting robot in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category. The award is presented by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and judged by an expert panel on criteria including engineering functionality, aesthetic design, innovation, and safety. Other recipients this year include leading international brands such as Qualcomm, Samsung, HP, and LG.   The award-winning robot was developed by Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, a BEEE-affiliated startup jointly led by: Prof. Huang Xinyan, Associate Professor – Co-founder and Chief Scientist Mr. Wang Meng, PhD candidate – Founder and CEO Dr Zhang Yuxin, Research Assistant Professor – Co-founder and Director of Development   After three years of development, the team launched an autonomous, AI-driven firefighting solution that: Uses mm-wave radar SLAM to navigate smoke-filled environments without GPS or vision Employs deep-learning modules to identify burning materials in real time and select the optimal extinguishing agent Measures flame power with onboard sensors and streams live data to command centers for rapid decision-making Integrates a closed-loop vision–actuation system to lock onto and suppress fires without human intervention Retrofits existing inspection robots with instant fire detection and suppression capabilities to contain incipient fires, reducing human risk and asset loss   The team’s innovation has also earned major accolades, including: 2025 Greater Bay Area Innovation Awards – Technology Invention Award (Gold) 2025 Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions – Gold Medal with Jury Congratulations 2023 China International College Students’ Innovation Competition – Gold Medal   BEEE extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Huang, Mr. Wang, Dr Zhang, and the Widemount Dynamics team on this world-class achievement that advances human safety and demonstrates PolyU’s leadership in engineering innovation.   URLs: https://www.ces.tech/ces-innovation-awards/innovation-awards/ https://www.ces.tech/press-releases/cta-announces-ces-innovation-awards-2026-honorees https://www.ces.tech/ces-innovation-awards/2026/smart-firefighting-robot/ www.en.widemount.com  

BEEE Celebrates Two Chair Professors Named Highly Cited Researchers 2025

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that two of our distinguished scholars have been named on the “Highly Cited Researchers 2025” list by Clarivate Analytics. This prestigious recognition underscores the department’s unwavering commitment to research excellence and its significant impact on global academic and technological advancement.   This year, Prof. NI Meng, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Head of BEEE and Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology, and Prof. YAN Jinyue, BEEE Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings, have both been recognised for their outstanding research contributions. Prof. NI Meng is listed in the Cross-Field category, while Prof. YAN Jinyue is recognised in the Engineering category.   The Highly Cited Researchers list by Clarivate Analytics honours academics who have demonstrated substantial and broad influence in their fields, with multiple highly cited papers ranking in the top 1% by citations for their subject area and publication year over the past 11 years. In 2025, 6,868 scholars from 60 countries and regions have been named, representing just 1 in 1,000 of the world’s scientists and social scientists.   BEEE’s strong research capabilities are further reflected in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025 list, where 19 BEEE scholars are recognised for their career-long or single-year citation impact.   The achievements of Prof. NI Meng and Prof. YAN Jinyue highlight BEEE’s dedication to advancing world-class research and innovation for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. Their work in building environment and energy engineering not only advances academic knowledge but also contributes to sustainable development and technological progress.   BEEE warmly congratulates Prof. NI and Prof. Yan on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to their continued contributions to the field and to PolyU’s mission of driving positive societal change.   For the full list of Highly Cited Researchers 2025, please visit: https://clarivate.com/highly-cited-researchers/  

BEEE Career Night 2025 Inspires Students to Explore Future Opportunities

The BEEE Career Night: Explore Your Future was successfully held on 4 November 2025. The event brought together students and industry professionals for an evening of insightful sharing and networking.   The Career Night began with a warm welcome speech by Dr Cheung Hiu Dan Hilda, Undergraduate Programme Leader and Lecturer, setting an inspiring tone for the evening. Representatives from a diverse range of sectors—including government bodies, contractors, consultancy firms, facility management, and developers—shared their experiences and provided valuable career advice.   The event featured presentations from: Electrical and Mechanical Services Department J. Roger Preston Limited Jardine Engineering Corporation Jones Lang LaSalle Swire Properties Limited   Each representative offered unique insights into their respective fields, helping students better understand the career paths available in the industry.   The evening concluded with a lively Q&A session and a 30-minute networking opportunity, where students engaged directly with industry professionals, explored potential career opportunities, and expanded their professional networks.   We would like to thank all speakers, guests, and students for their enthusiastic participation, making the BEEE Career Night a memorable and meaningful event.   The photo gallery can be found here.