Media Releases

PolyU Summer Programme for Secondary School Students 2022 Opens for Applications

The Summer Programme organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will commence in early August. Applications for the PolyU Summer Programme for Secondary School Students 2022 (the Programme) are now open. Interested students are encouraged to submit online applications on or before 8 July 2022. The university-wide Summer Programme has been providing tailor-made summer activities to about 1,000 secondary 4 and 5 students since 2015. The Programme is designed to give secondary school students a taste of various PolyU disciplines, and to better prepare them for their future academic pursuits. A total of 25 face-to-face or online taster programmes will be organised by different faculties, schools and departments from 3 to 18 August 2022, focusing on a variety of fields including languages, business, science, health, hotel & tourism, and STEM. Undergraduate programme talks, thematic lectures, student sharing sessions, lab tours and hands-on activities will be arranged for participating students to gain a more in-depth understanding of different subject areas.   PolyU Summer Programme for Secondary School Students 2022 Schedule One-day Programme Date Faculty/ School/ Department Mode 3 August 2022 School of Hotel and Tourism Management Face-to-face School of Nursing Face-to-face School of Optometry Face-to-face 4 August 2022 Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Online Department of Rehabilitation Sciences - Physiotherapy Face-to-face School of Nursing Face-to-face 8 August 2022 Department of Applied Social Sciences Face-to-face Department of Electronic and Information Engineering Face-to-face 9 August 2022 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Face-to-face Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Online School of Fashion and Textiles Face-to-face 10 August 2022 Department of Applied Physics Face-to-face Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Online School of Optometry Face-to-face 11 August 2022 Department of Applied Mathematics Face-to-face Department of Health Technology and Informatics Online 15 August 2022 Faculty of Business Face-to-face Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies Face-to-face 16 August 2022 Department of English and Communication Face-to-face Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics Face-to-face Department of Rehabilitation Sciences - Occupational Therapy Face-to-face 17 August 2022 Department of Building and Real Estate Face-to-face 18 August 2022 Department of Biomedical Engineering Face-to-face   Two-day Programme Date Faculty/ School Mode 4 - 5 August 2022 School of Design Face-to-face 16 - 17 August 2022 Faculty of Engineering Online   Secondary 4 & 5 students who are interested in participating in the PolyU Summer Programme for Secondary School Students 2022 can register through the online form: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pfs/index.php/761747 For more information, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/sp2022 or email to local.study@polyu.edu.hk for further information.   ***END***

Dr Wong Tit-shing supports PolyU to establish Endowed Young Scholar position in Smart Robotics

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to meeting societal needs through the provision of excellent education and conducting impactful research. The University has been working closely with industry over the years to strengthen collaboration between innovative research teams and key industry players for the benefit of society. Chairman and Founder of Jetta Company Limited Ir Dr WONG Tit-shing is a renowned leader in the toy industry and a PolyU Outstanding Alumnus. He has always been a strong supporter of PolyU and recently provided a generous donation to establish the Wong Tit Shing Endowed Young Scholar position in Smart Robotics. Ir Dr ZHENG Pai, Assistant Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has been appointed as the Endowed Young Scholar. In an appreciation lunch hosted by PolyU’s President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG yesterday (22 June), Prof. Teng expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of PolyU for Dr Wong’s unwavering support. “PolyU will fully leverage its academic strengths to bring about significant new research breakthroughs in Smart Robotics research,” Prof. Teng added. As a graduate of the Hong Kong Technical College (HKTC), a predecessor of PolyU, Dr Wong also donated the precious school logo pins of HKTC to PolyU during the luncheon. President Teng expressed his appreciation for the donation, and will arrange for this memorable collection to be exhibited in the University History Museum. With remarkable achievements in Smart Robotics, Dr Zheng is currently the Lab-in-Charge of the Digitalized Service Laboratory and Leader of the PolyU Research Group “AI for Industrial Digital Servitization”. He is very grateful for Dr Wong’s trust and support. He and his team are inspired to contribute to achieving symbiotic and proactive human-robot collaboration in order to advance smart manufacturing. The PolyU Endowed Young Scholars Scheme aims to partner with our donors to identify young scholars with great potential in order to ensure their innovative research can be realised. The annual funding provided by the Scheme not only supports the research and scholarly activities of the appointee, but also serves as seed funding for the pursuit of preliminary stage research projects, helping to elevate the impact of research on society. The University looks forward to joining hands with like-minded philanthropists to strengthen links between academia and industry, fostering greater collaboration and the exchange of knowledge to generate positive societal impact. Please browse the Scheme website for more information.   ***END***

Fiona Cheung provides a generous donation to PolyU to establish Endowed Professorship in Spatial Science

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is honoured to be the only Hong Kong tertiary institution involved in China’s space exploration projects, contributing to the development of the Nation’s space programme. Ms Fiona CHEUNG, Chairman of Forest Zone Limited, who has been a keen supporter of PolyU, has provided a generous donation to establish the Fiona Cheung Endowed Professorship in Spatial Science, in order to support PolyU’s continuous contributions to China’s space exploration projects. Prof. WU Bo, Associate Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, has been appointed as the Endowed Professor. To express its sincere gratitude for Ms Cheung’s generous support, PolyU held an appreciation lunch yesterday (14 June), hosted by PolyU’s President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG. Prof. Teng extended his heartfelt appreciation to Ms Cheung for her staunch support to the University. With this professorship, PolyU will further strengthen its research endeavours to make greater contributions to the advancement of space technology and science. Prof. Wu developed innovative 3D topographic mapping and intelligent geomorphological analysis techniques which contributed to landing site mapping and selection for China’s Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4, and Chang’e-5 lunar missions, as well as the Tianwen-1 mission to Mars. Expressing his gratitude for Ms Cheung’s support, Prof. Wu stated that this professorship is a great encouragement to the staff and students of the Faculty, driving them to strive for excellence in education and research. Ms Cheung, a member of the Governing Committee of the PolyU Foundation and a University Fellow, has been providing invaluable advice to support the fundraising and outreach efforts of the University. Ms Cheung believes the Endowed Professorship can encourage young scholars to follow the footsteps of Prof. Wu, devoting their careers to research and innovation. With the support of donors, the Endowed Professorship Scheme recognises the achievements of world-renowned researchers in their specialised disciplines and enables the Endowed Professors to explore and advance cutting-edge research projects for the betterment of mankind. We hope that like-minded philanthropists will witness the powerful impact of the Endowed Professorship Scheme in the appointment of the aforesaid professorship. Please browse the Scheme website for more information.  ***END***

Tripartite collaboration between MTR Corporation, MTR Academy and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to focus on exploring railway technology application and solutions for intelligent maintenance

The MTR Corporation and MTR Academy (MTRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) today with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (“PolyU”) on a three-year collaboration to establish a partnership to focus on exploring advanced and innovative railway technologies and facilitating smart railway asset and operations management, as well as intelligent maintenance. Leveraging on the railway expertise of the Corporation and MTRA, together with the research competence of smart railway technologies of PolyU, the MoU sets out a framework for the parties to explore innovative solutions and technology applications with the goal to further enhance the performance of railway operations and smart maintenance with smart sensing technology. The collaboration areas include exploring smart solutions for monitoring and condition assessment on railway assets, exploring the establishment of a joint laboratory for rail-technology application, as well as research related to improving the operating environment, for example, passenger flow management in stations. Witnessed by Dr Rex AUYEUNG, Chairman of MTR Corporation and Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, the MoU was signed by Dr Jacob KAM, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation, Ms Margaret CHENG, Acting President of MTR Academy, Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Professor Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU. “The MTR Corporation will adopt technology in all of its services and operations to actively promote the MTR’s corporate strategy `Transforming the Future’. The Corporation is determined to allocate substantial resources in the application of innovative technology. We hope by collaborating with academia, we can promote the development of smart railway and keep Hong Kong moving,” said Dr Rex Auyeung, Chairman of MTR Corporation. “MTR endeavours to provide a high level of service in various aspects. We look forward to working together with PolyU, an institution with outstanding academic and research achievements in railway technologies, to co-develop smart solutions and application-oriented innovation to further enhance our service quality,” said Dr Jacob Kam, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation. “We also expect the partnership can create opportunity for young talents and encourage them to utilise their creativity and innovation capability.” The MTR Corporation and MTR Academy have been working with PolyU in the field of railway technology and the development of railway engineering expertise, including a project for setting up optical fibre sensing on MTR track sections. Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, said, “We are pleased to deepen collaboration with MTR Corporation. PolyU places great importance on scientific research and is devoted to translating research excellence into real-world applications. We establish close partnerships with industry partners to create breakthroughs in research in different fields to respond to societal needs.’” PolyU’s President, Professor Jin-Guang Teng, said, “I believe PolyU’s substantial research competence in smart railways and smart cities will gain more opportunities to be transformed into real-world industry solutions through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with MTR Corporation and the MTR Academy today, hence promoting technological innovation in smart railways for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” MTR Corporation has already allocated over HK$300 million for investment in start-ups in the next few years, and more funding will be reserved for similar projects in the future.   ***End***

PolyU and FHKI sign MoU to inject new impetus into I&T for driving Hong Kong's re-industrialisation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen their partnership and foster university-industry collaboration. With the aim of nurturing innovation and technology (I&T) talent and supporting start-ups, the partnership will focus on promoting the exchange of industry insights and addressing I&T needs over the coming year. This will contribute to the future industrial development of Hong Kong by leveraging PolyU’s latest technological and scientific research and proactively promoting the development of Hong Kong’s I&T and related industries. PolyU and FHKI will strengthen their cooperation to encourage exchange and collaboration between industrialists and innovative research teams. The two parties will also share resources and networks to support the integration of start-ups and industry through various start-up support schemes. Under the MoU, FHKI members and the PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund plan to co-invest in PolyU-related technology start-ups, and provide systematic support to accelerate their growth. Both parties expect to inject new impetus into industry and further deepen university-industry collaboration by providing PolyU’s students and the new generation of start-ups with a better understanding of industry needs, as well as the difficulties and challenges faced by industry. PolyU is committed to accelerating knowledge transfer, propelling innovation and entrepreneurship education, and bringing the needs of industry to its campus. Now, by combining the extensive experience of industry with the academic and scientific research excellence of PolyU, greater synergies will be generated, contributing to Hong Kong’s re-industrialisation in the long run. Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU is committed to meeting market needs through the provision of excellent education and conducting innovative research. The University has been working closely with industry over the years. Through our partnership with FHKI, we aim to strengthen mutually beneficial collaboration between innovative research teams and industry by leveraging PolyU’s expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship education as well as FHKI’s market intelligence and extensive network. The partnership will furthermore reinforce the application of PolyU’s research excellence to different industries and help nurture young talent for I&T industries in Hong Kong.” Dr Sunny CHAI, Chairman of FHKI, remarked that such university-industry collaboration reflects the joint dedication to fostering Hong Kong’s advanced manufacturing, re-industrialisation and I&T development. “The close working relationship and exchange between the two parties will strengthen the University’s knowledge transfer endeavours, creating more sustainable social-economic values. Talent is the key for Hong Kong to become a world-class advanced manufacturing and I&T centre. It is expected that the collaboration will provide more opportunities for PolyU’s students and research teams to leverage their expertise, and attract more young people to join the advanced manufacturing and I&T industries, bringing in new energy and creativity,” Dr Chai said. PolyU and FHKI will work together to explore more partnership programmes tailored for PolyU’s students and research teams. These include joint innovation challenges, mentorship programmes, translational research grants, talent exchange, nurturing schemes, etc. The collaboration will cover a wide range of disciplines, such as electric vehicles; biotech; property tech; environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles as well as other I&T areas, aiming to apply research results to society and accelerate the commercialisation of start-ups.   *** End ***

Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) officially launched to showcase leading role for Hong Kong in Eye Health Research

At the forefront of the population’s health and aging imperative and with its mission of generating innovative technologies and unique solutions designed to prevent vision loss and preserve healthy vision, the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) announced its official launch today. It is the first global hub to conduct ground-breaking research in five key areas – myopia and eye growth, ocular drug discovery and delivery, vision enhancement, tear film and ocular surface, and advanced optometric technology. Supported by InnoHK, the flagship innovation and technology initiative of the HKSAR Government, CEVR is committed to becoming a global leader in eye and vision research as well as a magnet for attracting and training elite researchers, harnessing Hong Kong’s research expertise and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

PolyU develops advanced vision sensors that emulate human visual adaptability

Future autonomous vehicles and industrial cameras might have human-like vision, thanks to a recent advance by scientists from Hong Kong and South Korea. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Yonsei University in Seoul have developed vision sensors that emulate and even surpass the human retina’s ability to adapt to various lighting levels.

PolyU develops ultrasensitive and portable detection sensor for rapid, easy and low-cost COVID-19 antibody test

As the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has continued for over two years, a fast and accurate antibody detection method can help assess the antibody content of the human body, as well as provide reference data for healthcare departments to formulate appropriate vaccination measures. In the long run, the antibody content data can also contribute to epidemiological studies and vaccine development. In view of this, a research team from the Department of Applied Physics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has successfully developed an ultrasensitive and portable COVID-19 antibody detection sensor based on organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) technology. Fast and easy-to-use, the sensor is designed for testing the antibody levels of people who have either received vaccination or have been infected with the virus.

PolyU research reveals that over 10% Hong Kong people exhibit PTSD symptoms one year after the onset of the pandemic; Severity of symptoms is associated with time spent watching pandemic-related news

Two years on, various activities in the community have been gradually resuming amid the COVID-19 pandemic as social distancing measures are further relaxed. Living under the shadow of the pandemic has been exhausting, many are not only tired of battling COVID, but also exhibit different levels of mental distress or even trauma. Unhealthy mental status is something that should not be disregarded as it may entail different kinds of issues.

PolyU disciplines and scholars lead in Research.com rankings

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has attained remarkable global and national results in the recently announced 2022 Top Universities Rankings and Top Scientists Rankings conducted by the international academic ranking portal Research.com. Based on the assessment of H-index performance, a measurement of scholars’ impact, and other bibliometric indicators, seven PolyU disciplines were ranked in the top 100 globally and 16 disciplines were ranked among the top 50 in China. In particular, PolyU’s “Business and Management”, “Engineering and Technology” and “Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering” disciplines ranked in the top 20 globally. Both “Business and Management” and “Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering” fields ranked No.1 in China. PolyU scholars also shine in the latest rankings, with 17 leading academics ranked among the top 20 scientists nationally in their respective fields. PolyU will make reference to various forms of evaluation criteria to identify areas for enhancement, while continuing its efforts to improve research quality and foster an interdisciplinary research culture, contributing to the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. To learn more about the 2022 Top Universities Rankings and Top Scientists Rankings, please refer to https://research.com.   Discipline National ranking Business and Management 1st Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 1st Engineering and Technology 2nd Mathematics 2nd Economics and Finance 3rd Psychology 3rd Computer Science 8th Medicine 8th Electronics and Electrical Engineering 9th   ***END***