In late December 2025, PolyU hosted a high-level delegation from its strategic partner, Dassault Systèmes, for a seminar on the future of digital twin technologies in engineering education and research. This event marked the first major academic exchange since the joint Dassault Systèmes–PolyU Center of Excellence was established in September 2025.
Led by Mr Samson KHAOU, Executive Vice President (Asia-Pacific) of Dassault Systèmes, the delegation included senior representatives Dr Hongyu WEN, Dr Liang ZHANG, and Ms Joanne LI. They engaged with PolyU leadership, including President Professor Jin-Guang TENG and Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) Professor Christopher CHAO. Discussions focused on leveraging the partnership to drive international industry-academia-research collaborations. Professor Teng highlighted the Center’s role in enriching local teaching and innovation through global knowledge integration. Professor CHAO emphasised that such research alliances are pivotal for strengthening the University’s innovation agenda and international impact.
During the seminar, Mr KHAOU detailed the company’s 3D UNIV + RESE strategy, which uses AI-driven digital twins to create dynamic virtual environments for education and research. This approach bridges the gap between academia and industry, preparing future talents for rapidly transforming sectors. The event also showcased practical applications in robotics and materials engineering, demonstrating how digital twins enable simulation, optimisation, and reduced resource waste. The seminar was hosted by the PolyU Research Centre for Materials Intelligent Manufacturing, supported by the Dassault Systèmes, Dassault Systèmes–PolyU Center of Excellence, 3DEXPERIENCE Edu, the PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Introduction to Dassault Systèmes–PolyU Center of Excellence
The Dassault Systèmes–PolyU Center of Excellence, the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, combines PolyU’s research strengths in AI, robotics, and materials with Dassault Systèmes’ leadership in digital twin platforms. It aims to foster innovation, support talent development in “AI + manufacturing,” and contribute to industrial upgrading in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
