News

CEE Member Received 2024 Science and Technology Award of China Yangtze River Water Conservancy Commission

Congratulations to Dr Jirong Lan, CEE Postdoctoral Fellow supervised by Prof. Tao Yu, whose project titled “Transformation and Utilization of Low-Value Solid Waste and Its Substandard Components into Low-Carbon Water Engineering Materials in the Yangtze River Basin” was being awarded “Second Prize for Technological Progress” of the 2024 Science and Technology Award from the Yangtze River Water Conservancy Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources of China. Dr Lan’s research addresses the critical issue of low-value soil waste stockpiling in the Yangtze River Basin. By focusing on comprehensive water environment management and the imperative for low-carbon, eco-friendly engineering practices, this project introduces pioneering strategies in hazardous component stabilization, solid waste–based soil materials, water-shoreline remediation, and low-carbon concrete development. These innovations pave the way for the widespread utilization of bulk waste in large-scale water engineering projects, marking a significant step towards sustainable environmental practices.  

New joiner – Dr Qiuhan Meng

Dr Qiuhan Meng received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in 2016 and 2022, respectively. Prior to her current role as a Research Assistant Professor, Dr Meng served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at PolyU from 2023 to 2025. Her primary research interests focus on using advanced Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance structural health monitoring and asset management in civil engineering structures. Dr Meng has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Best Thesis Award from the Faculty of Construction and Environment of PolyU. She also serves as a Young Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Building Structures. Dr Meng has joined us on 1 February 2025.  

PolyU CEE Webinar Series: FRP-coated steel rebars: a new solution of corrosion protection for concrete structures

Dr Yu XIANG delivered a seminar with the topic of “FRP-coated steel rebars: a new solution of corrosion protection for concrete structures” on 15 January 2025. It was co-organized with HKIE Civil Division. Find the full version of the webinar in the below link: https://youtu.be/1aFcxSTxz3k  

CEE Members Elected Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Prof. Jian-Hua Yin, Distinguished Research Professor of CEE, and Prof. Xiao Lin Zhao, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure of CEE, have been inducted as Fellows of the Hong Kong Academic of Engineering (HKAE) in recognition of their exceptional expertise and remarkable contributions to the field of engineering. The announcement was made at the 31st HKAE annual general meeting on 9 December 2024, and the induction ceremony was held on 20 January 2025. Established in 1994, HKAE was formed by eminent engineers across various disciplines, recognized as leaders in their profession, to promote science advancement and the practice of engineering for the benefits of Hong Kong. HKAE aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence in engineering, contributing to the development Hong Kong and our Nation. Join us in congratulating Prof. Yin and Prof. Zhao for this well-deserved recognition. Their achievements stand as a testament to the exemplary standards of excellence upheld by CEE members. We look forward to their continued dedication to advancing the frontiers of engineering knowledge and wish them success in their future endeavors!  

CEE Staff Received The President’s Awards and Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2024

We are proud to announce the outstanding achievements of CEE staff members in the year of 2024. Their unwavering commitment in the pursuit of 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 and 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 has not gone unnoticed, resulting in the below accolades. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭’𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 (𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳) (𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥) Congratulations to 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐘𝐢-𝐐𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐢, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐄𝐄, for being honored the award for his exceptional contributions to the field of Structural Engineering, including SHM (Structural Health Monitoring), and Structural Dynamics and Control etc. His groundbreaking research accomplishments have been deployed in infrastructures including long-span bridges and skyscrapers in both Hong Kong and China, creating positive impact and setting new benchmarks for excellence in the field. 𝐅𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 (𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳) (𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥) A round of applause goes to a team of CEE academic staff including 𝐃𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐮 (𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫), 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐂𝐡𝐢 𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐧, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐧, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐠, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐒𝐡𝐮-𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐬𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐨, who have been recognized for their innovative approach in introducing the new subject, “Global Study for Civil Engineering and Sustainable Development”. The subject emphasizes non-local experiential learning and “student-led” learning initiatives. After a year’s implementation, study tours to Thailand, Taiwan, Korea and China has been arranged, which not only enriched students’ international exposure but also fostered their intercultural competence and teacher-student relationships. The President’s Awards and the Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement are two tiers of awards established in PolyU to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of staff members. Categorized into individual and team awards, the honors are given in the areas of Teaching, Research and Scholarly Activities, Knowledge Transfer, and Services. Congratulations again to all the awarded individuals and teams of 2024 for their remarkable accomplishments, which continue to elevate the standard of the Department. We look forward to witnessing more impactful contributions and innovative initiatives from our dedicated staff members in the future.  

CEE Graduate Won Merit Award in IOSH Hong Kong Student Research Project Competition 2023/24

Congratulations to Ms Kwok Hoi Lamm, graduate of CEE, for receiving the Merit Award in the Student Research Project Competition 2023/24 organized by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Ms Kwok was graduated from BSc (Hons) in Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health (EOSH) and her final year project, titled “A Review on Occupational Health Impact on Machinery Operators’ Exposed Vibration”, was supervised by Dr Nicole Yiu, Lecturer of CEE. This award is to encourage students enrolled in IOSH-accredited programmes to conduct and present outstanding final year projects in the field of occupational safety and health. Upon receiving the award, Ms Kwok showcased and presented her innovative research at The Occupational Safety and Health Webinar - Student Research Project Competition and Award Presentation Ceremony 2023/24 held on 29 November 2024 (Friday). Congratulations again to Ms Kwok for this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to her continuous accomplishments and seeing her being the future leader in occupational safety and health.  

CEE Thailand Study Tour 2025

The CEE Thailand Study Tour to Bangkok from 5 to 11 January 2025, offered our CEE UG students a deeply immersive and enriching learning experience. By engaging with professors and students at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), our students gained valuable insights into Thailand's civil engineering advancements, particularly the rapid development of its transportation systems. During the 7-day visit, the group explored an MRT subway construction site, expanded their understanding at a flood diversion project, and visited Benjakitti Forest Park and the ancient temples in Ayutthaya. In addition to following the itinerary organized by CEE and KMUTT, the students had the opportunity to design a 2-day itinerary themselves. This allowed them to explore the similarities and differences in sustainable civil engineering practices and cultural aspects between Bangkok and Hong Kong, encouraging critical thinking and broadening their perspectives beyond their home city. We are grateful for the warm hospitality extended by the professors and students of KMUTT. Their kindness and welcoming nature greatly enriched our experience, making the study tour both enjoyable and informative. We believe this experience will inspire our students and enhance their understanding of civil engineering.  

Prof. Yong Xia Won ASCE Greater China Distinguished Leadership Medal 2025

Congratulations to Prof. Yong Xia, Professor of CEE, for being awarded the ASCE Greater China Distinguished Leadership Medal at the 3rd ASCE Greater China Conference held at Guangxi University on 10 - 12 January 2025.  This esteemed award recognizes Prof. Xia’s remarkable innovative contributions and outstanding leadership in advancing the ASCE Greater China Section and the civil engineering profession in Greater China. The selection process for this award involved a thorough evaluation of various criteria including professional contributions, academic influence, and international engagement. Prof. Xia has been engaging in the research of large-scale civil engineering structural health monitoring, structural damage identification, and substructure methods for large structures. Being an expert in the field, his developed technologies have been applied to numerous prominent structures, contributing significantly to the advancement of science and technology. Established on November 5, 2019, the ASCE Greater China Section serves as a platform to foster the growth of civil engineering in Greater China, facilitating knowledge exchange, networking opportunities, and professional development among its members. The section unites engineers across diverse disciplines within civil engineering, ranging from structural and geotechnical to construction, environmental, materials, and water resources. We extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Yong Xia on this well-deserved recognition. We eagerly anticipate more pioneering accomplishments from Prof. Xia in the future and we wish his endeavours will continue to inspire and bring positive impact to the field.  

CEE Dubai Study Tour 2025

The CEE Dubai Study Tour, held from 28 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, marked our first long-haul study tour and provided students with an exceptional array of learning experiences. Our students had the unique opportunity to visit Ducon Industries, a leading manufacturer and supplier of concrete blocks in Dubai, where they explored a concrete production site and learned about sustainable building materials. Additionally, they visited the Senseable City Lab Dubai and the Museum of the Future, which are managed by the Dubai Future Foundation, where they were inspired by innovative robotic systems and autonomous solutions aimed at advancing smart city development. Beyond academic visits, students immersed themselves in Islamic culture by enjoying a cultural lunch and exploring the historic areas of old Dubai. A highlight of the cultural tour was the Desert Safari, where they experienced an Arabic BBQ dinner and engaged in exciting desert activities such as camel riding and ATV biking. We are grateful for the warm hospitality extended by Ducon Industries and MIT Senseable City Lab Dubai. Their generosity and welcoming spirit greatly enhanced our experience, making the study tour both enjoyable and enlightening. We believe this journey will inspire our students and deepen their understanding of civil engineering.  

CEE Member Secured RGC Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) 2024/25

Congratulations to Prof. You Dong, Associate Professor of CEE, whose project was supported by RGC Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) 2024/25 among the 83 proposals submitted by PolyU. The project details are as follows:   Ref. No.: C5085-24GF Name of PC: Prof. You Dong Proposal Title: Advancing Compound Hazard Resilience and Adaptation for Urban Building Community in a Changing Climate RGC Amount Awarded: $4,430,285 In 2024/25 CRF Exercise, the RGC received a total of 402 preliminary proposals and shortlisted 100 submissions of full proposals, of which 62 were selected for interview. Finally, 42 proposals with a total amount of $239.8 million (exclusive of on-costs) were supported by the RGC.