Media Releases

PolyU signs MoU with Peking Union Medical College Hospital to advance AI-powered precision diagnosis and treatment for tumors and nurture outstanding medical talent

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PolyU Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation and Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association co-host “Northern Metropolis Future Forum” to discuss urban-rural integration and community co-creation in Northern Metropolis

As the HKSAR Government moves ahead with the Northern Metropolis development, the region’s population is expected to surge in the coming years, creating new community and livelihood needs. The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association, co-hosted the “Northern Metropolis Future Forum” today to promote urban-rural integration and community co-creation in the Northern Metropolis. Bringing together various stakeholders, the Forum aimed to address the diverse needs of the region’s population and help advance its sustainable development vision. Mr YAU Cheuk-hang, Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office at the Development Bureau of the HKSAR, and Prof. WANG Yahua, President of the China Institute for Rural Studies and Professor of the School of Public Policy & Management at Tsinghua University, were invited as keynote speakers. Mr FONG Hok Shing, Director of Civil Engineering and Development of the HKSAR, joined by a diverse group of local and mainland scholars, social innovation leaders, professionals and enterprise representatives, engaged in multifaceted dialogue in the sharing and panel sessions, exploring innovative policy recommendations and practical solutions to pressing problems. In his welcoming speech, Prof. LING Kar-kan, PolyU Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) and Director of J.C.DISI, stated, “The Government is actively taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis through land assembly, infrastructure provision, housing construction and high-tech job creation. As an academic institution, PolyU can proactively explore different approaches for the Government that help conserve the valuable ecological and cultural heritage resources of the area. Digital technology and artificial intelligence will open up new possibilities for the conservation of rural village history and traditional culture, while also promoting urban-rural integration. This, in turn, will provide both urban and rural residents with new life experiences, distinctive communities with a strong sense of belonging, as well as rich cultural lives.” Ms Olivia XING, Co-founder of the Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association, said, “At a time when Hong Kong is embracing change, the development of the Northern Metropolis enables complementarity and interaction between urban and rural areas, and injects new vitality into the rich historical, cultural and ecological values of rural communities. As the area with the greatest development potential in the City, the Northern Metropolis brings together technology and culture, connects history with modernity, balances development with conservation, while also highlighting innovation and inclusiveness. It embodies people’s aspirations for the bright future of Hong Kong.” In his keynote speech, Mr Yau Cheuk-hang stated that the Northern Metropolis development is progressing at full speed, with the vision of becoming an internationalised metropolis ideal for living, working and travelling. Following an “infrastructure-first” strategy, it aims to integrate a high-quality living environment, industrial growth, and cultural and recreational amenities to establish a platform for high-quality regional collaboration. In the future, the Northern Metropolis will provide more housing and community facilities to enhance residents’ quality of life. It will also focus on developing diverse industries, driving economic growth and achieving a better work-life balance. The development will embody the concept of urban-rural integration, blending urban areas, rural landscapes, cultural heritage, and natural ecology to create a green, low-carbon living circle. Leveraging its border advantages, the Metropolis will stimulate regional vitality and foster deeper collaboration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Prof. Wang Yahua’s keynote speech was themed “Strategies and Policy Trends for Rural Revitalisation in Mainland China”. He stated that agricultural and rural issues remained significant challenges on China’s path to modernisation, and that the Nation had introduced a rural revitalisation strategy to accelerate the modernisation of agriculture and rural areas. It is necessary for China to prioritise the development of agriculture and rural communities, and to establish robust systems and policy frameworks for integrated urban-rural development that work towards the overarching goals of prosperous industries, liveable environments, civilised rural customs, effective governance and improved livelihoods. These efforts will advance the revitalisation of rural industries, talent, culture, ecology and organisations. Following the speeches were two sharing and panel sessions, with the themes of “Digital Empowerment: Experiences and Initiatives in Rural Revitalisation and Cultural Conservation” and “Cultural Empowerment: Inheritance and Innovation of Cantonese Opera Culture in Hong Kong.” The speakers explored the use of innovative technology to facilitate rural revitalisation through case studies of Mainland China’s cultural conservation and rural revitalisation policies, and took Cantonese opera as an entry point to discuss the importance of local cultural resources to the integration of urban-rural communities in the Northern Metropolis. Mr Fong Hok-shing pointed out that in order to lead the Northern Metropolis towards sustainable and integrated urban-rural development, the Development Bureau, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Planning Department and the consultant team were formulating urban-rural integration guidelines by drawing on local, Mainland and international experience. These guidelines clarify the concepts and vision of urban-rural integration and provide concrete recommendations for government departments and all sectors of society to consider. Urban-rural integration emphasises cross-sector collaboration, villager participation and the preservation of rural culture, aiming to improve the quality of rural life and promote urban-rural interaction. The Government will play a facilitative role in promoting urban-rural integration, working hand in hand with all sectors of society to create a beautiful future characterised by “Harmony, Prosperity, and Heritage”. Ms Sam LAM, Deputy Director of J.C.DISI, stated, “As a UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage, Cantonese opera represents the shared cultural roots of Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area. It plays a vital role in connecting communities, fostering cultural identity and serving as a driving force for urban-rural integration. We hope to jointly promote the establishment of a locally distinctive ‘Cantonese Opera and Intangible Cultural Heritage Archive’ in the Northern Metropolis to integrate intangible heritage into daily life, positioning Hong Kong as a central hub for cultural and artistic exchange between China and the world.” Through regularly exploring important topics such as community-making, creative tourism, innovative economy, intergenerational integration and child-friendliness, the “Northern Metropolis Future Forum” aspires to help coordinate urban-rural relations, promote the sustainable planning of public spaces and infrastructure, and innovate social service models, with the aim of creating an inclusive, vibrant community in the Northern Metropolis. Moderated by Prof. Ling Ka-kan (1st from right), the first roundtable discussion focused on the theme of “Digital Empowerment: Experiences and Initiatives in Rural Revitalization and Cultural Conservation”. Panelists included (from left) Dr Jun Jie CHONG, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering, Newcastle University in Singapore; Dr Perry LEUNG, Co-founder of Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association; Prof. Jinhua TAN, Founder of the Cangdong Project, The Institute for Guangdong Qiaoxiang Studies, Wuyi University; Prof. Wang Yahua; Dr SHU Quanfeng, Assistant Professor, School of Public Policy & Management, Tsinghua University, and Senior Research Fellow, Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association; and Dr DAI Yao, Distinguished Associate Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of Social Governance, Beijing Normal University, and Senior Research Fellow, Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association. The second panel discussion, themed “Cultural Empowerment: Inheritance and Innovation of Cantonese Opera Culture in Hong Kong”, was moderated by Prof. LAU Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Institutional Advancement and External Affairs) and Professor of the Department of History at Lingnan University (1st from right). Panelists included (from left) Ms Joanlin AU, Director of JA Design Architects Limited; Prof. YUEN Siu-fai, Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Music, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Mr Fong Hok-shing, Director of Civil Engineering and Development of the HKSAR; and Dr YIP Tak-ping, Terry, Associate Director of Xiqu and Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre, The Education University of Hong Kong. Mr Fong Hok-shing noted that guidelines for urban-rural integration are currently being formulated for government departments and various sectors of society. Ms Sam Lam, Deputy Director of J.C.DISI, stated that the establishment of a locally distinctive “Cantonese Opera and Intangible Cultural Heritage Archive” in the Northern Metropolis would position Hong Kong as a central hub for cultural and artistic exchange between China and the world. ***END***

PolyU awarded RGC Strategic Topics Grant for advancing next-generation immunotherapy technologies

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received funding support from the Strategic Topics Grant (STG) 2025/26 of the Research Grants Council (RGC) to support a multidisciplinary biomedical project aimed at developing an integrated technology platform for next-generation cancer immunotherapy. This pioneering research, which seeks to address some of the most pressing challenges in cancer treatment, has been awarded RGC funding of HK$32.4 million. Although cancer immunotherapy represents a major breakthrough in clinical oncology, it still faces significant challenges. To address some of these, Prof. ZHAO Yanxiang, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, is leading a multidisciplinary research team to develop a novel integrated approach to unlock the enormous potential of cancer immunotherapy. The project, “An integrated technology platform for next-generation cancer immunotherapy - from identification of tumor neoantigens to development of novel therapeutic vaccine modalities,” has received a total funded budget of HK$36 million, of which RGC funds 90% of the project cost with the remaining 10% matched by the participating universities, over a period of five years. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “PolyU is at the forefront of medical research and technological innovation, harnessing the strengths of our dedicated scholars, interdisciplinary research excellence, and state-of-the-art facilities and resources. This major funding from the RGC highlights our strong academic and innovative capabilities, particularly in the integration of biomedical technologies and AI-powered healthcare advancements.” Immunotherapy has revolutionised cancer treatment by using the body’s immune system to eliminate tumour cells. Antibodies that function as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy (CAR-T) have achieved remarkable clinical success, particularly in prolonging survival for some patients. However, these treatment options still face limitations as many cancer types are refractory to ICIs, and CAR-T is mostly effective in blood cancers but not in solid tumours. Recently, neoantigen-based therapeutic vaccine has emerged as a promising new modality in cancer immunotherapy. Some leading candidates, particularly mRNA-based vaccines, have shown encouraging result in early-stage clinical trials. However, challenges such as insufficient immunogenicity of neoantigens and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment remain as major hurdles for this approach. To overcome these challenges, Prof. Zhao and the research team proposes to build an integrated technological platform to develop Peptide-based Immunogenic Neoantigen Vaccines (PIN-Vax). This proposed platform has received support from STG under the project topic “Using advanced technology to advance health care challenge.” The platform comprises four interconnected modules that collectively cover the full preclinical development cycle and make use of advanced artificial intelligence technology in an integrated approach. The project plans to first apply the PIN-Vax platform to HPV-associated cervical cancer and HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, as both cancers contain virus-derived neoantigens suitable for vaccine development. The research team will develop a robust pipeline of PIN-Vax candidates and evaluate their anti-tumour efficacy. Combing PIN-Vax candidates with ICIs is also planned to explore further synergistic effect. For future studies, this PIN-Vax platform will be applied in other cancer types, especially those showing limited response to existing ICIs or CAR-T therapy. Prof. Zhao said, “We have brought together an interdisciplinary team of academic researchers, clinicians and industry partners to build the PIN-Vax platform. Our track record and preliminary studies demonstrate the feasibility of this project. Our long-term goal is to transform this platform into an innovative engine for next-generation cancer immunotherapy, benefiting cancer patients.” STG has been set up to support collaborative research in specific areas which can help Hong Kong overcome imminent challenges and tap fast-evolving opportunities. The maximum duration of a project is five years. The ceiling of project cost per project to be awarded by the RGC is $40 million (excluding on-costs). ***END***

PolyU and EDB co-organise International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects to explore how AI technology revolutionises education

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosts the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects (AIinLT Summit) from 4 to 7 July. Organised by the PolyU Department of English and Communication, in collaboration with the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), and Hong Kong Education City (EdCity), the AIinLT Summit brings together leading scholars, educators and researchers from around the world to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising education. It will also provide educators with practical skills training, aiming to advance teaching and learning across Hong Kong and the region. The opening ceremony of the AIinLT Summit, the first keynote speech and a panel discussion were held in the Jockey Club Auditorium at PolyU today, attracting nearly 1,000 attendees. Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, officiated at the opening ceremony alongside Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Dr CHAN WONG Lai-kuen, Chairperson of SCOLAR; and Mr Armstrong LEE, Chairman of EdCity. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated that PolyU has been strongly committed to advancing AI in education and took the lead in introducing AI education for undergraduates in 2022. This year, PolyU has established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence and the Language Education Institute. The University has also developed an innovative proposal for Hong Kong’s third medical school, which aims to nurture doctors for the future AI-driven healthcare landscape. All these efforts underscore the University’s far-sightedness and leadership in AI-empowered education and research. He hopes that the AIinLT Summit will stimulate meaningful discussion and opportunities for collaboration that will help reshape AI in education in Hong Kong. Dr Choi Yuk-lin stated that AI has been playing a crucial role in shaping the future of education. She reminded the participants that one must recognise the responsibility that comes with AI integration. AI must enhance knowledge, facilitate accessibility and serve as a bridge to greater educational opportunities. Prof. Victor LEE, an AI and education expert and Associate Professor of the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University, delivered the first keynote speech on the transformative applications of AI in teaching and learning and the complexities and strategies involved in promoting AI literacy within the education system. This was followed by an in-depth discussion on the transformative impacts and challenges of using generative AI in the teaching and learning of specific subjects, including contributions from Dr Julia CHEN, Director of the PolyU Educational Development Centre and other speakers. Throughout the AIinLT Summit, scholars and experts from around the world will deliver keynote speeches, including (in alphabetical order by surname): Prof. Rodney H. JONES, Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Reading; Prof. Siu Cheung KONG, Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Competency Education Centre at The Education University of Hong Kong; Prof. Xin LYU, Professor of the School of Animation and Digital Arts at the Communication University of China; and Mr Andreas SCHLEICHER, Director for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. They will share insights into how AI can facilitate interdisciplinary education, from language learning to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the creative arts, from a variety of perspectives. A series of hands-on workshops will be held to provide educators with practical solutions for integrating AI into the classroom, creating more engaging and personalised learning experiences that meet students’ needs. The AIinLT Summit also features a technology showcase, presenting cutting-edge AI technologies developed by leading innovators from Hong Kong, mainland China and other regions. This allows attendees to network with the technology developers and educational leaders, and to experience first-hand the advanced technologies that are shaping the future of education. For more details of the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects, please visit:https://events.polyu.edu.hk/aiinlt/home The opening ceremony of the AIinLT Summit, the first keynote speech and panel discussion were held in the Jockey Club Auditorium at PolyU today, attracting nearly 1,000 attendees. ***END***

PolyU and Baosteel establish joint research centre to promote high-quality development of steel industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (Baosteel) have aligned with national strategic priorities by establishing the Baosteel-PolyU Joint Research Centre (BPJC), aiming to develop new quality productive forces in the steel industry. The strategic cooperation agreement was signed yesterday at the PolyU campus, followed by a plaque unveiling ceremony for BPJC, marking the launch of a comprehensive industry-academia-research partnership between the two organisations. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr ZOU Jixin, Chairman of Baosteel, the strategic cooperation agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Mr MAO Xiaoming, Vice President of the Baosteel Central Research Institute. Following the signing ceremony, Prof. Teng and Mr Zou jointly unveiled the plaque to mark the occasion. Subsequently, Prof. Jianguo LIN, Chair Professor of Materials Technologies of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Director of BPJC outlined the Centre’s vision and research projects. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “This strategic cooperation will leverage PolyU research strengths and Baosteel’s industry resources and experience, helping to overcome key technological bottlenecks, advance the industry’s goal of achieving efficient and green production, and inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre. By strengthening industry-academia-research collaboration and innovation, both organisations will promote the development of new quality productive forces and propel sustainable industrial advancement.” Mr Zou Jixin said, “Baosteel and PolyU have joined forces with their complementary strengths to establish the BPJC – a strategic initiative rooted in their shared vision for the future of the steel industry. This partnership will focus on practical applications and cutting-edge technological development, bringing together resources to achieve breakthroughs in original and pioneering technologies and strengthening translational research capabilities. It will drive upgrade of the steel industry value chain and contribute to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre.” BPJC will gather top talent to conduct strategic, forward-looking and basic research while accelerating the translation of research outcomes into practical solutions. By strengthening international exchanges and cooperations, it will set new standards for university-industry collaboration on innovation. ***END***

PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute establishes Artificial Intelligence Research Centre, facilitating Huizhou’s smart industrial transformation

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PolyU holds flag-raising ceremony to celebrate 28th anniversary of establishment of the HKSAR

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held a flag-raising ceremony on campus to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The University is honoured to have had Mr HUANG Jingrui, Spokesperson and Director-General of the Department of Media and Public Relations of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR; Mr LAI Jianhua, Deputy Director General of the Kowloon Sub-office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG); and Mr ZHANG Guolai, Second-level Inspector of the Youth Department of LOCPG officiate at the ceremony. They were joined by PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai; President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG; Deputy Council Chairman Dr Daniel YIP Chung-yin; 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, University Fellows, Outstanding Alumni, members of the PolyU Foundation, and over 700 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, “In the 28 years since Hong Kong returned to the Motherland, the City has fully leveraged its distinctive advantages of enjoying the strong support of the Nation and being closely connected to the world. It has actively integrated into the overall national development and contributed to the Nation’s high-quality development. Five years after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the City has transitioned from chaos to order, leaving behind turmoil and returning to stability and harmony. With public order restored, Hong Kong is now advancing from stability to prosperity. As a member of Hong Kong’s higher education sector, PolyU is committed to serving the Nation’s needs with its own strengths, nurturing professionals and social leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, and supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology centre and international hub for post-secondary education.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “This year marks the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. Under the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, Hong Kong has received staunch support from the Nation and has capitalised on its unique advantage while reinforcing its connectivity with both the Mainland and the world, maintaining long-term prosperity and stability for society. Being an innovative world-class university, PolyU will continue to strive for excellence in talent development, research and knowledge transfer to contribute to the further development of Hong Kong and the nation.” ***END***

Professor Christopher Chao receives prestigious ASHRAE Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award 2025

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, has been awarded the esteemed Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award 2025 from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This prestigious recognition was presented at the ASHRAE Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, USA on 21 June 2025. Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is a global professional society committed to serving humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields. The ASHRAE Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award, initiated in 1979, honours individuals for their continuing preeminence in engineering and research work. As one of ASHRAE’s most prominent awards, the Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award is presented to one Fellow each year, or sometimes not awarded at all if no suitable nominee is identified. Prof. Chao is the third recipient from Asia to receive this distinguished honour, joining professors from the University of Hong Kong and the National University of Singapoe. As the only awardee invited to deliver his acceptance speech on stage, Prof. Chao stated, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from ASHRAE. This award reflects not only my work but also the dedication and innovation of my colleagues at PolyU over the years. Together, we strive to advance research and innovation in the field of building energy and environment, contributing to the academic and professional communities that inspire us to push the boundaries of engineering excellence.” Prof. Chao’s research integrates intelligent building systems with infectious disease prevention. Using AI-driven energy optimisation, he creates infection-resilient, energy-efficient environments. This dual focus positions smart buildings as essential for health and sustainability. This recognition of Prof. Chao’s work underscores PolyU’s commitment to excellence in research and innovation, reinforcing its status as a leading university in the region. His contributions to the field, particularly in sustainable building technologies, have made a significant impact on both academic and practical applications. For more information about the ASHRAE Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award, please visit ASHRAE’s official website. ***END***

PolyU and Huawei Cloud sign a strategic cooperation agreement to deepen industry-academia-research collaboration and promote the global commercialisation of research outcomes

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PolyU Fashion Show 2025 spotlights emerging local fashion talents, showcasing creative designs that blend craftsmanship and technology

The School of Fashion and Textiles of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU SFT) held the much-awaited annual PolyU Fashion Show 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday. The Show featured spectacular runway shows of collections designed by 24 exceptionally talented students, and the presentation of six awards and scholarships supported by SFT’s industry partners and sponsors. Representing modern fashion concepts with distinctive styles, the Show attracted nearly 1,600 industry experts, designers and fashion enthusiasts, as well as an online audience of over 20,000 viewers from across the globe, injecting strong impetus into the Hong Kong fashion industry.   This year, the Show unveiled 88 outfits from 24 remarkable collections embracing casual outfits, evening wear, activewear and lingerie. All pieces were designed by the graduating students from PolyU SFT’s flagship programme, BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles. Leveraging their creativity and knowledge, the students explored various social ideologies, identities, perceptions and cultures in their creations, while combining textile techniques like quilting and crocheting with advanced technologies such as laser engraving and knitting technology. Their designs demonstrate a wide spectrum of aesthetics, a range of profound design concepts and a great diversity of arts forms in fashion. Prof. Erin CHO, Dean of PolyU SFT, said, “As the epicentre of sartorial education in Asia, PolyU SFT stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity. Leveragingour state-of-the-art ateliers, cutting-edge research laboratories and a revered faculty, we equip students with a global perspective and the audacity to challenge conventions, ensuing that they evolve into work-ready innovators armed with specialised expertise and the ability to harness emerging technologies. This year’s collections are more than garments. Each stitch, silhouette and texture reflects a synthesis of knowledge, skill and cultural introspection. These young creators do not merely design—they interrogate, reimagine and redefine the zeitgeist.” At the Show, six awards and scholarships were presented to recognise outstanding designs and to encourage students to pursue their fashion dreams while embracing their academic journey at PolyU SFT. Among them, the judging panel for the Consinee Grand Award, sponsored by one of the event’s diamond sponsor Consinee Group, comprised fashion industry leaders including Ms Anne CHOW, Marketing and Business Development Manager of the Group; Mr Kinyan LAM, Design Director of Kinyan Lam; Ms Natacha VAN, Founder and Creative Director of Natacha Van; alongside four PolyU SFT alumni who stand out as fashion practitioners in various fields, namely Mr Derek CHAN, Design Director and Co-founder of DEMO; Dr Jenny CHUI, Fashion Illustrator and Founder of The Profile Studio; Ms Constance LEE, Fashion Stylist and Founder of CONSTYLE; and Mr Karmuel YOUNG, Founder of Karmuel Young. Another highlight of the night, the HKIAIA Overall Grand Award, sponsored by another of the event’s diamond sponsor Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries’ Association (HKIAIA), was judged by Ms Karen NG, Secretary of HKIAIA. Judging panel members for the other awards and scholarships included Ms Janet CHEUNG, Project Director of the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association; Prof. Alice CHU, Hon. Education Consultant of SFAA Foundation Limited; Ms Brenda YANG, Technical Manager of the Flinders Merino Group and The Woolmark Company; and Ms Dilys YIU, Design Director of Anteprima Ltd., Fenix Group Holdings Limited. After fierce competition, the winner of the Consinee Grand Award was announced as XU Lulu, who specialised in knitwear design, with her outstanding work themed “Embodied Perception”. Her collection investigates the unexpected transformation of the tactile and visual characteristics of materials through a wide range of advanced knitting technologies and traditional textile craftsmanship. The HKIAIA Overall Grand Award winner was WONG Wai Kit, who specialised in Contour Fashion and Activewear. His exceptional collection “The First Light” is inspired by the transitions from murky depths of midnight to misty colors of dawn.  For a full list of awardees and photos of the winning outfits, please refer to the appendix. “Echoes of Bronze Timeless Resilience” by DUAN Qiqi Annie, winner of the Fenix Young Talent Award. “Mesmecipher” by LEE Yee-man Madgy, winner of the SFAA x Stella Blu Go Green Award. “Who You?” by CHENG Sau-wun Iris, winner of the HKFDA Scholarship of Creativity 2025. “Echoes of Bronze Timeless Resilience” by Duan Qiqi Annie, winner of the Best Use of Australian Merino Wool Award. Thanks to generous support from numerous industry partners and sponsors, the PolyU Fashion Show has connected PolyU SFT students with many influential figures from across the fashion and technology sectors, facilitating their understanding of current industry trends and helping to propel them further along their career path. The success of the Show as a major local fashion event highlights the growing influence of the School and strengthens its position as a pioneer in fashion education. ***END***