Media Releases

PolyU 85th Anniversary Public Lecture by Prof. Poon Chung-kwong on Knowledge and Self-Cultivation

To mark the 85th anniversary of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the University presented a public lecture today at the Jockey Club Auditorium. Prof. POON Chung-kwong, President Emeritus of PolyU was invited to speak on “Knowledge and Self-cultivation”, and to share his insights on how young people can pursue knowledge and build effective self-cultivation practices. Mr Eric CHAN Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delivered the opening speech at the public lecture. The lecture was attended by more than 700 guests, students and alumni.

PolyU and China Southern Power Grid establish the Joint Institute for Green and Secure Power Grid

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG) have signed an agreement to establish the “Joint Institute for Green and Secure Power Grid” (the Joint Institute). Harnessing quality research results and interdisciplinary technologies in the fields of power equipment, green and secure management, smart city and green and safe power supply, the pair shall join efforts to take forward the establishment and development of the country’s new power systems initiative. CSG plans to provide a funding of RMB30 million in the upcoming five years to support PolyU in carrying out a series of fundamental and forward-looking research projects. The new power systems initiative is essential for both transformation and upgrading of the country’s power systems, as well as achieving “carbon emissions peak” and “carbon neutrality”. Building the new type of power systems using new energy with high security, openness and adaptability are crucial to meet the growing demand for clean energy. An interdisciplinary research team consists of members from six departments of the Faculty of Construction and Environment and the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU has already been formed, covering the areas of smart sensing, edge computing, big data, numerical simulation and advanced materials, etc. Collaborating with the experts from CSG, the team will focus on digital twin technology of power equipment, digitalisation of electric power distribution as well as safe and stability technology to facilitate the transformation and upgrading of power grid. The duo will, under the Joint Institute, also actively participate in major provincial and national projects to achieve technological breakthrough and contribute to national energy security. The collaboration agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr LI Rui, General Manager of Innovation Management Department of CSG, and witnessed by Prof. XU Kai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr LIANG Qinru, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, Mr PENG Wenjun Bryan, Head of Innovation and Technology (Greater Bay Area) at Invest Hong Kong, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, Mr WANG Hongzhi, General Manager of CSG, and Mr ZHANG Wenfeng, Deputy General Manager of CSG at the ceremony held on 8 September 2022. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU and CSG have been working together for a long time. The establishment of the Joint Institute shall further deepen the partnership between the two parties. Looking forward, our research team will advance the development of the new power systems and the research of novel green technologies, focusing particularly on new energy and smart city applications. Our efforts will contribute to the realisation of the country’s goals to peak carbon emissions and attain carbon neutrality.” Mr Wang Hongzhi said, “We are joining hands with PolyU to carry out comprehensive cooperation in technology innovation and talent exchange. Together we shall promote the development of new power systems through the Joint Institute. This partnership realises in-depth exchanges among industry, academic and research sectors, which not only supports the innovative development of the energy industry in China, but also provides strong support for building the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area into a national model for high-quality economic, social and technological development.” In addition to joint research projects, the collaboration aims to cultivate interdisciplinary experts of higher calibre to form a research force for building the national new power systems. Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “PolyU has been actively addressing global challenges, contributing to the development of green technology and providing innovative solutions by leveraging its expertise in different disciplines. The collaboration with CSG will facilitate academic exchange and resource sharing, support our academics to conduct various research activities in a more effective way, as well as nurture research talents for promoting major research projects.” Prof. Du Yaping, Director of the Joint Institute and Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU, said, “The Joint Institute will focus on exploring the application of green and safe technologies in the field of power transmission and distribution to solve the issues in the establishment of new power systems, which will greatly promote the innovation and technology development of Hong Kong.” ***END***

Hang Seng and PolyU join hands to launch “Hang Seng x PolyU Sustainable Future Challenge: Textile and Fashion”

Hang Seng Bank and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (“PolyU”) have teamed up to launch the Hang Seng x PolyU Sustainable Future Challenge: Textile and Fashion (“the Challenge”). The Challenge calls for innovation and technology (“I&T”) talent, including young creatives, to help imagine the future of the industry with a “sustainability-centric” mindset.

PolyU announces the establishment of the School of Fashion and Textiles to nurture innovative, creative fashion talent and seize opportunities in the Greater Bay Area

On the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the official upgrade of the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) and the establishment of the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT), the third flagship and independent school within PolyU. The opening ceremony was held at the University’s Jockey Club Innovation Tower last Friday (2 September). The School is an international institution integrating fashion and textile education, and innovative technology research. It will comprehensively enhance the competitive advantage of SFT graduates and Hong Kong’s fashion and textile industry while also aligning it with the market development of the Greater Bay Area. The School’s vision is to lead the fashion industry and create societal impact while offering solutions that leverage the research and innovative excellence of the School. The School is renowned for its world-class teaching and academic achievements. Its academics come from around the world, specialising and leading the way in a variety of academic and research areas including wearable and smart textiles, medical textiles and functional clothing, social fashion design, sustainable fashion, digital fashion marketing, and fashion supply chain management. According to a report by Stanford University in 2021, 13 ITC Scholars are ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists. Furthermore, according to CEOWORLD magazine, SFT was ranked the third in Asia and 43rd in the world of the World’s Best Fashion Schools in 2022. The School has set and reached significant milestones in its pursuit of research excellence for societal impact. Last year, SFT was highly appraised in the Hong Kong University Grants Committee (UGC) “2020 Research Review Exercise”, and its research in the creative arts, performing arts and design was the best among the eight UGC-funded institutions. Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Mr Sunny TAN, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR – Textiles, and Garment constituency; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Chairman of the PolyU Council; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, the President of PolyU; and Ms Shirley CHAN, Chairlady of the Advisory Committee of SFT. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, said, “It gives me great pleasure to inaugurate the School of Fashion and Textiles as the University’s third flagship and independent school. The new School will push the boundaries of educational and research excellence even further. SFT’s vision is to be a world-leading centre in fashion and textiles education, interdisciplinary research and collaboration, playing a pivotal role in developing Hong Kong into a world-renowned fashion hub.” Ms Shirley Chan, Chairlady of the SFT Advisory Committee, said, “The new School of Fashion and Textiles will have a new emphasis on education, research and industry partnerships. PolyU has been a leading institution for fashion and textile education and research, both in Asia and globally, since 1957. The transformation of ITC to the School of Fashion and Textiles reflects its continuing position as an educational leader for many years to come.” To meet the increasing demand for advanced technology in the fashion and textile industry, SFT has worked closely with the industrial sector both locally and internationally to introduce knowledge transfer and apply innovative and insightful technologies. Significant projects include the Nu-Torque™ singles ring-yarn technology, the personalised posture training system for medical, sports and healthcare applications, and intelligent 3D human-modelling technology. These have had ground-breaking and far-reaching influences within the industry. Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as successfully developing new anti-virus 3D printing materials, anti-virus reusable PU30 masks, and protective clothing, SFT has maintained its close ties with the government, NGOs and disadvantaged groups. SFT has earmarked additional resources to foster academic and technological education and research. Its courses keep pace with the times in order to best meet market requirements for advanced technology, and new subjects including artificial intelligence, digital fashion design, e-commerce and sustainable development are all being added to the School’s programmes. The revamped undergraduate programme - BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion, and the taught postgraduate programme - MA in Global Fashion Management, are vivid representations of a prestigious, high quality, full spectrum fashion education with the trilogy of design, business and technology to accommodate local, regional and international demand for fashion talent.   ***END***

PolyU hosts the first China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters in Hong Kong: The first Test in Hong Kong will be held in November．Nurturing translation professionals through the promotion of nationally accredited qualifications

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed a cooperation agreement with the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI) Management Center (CATTI Management Center) of the China International Communications Group (CICG). The agreement authorises PolyU to organise the CATTI test in Hong Kong, with a view to uplifting the professional standard of Chinese-English translation in the city. The first Chinese-English translation and interpretation tests will be held in Hong Kong on 5 and 6 November. Interested candidates can register from now until 10 October.

Cathay Pacific and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University sign Cadet Pilot programme agreement; Cultivating the next generation of pilots and building Hong Kong as a hub for aviation training

Cathay Pacific and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed a three-year agreement to collaborate on a new integrated course for Cathay Pacific’s Cadet Pilot training programme that will cultivate local aviation industry talent and develop Hong Kong as a hub for aviation training.

The tradition of town-and-gown collaboration is highlighted in the PolyU Inauguration of Endowed Professorships and Endowed Young Scholars

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) established the Endowed Professorship Scheme in 2012 to honour distinguished scholars for their outstanding academic and research achievements. With extra resources from the Scheme, Endowed Professors will be able to step up their excellent work in research and education. In 2021, to further support promising early-career academics to excel, PolyU introduced the Endowed Young Scholars Scheme. Outstanding academics in the capacity of an Associate Professor or Assistant Professor can be nominated for the position of Endowed Young Scholar. Through the Schemes, philanthropists partner with PolyU to advance research and scholarly activities of a discipline of their choice for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. To express PolyU’s appreciation to the donors and to honour the appointment of the outstanding Endowed Professors and Endowed Young Scholars, The Fourth Inauguration of Endowed Professorships cum The First Inauguration of Endowed Young Scholars was held yesterday (31 August) at the Jockey Club Auditorium on the PolyU campus, inaugurating ten new Endowed Professorships, one Endowed Professorship converted from an Endowed Fellowship, six successive Endowed Professorships, two successive Named Professorships and four new Endowed Young Scholar positions. Dr LAM Tai-fai, GBS, JP, PolyU Council Chairman, hopes that by partnering with visionary philanthropists, the University can empower its outstanding researchers to pursue game-changing ideas and drive ground-breaking inventions that advance the frontiers of knowledge and technology, thereby bringing positive change to the world. Professor Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all benefactors. He encouraged the appointed Endowed Professors and Endowed Young Scholars to take advantage of the greater resources to further advance knowledge and develop innovations that will benefit our society. To date, PolyU has established a total of 37 Endowed Professorships, two Named Professorships and six Endowed Young Scholar positions. We hope that other like-minded philanthropists will witness the powerful impact of the Schemes at this event. Please browse the Scheme website for more information.   Endowed Professorships Appointees Hong Kong Sustaintech Foundation Endowed Professorship in Accounting and Finance Lu Haitian Michael Anson Endowed Professorship in Civil Engineering C. S. Poon Able Endowed Professorship in Construction Health and Safety Albert Chan Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Endowed Professorship in Data Science Cao Jiannong Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Endowed Professorship in Neuropsychology David Shum Peter Hung Endowed Professorship in Pain Management Amy Fu Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professorship in Precision Engineering Yung Kai-leung Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Endowed Professorship in Smart Building Wang Shengwei Fiona Cheung Endowed Professorship in Spatial Science Wu Bo Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Endowed Professorship in Urban Informatics John Shi Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Endowed Professorship in Rehabilitation Sciences (Converted from Endowed Fellowship) Margaret Mak   Successive Endowed Professorships and Named Professorships Appointees Clarea Au Endowed Professorship in Energy Raymond Wong Yeung Kin Man Endowed Professorship in Information Technology Innovation and Management Lim Kai H. Alex Wong Siu Wah Gigi Wong Fook Chi Endowed Professorship in Product Design Engineering Lee Kun-pyo Cally Kwong Mei Wan Endowed Professorship in Psychosocial Health Hector Tsang Yim, Mak, Kwok & Chung Endowed Professorship in Smart Structures Ni Yiqing Ko Jan Ming Endowed Professorship in Sustainable Urban Development Li Xiangdong Swire Professorship in Design Lee Kun-pyo Cheng Yick-chi Chair in Manufacturing Engineering H.C. Man   Endowed Young Scholars Appointees Tsui Tack Kong Endowed Young Scholar in Civil Engineering Zhou Chao Thetos Foundation Endowed Young Scholar in Social Services Ada Fung Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Aerospace Navigation Hsu Li-ta Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Medical Laboratory Science Gilman Siu   ***END***

PolyU scholar wins APEC top young scientist award for his contribution to bio-circular-green practice research

Dr REN Jingzheng, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), won the 2022 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE). He was awarded the prize of USD 25,000 at a ceremony hosted in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in late August. Thailand chairs APEC 2022.

PolyU’s new think tank on innovation and technology policy draws leading minds on planning and land strategy for the Northern Metropolis in its inaugural forum

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) launched its Innovation and Technology Forum Series today, pooling leading minds and experts from multiple disciplines to contribute to policy and strategy discussions about propelling Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. The Series debuted with a forum on the theme of “Planning, Land and Housing for Innovation and Technology Development in Hong Kong”. It attracted over 300 participants joining in person or online from different universities, research institutes and public organisations. Founded in 2022, PReCIT is a university-level interdisciplinary policy research centre. The primary areas of its research include carbon-neutral cities, Greater Bay Area I&T development, and the Belt and Road Initiative development in Southeast Asia. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “The development of a vibrant innovation and technology industry is the key to fostering Hong Kong’s future success. For Hong Kong to succeed in the innovation and technology arena, many policy questions need to be addressed, including policies for the integration of Hong Kong into the national innovation ecosystem, and the talent policies that support the development of Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub. With the establishment of PReCIT, PolyU aspires to make significant contributions to the formulation of innovation and technology policies in Hong Kong.” Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, said, “PReCIT aims at generating impactful and constructive innovation and technology strategies for the Government on societal issues. The Northern Metropolis has strong potential to support Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub featuring urban-rural integration and the co-existence of development and conservation. It is a mega project that deserves more discussion. The PReCIT I&T Forum provides a premier platform for experts in the city to exchange views for the betterment of society.” At the forum, Dr Winnie TANG, Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium; Mr LING Kar-kan, Director of the Jockey Club Design Institute of Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) of PolyU; and Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, exchanged their insights and ideas about the development of the Northern Metropolis – a core strategy of the HKSAR Government to drive the city’s economic and I&T development, as well as cooperation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Dr Tang offered a roadmap on how the Northern Metropolis could become a smart city role model for other parts of Hong Kong, and help the public to make informed decisions regarding introducing smart city technologies in their neighbourhoods. She added that utilising the city’s spatial data effectively is critical for enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness. Mr Ling, formerly the Director of Planning and Strategic Planning Advisor for Hong Kong/Shenzhen Cooperation of the HKSAR Government, said that the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy will bring enormous changes to residents along the bordering area with Shenzhen, as well as shifts in business models for the next 10 to 15 years. Therefore, collaboration among the government, business, academia, and professionals in planning and land usage deliberation is critical for the long-term synergy between Hong Kong and Shenzhen and their integration into the Greater Bay Area’s development. Prof. Man, who is also the Director of the Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing of PolyU, emphasised the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of indigenous inhabitants while developing areas like the San Tin Technopole – a strategic part of the Northern Metropolis that aspires to be Hong Kong’s Silicon Valley. Prof. Man is an indigenous resident and former representative of Chau Tau Village in San Tin. A panel discussion moderated by Prof. Eric CHUI, Co-Director of PReCIT and Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU, and joined by Mr Simon WONG, Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) of PolyU, further inspired thought-provoking dialogues among participants on hot topics ranging from environmental protection to opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. Friday’s forum was co-organised by the Smart City Consortium and PolyU’s Department of Applied Social Sciences, J.C.DISI, and the Research and Innovation Office. It was supported by the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, The Hong Kong Institute of Planners, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, and The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. The next forum will be held on 27 September on the topic of “Funding Landscape from Research to Commercialization”. Leaders from Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and the MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node are invited to share their valuable insights to enhance Hong Kong’s I&T development. For more information about PReCIT’s events, please visit www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/.   ***END***

PolyU Fashion Show 2022 Nurturing young talents for the fashion industry

32 graduating students of the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) showcased their talent through their creative designs at the PolyU Fashion Show 2022 earlier. The students demonstrated their distinctive styles and concepts in their graduation projects to industry professionals, families and friends at the annual show staged at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This is the first undergraduate fashion show after the upgrade of the School and marks the return of the annual iconic institutional show after a two-year break due to the pandemic. The Show presented exciting works by newly graduating students from the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles, embracing the three majors of fashion design, knitwear design, and intimate apparel and activewear design. Providing an opportunity for the students to share their amazing designs on the catwalk, the Show attracted nearly 700 guests including influential figures from the industry, famous fashion designers, media friends and fashion bloggers, while an audience of over 7,000 watched the live show online. The Show was officiated by Prof. Jin-guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU; and Prof. Raymond WONG; Interim Dean of SFT. Prof. Raymond Wong said, “This year is a special year for PolyU. Not only is PolyU celebrating its 85th anniversary, but the Institute of Textiles and Clothing has been upgraded to an independent school – the School of Fashion and Textiles. During our 65-year history, the School has aligned its operation with the mission of PolyU in many ways, including through its ground-breaking innovations, effective pedagogies and critical contributions to scholarship.” Reflecting their solid design training from SFT, each finalist demonstrated three pieces of design from their collection, competing for the various awards and scholarships offered and supported by our industry partners. The judging panel comprised (in alphabetical order): Ms Janet Cheung, Project Director, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association Mr Tony Kong, Assistant President, Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited Ms Ale Lau, Chief Designer, Yintak Intex Co. Limited Ms Constance Lee, Founder, ConStyle Ms Hoi-ni Leung, Head of Creation, Pioneer Elastic (Hong Kong) Limited Mr Ronan Leung, Creative Design Manager, Avery Dennison RBIS Apparel Solutions Ms Karen Ng, Secretary, Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries’ Association Ms Nicola Shears, Head of Creative Design Asia, Triumph International Services (APAC) Limited Mr Kit Wan, Founder, Kit Wan Studios Ms Brenda Yang, Technical Manager, The Woolmark Company and Flinders Merino Group Mr Ryan Yeung, Chief Designer, Legend Swimwear Factory Limited Ms Dilys Yiu, Director, Fenix Group Holdings Limited Mr Karmuel Young, Founder, Karmuel Young The Overall Winner was TSANG On-ting with their theme of “Exhausting a crowd”. Please refer to the appendix for the full list of awardees. As the success of our alumni is of vital importance to the School, a series of home-coming events was also hosted. Three outstanding alumni designers, who were once selected as the finalists of their graduation show - Ms Constance Lee (BA, 2013), Mr Kit Wan (BA, 2013) and Mr Karmuel Young (BA, 2007) - were invited to join our judging panel for the selection of the Overall Winner, 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up awards for the fashion and knitwear design finalists. These outstanding alumni designers not only established their own design labels after graduation but have also become key figures in defining and shaping the Hong Kong fashion industry. SFT maintains strong ties with its alumni, and their success stories are inspiring, encouraging and valuable to both young talents and the industry as a whole. In this show, 14 alumni designers who received awards from 2021 and 2022, but could not show their works due to the pandemic, were invited to showcase them with current graduating students so as to share their success with us. About the School of Fashion and Textiles Over the past 65 years, the PolyU Institute of Textiles and Clothing has nurtured many talented and distinguished professionals for the fashion and manufacturing industries. On 1 July 2022, the Institute was renamed and upgraded to the School of Fashion and Textiles, to serve as another flagship and independent school within PolyU.   ***END***