Media Releases

PolyU hosts International Low-Altitude Economy Summit, gathering global leaders from government, industry, academia and research to power development of low-altitude economy ecosystem

Organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA), the International Low-Altitude Economy Summit (the Summit) was held today at PolyU. The Summit brought together local, Chinese Mainland and overseas representatives from government, industry, academia and research sectors to share forward-looking insights into a range of key topics, that spanned low-altitude airspace management policies, research and development of innovative technologies, industry development models and urban applications, while also showcasing numerous innovations in related technologies. The full-day event attracted over 1,200 government and business leaders, scholars, industry experts and public, demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique strengths in standards, regulation, and alignment with international practices. The opening took place at the Jockey Club Auditorium on the PolyU campus, and was attended by Mr Michael WONG Wai-lun, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; The Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Legislative Council Member of the HKSAR and Founding President of LAEA, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Mr Kevin CHOI, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government; Mr Arthur LEE, Treasurer of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology of PolyU.  In his opening address, Mr Michael Wong said, “The development of the low-altitude economy requires not only government effort but also the support of partners from various sectors. I am very pleased that PolyU is a close collaborator in this regard. The government is rapidly advancing the development of the low-altitude economy. Among the first batch of 38 Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, 17 have already commenced, and another 11 are expected to be launched by the end of this month. In addition, next year, the advanced ‘Regulatory Sandbox X’ pilot projects will be introduced, covering more complex application scenarios such as cross-boundary routes and low-altitude passenger aircraft. The government will continue to refine the civil aviation legislation and regulatory framework while actively promoting the development of related infrastructure.” Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked, “PolyU has been working hand-in-hand with the government and industry to promote the development of the regional low-altitude economy and to accelerate the establishment of the Greater Bay Area as an aviation and logistics hub. This Summit provides an excellent opportunity for in-depth exchanges among experts from the government, industry and academia across different regions. As an emerging industry strongly promoted at the national level, the low-altitude economy is regarded as a key driver for developing new quality productive forces. In light of this, PolyU earlier submitted recommendations for the Policy Address which proposed advancing Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy through measures in areas such as infrastructure development, regional collaboration, and civil service training. Leveraging our strengths in interdisciplinary research and higher education, PolyU will continue to work collaboratively with various sectors to help Hong Kong and the entire Greater Bay Area seize the opportunities in this emerging field.” The Hon Elizabeth Quat said, “The low-altitude economy will bring revolutionary changes to transportation, logistics, public services, and different industries, creating numerous job opportunities and new direction for the younger generation. These changes will also bring the public an unprecedented level of convenience and efficiency. However, we still need joint efforts from the government and all sectors of society to safely develop the low-altitude economy. Collaboration among the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors is essential to drive breakthroughs and promote innovation in policies, systems, regulations, and technology. The LAEA will continue to work together with cities across the Greater Bay Area and different stakeholders to help the region become a global pioneer and demonstration zone for the low-altitude economy. It will also play the roles of both ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, supporting the nation’s low-altitude economy in reaching out to the world.” The first highlight of the Summit was a keynote speech by Dr BI Qi, Chief Scientist of China Telecom, with the theme “Building Intelligent Network for Flight Services to Release the Potential of Low Altitude Airspace Economy.” It was followed by two fireside chats. The first, moderated by Mr Kevin Choi, gathered officials from the Chinese Mainland, the European Union and Singapore, together with international enterprise representative to explore the policies and regulatory regime that support the low-altitude economy; the second, hosted by Prof. Christopher Chao and attended by scholars and industry leaders—including leading electric vertical take-off and landing and low-altitude systems developers—discussed how collaborative innovation across industry and academia can drive breakthroughs in and the translation of low-altitude flying and related technologies. Dr Bi Qi, Chief Scientist of China Telecom, delivered a keynote speech, “Building Intelligent Network for Flight Services to Release the Potential of Low Altitude Airspace Economy”. In the afternoon, the Summit featured four thematic parallel sessions. “Sandbox Project Progress Sharing” showcased the progress of ongoing Sandbox projects and highlighted the pilot outcomes, key challenges and policy recommendations. “UTM and UAV Technology” spotlighted research on infrastructure design for unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM), integration with manned airspace, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and related safety mechanisms in the Greater Bay Area. “Policy and Regulation” discussed policy frameworks that foster low-altitude economy development, covering public–private collaboration models and regional integration. “Industry Forum” presented UAV innovations in hardware, software and systems, with live demonstrations and video showcases of their applications in public services. Another highlight of the Summit, an Innovation and Technology Showcase was staged, where nearly 30 government departments, academic institutions and enterprises presented edge-cutting technology applications and the Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. These included a sentry drone system for early warning of GNSS interference, 5G-connected drone technology, a 5G drone integrated management cloud platform, an AI-powered aerial intelligence drone platform, an advanced wireless charger for drones, an integrated real-time precise point positioning-real-time kinematic infrastructure for cross-border low-altitude positioning and navigation in the Greater Bay Area, and drone-assisted urban logistics systems. An Innovation and Technology Showcase was staged during the Summit. Nearly 30 government departments, academic institutions and enterprises presented cutting-edge technology applications and the Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. Prof. Hailong HUANG, Assistant Professor of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and a core member Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy of PolyU, introduced some of the University’s innovations. Providing all-round support for Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy development  PolyU is committed to providing comprehensive support for low-altitude economy development in Hong Kong—from technology innovation, knowledge transfer and policy recommendations to talent cultivation. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The University last year established the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE) to advance interdisciplinary research that drives technological advancements in the field, while its Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology has made policy recommendations to the HKSAR Government on various topics related to low-altitude economy. Meanwhile, PolyU is actively expanding its industry collaboration network, driving innovation and knowledge transfer in the low-altitude economy. PolyU also this year launched a MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy to cultivate a variant talent pool for the sector.” Prof. Christopher Chao (centre), The Hon Elizabeth Quat (left) and Prof. CHEN Wen-hua, Interim Head of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, Chair Professor of Robotics and Autonomous System , and Director of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy of PolyU (right), attended the media briefing session. Prof. Christopher Chao shared key PolyU initiatives and plans to help promote the low-altitude economy. The International Low-Altitude Economy Summit demonstrated PolyU’s strong research capabilities, cross-sector collaboration network and advantages in knowledge transfer in the low-altitude economy field. It also showcased the thriving low-altitude economy ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, enhanced Hong Kong’s international influence in this field and gathered expert insights on multiple critical topics—making a significant step towards the vision of propelling Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications.    ***END***

PolyU ranks 83rd in Times Higher Education World University Rankings, maintaining top 100 place for five consecutive years

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has risen to rank 83rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, marking its fifth consecutive year among the world’s top 100 universities. This highlights PolyU’s overall strength and global impact in research, teaching and knowledge transfer, as well as its achievement in fostering an international academic environment. A total of 2,191 universities from 115 countries and territories were evaluated based on 18 indicators across five areas: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook and Industry. PolyU continued to perform well in several research-related indicators. Particularly, the University attained full scores in “Research Excellence” and “Research Productivity” for three consecutive years and has demonstrated excellent performance in various indicators, including “Research Strength” and “Research Influence”.  PolyU also achieved full scores in “Patents” for two consecutive years which measures the number of patents from any source that cite research conducted by the university. This remarkable achievement highlights PolyU’s dedicated commitment to knowledge transfer and its contribution to national economic development. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, said, “We are pleased with PolyU’s impressive performance in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, which reaffirms the University’s internationally recognised academic and research excellence. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer while strengthening its ties and collaborations with partners around the world. The University is dedicated to advancing world-leading research and innovation and attracting outstanding students from around the globe, contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for post-secondary education and an international innovation and technology centre.” For more information on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, please visit: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking. ***END***

PolyU researchers uncover target and mechanism of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine, paving the way for new treatments for viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease

Tetrandrine, a compound isolated from the root of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Stephania tetrandra, has shown promise in combating Ebola virus infection in previous studies. Its precise mechanism of action, however, had remained unclear. Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have discovered that tetrandrine works by blocking the transport of sphingosine – a lipid molecule essential for cellular signalling – and inhibiting the calcium channels. Their research has revealed the critical mechanism of tetrandrine for the first time, opening new avenues for drug discovery and disease treatment. Tetrandrine is known for its potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to inhibit nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP)-mediated calcium efflux, thereby suppressing the activity of the Ebola virus. Scientists have long believed that tetrandrine elicits its pharmacological activity by directly blocking calcium channels and their release of calcium, which is a key regulator of cellular function and physiology including immune response, metabolism, brain and neuron functions, and viral replication. Prof. Ben KO Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, has led his research team in using a specially designed photoaffinity probe alongside other advanced tools to visualise tetrandrine’s cellular target. They discovered that, instead of directly targeting the calcium channels, tetrandrine binds to the lysosomal integral membrane protein type-2 (LIMP-2) on the lysosome – the metabolic hub of the cell – and blocks the discharge of sphingosine from it. The team further found that it is the amount of cellular sphingosine that controls the activity of calcium channels: the less sphingosine released, the less calcium that can enter the cells. With this ground-breaking discovery, the researchers propose that tetrandrine can be used to disrupt processes critical to the survival and replication of viruses, such as Ebola and COVID-19, by targeting LIMP-2 to alter lysosomal calcium release. Importantly, these findings highlight lysosome-related mechanisms as a new frontier for drug discovery, offering novel strategies for treating diseases caused by calcium imbalance, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as certain metastatic cancers. Prof. Ko said, “This is the first time a function of LIMP-2 in calcium signalling has been uncovered. From a cell biology perspective, our study has revealed a completely new pathway for NAADP-regulated calcium signalling, through LIMP-2 and sphingosine. From an anti-viral treatment perspective, the study has identified LIMP-2 as a key target of tetrandrine for the treatment of Ebola virus infection, with broader applications in other antiviral therapies.” While illuminating tetrandrine’s biological mechanism, the research team has developed a technology platform that combines photoaffinity probe and multi-omics analysis. This platform not only facilitates studies of natural product biology, but also enables researchers to identify the molecular targets of other natural compounds, particularly those derived from TCM. By integrating modern analytical techniques with TCM, it modernises the use of natural products and expands their therapeutic potential in the fight against the most challenging diseases, supporting the development of innovative drugs. The research redefines how natural compounds, such as tetrandrine can be applied in modern therapeutic strategies. The findings have been published in Nature Communications, in a paper titled “Tetrandrine regulates NAADP-mediated calcium signaling through a LIMP-2-dependent and sphingosine-mediated mechanism.” ***END***

Chang’e-6 team wins IAF World Space Award with PolyU-developed space payloads supporting lunar far side sampling mission

At the opening ceremony of the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, the China National Space Administration’s Chang’e-6 team was awarded the prestigious World Space Award 2025 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) developed critical engineering payloads for the Nation’s Chang’e-6 mission, contributing to the world’s first lunar far side sampling. As part of the team, the University is deeply honoured to have been instrumental in this historic achievement. PolyU was also recognised with the IAF Excellence in 3G+ Diversity Award, becoming the first higher education institution in China and the East Asia region to receive this distinction—underscoring its achievements in fostering diversity and inclusion in the aerospace sector. The World Space Award is one of the highest honours in the field of international astronautics, often regarded as the “Oscar of Space”. Previously, China’s Chang’e-4 mission team and the Tianwen-1 probe development team received the same award in 2020 and 2022, respectively. This award to the Chang’e-6 mission team once again signifies China’s leading position in space exploration. Led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, the PolyU research team collaborated closely with the China Academy of Space Technology to develop the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” for the Chang’e-6 mission, and was involved in the design and manufacturing of key instruments. PolyU was the only Hong Kong university to have its in-house critical payloads aboard Chang’e-6. The System successfully soft-landed on the far side of the moon in 2024 and completed fully automated surface sampling and packaging tasks, achieving the historic feat of collecting samples from the lunar far side for the first time. Meanwhile, the IAF Excellence in 3G+ Diversity Award conferred upon PolyU recognises the University’s commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and its outstanding performance in promoting geography, generation and gender diversity within the aerospace sector. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “PolyU takes great pride in supporting the national aerospace team in achieving international accolades, and we are honoured to have received the 3G+ Diversity Award. This not only affirms the University’s research capabilities but also recognises its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. PolyU will continue to dedicate itself to innovative research and nurturing diverse talents, contributing to Hong Kong, the Nation and the global community.” PolyU has actively participated in the national space exploration programme since 2010, providing key technologies for the Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4, Chang’e-5, and Chang’e-6 lunar missions and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission. In recent years, PolyU established the "Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations" to further advance space research. Since joining IAF in 2023, PolyU has been an active contributor to the International Astronautical Congress. This year, the University proudly presented nine cutting-edge space research projects, spanning low-Earth orbit navigation, planetary remote sensing, spacecraft fire suppression systems, advanced spacesuit design, and an AI-driven satellite imagery localization start-up founded by two of our international undergraduate students. PolyU remains committed to aerospace research and innovation, with the aim of contributing to national space exploration and development.   ***END***

428 PolyU scholars ranked among World's Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved outstanding results in the latest list of the World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025, compiled by Stanford University. Notably, 259 scholars were included based on their career-long citation impact. Together with the scholars named for their single-year citation impact, a total of 428 PolyU scholars have, this year, been recognised. This places PolyU second among Hong Kong’s universities in terms of the number of scholars listed, underscoring the international recognition of the University’s research excellence. The career-long citation impact is calculated based on citations to scholars’ publications from 1960 to 2024. PolyU has the highest number of top 2% most-cited scientists worldwide in the sub-fields of Building and Construction and Operations Research. The University leads in Hong Kong with the most top 2% most-cited scientists across 25 sub-fields^, including Building and Construction; Materials; Energy; Civil Engineering; Optoelectronics & Photonics; Operations Research; Nursing; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Transports; Sport, Leisure and Tourism; Logistics and Transportation; Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences; Ophthalmology and Optometry; and Rehabilitation. In addition, four PolyU scholars rank among the global top 10 in their respective fields, namely Building and Construction; Operations Research; Geological and Geomatics Engineering; and Civil Engineering, while 19 scholars are ranked within the global top 50. This makes PolyU the leading local university in this respect, with the highest number of global top 10 and top 50 scholars. Furthermore, PolyU is the only institution in Hong Kong with scholars listed in the subfields of Criminology; Strategic, Defence and Security Studies; and Social Work, based on career-long citation impact. The World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists is compiled by Stanford University based on composite indicators of publication impact, including total citations, citations to single-authored publications and the H-index. It covers 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields, and is divided into two lists in relation to scholars’ career-long citation and single-year citation impact, recognising their long-term and recent research impact. PolyU is committed to driving research and innovation, and this international recognition is a testament to the University’s dedication to pioneering research and talent cultivation. Moving forward, PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer, leveraging impactful research to address global challenges for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. ^ Including sub-fields in which PolyU is tied with other local institutions   ***END***

PolyU and Beijing Sport University sign MoU

Chinese version only

PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences faculty and students support 15th National Games, providing comprehensive sports physiotherapy services for athletes

This November, from 9th to 21st, the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China (the 15th National Games) will bring together top athletes from across the Nation in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to supporting the development of sports. A dedicated team of faculty and students from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences provides comprehensive sports physiotherapy services to participating athletes, offering them pre-competition training and on-site medical services to ensure they are in peak physical condition and ready to perform at their best in the competition. Led by Prof. Amy FU, Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, this multidisciplinary team comprises nine other faculty members and alumni from the Department, along with over 30 students currently pursuing Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy and Master of Science in Sports Physiotherapy programmes. The team has developed a comprehensive range of sports physiotherapy support programmes for athletes from the Hong Kong, China men’s and women’s handball teams, baseball team, gymnastics team and judo team, as well as the Guangdong province table tennis and fencing teams. Their services include pre-competition personalised performance assessments and analysis, health and training load monitoring, training support, and clinical physiotherapy consultations. During the 15th National Games, the team will also provide on-site medical support for the sports teams. A renowned expert with extensive experience in sports physiotherapy and team leadership, Prof. Amy Fu has led PolyU efforts in supporting a number of major international sport events, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. She remarked, “The PolyU team is deeply committed to empowering Hong Kong and Chinese athletes as they prepare and compete at the highest levels. We are thrilled to be part of the 15th National Games, where we can leverage our unique strengths in sports science and sports physiotherapy to support the growth of sports in China.” Prof. Fu expressed her gratitude to the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) for fostering the collaboration between PolyU and the SF&OC member associations. The PolyU team has been preparing for over a year, leveraging their extensive expertise in sports physiotherapy and the latest research findings to empower athletes to mitigate injuries and maintain a high level of physical condition. Their comprehensive approach involves conducting thorough assessments to identify injury risks, analyse athletes’ movement patterns and provide rehabilitation therapy for injured athletes. Additionally, they educate athletes on different recovery strategies to ensure their swift return to training and competition. Prof. Fu’s team has adopted several innovative in-house technologies, such as the Patellar Auto-mobilising Device for easing knee pain and a unique shoulder brace specifically designed for judo athletes. Mr Freddy TSE, Captain of the Hong Kong, China Men’s Handball Team and a graduate of the PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management, who will be competing in the 15th National Games, stated, “It is an immense privilege to represent Hong Kong at the National Games, and the rehabilitation support from the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has been instrumental in our preparation and enabled us to withstand some of the rigours of competition. As a proud PolyU graduate, I am grateful for the institution that not only nurtured my growth but has also provided me with multifaceted support and care throughout my athletic career.” Mr Tony LEE, Hong Kong, China Judo athlete and PhD student of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, shared his insights, “As an athlete and physiotherapy researcher, I wear two hats – one as a competitor and the other as a scholar – and deeply appreciate the value of professional physiotherapy in elevating athletic performance and mitigating the risk of injury. PolyU’s rehabilitative support stands out for its comprehensive approach, providing not only expert guidance for recovery but also psychological encouragement that empowers us to persevere, focus and ultimately thrive.” The PolyU team operates within a unique faculty-student collaborative framework, where students are entrusted with delivering sports physiotherapy to elite athletes under the supervision of faculty members. Students participating in the project have stated that providing physiotherapy services to Hong Kong’s athletes competing in the National Games is a unique opportunity to develop critical decision-making skills under high-pressure conditions. During the course of their training, they learn how to assess and make sound judgments in offering appropriate management to any injured athletes. Their experience at the Games will help prepare them for their future careers as confident and competent physiotherapists. The 15th National Games marks a historic milestone as Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau unite for the first time to host this prestigious event. Hong Kong takes centre stage, hosting eight competitive events. Over 30 PolyU students and alumni will compete in about seven sports disciplines, including artistic gymnastics, athletics, beach volleyball, handball, karate, taekwondo and swimming. We wish our PolyU athletes every success in making the most of their home advantage and bringing glory to Hong Kong at the 15th National Games.   ***END***  

PolyU and VSC Steel Processing Holdings Limited sign MoU

Chinese version only

Over 1,300 guests and PolyU members attend the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate 76th anniversary of founding of the People’s Republic of China

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today hosted a flag-raising ceremony on campus to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The flag-raising ceremony was officiated by PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai; President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG; and Mr BAO Haibin, Director-General of the Policy Research Department, Office of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR. They were joined by Deputy Council Chairman Dr Daniel YIP Chung-yin; University Court Chairman Dr Katherine NGAN NG Yu-ying; Treasurer of the University Mr Arthur LEE Kin; Honorary Court Chairman Dr Roy CHUNG Chi-ping; and President Emeritus Prof. the Honourable POON Chung-kwong, together with Council and Court members, other University senior management, Honorary Graduates, University Fellows, Outstanding Alumni, members of the PolyU Foundation, and over 1,300 distinguished guests, staff, students and alumni, wishing prosperity and stability for the Nation and Hong Kong. The ceremony was performed by the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team. Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “The People’s Republic of China has flourished over the past 76 years, bringing unprecedented opportunities to Hong Kong. As one of the world’s top 100 universities, PolyU is committed to nurturing talent and future-ready leaders with a strong sense of national pride, and strengthening a sense of national identity and belonging to the Nation among the University’s community. We are actively promoting the integrated development of education, technology and talents, contributing to the Nation’s efforts to become leading country in these fields.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “This year marks the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, with the Nation continuing to achieve remarkable success on its path of high-quality development. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU will continue to leverage its strengths in education, research and knowledge transfer to drive world-leading research and innovation. The University will support Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre and international hub for post-secondary education, contributing to the national goal of building China into a leading country in education, technology and talents.” PolyU is committed to promoting Chinese culture and has been organising the “PolyU Chinese Culture Festival” series of events to cultivate a deeper appreciation of Chinese heritage among the younger generation. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, PolyU held a screening of the film “The National Anthem” at the Jockey Club Auditorium after the flag-raising ceremony. The film tells the story behind the national anthem, “March of the Volunteers.” The song captures the fearless and tenacious fighting spirit of the Chinese nation. Over 600 guests and members of the PolyU community attended the event.     ***END***  

PolyU researchers develop underground utilities inspection technologies to locate invisible water pipe leakages and voids

Proper maintenance of underground infrastructure is crucial for a city’s sustainable development. However, with its high-density underground utilities, such maintenance work is particularly challenging in Hong Kong. A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has leveraged advanced underground exploration technologies to develop underground utilities inspection systems that support early detection of urban infrastructure anomalies, including voids and pipe leakages, for enhanced urban management. Underground utilities are essential for providing water, energy and communication services. As the infrastructure ages and deteriorates, it becomes prone to cracks, leakages and even road subsidence, leading to service disruptions and road accidents. Developed by Prof. Wallace Wai Lok LAI, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, and his research team, their technologies help accurately pinpoint the source of leakages and indicate their severity through analysis of underground images and leak noises. Addressing the complexity of Hong Kong’s underground pipeline network, these technologies can serve as safeguards against related urban risks. Multi-channel and vehicle-towed GPR technology supports large-scale inspection In the construction sector, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology is often used to investigate underground anomalies by scanning and imaging underground structures. The researchers utilised advanced multi-channel and vehicle-towed GPR that allows large-area scanning. From the images generated of underground pipes, they successfully decoded water leakage signatures in utilities surrounded by soil, and established a set of quantitative benchmarks for determining where there is leakage and assessing how serious it is. With this technology, researchers can uncover potential underground cavities and pipeline leakages before they actually occur, and examine changes in time-lapse radar data for ongoing detection. One of the critical aspects of the project is the introduction of a unified framework for producing consistent and quantitatively interpretable GPR images. Prof. Lai said, “Traditionally, GPR technology is used for subjective near-surface geophysical mapping and prospecting. Our research presents a significant advancement in using it as an objective measurement and a diagnostic tool to identify and locate hazards, and assess their severity, further advancing the application of GPR.” Another side of the coin: Leak noise analysis also helps locate leakage source When pipe leakage is detected in a particular region by GPR, it is important to locate the leakage for subsequent repair. Repair work relies on precise positioning for excavation, and this is where another technology comes into play—distinction of leak noise and its positioning. The researchers conducted analysis to understand the characteristics of such sounds for years, specifically examining the amplitude and magnitude of sounds distant from and at the leakage point. They further found that leakage caused by different factors, such as pipe cracks or valve leaks, and on different levels of severity produces noise with different patterns. Supported by these findings, through studying the sound data the researchers are able to discover the source of the leakage and distinguish between different leakage scenarios. Currently, with the help of ground microphones and leak noise correlators, technicians in the industry collect leak noise at fixed points, including suspected leak points and high-risk locations like areas near valves. These tools are, however, prone to interference from environmental noise like traffic, making it hard to accurately identify the source and condition of the leak in many occasions. The team is now exploring the use of robots equipped with acoustic hydrophones that can go deep into underground pipelines to collect sound data directly for more precise locating of the leak source and arrangement for immediate repair. Integrating AI and robotics technologies for future application At the forefront of research on underground pipeline inspection for decades, Prof. Lai’s projects have received support from the government and industrial institutions. Among these is the Water Supplies Department (WSD), which collaborated with Prof. Lai’s team to launch the underground water mains leak detection training centre, Q-Leak, in 2021 to advance leak detection technology. The two parties earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shenzhen Bwell Technology Co. Ltd to jointly establish the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory, focusing on developing pipeline robotics technologies. In addition, making use of the GPR images and leak noise previously collected, the research team is working with the Government and industry partners to establish a database and develop an AI model that enables efficient comparison and analysis of substantial underground pipeline images and sound data, while also generating more accurate and reliable assessment results. The team envisions that this initiative will facilitate large-scale inspection of underground pipelines in Hong Kong and beyond. Prof. Lai remarked, “WSD aims to reduce the rate of water leakage from 13.4% to less than 10% before 2030. Meanwhile, the Highways Department reported 52 cases of road subsidence between 2021 and 2023, many caused by leakage in high-pressure underground water pipelines. By harnessing a range of advanced technologies, we aim to develop a data-driven warning system and surveillance plan, along with a risk-based asset management strategy, for detecting underground leakage and voids with improved accuracy and efficiency, and providing scientific support to relevant policy decisions.”   ***END***