Belt and Road News

PolyU Attends the Second University Presidents Forum of the University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road

On 12 June 2026, the Second University Presidents Forum of the University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (UCMSR) was held at Xiamen University under the theme “Connecting the World via the Maritime Silk Road, Forging the Future with Digital Intelligence”. The event brought together over 150 university leaders and representatives from around the world to discuss practices in higher education and identify pathways for collaboration in education, research, and innovation.  The opening ceremony was officiated by Prof. Lei Zhao, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges of China’s Ministry of Education; Prof. Weiping Wu, Level I Bureau Rank Official of Fujian Provincial Department of Education; and Prof. Wenping Hu, President of Xiamen University and newly elected Chair of the UCMSR Council. The event was moderated by Prof. Dalin Shi, Vice President of Xiamen University.  Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), attended the event and chaired the Roundtable Dialogue to discuss development strategies for the UCMSR, regional cooperation, and new approaches to advancing higher education through international collaboration. He also met with Prof. Shi to explore potential areas of collaboration between PolyU and Xiamen University.  PolyU is committed to strengthening strategic collaboration and partnerships with universities worldwide. Established by Xiamen University in 2018, the UCMSR is a higher education consortium that upholds the Silk Road spirit of “peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit”. The members of the Consortium include 73 universities and research institutes across 20 countries and regions along the Maritime Silk Road. As a founding member of the UCMSR, PolyU continues to support the Belt and Road Initiative and promote substantive academic exchange across the Belt and Road region. 

PolyU Delegation Forges Ties and Explores Academic Collaborations in Central Asia

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently embarked on a delegation visit to Central Asia, covering Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from 31 May to 5 June 2026. Led by Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost, PolyU representatives joined the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s visit to Nazarbayev University (NU) in Kazakhstan and a Business Networking Dinner in Uzbekistan, where the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with local institutions was witnessed by high-level government officials.   During the first leg of the visit to Kazakhstan, Prof. Raymond Sze, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Prof. Binyan Jiang, Associate Head (Teaching) and Associate Professor of the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, had a fruitful discussion with the nation's top university, Nazarbayev University (NU), to explore new pathways for joint academic initiatives. Prof. Sze also joined the HKSAR Government Business Networking Luncheon in Kazakhstan, utilising the occasion to connect with prominent leaders across different sectors. During the HKSAR Government’s visit to NU on Wednesday, the exchange of an MoU on a student mobility programme with NU was witnessed by Mr John Lee, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR. In Uzbekistan, the delegation was joined by Prof. Wong and Ir Prof. H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. This high-level delegation aimed to forge strategic educational ties. Pivotal trilateral meetings were held among PolyU, New Uzbekistan University (NewUU) — the country’s first public autonomous research university — and the "El-Yurt Umidi" Foundation for the Training of Prospective Personnel under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan ("El-Yurt Umidi" Foundation), mapping out strategic joint academic initiatives.   In a major step towards building regional talent capabilities, PolyU signed an MoU with the "El-Yurt Umidi" Foundation to offer professional traineeship programmes for selected Uzbek government officials in Cybersecurity, Robotics, and Drone Systems, with the first cohort commencing their training on the PolyU campus in 2026. The MoU also laid out a collaboration framework for PolyU and the "El-Yurt Umidi" Foundation to jointly offer scholarships and other support to talented Uzbek high school graduates admitted to PolyU undergraduate programmes. Under another MoU between PolyU and NewUU, both parties agreed to strengthen educational ties through strategic partnerships. The exchange of these signed MoUs was also witnessed by Mr John Lee and Mr Sardor Umurzakov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Strategic Development at the HKSAR Government Business Networking Dinner.   By fostering deeper relationships with leading institutions in Central Asia, PolyU reaffirms its ongoing commitment to enhancing its international networks, cultivating global talent, strengthening collaboration among members of the "University Alliance of the Silk Road", and staying actively engaged with educational partners across the Belt and Road region.

Symposium of Advanced Dielectric Materials cum Dielectric Committee Meeting of the Chinese Physical Society Concludes Successfully at PolyU

The Symposium of Advanced Dielectric Materials cum Dielectric Committee Meeting of the Chinese Physical Society was successfully held from 15 to 18, May 2026 at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). This event was jointly organized by the Faculty of Science (FS) and the Department of Applied Physics (AP) of PolyU, the Dielectric Committee of the Chinese Physical Society, and the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN). This conference was also financially supported by the PolyU Belt and Road Network Initiative Scheme.  The symposium brought together more than 100 renowned scholars from mainland China, Russia, Australia, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on cutting-edge research topics related to emerging trends and challenges in dielectric physics and materials science, with special focus on ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, multiferroics, capacitor energy storage, electronic ceramics and devices, and dielectric materials.  Prof. Wai-yeung Wong, Dean of the Faculty of Science at PolyU, and Prof. Xiaoyong Wei, Chair of the Dielectric Committee of the Chinese Physical Society, on behalf of the organizers, delivered the opening remarks.  Prof. Wong welcomed global experts, highlighted the vital role of dielectric physics in electronics, energy storage, and smart sensing, and noted China’s rapid progress in the field driven by young scholars. He also introduced the two-day event featured academic presentations, committee meetings, and laboratory tours, all aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation. Prof. Xiaoyong Wei reviewed the development of dielectric physics and looked ahead to a thriving academic future in the discipline.  Former AP Department Head, Prof. Helen Chan, returned to PolyU to attend this symposium. She extended a warm welcome to all participants, reminisced about the early days of dielectric physics, and shared her vision for its future.  Prof. Jiyan Dai, Associate Dean of Students & Professor, presided over the opening ceremony.  The symposium consisted of one main session and three parallel sub-sessions. Plenary speakers included Prof. Rengen Xiong from Southeast University, Prof. Sean Li from the University of New South Wales, Prof. Wai-yeung Wong from PolyU, and Prof. Shujun Zhang from City University of Hong Kong. Prof. Xiangming Chen and Prof. Jianhua Hao, Head of Department of Applied Physics, chaired the plenary session.  The symposium served as a vital platform for exchanging ideas and sharing recent advancements, reinforcing the important role that dielectric physics and materials science play in the global scientific and electronic industry enterprise.

PolyU Participated in the World-Class University Presidents’ Forum and the University Alliance of the Silk Road Executive Council Meeting 2026

From 7 to 8 April 2026, the World-Class University Presidents’ Forum and Expo was held at Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) during the university’s 130th anniversary celebrations. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the event alongside 29 other universities and research institutions to exchange insights into the key role of higher education in global governance, artificial intelligence, and talent cultivation. At the higher education expo, which attracted over 500 visitors from local universities and secondary schools, Professor Jiannong Cao, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, delivered a speech highlighting student-centred learning and teaching and the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative.  As co-founder and Vice President of the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR), PolyU attended the UASR Executive Council Meeting on 7 April with fellow member institutions, namely XJTU, Harbin Institute of Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Nazarbayev University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the National University of Sciences and Technology, Pusan National University, Samarkand State University, and the University of Liverpool. Members approved membership applications and deliberated on strategies for deepening collaborative efforts in future initiatives.  PolyU is committed to strengthening strategic collaboration and partnerships with universities worldwide. Through the UASR platform, we continue to support the Belt and Road Initiative and promote substantive academic exchange across the Belt and Road region. Jointly established by PolyU and XJTU in 2015, the UASR is a non-governmental and non-profit alliance aimed at providing an open and international collaborative platform in higher education. 

PolyU provides global stage for “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy 2026”, highlighting AI technologies for new-type power systems

Co-organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and The Hongkong Electric Company, Limited (HK Electric), the “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy 2026” (the Programme) concluded with a Graduation Ceremony on 17 April. Marking its ninth year of international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the energy sector, the Programme continues to serve as a pivotal platform for fostering long-term collaboration in the electric power industry among Belt and Road (B&R) countries and regions. This year’s theme, “AI Technologies Enabling New-Type Power Systems”, aligns with the global momentum towards carbon neutrality and sustainable development while underscoring the need to safeguard energy security. The Programme attracted a record-breaking 45 energy professionals and scholars from B&R countries and regions, including China [Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Macao Special Administrative Region], Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering; Mr Francis C.Y. CHENG, Managing Director of HK Electric; Mr OU Xiaoming, Chief Representative of the State Grid Hong Kong Representative Office; Mr YANG Junhu, Deputy President of the State Grid Technology College; and Ms LIANG Li, Chairman of XJTU Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering officiated at the Graduation Ceremony. The Programme was also honoured to welcome esteemed guests, including Mr JIN Lei, Director and Level 2 Inspector,  and Mr LIU Bin, Analysts at Level 2, both from the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Mr Raymond POON, Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the Government of the HKSAR; Prof. Frank CHAN, Senior Vice President of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers; Prof. Alfred SIT, Chief Executive and Secretary of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers; Ms Anna AU, Deputy Director (Hong Kong Talent Engage) and Mr Edwin HUNG, Assistant Manager (Hong Kong Talent Engage), of the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR; Mrs Karina CONCHA, Consul-General, Consulate General of Chile in Hong Kong; and representatives of the Consulate-General of Indonesia in Hong Kong, including Consul for Economic Affairs Ms Bertylani SAULINGGI, Consul for Socio-Cultural Affairs Mr Clemens T. BEKTIKUSUMA, and Vice Consul of Information and Sociocultural Affairs Ms Zivya S. HUSNAYAIN; and Mr Evegenii KOSIAKOV, Vice Consul, Consulate General of Russia in Hong Kong, together with senior executives from the co-organisers. Their presence underscored the Programme’s growing international recognition and its pivotal role in fostering cross-border collaboration in the energy sector. Prof. H.C. Man noted, “The synergy between AI and power systems is the cornerstone of the next generation of energy management. At PolyU, we are committed to pioneering the innovative solutions required to build a sustainable, AI-enabled energy future. Through this Programme, we continue to strengthen our role as a global hub for interdisciplinary research, facilitating the high-level exchanges that will transform how the world generates, distributes and consumes green energy.” Mr Ou Xiaoming stated, “We hope that this technology exchange platform will continue to develop, expand in influence and become an important channel for exchanges and sharing between senior power and energy managers and university researchers of Belt and Road countries and regions. With this platform, SGCC sincerely hopes to deepen communication and collaboration with all parties under the Belt and Road framework, promote the synergy of computing power and electricity, and foster integrated development of power technological and industrial innovation, making ‘digital intelligence’ a defining feature of Belt and Road cooperation.” Ms Liang Lisaid, “AI is playing an increasingly important role in new-type power systems, enabling renewable energy integration, intelligent dispatch, equipment monitoring, fault diagnosis, and system optimisation. AI is not only improving existing systems, but also helping shape the future paradigm of power systems. For Xi’an Jiaotong University, this year’s Programme was especially memorable. The Xi’an session was held during the 130th anniversary of our university, which made the event even more meaningful for us.” Mr Francis Cheng noted, “At HK Electric, reliability remains the cornerstone of everything we do. In 2025, we once again achieved a world‑class electricity supply reliability of over 99.9999%, translating into less than half a minute of unplanned interruption per customer on average. Such performance does not happen by chance. It is the culmination of the vision of our forerunners, decades of long‑term planning, disciplined investment and an enduring commitment to engineering excellence. By leveraging AI, data analytics, Internet-of-Things and intelligent monitoring, we are driving more predictive and proactive maintenance, improving safety, efficiency and service reliability.” As AI advances at an unprecedented pace, it is fundamentally transforming how power systems are analysed and managed. Key academic highlights of the Programme included lectures by Prof. XU Zhao and Prof. BU Siqi of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU themed “AI-Empowered Evolution of Modern Power Systems” and “AI-Enabled Secure Operation” respectively. The Programme also showcased cutting-edge data-driven assessment and regulation techniques essential for the economic operation of modern, “new-type” power grids. In dense, geographically constrained cities such as Hong Kong, highly reliable electricity distribution is essential. Engineers from the Transmission & Distribution Division at HK Electric shared the team’s initiatives on proactive cable diagnosis using artificial intelligence and the application of a 3-D GIS digital twin for distribution substations which helps maintain a healthy network. With an in-house developed AI model, engineers were able to achieve unprecedentedly excellent results, as compared with manual screening based on expert knowledge in the past, in selecting high‑risk cables for offline tests, enabling proactive maintenance and maintaining high supply reliability, despite the continuous ageing of the cables. Participants also gained immersive experience through field visits to some of the region’s most advanced energy facilities, including: HK Electric’s Lamma Power Station, System Control Centre and Intelligent Condition Monitoring Centre; PolyU’s Solar Energy Performance Management System; SGCC’s Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Electric Power Aerospace Technology; and XJTU’s State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment. Since its inception in 2018, the Programme has attracted over 900 industry professionals from 44 B&R countries and regions, facilitating more than 10,000 hours of knowledge exchange. As the first-of-its-kind university-industry collaboration in Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, it remains a leading global hub for capacity building, nurturing the talent required to lead the world’s transition to a low-carbon future.

PolyU Hosts Rehabilitation Sciences Students and Staff from Mongolia

From 29 January to 4 February 2026, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) organised the 2026 Rehabilitation Sciences Student–Staff Exchange Programme. Twelve students and two faculty members from the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy at the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) visited PolyU and several healthcare facilities to learn about the various rehabilitation practices in Hong Kong and to discuss professional collaboration opportunities. Following the success of the programme last year, this event is the second academic exchange between PolyU and the MNUMS under the University Alliance of the Silk Road Sub-Alliance of Engineering Medicine Facilitated Technology Innovation. The Mongolian participants gave overwhelmingly positive feedback after their visit. Dr Erdenee Baasankhuu, Physiotherapy Lecturer at the MNUMS, commented: “Participating in this programme at PolyU was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. I now understand how theory and practice can be effectively integrated within a modern, student-centred learning environment. Exposure to diverse clinical settings also helped me realise that rehabilitation is not only about physical recovery but also about supporting a patient’s psychological well-being, social participation and independence in a holistic manner.” MNUMS student Ms Tangad Altanzaya also shared her insights about the programme: “My week in Hong Kong was incredibly productive. What impressed me most was the unwavering commitment to ‘person-centred care’. Therapists demonstrated remarkable precision in adapting to each patient’s environment and selecting the most effective assistive devices. This programme has truly inspired me and will significantly influence my future studies and professional development.”   In 2025, PolyU and Xi’an Jiaotong University jointly established the University Alliance of the Silk Road Sub-alliance of Engineering Medicine Facilitated Technology Innovation. The MNUMS is a founding member of the Sub-alliance and PolyU’s first Mongolian partner. PolyU will continue to cultivate academic collaboration and partnerships along the Belt and Road.

PolyU Students Joined the 4th Belt and Road Youth Development Summit

On 15 December 2025, the 4th Belt and Road Youth Development Summit was held in Hong Kong. This event, which attracted over 400 diplomats and young people from across the Belt and Road, enabled connections and discussions on digital innovation and green development. The summit was co-hosted by the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce (BRGCC); the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association.  Mr Abiral Manandhar and Ms Suvd Tamir, Belt and Road undergraduates at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from Nepal and Mongolia, respectively, attended the event to gain insights into emerging business markets and entrepreneurial opportunities. Supported by PolyU’s Global Engagement Office, Suvd and Abiral joined 27 other PolyU Belt and Road undergraduate students in this year’s Belt and Road Youth Network. Organised by the Hong Kong United Youth Association and BRGCC, this dynamic network aims to encourage international young people in Hong Kong to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. PolyU has promoted the integration of its Belt and Road students into the local Hong Kong community, thereby providing a strong foundation for enhancing international exchange and collaboration in the region.

PolyU Attends the 4th ANSO General Assembly

  From 30 to 31 October 2025, the 4th General Assembly of the Alliance of International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) was held in Beijing. As a new member of the ANSO, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) attended the biennial event for the first time, alongside 51 other member organisations. Prof. Catherine Cheung, Associate Dean (Student Development and Institutional Advancement) of PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management, delivered a speech introducing the educational and partnership prospects at PolyU. Over 80 representatives of ANSO member organisations participated in discussions on the future development of the alliance with respect to the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  During the General Assembly, chaired by Prof. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of the ANSO and the National Science and Technology Development Agency, members considered the new membership applications and the proposal for amendments to the ANSO Statutes. The General Assembly approved the Alliance Progress Report 2024-2025, which was presented by Prof. Liu Weidong, Executive Director of the ANSO. The Chinese Academy of Sciences was elected as the ANSO President Organisation for the next term, while the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts and the National Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal were elected as the Vice President Organisations. The ANSO was established in 2018 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences with the support of 36 other national academies, research institutions, universities and international organisations from around the world. It is a comprehensive international science and technology organisation established under the Belt and Road Initiative that supports the achievement of sustainable development from social, economic and environmental aspects. The ANSO currently consists of 96 member institutions from 59 countries. PolyU joined ANSO as a member in 2023.

PolyU Students Visit Mongolia for an Enriching Rehabilitation Study Tour

  The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) undertook a study tour to Mongolia from 28 May to 6 June 2025, during which 15 occupational therapy students had the chance to benefit from unique learning opportunities through academic exchange and clinical immersion. The study tour was sponsored by the PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund, administered by the Global Engagement Office. During the trip, the students delivered presentations at the Third Mongolian Occupational Therapy International Conference, hosted by the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS). In addition, they co-facilitated three hands-on workshops in paediatric, neurological, and orthopaedic rehabilitation during the event. Moreover, students from PolyU and MNUMS collaborated to deliver occupational therapy talks at local secondary schools, raising awareness of rehabilitation sciences among Mongolian youth. Clinical field trips were also organised to rehabilitation facilities in Ulaanbaatar, where the students observed and assisted in culturally responsive interventions and engaged in interdisciplinary teamwork with local occupational and speech therapists. Last but not least, the students had an unforgettable cultural immersion experience through home-stays in traditional Mongolian gers, strengthening their cross-cultural understanding and adaptability.   About the PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund The PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund aims to support PolyU undergraduate students in participating in short-term non-local study activities. The fund provides a sponsorship of HK$4,500 for each student to cover costs related to credit-bearing or formally assessed learning activities that promote students’ global perspectives and multicultural competency.

PolyU Receives Donation from China Merchants Foundation to Establish China Merchants Belt and Road Scholarship

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to fostering an international and diverse learning environment, attracting students from around the world to study and develop in Hong Kong. With a generous donation from the China Merchants Foundation, the China Merchants Belt and Road Scholarship has been established to support exceptional master’s students from Belt and Road countries and regions in pursuing postgraduate studies at the PolyU Faculty of Business. The inaugural scholarship presentation ceremony was held on 17 September at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub on the PolyU campus. Four students from South Korea, Rwanda, Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia, enrolled in the Master of Science in Business Administration and Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management, were awarded an Admission Scholarship in recognition of their excellent academic achievements and impressive interview performances. At the ceremony, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Mr MIAO Jianmin, Chairman of China Merchants Group and Chair of the Board of China Merchants Foundation; and Mr Nicholas HO, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the HKSAR Government, delivered speeches. Mr YU Xiao, Vice Chairman and President of The Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, attended the event. Representatives from PolyU, China Merchants Group, The Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, alongside professors and students from PolyU Faculty of Business, and other esteemed guests, also attended to witness the scholarship presentation. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the China Merchants Foundation for establishing this scholarship at PolyU, which underscores our shared commitment to advancing the Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative.As the first university in Hong Kong to embrace the Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative, PolyU co-founded the ‘University Alliance of the Silk Road’ in 2015, encouraging international cooperation in higher education. In recent years, the number of students from Belt and Road countries enrolling at PolyU has steadily increased. Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients. I encourage you to unleash your full potential, excel in your studies, and contribute to cultural exchange and collaboration between China and the Belt and Road countries.” Mr Miao Jianminsaid, “China Merchants, since its establishment in 1872, has consistently supported educational initiatives and talent cultivation, actively providing a broad platform for young people around the world to showcase their talents and realize their dreams.This scholarship aims to encourage outstanding students to pursue academic excellence and to promote professional and cultural exchanges among the Belt and Road countries and regions, contributing to building a community with a shared future for mankind. We hope that the recipients will take this opportunity to serve as ambassadors to connect China with the rest of the world.” Mr Nicholas Ho said, “Hong Kong, as a super connector and value-adder, plays a vital role in building a Belt and Road talent pool. This shared talent pool benefits not only our local development but also the Mainland, Belt and Road countries, and beyond. The Scholarship will enhance these efforts, helping to build a robust and shared Belt and Road talent pool that supports long-term collaboration and fosters global cultural exchange.” Ms Hannah LEE, a scholarship recipient from South Korea who is currently studying for the Master of Science in Business Management, said, “Thank you to China Merchants Group for this scholarship. Not only has it provided me with invaluable financial support, but it has also motivated me to strive for academic excellence. I greatly cherish this opportunity and plan to stay in Hong Kong to work after graduation and give back to society.” The China Merchants Belt and Road Scholarship comprises two categories: Admission Scholarship and Graduation Academic Scholarship. The Graduation Academic Scholarship will be awarded at the end of the 2025/26 academic year to six eligible master’s graduates who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and fulfil the required criteria.