News

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU CEE 2025

We are proud to announce that Prof. Yifei Cui, Ir Wilson Cheung and Prof. Dilum Fernando have been honoured with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement, Outstanding Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement, and Outstanding Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement of PolyU CEE 2025 respectively. The award recognizes their remarkable achievements, exemplary leadership, and contributions to their alma mater. Prof. Yifei Cui, graduated from BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering in 2009, is the Associate Professor and Vice Head of the Department of Hydraulic Engineering in Tsinghua University, where he specializes in Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Engineering. His work in geo-hazard identification and modeling has earned him different prestigious research awards. Prof. Cui actively collaborates with CEE on research projects, showcasing his commitment to research excellence and knowledge transfer. Ir Wilson Cheung, a graduate of BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering in 1995 and MSc in Civil Engineering in 2003, is the Managing Director of Wilson & Associates Limited. With over 28 years of experience, Ir Cheung has significantly advanced the engineering landscape in Hong Kong, fostering innovation in project management and construction. As a former president of the CEEAA and a supporter of scholarships for CEE students, he demonstrates unwavering dedication to his alma mater Prof. Dilum Fernando, who earned his PhD in Structural Engineering in 2010, is the Chair in Structural Engineering in The University of Edinburgh. As a prominent researcher in structural engineering, he exemplifies how fundamental research can lead to impactful applications. Prof. Fernando has been a valuable research collaborator with CEE, sharing insights at talks and conferences. His commitment to advancing knowledge and mentoring future engineers aligns with our mission at CEE.  We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all three distinguished alumni for this well-deserved recognition and we wish them continued success in their profession.  *Order in alphabetical order of surname  

PolyU CEE Webinar Series: Seismic Design Concepts for Building Structures

Prof. Ahmed Youssef Elghazouli delivered a seminar with the topic of “Seismic Design Concepts for Building Structures” on 27 August 2025. It was co-organized with HKIE Civil Division. Find the full version of the webinar in the below link: https://youtu.be/rh-hOTfIP5U  

Research of Prof. Chi Sun Poon’s Team Published on Nature Communications

A recent research article by Dr Yong Tao, Research Assistant Professor of CEE, and Prof. Chi Sun Poon, Distinguished Research Professor of CEE, has been highlighted as the "50 Best Papers" by Nature Communications and published in the category of “Materials Science and Chemistry”. Titled “Surface Chemistry-mediated Porewater Fluctuations Boost CO2 Docking in Calcium Silicate Hydrates”, the article uncovers the mechanisms of CO₂ sequestration, revealing how humidity affects CO₂ interactions. Utilizing Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations, this study provides critical insights into how porewater fluctuations and surface hydrophilicity in calcium silicate hydrates optimize CO₂ capture under varying humidity levels. These findings are pivotal for advancing large-scale carbonation technologies and enhance our understanding of geochemical carbonation processes. Nature Communications is an open access, multidisciplinary journal that publishes significant advances across the biological, health, physical, chemical, Earth, social, mathematical, applied, and engineering sciences, aiming to provide high-quality research relevant to specialists in each discipline.  This research is supported by The National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2024YFF0508300). Review the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62580-6  

CEE Graduate Secured Second Place in AGS(HK) Final Year Project Competition 2025

We are proud to announce that Mr Kwok Leong Lui, graduate of CEE previously supervised by Prof. Andy Leung, has won the second prize in the AGS(HK) Final Year Project Competition for his final year project titled “Probabilistic Slope Analysis of Cut Slope Case with Soil Nails Reinforcement”. In addition to his outstanding performance in research, Mr Lui was recognized for the clarity and comprehensibility of his presentation.   The Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists (Hong Kong) [AGS (HK)] hosts the annual competition to acknowledge outstanding achievements and raise public awareness of best practices and principles in geotechnical, geological, geophysical, and geo-environmental engineering. Aimed at final-year undergraduate students, the award supports academic and future career development of young talents, recognizes research excellence of and encourages them to pursue excellence in the industry. Once again, congratulations to our outstanding student for his remarkable achievement and we look forward to his onward journey in the field of geotechnical engineering. More details of the competition can be found at https://www.ags-hk.org/events-supp/20250730.   

FCE Awards for Outstanding PhD Theses 2024/25

We are thrilled to announce that Dr Xiong Sha, CEE PhD graduate, has been awarded the FCE Awards for Outstanding PhD Theses 2024/25. Supervised by Prof. Songye Zhu, Dr Sha’s thesis, titled “Baseline-free Electromechanical Impedance Technique for Material Characterization and Delamination Detection in Concrete”, has been recognized for its exceptional quality and innovation. The winners were selected based on the outstanding quality of their research, their effective presentation skills, and their ability to respond to questions from the Working Group of the Faculty Research Committee. Their academic performance and publication track records were also key factors in the selection process. Congratulations again to Dr Sha on this well-deserved recognition! The award highlights his commitment and dedication to achieving research excellence in the field, and we look forward to seeing his ongoing progress in scholarly pursuits and valuable contributions to society.  

New joiner – Dr Rui Yan

Dr Rui Yan obtained his PhD from Delft University of Technology in 2023. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Tongji University in 2014 and his Master’s degree from Harbin Institute of Technology in 2017. Before joining PolyU as a Research Assistant Professor, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at PolyU for two years. His research mainly focuses on the applications of high-performance steels, with a particular emphasis on integrating numerical modeling and advanced testing methods, to enhance structural resilience and sustainability in both land-based and floating structures. Dr Yan has joined us on 1 September 2025.  

CEE Guangzhou Study Tour 2025

The CEE Guangzhou Study Tour 2025 from 18 to 22 August 2025, led by Prof. Si-wei LIU, offered our CEE undergraduate students a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic landscape of urban planning, architectural engineering, and construction management in Guangzhou. By engaging with professors and students at South China University of Technology (SCUT), our students participated in a variety of enriching activities designed to deepen their understanding of the industry and foster professional growth. Highlights included seminars with distinguished speakers and visits to the Guangzhou Urban Planning Exhibition Center, RBS Architectural Engineering Design Associates, the headquarters of China Construction Fourth Engineering, and the Canton Tower. These experiences offered valuable insights into innovative design and large-scale construction projects to our students. We extend our sincere gratitude to our hosts at SCUT for their warm hospitality and support. This inspiring study tour has broadened our students’ perspectives and further ignited their passion for civil and environmental engineering.   

CEE Graduates Won in IOSH Hong Kong Student Research Project Competition 2024/25

Congratulations to Mr Andrew Yu Chung Chan, Mr Yan Chak Chan, Mr Dave Chun Hin Lee and Mr Miracle Yan Ching So, graduates of CEE, for their outstanding achievements in the Student Research Project Competition 2024/25 organized by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). This award aims to encourage students enrolled in IOSH-accredited programmes to conduct and present exceptional final year projects in the field of occupational safety and health, recognizing their dedication to quality and innovative research and showcasing their potential in the field.  All awardees were graduated from BSc (Hons) in Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health (EOSH) and their awarded projects are as follow: Student Name FYP Title Supervisor Award Andrew Yu Chung Chan Analysis and Review of the Relationship between Labour Intensity and Occupational Health from the Food Delivery Industry in Hong Kong Prof. Tony Sze First Place Award Yan Chak Chan Evaluation and Enhancement of Taxi Driver's Behavior for Improving Road Safety at Work in Hong Kong Dr Nicole Yiu Merit Award Dave Chun Hin Lee A Comprehensive Noise Assessment of Occupational Health Risk Associated with Noise Exposure at Indoor Transport Terminal Workplaces Prof. Tony Sze Merit Award Mirace Yan Ching So The Effectiveness of Metaverse Technology in Safety Education: A Study on Enhancing Learning Outcomes and Cognitive Performance, and Practical Applications in Working at Heights Prof. Tony Sze Merit Award Congratulations again to our talented students for the well-deserved recognition. We look forward to their continued accomplishments and their future leadership in the field of occupational safety and health.    

Research Centre for Design for Safety – Seminar on Design for Safety – Modular Integrated Construction (MiC)

The Research Centre for Design for Safety (RCDfS) seminar on “Design for Safety – Modular Integrated Construction (MiC)” was successfully held on 20 August 2025 (Wednesday). Hosted by Ir Richard Lee, CEE Alumni and General Manager of Yau Lee Construction Co. Ltd., the event brought together over 550 participants including CEE students, alumni, and industry partners, who joined both in-person and virtually. Ir Lee has been dedicated to project design and management in Hong Kong for over three decades. Through delivering the talk and showcasing real-life case studies, he emphasized the importance of promoting and proactively integrating the principles of “Design for Safety” into MiC projects to ensure construction safety in the industry. The event was sponsored by the Construction Industry Council, and supported by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association (CEEAA), The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (Safety Specialist Committee), Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers, Hong Kong Federation of Occupational Safety and Health Associations, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Industrial Centre Safety Course Alumni Association, Hong Kong Association of Risk Management and Safety, the Society of Registered Safety Officers, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and The Hong Kong Institute of Project Management. We express our gratitude to all sponsors and supporting organizations, as well as the participants who are interested in enhancing construction safety. Together, we aim to foster a culture of safety and collaborate in creating a safer construction environment.  

CEE Orientation Day 2025

The CEE Orientation Day 2025 was successfully held on 21 August 2025, welcoming all new joiners, including freshmen from both Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate programmes. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Songye Zhu, Interim Head of CEE, who expressed excitement about the new academic journey ahead. Throughout the session, students were introduced to their programme leaders, who provided valuable insights into the academic structure and expectations. Attendees also enjoyed inspiring sharing sessions from our recent graduates, Ms Krista Chan and Mr Steven Wong, and representatives from the 32nd CEE Student Association, who shared their experiences and tips for success. The orientation programme provided a fantastic opportunity for new students to connect with academic staff, peers, and the broader CEE community. We look forward to supporting our students as they embark on this exciting chapter of their education!