Academic Staff

Professor Horace Mui Kwok Wai is the Dean of Students and Professor in the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). A distinguished scholar and leader, Prof. Mui has played a pivotal role in advancing PolyU’s mission in research, teaching, and student development.

With over 25 years of academic and professional experience, Prof. Mui is internationally recognized for his expertise in building environmental performance, indoor air quality, and sustainable building technologies. He has successfully managed more than 40 major research projects, securing over HK$20 million in competitive funding, and has published over 150 refereed journal papers and 150 conference papers. His research has significantly advanced knowledge in indoor environmental quality, bioaerosol transmission, building ventilation, and energy-efficient building systems, directly contributing to PolyU’s reputation as a leader in applied research and innovation.

At PolyU, Prof. Mui has held numerous key leadership positions, including Associate Head of BEEE, Programme Leader for the Building Services Engineering degree, Chairman of the Departmental Programme Committee and Departmental Research Committee, and Master of the College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI) Residential College. As Dean of Students, he oversees student affairs and wellbeing, championing initiatives that foster academic excellence, holistic development, and a vibrant campus life.

A dedicated educator, Prof. Mui has developed and taught a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and has supervised numerous PhD, MPhil, and MSc students, many of whom now hold academic and industry leadership positions. He is a recipient of the Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award and the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research Funding, and has been recognized as one of the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists by Stanford University (2021–2025).

Beyond research and teaching, Prof. Mui is deeply committed to university service and community engagement. He has served on the Senate, Faculty Board, and multiple university-wide committees, contributing to policy development, curriculum innovation, and student support. He is also active in outreach, representing PolyU in public forums, media, and professional organizations, and providing expert advice to government and industry on building safety and environmental health.

Internationally, Prof. Mui is engaged with leading professional bodies such as CIBSE, ASHRAE, and ISIAQ, and has contributed as a board member, technical advisor, and conference organizer. He is frequently invited as a keynote speaker and expert commentator in media, sharing his insights on building sustainability, public health, and environmental engineering.

Prof. Mui’s commitment to research excellence, innovative teaching, and community engagement continues to drive advancements in building environmental engineering and to inspire the next generation of engineers and researchers, reinforcing PolyU’s role as a hub for excellence and innovation in Hong Kong and beyond.

• Higher Diploma in Building Service Engineering, City Polytechnic of Hong Kong
• Bachelor of Engineering in Building Services Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Doctor of Philosophy, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

• Registered Professional Engineer (Building Services)
• Member of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
• Member of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
• Fellow of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
• Chartered Engineer