Media Releases

Statement by the Heads of Universities Committee (HU COM)

We welcome the Chief Executive's initiatives for the higher education sector under the 2020 Policy Address which represent the Government's strong commitment to further advancing university education in Hong Kong, especially in terms of attracting and nurturing talent and enhancing teaching, learning and research. We also believe that the new initiatives and measures will provide more opportunities for the younger generation and benefit Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness and development.

PolyU welcomes the initiatives in the Chief Executive's 2020 Policy Address

Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), welcomes and supports the new higher education initiatives as announced in the Chief Executive's 2020 Policy Address, and believes that they are significant to the future development of higher education in Hong Kong. With regard to the Global STEM Professorship Scheme, Professor TENG remarked, “The scheme will help encourage overseas talent to come to work in Hong Kong, thus adding new momentum to the city's innovation and technology (I&T) development. The world has now entered the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and future I&T development will focus on emerging technologies such as life science, materials science, data science, artificial intelligence, and robotics. PolyU will continue to strive for excellence in these areas to make contributions to Hong Kong, our Nation and the world. In terms of attracting world-class I&T talent, the University has been recruiting outstanding scholars and scientists from all over the world so as to reinforce its capabilities in teaching, learning, and innovative research.”

PolyU develops space instruments for the Nation’s first lunar sample return mission

Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed and manufactured the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, specifically designed for Chang’e 5, the Nation’s first lunar sample return mission. Following the successful launch of Chang’e 5 by the Long March 5 rocket today (24 November), the Surface Sampling and Packing System is scheduled to commence lunar sampling in early December. Joining this historic mission is the team led by Professor YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU. Dr Robert W.M. TAM, Interim Director of PolyU’s Industrial Centre, is one of the team’s key members.

PolyU’s School of Nursing re-designated as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services

The School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was re-designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a WHO Collaborating Centre (WHO CC) for Community Health Services for a period of four years to the end of 2023. Established since 2007, the Centre is the first and only WHO Collaborating Centre in Healthy Ageing in the Asia Pacific. Its missions include taking on a proactive role in promoting the implementation of WHO’s strategic initiatives, as well as supporting them in developing healthy ageing policies and recommendations across the Western Pacific region.

PolyU sets up the first university-based occupational therapy clinic on campus

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has established a new on-campus rehabilitation centre that focuses on the provision of occupational therapy (OT) services, thanks to a generous donation from Mr Tam Wing Fan and his family. It is the first-ever OT clinic in Hong Kong operated by a university. The Tam Wing Fan Rehabilitation Service Centre (Occupational Therapy), named after its donor Mr Tam Wing Fan, a distinguished Hong Kong architect and philanthropist who generously supported education, research and community service, is the second rehabilitation centre operating on the PolyU campus. With state-of-the-art equipment, veteran academic researchers and experienced occupational therapists, this new Centre provides comprehensive OT services for people of all age groups, including treatments for musculoskeletal, neurological and mental health dysfunctions. In view of the ageing population and the rising needs for primary healthcare services in the community, the Centre will become a service point for the public, with an emphasis on elderly care and offering treatments for common neurological diseases, elderly falls and fractures, and mental health conditions.

PolyU wins three TechConnect Global Innovation Awards

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) won three "Global Innovation Awards" at the TechConnect Business Virtual Summit and Showcase 2020 (TechConnect). It is the fourth year that PolyU research teams snatched the prestigious awards at the world's largest multi-sector event for fostering development and commercialisation of innovations. The TechConnect Global Innovation Awards identify the top 15% of submitted technologies based on their potential positive impact on a specific industry sector. Over 400 submissions were received this year including those from global top-notch universities and technology enterprises. Only 13 were presented with the global awards designated for non-US-funded innovations across the world; and PolyU received three of them. Other awardees include global-renowned institutes such as The University of Melbourne and The University of British Columbia.

“Intergenerational Play Space Design Competition - Prosperous Garden” Showcases Innovative Winning Projects

Jointly organised by the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (JCDISI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), the “Intergenerational Play Space Design Competition - Prosperous Garden” has successfully concluded and the award presentation ceremony was held today (14 November). The competition is one of the action projects under the PolyU Jockey Club “Operation SoInno” programme.

PolyU scholar receives Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award

Professor Xiao-ming TAO, Chair Professor of Textile Technology and Director of the Research Centre for Smart Wearable Technology, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was honoured with the 13th Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE). The award presentation ceremony was held in Beijing today (8 November). The biennial award is China’s most prestigious award for Chinese engineers and scientists who have made significant contributions to engineering technology and engineering management. Since the establishment of the award in 1996, more than 250 individuals from across the spectrum of engineering disciplines have been recognised for their outstanding achievements. This year, 41 awardees were selected from 296 candidates and Professor TAO is one of the three award recipients from Hong Kong. All the three Hong Kong awardees were nominated by the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences (HKAES).  

Professor Wing-tak Wong appointed as next Deputy President and Provost of PolyU

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today announced the appointment of Professor Wing-tak WONG to the post of Deputy President and Provost (DP) with effect from 1 December 2020 to succeed Ir. Professor Ping-kong Alexander WAI, who will start his final leave on the same day prior to leaving PolyU in early 2021. Professor Wong has extensive management experience and an in-depth understanding of PolyU. He has held various leadership and management positions at the University, including Head of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (2009-2015) and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles (2015-present). Professor Wong is also the Chair Professor of Chemical Technology, and serves as Director of the University Research Facility in Chemical and Environmental Analysis and as Deputy Dean of PolyU’s Shenzhen Research Institute. Professor Wong is an accomplished scientist with outstanding research achievements. He has published papers in various prestigious academic journals, including Nature Communications, PNAS, and Chemical Sciences. He has played a vital part in establishing four state-of-the-art University Research Facilities, namely Materials Characterisation & Device Fabrication, Life Sciences, Big Data Analytics, and Chemical and Environmental Analysis. He was a key driver in setting up the Food Safety and Technology Research Centre in 2011 to address the societal need for professional advice on food related issues. Professor Wong has also played a prominent role in developing three well-received Master of Science degree programmes, four Bachelor of Science degree programmes, as well as the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles Entry Scholarship in 2017 that aims to elevate student intake quality. Dr. LAM Tai Fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, said, “Professor Wong is an outstanding leader who has led his Faculty to achieve remarkable and well-recognised results during his tenure as Dean. We are confident that with his wealth of management experience, leadership vision, as well as his understanding of the University and the higher education landscape, Professor Wong will continue to contribute to the development of PolyU in his new role.” President Professor Jin-Guang TENG, said, “PolyU will benefit immensely from Professor Wong’s rich experience and exceptional track record as a world-class scholar and a seasoned academic leader. With his deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the higher education sector in Hong Kong and beyond, he will be able to reinforce PolyU’s pursuit of excellence in education, research, and knowledge transfer for the benefit of our community, the nation and the world.” The President also expressed his gratitude to Professor Wai for his outstanding contributions to PolyU and wished him great success in his new endeavors. Professor Wong received a Bachelor of Science degree with first-class honours in 1986 and a Master of Philosophy degree in 1988 from The University of Hong Kong. He obtained his Ph.D. degree from the University of Cambridge in 1991. Prior to joining PolyU, Professor Wong was a Chair Professor in the Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, where he began his career as a lecturer in Chemistry in 1991.  

PolyU IAA hosts Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project Online Public Forum on Respect and Social Inclusion Exploring ways to promote a positive image of the elderly to build a culture of respect and inclusion in our society

The Institute of Active Ageing (“IAA”) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (“PolyU”) organised an online public forum on "Respect and Social Inclusion" yesterday (29 October 2020), with an attendance of around 220 participants from different sectors. As part of the Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project ("JCAFC Project"), the forum invited experts and guests to share their views on future trends and developments of an age-friendly city, with the aim of helping the public to have a better understanding about the needs of the elderly and to give recognition to their contributions. It is hoped that by promoting a positive image of the elderly, we are able to nurture an age-friendly culture that values respect and inclusion. Ms Irene LEUNG, Head of Charities (Trust-Initiated Projects Management) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivered the opening remark at the forum. “The Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project has carried out about 140 community projects and benefited over 114,000 people, which has helped spread an age-friendly message in our society with encouraging results. This public forum allows different stakeholders and the elderly to exchange views and discuss the importance of ‘respect and social inclusion’ for improving the quality of life of the elderly. I hope that people from all walks of life will continue to actively participate and support and work together to build a culture of ‘respect and social inclusion’ for the elderly, so as to build Hong Kong into an age-friendly city,” said Ms Leung. In the keynote presentation, Dr LAM Ching-choi, Chairman of the Elderly Commission, shared his views on the opportunities and challenges in building a positive image for the elderly, while Dr Alma AU, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Social Studies of PolyU shared the findings and their implications of the baseline assessment related to respect and social inclusion under the JCAFC Project. During the panel discussion, Dr BAI Xue, Director of IAA and Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU served as a moderator to facilitate the discussion on ways to promote a positive image of older people so as to nurture a culture of respect and social inclusion in our community. Panelists that participated were: Dr LAM Ching-choi, Chairman of the Elderly Commission; Mr CHU Man-kin, Ricky, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission; Ms SZETO Wai-chu, Rachel, Chief Officer (Elderly Service) of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service; Mr CHAN Ho-man, Herman, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Eldpathy; Ms Zip CHEUNG, Founder & CEO, OHH Dear Communications; and Mr CHUNG Yiu-kwong, Alonzo, Ambassador of the JCAFC Project. An interactive session was arranged during the forum where participants could express their views on different topics related to respect and social inclusion. The JCAFC Project has been initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust since 2015. In partnership with the gerontology research institutes of four local universities, the Project aims to address the challenges and opportunities of the ageing population in Hong Kong through different public education programmes including a series of public forums. In a cross-district baseline assessment on age-friendliness commissioned by the Project, public comments on the city’s age-friendliness were collected from respondants aged 18 or above, via 9,785 questionnaires and more than 90 focus groups. Findings revealed that among the eight domains of an age-friendly city identified by the World Health Organization ("WHO"), namely Outdoor spaces and buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social participation, Respect and social inclusion, Civic participation and employment, Communication and information, and Community support and health services, Respect and social inclusion was ranked third. The elderly in Hong Kong are in general treated with respect and friendliness, and are able to maintain a harmonious relationship with their neighbourhood and the younger generation. Furthermore, inclusive services such as discounts and priority queues are available for older people, and they can share their views on community issues by reaching out to District Council members and participating in meetings at elderly centres or estate committees. Nevertheless, acts of disrespect and neglect still exist and are yet to be improved. PolyU IAA has produced a booklet with local and overseas examples about promoting respect and social inclusion, as well as recommendations for improving the image of the elderly. To have a better understanding about how to build an age-friendly community, please visit: www.jcafc.hk/uploads/docs/Resource-booklet_online-public-forum_29Oct2020.pdf.   *****End*****