Media Releases

Twelve PolyU academics recognised amongst the world’s most highly cited researchers, the third highest number in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has the third highest number in Hong Kong of the world’s most highly cited researchers this year, with 12 PolyU academics (including two former PolyU members) being recognised in the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2022” by Clarivate Analytics for their significant research impact, reflected in their publication of multiple papers that have been frequently cited by fellow academics. A total of 6,938 researchers from 69 countries and regions with a diverse range of research fields are named as Highly Cited Researchers in 2022. The list identifies the most influential scholars around the world, determined by the production of multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and year in the Web of Science citation index over the last decade. The inclusion of 12 PolyU academics in the list is a testament to the University’s pursuit of research excellence and commitment to positive societal impact on various fronts. PolyU researchers featured in the list are as follows. One of the researchers has been listed in two categories:   Name Title and Department Category Prof. GUO Song Professor Department of Computing Computer Science Prof. CHAU Kwok-wing Former Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Engineering Prof. ZHANG Lei Chair Professor Department of Computing Engineering Prof. Dan TSANG Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Engineering Environment and Ecology Dr HUANG Bolong Associate Professor Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Cross-Field Prof. LI Gang Professor Department of Electronic and Information Engineering Cross-Field Prof. Kian Ping LOH Chair Professor Department of Applied Physics Cross-Field Prof. SHEN Liyin Former Professor Department of Building and Real Estate Cross-Field Prof. YAN Feng Professor Department of Applied Physics Cross-Field Dr Iris YU Ka-ming Research Assistant Professor Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Cross-Field Dr ZHANG Xiao Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering Cross-Field Dr ZHAO Xin Associate Professor Department of Biomedical Engineering Cross-Field   *****END*****

“Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Power and Energy” attracted record attendance

The Hongkong Electric Company, Limited (HK Electric); State Grid Corporation of China (State Grid); The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) have co-organised the “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Power and Energy” (the Programme) for the fifth consecutive year. A total of 319 energy professionals from 26 countries/regions completed the training programme this year, a record high in the number of participants. The theme for this year was “High-quality, Sustainable, Resilient Power Grid for Green and Smart Living”, which urged action on sustainable development to create better living. A total of 10 webinars and talks were held during the 5-day training. More than 300 participants across the power industry, including senior executives from Government agencies, energy companies, academics and researchers from Belt and Road countries joined the programme. Addressing the Closing Ceremony, Mr WAN Chi-tin, Managing Director of HK Electric said, “With the outbreak of the COVID-19, Hong Kong like any other country or region, faced enormous challenges. In 2021, thanks to our extraordinary resilience, we managed to achieve a supply reliability rating in excess of 99.9999% for the second consecutive year. This translates to a power interruption of less than half a minute on average for our customers during the year. This serves as another record for our business and a truly exceptional performance in our industry.” Mr LI Ming, State Grid’s Director of International Cooperation Department said, “During the past five years, under the collaborative efforts of all parties, the programme has become a success with energy and innovation. State Grid is open minded about sharing the practices and benefits in promoting energy transition and building a power system based on new energy. With the success of the programme, we wish that we can continue to work together in tackling the two major challenges of energy security and energy transition, and move towards a brighter and greener future.” Mr LIU Yunhou, President of State Grid’s China Technology College, also remarked, “Not only has the number of participants reached a record high this year, but the theme is popular, covering the current situation and future development of energy industry. We sincerely wish the collaboration among the four parties will continue to flourish in the years to come. Professor H.C. MAN, Dean of Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, said, “PolyU is committed to offering education, research innovation and knowledge transfer to meet societal needs. In line with the strategic development of carbon neutrality and green energy in China and the world, PolyU has been actively conducting and promoting researches in these aspects in recent years. The Belt and Road Development Programme provides an important platform for researchers and senior management talents in the region to have in-depth exchanges and discussions on green energy and energy management issues. Over the past 5 years, we have built up connections with hundreds of professionals in the Belt and Road region. We look forward to fostering further collaborations with them to tackle the energy challenges for the benefit of mankind.” Professor GUAN Xiaohong, Academician of Chinese Academy of Science and Dean of Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering of XJTU, said, “We are delighted that the programme has continued to attract more participants in the Belt and Road regions. These activities have not only enhanced mutual understanding and technical exchanges, but also further deepened the collaborations amongst electricity supply companies, universities, and research institutions. We sincerely hope this event can continue to flourish, keep offering updated discoveries, experiences, and outcomes, benefitting practitioners in energy and power industry.” Since the programme commenced in 2018, it has attracted nearly 800 professionals, providing more than 10,000 hours of exchanges, both online and offline training, as well as field trips over the past five years. The four parties will continue to organise activities in the coming future with diverse themes to contribute to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as promoting the experience and knowledge exchanges among senior management executives in power and energy-related fields.   *****END*****

Chinachem Group and PolyU join hands to foster industry-academic collaboration for the sustainable future of the Greater Bay Area

Chinachem Group (Chinachem) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen research collaboration among industry, academia and research organisations to drive innovative solutions for sustainable development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

PolyU launches “85th Anniversary Interview Series” - Dr Liza Wang speaks to former Council Chairmen and Presidents

In celebration of the 85th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the University is pleased to present a series of short videos featuring interviews with five former Council Chairmen and Presidents of PolyU, sharing their contributions, achievements and experiences in driving the University forward. The “85th Anniversary Interview Series” will take viewers on a journey exploring how PolyU has evolved over the decades and turned into a world-leading university. Starting today, the series of video interviews will be rolled out over four consecutive weeks on various PolyU social media platforms on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and five weeks on WeChat. Please click here to watch the videos. PolyU is highly honoured to have invited renowned artist Dr Liza Wang Ming-chun, a PolyU University Fellow and Artist-in-Residence, to conduct the series of interviews. The interview series will include: Prof. Poon Chung-kwong (1991-2008: PolyU President) Dr Sir Gordon Wu Ying-sheung (1997-2003: PolyU Council Chairman ) Dr the Hon. Victor Lo Chung-wing (2004-2009: PolyU Council Chairman) Dr Marjorie Yang (2010-2015: PolyU Council Chairman) Prof. Timothy W. Tong (2009-2018: PolyU President) The interviews capture the important developments and milestones of PolyU, as well as provide some thoughts and insights into the future development of the University. Over the years, PolyU has grown into one of the top 100 universities in the world, making remarkable contributions to society through world-class education and research and the nurturing of talents in different fields. *****End*****

PolyU and SenseTime Collaborate on Metaverse Research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and SenseTime Group Limited (SenseTime) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration on research and development related to metaverse technologies and autonomous driving applications. The collaboration between PolyU and SenseTime aims to translate their joint research outcomes into applications to improve people’s daily lives. There are two research focuses under this collaboration: metaverse-related imaging technologies and solutions for different applications such as education, art and tourism; and high-performance collaborative edge computing enabling autonomous driving applications. PolyU has leveraged its interdisciplinary research and innovation capabilities and teamed up with leading players in the tech industry to meet the needs of scientific advancement and social development. SenseTime is a leading global company with a mission of advancing the interconnection of the physical and digital worlds with artificial intelligence, as well as driving sustainable productivity growth and seamless interactive experiences. With this partnership, PolyU harnesses its academic and research expertise to promote metaverse and AI technologies to bring benefits to business and society. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “The signing of this MoU between PolyU and SenseTime signifies the determination of the two parties to work together to strengthen their research and development capabilities in AI-related technologies. PolyU will continue to leverage its scientific research advantages, actively collaborate with industry, and transform cutting-edge technologies into practical applications in order to promote social advancement and contribute to building Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub.” Dr XU Li, Executive Chairman of the Board and CEO of SenseTime, said, “As a home-grown AI company in Hong Kong, SenseTime is committed to nurturing young talents through university collaborations with an innovative spirit. We are excited to join hands with PolyU to expand AI applications and collaboration in intelligent automobile, vehicle-road synergy, digital world, as well as AI talent recruitment and internships, thus facilitating technology ecosystem development in Hong Kong.” The Colour, Imaging and Metaverse Research Centre of PolyU, led by Dr WEI Minchen Tommy is responsible for this collaboration. As a pioneer in exploiting the potential of the metaverse for different applications, the Centre was established to conduct high-impact fundamental research and develop system algorithms and solutions. SenseTime is a leading AI software company, focused on creating a better AI-empowered future through innovation. Its technologies are applied in many industry verticals including Smart Business, Smart City, Smart Life and Smart Auto.   ***End***

PolyU and HKSI enhance admission and flexible learning support to foster dual career pathways for elite athletes

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Elite Athletes Study Programme to enhance a joint programme concerning admission and flexible learning arrangements for elite athletes, enabling them to receive full-time athlete training while continuing to pursue their university studies. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Eric CHAN Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration; Miss Alice MAK Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; and Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU and Chairman of HKSI. The MOU was signed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Dr Trisha LEAHY, Chief Executive of HKSI. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU has always been supportive of nurturing elite Hong Kong athletes, and hopefully the two parties will continue to work together to further enhance the Elite Athletes Study Programme”. He added, “Since five years ago, PolyU and HKSI started to collaborate on the Elite Athletes Study Programme to further strengthen support for athletes. Since then, a total of 17 elite athletes have been admitted to PolyU to pursue their studies in various subjects including health and social sciences, business, engineering, humanities, science, and hotel and tourism management, etc.” Dr Trisha Leahy said she was thankful to PolyU for its continued support of the betterment of dual-career development for elite athletes. She said, “To sustain the local development of elite sports, the HKSI has attached great importance to the whole-person development of elite athletes, in addition to high-performance training, with an aim to attract more gifted young persons to join the elite athlete family. With more academic opportunities offered under the MOU, elite athletes will be enabled to keep striving for sports excellence while pursuing their tertiary education simultaneously.” Through this collaboration, the HKSI will nominate qualified elite athletes to study full-time undergraduate programmes at PolyU. The collaboration allows nominated athletes to have flexibility in their studies by extending the required study period, which is particularly crucial to athletes who need to attend intensive training courses. PolyU will also provide individual mentorship services to support athletes in areas ranging from academic studies to campus life adjustment. Under the enhanced arrangement, the number of nominations of full-time athletes will be raised from 20 to 30 per academic year and be made by two rounds per year. As an encouragement, PolyU will offer a scholarship to all eligible student athletes. The ceremony was also attended by a number of current PolyU elite athletes who were admitted under the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA). They shared their experiences in balancing both athlete training and academic studies. Swimmer Miss Tinky HO Nam Wai, who represented Hong Kong to compete in the 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is currently studying Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Scheme in English and Applied Linguistics. She said, “I generally spend an average of three to four weeks in overseas training or competitions per semester. The flexible study arrangement of the programme allows me to concentrate on training.” Epee fencer Miss Kim KWAN Yee Man, who won the bronze medal in the Women’s Epee Team at the U23 Asian Fencing Championships in October, is currently studying Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy. She said, “Balancing studies and sports training could be challenging, but PolyU professors provide me with individual mentorship on my studies, allowing me to keep up with the learning progress in the tight training schedule.” Squash player Miss TAM Mariko Cho Nga, is currently studying Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Laboratory Science. She believes that PolyU provides robust support to full-time athletes, graduates are eligible for professional qualifications after completing the studies, which can broaden the professional development in the future. Targeting to attract more sporting talents to devote themselves to full-time training, the HKSI has established the Elite Athlete-friendly School Network in 2014 and the Partnership School Programme in 2015, working with local universities for supporting athletes on their dual career pathway in their sporting life.   *****End*****

PolyU’s School of Accounting and Finance launches its first Fintech Adoption Index Survey

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s (PolyU) School of Accounting and Finance, in collaboration with AI investment trading start-up Asklora, has released the inaugural PolyU-Asklora Fintech Adoption Index (FAI), which is the first locally developed index to measure Hong Kong consumers’ fintech adoption and impact. The FAI surveyed over 1,000 Hong Kong residents in regard to their adoption of key fintech applications including virtual banking, mobile payments, online brokerage, digital insurance and cryptocurrency. The survey found online stock brokerage has the second-highest adoption rate among all the fintech applications but ranked second-lowest in terms of active usage rate. Conversely, digital insurance has the second-lowest adoption rate while scoring second-highest in active usage. The research also found that users of virtual banking services had a higher overall adoption rate of all kinds of fintech applications. For instance, 77% of them were users of online brokerage services. The PolyU-Asklora project is led by Dr Jingran ZHAO, Associate Professor of the School of Accounting and Finance, Mr Jack POON, Professor of Practice from the same school and Mr Stephen Joon CHOI, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Asklora.　Overall, the FAI was measured at 55, which captures both the proportion of respondents adopting fintech products and the spectrum of fintech services they adopted, with 51% of respondents identified as active fintech users. Furthermore, 85% of respondents reported being satisfied with their fintech solutions experience, while security was cited as their biggest concern. Dr Jingran Zhao said, “The FAI survey results show that Hong Kong residents are keen to adopt fintech products, but fintech companies still have more work to do to convert these new users to active users by, for example, improving the security of their products.” Mr Jack Poon also remarked, “It takes two to tango. Financial institutions’ fintech offerings, which is the supply-side, does not translate into true adoption until consumers use and benefit from the offering. The FAI measures demand-side adoption by surveying consumers. Understanding the consumer’s adoption friction is an essential step to broadening financial inclusion in Hong Kong.” The FAI is a long-term research project to measure the evolution of Hong Kong fintech adoption through different events and market conditions, and will be released on a quarterly basis. The next release will be in December with an expanded scope and more participants achieved through online and offline surveys. For more information on the PolyU-Asklora FAI, please visit https://www.polyufai.org.   *****END*****

PolyU honours eight outstanding alumni

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce that it has bestowed the “Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2022” on eight alumni in recognition of their significant achievements in their respective fields as well as their contributions to their alma mater and society. They are fitting testament to PolyU’s accomplishments in nurturing leaders for Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The Award aims to give recognition to distinguished graduates of PolyU and its forerunners, namely the Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College and the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Since its launch in 1996, over 90 graduates have been honoured for great distinction in their chosen fields, active support to their alma mater, as well as impactful contributions to the wider community. This year, achievement categories have been established to celebrate the considerable accomplishments of our alumni in specific areas. Recognition is now also given to outstanding young alumni. Organised at three levels, selection and result announcement of the Department and Faculty/School Awards had been completed prior to the selection of the University Award. Recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2022, in alphabetical order of last name, are: Ir Dr Goman HO Wai-ming, Arup Fellow and Director of Innovation, Arup Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Mr Peter LAM Wing-chap, Principal Consultant, Business and Networking Consulting Department, Huawei Technologies Company Limited Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Ir Ricky LAU Chun-kit, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), HKSAR Government Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Prof. Edman TSANG Shik-chi, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry and Director of Wolfson Catalysis Centre, University of Oxford Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement Recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award, in alphabetical order of last name, are: Mr Bayern CHUI Kin-pong, Partner, KPMG China Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Mr James O Hing-pong, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing and Advertising, GOGOX Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement Dr Gilman SIU Kit-hang, Associate Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement Dr Bruce WANG Lei, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, EcoFlow Inc. Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement (Please refer to the Appendix for recipient biodata.) The Selection Committee of the University Award was chaired by Dr LAM Tai-fai, GBS, JP, Council Chairman of PolyU. Members included: Professor Jin-Guang TENG, JP, President, PolyU; Mr SIN Yat-kin, SBS, CSDSM, JP, Council Member, PolyU; The Honourable Duncan CHIU, Court Member, PolyU; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President, PolyU; Ir Eric MA Siu-cheung, GBS, JP, President, Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association; and Ir YAU Kwok-fai, President, Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations. The Award Presentation Ceremony will be held in December 2022.   *****End*****

PolyU honours two distinguished personalities at the 28th Congregation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its 28th Congregation today, presided over by PolyU’s Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Professor Jin-Guang TENG. At the Congregation, Honorary Doctorates were conferred upon two prominent figures and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees were awarded to 363 graduates. The ceremony was held at the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus and Professor ZHONG Nanshan, Professor of Medicine at the Guangzhou Medical University, was invited to give a speech. The two honorary degree recipients this year were (in alphabetical order of last name; please refer to the Appendix for the recipients’ biodata): Mr CHEUNG Ka-long, SBS, Gold medallist in Men’s Foil Individual at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics; and Professor YANG Mengfei, Researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology. In his speech, Prof. Zhong Nanshan encouraged graduates to harness their expertise to help promote the Nation’s technological development in key areas, and to contribute to the scientific advancement of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, the Nation and the world through their research and development efforts throughout the innovation process. This process starts with creativity, discovery and invention, and concludes with the creation of social and economic benefit. He said, “PolyU has put an emphasis on societal impact in its scientific research direction. I completely concur with this strategy.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng expressed heartfelt thanks to Prof. Zhong for his enlightening speech as well as his tireless efforts and contributions in combating COVID-19. Prof. Teng added that with the concerted efforts of members across society, the pandemic is coming under better control and people’s lives are gradually returning to normality. He also extended his congratulations to the honorary doctorates and doctoral graduates, noting that these graduates have overcome unprecedented challenges during the pandemic and made remarkable achievements. He encouraged them to use their knowledge to serve humanity and fulfil their aspirations. Prof. Teng further said that Hong Kong is entering an exciting new chapter of development as it is being transformed into an international innovation and technology hub, playing an essential part in the Nation’s technological development. PolyU graduates should not only seize this opportunity to make impactful contributions, but also help to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, the pandemic, energy shortages, and an ageing society. Prof. Teng said, “In all these important ways, PolyU graduates can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, applying their research skills for the greater good of society and living up to the University’s motto of ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’.” The University is conferring academic awards on a total of 10,189 students this year, including 363 Doctor of Philosophy degree graduates, 105 professional doctoral degree graduates, 51 Master of Philosophy degree graduates, 4,962 taught master’s degree graduates, 4,310 bachelor's degree graduates, 56 postgraduate diploma recipients, and 340 sub-degree award recipients.   *****End*****

PolyU shines in the first-ever Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings: Sustainability 2023, ranking 82nd globally and 2nd in Hong Kong

In the newly launched QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2023, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) achieved an encouraging result, ranking second locally and 82nd globally among over 1,300 universities. The overall rank is determined by the institutions’ performance in the “environmental impact” and “social impact” categories, each comprising multiple indicators. In the “equality” metric under the “social impact” category, PolyU is Asia’s second highest ranked university. While under the “environmental impact” metric, PolyU demonstrated strong performance in “sustainable education” and ranked 64th globally, and also ranked fourth in “sustainable research” in Asia for this indicator. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are very pleased to be recognised in the first-ever QS World University Rankings on Sustainability. The University has endeavoured to promote sustainable development by advancing research on carbon-neutral technologies while turning our campus into a testbed to realise our research efforts. PolyU will continue to leverage our excellence in research to support the HKSAR Government’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.” Mr Simon WONG, Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) of PolyU, said, “PolyU is highly committed to building a sustainable environment for our staff and students, and we conduct regular reviews on our policies related to sustainability. With the growing importance of sustainable development, we strive to promote positive environmental impacts and create a highly sustainable future for all our stakeholders.” The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2023 rates over 1,300 tertiary institutions worldwide on how they are taking actions to tackle the world’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges through research, teaching and community engagement. A total of 700 institutions, including six local universities, are listed. PolyU has been at the forefront of addressing sustainability challenges to the society. The recently established Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) strives to provide strategic recommendations and primary research in developing carbon-neutral cities, while the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) also focuses on sustainability-related interdisciplinary research.   *****END*****