Media Releases

PolyU initiates cognitive remediation programme using memory encoding strategies to provide early intervention for people with mild cognitive impairment

With its ageing population, the prevalence of dementia in Hong Kong is expected to increase. Healthcare researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed an innovative mobile application-based cognitive remediation programme, Enhancing Memory in Daily Life (E-MinD Life), targeting those who experience memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia. The programme, leveraging memory encoding strategies, provides early intervention to delay the functional deterioration associated with cognitive decline, supporting these individuals’ independent living and enhancing their quality of life. As individuals age, cognitive functions and memory gradually decline, affecting their ability to perform daily activities independently. Such memory decline is more pronounced in people with MCI. MCI is a significant area of interest in ageing and dementia research, and, more importantly, various studies suggest that it can indicate early dementia-related neuropathological changes years before a clinical diagnosis of dementia. Among the three stages of memory, namely encoding, storage and retrieval, the encoding stage is often the first to be affected in people with MCI, causing memory decline. Developed by Prof. Karen LIU, Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at PolyU, in collaboration with Dr Nikki TULLIANI, Associate Lecturer at Western Sydney University, the E-MinD Life programme is built on the principles of semantic and perceptual memory encoding, and innovatively integrates cognitive remediation into daily activities. As an early intervention, it aims to train older adults in the early stages of cognitive decline, while they still have the capacity to learn new skills and adopt memory strategies to better manage daily activities. The programme lasts for nine weeks, with three 60-minute sessions per week: one individualised therapist-led meeting followed by two self-administered sessions. Humans can register new information to memory through semantic encoding and perceptual encoding of information. Prof. Karen Liu elaborated, “Semantic-based memory, also referred to as conceptual knowledge or declarative memory, encompasses our long-term understanding of objects, word meanings, facts, concepts, rules and people, acquired through our lifetime experiences. While these knowledges are organised into networks of connected ideas or concepts, semantic memory encoding enables us to associate new information with what we already know and remember it more efficiently. Perceptual-based memory encoding, on the other hand, involves capturing and storing visual information, such as images, in memory to help with recall.” As memory decline sets in, people with MCI often have difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), involving essential tasks such as household chores, shopping and managing finances, which are crucial for maintaining their independence in both home and community living. E-MinD Life incorporates semantic and perceptual encoding techniques into 12 common IADLs. These IADLs are categorised into three blocks: “meal preparation and clean-up activities”, “laundry activities” and “communication and community activities,” each comprising four tasks. By engaging participants in these structured tasks, the programme shows significant potential in fostering cognitive engagement and practical learning. The encoding techniques enable participants to organise pertinent aspects like person, place, time and object, and establish connections between these concepts, enhancing learning and memory. The techniques include “visual imagery” and the “method of loci,” which help participants connect visual information from memory; “chunking,” which requires them to break down the IADL into different steps, give context to the chunks of information and then form a contextual story; and “self-generation,” which asks them to use their own words to describe the IADL. Based on a user-friendly mobile application, E-MinD Life utilises knowledge and methods derived from previous research, allows tailoring of the programme to meet participants’ individual needs, and provides real-time feedback. In addition, by reaching out to larger populations, E-MinD Life is able to provide community-based interventions, extending the impact of cognitive remediation programmes beyond professional-led training. Prof. Liu added, “Non-pharmacological treatments are essential for alleviating the decline in memory and cognitive abilities through effective preventive and early intervention measures. Enabling older adults and MCI individuals to easily use E-MinD Life at home, we aspire to create a cost-effective, self-administered and time-flexible means for personalised interventions. By teaching participants to apply semantic and perceptual encoding principles in everyday tasks, the programme supports individuals in overcoming challenges associated with memory decline. This initiative also marks a notable advancement in leveraging memory encoding to facilitate cognitive remediation.” To further refine the administration of E-MinD Life, focus groups and expert reviews were conducted to gain insights from healthcare professionals, as well as from older adult participants and their caregivers. A pilot study on E-MinD Life was conducted in Australia to evaluate its usability. The qualitative analysis revealed that participants found the programme enjoyable and beneficial. Specifically, it increased memory awareness in daily life, stimulated the learning of new skills and technology, and provided an appropriate level of challenge. A Chinese version of E-MinD Life is currently being developed for trial use in Hong Kong. Inspired by their prior endeavours in stroke rehabilitation, Prof. Liu and her team have explored memory encoding for older adults since 2006. After conducting a series of studies to understand the neuro-mechanisms associated with these memory encoding techniques, the findings were translated into clinical projects to assess their applicability within the clinical population. Subsequently, E-MinD Life has been developed with a commitment to promoting cognitive training for older adults in home settings. ***END***  

PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech establish joint laboratory for innovative soy research and functional food development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Soy-Sky FarmTech Company Limited (Soy-Sky FarmTech) have announced the establishment of the PolyU-Soy-Sky FarmTech Joint Laboratory for Innovative Soy Research and Functional Food Development (the Laboratory). The Laboratory is dedicated to advancing research on soy-based functional foods and promoting the translation of sustainable agricultural technologies. The donation ceremony for the Joint Laboratory was held on 10 July on the PolyU campus, where Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Mr Kenneth TING, Chairman of Soy-Sky FarmTech, exchanged commemorative souvenirs. Other distinguished guests in attendance included Ms Clara CHAN, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), members of PolyU senior management and scholars, Soy-Sky FarmTech senior management, shareholders and industry partners. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng highlighted PolyU’s commitment to research and innovation, noting that the University’s Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) conducts impactful, cutting-edge research in food science and human health. He remarked that the establishment of the Laboratory not only demonstrated PolyU’s recognised research strengths in food science and human health but also underscored the importance of industry-academia collaboration in promoting national food security, advancing sustainable agricultural development and supporting national strategies. He also stated that PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech would leverage their respective strengths to contribute to food technology innovation in Hong Kong, as well as to national food security and agricultural modernisation. Mr Kenneth Ting stated that the establishment of the Laboratory provided strong support and opportunities for the company to expand into soybean value chain downstream businesses beyond its existing upstream operations. He expressed hope that, through collaboration with PolyU RiFood, innovative soybean products could be developed. He also looked forward to leveraging Hong Kong’s agricultural technology and food innovation capabilities to create a “Hong Kong Soybean Story” from laboratory to dining table and showcasing Hong Kong’s unique advantages in these sectors and contributing to national food security and sustainable development. In her speech, Ms Clara Chan expressed her anticipation that the strong collaboration between PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech would bring together more resources and talent in the field of agricultural technology, resulting in fruitful research outcomes. HKIC looks forward to the Laboratory’s research achievements and will actively promote the commercialisation, implementation and internationalisation of these outcomes, enabling Hong Kong’s innovations and solutions to benefit the world. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the Laboratory will conduct innovative research on soybeans and food development, support the industry in developing novel soy-based functional foods and related sustainability, and foster a “Healthy Eating and Sustainable Living” culture. PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech aim to jointly advance the Nation’s agricultural and food technology sectors, extend research achievements to Belt and Road countries, and work together to build a healthier and greener future. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (left) presented a commemorative souvenir to Mr Kenneth Ting (right). Mr Kenneth Ting (right) presented a commemorative souvenir to Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (left). ***END***

PolyU researchers unveil novel strategy to achieve both strength and toughness in 2D materials design, advancing applications in electronic and photonic devices

The mechanical strength and toughness of engineering materials are often mutually exclusive, posing challenges for material design and selection. To address this, a research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has uncovered an innovative strategy: by simply twisting the layers of 2D materials, they can enhance toughness without compromising material’s strength. This breakthrough facilitates the design of strong and tough new 2D materials, promoting their broader applications in photonic and electronic devices. The findings have been published in the international journal Nature Materials. While 2D materials often exhibit exceptional strength, they are extremely brittle. Fractures in materials are also typically irreversible. These attributes limit the use of 2D materials in devices that require repeated deformation, such as high-power devices, flexible electronics and wearables. Efforts to improve toughness by introducing defects, such as vacancies and grain boundaries, often degrade intrinsic electrical properties, leading to a trade-off between mechanical durability and electronic performance. Therefore, enhancing both the strength and toughness of bulk materials for engineering applications has remained a significant challenge. To overcome these limitations, a research team led by Prof. Jiong ZHAO, Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Physics, has pioneered a novel twisting engineering approach whereby twisted bilayer structures enable sequential fracture events, addressing the conflict between strength and toughness in 2D materials. The finding was supported by nanoindentation and theoretical analysis. Typical transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is a class of 2D materials known for their unique electronic, optical and mechanical properties. These characteristics enable their diverse application in electronics and optoelectronics, energy storage and conversion, sensors and biomedical devices, quantum technologies, mechanics and tribology. By focusing on TMDs, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and tungsten disulfide (WS₂), the team discovered a new fracture mechanism in twisted bilayers. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy, the team found that when cracks propagate in twisted bilayer structures, the lattice orientation mismatch between the upper and lower layers leads to the formation of interlocking crack paths. Following the initial fracture, the crack edges in both layers spontaneously form stable grain boundary structures through interlayer self-assembly. This distinctive “crack self-healing” mechanism protects subsequent fracture tips from stress concentration, effectively preventing further crack propagation. Notably, this process consumes more energy than conventional fracture, and the degree of toughness enhancement can be tuned by adjusting the twist and twist angle. Prof. Jiong Zhao said, “By breaking through the framework of conventional fracture mechanics theory, this study presents the first demonstration of autonomous damage suppression in 2D materials, establishing a groundbreaking strategy for designing integrated novel strong-and-tough 2D materials. This research also extends the application of twistronics to mechanical performance design, such as with regard to material strength, opening exciting possibilities for the development of future electronic and photonic devices. As fabrication techniques for twisted 2D materials continue to mature, a new generation of smart materials combining superior mechanical properties with exotic electrical characteristics, holds great promise for technological innovation in the fields of flexible electronics, energy conversion, quantum technology and sensing.” ***END***

PolyU and Guangdong University of Technology students collaborate for the Hong Kong premiere of “The Legacy of Youth”, celebrating 60th anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong and to nurture a strong sense of national pride among young people, a series of events hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Guangdong University of Technology (GDUT), and co-organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations and Bauhinia Magazine were held on 9 and 10 July. Highlights include the Hong Kong premiere of the “Original Stage Production: The Legacy of Youth”, jointly performed by students from GDUT and PolyU, as well as an exhibition for visitors to explore the remarkable history of the Dongjiang Water Supply Project. The two-day performance drew over 1,000 attendees—including government officials, business and community leaders, faculty members, students, and alumni from both universities, as well as members of the public—all of whom were inspired by the extraordinary stories of the Project’s builders. “The Legacy of Youth” was presented at the PolyU Jockey Club Auditorium, featuring a preview on 9 July and the official premiere on 10 July. The opening ceremony for the premiere held today was officiated by Mr LIU Guangyuan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG); Ms Bernadette LINN Hon-ho, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government; Ms Alice MAK Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. QIU Xueqing, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and President of GDUT; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Ms ZHU Weiwei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of GDUT; Mr ZHANG Zhihua, Deputy Director and Inspector at Level 1 of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Guangdong Province; Mr MENG Fan, Inspector at Level 1 of the Water Resources Department of Guangdong Province; Mr NG Wah Kong, Member of CPPCC, Executive Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations; Mr HUANG Xiaohua, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Bauhinia Magazine; and Mr Roger WONG Yan-lok, Director of Water Supplies in the HKSAR Government. Ms Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the creative teams from PolyU and GDUT for this original stage production. By blending innovative stage technology, they have vividly brought to life the stirring history of the Dongjiang Water Supply Project, allowing audiences to witness this remarkable chapter. This production reawakens in us the timeless wisdom of remembering the source when drinking water, helping Hong Kong citizens appreciate the Nation’s unwavering care and support. It also honours the countless unsung heroes whose tireless efforts—their sweat and sacrifice—alleviated hardships for their fellow Hong Kong compatriots. May this story inspire generations of young people to carry forward the same spirit of dedication and mission that drove those students who contributed to this project, empowering them to play their part in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “The Dongjiang water supply is vital to Hong Kong’s development and the well-being of its residents. Modern Hong Kong owes its existence to this crucial resource—a fact every Hong Kong citizen should hold dear. The Dongjiang Water Supply Project transcends its role as a hydraulic engineering endeavour. It stands as a testament to solidarity in times of adversity, embodying the profound unity and shared heritage of the people from both regions. More than infrastructure, it reflects the Nation’s enduring spirit of overcoming challenges together. Moving forward, PolyU and GDUT will deepen collaboration across diverse fields, jointly nurturing talent to contribute to the Nation’s development. PolyU has always been committed to fostering in our students a strong sense of national pride, valuing their ability and integrity, with morality as the foundation. ‘The Legacy of Youth’, a highlight of this year’s PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, exemplifies this commitment. I look forward to all sectors joining hands to guide our younger generation in making the most of their talents, empowering them to contribute to the Nation’s development and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Prof. Qiu Xueqing remarked, “The Legacy of Youth recreates the remarkable feat achieved by teachers and students of GDUT in the 1960s during the construction of the Dongjiang Water Supply Project. This vital initiative safeguarded the well-being of our Hong Kong compatriots. This stage drama engraves those extraordinary years in our minds, strengthens the bonds between Guangdong and Hong Kong, and passes down the enduring ‘Dongshen Spirit’ through the generations. It also fosters patriotism and national pride within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) community, inspiring youth to contribute to national development. Looking ahead, GDUT will, like the ever-flowing Dongjiang, deepen Guangdong-Hong Kong collaboration. We will cultivate talents with a profound sense of national pride and a global perspective, harnessing the strength of the University to contribute to the Nation’s development and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Committed to promoting Chinese culture, PolyU last year launched the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival to celebrate the rich value and diversity of Chinese culture through various artistic themes and forms. The Festival aims to deepen appreciation of Chinese heritage and strengthen a strong sense of national pride and belonging to the Nation among faculty members, students and the wider community. As part of this year’s Festival, “The Legacy of Youth” highlights the Nation’s commitment to the well-being of Hong Kong residents. This stage drama has been included in the commemorative activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong by the Guangdong Province and the HKSAR Government, and has received commendation from the Ministry of Education. Centred around the theme of “Role Model of the Times”, the script is inspired by the real-life builders of the Dongjiang Water Supply Project and recounts heart-stirring stories of university students from mainland China in the 1960s who answered the Nation’s call and devoted themselves to the construction of the Project. The stage drama unfolds across four distinct chapters: Declaration of Youth, Symphony of Youth, Test of Youth and Pursuit of Youth. Told from the perspective of a Project builder who is also a GDUT alumnus, the narrative moves fluidly between past, present and future, highlighting the passionate aspirations of young people dedicating themselves to national development. Notably, the production marks the debut of Cantonese dialogue in the drama and showcases the participation of university students from GBA in the Project. “The Legacy of Youth” is inspired by the real-life builders of the Dongjiang Water Supply Project, recounting heart-stirring stories of university students from mainland China in the 1960s who answered the Nation’s call and devoted themselves to the construction of the Project. The climax of the stage drama comes in the third chapter, “Test of Youth,” which recreates the heroic actions of the Project builders during the 1964 battle against devastating storms and floods. Risking and even sacrificing their lives, the builders successfully completed the critical tasks of floodgate discharge to ensure the safety of the Project. Faculty members, students, and alumni from the PolyU Choir, together with GDUT students, performed the theme song “Mountains and Rivers,” conveying the builders’ fearless and selfless spirit. Their moving performance was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. PolyU Choir and GDTU students perform the theme song “Mountains and Rivers,” conveying the builders’ fearless and selfless spirit. At the same time, an exhibition commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong was held at the podium of the PolyU Jockey Club Auditorium. Through a curated exhibition of precious historical photos, the display chronicled the Project’s origins, construction milestones, historical impact, and latest developments—deepening visitors’ understanding of the profound connection and enduring friendship between mainland China and Hong Kong. The exhibition commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong chronicled the Project’s origins, construction milestones, historical impact, and latest developments through a curated exhibition of precious historical photos. This series of events seeks to strengthen cultural exchange between mainland China and Hong Kong, foster mutual understanding among young students from both regions, pass on the “Dongshen spirit”, enhance patriotic education, and inspire young people to actively contribute to GBA’s development and the Nation’s modernisation efforts. ***END***  

PolyU secures RGC Theme-based Research Scheme funding to develop cost-effective and sustainable Co-GenAI model

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to driving cutting-edge research that creates societal impact and technological advancement. Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Professor of the Department of Computing, has received funding from the Theme-based Research Scheme 2025/26 under the Research Grants Council for her pioneering project, “Collaborative Generative AI (Co-GenAI)”. The project has been awarded total funding of HK$62.6 million, with HK$41.79 million provided by the RGC and the remaining amount matched by PolyU and other participating universities. This initiative is aimed at reshaping the landscape of GenAI through a decentralised way. The research holds significant potential to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global leader in GenAI development, with real-world applications in healthcare and technology. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “We are delighted that our scholar has received this significant support. This pioneering project exemplifies the University’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge AI research, alongside our emphasis on inclusive and sustainable technological development. PolyU will continue to leverage its world-class research capabilities to make a profound impact on the future development of Hong Kong and the global community. With the launch of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence, we are poised to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and unlock new frontiers in AI applications.” The project, led by Prof. Yang Hongxia, aims to develop a novel collaborative GenAI paradigm known as Co-GenAI. The system evolves through the integration of several hundred domain-specific models to create a foundation model designed to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI) with significantly reduced centralised computational demand. By addressing the current constraints imposed by graphics processing unit (GPU) monopolies, this innovative approach is set to democratise AI development and enable broader participation in GenAI research and deployment. Co-GenAI is tailored to enhance different domains and collaborations, with the long-term goal of creating a versatile platform for the next generation of GenAI ecosystem. The project’s key tasks include the development of domain-adaptive continual pre-training infrastructure and the design of a robust, generalisable model ranking methodology. In addition, an advanced model fusion approach will be implemented to merge heterogeneous top-ranked domain-specific models. Prof. Yang expressed her gratitude for the RGC’s support and said, “Backed by a team of world-renowned researchers with extensive expertise, we believe Co-GenAI will play a transformative role in advancing the democratisation of AI, expanding its accessibility across disciplines and enhancing cost-effectiveness. We are confident that this novel paradigm will spark greater innovation and diversity in the field, ultimately paving the way for the development of a global foundation model that is both sustainable and inclusive.” To evaluate Co-GenAI, the research team will implement and deploy the system across a wide range of applications in collaboration with industry partners including Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Alibaba, and leading hospitals such as Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shandong Cancer Hospital, and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. The RGC’s Theme-based Research Scheme aims to pool the academic research efforts of UGC-funded universities to conduct research on topics of strategic importance to Hong Kong’s long-term development. Evaluation criteria include qualification as world-leading by international standards and the potential impact on Hong Kong. ***END***

PolyU signs MoU with Peking Union Medical College Hospital to advance AI-powered precision diagnosis and treatment for tumours and nurture medical talent

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) for collaboration in research and innovation, knowledge transfer and talent development in the fields of radiotherapy, medical imaging and health informatics. By combining the strengths of both institutions, the partnership aims to develop cutting-edge technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven healthcare and biomedicine—and cultivate outstanding talent in medicine-engineering integration, fostering integration of technological innovation and medical advancememt. The signing ceremony was held today at PUMCH. Witnessed by Prof. WONG Wing-tak, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. YING Tin Cheung, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Science and Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics; and Prof. WONG Ka-Leung, Chair Professor of Chemistry and Director of the PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute; alongside Prof. DU Bin, Vice President of PUMCH; Prof. ZHANG Fuquan, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy; and Ms HE Jing, Director of the International Cooperation Office, the MoU was signed by Prof. CAI Jing, Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics, and Prof. HU Ke, Executive Deputy Director of the PUMCH Department of Radiation Oncology. Prof. Wong Wing-tak stated, “PolyU is committed to advancing innovative interdisciplinary research, particularly in healthcare. As we pursue the establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school, we hope to harness the University’s unique combined strength in medicine, engineering and AI to nurture the next generation of medical talent who can lead the future development of smart medicine. This collaboration aims to deeply integrate PolyU’s strong capabilities in technological innovation with PUMCH’s century-long clinical experience, fostering medical innovation.” Prof. Du Bin extended a warm welcome to the PolyU delegation, stating, “Progress in medicine depends critically on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Recognised as a National Key Clinical Specialty, the PUMCH Department of Radiation Oncology has accumulated extensive clinical experience and research expertise in precision treatment for tumours. PolyU, as a leading research university in Asia, excels in cutting-edge fields such as AI in medicine and biomedical engineering. Driven by scientific breakthroughs, this partnership will provide staunch support to joint talent development and accelerate the translation of research outcomes into application, ushering in a new chapter of high-quality development.” Following the ceremony, Prof. Cai Jing, Prof. Wong Ka-Leung and Mr LIU Zeyu, Research Assistant of the PolyU Department of Computing, together with Prof. Hu Ke, presented their latest research projects and clinical achievements. Topics included the adoption of AI in precision radiotherapy, dual-function probes for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the development and optimisation of multimodal medical AI models. These presentations further deepened the professional and academic interaction between PolyU and PUMCH. Representatives from both sides explored key areas of collaboration and proposed potential joint research topics, covering precision diagnosis and treatment for tumours, the adoption of advanced medical equipment and the development of anti-tumour drugs. PolyU envisions that, if the University ultimately secures support from the HKSAR Government to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, PUMCH would serve as a clinical training hospital for its medical students. Additionally, PolyU could offer training for PUMCH’s core technical staff on AI-driven medical technology, while also fostering academic exchanges, joint postgraduate training, and dual-degree programmes.   ***END***

PolyU Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation and Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association co-host “Northern Metropolis Future Forum” to discuss urban-rural integration and community co-creation in Northern Metropolis

As the HKSAR Government moves ahead with the Northern Metropolis development, the region’s population is expected to surge in the coming years, creating new community and livelihood needs. The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association, co-hosted the “Northern Metropolis Future Forum” today to promote urban-rural integration and community co-creation in the Northern Metropolis. Bringing together various stakeholders, the Forum aimed to address the diverse needs of the region’s population and help advance its sustainable development vision. Mr YAU Cheuk-hang, Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office at the Development Bureau of the HKSAR, and Prof. WANG Yahua, President of the China Institute for Rural Studies and Professor of the School of Public Policy & Management at Tsinghua University, were invited as keynote speakers. Mr FONG Hok Shing, Director of Civil Engineering and Development of the HKSAR, joined by a diverse group of local and mainland scholars, social innovation leaders, professionals and enterprise representatives, engaged in multifaceted dialogue in the sharing and panel sessions, exploring innovative policy recommendations and practical solutions to pressing problems. In his welcoming speech, Prof. LING Kar-kan, PolyU Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) and Director of J.C.DISI, stated, “The Government is actively taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis through land assembly, infrastructure provision, housing construction and high-tech job creation. As an academic institution, PolyU can proactively explore different approaches for the Government that help conserve the valuable ecological and cultural heritage resources of the area. Digital technology and artificial intelligence will open up new possibilities for the conservation of rural village history and traditional culture, while also promoting urban-rural integration. This, in turn, will provide both urban and rural residents with new life experiences, distinctive communities with a strong sense of belonging, as well as rich cultural lives.” Ms Olivia XING, Co-founder of the Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association, said, “At a time when Hong Kong is embracing change, the development of the Northern Metropolis enables complementarity and interaction between urban and rural areas, and injects new vitality into the rich historical, cultural and ecological values of rural communities. As the area with the greatest development potential in the City, the Northern Metropolis brings together technology and culture, connects history with modernity, balances development with conservation, while also highlighting innovation and inclusiveness. It embodies people’s aspirations for the bright future of Hong Kong.” In his keynote speech, Mr Yau Cheuk-hang stated that the Northern Metropolis development is progressing at full speed, with the vision of becoming an internationalised metropolis ideal for living, working and travelling. Following an “infrastructure-first” strategy, it aims to integrate a high-quality living environment, industrial growth, and cultural and recreational amenities to establish a platform for high-quality regional collaboration. In the future, the Northern Metropolis will provide more housing and community facilities to enhance residents’ quality of life. It will also focus on developing diverse industries, driving economic growth and achieving a better work-life balance. The development will embody the concept of urban-rural integration, blending urban areas, rural landscapes, cultural heritage, and natural ecology to create a green, low-carbon living circle. Leveraging its border advantages, the Metropolis will stimulate regional vitality and foster deeper collaboration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Prof. Wang Yahua’s keynote speech was themed “Strategies and Policy Trends for Rural Revitalisation in Mainland China”. He stated that agricultural and rural issues remained significant challenges on China’s path to modernisation, and that the Nation had introduced a rural revitalisation strategy to accelerate the modernisation of agriculture and rural areas. It is necessary for China to prioritise the development of agriculture and rural communities, and to establish robust systems and policy frameworks for integrated urban-rural development that work towards the overarching goals of prosperous industries, liveable environments, civilised rural customs, effective governance and improved livelihoods. These efforts will advance the revitalisation of rural industries, talent, culture, ecology and organisations. Following the speeches were two sharing and panel sessions, with the themes of “Digital Empowerment: Experiences and Initiatives in Rural Revitalisation and Cultural Conservation” and “Cultural Empowerment: Inheritance and Innovation of Cantonese Opera Culture in Hong Kong.” The speakers explored the use of innovative technology to facilitate rural revitalisation through case studies of Mainland China’s cultural conservation and rural revitalisation policies, and took Cantonese opera as an entry point to discuss the importance of local cultural resources to the integration of urban-rural communities in the Northern Metropolis. Mr Fong Hok-shing pointed out that in order to lead the Northern Metropolis towards sustainable and integrated urban-rural development, the Development Bureau, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Planning Department and the consultant team were formulating urban-rural integration guidelines by drawing on local, Mainland and international experience. These guidelines clarify the concepts and vision of urban-rural integration and provide concrete recommendations for government departments and all sectors of society to consider. Urban-rural integration emphasises cross-sector collaboration, villager participation and the preservation of rural culture, aiming to improve the quality of rural life and promote urban-rural interaction. The Government will play a facilitative role in promoting urban-rural integration, working hand in hand with all sectors of society to create a beautiful future characterised by “Harmony, Prosperity, and Heritage”. Ms Sam LAM, Deputy Director of J.C.DISI, stated, “As a UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage, Cantonese opera represents the shared cultural roots of Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area. It plays a vital role in connecting communities, fostering cultural identity and serving as a driving force for urban-rural integration. We hope to jointly promote the establishment of a locally distinctive ‘Cantonese Opera and Intangible Cultural Heritage Archive’ in the Northern Metropolis to integrate intangible heritage into daily life, positioning Hong Kong as a central hub for cultural and artistic exchange between China and the world.” Through regularly exploring important topics such as community-making, creative tourism, innovative economy, intergenerational integration and child-friendliness, the “Northern Metropolis Future Forum” aspires to help coordinate urban-rural relations, promote the sustainable planning of public spaces and infrastructure, and innovate social service models, with the aim of creating an inclusive, vibrant community in the Northern Metropolis. Moderated by Prof. Ling Ka-kan (1st from right), the first roundtable discussion focused on the theme of “Digital Empowerment: Experiences and Initiatives in Rural Revitalization and Cultural Conservation”. Panelists included (from left) Dr Jun Jie CHONG, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering, Newcastle University in Singapore; Dr Perry LEUNG, Co-founder of Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association; Prof. Jinhua TAN, Founder of the Cangdong Project, The Institute for Guangdong Qiaoxiang Studies, Wuyi University; Prof. Wang Yahua; Dr SHU Quanfeng, Assistant Professor, School of Public Policy & Management, Tsinghua University, and Senior Research Fellow, Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association; and Dr DAI Yao, Distinguished Associate Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of Social Governance, Beijing Normal University, and Senior Research Fellow, Hong Kong Urban-Rural Sustainable Development Association. The second panel discussion, themed “Cultural Empowerment: Inheritance and Innovation of Cantonese Opera Culture in Hong Kong”, was moderated by Prof. LAU Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Institutional Advancement and External Affairs) and Professor of the Department of History at Lingnan University (1st from right). Panelists included (from left) Ms Joanlin AU, Director of JA Design Architects Limited; Prof. YUEN Siu-fai, Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Music, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Mr Fong Hok-shing, Director of Civil Engineering and Development of the HKSAR; and Dr YIP Tak-ping, Terry, Associate Director of Xiqu and Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre, The Education University of Hong Kong. Mr Fong Hok-shing noted that guidelines for urban-rural integration are currently being formulated for government departments and various sectors of society. Ms Sam Lam, Deputy Director of J.C.DISI, stated that the establishment of a locally distinctive “Cantonese Opera and Intangible Cultural Heritage Archive” in the Northern Metropolis would position Hong Kong as a central hub for cultural and artistic exchange between China and the world. ***END***

PolyU awarded RGC Strategic Topics Grant for advancing next-generation immunotherapy technologies

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received funding support from the Strategic Topics Grant (STG) 2025/26 of the Research Grants Council (RGC) to support a multidisciplinary biomedical project aimed at developing an integrated technology platform for next-generation cancer immunotherapy. This pioneering research, which seeks to address some of the most pressing challenges in cancer treatment, has been awarded RGC funding of HK$32.4 million. Although cancer immunotherapy represents a major breakthrough in clinical oncology, it still faces significant challenges. To address some of these, Prof. ZHAO Yanxiang, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, is leading a multidisciplinary research team to develop a novel integrated approach to unlock the enormous potential of cancer immunotherapy. The project, “An integrated technology platform for next-generation cancer immunotherapy - from identification of tumor neoantigens to development of novel therapeutic vaccine modalities,” has received a total funded budget of HK$36 million, of which RGC funds 90% of the project cost with the remaining 10% matched by the participating universities, over a period of five years. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “PolyU is at the forefront of medical research and technological innovation, harnessing the strengths of our dedicated scholars, interdisciplinary research excellence, and state-of-the-art facilities and resources. This major funding from the RGC highlights our strong academic and innovative capabilities, particularly in the integration of biomedical technologies and AI-powered healthcare advancements.” Immunotherapy has revolutionised cancer treatment by using the body’s immune system to eliminate tumour cells. Antibodies that function as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy (CAR-T) have achieved remarkable clinical success, particularly in prolonging survival for some patients. However, these treatment options still face limitations as many cancer types are refractory to ICIs, and CAR-T is mostly effective in blood cancers but not in solid tumours. Recently, neoantigen-based therapeutic vaccine has emerged as a promising new modality in cancer immunotherapy. Some leading candidates, particularly mRNA-based vaccines, have shown encouraging result in early-stage clinical trials. However, challenges such as insufficient immunogenicity of neoantigens and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment remain as major hurdles for this approach. To overcome these challenges, Prof. Zhao and the research team proposes to build an integrated technological platform to develop Peptide-based Immunogenic Neoantigen Vaccines (PIN-Vax). This proposed platform has received support from STG under the project topic “Using advanced technology to advance health care challenge.” The platform comprises four interconnected modules that collectively cover the full preclinical development cycle and make use of advanced artificial intelligence technology in an integrated approach. The project plans to first apply the PIN-Vax platform to HPV-associated cervical cancer and HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, as both cancers contain virus-derived neoantigens suitable for vaccine development. The research team will develop a robust pipeline of PIN-Vax candidates and evaluate their anti-tumour efficacy. Combing PIN-Vax candidates with ICIs is also planned to explore further synergistic effect. For future studies, this PIN-Vax platform will be applied in other cancer types, especially those showing limited response to existing ICIs or CAR-T therapy. Prof. Zhao said, “We have brought together an interdisciplinary team of academic researchers, clinicians and industry partners to build the PIN-Vax platform. Our track record and preliminary studies demonstrate the feasibility of this project. Our long-term goal is to transform this platform into an innovative engine for next-generation cancer immunotherapy, benefiting cancer patients.” STG has been set up to support collaborative research in specific areas which can help Hong Kong overcome imminent challenges and tap fast-evolving opportunities. The maximum duration of a project is five years. The ceiling of project cost per project to be awarded by the RGC is $40 million (excluding on-costs). ***END***

PolyU and EDB co-organise International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects to explore how AI technology revolutionises education

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosts the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects (AIinLT Summit) from 4 to 7 July. Organised by the PolyU Department of English and Communication, in collaboration with the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), and Hong Kong Education City (EdCity), the AIinLT Summit brings together leading scholars, educators and researchers from around the world to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising education. It will also provide educators with practical skills training, aiming to advance teaching and learning across Hong Kong and the region. The opening ceremony of the AIinLT Summit, the first keynote speech and a panel discussion were held in the Jockey Club Auditorium at PolyU today, attracting nearly 1,000 attendees. Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, officiated at the opening ceremony alongside Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Dr CHAN WONG Lai-kuen, Chairperson of SCOLAR; and Mr Armstrong LEE, Chairman of EdCity. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated that PolyU has been strongly committed to advancing AI in education and took the lead in introducing AI education for undergraduates in 2022. This year, PolyU has established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence and the Language Education Institute. The University has also developed an innovative proposal for Hong Kong’s third medical school, which aims to nurture doctors for the future AI-driven healthcare landscape. All these efforts underscore the University’s far-sightedness and leadership in AI-empowered education and research. He hopes that the AIinLT Summit will stimulate meaningful discussion and opportunities for collaboration that will help reshape AI in education in Hong Kong. Dr Choi Yuk-lin stated that AI has been playing a crucial role in shaping the future of education. She reminded the participants that one must recognise the responsibility that comes with AI integration. AI must enhance knowledge, facilitate accessibility and serve as a bridge to greater educational opportunities. Prof. Victor LEE, an AI and education expert and Associate Professor of the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University, delivered the first keynote speech on the transformative applications of AI in teaching and learning and the complexities and strategies involved in promoting AI literacy within the education system. This was followed by an in-depth discussion on the transformative impacts and challenges of using generative AI in the teaching and learning of specific subjects, including contributions from Dr Julia CHEN, Director of the PolyU Educational Development Centre and other speakers. Throughout the AIinLT Summit, scholars and experts from around the world will deliver keynote speeches, including (in alphabetical order by surname): Prof. Rodney H. JONES, Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Reading; Prof. Siu Cheung KONG, Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Competency Education Centre at The Education University of Hong Kong; Prof. Xin LYU, Professor of the School of Animation and Digital Arts at the Communication University of China; and Mr Andreas SCHLEICHER, Director for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. They will share insights into how AI can facilitate interdisciplinary education, from language learning to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the creative arts, from a variety of perspectives. A series of hands-on workshops will be held to provide educators with practical solutions for integrating AI into the classroom, creating more engaging and personalised learning experiences that meet students’ needs. The AIinLT Summit also features a technology showcase, presenting cutting-edge AI technologies developed by leading innovators from Hong Kong, mainland China and other regions. This allows attendees to network with the technology developers and educational leaders, and to experience first-hand the advanced technologies that are shaping the future of education. For more details of the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects, please visit:https://events.polyu.edu.hk/aiinlt/home The opening ceremony of the AIinLT Summit, the first keynote speech and panel discussion were held in the Jockey Club Auditorium at PolyU today, attracting nearly 1,000 attendees. ***END***

PolyU and Baosteel establish joint research centre to promote high-quality development of steel industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (Baosteel) have aligned with national strategic priorities by establishing the Baosteel-PolyU Joint Research Centre (BPJC), aiming to develop new quality productive forces in the steel industry. The strategic cooperation agreement was signed yesterday at the PolyU campus, followed by a plaque unveiling ceremony for BPJC, marking the launch of a comprehensive industry-academia-research partnership between the two organisations. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr ZOU Jixin, Chairman of Baosteel, the strategic cooperation agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Mr MAO Xiaoming, Vice President of the Baosteel Central Research Institute. Following the signing ceremony, Prof. Teng and Mr Zou jointly unveiled the plaque to mark the occasion. Subsequently, Prof. Jianguo LIN, Chair Professor of Materials Technologies of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Director of BPJC outlined the Centre’s vision and research projects. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “This strategic cooperation will leverage PolyU research strengths and Baosteel’s industry resources and experience, helping to overcome key technological bottlenecks, advance the industry’s goal of achieving efficient and green production, and inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre. By strengthening industry-academia-research collaboration and innovation, both organisations will promote the development of new quality productive forces and propel sustainable industrial advancement.” Mr Zou Jixin said, “Baosteel and PolyU have joined forces with their complementary strengths to establish the BPJC – a strategic initiative rooted in their shared vision for the future of the steel industry. This partnership will focus on practical applications and cutting-edge technological development, bringing together resources to achieve breakthroughs in original and pioneering technologies and strengthening translational research capabilities. It will drive upgrade of the steel industry value chain and contribute to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre.” BPJC will gather top talent to conduct strategic, forward-looking and basic research while accelerating the translation of research outcomes into practical solutions. By strengthening international exchanges and cooperations, it will set new standards for university-industry collaboration on innovation. ***END***