Media Releases

PolyU holds inaugural Qian Weichang International Summit, gathering global scholars to explore breakthroughs in science and engineering

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) reaffirmed its commitment to interdisciplinary research, global collaboration and talent cultivation with the successful conclusion of the inaugural Qian Weichang International Summit (QWIS) on 30–31 March 2026. Organised by PolyU and sponsored by the K.C. Wong Education Foundation, the QWIS was held in honour of Professor Qian Weichang, widely recognised as the “Father of Mechanics” in China. With the theme of “Interdisciplinary Advances in Science and Engineering”, the QWIS brought together distinguished guests and leading academics from renowned institutions worldwide to discuss cutting-edge topics and jointly drive innovation and development in the fields of science and engineering. The QWIS featured eight distinguished plenary speakers from world-renowned universities, including Prof. CHEN Gang, Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Prof. Dario FARINA, Professor and Chair in Neurorehabilitation Engineering at Imperial College London; Prof. GAO Huajian, Xinghua Distinguished University Professor at Tsinghua University; Prof. HU Haiyan, Chair Professor of Mechanics at the Beijing Institute of Technology; Prof. George MALLIARAS, Prince Philip Professor of Technology at the University of Cambridge; Prof. David QUÉRÉ, Professor at the École Polytechnique; Prof. YANG Wei, Professor at Zhejiang University; and Prof. ZHANG Xu, President of the Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology. Their presentations focused on the latest research findings in mechanics, medicine, electronics, energy and materials science, which stimulated interdisciplinary collaboration and fresh perspectives for scientific exploration. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said in his opening address, “The QWIS aims to bring together distinguished scholars from around the world to foster cross-boundary exchange and collaboration, inspire innovative thinking, push knowledge boundaries, and empower the next generation of talent in science and engineering to address global challenges, carrying forward the shared mission of the K.C. Wong Education Foundation and Professor Qian Weichang. The PolyU motto ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’ embodies our steadfast commitment to world-class education and interdisciplinary research that creates meaningful impact for Hong Kong, our Nation, and the world.” The panel discussion, moderated by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of the Graduate School of PolyU, broadened the QWIS’s scope beyond technical topics. The plenary speakers not only discussed academic topics, but also shared insights into balancing research and life, choosing research directions, and the core qualities young scholars should possess, offering practical guidance for early-career researchers in attendance. At the QWIS’s Gala Dinner, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, made the opening speech, saying, “The QWIS breaks interdisciplinary boundaries, marks a significant milestone in PolyU’s mission to foster international academic collaboration, and reinforces our role as a world-class innovative institution, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a dynamic international education hub.” A highlight of the evening was the Qian Weichang Young Scientist Awards presentation. These awards recognise young researchers who have obtained their PhD degrees within the past ten years and have made outstanding contributions to the fields of science and engineering. Prof. Gao Huajian, Chair of the Award Selection Committee, announced the two laureates: Prof. SONG Bai, Associate Professor at Peking University, who won the Science Category Award, and Prof. ZHAO Ruike, Assistant Professor at Stanford University, who won the Engineering Category Award. More than 70 parallel sessions were held on the second day of the QWIS, covering a wide range of interdisciplinary topics, including mechanics and advanced manufacturing, energy science, materials science, data science, smart cities and health sciences. The sessions provided participants with groundbreaking perspectives and fresh inspiration, reinforcing the QWIS’s role as a catalyst for global academic exchange. ***END***

PolyU announces “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year”; Showcasing impactful research driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to spearheading world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. To recognise outstanding achievements with far-reaching impact locally and globally, PolyU has launched the inaugural “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year” selection and voting campaign. From 20 remarkable research and technology translation stories announced in 2025, more than 7,700 members of the public and the PolyU community cast their votes. Combined with the scores of a professional judging panel, ten stories were selected as the final awardees. The winning stories span five PolyU strategic areas – artificial intelligence and data science, life sciences and healthcare, environment and sustainability, materials science, and smart cities – injecting powerful innovation momentum into Hong Kong’s high‑quality development. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, remarked: “These outstanding research stories affirm PolyU’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation that address societal needs. Each achievement also reflects our researchers’ rigorous, truth-seeking spirit and courage to break new ground. By bridging original discoveries with real‑world applications, these projects improve lives, enable industrial upgrading and contribute to the global innovation landscape. PolyU will continue to pursue its mission of delivering world-leading research and innovation for the benefit of society, fostering a dynamic research ecosystem and transforming bold ideas into impactful solutions. In doing so, we will support Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub and help shape a better future for the world.” Prof. Chao also expressed his appreciation for the strong support from different sectors: “We would like to thank all the staff, students, alumni, partners and members of the public who voted and shared their views. Your support is not only a vote of confidence in PolyU’s research strengths, but also a clear reflection of society’s keen interest in innovation and its positive impact. This expectation is a key driving force that inspires our research teams to pursue excellence and keep pushing the frontiers of knowledge.” As PolyU’s first large‑scale public voting campaign dedicated to research, the initiative received an enthusiastic response, attracting more than 7,700 votes from members of the public, staff, students, alumni and partners. The campaign has deepened community understanding of PolyU’s research excellence and innovation capabilities, while bringing well‑deserved recognition to the University’s dedicated researchers. Based on the combined results of public voting and assessments by the professional judging panel, the following stories were selected as the “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year” (in chronological order of announcement in 2025, and not ranked): Principal Investigator Research Topic Research Focus Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. Haimin YAO, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Innovation for self-stimulated ejection of freezing droplets unlocks cost-effective applications in de-icing The research team has invented a self-powered mechanism for ejecting freezing droplets, enabling droplets to shoot themselves away. This innovation could catalyse the development of self-powered methods for a variety of purposes, including de-icing, energy harvesting, and soft robotic applications. Details Prof. Jianli CHEN, Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics Utilising satellite positioning data to track Greenland’s ice sheet melt behaviour and assess its impact on sea-level rise The global research team has integrated various modern space geodetic techniques, particularly satellite positioning data, to monitor the subsidence of vertical bedrock and quantify summer water storage in the Greenland ice sheet. This achievement offers new insights into ice sheets’ role in sea-level rise. Details Prof. Anqi QIU, Director of the Mental Health Research Centre, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar Sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing The team has unveiled research to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and cognitive health in adults. It highlights the dynamic relationship between obesity progression and brain-cognitive health. Details Prof. Larry CHOW Ming-cheung, Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory gives hope to spinal cord injury patients, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub The newly established PolyU Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory will promote precision and personalised medicine through the introduction of advanced therapy products. The team will collaborate with the biopharmaceutical industry to manufacture cell therapy products for spinal cord injuries, and utilise the expert knowledge from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a one-stop approach from precision medicine to rehabilitation. Details Prof. YIN Jun, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics Record 33.89% power-conversion efficiency achieved with novel bilayer passivation strategy in tandem solar cells The research team has pioneered a novel bilayer interface passivation strategy to develop tandem solar cells that achieve a record-high power-conversion efficiency of 33.89%. It unlocks the application potential of perovskite technologies in photovoltaics and renewable energy. Details Prof. Changwen CHEN, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Chair Professor of Visual Computing of the Department of Computing Novel multi-modal agent facilitates long video understanding by AI, accelerating the development of generative AI-assisted video analysis While AI technology is evolving rapidly, AI models still struggle with understanding long videos. The team has developed a novel video-language agent, VideoMind, that enables AI models to perform long video reasoning and question-answering tasks by emulating humans’ way of thinking. Details Prof. Ben KO Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Discovery of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine’s target and mechanism opens new avenues for treating viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease The research team has discovered that tetrandrine works by blocking the transport of sphingosine – a lipid molecule essential for cellular signalling – and inhibiting calcium channels. Their research has revealed the critical mechanism of tetrandrine for the first time, opening new avenues for drug discovery and disease treatment. Details Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Chair Professor of Generative Artificial Intelligence of the Department of Computing PolyU reshapes AI training paradigm, significantly reducing costs and democratising AI research The PAAI team is pushing the boundaries of AI with a novel collaborative GenAI paradigm known as Co-GenAI, which has the potential to transform frontier model training from a centralised, monolithic approach into a decentralised one. Details Prof. LI Gang, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Renewable Energy and Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Prof. YANG Guang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Driving the commercialisation of energy-efficient solar cell technology towards a 40% efficiency milestone Third-generation solar cell technology is advancing rapidly. The research team has reported a breakthrough in their review of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, addressing challenges in efficiency, stability and scalability. Their study aims to raise the energy conversion efficiency from the current maximum of about 34% to 40%. Details Prof. Ai-Qun LIU, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT), Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Global STEM Scholar PolyU successfully completes Hong Kong's first chip-based quantum network and test The research team has successfully developed a quantum communication chip to establish Hong Kong’s first quantum communication network. The team has achieved a breakthrough by successfully conducting a cybersecurity test on the world’s longest optical fibre quantum network, built utilising a quantum chip platform. Details PolyU also announced the three stories that garnered the highest number of public votes, reflecting the community’s strong recognition of their significance and societal relevance. These projects are listed below. Two of these projects are also among the Top 10 stories: Principal Investigator Research Topic Research Focus Prof. Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies, Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles Innovative sustainable personal cooling technologies combat global extreme heat Global warming poses a growing threat to human health and work performance. The research team have been creating intelligent, superhero‑like garments that provide on‑demand adaptive cooling and clinician‑like health monitoring to help address the challenges of extreme heat. Details Prof. Ben KO Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Discovery of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine’s target and mechanism opens new avenues for treating viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease (This project has been selected as one of the Top 10 stories. For details, please refer to the table above.) Prof. Larry CHOW Ming-cheung, Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory gives hope to spinal cord injury patients, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub (This project has been selected as one of the Top 10 stories. For details, please refer to the table above.) Download photos here.   ***END***

Delegation from CPC Jinjiang Municipal Committee visits PolyU to support Nation’s development as sports powerhouse and Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation

Led by Mr WANG Mingyuan, Secretary of the CPC Jinjiang Municipal Committee, and Mr DING Shizhong, Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and Board Chairman of the ANTA Sports Group, a delegation from the CPC Jinjiang Municipal Committee visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 27 March. PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai, President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG and members of the University’s management and research teams engaged in in-depth exchanges with the delegation, and presented PolyU’s cutting-edge research achievements in advanced textile technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and sports technology, aspiring to contribute to China’s development as a sports powerhouse and the realisation of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “As a patriotic university with great affection for our country and Hong Kong, PolyU has always upheld its educational mission of nurturing students who have a strong sense of National pride and serving the great cuse of National rejuvenation. The National ‘15th Five-Year Plan’ explicitly calls for accelerating the building of a strong sporting nation. Universities in Hong Kong, local governments and National enterprises should together shoulder this mission of our times, working hand in hand to foster sports culture, develop the sports industry and create world-class National brands, thereby promoting high-quality development and contributing to the country’s development into a sports power and the rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation.” He added that the collaborative innovation between PolyU and ANTA Sports Group goes beyond scientific research. It aims at serving National strategies and deeply integrating “what the Nation needs” with “what PolyU does best,” enabling National brands to reach the pinnacle of the global market, and enhancing China’s voice and influence in the global sports industry. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “PolyU’s academic achievements are not only targeted at publication in top international journals, but also at translation into real-word applications — they should hit both the ‘bookshelf’ and the ‘shop shelf’. To expedite the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent as set out in the ‘15th Five-Year Plan’, we are committed to promoting the transfer and application of our research outcomes beyond Hong Kong, integrating them deeply with industries in Chinese Mainland and embedding them in the country’s overall development.” Mr Wang Mingyuan expressed high expectations for collaboration between Jinjiang and PolyU in synergistic innovation, deep integration and joint talent cultivation. He said, “At this year’s ‘Two Sessions’, the ‘Jinjiang Experience’ was written into the outline of the ‘15th Five-Year Plan’. As we embark on the first year of this new plan, we must stand at a new starting point and make new accomplishments. We hope to leverage PolyU’s advantages in technology, talent and innovation to support the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation in Jinjiang, injecting stronger impetus into our ongoing efforts to foster integrated innovation between ‘entrepreneurs and scientists’.” Mr Ding Shizhong also expressed strong expectations for impactful PolyU research and future collaboration. He stated, “As a company that has expanded from operating in China into the world markets, ANTA Sports Group will invest more resources in innovation going forward. We hope to carry out further cooperation with PolyU in innovation, and to jointly establish state-of-the-art sports science laboratories, developing Jinjiang into a global innovation hub. PolyU joined ANTA’s ‘Sports Industry Innovation Consortium’ last year, and many of our collaborative initiatives on technology transfer have already been implemented. Looking ahead, ANTA and PolyU will further expand collaboration in joint talent cultivation, industrial transformation and the application of technology.” The delegation visited the PolyU Industrial Centre to learn about the University’s latest research advancements, particularly its breakthroughs in textile technologies, sports technology, flexible electronics and AI. PolyU has long been highly supportive of Jinjiang’s technological innovation drive. In 2023, the University established the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Institute), its first technology and innovation research institute set up outside the Greater Bay Area. Last year, with the support of the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government, the Institute further established a tourism management centre and a nursing innovation centre in Jinjiang to launch more diversified collaboration among industry, academia and research sectors. At the end of last year, PolyU organised the “PolyU Technology Transfer and Commercialisation Conference cum 1st Annual General Meeting of Mainland Translational Research Institutes (2025)” in Jinjiang, providing a robust platform for in-depth dialogue and integrated innovation between mainland entrepreneurs and scientists, and supporting Jinjiang’s development as a source of scientific and technological innovation and a hub for emerging industries. To date, PolyU has signed more than 60 collaboration agreements with Jinjiang enterprises and incubated 17 technology-based companies. Dr Lam Tai-fai, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng and members of the University’s management and research teams posed for a group photo with the delegation. The delegation visited the PolyU Industrial Centre to learn about the University’s latest research advancements, particularly its breakthroughs in textiles technologies, sports technology, flexible electronics and AI. ***END***

PolyU researchers pioneer novel multi-energy field-assisted diamond cutting technology, enabling ultra-precision manufacturing for high-performance materials

Machining, involving the precise cutting and shaping of materials, is a key manufacturing process. As industries increasingly adopt the use of high-performance materials with high strength and hardness, traditional machining methods often fall short in delivering the required precision. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a ground-breaking machining technology that combines laser and magnetic fields during diamond cutting, enhancing cutting smoothness and surface quality while reducing a material’s subsurface damage and tool wear. This dual-field approach demonstrates exceptional manufacturing capabilities that surpass existing field-assisting cutting techniques, making possible ultra-precision machining of a range of challenging advanced materials. The innovative and unique multi-energy field-assisted ultra-precision machining technology, known as in-situ laser-magnetic dual-field assisted diamond cutting (LMDFDC), has been developed by Prof. Sandy TO Suet, Professor of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Associate Director of the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology, and her research team. Relevant research findings are published in International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing. Site field machining refers to the application of external energy fields, such as laser and magnetic fields, at the cutting site during the machining process. Existing field-assisting cutting techniques have certain limitations. For example, a laser field helps soften hard-brittle materials and makes them easier to cut, but often causes melting or craters due to overheating; a magnetic field can diminish cutting force and enhance heat dissipation to ease cutting process, but its effect is unstable across different materials and surface scratches caused by the exfoliation of hard particles in high-performance materials like high-entropy alloys (HEAs) cannot be avoided. By combining laser and magnetic fields, LMDFDC synergises strengths of both fields and mitigates their respective drawbacks. The researchers compared this new approach with three other machining methods for HEA workpieces: laser-only, magnetic-only and cutting without any external field. Using a suite of advanced tools, they observed changes of the workpiece at multiple levels—from surface appearance to subsurface features and atomic-scale structures. Results showed that, through thermo-magneto-mechanical multi-physical synergistic interactions, LMDFDC improves machinability to a degree not achievable with either field alone. In particular, the technology produces finished pieces with smoother surface and less damaged subsurface by using a magnetic field to enhance heat transfer and suppress laser-induced thermal damage, while the laser softens hard particles to avoid scratches and improve cutting stability. The dual-field coupling effect also prevents the formation of build-up on tool edges caused by severe friction, and rapid tool degradation from heat, significantly reducing tool wear and extending their lifespan. In 2017, at the forefront of advanced manufacturing technology research, Prof. To led her team to propose the world’s first magnetic field-assisted diamond cutting technique that enhances manufacturability of difficult-to-machine materials. She said, “As time progresses, single-field assisted machining technologies are proving increasingly inadequate for the precision manufacturing of new high-performance materials, especially the emerging HEAs with their excellent strength and stability that are highly desirable for advanced engineering applications in high-ends fields like aerospace and energy. LMDFDC marks a technological breakthrough in machining these new materials, opening up new avenues of ultra-precision manufacturing technology.” In addition to introducing a transformative dual-field assisted machining technology, the research also investigated what occurs, what changes and what improves in the materials when dual fields are applied. This deepens scientific understanding of material transformations during field-assisted processes and their underlying mechanisms, bridging a critical knowledge gap for designing future multi-field machining methods for various advanced materials. “The research is among the first to thoroughly examine how laser and magnetic fields work together during ultra-precision machining, and how this combined action differs from using either field alone,” Prof. To added. “The significance of the findings resides in propelling frontier academic developments in multi-physics coupled manufacturing theories while discovering innovative machining approaches. Currently in the process of patenting the innovative LMDFDC technology, the research team plans to explore additional combinations of energy fields to support the development of more versatile and reliable multi-physics machining approaches. The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China’s General Program, as well as the General Research Fund of the Research Grants Council and the Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. ***END***

PolyU to join Third InnoHK Research Cluster to advance sustainable development, energy and space technology with global top universities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) actively participates in the “InnoHK Clusters” initiative spearheaded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), driving impactful frontier research to support Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. With funding support from the InnoHK scheme, the University will establish one new research centre and serve as a key partner in another, under the third cluster, SEAM@InnoHK. The centres aim to advance cutting-edge research in sustainable development, energy and space technology. The new PolyU Research Centre for Intelligent GRID and Energy Technologies (I-GET), will be established at the Hong Kong Science Park, pioneering research on sustainability and energy in collaboration with world-leading institutions. Partner institutions include Université Gustave Eiffel, King’s College London, National Technical University of Athens, Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, University of Sheffield, Suzhou National Laboratory and Tsinghua University. Meanwhile, in partnership with the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PolyU will be a major local partner of the Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology (CSMT), contributing the University’s expertise in advanced manufacturing and materials technology to support breakthroughs in space technology. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, expressed gratitude for the HKSAR Government support for the University’s research. He remarked: “A core theme of the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan is accelerating a comprehensive green transition across economic and social development, alongside advancing high-tech innovation. As a global top 100 institution, PolyU is committed to leveraging its strengths in interdisciplinary research to drive frontier research in sustainable development, energy and space technology—bolstering the Nation’s technological prowess and high-quality development. We are grateful for the Government’s ongoing support, allowing us to utilise the InnoHK platform to harness our research excellence and robust global network, contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub.” PolyU has already established two world-class research centres under the first two InnoHK Clusters: the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab) under AIR@InnoHK, and the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) under Health@InnoHK. Within the InnoHK Clusters, PolyU will continue to push the boundaries of frontier research in artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainability, energy and space technology for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.   ***END***

PolyU appoints Professor Zijian Zheng as Vice President (Knowledge Transfer)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announces the appointment of Professor Zijian ZHENG as Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) with effect from 1 April 2026. In his new capacity, Professor Zheng will steer the planning and implementation of the University’s strategic agenda in translational research, knowledge transfer, technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship and stakeholder engagement. He will oversee the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation, the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office and the Mainland Research Units, and foster a dynamic ecosystem by deepening strategic partnerships with industry, government, academic and community stakeholders, particularly in the Chinese Mainland and the Greater Bay Area. In parallel, he will drive the University’s engagement and collaboration for knowledge transfer initiatives to further strengthen PolyU’s presence and competitiveness on the global stage. Professor Zheng is currently Director of the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, Associate Director of the University Research Facility in Materials Characterization and Device Fabrication, and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices. He joined PolyU as an Assistant Professor in 2009. A leading scholar in manufacturing technology and materials science, he has published over 270 papers in top international journals such as Science, Nature and Nature Materials, and holds more than 50 filed and granted patents. He has a strong track record in securing major competitive research and knowledge transfer grants, and has obtained substantial funding support for high-impact translational research projects. Demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial spirit, he has also founded several PolyU startups to commercialise flexible battery and wearable body sensor technologies. Professor Zheng brings substantial management experience in knowledge transfer and innovation. As the founding director of the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute and a senior leader of the PolyU-Wenzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute, he has played a pivotal role in building research and incubation capacities and expanding partnerships with industry and government stakeholders in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “Professor Zheng has made significant contributions to both academic research and knowledge transfer. He has demonstrated sustained excellence in translational research, forged strategic partnerships with leading industrial enterprises, secured substantial competitive research and knowledge transfer funding, and accumulated extensive management experience across major research and innovation platforms. As a proven leader of multiple institutes and facilities, I am confident that he will provide visionary leadership in his new role as Vice President (Knowledge Transfer), further strengthening PolyU’s knowledge transfer ecosystem, accelerating technology commercialisation and entrepreneurship, and enhancing the University’s impact in support of national development and Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub.” Professor Zheng received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge and his Bachelor of Polymer Materials and Engineering degree from Tsinghua University. He is a Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a Founding Member of The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, and a Founding Young Fellow of The Hong Kong Academy of Engineering. Please download Professor Zijian Zheng’s portrait here.   ***END***

PolyU ranked top 30 globally for five subjects in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, with four subjects ranked first in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved remarkable results in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2026, with five subjects ranked among the top 30 globally and four subjects ranked first in Hong Kong, highlighting PolyU’s growing international recognition and its leading position in these academic fields. PolyU ranked in the global top 30 for its subjects in Hospitality & Leisure Management (15th), Civil & Structural Engineering (18th), Nursing (18th), Architecture & Built Environment (21st) and Art & Design (24th). Furthermore, Hospitality & Leisure Management, Civil & Structural Engineering, Art & Design and Environmental Sciences were ranked first in Hong Kong. These results further consolidate PolyU’s position as a core contributor to Hong Kong’s role as an international hub for post-secondary education, showcasing the University’s sustained strengths and significant advantages in academic and research excellence. This year, PolyU has 24 subjects ranked in the top 100 worldwide, spanning a wide range of fields, including Data Science and Artificial Intelligence; Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering; and Materials Sciences. Having identified artificial intelligence (AI) as one of its strategic research areas, the University established the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) to support Hong Kong’s development as an AI innovation hub. PolyU also plans to establish the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy (PARA) this year, which, together with the existing PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), will further leverage the University’s strengths in interdisciplinary research and promote the translation of research outcomes. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “We are pleased with PolyU’s encouraging results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, which demonstrate the University’s internationally recognised academic and research excellence across various disciplines. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU is committed to pursuing excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer. The University will continue to expand its global collaborative network, with the aim of playing a pivotal role in the global higher education landscape and contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for post-secondary education.” The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 evaluated the performance of over 1,900 institutions worldwide across 55 academic subjects and five broad subject areas, based on their academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per paper, the H-index and international research network. ***END***

PolyU holds the Opening Ceremony of the Third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival cum Unveiling Ceremony of the Lam Tai Fai Amphitheatre; Promoting the excellence of Chinese culture and fostering cultural heritage exchange

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held the Opening Ceremony of the Third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, alongside the Unveiling Ceremony of the newly enhanced Lam Tai Fai Amphitheatre. As one of the University’s signature annual cultural events, the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival serves as a pivotal platform for preserving and promoting the excellence of Chinese culture while advancing students’ whole-person development. Through a diverse array of programmes, this year’s Festival continues to enhance the younger generation’s appreciation of Chinese culture and strengthen their sense of national identity. It also contributes to Hong Kong’s development as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange. The Opening Ceremony was officiated by Mr LIU Maozhou, First-Level Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, together with Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education); Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) and Chairman of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival; and Dr Ben LAU, Interim Vice President (Campus and Facilities). Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “The strength and prosperity of a country and its people are underpinned by the flourishing of its culture. Only by firmly upholding cultural confidence can we promote cultural prosperity and provide solid support for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation. The National 15th Five-Year Plan calls for enhancing the country’s cultural soft power, promoting Chinese culture, and advancing the building of a global community with a shared future. This is not only a national strategy, but also an important mission for both Hong Kong and PolyU. This year, as we present the Third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, we are further expanding its scope and enriching its depth. We have strengthened collaboration with provincial and municipal governments and relevant organisations in the Chinese Mainland. In particular, we have invited cultural teams from Guangdong and Fujian to showcase Hakka and Minnan cultures on our campus. Together, we will promote Chinese culture, enhance international exchange and outreach, support Hong Kong’s development as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange, integrate into and serve the overall national development, and enable Chinese culture to reach the world more effectively.” The Festival’s inaugural event, “A Window onto Vast Vistas: Master Writers’ Hong Kong Traces”, is being held at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub on the PolyU campus from now until 7 April. Organised by PolyU and co-organised by the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature, the two-week programme focuses on six renowned modern Chinese literary masters — Lu Xun, Xiao Hong, Mao Dun, Ba Jin, Liang Yusheng and Jin Yong. Through rare archival materials, immersive exhibition settings and a variety of talks, the programme creates a cross-temporal platform for cultural dialogue. Mr WANG Jun, Executive Deputy Director of the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature, said in his online address, “The Chinese Culture Festival is not only PolyU’s annual cultural highlight, but also an important platform for promoting and sustaining fine traditional Chinese culture on university campuses. As a national hub for literary archives and research, the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature has long been committed to bringing literature beyond academic communities and into the wider community. We are honoured to co-organise this exhibition and to showcase selected rare holdings from our collection on the PolyU campus. This initiative represents another meaningful step in our ongoing mission to connect communities through literature and to foster dialogue and exchange through curated exhibitions.” The Third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival will present a wide range of programmes, including Ambassadors’ seminars, film screenings, a Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, thematic activities on Hakka and Fujian Minnan cultures, and the Global Confucius Institutes Hong Kong Forum. For the latest updates, please visit the Festival website. The exhibition “A Window onto Vast Vistas: Master Writers’ Hong Kong Traces” focuses on six modern Chinese literary masters — Lu Xun, Xiao Hong, Mao Dun, Ba Jin, Liang Yusheng and Jin Yong. It showcases precious materials, including their manuscripts and correspondence, and features a special reconstruction of the study rooms of Ba Jin and Mao Dun. The thematic event “A Window onto Vast Vistas: Master Writers’ Hong Kong Traces” of the Third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival is being held at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub on the PolyU campus from now until 7 April. [View exhibition photos here] Unveiling of the enhanced Lam Tai Fai Amphitheatre: A new landmark for cultural exchange on campus PolyU held the Unveiling Ceremony for the enhanced Lam Tai Fai Amphitheatre on the same day, officiated by Dr Lam Tai-fai and Prof. Jin-Guang Teng. Members of the PolyU Council and the central management team were in attendance to witness the Ceremony of this revitalised campus cultural venue. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU takes great pride in having Dr Lam as an outstanding alumnus and visionary leader. Today, as we unveil the Lam Tai Fai Amphitheatre, we are not only expressing our heartfelt gratitude for his steadfast support and generous contributions to his alma mater over the years, but also paying tribute to his dedication to Hong Kong, the Nation and the education sector. The Lam Tai Fai Amphitheatre is more than a landmark — it symbolises gratitude and giving back, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence, and a broad vision that embraces both the Nation and the world. On behalf of the University, I extend my sincerest appreciation to Dr Lam for dedicating his time, energy, expertise and determination to the continued advancement of his alma mater.” The University named the venue outside the Jockey Club Auditorium as the Lam Tai Fai Amphitheatre in 2015 in recognition of Dr Lam’s significant contributions to education, community service and the development of PolyU. Enhancement works commenced in 2024. Retaining its fan-shaped design, the Amphitheatre now spans approximately 1,100 square metres and features tiered seating for up to 200 spectators. The venue is ideal for exhibitions, performances, outdoor displays and various campus activities. It will serve as a vibrant hub for cultural engagement, further strengthening connections among staff, students, alumni and the wider community. PolyU held the Unveiling Ceremony of the Lam Tai Fai Amphitheatre on the same day, officiated by Dr Lam Tai-fai (left of the plaque) and Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (right of the plaque). Members of the PolyU Council and the central management team witnessed the Ceremony of this new campus cultural landmark. ***END***

Inauguration of PolyU-Shenzhen Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Futian), powering high-quality development in GBA through Shenzhen-Hong Kong collaborative innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has officially inaugurated the PolyU-Shenzhen Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Futian) (the Institute) with funding support from the Development Authority of Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone (the Hetao Development Authority). The Institute will further enhance PolyU’s research footprint in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the GBA). By integrating the University's cutting-edge research with Shenzhen's strengths in industrial clustering, the Institute aims to support Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology hub. Furthermore, it will drive collaborative innovation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and foster new quality productive forces, contributing to the Nation's technological self-reliance. The inauguration ceremony was held yesterday in Shenzhen-Hong Kong International Science and Technology Park, officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Wenzhong SHI, Director of the Institute, together with Mr ZHONG Hai, Director-General of the Hetao Development Authority, Ms LI Huilai, Deputy Commissioner of the Hetao Development Authority, and Ms WANG Yaowen, Deputy Head of the Government Services and Data Management Bureau of the Shenzhen Municipality. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “This year marks the beginning of the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which explicitly calls for significant progress in high-quality development and accelerated advancement towards technological self-reliance. In recent years, Shenzhen’s Futian District has achieved remarkable results and maintained strong momentum in technological innovation and industrial upgrading, serving as a vital pillar for scientific and technological advancement in the GBA. The establishment of the technology and innovation research institute in Futian District is not only a strategic move for PolyU aimed at deepening its proactive integration into the GBA and aligning with national development priorities, but also signifies a new stage of closer collaboration between PolyU and Shenzhen in advancing industry–academia–research integration and coordinated innovation.” He added that PolyU would work closely with all partners to develop the Institute into a key innovation convergence platform in the GBA, contributing the University’s wisdom and strengths to the innovative development of not only the GBA but also the Nation. Mr Zhong Hai remarked, “The establishment of the Institute is a significant initiative for Hetao to attract and pool global innovation resources. Our team has already launched theoretical research projects in spatial intelligence and reliability data analysis. We look forward to seeing these achievements fully applied in future scenarios such as the construction of the smart Hetao Park, the virtual park’s digital twins, smart unmanned driving and cross-border low-altitude transport. By leveraging PolyU research excellence and Shenzhen’s strong industrial foundation, this collaboration will undoubtedly drive forward more technological breakthroughs and frontier achievements in Hetao, across the GBA and beyond.” Building on PolyU’s strengths in fundamental theory and core technologies, the Institute will closely align with the industrial development needs of the region. It will focus on key areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), smart cities, intelligent robotics, aerospace and autonomous driving, to promote the large-scale application of research outcomes in Shenzhen, and transform them into productive forces that generate tangible impact across the GBA, serving the whole country while connecting to global innovation networks. The Institute is also committed to enhancing talent mobility and cultivation between the innovation ecosystems of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and to deepening mechanisms for training high-level innovative talent in response to future technological development. This will strengthen connectivity among university research teams, enterprises and government, and help establish a sustainable industry-academia-research collaboration model. The Institute has signed cooperation agreements with a renowned corporation and an academic institution, namely Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group Co., Ltd, and the Guangzhou Institute of Geography of the Guangdong Academy of Sciences. These collaborations will focus on areas such as frontier technologies for smart cities, AI industry ecosystem development, spatial science and research outcome translation. The inauguration event also featured a thematic exchange session on “AI Empowering Future Cities ”. Prof. LI Qingquan, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Mr ZHANG Xiaochun, Chairman of Shenzhen Smart City Technology Development Group Co., Ltd; and Mr FAN Xianjun, CEO of Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group Co., Ltd, delivered keynote speeches, sharing forward-looking insights on emerging directions for AI-powered smart city development. Prof. Wenzhong Shi meanwhile moderated a roundtable discussion, which featured in-depth conversations with the keynote speakers and Dr CAO Tengfei, Deputy Director of the Center of International Innovation for Technology and Science, on crucial topics such as pathways for transforming innovation achievements and building industry-academia-research collaboration models. Prof. Wenzhong Shi (1st from left) moderated a roundtable discussion, featuring in-depth conversations with Prof. Li Qingquan, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (2nd from left); Mr Zhang Xiaochun, Chairman of Shenzhen Smart City Technology Development Group Co., Ltd (2nd from right); and Dr Cao Tengfei, Deputy Director of the Center of International Innovation for Technology and Science (1st from right), on crucial topics such as pathways for transforming innovation achievements and building industry-academia-research collaboration models. ***END***

PolyU supports Hong Kong, China Olympic Academy seminar; National team legend Ma Long and local Olympians inspire students

The Hong Kong, China Olympic Academy under the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) today organised a seminar “A Glamorous Transformation in Sports: The Next Level”, with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) as a supporting organisation. The event drew over 1,000 students from various local universities. Bringing together sports leaders and Olympic athletes, the seminar explored development opportunities for the sports industry and athletes’ personal journeys of perseverance, showcasing the enduring relevance of the Olympic spirit. Attending the seminar from PolyU were Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President; and Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), showing PolyU’s strong support. Held at the Jockey Club Auditorium on the PolyU campus, the seminar featured a panel discussion moderated by Mr Kenneth FOK, Vice-President of SF&OC and Chairperson of the Hong Kong, China Olympic Academy. Joining him were Mr Michael CHENG, President of the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association; Mr Andy KWOK, Captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club; and Mr Eric FOK, Chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China. During their discussion, the panellists examined the evolution of major international sporting events and discussed Hong Kong’s evolving role and opportunities on the global sports stage. A highlight of the event was the sharing session with Olympians. National team table tennis legend and six-time Olympic gold medallist Mr MA Long, along with Hong Kong swimming representatives Miss Stephanie AU and Miss Yvette KONG, shared their insights on passing on the Olympic spirit. Drawing on their own experiences, the athletes encouraged students to face setbacks with courage, upholding a “never give up” attitude and daring students to pursue their dreams with resilience. After the seminar, Mr Ma engaged in an informal exchange with members of the PolyU Table Tennis Team at the PolyU Sports Centre. He provided hands-on guidance on techniques and on developing a competition mindset, exemplifying the spirit of perseverance and excellence in action. Enthusiastic applause rounded off the event on an inspiring and uplifting note. After the seminar, Mr Ma Long took part in informal exchanges and friendly games with PolyU table tennis team members, offering close-up guidance on developing their skills and a competition mindset. Mr Kenneth Fok and Olympic diving champion Ms Guo Jingjing exchanged views on the value of sports over the table tennis table. ***END***