Media Releases

Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance officially inaugurated to jointly nurture talents and promote innovation and technology development in the three regions

The Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance (JHMUA) jointly established by Nanjing University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Macau was officially inaugurated at a ceremony held today simultaneously in Nanjing and Hong Kong. The JHMUA aims to leverage the advantages of institutions in Jiangsu Province, Hong Kong and Macau to strengthen exchange and collaboration in areas such as talent cultivation and research in innovation and technology.

PolyU collaborates with C-MER Eye Care to nurture Hong Kong’s young optometrists in the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a five-year memorandum of understanding today with C-MER Eye Care Holdings Limited to advance optometry development and eye and vision health in Hong Kong and Mainland China. About 60 students of PolyU’s world-leading School of Optometry will receive up to three weeks of clinical training in C-MER hospitals, clinics and optical centres in Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities every year; while researchers and specialists from the School and C-MER will collaborate on scientific studies about myopia management and ageing eyes – the main eye health challenges shared by Hong Kong and the Nation. The signing ceremony was held on PolyU’s campus, where Professor David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU, and Dr Dennis LAM, President and CEO of C-MER Eye Care Holdings Limited, signed the document regarding the collaboration. The signing was witnessed by Professor Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Professor Chi-ho TO, Chair Professor of Experimental Optometry and Head of School of Optometry of PolyU; and the senior management of C-MER Eye Care. Professor Wong said, “C-MER Eye Care is an outstanding institution, both in terms of its massive teams of professional ophthalmologists and optometrists, as well as its well-established eyecare clinics across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Beijing and Shanghai. PolyU is delighted to further strengthen its strategic collaboration with C-MER in advancing the research and talent development of optometry, particularly in terms of accelerating the field’s development in the Greater Bay Area.” Dr Lam said, “Through our C-MER eye hospital and clinic network in the GBA, we are very pleased to provide the PolyU students not only with clinical trainings, but also opportunities to know more about GBA. Such first-hand experience about the GBA and the human network established will be very beneficial to those who choose to develop their careers in future in the GBA.” The School of Optometry has been proactively collaborating with local ophthalmologists and counterparts around the world to provide students with hands-on experience, equipping them with the skills they need for their future careers. Professor To said, “The support from C-MER will enhance the School’s optometric education, helping to take the local optometric profession to the next level.” He added that clinical training cooperation with C-MER clinics in Hong Kong has started since August, benefiting 38 final year optometry students so far. The clinical training offered by C-MER in the GBA covers attachment programs to ophthalmologists on diagnosing and treating eye diseases, including medication and surgical treatment. Trainees will benefit from the rapid development of the optometry profession in the Mainland. The collaboration also brings together the complementary strengths of the School’s world-leading research capability (with its research impact ranking first in Asia according to Clinical and Experimental Optometry), and C-MER’s vast network of some twenty ophthalmic clinics and hospitals in the GBA, Beijing, Shanghai, etc., making it the only Hong Kong medical service provider that has sizeable operations in the Mainland. PolyU’s School of Optometry The School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is the only institution in Hong Kong that offers a bachelor’s honours degree programme in optometry leading to a professional qualification as an optometrist in Hong Kong. Optometrists are primary healthcare professionals who promote ocular health and vision through diagnosis and provision of suitable treatment options. The School’s undergraduate degree programme is regarded as one of the best globally. As a top-ranking optometry department in the world for research excellence, the School strives to undertake research-based teaching of the highest academic standards and to contribute to the promotion and delivery of high-quality vision and eye care in Hong Kong and elsewhere. C-MER Eye Care Holdings Limited C-MER Eye Care Holdings Limited is the largest HK medical service provider in the Mainland China. It is also one of the largest eye care groups in HK and the only group that has a sizable operation in the Mainland. Apart from ophthalmology, C-MER is now expanding their service scopes to dentistry and other specialities. Their goal is to facilitate the integration of HK’s medical service through their growing network in the Mainland, so as to become a good platform which provides affordable and high quality medical services to people in the GBA and beyond.   ***Ends***

PolyU’s Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Dr Franco Leung receives the Croucher Innovation Award 2021

Dr Franco King-chi LEUNG, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has received the Croucher Innovation Award 2021 (the Award) in recognition of his outstanding achievements in supramolecular and material science research. Each award carries a value of up to HK$5 million over five years for the research expenses of the award winner. Dr Leung is pleased to receive the Award and considers it a motivation to continue his research. He said, "I am most grateful to the Croucher Foundation for their recognition of my research on a Supramolecular Robotic System of Photoresponsive Molecular Amphiphiles. I hope this research can facilitate the development of a supramolecular robotic system and be applied in medical and other fields to make a positive impact on society." Dr Leung attained a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Chemical Technology and a Master of Philosophy degree (MPhil) from PolyU in 2011 and 2013 respectively. He carried out his Master’s research on catalysis and chemical biology. As one of Dr Leung’s teachers during his undergraduate studies, Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, was delighted to learn that his student’s research capability is being recognised. In his congratulatory message, Prof. Wong said, "PolyU is committed to advancing research development and encourages students to get a taste of research during their undergraduate studies. Dr Leung’s achievements demonstrate the promising potential of young scientists. PolyU will continue to offer staunch support to interdisciplinary research, and we look forward to the further discoveries of Dr Leung’s research." Dr Leung expanded his research scope during his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies on supramolecular chemistry and material science under the guidance of Prof. Takanori Fukushima at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan. In April 2017, he joined Prof. Ben L. Feringa’s group (2016 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry) at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, as a postdoc fellow and was awarded the Croucher Postdoctoral Fellowship, where he developed photoresponsive soft materials of molecular motors and switches. Since June 2019, Dr Leung has returned to PolyU as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. In the last two years, Dr Leung and his team’s research has been designed and orientated to exploit the full intrinsic potential of synthetic organic chemistry to build new supramolecular structures, functions and hierarchical systems. The major goal is to design novel supramolecular functional systems, across length-scale, into stimuli-responsive functional soft materials. He expects the novel soft material created can leverage its photoresponsive characteristic in a medical aspect, in order to achieve more precise treatment. Dr Leung and his team have successfully created a supramolecular robotic system of photoresponsive molecular amphiphiles which is able to be photo-actuated. Dr Leung said this development is only one stage of the entire research project, and he will continue to conduct in-depth research on applications based on this in the future. The team’s research focuses on the following two major areas: (1) Life-like Supramolecular Soft Actuators - This research programme aims to develop highly dynamic, reversible, and biocompatible supramolecular soft actuators, which are complementary to existing polymeric soft actuators; (2) Controlled Supramolecular Transformations of Hierarchical Systems - This research programme is designed to control reversible transformations of supramolecular assembly and organisations at different hierarchical levels, in supramolecular soft materials and self-assembled two-dimensional structures on various substrate surfaces. Dr Leung has been obsessed with chemistry since secondary school, and decided to devote himself to research after entering PolyU. He thanked his alma mater for laying a solid academic foundation for his scientific research. "PolyU has always attached great importance to the development of scientific research and provided support to research teams in various ways. The University’s laboratories are well-equipped with advanced equipment to facilitate researchers to carry out experiments. PolyU’s interdisciplinary research culture also helps to integrate expertise from different disciplines to deepen and widen the scope of research." Although some people are sceptical about the value of basic research, Dr Leung said with a smile that there are many basic research results that can change the world and benefit mankind. He encouraged young people who are interested in participating in scientific research to interact with friends from different fields to develop thinking from different perspectives.   *** End***

PolyU pledges to support sports development with R&D in sports sciences and academic programmes for athletes, as National Team Olympians visit the campus

Six National Team Olympians who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Games visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today and appeared in a meet-and-greet session with students, alumni, staff and members of the public. The Olympic gold medallists included MA Long, the first five-time gold medallist in table tennis; rower CUI Xiaotong; weightlifter LU Xiaojun; swimming coach WANG Aimin; fencer SUN Yiwen; and SU Bingtian, an Asian record holder and the first Chinese sprinter who has qualified for a men’s 100-metre final in the Olympic Games.

PolyU welcomes the Joint Maintenance Management Cooperation Arrangement signed by Hong Kong, Mainland and Macau aviation authorities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomed the signing of the Joint Maintenance Management Cooperation Arrangement between Hong Kong, Mainland China and Macau. The Arrangement will offer more career opportunities to Hong Kong’s young people aspiring to work in the aviation industry, and further strengthen Hong Kong's position as a leading international aviation hub. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong (CAD) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao (AACM) signed the Arrangement today. It aims to enable holders of aircraft maintenance licences issued by the three authorities to work in the aircraft maintenance organisations located in the three places. PolyU’s Ir Professor H.C. Man, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, appreciated the tremendous effort and hard work of CAD to conclude the Cooperation Arrangement. He said, “We are glad that the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence qualifications obtained by our graduates are recognised by CAAC and AACM, allowing our graduates to have opportunities to work in Mainland China and Macau.” PolyU’s Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) currently runs two Bachelor of Engineering Schemes (Air Transport Engineering and Aviation Engineering), which have integrated the CAD-approved aircraft maintenance training syllabus. While AAE is fully responsible for the provision of all theoretical training, it is collaborating very closely with the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO) to provide a large part of the practical training to its students. Upon successful completion of both the theoretical and practical assessments, as well as fulfilment of all the subsequent practical experience gained from the actual aircraft maintenance environment, PolyU’s graduates will be able to apply for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence. AAE intends to increase the number of intakes for eligible students in the Greater Bay Area to foster the development of the aviation industry in the region.   *** Ends ***

PolyU welcomes the re-appointments of Dr Lam Tai-fai, Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-chang and Ms Loretta Fong Wan-huen as Council Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Treasurer of the University respectively

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased that Mrs Carrie LAM CHENG Yuet-ngor, Chancellor of PolyU, has re-appointed Dr LAM Tai-fai as PolyU’s Council Chairman for a term of three years with effect from 1 January 2022. Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang and Ms Loretta FONG Wan-huen are also re-appointed as Deputy Council Chairman and Treasurer of the University respectively for a term of three years.

PolyU launches its 85th Anniversary celebration, pledging to help Hong Kong shine as an international innovation and technology hub

The celebration of the 85th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) commenced today with a kick-off ceremony held at the Jockey Club Auditorium.

AiDLab Officially Launched Today as a Pioneer in Integration of AI and Design - Delivering first-in-market intelligent design solutions and world-class academic excellence

Established to lead the global dialogue on creative innovation, the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab), was officially launched today as one of the multiple research centres within the InnoHK research clusters under the flagship initiative announced in the Chief Executive’s 2021 Policy Address. Founded jointly by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Royal College of Art (RCA), United Kingdom, the laboratory is the region’s first research platform that focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with creative design. AiDLab brings together top international academics, designers, and engineers, to conduct human-centred interdisciplinary research providing multi-faceted solutions for current global issues using AI and distinct innovative designs.

Over a thousand children participate in an inclusive design research project of a country park, as part of the PolyU School of Design’s research on children and public design

The Public Design Lab of the School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) launched an inclusive design research project (the Project) named “Playful Public Design by Children” in 2019. Using the real-life setting of Shing Mum Country Park, the Project engaged a group of kid art educators and over a thousand children together with their parents to study the inclusive design of country parks. The Project is a critical breakthrough in research collaboration between a university design research lab and a creative learning studio. It not only enabled the Public Design Lab’s researchers and designers to explore children’s participation in public design, but also facilitated CreativeKids’ design facilitators and researchers to collect data on children’s observations, concerns, ideas and solutions. The Project furthermore provided valuable references for researchers and art education practitioners to carry out public design research both with and for young children. The Public Design Lab will present the Exhibition of “Playful Public Design by Children”, showcasing the creative design and thinking process of the participants with augmented reality and project videos. The Exhibition is currently open until 31 December 2021 in Gallery A, Podium Level, Jockey Club Innovation Tower, PolyU. Officiating guests attending the opening event held earlier included: Mr Eric Yim, Chairman of the Industry Advisory Committee at PolyU’s School of Design; Professor Michael SIU, Chair Professor of Public Design at PolyU’s School of Design; Dr LEUNG Siu-fai, Director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; Ms Winnie HO Wing-yin, Director of the Architectural Services Department; and Dr Angelina LO, Founder Director of CreativeKids. The children and their parents who participated in the Project also shared their design ideas at the event. In recognition of its impact and creativeness, “Playful Public Design by Children” was selected by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) to represent Hong Kong in the Golden Cubes Award 2020 (international level) organised by the International Union of Architects (UIA). Launched in March 2019, the Project “Playful Public Design by Children” was co-led by the Public Design Lab of PolyU’s School of Design and CreativeKids, a local art design education studio for children and youth. A total of 1,023 children and their parents participated in the Project, which lasted for over a year. According to the development capabilities and interests of the participants, a number of playful design projects were designed for four age groups: (1) Signage design for prohibiting monkey feeding for children aged between 3.5 to 5.5; (2) Whirly facilities design, playful tools design and butterflies study for those aged between 5.5 to 8; (3) Gazebos design, tree-based outdoor space design and treehouse and observation towers design for those aged between 8 and 12; (4) self-directed design and recycling bins design workshop for teenagers aged between 12 and 18. For more details of the “Playful Public Design by Children” Project, please visit the website:https://www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/en/research/design-legacy-public-design-lab#playful-chinese.   ***** END *****

PolyU to confer Honorary Doctorates upon Two Distinguished Individuals

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced that the University will confer honorary doctorates upon two distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their respective professions. The two recipients are (in alphabetical order of surname): Mr CHEUNG Ka-long and Professor YANG Mengfei.