News and Kudos

International Symposium on Global Corporate Communication in the Greater Bay Area Successfully Concludes

The International Symposium on Global Corporate Communication in the Greater Bay Area was successfully held on 14 June 2025 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). This prestigious event brought together leading academics, industry experts, and practitioners to explore the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in corporate communication. Special emphasis was placed on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping communication practices and addressing complexities in the global landscape. The symposium was co-organised by PolyU’s Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies (CBS) and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS). It served as a multidisciplinary platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and discussions that bridged academia and the corporate world. Featuring six keynote speeches, six parallel sessions, and nearly 50 presentations, the event welcomed more than 60 participants, including scholars, researchers, postgraduate students, and industry professionals. Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speeches The day began with an opening address by Prof. LI Ping, Dean of PolyU’s Faculty of Humanities, followed by a welcoming speech from Prof. SIOK Wai-ting, Head of CBS. The opening remarks set the stage for a day of insightful discussions on corporate communication in the context of innovation, complexity, and global interconnectedness. Keynote speeches The event’s keynote speeches featured six distinguished scholars and industry leaders, who shared their expertise on cutting-edge topics.  Prof. Jesper FALKHEIMER (Lund University) introduced a groundbreaking perspective with his talk on “Using Narratives and Strategic Improvisation—A New Framework for Corporate Communications in the Age of Complexity.” He emphasised the importance of adaptability and storytelling in navigating the complexities of modern corporate communication. Prof. Daniel LAUFER (Auckland University of Technology) presented a compelling analysis of “Incorporating Generative AI in Crisis Communication—Insights into Stakeholder Reactions to this Emerging Technology.” His speech shed light on the opportunities and challenges organisations face when integrating generative AI into their crisis management strategies. Prof. HUANG Guowen (City University of Macau) provided a critical examination of “Corporate Social Responsibility and Greenwashing.” His presentation explored the ethical dilemmas and reputational risks in corporate communication, particularly in the context of false or exaggerated environmental claims. Prof. HU Chunyu (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies) shared an insightful case study titled “Corporate Narratives in Crisis Management: The Case of Huawei.” His analysis demonstrated how effective storytelling and narrative control helped Huawei navigate complex crises and protect its brand reputation. Mr. Andy ANN, CEO of NDN Group, delivered an engaging and forward-looking talk on “AI for Dynamic Interaction.” He explored how AI technologies are revolutionising corporate communication by enabling more personalised, real-time engagement with stakeholders. Ms. Bobo WONG, Head of Communications at Microsoft Hong Kong, concluded the keynote series with a presentation on “Reinventing Communications with AI.” Her talk highlighted practical applications of AI in corporate communications and discussed strategies to leverage AI for enhanced efficiency, creativity, and stakeholder engagement. Parallel sessions  In addition to the keynote speeches, the symposium featured six parallel sessions and almost 50 presentations that facilitated in-depth discussions on various topics, including AI-driven communication strategies, corporate storytelling, and stakeholder engagement. These sessions provided an opportunity for attendees to exchange ideas, share research findings, and discuss practical applications of AI in corporate communication. Best Student Research Paper Awards A highlight of the symposium was the Best Student Research Paper Awards, recognising the outstanding contributions of young scholars. The winners were: First Prize: WANG Lingling, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Second Prize: LI Jinge, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University & XU Yilin, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies Third Prize: XU Tao, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies South China Business College; WANG Jiarui, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University & FENG Zeping, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University These awards celebrated academic excellence and encouraged future research in corporate communication, especially in the context of AI and its implications for the field. The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where Prof. Hu and Prof. Cindy NGAI expressed their gratitude to the speakers, moderators, and participants for their contributions and enthusiasm. The symposium successfully highlighted the critical role of corporate communication in the rapidly evolving Greater Bay Area and emphasised the importance of leveraging AI to navigate the complexities of the global communication landscape. The International Symposium on Global Corporate Communication in the Greater Bay Area not only advanced academic understanding of corporate communication but also bridged the gap between theory and practice. By focusing on the integration of AI, the symposium underscored the growing importance of technological innovation in navigating the complexities of global communication landscapes.  The success of this symposium reflects the significance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in corporate communication. It also reaffirms the Greater Bay Area’s position as a hub for innovation and academic excellence, paving the way for future events and research initiatives that further explore the dynamic intersection of technology, communication, and global business. It also shows the dedicated efforts of the staff of CBS and the invaluable contributions of our student volunteers. 

Global Scholars Tackle Future of Translation in AI Era at PolyU QTIS Conference

Leading academics and translation experts from around the globe convened at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) for a two-day international conference to address how artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of translation and interpreting. The International Conference on Quantitative Translation and Interpreting Studies in the Age of AI (QTIS), held from 6 – 7 June, served as a critical platform for researchers to explore new methodologies and chart the future of translation studies.  In her opening address, Prof. SIOK Wai-ting, Head of PolyU’s Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies (CBS), highlighted the timeliness and significance of the gathering. She noted that AI has fundamentally reshaped how we analyse, compare, and evaluate multilingual datasets with unprecedented speed and precision. Prof. LI Dechao, Associate Head of CBS, stressed that AI often struggles to comprehend context-specific nuances that human translators naturally navigate. Hosted by the Centre for Translation Studies of CBS, the conference underscored the shift in the discipline from traditional metrics to data-driven methodologies powered by computational and quantitative linguistics. Keynote presentations were delivered by distinguished scholars from world-renowned institutions. These experts delved into pressing topics such as the linguistic features of machine translation, the application of LLMs in translation evaluation, and the evolving dynamic between human translators and AI. The comprehensive two-day programme included nine parallel sessions on a wide array of themes, covering translation and cognition, human-machine translation comparisons, and innovations in translation pedagogy. It also featured two group talks highlighting innovation in quantitative translation and interpreting studies. Led by Prof. JIANG Yue, scholars from Xi’an Jiaotong University explored the quantitative turn in translation studies. Another group talk presented by scholars from PolyU discussed innovative ways for translation research from the perspective of digital humanities. The conference underscored PolyU’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge research in translation studies, particularly in developing methodologies that harness AI’s capabilities while preserving the essential human elements of cross-cultural communication. As AI technologies continue to evolve, such academic gatherings become increasingly crucial for shaping the future of translation education and research. Please watch the video to recap the event highlights.   

CBS Engages Future Talent at JUPAS Consultation Day 2025

On 24 May 2025, PolyU’s Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies (CBS) actively connected with prospective students at JUPAS Consultation Day 2025, offering personalised guidance on its undergraduate programmes. CBS’s faculty members, Prof. WONG Min-ney (Programme Leader of JS3242 BSc (Hons) in Speech Therapy) and Dr. WU Wing-li (Departmental Enrolment Officer of BA (Hons) / BSc (Hons) Scheme in Translation, Language Sciences and Analytics), were on hand to engage in dialogues, shedding light on the curriculum, career prospects, and admission requirements. The lively discussions and detailed advice provided valuable insights for applicants. CBS looks forward to welcoming a new cohort of talented students in the upcoming academic year!

Melbourne Study Tour Unveils Cultural Insights for Sustainable City Branding

In today’s interwoven world, a global perspective is always essential for developing effective communication solutions. PolyU’s Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies (CBS) has been realising this international outlook in its programmes. Recently, a team of six students from CBS’s Master of Arts in Bilingual Corporate Communication (MABCC) and four academic staff returned from an enriching 10-day research trip to Melbourne, where they explored a project titled Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies in Social Media for Sustainable City Branding. The guided tour was facilitated by CBS’s academics, namely Prof. Cindy S.B. NGAI, Prof. YU Wenting, Mr. Jackin WONG and Ms. JIANG Rui Freya, who provided valuable academic and logistical support throughout the journey. Conducted in partnership with Visit Victoria, the project examines how social media can amplify Melbourne's sustainability narrative for global audiences, particularly in China, while assessing stakeholder perceptions through surveys, interviews, and discourse analysis. The group engaged with leading institutions, including Victoria University and Monash University, where faculty members shared ground-breaking research on sustainable tourism and academia-government collaborations that shape Melbourne's city branding. Students gained first-hand exposure to how research translates into policy and innovative tourism practices. Furthermore, interviews with cultural industry leaders, namely Ms. Yolanda FINCH, Head of Tourism at Melbourne Museum, and Ms. Melissa RAY, Head of Marketing at National Gallery of Victoria, revealed how arts and culture institutions contribute to sustainability and tourism. The team also connected with a green tour operator and a sustainable architecture expert. Among the highlights was the excursion to Yarra Valley, where the team studied sustainable winemaking practices and gathered tourist perspectives on Melbourne’s eco-conscious appeal. The trip culminated in a meeting with Visit Victoria’s leadership, including Mr. Nigel ALDONS, Head of Global Markets & Commercial, and Ms. Sissi WANG, Manager for Greater China Markets, who provided expert insights on engaging international audiences through social media. The students found the experience transformative. “Through a combination of workshops, discussions, and interviews, I was inspired to think critically about urban development and brand management,” remarked MABCC student XIA Yaoyin. Her classmate, Sophia HAN Lu, deepened the understanding of qualitative methodology and noted, “I learned that qualitative research isn’t about harvesting answers, but incubating questions. This transformed me into a more thoughtful observer and patient listener, allowing me to sense the authentic pulse of Melbourne through its diverse storytelling.” Another MABCC student, DUAN Yifei, reflected on the research journey, saying, “It taught me that creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for interviewees, especially in a foreign setting, is crucial. As I conducted more interviews, I grew to appreciate the effectiveness of informal approaches, noticing that participants often shared more during relaxed conversations.” Spotting possibilities for sustainable development in tourism planning, the participating student Jeanne YANG Chunyan added, “We truly recognised the efforts Melbourne makes as a tourist city and understood what ‘a world in every step and scene’ means.” This immersive study tour laid the groundwork for future collaborations with Visit Victoria and Melbourne’s academic and cultural institutions. More importantly, CBS’s participants had a glimpse of the global practicalities of sustainable city branding.

The 10th Cross-Strait Interpreting Contest Concludes Successfully at PolyU

The 10th Cross-Strait Interpreting Contest Grand Final was successfully held at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). This prestigious event brought together 30 outstanding contestants from renowned universities across Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the United States, and Singapore. After three intense rounds of competition, HUNG Chien-hui from National Taiwan Normal University emerged as the champion, winning the Grand Prize.   The Cross-Strait Interpreting Contest, initiated and organised by Xiamen University, is a highly influential academic competition in higher education across the Cross-Strait region. The contest has been held ten times, with over 2,000 university entries, covering more than 80% of top-tier universities in the Chinese mainland and all universities offering interpreting studies in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.   This year’s grand final consisted of three segments, centred around the theme “Digital Society”. It aimed to assess contestants' bilingual proficiency, interpreting skills, and cultural communication abilities in diverse contexts and scenarios. The top 10 contestants from the first two rounds advanced to the third segment, dialogue interpreting. In the segment, contestants and AI translated bidirectional dialogues between Chinese and English speakers. The segment was designed to test whether contestants can deal with cultural differences and challenges raised by speakers, be sensitive to linguistic nuances, and have on-the-spot adaptability and professional competence.   Prof. SIOK Wai-ting, Head of PolyU’s Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies (CBS), delivered the welcome speech. She remarked that the contest not only advanced interpreting education but also marked another milestone in cooperation among the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. She emphasised the growing importance of interpreters as cultural ambassadors who build meaningful bridges between different nations and regions amid exchanges in trade, technology, and tourism.   In the opening speech, Prof. CHEN Jing, Dean of the College of Foreign Languages and Cultures at Xiamen University, highlighted the contest's greatest value as a platform for students passionate about interpreting to gather, exchange, and learn from each other, helping them become professionals and leaders in the field.   Prof. LI Dechao, Associate Head of CBS, delivered the closing remarks, sharing his reflections on the contest. He acknowledged that despite rapid AI advancements, interpreting still requires human warmth and emotion, which machines cannot fully replicate. Furthermore, he noted that the integration of interpreting skills with fields like business has become a new trend for future development. Universities like PolyU are actively promoting the integration of interpreting education with AI to seek breakthroughs.   Another highlight of this year's Cross-Strait Interpreting Contest was the seminar held the following day at PolyU. Scholars and professionals in related fields attended the seminar, focusing on the future of the language service industry in the AI era, promoting sustainable and high-quality development of interpreting and other language services.

PolyU Partners with Springer Nature on AI-Humanities Book Series

The Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies (CBS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has established a significant collaboration with Springer Nature, launching two academic book series. The book-signing ceremony, held on campus on 12 May 2025, introduced the series “Generative AI and the Humanities” and its open-access companion series, “SpringerBriefs in AI-Enhanced Language Research”. The event featured remarks from distinguished speakers including Prof. LI Ping, Dean of PolyU’s Faculty of Humanities and Sin Wai Kin Foundation Professor in Humanities and Technology, alongside Ms. Myriam POORT, Vice President of Humanities and Social Science Publishing at Springer Nature. The new series will be edited by CBS’s Prof. LI Dechao and Dr. LIU Kanglong, with plans to publish at least three volumes annually through 2026. This strategic partnership leverages PolyU’s strength in linguistics, which was recently ranked 51st globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. The day’s programme also included a symposium featuring Prof. CAI Zhenguang, Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, as the keynote speaker. This was followed by an author workshop, gathering scholars to explore the evolving relationship between technology and humanities research.

Silver Tsunami Challenges Inspire a Breakthrough in Speech Therapy

Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population presents pressing healthcare challenges, with innovative solutions becoming critical to safeguard quality of life for seniors. Among these challenges, dysphagia, a swallowing disorder affecting many seniors, often goes undiagnosed until more health complications arise.  Pioneering a groundbreaking solution is Professor Elaine KWONG Yee-lan, Associate Professor of Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies (CBS) and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.   Prof. Kwong’s research integrates portable ultrasound devices and AI algorithms, enabling community and at-home swallowing assessments. To improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, this breakthrough reduces dependence on invasive and hospital-based imaging like X-ray scanning and endoscopy.  To date, over 450 speech therapists and healthcare professionals have been trained in this method, and the technology is already being adopted in clinical practice, enhancing both patient care and professional expertise in the healthcare sector.   As Hong Kong braces for its silver tsunami, Prof. Kwong's research exemplifies how technological advancements contributes to medical innovation, paving the way to address societal needs of the ageing population in Hong Kong and beyond.  For details, please refer to the original media coverage here on Sing Tao Headline. 

Prof. Emmanuele Chersoni and Team Win Best Theme Paper Award at NAACL 2025

Prof. Emmanuele CHERSONI, Assistant Professor of PolyU’s Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies (CBS), and a team of international researchers, including our alumnus Dr. Enrico SANTUS, have been honoured with the Best Theme Paper Award at 2025 Annual Conference of the NAACL (Nations of the Americas Chapter of the Association for Computational Linguistics), a leading event in natural language processing and computational linguistics. This outstanding achievement stems from their collaborative paper, “WORLDCUISINES: A Massive-Scale Benchmark for Multilingual and Multicultural Visual Question Answering on Global Cuisines.” The WORLDCUISINES Project has developed a large-scale dataset comprising images and multilingual Q&A pairs to evaluate how large language models (LLMs) recognise and describe culinary dishes from 30 different languages and cultures. Prof. Chersoni and Dr. Santus contributed their expertise to the Italian cuisine section of the dataset.

Prof. Ke Sihui Honoured with the ARWA Mid-Career Award and a PhD Student Wins the Top Student Researcher Award at ARWA 2025

Prof. Ke Sihui, Associate Professor in the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, has been awarded the ARWA (Association for Reading and Writing in Asia) Mid-Career Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes mid-career researchers with outstanding contributions to literacy acquisition, particularly in Asia or cross-linguistic/cross-scriptal contexts. Established in 2016, ARWA supports research in literacy development, impairment, and expert linguistic processing through print in Asia. Prof. Ke's significant contributions make her a deserving recipient. Additionally, Miss Xu Xintong, a PhD student under Prof. Ke's supervision, won the Top Student Researcher award at the 9th Annual ARWA Conference in the Philippines. This award honors three outstanding student researchers in Asia who present their work at the conference. Miss Xu received a cash prize and certificate and represented the Chinese-speaking region. Her presentation on reading and writing development highlighted her significant contributions to the field.

CBS MATI and BALT students secured second and third prizes in the 2024 National Translation Competition

Congratulations to CBS students for clinching second and third prizes, respectively, in the University A category of the prestigious 2024 National News Translation and Editing Competition. The competition was held in December 2024 and introduced innovative changes in its format and content selection. Participants were required not only to accurately understand and translate the original text but also to refine it into a well-structured news article. As a result, the competition significantly enhanced participants' foreign language proficiency and international communication skills.