News

Sing Tao Daily Coverage – Prof. JIANG Binyan Introduces PolyU’s AI Education

Prof. JIANG Binyan, Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), was featured in Sing Tao Daily during PolyU Info Day 2026. In the interview, Prof. JIANG introduced DSAI’s interdisciplinary education in artificial intelligence and data science, highlighting how its programmes equip students with technical knowledge and practical skills to meet the growing demand for professionals in these rapidly developing fields. To read more, please visit the news article at the following link (in Chinese only): https://www.stheadline.com/ad-edu/3626852/

Thirteen DSAI Scholars Named among the World’s Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists 2026

Thirteen scholars from PolyU’s Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) have been named among the World’s Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists 2026. Compiled by Stanford University using citation data provided by Elsevier, the list assesses researchers through standardised citation indicators, including citation counts, H-index and citations to papers in different authorship positions. It presents data on both career-long and single-year citation impact, reflecting researchers’ sustained influence and recent contributions. The recognised DSAI scholars are: Name (in alphabetical order of surname) Subject Field Prof. CAO Liangliang Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. CHENG Ran Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. CHUNG Fu Lai Korris Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. HUANG Jian Statistics & Probability Prof. HUANG Jiaxing Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. KUMAR Ajay Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. LIANG Hualou Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. TAN Kay Chen Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. WU Xiao Ming Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. YANG Qiang Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. YANG Xingyi Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. ZHANG Chengqi Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. ZHANG Weixiong Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing This recognition highlights the strong research impact and contributions of DSAI scholars in artificial intelligence, image processing, statistics and probability. For more information, please visit: https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/9 

Exploring Future Possibilities with DSAI at PolyU Info Day 2026

The Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence welcomed prospective students and families at PolyU Info Day 2026 on 10 October 2026. Visitors explored the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (JUPAS Code: JS3223), which offers three majors: • BSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence • BSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence with Financial Technology • BSc (Hons) in Data Science and Analytics The BSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence is a newly added major, providing students with an additional pathway to pursue emerging opportunities in this rapidly advancing field. More than 400 participants attended our programme seminars, where our academic team introduced the features of each major, curriculum structure, learning opportunities and potential career pathways. Visitors also spoke with our faculty members and students at the consultation booth to learn more about studying at DSAI and student life at PolyU. We sincerely thank everyone who joined us and contributed to the lively exchanges throughout the day. We hope to welcome many of you as future members of the DSAI community.

Welcome On Board – Professor of Practice Dr ZHENG Quanzhan

We are delighted to announce that Dr ZHENG Quanzhan has joined the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence as Professor of Practice, effective 1 October 2026. Dr ZHENG is a distinguished computer scientist and veteran technology executive who has held key technical leadership roles at Microsoft, Tencent and Baidu. His extensive experience spans operating systems, software infrastructure, and technology research and development. Please join us in welcoming Dr ZHENG to our community. We look forward to the valuable industry insights and expertise he will bring to our students and the wider PolyU DSAI community.

Applications Open: Master’s Degree Programmes (Jan 2027 Intake)

DSAI is now inviting applications for the January 2027 intake of our two postgraduate programmes: •    MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Computing •    MSc in Data Science and Analytics Designed to meet the surging global demand for AI specialists and data strategists, these programmes offer rigorous training, industry-relevant curriculum, and hands-on experience with emerging technologies. Application Deadline: 23 October 2026 Ready to shape the future of technology? Explore our programme details and submit your application online today. Learn More: https://polyu.hk/lkKEE  Apply Now: https://polyu.hk/qlIzj

PolyU Ranked 15th Globally and First in Hong Kong for Artificial Intelligence

The Department of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) is pleased to announce that PolyU has been ranked 15th globally and 1st in Hong Kong for Artificial Intelligence in the ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) 2026. Up one spot from last year, PolyU has secured its position among the world’s top 15 AI institutions while holding the top spot in Hong Kong for the second consecutive year. This achievement highlights the University’s sustained commitment to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and impactful AI education. DSAI remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of AI leaders through innovative degree programmes, cross-disciplinary initiatives, and deep industry collaborations

DSAI Elite Class Scheme Welcomes Its First Cohort

The Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) at PolyU held the inaugural gathering of the DSAI Elite Class Scheme (ECS) on 12 September 2026, welcoming the first cohort of nine high-performing students. The ECS is a dual-track development initiative designed to support outstanding students through early engagement in research and industry-oriented development. Students receive tailored support including faculty mentorship, research and project opportunities, curriculum flexibility, and academic and professional development. During the gathering, students were introduced to the structure, policies, and development roadmap of the ECS, including the research and industry support available and the upcoming faculty supervisor matching process. The session was followed by a one-hour seminar by Prof. JIANG Binyan on mathematics in data science. The gathering marked an encouraging start to the scheme. DSAI looks forward to supporting the inaugural cohort as they explore their interests and develop their potential in data science and artificial intelligence.

Three DSAI Staff Members Receive Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2026

Three staff members from the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) have received the Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2026 presented by the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS). The DSAI awardees are: Early Career Teacher - Dr LIAO Weihang Ryo, Teaching Fellow Research Student Supervision - Prof. KUMAR Ajay, Professor Knowledge Transfer: Society - Prof. WU Jibin, Assistant Professor Selected by a Faculty Assessment Panel from a strong pool of departmental nominees, the awardees were recognised for their achievements in teaching, research student supervision, and knowledge transfer for societal benefit. Their accomplishments reflect DSAI’s commitment to educational excellence, talent development, and societal impact. The DSAI community extends its warmest congratulations to Dr LIAO, Prof. KUMAR, and Prof. WU on their achievements and wishes them continued success.

Prof. KUMAR Ajay Receives 2026 IEEE Biometrics Council Leadership Award

Prof. KUMAR Ajay, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, has received the 2026 IEEE Biometrics Council Leadership Award. The award was presented at the IEEE/IAPR International Joint Conference on Biometrics (IJCB 2026) in Rome, Italy, on 3 September 2026. One of the IEEE Biometrics Council’s most prestigious honours, the award recognises Prof. KUMAR’s exceptional and sustained leadership in contactless hand-based biometrics, as well as his outstanding professional service to the IEEE Biometrics Council. For more than two decades, Prof. KUMAR has made pioneering contributions to contactless palmprint, fingerprint, finger-knuckle and palm-vein recognition. His research has advanced biometric science and its real-world applications, while the benchmark datasets released by his team have supported researchers worldwide. He has also contributed significantly to the development of the global biometrics community, including serving as President of the IEEE Biometrics Council from 2021 to 2022. At the award ceremony, Prof. KUMAR delivered a vision talk titled “Biometrics at a Crossroads: From Impact to Responsibilities”, outlining priorities for trustworthy and privacy-preserving biometrics, responsible AI, multimodal identity systems and anti-deepfake technologies. “This award belongs not only to me but to every student and collaborator at PolyU who contributed to this body of work. It is a privilege to have spent over two decades working on a technology that has genuinely changed how people access their world,” said Prof. KUMAR. The award comprises a commemorative plaque and a US$2,000 honorarium. The DSAI community extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. KUMAR on this distinguished achievement.

DSAI Welcomes New Students at 2026 Orientation Sessions

The Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) welcomed its new undergraduate and postgraduate students at three orientation sessions held on 27 August, 3 September, and 4 September 2026. At the orientation for the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Prof. CHEN Changwen, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, delivered welcoming remarks, followed by an introduction to DSAI by Prof. TAN Kay Chen, Head of DSAI. Students received briefings on studying at PolyU and on the General University Requirements, and met their Programme Leaders and Academic Advisors. The MSc in Data Science and Analytics (MScDSA) and MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Computing (MScAIBD) orientations featured welcoming addresses by Prof. JIANG Binyan, Associate Head (Teaching), and Prof. TAN Kay Chen, Head of DSAI, respectively. Programme briefings and practical advice on studying and living in Hong Kong helped students prepare for their new academic journey. DSAI warmly welcomes all new students and wishes them a rewarding year ahead.