PolyU and Dassault Systèmes establish the first Center of Excellence in Asia Pacific to advance AI + digital twin for material innovation
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Dassault Systèmes signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 17th September 2025. The first Dassault Systèmes Center of Excellence – Dassault Systèmes–PolyU Center of Excellence in the Asia Pacific region was officially established on PolyU’s current Research Centre of Materials Intelligent Manufacturing. This collaboration aims to advance innovation in AI + Materials and AI + Digital Twin, by combining PolyU’s research excellence in AI and robotics for material innovation with Dassault Systèmes’ leadership in digital twin technologies and advanced software solutions. This partnership will strengthen industry–academic international collaboration and support “AI + manufacturing” talent development.
The plaque unveiling of the new Center of Excellence and the MoU signing ceremony were held at PolyU. The unveiling ceremony for the Dassault Systèmes–PolyU Center of Excellence was jointly officiated by Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Samson Khaou, Executive Vice President, Asia-Pacific, Dassault Systèmes. The MoU agreement was signed by Professor Chi Yung Chung, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, and Ms Joanne Li, 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Sales Director, China, Dassault Systèmes, witnessed by senior representatives from PolyU, Dassault Systèmes, and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau. Following this, Mr Samson Khaou was honoured as an Industrial Advisory Board Member of the Research Centre for Materials Intelligent Manufacturing, with the official letter presented by Professor Haitao Zhao, Director of the Research Centre. The ceremony symbolised the official launch of the Dassault Systèmes–PolyU Center of Excellence and marked a significant milestone in international cooperation between academia and industry, connecting Hong Kong with France and the international innovation ecosystem.