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e-Bulletin Issue 188

FCE major academic restructuring and leadership updates

Effective 1 July 2026, FCE will embark on transformative academic restructuring and leadership changes. Together, these developments usher in a new era of innovation, excellence, and global impact for FCE.    Establishment of Department of Architecture The Faculty is delighted to announce the official establishment of the Department of Architecture (ARCH) [建築學系] on 1 July 2026, a milestone that marks a major step forward in rendering FCE’s academic structure a more integrated whole.  Building upon FCE’s long-standing reputation in Architecture & Built Environment and Civil & Structural Engineering (ranked 2nd and 1st in Hong Kong, respectively, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026), the new department bridges architectural studies with FCE’s existing core disciplines, creating powerful synergies for research and education. The foundation for ARCH was successfully laid in the 2025/26 academic year with the launch of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectural Studies. The programme garnered widespread acclaim for its pioneering integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced digital technologies throughout the curriculum.  The new department is strategically positioned to redefine global architectural education, equipping a new generation of visionaries to shape an AI-driven, climate-resilient, and sustainable future. As the fifth department under FCE, ARCH will bolster PolyU’s academic foundation in this field, elevating its standing and influence both in Hong Kong and on the global stage. BRE retitled Department of Construction Management and Intelligence To align with the evolving landscape of the global construction industry and to better reflect its core competencies and focus areas, the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) will be retitled the Department of Construction Management and Intelligence (CMI) [建設管理及智能學系] with effect from 1 July 2026. Over the years, the department has progressively expanded its academic offerings and research capabilities in response to rapid industry transformation. Its curricula have been updated to incorporate cutting-edge fields such as digitalisation and automation, alongside advanced technologies including Building Information Modelling (BIM), robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart surveying techniques. The new name positions “intelligence” at the heart of the department's educational and research framework, strengthening its identity and fostering stronger synergy with key stakeholders: students, academics, employers, professional bodies, and funding agencies. Moving forward, CMI will continue to deliver world-class education and pioneering research, driving impactful innovations for Hong Kong and beyond.  LSGI retitled Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science To reflect global developments in geospatial technology, the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) will be retitled the Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS) [土地測量及地理空間科學系] with effect from 1 July 2026. The transition from "Geo-Informatics" to "Geospatial Science" represents a strategic progression, reflecting the department’s evolution into areas such as geospatial data science, GeoAI, big data analytics, digital twins, extensive applications of satellite remote sensing and smart city development.  By integrating "Geospatial Science" into its name, the department positions itself at the forefront of global industry trends, helping attract tech-savvy students, foster international collaborations, and enhance competitiveness for research funding. The renaming also aligns with emerging initiatives in education and research, alongside the evolving demand for talent in local and global markets.  This new identity underscores the department’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges—including urban planning, environmental monitoring, climate change, and planetary exploration—through interdisciplinary research and innovation. New Associate Dean (Research) of FCE Prof. Tao YU, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), will assume the role of Associate Dean (Research) of Faculty with effect from 1 July 2026.  Prof. Yu completed his Bachelor’s degree at Zhejiang University in 2001 and obtained his PhD at PolyU in 2007. Before joining PolyU in 2019, he was a full professor at the University of Wollongong, Australia. Prof. Yu has a proven track record of securing research funding from the Research Grants Council, as well as industry partners and public bodies. His research interests include infrastructure applications of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites, multiscale modelling and physics-informed artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive structural assessment, and climate-resilient infrastructure. He also currently serves as the Director of PolyU-Wenzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute. Prof. Meng NI, Head and Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), will cease to be Associate Dean (Research) of Faculty with effect from 1 July 2026. The Faculty would like to thank Prof. Ni for his dedicated service to FCE since July 2021.  Prof. Charles WONG, Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI), and Prof. Linda XIAO, Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), continue to be the Associate Dean (Teaching and Global Engagement) and Associate Dean (Partnership) of Faculty, respectively. ARCH Head Designate and Interim Head  Prof. Puay Peng HO will assume the roles of Head and Chair Professor of Architectural Heritage Conservation of the Department of Architecture (ARCH) with effect from 3 August 2026. Prof. Tristance KEE, Associate Professor in the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE), will be transferred to ARCH on 1 July 2026 and will concurrently serve as Interim Head of ARCH. Prof. Ho obtained his Master of Arts in Architecture from The University of Edinburgh and his PhD in Art and Architectural History from the University of London. During his 25-year tenure at The Chinese University of Hong Kong from 1992 to 2017, he served as the University Dean of Students, the Chair of the Department of Architecture, and the Founding Director of the School of Architecture. He joined the National University of Singapore in 2017, where he was the Head of the Department of Architecture till 2022.  Prof. Ho’s research focuses on Buddhist art and architecture, Chinese architectural history, vernacular architecture and the history of modern architecture in the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. He has directed more than 100 conservation projects in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Singapore as a conservation consultant, winning accolades such as the Award of Distinction at the 2023 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, the Medal of the Year of Hong Kong and the Special Architectural Award for Heritage and Adaptive Re-use from The Hong Kong Institute of Architects multiple times. Prof. Ho is an Honorary Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Architects, a member of the Heritage and Identity Partnership, and the Chairman of the Heritage Advisory Panel in Singapore. He is also an advisor to the International Dunhuang Project of The British Library and holds the UNESCO Chair on Architectural Heritage Conservation and Management in Asia since 2020. New Head of CEE Prof. Songye ZHU, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), will assume the role of Head of CEE with effect from 1 July 2026. He will cease to be Interim Head of CEE on the same day. Prof. Zhu obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Tongji University and his PhD from Lehigh University, USA. He joined PolyU in 2008. He served as CEE’s Associate Head (Research) from July 2022 to June 2025 and was appointed Interim Head in July 2025. He was a recipient of the Second-class Award (Basic Science Category) of the Science and Technology Award presented by the Chinese Society for Vibration Engineering in 2020, and the Grand Award (R&D Award) in the Structural Excellence Award 2022 presented by the Structural Division of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. In recognition of his outstanding achievements in research and knowledge transfer, Prof. Zhu has been awarded the Dean’s Award and Faculty Award multiple times since 2019, and the President’s Award in 2023. 

Call for Nominations: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Construction and Environment 2026

The Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award aims to give recognition to distinguished graduates of PolyU for great distinction in their respective areas, dedicated support to their alma mater, as well as impactful contributions to the wider community. Recognition is also given to outstanding young alumni.  Nomination and Selection The Award is organised at three levels, i.e., Department level, Faculty/School level, and University level. Department Award The nomination and selection of the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department will be organised by the respective departments. Nominations have been open since March 2026. Please refer to the department webpages for details: Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Department of Building and Real Estate Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics   Faculty Award Recipients of Department Awards and graduates who have completed programmes offered at the Faculty level are eligible for nomination to the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Construction and Environment. FCE is now calling for nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Construction and Environment 2026. The nomination period is from now to 10 July 2026 (Deadline: 10 July 2026, 11:59PM HKT). Please submit the nomination* with all required supplementary documents to angela.hm.lee@polyu.edu.hk. Nominate a PolyU FCE Alumnus *FCE only accepts direct nominations for graduates who have completed programmes offered at the Faculty level.  Eligibility The nominated candidate must be a graduate who has successfully completed a full-time or part-time programme offered by PolyU (or its forerunners: Hong Kong Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College, and Hong Kong Polytechnic) that led to an academic award accredited by the respective Institution. The proposer can be a PolyU graduate, Honorary Graduate, University Fellow, PolyU staff, PolyU Council and Court member and Advisory Committee member. There is no limit to the number of nominations to be submitted by each proposer. However, the proposer cannot be the candidate himself/herself.   Selection Criteria and Achievement Areas The selection for the Award considers two major criteria: (1) Support and Contribution to PolyU and (2) Achievement in the respective area. Three specific achievement areas would be assessed, they include Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurial Achievement and Scholarly Achievement. Alumni who are aged at/under 40 in the award selection year would be eligible for the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Achievement Areas Description Professional Achievement This category recognises alumni who have attained distinguished achievements, demonstrated exemplary leadership, and made a strong impact on their profession/industry/society. Entrepreneurial Achievement This category recognises alumni who have demonstrated outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as founded or advanced business or technology ventures with impact. Scholarly Achievement This category recognises alumni scholars who have made notable scholarly or research contributions in their disciplines, with proven track record and excellent reputation in the field. Selection Committee A Selection Committee, comprising both internal and external members, will be formed at respective levels to examine the nominations and assess candidates' qualifications and performance for the awards. Enquiry Ms Angela Lee Faculty of Construction and Environment Email: angela.hm.lee@polyu.edu.hk Tel: 3400 3406

FCE expands partnership network with academia and industry across Chinese Mainland and overseas

In April and May 2026, FCE continues to strengthen its collaborative network by engaging with international academic institutions and industry leaders. On 14 April 2026, the Faculty had a meeting with representatives from Loughborough University. Joined by the School of Design (SD), FCE representatives explored the development of dual PhD opportunities. The discussion also branched into various other collaboration avenues, aiming to provide students and academics with a global perspective and access to shared academic resources across both institutions.  On 27 April 2026, FCE engaged with China State Construction Engineering (HK) Limited as a major step toward industry-academia integration. As an interdisciplinary initiative, the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE), the Department of Computing (COMP), and the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) also joined the meeting in addition to FCE departments. The primary focus was the potential establishment of a dedicated research centre focused on advancing construction technologies and modernising industry practices.   On 29 April 2026, FCE participated in a meeting with representatives from the Guangzhou Baiyun Jianke Holdings Group. The meeting served as a platform to explore scientific and research collaboration, further solidifying FCE’s commitment to regional development and technological exchange within the Greater Bay Area.  FCE received the College of Architecture and Environment of Sichuan University on 13 May 2026. The dialogue focused on two core pillars: the joint cultivation of talent and research collaboration. Both institutions reaffirmed their shared vision of nurturing the next generation of construction and environmental professionals through collaborative expertise.  On 19 May 2026, FCE welcomed a delegation from Centrale Lille Institut and Laboratoire de Mécanique, Multiphysique, Multiéchelle (LaMcube), France. The visit aimed to establish a strategic framework for long-term scientific collaboration between the graduate engineering school (including LAMCube) and FCE, specifically focusing on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to advanced materials for construction and industry. Key discussions centred on the possible establishment of an International Associated Laboratory, as well as joint research initiatives, student co-supervision, and academic mobility. Through comprehensive institutional presentations and tours of FCE’s state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, both parties identified scientific synergies and a mutual commitment to research excellence. These strategic engagements reflect the Faculty’s proactive approach to building a robust partnership network of research, education, and knowledge transfer that spans both the Chinese Mainland and the global stage. 

FCE subjects ranked 1st in Hong Kong: Civil & Structural Engineering and Environmental Sciences secure top spots in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

FCE is pleased to report its distinguished standings in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2026. This year, FCE has made significant local gains, with two subjects ascending to the top spot in Hong Kong. Notably, Civil & Structural Engineering ranked an impressive 18th worldwide and climbed to 1st in Hong Kong, up from 2nd locally last year. Environmental Sciences also maintained its premier standing, securing the 1st place locally and 34th worldwide. Additionally, FCE’s performance in Architecture & Built Environment remains globally competitive, ranking 21st worldwide and 2nd in Hong Kong. These results underscore FCE’s commitment to research excellence and its vital contribution to Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for higher education. Moving forward, FCE remains committed to advancing sustainable infrastructure and interdisciplinary research to address global challenges.

FCE students awarded for academic, leadership, and research distinction

Outstanding Student Award of FCE 2025/26 The Faculty is pleased to announce that Ms Nar Hmue Khin KYIN of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), who is a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering (Smart Mobility) student with a Secondary Major in AIDA, has been awarded the Outstanding Student Award of FCE 2025/26. Ms Kyin has been conferred this honour for her outstanding academic merits, complemented by her strong leadership abilities, exemplary personal qualities and conduct, active engagement in extra-curricular activities and community services, and a broad global outlook. Besides the faculty-level award, the Outstanding Student Award was also granted to exemplary students at the departmental level.  Outstanding Student Award of Faculty Ms Nar Hmue Khin KYIN Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Outstanding Student Award of Department Mr Jiefu LI Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Mr Yin Yui PANG Department of Building and Real Estate Ms Mingzhen LIU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics   Presidential Student Leadership Award of FCE 2025/26 The Faculty is pleased to share that Mr Pak Yin Hugo CHEUNG, a BSc (Hons) Surveying student of the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE), has been honoured with the Presidential Student Leadership Award of FCE 2025/26 in recognition of his extraordinary leadership qualities, skills, and contributions to society and the world. In addition to the faculty-level award, this distinction is also conferred upon students who have demonstrated remarkable leadership achievements at the departmental level.  Presidential Student Leadership Award of Faculty Mr Pak Yin Hugo CHEUNG  Department of Building and Real Estate Presidential Student Leadership Award of Department Ms Jingxuan XIE  Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Mr Chun Hung CHAN  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Ms Mingzhen LIU  Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics Congratulations to all award recipients, who received their honours from Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, at the presentation ceremony held on 19 March 2026.  

FCE academics secure research funding for environmental initiatives

FCE is committed to environmental stewardship and advancing solutions that protect Hong Kong’s natural and built environments. The Faculty is proud to report that five FCE academics received funding support from the first-round funding exercise of the 2025/26 Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF), totalling over HK$3.2 million. The projects cover research on diverse issues, including greenhouse gas monitoring, low-carbon construction materials, wastewater treatment, electric vehicle infrastructure, and air quality assessment. This accomplishment underscores the Faculty's dedication to academic development and practical contribution to environmental protection and nature conservation in Hong Kong.   Environment and Conservation Fund 2025/26 Project Principal Investigator Amount Awarded (HK$)  Dual-phase VOC Reduction of Waste Tyre Modified Low-carbon High-performance Asphalt Pavements through Reactive Extrusion Prof. Zhen LENG​Professor​Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering  $1,316,000 EVChargeMap: An Integrated Geospatial Database of Public and Private EV Chargers in Hong Kong Prof. Wei MA​Associate Professor​Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering  $500,000 Reconfiguring Saline Wastewater Treatment to Remove Phosphorus and Nitrogen via Innovative Pathways Prof. Tao LIU​Assistant Professor​Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering  $500,000 AI-powered Sky Scans: Revolutionising Hong Kong’s Greenhouse Gas Monitoring with GNSS-RO Prof. Joseph AWANGE​Professor​Dept of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics  $348,000 Unravelling City-wide Vertical Aerosol and Particulate Matter, a Remote Sensing Study in Hong Kong Prof. Charles WONG​Professor​Dept of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics $600,000

Chinese New Year Greetings from the Dean of Faculty

Dear Colleagues, Students, and Friends of FCE As we gallop into 2026, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a joyful, healthy, and prosperous Chinese New Year to you and your families! May this year bring you the energy, courage, and determination of the horse, inspiring you to seize new growth opportunities and embrace changes with confidence and optimism. The past year has seen our Faculty continue to strengthen our education and research capabilities. We launched the new Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Construction and Environment, offering more flexible educational pathways, and introduced the new Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectural Studies, advancing architectural education and innovation. We also spearheaded the establishment of new research platforms, harnessing cross-disciplinary expertise to address climate resilience. To further unite the FCE community, we rolled out a new Tiered Recognition Programme for contributions to the FCE Fund and established the FCE Smart and Resilient Visionaries Network. The Year of the Horse is a time for bold actions and forward momentum. I am confident that we will continue to thrive by embracing new opportunities. I wish you a dynamic and successful Year of the Horse! Prof. Xiang-dong LI Dean, Faculty of Construction and Environment

FCE Magazine - Issue 25

International Symposium cum Inauguration of State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities marks major step for resilient city development

Recognising the critical importance of climate resilience, FCE was pleased to serve as one of the supporting units of the inauguration of the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities (SKL-CRCC), jointly established by PolyU and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The inauguration took place on 4 December 2025 at Hotel ICON. Accredited by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in August 2025, SKL-CRCC represents a major recognition of PolyU’s leadership in climate resilience research and leverages the combined strengths of both universities. The event was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Nancy IP, HKUST President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Qingrui YUE, Chairman of the Academic Committee of SKL-CRCC; and SKL-CRCC Directors, Prof. Xiang-dong LI (PolyU) and Prof. Charles NG (HKUST). A two-day international symposium was held concurrently to commemorate this milestone. Around 30 keynote speakers from leading universities across the globe shared insights on topics ranging from marine heatwaves and earthquakes to urban water management and artificial intelligence applications. The vibrant academic exchange underscored the laboratory’s commitment to fostering international cross-disciplinary innovation, positioning Hong Kong as a global hub for climate resilience research.