Media Releases

PolyU unveils large language model-based tourist satisfaction index, providing comprehensive analysis to enhance Hong Kong tourism service quality

As tourism, one of the major pillars of the Hong Kong economy, gradually recovers from the pandemic, the government has planned a series of measures to promote the all-round development of the tourism industry. The Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCdTT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) has developed an innovative, large language model (LLM)-based assessment framework – the Hong Kong Tourist Satisfaction Index (HKTSI) – to evaluate the satisfaction level of inbound tourists to Hong Kong from 2012 to 2024 across different tourism-related sectors, temporal scales and regions. Findings reveal that, while performance variations across different regions were clearly indicated, the TSI rebounded and reached its highest-ever recorded score after the temporary decline during the pandemic. Under the leadership of Prof. Haiyan SONG, Principal Investigator and SHTM Associate Dean, RCdTT Director and Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism, the TSI was initially introduced in 2009, using a questionnaire-based methodology to evaluate tourists’ satisfaction with various tourism services. Seeking to provide a more comprehensive and accurate analysis, the team has transformed the framework by adopting an interdisciplinary approach that integrates theories from management science, economics and computer science, and leveraging the advanced LLM technology. The enhanced TSI framework offers multi-dimensional analysis, enabling TSI measurement across different dimensions (such as service topics, service sectors and trip types), temporal scales (monthly and annually) and regions. This adaptable approach provides stakeholders with timely, data-driven insights to guide service improvement, policy development and strategic decision-making. Prof. Kaye CHON, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, said, “Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a global tourism hub hinges on it delivering exceptional service quality that meets travellers’ expectations. The RCdTT-SHTM’s ongoing development of the TSI underscores our commitment to advancing Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-class destination for international visitors.” The team gathered over 1.25 million reviews from TripAdvisor, a global Online Travel Agency (OTA) platform, covering 13,694 Hong Kong service providers across five tourism service sectors, namely attractions, hotels, restaurants, retail shops and transportation. The LLM-based assessment framework then utilises Alibaba’s open-source General Text Embedding model to extract semantic insights from the visitor reviews in different languages and formats. Key findings include: 1. Topic-based analysis reveals that the largest proportion of reviews are about “service reliability and safety”. This reflects that reliability in tourism services emerged as the most crucial factor influencing tourist satisfaction, forming the foundation of trust in the travel industry. 2. Since 2012, the Hong Kong TSI has shown an overall upward trend, while consistently scoring above 75 points on a 0-100 scale for the past decade. Despite a temporary decline during the pandemic, Hong Kong TSI levels had fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. 3. Notably, the transportation sector has consistently achieved high TSI scores, largely due to Hong Kong’s well-developed public transport infrastructure, which continues to enhance visitor experiences. Retail shops and restaurants, on the other hand, have lagged behind, primarily owing to price-related factors. The traditional price advantage of retail shops is gradually diminishing, significantly impacted by the rise of e-commerce. Similarly, restaurants in Hong Kong tend to be relatively expensive, prompting some tourists to seek more affordable dining options on the mainland. Figure 1: TSI at destination and sector levels 4. From a spatial perspective, all districts recorded TSI scores above 73 points, yet a north-south divide persists, with higher satisfaction levels in the southern regions and lower levels in the north. The highest TSI values were concentrated along both sides of Victoria Harbour, such as in the Central and Western, and Yau Tsim Mong Districts, while Kowloon City District recorded considerably lower TSI levels, creating a distinct localised satisfaction gap compared to its surrounding districts. Figure 2: TSI Spatial distribution 5. Tourists with different trip types exhibit significant variations in their satisfaction levels towards Hong Kong. Business tourists generally report the highest satisfaction across most sectors, whereas solo travellers exhibit lower satisfaction overall. This may be due to their different needs: business tourists typically prioritise standardised functional requirements, while the solo travellers place greater emphasis on unique and personalised experiences.  6. Language-based analysis further highlights differences in the TSI, with reviews in English and European languages yielding higher satisfaction levels than the Japanese- and Korean- language reviews. This highlights the impact of cultural differences on tourist satisfaction. Objectives of the TSI The LLM-based TSI framework is crafted to deliver regular, data-driven insights that benefit tourism service providers, policymakers and destination management organisations. Through topic-level TSI analysis, for instance, businesses can pinpoint specific areas for service enhancement, while destination- and sector-level assessments provide a broader perspective for strategic planning and policy formulation. Additionally, monthly TSI updates ensure that assessment results remain timely and relevant, enabling swift and informed decision-making. Although the Hong Kong economy has largely recovered from disruptions caused by the pandemic, challenges such as labour shortages, supply constraints, changing economic conditions, evolving consumer behaviour and competition persist. Highlighting the significance of the TSI in tackling these challenges and facilitating relevant decision-making and planning, Prof. Song remarked, “To sustain ongoing recovery, accurate and timely assessment of the satisfaction level of inbound tourists is essential for policymakers and industry practitioners to develop sustainable tourism strategies that will further fortify Hong Kong’s tourism advantages, propel its tourism industry and ultimately promote long-term economic growth in the City.” As technology advances, both destinations and visitors increasingly rely on information and communication technologies to make their decisions. In support of the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector, by harnessing artificial intelligence, LLM and big data analytics, the enhanced TSI assessment framework aims to offer more precise and targeted advice for strengthening tourism service quality and bolstering Hong Kong’s global competitiveness. ***END***

PolyU becomes Hong Kong’s first tertiary institution supported by China National Arts Fund to nurture digital art curation talents

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has become Hong Kong’s first tertiary institution to receive funding from the prestigious China National Arts Fund 2025 under the art talents training category. The funded Digital Art Curation Talents Training Programme will be launched by the PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology (CAT) under the School of Design, with support from the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of talent in digital art curation across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and fostering Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The Nation’s strategy of prioritising cultural digitalisation, along with the HKSAR Government’s commitment to integrating art and technology into the creative industries, underscore the strong demand for professionals who can navigate both cultural heritage and innovation. Led by Prof. Henry Been-Lirn DUH, Associate Dean (Global and Industry Engagement) of the PolyU School of Design, Director of the Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology and Director of the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre, the Programme is set to launch in the summer of 2025, targeting experienced curators, art management professionals and researchers from Hong Kong and the GBA. Scholars from PolyU, and universities in Macao and mainland China, as well as experts from art institutions, will provide advanced training in digital art management. This will include lectures on theory, case studies, curatorial practice workshops, field trips, presentations, exhibitions and seminars, which will be held in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The topics will cover the applications of generative artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality, immersive technology, and digital spatial design in the field of art and curation, highlighting the revitalisation of traditional art and promotion of digital transformation of cultural industry. Prof. Henry Duh said, “We are honoured to receive this National funding, which not only sustains our commitment to nurturing digital art curation talents but also acknowledges our team’s contribution to advancing art technology. This Programme will empower the next generation of innovative curators who will inherit and innovate Chinese culture, and integrate creativity and technology to promote cultural exchange between east and west, helping shape the future of the art world. It will also help strengthen art and technology collaboration among GBA cities, which will, in turn, enhance the region’s cultural soft power.” CAT, housed within the PolyU School of Design, serves as a collaborative platform for academia-industry research, advocating interdisciplinary studies in culture, art and technology. By leveraging Hong Kong’s connection with the GBA, CAT aspires to foster partnerships among researchers, designers, artists and other creative practitioners, cultivating a vibrant environment for artistic activities to expand market opportunities. ***END***

PolyU develops innovative Language Model Linguistic Personality Assessment system, advancing AI for diverse applications in manufacturing, business and education

Large language models (LLMs) are at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) and have been widely used for conversational interactions. However, assessing the personality of a given LLM remains a significant challenge. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed an AI-driven assessment system, the Language Model Linguistic Personality Assessment (LMLPA), with capabilities to quantitatively measure the personality traits of LLMs through linguistic analysis. This innovative interdisciplinary research in AI and computational linguistics has led to the development of robust, data-driven AI tools for evaluating nuanced LLM personality traits and behaviours. The LMLPA system represents a critical step forward in understanding LLMs and developing them to be more aligned with human values and needs. Led by Prof. Lik-Hang LEE, Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, the research has been published in Computational Linguistics. LMLPA is designed to evaluate and characterise the personalities of LLMs by examining the linguistic patterns, style and other language-related features in their outputs. The system comprises two main components: the Adapted Big Five Inventory (Adapted BFI) and the AI rater. LMLPA first administers the Adapted-BFI, which is derived from previous language-based personality assessment theories, to LLMs. The AI rater then evaluates the responses, converting the textual answers into quantifiable numerical values representing personality traits. This innovative technology not only advances human-centred AI and computational linguistics by providing a robust framework for refining AI personality assessments, but also applications in various fields, including education and manufacturing, as well as in business such as by helping companies with compliance requirements and Environmental, Social and Governance reporting. It also supports sustainable development goals and the enhancement of legal services. Prof. Lee said, “In addressing the limitation of LLMs in capturing the cognitive and affective dimensions of human personality, our team has successfully developed novel assessment tools to evaluate LLM personalities in linguistic terms, aligning with their functional capabilities and operational paradigms.” The research opens up new possibilities of understanding and interacting with AI. By quantifying LLM personalities, their communication styles for specific applications can be tailored, paving the way for more personalised interactions between humans and machines. Prof. Lee has translated the technological foundations of his research to create an AI-driven business compliance platform. Leveraging natural language processing, the platform can analyse and interpret large volumes of textual data and reports, including those generated by LLMs. AI technology is used to perform automated data collection, analysis and insight generation, significantly streamlining the business compliance and reporting process. The integration of LMLPA highlights AI’s nuanced capabilities in assessing language-based personality traits, suggesting potential applications in the analysis of qualitative business and human data. ***END***

PolyU and Peking University Third Hospital establish Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH) have joined hands to establish the “Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory”, guided by the shared vision of “interdisciplinary medicine-engineering”. In alignment with the national strategy of “medical-engineering collaborative innovation,” the two institutions aim to drive practical innovation in the field of smart healthcare. The unveiling ceremony of the joint laboratory took place on 17 April in Beijing, marking a significant milestone in deepening collaboration between two leading institutions in the fields of medicine and engineering. The ceremony was held in the Surgical Building Conference Hall of PUTH and officiated by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU; Prof. FU Wei, PUTH President, Prof. SHEN Ning, PUTH Vice President and Prof. YUAN Chunhui, Director of the Department of General Surgery of PUTH. The event was witnessed by academic leaders and students from various disciplines, including advanced materials, aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, and artificial intelligence. The launch and signing ceremony for the laboratory’s three-year scientific research plan also took place at the same occasion. Prof. Fu Wei, PUTH President, remarked that medicine-engineering collaborative innovation is a driving force behind modern medical advancements. He expressed hope that this collaboration would accelerate the alignment between clinical needs and engineering solutions, promote the rapid translation of innovations, and make a profound impact on the quality of medical technologies. Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said that PolyU has a solid foundation in healthcare education and a wealth of experience in nurturing medical professionals. He expressed his hope that the establishment of the Joint Laboratory would further leverage PolyU’s strengths in medicine-engineering integration and facilitate collaboration with PUTH to advance medical technology and benefit society at large. On the same day, the PolyU delegation visited PUTH’s Medical Animal Experimentation Centre and Clinical Teaching Centre to gain an in-depth understanding of its clinical teaching and research facilities. The two institutions also engaged in exchanges on topics such as surgical navigation, virtual reality simulation training, and biomaterials compatibility. The PolyU delegation also visited the campus of Peking University Health Science Center, touring the Peking University Medical Museum to appreciate the mastery of medical pioneers and the evolution of modern medicine in our Nation. PolyU has extensive experience and a solid foundation in health science education and research. Over the past 40 years, in support of the development of the local healthcare system, PolyU has nurtured over 50,000 allied healthcare professionals in various disciplines, including medical laboratory science, medical imaging, radiotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, optometry, prosthetics and orthotics, and speech therapy. In addition to its collaboration with PUTH, PolyU has established partnerships with several universities in mainland China, and is actively preparing for the establishment of the third medical school in Hong Kong to meet the high demand for quality healthcare services in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. ***END***

PolyU and Stanford Medicine join hands to establish joint collaboratory for longitudinal deep omics

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Stanford Medicine have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the PolyU-Stanford Joint Collaboratory for Longitudinal Deep Omics (LDO). Leveraging PolyU’s strengths in biomedical engineering, AI-driven health analytics, and precision medicine–alongside Stanford Medicine’s pioneering expertise in genetics and multi-omics–this partnership aims to establish a standardised multi-omics ageing cohort to investigate the biological mechanisms underpinning healthy and pathological ageing, identify personalised biomarkers, predict ageing-related diseases, and advance the development of precision medicine. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Prof. Larry CHOW, Head of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of the PolyU School of Optometry and Associate Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision; Prof. HE Mingguang, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology of the PolyU School of Optometry, Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision and Global STEM Scholar; Prof. YIP Shea-ping, Chair Professor of Diagnostic Science and Molecular Genetics of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. ZHOU Lei, Professor of the PolyU School of Optometry; Prof. Thomas LAM, Associate Professor of the PolyU School of Optometry; and Dr ZHOU Xin, Basic Life Research Scientist in Genetics at Stanford Medicine, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Prof. Michael SNYDER, Stanford W. Ascherman Professor of Genetics at Stanford Medicine. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “PolyU’s commitment to advancing medical innovation and nurturing talent for positive health outcomes has never been stronger. Recently, the University submitted a comprehensive and innovative proposal to the HKSAR Government to establish the city’s third medical school. Our aim is to cultivate the next generation of medical professionals and leaders who can excel in the future AI-driven healthcare landscape by leveraging our strong foundation of excellence in health sciences, engineering, and AI. The establishment of LDO will further develop and reinforce our strengths in the fields of healthcare and AI.” Prof. Michael Snyder also shared Stanford Medicine’s commitment to advancing research on ageing, improving lives and promoting healthy ageing. Ageing is a primary factor contributing to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer. However, individuals age differently, exhibiting distinct patterns and pathways known as ageotypes. Current ageing research remains limited by its narrow focus on specific markers and ageotypes, lacking a comprehensive view of ageing’s impact on health. Through this partnership, PolyU and Stanford Medicine will conduct joint research on deep omics and related disciplines, focusing on the Asian population. Research will centre on integrative analysis of ageing mechanisms and individual variability. LDO will perform longitudinal multi-omics analysis of existing cohorts, including genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and lipidomic profiling, along with retinal imaging and electronic health records. The collaboration will also develop a real-time health monitoring platform, predictive algorithms for age-related diseases, and institutional exchanges for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. Over the past half-century, PolyU has trained over 50,000 healthcare professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, optometrists, radiologists and more, playing a pivotal role in the development of Hong Kong’s medical system. Supported by a robust team of over 1,300 healthcare-related teaching and research staff and equipped with more than 90 specialised laboratories and research facilities, PolyU has leveraged its strengths in medicine-engineering integration to advance healthcare technology. In addition to its collaboration with Stanford Medicine, PolyU has established partnerships with several universities and hospitals both globally and in Mainland China, and is actively preparing for the establishment of the third medical school to address the medical needs of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. ***END***

PolyU’s new Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory gives hope to spinal cord injury patients, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) strives to promote educational and research development in the fields of medicine and health. Leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities and strengths in interdisciplinary research, the University is committed to supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub by advancing precision medicine and personalised treatment. PolyU will actively promote precision and personalised medicine through the introduction of advanced therapy products (ATPs). This initiative will promote medical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, accelerating the development of the local ATPs ecosystem while enhancing Hong Kong’s global competitiveness in biopharmaceuticals. The University is now planning to manufacture cell therapy products for spinal cord injuries, which will be further complemented by the post-surgery rehabilitation programme and utilise the expertise of PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS), offering a one-stop approach from precision medicine to rehabilitation to bring new hope to hemiplegia and paralysis patients. The newly established PolyU Advanced Therapy Product (ATP) Laboratory is a Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme’s Good Manufacturing Practice (PIC/S GMP)-compliant facility, focusing on clinical research in immunotherapy, cell therapy, gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Led by Prof. Larry CHOW Ming-cheung, Head of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, the team has made plans to collaborate with the biopharmaceutical industry and will commence clinical trials once the Laboratory is granted the Licence for Manufacturer and the Certificate for Clinical Trial and Medicinal Test by the HKSAR Government’s Department of Health. Medical needs of spinal cord injury patients The spinal cord is an essential part of the central nervous system. Any damage to it may affect the function of the spinal nerves at and below the injury site. According to the World Health Organization, more than 15 million people are living with spinal cord injuries globally. Common symptoms include tetraplegia, paraplegia, loss of sensation, impaired bladder and bowel control, chronic pain, and movement disorders, which seriously affect patients’ physical and mental health. Currently, there is no effective cure for spinal cord injuries. The medical sector has, in recent years, endeavoured to develop technology for precision medicine, including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, biomaterials and tissue engineering, and electrical stimulation therapy, to help repair the injured spinal nerves. Previous research has indicated that, nevertheless, advanced therapy alone is not effective enough for patients to fully regain their mobility. It has to be combined with cross-professional rehabilitation training to enhance the treatment outcomes. PolyU ATP Laboratory: A pioneer in precision medicine The Laboratory has been established with the grants provided by the University Grants Committee (UGC) and PolyU. Equipped with a Production Site, Quality Control Laboratory and Training Laboratory, it will serve as a robust platform for the development and clinical application of local ATPs. The ATP team, in collaboration with scientific research enterprises, the biopharmaceutical industry, and academic institutions, will focus on clinical trials for spinal cord injury patients during its first phase of work. It will make use of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched umbilical cord blood received from the industry partner to produce umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells. Quality control and product packaging procedures will also be performed. PIC/S GMP-compliant final products will then be sent to the hospitals for transplantation in patients. The project will also foster collaboration on neurological disorders research at PolyU, further unleashing the University’s interdisciplinary strengths across neuroscience, molecular biology, immunology, biological engineering, rehabilitation sciences, and more. Interdisciplinary integration enables patient-centred care PolyU is the only local university that offers a one-stop solution from treatment to rehabilitation. It has been nurturing numerous allied health professionals such as physical therapists and occupational therapists who work with medical teams to provide extended care through rehabilitation and the application of technology-assisted diagnosis. With the ATP Laboratory concentrating on advanced therapy and RS providing physiotherapy and other relevant allied health services, patients will be able to receive comprehensive care. During spinal cord injury treatment, for instance, the injured tissue of the patients can be repaired by stem cell transplantation, and their muscle strength and mobility can be retrained through a rehabilitation programme. Prof. Larry Chow said, “There is significant potential for growth in the production of advanced therapy products in Hong Kong nowadays. The ATP Laboratory at PolyU aligns with the international good manufacturing practices, and will contribute to nurturing more biopharmaceutical talents in the region. Through collaboration with industry partners, we aim to achieve breakthroughs in cell therapy and immunotherapy, translating the research outcomes of the University by facilitating cutting-edge medical research and clinical trials, thereby advancing Hong Kong’s medical technology development.” PolyU has submitted a proposal to the HKSAR Government for the establishment of the third medical school in Hong Kong. Capitalising on its research strengths in health technologies, engineering and artificial intelligence, as well as its experience in training allied health professionals over the past half-century, the University is confident in its ability to nurture interdisciplinary medical leaders and foster the development of Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub. ***END***

PolyU PReCIT hosts dialogue with Consul General of Malaysia in Hong Kong on the theme of “ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship 2025”

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and the Global Engagement Office (GEO), hosted the seventh Consul General Talk on 9 April, which featured a dialogue with Mr Muzambli MARKAM, Consul General of Malaysia in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR. Titled “ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship 2025”, the talk promoted deeper understanding among PolyU community of ASEAN policy frameworks, opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative, and Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” in the region, while also fostering meaningful connections with leaders from the business, technology and policy sectors. The event commenced with opening remarks by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, and Mr Nicholas HO Lik-chi, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Government of HKSAR. A dynamic dialogue, featuring Mr Muzambli Markam and moderated by Prof. Chea-su KEE, Head of School of Optometry and K.B. Woo Family Professor in Optometry, followed. The event concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT. Prof. Christopher Chao underscored PolyU’s strategic vision for global collaboration and technological advancement. He remarked, “PolyU is committed to advancing innovation and knowledge exchange through cross-border partnerships. At the heart of our engagement with Malaysia, ASEAN and beyond lies a shared commitment to technological progress, knowledge transfer and impactful partnerships with industry practitioners. By bridging academia, industry and policy, we are forging pathways that empower our students to thrive in an interconnected and knowledge-driven world while also transforming our collaborations into tangible and sustainable growth.” Mr Nicholas Ho highlighted Hong Kong’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative, saying, “Hong Kong serves as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, acting as both a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ for our partners. In our drive to deepen international exchanges and cooperation, we align perfectly with Malaysia’s aspirations for economic growth and regional resilience.” Mr Muzambli Markam elaborated on Malaysia’s ASEAN priorities and said, “As the ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia embodies the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ by ensuring that ASEAN’s growth benefits all member states and their populations, leaving no one behind, while prioritising sustainable development. Malaysia also seeks to strengthen ASEAN centrality through dialogue and diplomacy, promote intra-ASEAN trade and investment, and advance digital transformation by leveraging science, technology and innovation.” During the dialogue, Prof. Chea-su Kee raised critical questions regarding “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” including how neighbouring countries and academic sectors could collaborate with ASEAN to advance scientific research and innovative technologies, prompting audience to reflect on ASEAN’s policy frameworks. Prof. Kee stated, “As a Malaysian in Hong Kong’s innovation hub, I’m committed to advancing ASEAN’s sustainable growth. This dialogue connects Hong Kong’s tech ecosystem with ASEAN’s universities and industries to co-develop impactful solutions. Together, we’ll turn vision into action.” Prof. Eric Chui called for interdisciplinary collaboration in his speech. He said, “We are optimistic about a brighter future together, built on mutual respect, shared goals and continued cooperation. By uniting diverse perspectives and expertise, we can tackle complex challenges more effectively. Beyond education, this collective effort elevates Hong Kong’s standing as a global hub for innovation, driving impactful connections that extend across academia, industry, and policy. In coming together, we lay the foundation for solutions that pave the way to a more inclusive and sustainable future.” A first-year Malaysian PolyU undergraduate student, Ms Fong Wen Yan, shared her journey to Hong Kong and her experience at PolyU. She said, “My time here has transformed my independence and adaptability. Exploring the University’s vibrant campus and cityscape has been as enriching as my academic journey. Meanwhile, PolyU and its Malaysian Student Associations organises activities like the Malaysian Cultural Night to help international students like me adapt to this new environment.” Launched in February 2023, the Consul General Talk Series fosters dialogue between the PolyU community and leaders from Belt and Road nations. The series offers insights into global innovation, policy trends and educational opportunities, reinforcing PolyU’s role as a hub for international engagement. ***END***

PolyU and HKAABJU co-organise “Together with Scientists” thematic event, featuring talks by Nobel laureates sharing their cutting-edge research ideas

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities (HKAABJU) co-organised the “Together with Scientists” thematic event, as part of the key events of the second Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference 2025. Dr Elizabeth LEE,  HKAABJU President, accompanied Prof. Andre GEIM, 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics and Prof. Harvey James ALTER, 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to the PolyU campus, where the two Nobel laureates shared their outstanding research outcomes and unique insights in their respective fields of research during their keynote presentations. The event aimed to promote academic exchanges and inspire innovative thinking, attracting over 150 faculty members, students, scholars and researchers onsite, and more than 126,000 participants who joined online through various social media platforms to explore cutting-edge scientific issues. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President expressed his gratitude to Prof. Geim and Prof. Alter for sharing their invaluable insights with the participants. He added, “As an innovative world-class university, PolyU is dedicated to advancing its research endeavours. The University has established numerous research institutes and research centres, including the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research and, more recently, the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence. PolyU is also actively pursuing the opportunity to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, with AI as a key enabler.” Prof. Geim delivered a keynote presentation on “Wonder Materials”, sharing applications of graphene. Together with physicist Konstantin Novoselov, he was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking contributions to the study of two-dimensional graphene materials. He is Director of the Manchester Centre for Mesoscience and Nanotechnology, Director of the Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua–Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Foreign Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the Royal Society and Foreign Academician of the National Academy of Sciences, the United States. His research interests range from nanomaterials to buoyancy quantum states. Prof. Alter shared his thoughts and experience on the theme “Roadmap to Success”. He was the co-recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with the virologists Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice for their contribution to the discovery of the Hepatitis C virus. His research proved that Hepatitis C is a separate viral disease and enabled development of testing methods that help ensure blood safety. His work has paved the way for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Hepatitis C, saving the lives of millions. During the subsequent panel discussion and Q&A session, the two speakers shared their insights on scientific research, encouraging the students and young researchers to continue to explore and advance in their academic pursuits. ***END***

PolyU’s study on Hong Kong neon signs culture receives Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Award

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting research in the transmission of humanities and cultural conservation. A scholar from the PolyU School of Design (PolyU Design) has made outstanding contributions to the study of urban visual culture by photo-documenting neon signs across Hong Kong. His project has been recognised with a prize in popular science publication category of the 9th Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) by the Ministry of Education (MoE). Led by Prof. Brian KWOK Sze Hang, Associate Professor of PolyU Design, the project “Fading Neon Lights: An Archive of Hong Kong’s Visual Culture” has meticulously documented the visual culture of Hong Kong’s neon signs. The findings have been published in a book that captures the unique visual allure of neon signs through text and images, while also including details of the collection process. The team has preserved the visual aesthetics and craftsmanship of neon signs through photographic documentation, interviews with veteran neon masters and visits to neon light manufactories. In organising and analysing the data, the team has investigated their development and transformation, as well as the role of these signs in Hong Kong’s socio-cultural landscape, particularly the evolving relationship between streetscapes and consumer culture. The resulting archive, spanning over 60 years of history, showcases the originality, scale and completeness of this unique art form, providing a valuable reference for the history of Hong Kong’s design and arts, as well as its social, economic and cultural development. Prof. Kwok said, “I am honoured to receive this prestigious award, which highlights the impact of our research on the preservation of neon tube making and styling techniques — an intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong, and its contribution to fostering deeper understanding and inspiration in urban visual culture.” Prof. Kwok is a prominent figure in the field of design, with his work receiving widespread recognition. His research interests focus on user-centred design and visual culture, encompassing a broad range of areas, including health communication design, Chinese typography, wayfinding design, spatial representation in Hong Kong, and the visual culture of neon signs. Established by the MoE in 1995, the Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) are the most prestigious in the fields of philosophy and social sciences in China. They are awarded every three years to higher education institutions nationwide and aim to recognise researchers who have made outstanding contributions to the humanities and social sciences. ***END***

PolyU’s flagship International Future Challenge opens all competition regions to global technology innovators and startups

The PolyU International Future Challenge (IFC), a flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) with seven competition regions across Hong Kong and Mainland cities, is inviting technology talents, project teams and startups from across the globe to address industry challenges with their innovative solutions. PolyU recently held an Information Session for the Hong Kong Region, featuring experienced industry experts to discuss the latest developments and challenges in various sectors. The IFC features a unique “1+N” framework with a main competition region in Hong Kong, alongside multiple regions across six Mainland cities, including Huizhou, Wenzhou, Qianhai in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Jinjiang. This marks the first time PolyU elevates its Future Challenges to an international level, opening to projects and teams worldwide. International teams are welcome to apply as long as they team up with members of the PolyU community, license PolyU technologies, or land on the incubation centres of PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs). In partnership with leading domestic enterprises and PolyU’s MTRIs, IFC ensures participants to have access to diverse resources and opportunities, including trips to Mainland China, consultation and corporate visits for shortlisted teams. Selected teams will have the opportunity to embark on overseas journeys to enhance their international experience. With an Open Track for all competition regions, the Hong Kong and Jinjiang Regions also uniquely offer a Student Track to engage students with high potential and interest in entrepreneurship. Participating students will benefit from a variety of activities, including comprehensive training sessions and immersive exploratory tours in multiple regions and countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, Xinjiang and the Greater Bay Area, with a view of broadening their perspectives on entrepreneurship and innovation. The cash prize across seven competition regions totals over HK$ 2 million. Winning teams from each region will compete in the finals for a grand prize of up to HK$ 500,000, as well as receive funding for trial and adoption, and comprehensive entrepreneurial support from the PolyVentures startup ecosystem. The focus areas of each competition region are aligned with local industry needs and priority areas of PolyU’s MTRIs. The domains of each competition region are listed below: Competition Regions Domains Hong Kong Fintech and Insurtech, Information and Communications Technology, Cargo and Travel, Sports, Health Huizhou Spatial Computing and Imaging, Manufacturing, New Energy and Materials, Fashion and Textiles, AI integrated with any of these Wenzhou Advanced Manufacturing, New Energy, Marine Engineering, Soft and Flexible Electronics, AI integrated with any of these Qianhai in Shenzhen Metaverse, AR/VR, Intelligent Wearable, Health, AI integrated any of these Shanghai Blockchain, AI integrated with Medical, Low Altitude Economy, Digital Transformation, AI integrated with any of these Nanjing Healthcare, Medical Devices, Biotechnology, Rehabilitation Technology, Internet of Things, AI integrated with any of these Jinjiang Textile and Fashion Technology, Future Food, Microelectronics, Tourism Management, Healthcare, AI integrated with any of these During the Information Session, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) said, “As PolyU’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition, the IFC is committed to empowering and inspiring the next generation of innovators. It integrates education, translation of research outcomes, incubation and investment for startups, creating a holistic platform for budding entrepreneurs.” He also encouraged innovative talents and startups worldwide to embrace the excellent opportunities offered by the IFC and become part of the driving forces to advance the economic development of participating regions and cities. In addition to sponsorship from PolyU’s Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, IFC boasts an expanding list of sponsors, including NYSE-listed Waterdrop Inc. founded by Outstanding PolyU Alumnus Dr SHEN Peng; Flair Capital Limited founded by alumnus Mr Benny CHAN Yik-chung; Suzhou Kowloon Hospital; CHINT Group Co., Ltd; Xinjiang Xiangfu. Apart from sponsors, IFC has gained support from partners such as Cathay Pacific Airways; Nike; and NTT Com Asia. Both sponsors and partners will provide their real-world problem statements for participants to develop demand-driven solutions. Four experienced industry representatives from these organisations shared the latest development and pain points in the fields of healthcare, air cargo, fintech, insurtech, sports technology and information and communications technology during the Information Session. For more details about the IFC, please visit the official website. The Information Session of the Hong Kong Region of the PolyU International Future Challenge attracted a full house. ***END***