Media Releases

Joint Statement: Prioritising Mental Health and Building Connections Among University Students in Hong Kong

We are saddened by the recent spate of tragic incidents involving the passing of our students and young people. As the representatives responsible for student affairs at eight local universities, we are determined to give the highest priority to the mental well-being of our students. We care deeply for their wellness and recognize the unique challenges they face, and will spare no effort in creating a supportive environment that encourages compassion, connection, and mutual care. To University Students: We urge every student to put their mental health as top priority; self-harm is never a solution. Students are strongly encouraged to: i) reach out, talk to someone you trust, and approach us for available support services both within the university and in the wider community; ii) extend support to their peers within and beyond the university community. It is important that every student feels valued, heard, and supported throughout their academic journey and we endeavour to do that together. To Young People in the Community: Self-care is of utmost importance. Please take care of your well-being by maintaining a healthy study-life balance, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, listening to music or helping others. Seeking support is a sign of strength and self-awareness, and never a weakness. To Parents: Students may lack experience in handling crises while under stress. Parents are their children's greatest assets when it comes to providing guidance and support. By offering more encouragement and being present for their children, parents can help guide them in navigating crises with greater resilience and managing challenging situations. Parents’ guidance and companionship are invaluable in helping young people develop the life skills necessary to overcome adversity. Let us join hands and nurture a culture of partnership and understanding among students (young people), the university (school), and families that fosters mental health, resilience, and connection.   Professor Isabel Kit-ming YAN, Associate Provost (Student Life), Office of the Provost and Deputy President,City University of Hong Kong Professor Henry FOCK, Director of Student Affairs, Hong Kong Baptist University Professor Donghui LI, Associate Vice President (Student Affairs), Lingnan University Professor Wing-hung KO, University Dean of Students, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Professor Chetwyn Che-hin CHAN, Vice President (Research and Development), The Education University of Hong Kong Ir Professor Albert P.C. CHAN, Dean of Students, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Professor King L. CHOW, Acting Dean of Students, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Professor Samson TSE, Dean of Student Affairs, The University of Hong Kong   Local Hotlines for Suicide Prevention and Emotional Support Service Provider Telephone No. Open UP: Online emotional support through text counseling, available 24/7 (for youth aged 11-35). https://www.openup.hk/ Hospital Authority - Psychiatric Hotline 2466 7350 Social Welfare Department 2343 2255 Suicide Prevention Services 2382 0000 The Samaritans 2896 0000 The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong 2389 2222 Richmond Fellowship - Justone 3512 2626 HKFYG - Youthline (For people aged 6-24) 2777 8899 Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre 18288 CEASE Crisis Centre, TWGHs 18281

208 PolyU scholars ranked among world’s top 2% most-cited scientists

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) now has 208 scholars ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in the newly released metrics compiled by Stanford University, surpassing last year’s record of 201 scholars, based on career-long impact. PolyU stands out globally with the largest representation of top scholars in the fields of Building and Construction (19 scholars) and Civil Engineering (13). It also demonstrates the strongest research performance in Hong Kong with the largest representation of top scholars in six specific fields. In addition to Building and Construction and Civil Engineering, it leads locally with the most top scholars in Energy (14), Operations Research (9), Optoelectronics and Photonics (9) and Nursing (7). Remarkably, four PolyU academics are placed within the top 10 scholars worldwide in their respective fields, while six scholars are ranked among the top 20. This is the highest number among universities in Hong Kong. The scholars were named in the latest release of the Stanford University-led compilation of citation indicators covering over 100,000 top scientists. They were grouped into 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields using indicators including information on citations, individual’s scientific research output, co-authorship and a composite indicator for career-long citation impact up to the end of 2022. The inclusion of a large number of PolyU academics in the list is a testament to the University’s aspiration to become an innovative world-class university and its commitment to translate research excellence into positive societal impact on various fronts.   ***END***

PolyU and HKMA sign MoU to establish CBDC Expert Group

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with four other local universities, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Expert Group to support the HKMA’s exploration of key policy and technical issues surrounding CBDC. The MoU signifies a strategic partnership aimed at fostering collaboration and gathering expert insights from technical, analytical and academic perspectives on various topics related to CBDC. The establishment of the Expert Group demonstrates mutual recognition of the pivotal role played by financial technology (fintech) and CBDC in Hong Kong’s development landscape. This collaboration aims to promote interdisciplinary discussion on CBDC and address pertinent fintech issues, thus contributing to Hong Kong’s continued success in maintaining its status as an international financial centre. Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU and Mr Colin POU, Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) of HKMA signed the MoU, witnessed by PolyU representatives including Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation Office; Prof. Qing LI, Head of the Department of Computing; Prof. Allen Man Ho AU, Professor of the Department of Computing, and Prof. Daniel Xiapu LUO, Professor of the Department of Computing. Prof. Man endorsed the formation of the CBDC Expert Group, stating that, “Our faculty is committed to advancing fintech and CBDC research and development in Hong Kong through promoting innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange.” As part of this initiative, PolyU and HKMA will collaborate closely on a range of topics related to CBDC, leveraging their respective expertise and resources. The CBDC Expert Group, which includes Prof. Au and Prof. Luo as founding members, will serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing insights, and exploring innovative solutions in CBDC and other emerging fintech areas. Prof. Li said, “Our expertise in influential research and innovation has primed our department in shaping the future of CBDC as a focal point in the field of finance.” Prof. Au and Prof. Luo expressed their excitement about joining the CBDC Expert Group, saying “We strive to conduct pioneering research that instils public trust in CBDC by tackling privacy and security challenges, reinforcing our commitment to an advanced financial system.”   ***END***

PolyU and Wuhan government to establish Technology and Innovation Research Institute

A delegation led by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) visited the Wuhan Municipal People’s Government and met with Dr GUO Yuanqiang, Member of the Standing Committee of Hubei Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Wuhan City, and Mr CHENG Yongwen, Communist Party Deputy Secretary of Wuhan City and Mayor of Wuhan Municipal People’s Government, with a view to exploring and strengthening cooperation between Hubei and Hong Kong. Prof. Teng in his speech highlighted PolyU’s proactive efforts in promoting interdisciplinary research in recent years by establishing institutes, which have seen significant results in the realms of technological innovation and knowledge transfer. To further this goal, PolyU will connect research outcomes with industrial development to generate tangible social value. Acknowledging Wuhan’s favourable location and robust industrial development, the establishment of the joint PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute aims to strengthen cooperation with Wuhan in technological innovation, knowledge transfer and talent development spanning life sciences, new energy, new materials, smart cities and the artificial intelligence industry, so as to make greater contributions to the high-quality development of Mainland China. Dr Guo stated that the Wuhan Municipal Government had prioritised innovation-driven development as a key strategy for city development. Significant efforts have been made to leverage the city’s advantages in terms of scientific and educational talents for fostering innovation, and to capitalise on its advantageous transportation system and location to enhance domestic and international connectivity, creating a favourable environment for deeper cooperation between the two parties. Dr Guo also expressed the desire to establish a regular mechanism for exchange and collaboration with PolyU, aiming to attract and drive more innovative talents and resources to gather in Wuhan. They will partner with local universities, institutes and enterprises to facilitate research innovation, promote transformation and commercialisation of research achievements, developing Wuhan into a nationally recognised innovation and technology hub with a modern industrial system. The framework agreement between the Wuhan Municipal People’s Government and PolyU on the establishment of the PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Mr MENG Hui, Vice Mayor of Wuhan Municipal People’s Government. Guests attending included Mr Franco KWOK, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan; Ms ZHANG Xiaomei, Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Hubei Provincial People’s Government; Mr Irons SZE, Permanent Honorary President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA); and Dr WONG Chun, the former Vice-President of the CMA. PolyU is the first university in Hong Kong to collaborate with the Hubei Provincial Government in setting up a Technology and Innovation Research Institute in Wuhan. During this visit, the PolyU delegation also visited universities in Wuhan for in-depth discussions and exchanges to explore collaboration opportunities.   ***END***

PolyU honours five outstanding alumni

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce that it has conferred the “Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2023” on five alumni in recognition of their significant achievements in their respective fields as well as their contributions to their alma mater and society. They are fitting testament to PolyU’s accomplishments in nurturing leaders for Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The Award aims to give recognition to distinguished graduates of PolyU and its forerunners, namely the Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College and the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2023, in alphabetical order of last name, are: Prof. Sophia CHAN Siu-chee, GBS, JP Professor of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong; Senior Advisor to the President’s Office, The University of Hong Kong; Director, HKU Primary Health Care Academy Sr Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, SBS Chairman, Hong Kong Green Building Council Prof. TO Chi-ho Visiting Chair Professor of Experimental Optometry, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Scientific Director, Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited Mr Alex WONG Chun-bong Founder, C. B. Wong & Co. Recipient of the Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award 2023 is: Mr FANG Bing Co-founder, Hai Robotics (Please refer to the Appendix for recipient biodata.) The Award Selection Committee was chaired by Dr LAM Tai-fai, GBS, JP, Council Chairman of PolyU. Ex-officio members included: Professor Jin-Guang TENG, JP, President, PolyU; and Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President, PolyU. Other members included: Dr Daniel YIP Chung-yin, BBS, JP, Council Member, PolyU; Mr Augustus TANG Kin-wing, Court Member, PolyU; Ir Dr Samson TAM Wai-ho, JP, President, Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association; and Ir YAU Kwok-fai, President, Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations. Since the launch of the Award in 1996, 105 recipients have been honoured for great distinction in their chosen fields, active support to their alma mater, as well as impactful contributions to the wider community. The Award Presentation Ceremony will be held in December 2023.   ***END***

PolyU Info Day to be held this Saturday Enhancing the quality of the student experience of learning through AI and robotics technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to driving teaching innovation by integrating technologies to its course curriculum and establishing artificial intelligence teaching and learning facilities, cultivating talents with technological and digital capabilities. To meet the rising demand for innovative talents in emerging technologies, PolyU will further enhance some of its departmental scheme-based admission programmes and introduce multiple new taught postgraduate programmes spanning food technology, smart cities, and financial technology in the new academic year, strengthening the talent pool in various areas. The University will also hold the Information Day (Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes) to provide students and those interested in pursuing further studies with the latest admissions and programme information. Initiatives on teaching and learning innovations are internationally recognised Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, PolyU’s Vice President (Education), said, “PolyU has always placed a strong focus on technology in education, and its Strategic Plan emphasises the quality of the student experience of learning. The University has been playing a pioneering role in driving innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong by developing interactive pedagogies, introducing education technology and establishing the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD) to drive educational research and pedagogical development.” In recent years, the education sector has been actively promoting immersive learning experiences. PolyU has set up the first large-scale X-Reality hybrid classroom (HiVE) in Hong Kong which adopts fully immersive six-sided CAVE technology to provide a virtual training environment that enables students from multiple disciplines to experience and practise critical hands-on skills in realistic scenarios like hospitals and aircraft maintenance. The University also established the new Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AIR Lab) this year. It is equipped with the Smart Delivery System and advanced robotic systems, allowing educators, students and researchers to explore various aspects of the emerging field of collaborative robotics. The AIR Lab currently hosts 15 PolyU project teams. Dr Julia CHEN, Director of the Educational Development Centre, said that PolyU has launched various initiatives to enhance teaching quality over the years, which include HiVE, the “Learning Analytics Platform” developed by the Educational Development Centre, as well as the VR learning system “Virtual Hospital” and the “Internationalisation at Home” teaching model pioneered by the School of Nursing. She remarked, “The teaching innovation projects of PolyU have garnered awards at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Reimagine Education Awards, the UGC Teaching Awards, and the EdTech Heroes Awards respectively. These accolades are a testimony to the international recognition of the University’s ongoing efforts in this field.” Enhanced undergraduate programmes to meet industry demands As the demand for stringent food safety and health standards increases, the industry needs more skilled talents. In this respect, the Faculty of Science will launch a new BSc (Hons) Scheme in Food Safety and Technology in the 2024/25 academic year. The programme equips students with knowledge of food science, and the scientific and engineering skills needed for various applications. Graduates will be prepared to take up the role of food technologists, food innovators, vigilant food safety officers, among others. Additionally, the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biotechnology, Food Safety and Chemical Technology under the Faculty of Science will be renamed as BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biotechnology and Chemical Technology, to cultivate talents with professional knowledge of biotechnology and chemical technology. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Construction and Environment will introduce the new BSc (Hons) in Urban Informatics and Smart Cities under the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Spatial Data Science and Smart Cities (Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics / Urban Informatics and Smart Cities), to fully support the government’s vision of building Hong Kong into a world-class smart city. Mr Edward SHEN, PolyU’s Registrar, said, “As one of the top global universities, PolyU is committed to designing programmes that keep pace with the times and cultivating talents for emerging industries in response to the societal demand for innovative talents. The University will continue to support students with exceptional talents through various admission schemes, nurturing them to become tomorrow’s leaders with an international outlook and a sense of social responsibility.” PolyU Information Day (Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes) to be held this Saturday This year, the Info Day will be held from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on 21 October (Saturday), offering the latest information for those interested in applying to full-time undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes. For more details, please visit: www.polyu.edu.hk/infoday/. Highlight Events: Six thematic talks will be hosted by virtual artificial intelligence staff “AIDA IE” and “URIS”, who are specially designed by the University’s Academic Registry. The talks will cover admission information for applications via JUPAS, non-JUPAS (non-local qualifications), senior year admission (Associate Degree or Higher Diploma qualifications) and National College Entrance Examinations (Gaokao), as well as the details of taught postgraduate programmes and the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme (STARS). Over 200 thematic talks and programme information seminars organised by faculties, schools and departments; guided tours to various laboratories and facilities; alumni and student sharing; consultation sessions; exhibitions and workshops. Registered participants who complete designated tasks will be able to redeem special gifts. Undergraduate admission in the 2023/24 academic year Among PolyU’s full-time publicly-funded undergraduate programmes, the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Hotel and Tourism Management (Hotel Management/ Smart Tourism and Hospitality/ Event and Experience Management) was the most popular, being chosen by 1,403 JUPAS applicants as their first choice. The BSc (Hons) Scheme in Nursing – Nursing and BBA (Hons) Scheme in Accounting and Finance (Accountancy/ Accounting and Finance/ Digital Finance and Investment) placed second and third, attracting 1,125 and 1,099 applicants respectively. More than 93% of PolyU admittees this year chose the University’s programmes as their Band A choices. In terms of admission grades, the top three programmes were, subsequent to the Main Round Offer of JUPAS, the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Medical Laboratory Science and Radiography - Radiography , the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Rehabilitation Sciences – Physiotherapy and the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Medical Laboratory Science and Radiography - Medical Laboratory Science respectively. Among the admittees via JUPAS, the average score for the best five HKDSE subjects was 24.6. 279 undergraduates admitted this year achieved 5** in at least one subject, with both Chinese and English at level 3 or above, in the HKDSE examination, attaining a notable admissions profile. PolyU has set-up the first large-scale X-Reality hybrid classroom in Hong Kong that enables students from multiple disciplines to practise critical hands-on skills. PolyU’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab is equipped with the Smart Delivery System and advanced robotic systems, allowing educators, students and researchers to explore various aspects of the emerging field of collaborative robotics.   ***END***

PolyU Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub naming ceremony

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has recently renamed the Global Student Hub on campus the “Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub” and held the Naming Ceremony on 11 October to honour Mr King WONG and his family’s recognition for and generous support to PolyU’s education and research development. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, accompanied by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, Dr Sunny CHAI, PolyU Foundation Chairman, and Dr Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President, presented mementos to Mr King Wong and Mr Tommy WONG. Together with the University senior management and members of the Wong’s family, they officiated at the plaque unveiling ceremony for the “Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub”. Friends of the late Mr Wong Man and Ms Tang Kit-wah also attended the ceremony to witness this important moment. Holding multiple professional qualifications including those of barrister, accountant and engineer, Mr King Wong has been a part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Construction and Environment since 2015 and was appointed an Adjunct Professor in 2023. His younger brother Mr Tommy Wong is also a seasoned educator who has taught and guided many students over the years. Mr King Wong stated that naming the Global Student Hub after his late parents not only commemorated their contributions to society and the family, but also allowed him and his family to support the advancement of higher education in Hong Kong. Mr King Wong and his five siblings grew up under the influence and teachings of their parents, and they strongly believe growing up in a loving and inclusive environment with good teachers and friends is beneficial for the all-round development of youngsters. He shared an anecdote from his childhood, recounting how his primary school teacher initiated a fundraising effort to help a student whose home had been burnt down in a fire. This act of compassion sowed the seeds of love and empathy in his heart, as well as inspiring him to pursue a career as an engineer. He was very pleased to see that PolyU attaches great importance to whole-person education and being the first university in Hong Kong to include Service-Learning as a compulsory subject in the undergraduate curriculum and establishing the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture to give students greater opportunities to learn about Chinese culture and wisdom. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng sincerely thanked Mr Wong for his generosity and longstanding support to PolyU. He said, “We are honoured to receive donation from Mr Wong and his family in support of PolyU’s education and research development. The donation has provided PolyU with extra resources for cultivating outstanding talents, which help enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and make other valuable contributions to society.” Covering an area of more than 420 square meters and accommodating over 200 people, the “Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub” became operational at the end of 2020. It is a popular hangout spot for the PolyU community and venue for various cultural and social activities led by students or the University.   ***END***

PolyU participates in University Alliance of the Silk Road Forum 2023

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) representatives participated in the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR) Forum 2023, held in Xi’an on 8 October 2023. Under the theme of “Development and Innovation of World Higher Education in the Context of the New Technology Revolution”, the Forum was hosted by Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU), the President Unit of UASR, and brought together more than 160 representatives from 58 universities in 23 countries and regions. Delegates included Mr WANG Xiao, Member of the Standing Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee and Executive Vice Governor; Ms XI Ru, representative of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of the Ministry of Education; Mr LU Jianjun, Secretary of the Party Committee of XJTU; Mr WANG Shuguo, President of XJTU; Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU; and Prof. LU Haitian, Director of the PolyU Mainland Development Office. The Forum initiated the mechanism of the China-Central Asia Higher Education Cooperation Forum and launched the Belt and Road Industry-Education Alliance Initiative, aiming to create a platform for higher education exchange and cooperation and promote the development of the USAR. PolyU was appointed by the UASR Executive Council to the next rotating Alliance presidency. Dr Lo received the Alliance flag from XJTU Vice President, Prof XI Guang, stating that “PolyU is honoured to assume the Presidency coinciding with the momentous 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. PolyU and XJTU jointly established the UASR in 2015. Since then, the UASR has grown from comprising four members to including over 160 member institutions, facilitating diverse academic exchanges and research collaborations. Looking to the future, the Alliance will continue to provide a remarkable platform for cultural exchange and talent cultivation among the Belt and Road countries.” During the Forum, Dr Lo and Prof. Lu also attended a meeting to discuss the fostering of closer co-operation between higher education institutions in Hong Kong and Central Asia, hosted by Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR. Dr Choi said that the Government is committed to developing Hong Kong as a regional education hub. Leveraging the distinctive advantages of enjoying the Mainland’s strong support and its global connectivity, the Government hopes to attract international academic talent to pursue further studies and develop a career in Hong Kong. Dr Lo also noted that PolyU has established partnerships with over 280 universities from 40 countries. As a leading higher education institution in Hong Kong pioneering in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, PolyU has been actively supporting talent exchange and research cooperation among Belt and Road countries and looks forward to establishing and strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions in Central Asia in the future. Jointly established by XJTU and PolyU in 2015, the UASR is a non-government and non-profit alliance aimed at providing an open and international collaborative platform in higher education. PolyU holds the Vice Presidency of the Alliance and takes a leading role in fostering talent development, research on technologies and policies, cultural exchange and medical services among members institutions along the Belt and Road. In May 2023, President Xi Jinping stated in his keynote speech at the China-Central Asia Summit that China needed to strengthen dialogue between nations and also stressed that China would continue its support for universities in Central Asian countries in joining the UASR”   ***END***

PolyU Information Day (Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes) to be held on 21 October, integrating AI elements to provide updated admissions and programme information

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will hold the Information Day (Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes) (Info Day) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on 21 October, offering the latest information for those interested in applying to full-time undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes. This year, six thematic talks will be hosted by virtual artificial intelligence staff “AIDA IE” and “URIS”, who are specially designed by the University’s Academic Registry. The talks will cover admission information for applications via JUPAS, non-JUPAS (non-local qualifications), senior year admission (Associate Degree or Higher Diploma qualifications) and National College Entrance Examinations (Gaokao), as well as the details of taught postgraduate programmes and the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme (STARS). These talks will be progressively made available on the Info Day website starting from 18 October. Prospective students and parents are all welcome to register and join the talks. On the Info Day, there will be a broad range of activities, including over 200 thematic talks and programme information seminars organised by faculties, schools and departments; guided tours to various laboratories and facilities; alumni and student sharing; consultation sessions; exhibitions and workshops. To enhance interactivity, registered participants who complete designated tasks online and in-person on the Info Day will be able to redeem a dessert and participate in creative workshops by using cutting-edge technologies to make sandblast glass, robot-assisted bookmarks, and wooden phone stand provided by the University’s teaching and research hotel “Hotel ICON” and Industrial Centre respectively. For more details, please visit the Info Day website. Starting from the 2024/25 academic year, PolyU will further optimise some of its departmental scheme-based admission programmes. The Faculty of Science will launch the new BSc (Hons) Scheme in Food Safety and Technology and rename the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biotechnology, Food Safety and Chemical Technology as BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biotechnology and Chemical Technology. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Construction and Environment will introduce the new BSc (Hons) in Urban Informatics and Smart Cities under the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Spatial Data Science and Smart Cities (Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics / Urban Informatics and Smart Cities). In addition to undergraduate programmes, PolyU is committed to nurturing professional talents by providing a wide array of high-quality postgraduate programmes to meet the ever-changing needs of industry and society. In the academic year of 2024/25, the University will offer more than 100 taught postgraduate programmes, including 13 newly launched Master’s degree programmes listed below. All taught postgraduate programmes are now open for application: MSc in Electric Vehicles* MSc in Smart Manufacturing* MSc in Medical Data Science* Master of Medical Imaging* Master of Medical Laboratory Science* MSc in Quantitative Finance and FinTech* MSc in Innovative Multimedia Entertainment* MA in Sustainable Fashion and Innovation MA in Bespoke and New Couture* MA in Fashion Venture and Leadership* MSc in Intelligent Wearable Technology* MSc in Luxury Experiences Management* MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hospitality* * The offer of the programme is subject to approval For Info Day details and registration, please visit: www.polyu.edu.hk/infoday/. For undergraduate and taught postgraduate programme details and application procedures, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study.   ***END***

PolyU and Rohto join forces to establish the Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) partnered with Rohto, an eye care brand under Mentholatum, to establish the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care (“the Centre”). The Centre’s inauguration took place at the “Leading Research in Eye Fatigue, Empowering the Joy of Seeing” launch ceremony held in Hong Kong. During the event, PolyU and Rohto also jointly released the “Promoting Healthy Vision and Prioritizing Standardised Diagnosis of Eye Fatigue” advocacy paper, which aims to enhance eye health within the broader community. Honourable guests witnessing this significant event included Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. ZuanKai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Prof. Mingguang HE, Director of the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care and Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology School of Optometry, Mr Michael SIN, President of Mentholatum Asia Pacific, and Mr Wesley CHAN, General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Mentholatum (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Establishment of The PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care marks a breakthrough for the optometry industry At the launch ceremony, Prof. Teng, said, "The University's School of Optometry is one of the world's leading institutions in optometry and vision science, and PolyU is the only university in Hong Kong offering optometry education. We have established several research centres related to ophthalmology, including the Centre for Eye and Vision Research launched with the University of Waterloo in Canada and supported by the HKSAR Government, as well as the Centre for Vision Science Research under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. The partnership with Rohto represents a powerful alliance in eye care." Moving forward, the Centre will gather teams of ophthalmic experts to conduct research and testing in multiple locations and establish collaborative networks with various regions to develop eye health and care technologies, aiming to provide comprehensive medical and care solutions for eye fatigue. Early attention is crucial in the face of rising eye fatigue cases Prof. Mingguang He, Director of the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care and renowned scholar in the international optometry field, corroborated these findings at the launch ceremony, stating “Due to society’s digital transformation and fast-paced lifestyles, eye-fatigue problems are increasingly prevalent. This problem can significantly impact both quality of life and work efficiency, but the majority of people tend to overlook its significance.” Prof. Mingguang He also noted that eye fatigue is caused by prolonged eye usage, leading to tiredness and discomfort. It already affects approximately 20-30% of children and adolescents and 50-80% of adults, including university students and office workers who use computers extensively. However, the establishment of an innovative and standardised treatment system for eye fatigue is still a work in progress. Currently, the traditional diagnosis of eye fatigue relies heavily on subjective questionnaires, while treatment methods vary, lacking a unified objective diagnostic standard and evaluation. As a result, eye fatigue is often overlooked by patients and clinical practitioners, leading to a relatively limited understanding of this condition in terms of both public awareness and academic research. It is crucial to prioritise high-quality research into and resolution of eye fatigue issues. Rohto partners with PolyU to introduce Eye Fatigue advocacy: Enhancing public eye health in four key areas The low level of public awareness of eye fatigue and the existing diagnosis system being ill-prepared to effectively tackle this issue are of growing concern. Mr Michael Sin, President of Mentholatum Asia Pacific, said, "Mentholatum holds a strong commitment to scientific research, grounding its practices in scientific principles and relying on experimental evidence. It prides itself on introducing products of the highest quality. The Rohto brand is recognised as the world's leading eye-care brand. Over the years, Mentholatum has been dedicated to promoting eye health, particularly through the development and introduction of a range of eye drops targeting eye fatigue. We are honoured to collaborate with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in establishing the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care. We share a common vision in promoting research into eye fatigue, recruiting talented individuals, and focusing on the study of eye-fatigue technology to aid in treatment and alleviate the impact of eye fatigue, allowing us to appreciate the world with our eyes to the fullest.” On this occasion, Rohto and PolyU also jointly announced the launch of the "Promoting Healthy Vision and Prioritizing Standardised Diagnosis of Eye Fatigue" advocacy paper." This advocacy, centred around the "Know-Diagnose-Explore-Engage" framework, aims to enhance public awareness of eye fatigue. Its objectives are to establish and promote globally unified diagnostic standards and develop a multi-level diagnosis system. It also seeks to explore new prevention methods and treatment approaches. Through collaboration with various sectors, the Centre is dedicated to creating a healthy environment for eye health, cultivating healthy eye habits, and mitigating the impact of visual fatigue on public eye health, thereby improving individuals' quality of life.   ***End***