Media Releases

PolyU scholar wins HUAWEI Spark Award, highlighting University’s strengths in research translation and industry collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has once again gained international recognition from top-tier global technology enterprise for its research and innovation excellence. Prof. Minchen Tommy WEI, Associate Head of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and Director of the PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre (QHRC), was recently honoured with the prestigious HUAWEI Spark Award in recognition of his team’s innovative solution to a major industrial technology challenge and its successful translation of cutting-edge research findings into real-world industrial applications. Prof. Wei is the second PolyU scholar to receive this honour, and notably, the only scholar from a Hong Kong tertiary institution to be awarded over the past two years. Previously in 2023, Prof. WANG Zuankai, PolyU Associate Vice President (Research) and Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, received the same honour for his innovative solution on transparent and wear-resistant super-sparse surfaces. These consecutive accolades underscore PolyU’s world-class capabilities in driving research translation, as well as its achievements in knowledge transfer and industry-academia-research collaboration as recognised by a global technology leader. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), extended his warm congratulations to Prof. Wei. He stated, “Prof. Wei’s HUAWEI Spark Award once again demonstrates PolyU’s strategic commitment to innovative research and market application. The University remains dedicated to fostering deep integration between academic and industry, and driving innovative venture through cross-border collaboration. Through a robust knowledge transfer framework and innovation ecosystem, we will continue to accelerate the commercialisation of research outcomes to create value for industry upgrading and social development.” Established by HUAWEI in 2021, the Spark Award focuses on fundamental research in areas including information and communications technology, materials science and mathematical algorithms. Under the initiative, Huawei identifies industrial challenges with significant commercial and scientific value and invites universities worldwide to develop original solutions, recognising researchers whose innovations advance both science and industry. Prof. Wei and his team have long dedicated on the underlying mechanisms of the human visual system, translating research findings into innovative solutions for full-link multimedia systems ranging from camera capture to screen display. Addressing a major bottleneck in display colour calibration for this year’s HUAWEI challenge, the team leveraged visual science research to deliver a breakthrough engineering solution. This innovation significantly enhances the colour calibration accuracy and user experience of product displays. The technology has already been deployed, making a tangible contribution to the advancement of display technology worldwide. To further accelerate research translation, Prof. Wei co-founded the start-up Guardian Glow Limited, which specialised in developing artificial intelligence-powered personal health-monitoring devices, as well as key technologies for extended reality (XR) devices. The start-up has now established its presence at the QHRC. Prof. Christopher Chao added, “The successful transformation of Prof. Wei’s pioneering research into high-end technology products demonstrates the pivotal bridging role played by QHRC. The Centre serves not only as an important gateway for connecting PolyU’s research with Mainland industrial chains, but also stands as a core platform for our commercialisation strategy, helping laboratory innovations seamlessly enter the market.” This achievement also highlights PolyU’s broader commitment to enhancing research impact and expanding its comprehensive knowledge transfer network. To date, the University has established 12 Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) in cities across the Chinese Mainland, precisely aligning PolyU’s research strengths with local industrial development and societal needs. Prof. Christopher Chao stated, “PolyU has established a nationwide network for research translation, anchored by five major innovative platforms in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area — Qianhai, Futian, Nanshan, Huizhou and Zhongshan — alongside other innovation platforms across the country. These initiatives consistently provide scientific backing for local economic growth and industrial upgrade, levering the power of innovation to serve national development.” While continuing strengthening its footprint in the Chinese Mainland, PolyU is also actively expanding its global innovation network. The University will continue to strengthen its knowledge transfer strategy by establishing innovation and entrepreneurship hubs both locally and overseas. By leveraging the distinct advantages of academia, research and industry, the University aims to drive market-oriented innovation, foster cross-disciplinary and cross-regional collaboration, and contribute to global technological advancement and long-term sustainable societal development. ***END***

PolyU launches global alliance to help universities navigate the AI paradigm shift

While AI advancements are rapidly reshaping the learning landscape, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is taking the lead by initiating the International Consortium for Higher Education Transformation and Innovation with AI (ICHETI). Officially launched on 3 July, the strategic alliance of world-leading universities at the forefront of educational transformation and innovation is dedicated to jointly drive this unparalleled paradigm shift towards an AI-empowered, student-centred, and personalised model of learning and teaching. Founding members of the Consortium include 16 leading universities from around the globe, including Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Fudan University, PolyU, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Tongji University, Université Grenoble Alpes, University of Auckland, University of Pisa, University of Science and Technology of China, Vienna University of Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Yonsei University, and Zhejiang University. PolyU’s Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD) serves as ICHETI’s secretariat. The chairman and secretary-general will be elected in accordance with the charter, with the President and Vice President (Education) of PolyU serving as the inaugural Chairperson and Secretary-General. As the first organisation of its kind in the world, PolyU expects the ICHETI network to expand even further and play an active role in shaping the future of education. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, said, “At PolyU, we believe that integrating AI into higher education is not just about adopting new tools, but about fundamentally redefining the learning and teaching experience to cultivate future-ready leaders. The launch of PolyU Education 4.0 (E4.0) initiative last year marked a definitive step in education transformation through AI. By leading the establishment of the ICHETI, we are now extending the impact of this educational transformation initiative to the global stage. By sharing AI-driven pedagogies and cutting-edge tools, this global academic community will redefine the student experience and actively shape the future of higher education.” By combining the practices and experience of member universities, the Consortium intends to explore new ways of teaching, learning and assessment – such as co-developing AI-powered learning and assessment tools and platforms, adaptive learning systems, and evidence-based models for transforming the role of educators, from teachers into mentors and facilitators. PolyU has a history of pioneering AI education, having introduced mandatory AI courses for all undergraduates in 2022—well before generative AI tools captured global attention. Building on this foundation, the University launched its visionary E4.0 initiative to revolutionise learning and teaching through the integration of AI and smart technologies, placing students firmly at the core of their educational journey. By leveraging these advanced technologies, PolyU aims to deliver a highly personalised, interactive, and flexible education that caters to individual learning needs, ultimately ensuring that graduates are equipped with essential, future-ready skills to thrive in an AI-driven world. Held concurrently on the same day was the International Forum for Higher Education Transformation and Innovation hosted by IHERD, featuring a series of presidential roundtable discussions and keynote speeches. Presidents and senior leadership from member institutions gathered to share strategic visions on the evolving future of higher education. The discussions focused heavily on the transformative impact of integrating smart technologies into academic frameworks, while providing a platform for leaders to exchange institutional best practices and innovative educational models. ***END***

PolyU develops Hong Kong’s first AI agent and risk prediction model for precision diabetes management, with patient recruitment in New Territories West starting in early July

A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has successfully developed Hong Kong’s first “AI Agent for Precision Diabetes Management – PIPE-AI” (AI Agent), designed specifically for Asian populations, together with a related disease risk prediction model. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and large-scale local electronic health data, the system can more accurately predict the risk of deterioration of complications such as chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years, enabling healthcare professionals and patients to intervene early and improve disease management. The research findings have been published in the leading international journal npj Digital Medicine. To promote the technology’s wider application in the community, the PolyU research team has partnered with the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare of the Hospital Authority’s New Territories West Cluster, as well as the Yuen Long District Health Centre, to recruit patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in New Territories West from early July to participate in a clinical study of the AI Agent system. Participants will experience personalised risk assessment and health management recommendations firsthand. The study is funded by the Health and Medical Research Fund. Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common and serious complications of type 2 diabetes. As its early symptoms are often not obvious, it is commonly referred to as a “silent killer”. Without early detection and treatment, the condition may progress to uraemia, requiring long-term dialysis or even kidney transplantation. According to local data, the prevalence of diabetes among people aged 65 to 84 is as high as 19%. Diabetes and its complications not only affect patients’ quality of life but also place a heavy burden on families and the public healthcare system. At present, many chronic kidney disease risk prediction models have been developed primarily based on Western population data and may not be fully applicable to Asian populations. A multidisciplinary team led by Prof. YANG Lin, Professor of the School of Nursing at PolyU, used 17 years of electronic health records from the Hospital Authority Data Collaboration Laboratory, covering more than 560,000 diabetes patients, to develop an AI prediction model that is more suitable for Asian populations and which achieves an accuracy rate of 87.1%. The model can analyse patients’ health data and estimate their future risk of developing diabetic complications such as kidney disease, helping healthcare professionals make earlier clinical judgements and arrange follow-up care. In addition to the risk prediction model, the research team has also developed an AI Agent as a “clinical interface” to address the challenge of translating data into concrete action. Focusing on diabetes and complication management, the AI Agent can convert complex medical information into language that is easier for patients to understand, helping them better grasp their health conditions while improving communication between patients and healthcare professionals. The system can be applied in four major scenarios: supporting family medicine and primary healthcare in preliminary screening and risk stratification; assisting specialist outpatient clinics in making more precise referrals for high-risk or complex cases; supporting district health centres in providing 24-hour health consultation services; and helping patients manage their own health, including through diet control, exercise, timely medication adherence and recording of health indicators. To ensure the safety of the system in clinical use, the research team has incorporated a nurse oversight mechanism. When the AI detects abnormal risk levels or important health alerts, the system will automatically notify a registered nurse for further review and follow-up, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of the system’s application. Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Professor in Neuropsychology, Chair Professor of Neuropsychology at PolyU, said, “Diabetes management is not only about treating a single disease, but is also closely related to the long-term allocation of healthcare resources and public health strategy. By translating advanced AI technology into a tool for clinical application, the PolyU research team has extended risk prediction capabilities, which were previously largely confined to hospitals, to primary healthcare and community services. This will help allocate healthcare resources more precisely and drive a shift in the healthcare model from ‘passive treatment’ to ‘proactive prevention’, which in the long run is expected to alleviate the healthcare burden posed by chronic diseases in Hong Kong.” Prof. Yang Lin said, “The patient recruitment programme in New Territories West, launched in early July, marks an important step in bringing smart healthcare into the community in a tangible way. Looking ahead, the team will further integrate imaging and wearable device data to enhance predictive accuracy and will promote the integration of the model into electronic health record systems and district health centre platforms. The initiative will also be expanded to cover other related chronic disease areas, such as the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, so that more members of the public can benefit.” ***END***

PolyU Fashion Show 2026 wraps up in dazzling display of exquisite craftsmanship and innovative technology, as emerging designers narrate distinctive aesthetics

The School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its annual signature event, the PolyU Fashion Show 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 3 July. The Show featured 21 talented graduating students, who unveiled a series of inventive fashion collections on the runway while competing for five awards and scholarships supported by the School’s industry partners. As PolyU’s hallmark annual fashion gala, the Show serves as a platform for emerging designers to demonstrate the skills and professional knowledge they have acquired and to express their unique fashion aesthetics through creative designs. This year’s event gathered nearly 1,200 industry experts, designers and fashion enthusiasts, while nearly 13,000 viewers from around the world joined via livestream, underscoring the vibrancy of the local fashion scene. This year’s Fashion Show featured 21 fashion collections comprising 78 outfits, spanning casual wear, evening wear, intimate apparel and activewear. All works were meticulously designed by graduating students from the School’s flagship programme, the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles. Through the language of fashion, the collections navigated a wide range of themes such as social ideologies, identity and multiculturalism. In their creative process, students incorporated multiple experimental techniques, including 3D printing, vacuum-formed resin moulding, fermentation and crystallisation processes, as well as organic materials such as bioplastics and kombucha scoby. The works fully demonstrated the innovative spirit and the courage to break new ground of this new generation of designers. Prof. Erin CHO, Dean of PolyU SFT, said, “PolyU has long ranked among the world’s leading institutions in fashion and design-related academic disciplines. Over the years, it has nurtured generations of outstanding fashion design talents who have led industry trends with innovative thinking, cutting-edge technology and refined craftsmanship. As an important platform for emerging designers to showcase their innovative ideas and distinctive fashion styles, the PolyU Fashion Show has earned recognition from the local and international fashion communities. This year’s Show fully reflects our students’ passion for fashion design, their resilience and their commitment to professionalism and excellence. Every collection embodies its creator’s distinctive style and aesthetic vision. While honouring the legacy of craftsmanship, they have also boldly embraced innovation and pushed beyond traditional boundaries. I am confident that these emerging designers will continue to shine on both the local and international stage, contributing to the development of the fashion industry.”  Five awards and scholarships were presented at the Show to recognise participating graduates for their outstanding performance and to encourage them to continue pursuing excellence in the fashion industry. Among them, the Consinee Grand Award, sponsored by Consinee Group, provided the evening’s highlight. The Award was judged by five distinguished alumni active in different areas of the fashion industry, namely Ms Anne CHOW, Marketing and Business Development Manager of Consinee Group; Ms Constance LEE, Founder of CONSTYLE and Fashion Stylist; Ms Florence TSUI, Brand Manager of ONS Clothing – New York; Mr Kit WAN, Founder and Creative Director of Kit Wan Studios; and Mr Wilson YIP, Founder of Wilsonkaki. The HKIAIA Overall Grand Award was judged by Ms Karen NG, Secretary of the Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries’ Association (HKIAIA). Members of the judging panels for the other awards and scholarships included Ms Janet CHEUNG, Project Director of the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association (HKFDA); Prof. Alice CHU, Hon. Education Advisor of SFAA Foundation Limited; and Ms Dilys YIU, Design Director of Anteprima Ltd, Fenix Group Holdings Ltd. The Consinee Grand Award was ultimately presented to CHENG Sze-ki, Bella from the specialism of Fashion Design, for her collection themed “BETWIXT AND BETWEEN”. Drawing inspiration from Zygmunt Bauman’s Liquid Modernity and Arnold van Gennep’s Rites of Passage, this collection reimagines liminality not as a fleeting transitional phase, but as a lasting and authentic state of identity. It focuses on the tension between the inner true self and the socially constructed image. A monochromatic palette of black, white, and grey forms the foundation of the series, layered with iridescent, chameleon-like liquid finishes that evoke constant transformation. Deconstructed suiting silhouettes, inverted jacket structures and layered sheer fabrics visualise an amorphous, fluid sense of identity, while traditional bespoke wool tailoring blends with innovative materials such as transparent SLA 3D-printed resin and laser-engraved organza, creating a striking interplay between structure and fluidity, permanence and change. The HKIAIA Overall Grand Award was won by CHENG Sin-kei, Fion from the specialism of Intimate Apparel and Activewear, for her collection themed “Unraveled soul”. This collection is driven by the designer’s fascination with the unseen dimensions of the human psyche. Elusive, intangible and impossible to define, the soul becomes a metaphor for fluidity, freedom and constant transformation. Translating this ethereal essence into form, the collection explores a state of purity untouched by external forces. Soft tonal palettes, weightless translucent fabrics, and fluid, irregular silhouettes come together to evoke a dreamlike sensuality—inviting a deeper encounter with individuality, authenticity, and the beauty of the unguarded self. For the full list of awardees and the winning works, please refer to the appendix. The electronic brochure is available here: https://polyu.hk/SPLIO The SFAA x Prosperity Go Green Award was won by Ng Yau-nga, Ann (centre) for the collection themed “Where the Light Begins”. The HKFDA Scholarship of Creativity 2026 was won by Chan Lam, Lynn (centre) for the collection themed “The Boat With Severed Ropes”. ***END***

Over 400 PolyU students and staff participate in Service-Learning programme in Wenshan, Yunnan; Largest-ever initiative in Chinese Mainland, spanning diverse projects from six faculties and schools

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has long embraced holistic education as a critical part of its undergraduate curriculum. In particular, Service-Learning enables students to apply their university-learned knowledge and skills to support communities in need, with the aim of nurturing socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. Supported by the People’s Government of Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and local charitable organisations, this year PolyU operated its largest-ever Service-Learning programme in Wenshan from May to July. More than 400 students and staff members took part in nine projects, benefiting over 4,000 local residents and helping to inject lasting vitality into the local community. PolyU established a Service-Learning base in Yunnan in the 2023/24 academic year and since then has expanded its local partnership network to align service content more closely with community needs while creating real-world settings for students’ learning. The University has also signed cooperation agreements with the Communist Youth League Committee of Wenshan Prefecture and the People’s Government of Malipo County to establish a long-term collaborative mechanism between the University and local communities. This summer, six PolyU faculties and schools launched nine Service-Learning projects in Wenshan, Yunnan. In a project developed by the Department of Computing, students created an artificial intelligence digital human platform for elderly residents in a nursing home to recreate their memories and life experiences, preserving precious stories through technology. Another project, led by the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, saw students utilise smart tools to help villagers develop digital cultural tourism innovation solutions such as multimedia guide information, transforming cultural resources into development momentum. Meanwhile, the School of Fashion and Textiles launched a project in which students collaborated with embroidery artists to integrate traditional Zhuang Embroidery techniques into vibrant, contemporary fashion design, promoting the innovative inheritance of intangible cultural heritage. In a project launched by the Department of Computing, students created an artificial intelligence digital human platform for elderly residents in a nursing home to recreate their memories and life experiences, preserving precious stories through technology. The School of Fashion and Textiles launched a project in which students collaborated with embroidery artists to integrate traditional Zhuang Embroidery techniques into vibrant, contemporary fashion design, promoting the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage. The Wenshan Service-Learning programme collaborated with 12 local service organisations, including vocational schools, homes for the elderly, primary and secondary schools, and village committees, delivering tangible benefits to grassroots communities. With support from the Ministry of Education’s “Ten Thousand People’s Scheme,” an exchange programme for students and faculty of Hong Kong and Macao universities with Chinese Mainland institutions, this year PolyU also engaged around 100 students and staff from Yunnan University, Yunnan Minzu University and Shenzhen University in the service projects. This synergy further promoted PolyU’s Service-Learning pedagogy, deepened youth exchanges between the Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland, and built a new collaborative model for talent cultivation. PolyU students participating on the Service-Learning programme described the experience as highly rewarding, strengthening their enthusiasm for serving society and the country. LI Kwan-to, a Year 4 student from the Department of Computing, shared his view that the programme had bridged the gap between the classroom and the real world, and had allowed his innovations to be translated into tangible support for the elderly, making the learning experience both vivid and meaningful. FAN Yanjun, a Year 2 student from the School of Accounting and Finance, said that Service-Learning was a journey of heart-to-heart exchange, and hoped this sincerity could be passed on from one generation to the next, fostering better people-to-people connection. Prof. Grace NGAI, Head of the Service-Learning and Leadership Office of PolyU, stated, “Over the past decade, PolyU has accumulated extensive Service-Learning experience in Chinese Mainland, leaving our footprints throughout the country. We have taken our students to different Mainland cities, and even remote villages and ethnic minority communities, to serve vulnerable groups such as the elderly and left-behind children. This experience not only enriches our students’ learning and hones their skills and knowledge, but also enables them to gain a deeper understanding of the Nation, and to develop global citizenship and a strong sense of social responsibility. With these qualities, they can proactively contribute their strengths to meet the development needs of the Nation and beyond.” As the first Hong Kong university to incorporate Service-Learning as a core element of the undergraduate curriculum, PolyU has long encouraged students to care about society, apply what they have learnt and respond to social needs proactively. The University is committed to promoting high-quality Service-Learning projects, and currently runs multiple service-learning bases in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Southeast Asia and Africa. More than 50,000 PolyU students have enrolled on service-learning subjects since 2012 and contributed over two million service hours in total—demonstrating PolyU students’ sense of social responsibility and youth leadership.   ***END***

PolyU holds flag-raising ceremony to celebrate 29th anniversary of establishment of the HKSAR

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held a flag-raising ceremony on campus to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The flag-raising ceremony was officiated by PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai; Acting President Prof. Wing-tak WONG; Mr SONG Yiping, Second-Level Inspector of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR; and Mr TIAN Zhenfeng, Deputy Director of the Consular Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR. They were joined by Deputy Council Chairman Dr Daniel YIP Chung-yin, University Court Chairman Dr Katherine NGAN NG Yu-ying; Treasurer of the University Mr Arthur LEE Kin; Honorary Court Chairman Dr Roy CHUNG Chi-ping; and President Emeritus Prof. the Honourable POON Chung-kwong, together with Council and Court members, other University senior management, Honorary Graduates, University Fellows, Outstanding Alumni, members of the PolyU Foundation, PolyU staff, students and alumni, wishing prosperity and stability for the Nation and Hong Kong. The ceremony was jointly conducted by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison and the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team. Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “This year marks the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland and the inaugural year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. In alignment with these milestones, the HKSAR Government is formulating its first Five‑Year Plan to map out a strategic blueprint for Hong Kong’s future development. This year also marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, further underscoring the Nation’s thriving development. Today, China’s growing comprehensive national strength and rising international influence fully demonstrate the vibrancy and prosperity of the Nation in this new era. In the face of these new opportunities, PolyU, as a key member of Hong Kong’s higher education sector and ranked 50th in the latest QS World University Rankings, is committed to keeping pace with the development of the Nation and Hong Kong. Upholding our educational mission, we strive to nurture in our students a strong sense of national pride, a global outlook and a deep commitment to social responsibilities. We encourage them to integrate their personal aspirations into the Nation’s undertakings, and to become virtuous and competent talents with an affection for the Nation and Hong Kong, who are ready to serve society and contribute to the country.” He continued, “PolyU will fully leverage its strengths in education, research and knowledge transfer to support the Nation’s development into a powerhouse in technology, education and talent cultivation. The University will also make greater contributions towards Hong Kong’s integration into, and support for, the Nation’s overall development strategy, thereby enhancing the city’s international competitiveness and achieving high-quality development.” PolyU has been organising the “PolyU Chinese Culture Festival” series of events since 2024 to promote Chinese culture, aiming to enhance the younger generation’s awareness and appreciation of Chinese culture and strengthen their sense of national identity. Following the flag-raising ceremony, PolyU screened the documentary “Confucius” at the Jockey Club Auditorium as one of the events under the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival. Confucianism, founded by Confucius, constitutes a vital part of traditional Chinese culture and has had a profound influence on the formation and development of the value system of the Chinese. The documentary, screening for the first-time in Hong Kong, uses vivid and expressive imagery to present this renowned Chinese thinker, politician, and educator. Both the flag-raising and documentary filming were attended by close to 400 distinguished guests and members of the PolyU community. ***END***

PolyU showcases life sciences and healthcare innovations at BIO International Convention 2026

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) presented cutting-edge innovations and technology transfer achievements to global industry leaders at the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026), held from 22 to 25 June in San Diego. The exhibited projects spanned diverse fields—from first-in-class drug development, nutraceuticals, drug discovery platform, medical devices and diagnostics to optometry—demonstrating PolyU excellence in life sciences and healthcare interdisciplinary research. As one of the world’s largest biotechnology conventions, BIO 2026 brought together over 20,000 industry leaders and professionals from more than 76 countries and regions to exchange insights on key topics in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, including research and development of new drugs, clinical trials, manufacturing, investment and commercialisation, thereby promoting global biotechnology development. This year, PolyU joined the Hong Kong delegation led by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) for the first time. Including four other local universities and over 40 life sciences and health technology companies, the delegation showcased Hong Kong’s dynamic biotech ecosystem at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion. Notably, a PolyU startup, ABRAM Therapeutics, was invited to participate in the pitching session, where it introduced its ground-breaking drug candidate. In addition, the PolyU delegation actively engaged in networking events organised by its collaboration partners, including a visit to the Salk Institute coordinated by HKSTP and networking events hosted by Business France and Simcere Pharmaceutical. These activities facilitated valuable exchanges with global biotechnology experts and fostered new collaborative opportunities. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), stated, “The BIO International Convention has long been an important platform for PolyU to connect with global partners and explore impactful international opportunities. Leveraging its research strengths and innovative capabilities in medical fields such as biotechnology and medicine-engineering integration, PolyU is dedicated to advancing translational research in relevant areas and accelerating the development of ground-breaking technologies for the benefit of society. Joining the Hong Kong Pavilion this year reflects our shared commitment to elevating Hong Kong’s position to that of a leading biotech hub through cross-sector collaboration.” PolyU innovations exhibited at BIO 2026: “PD 001R: A First in Class drug Candidate for the Treatment of Parkinson’s disease,” led by Prof. LEE Ming-yuen, Simon, Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation, and Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition “ABarginase: the next wave of weight loss therapy against global obesity,” led by Prof. LEUNG Yun-chung, Thomas, Lo Ka Chung Charitable Foundation Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology “pCAR-M: THE SOLID TUMOR SOLUTION,” led by Prof. Terence LEE, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology “A Novel Synergistic Neuroprotective Composition with Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective functions,” led by Prof. Sonata YAU, Associate Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences “PocNova™: Ultra-Fast Nucleic Acid Testing System,” led by Prof. Thomas LEE, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering “Next-Generation Diabetes Solutions Powered by Metabolic Factors,” led by Prof. WONG Chi Ming, Associate Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics “AI‑assisted platform integrating α‑synuclein seed amplification assays and hyperactive LRRK2 models for discovery of therapeutic LRRK2 inhibitors in Parkinson’s disease,” led by Prof. Philip HO, Assistant Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences “SwallowScope: Scanner Designed for Intelligent Tele-Dysphagia Care,” led by Prof. James CHEUNG, Assistant Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering “Adaptive Freeform Eyeglass for Instant Refractive Control,” led by Dr Elie de LESTRANGE-ANGINIEUR, Research Fellow of the School of Optometry With a robust foundation in medicine and healthcare research, PolyU strives to advance interdisciplinary research and technology transfer at the convergence of biotechnology, artificial intelligence, engineering and data science, pioneering a new era of healthcare innovation, and contributing to Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub.   ***END***

PolyU hosted its third thematic seminar on China’s diplomacy, featuring former ambassadors of China who shed light on the global landscape and diplomatic practice

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture (RCCHC), Confucius Institute of Hong Kong and Mainland Development Office, in collaboration with the China Foreign Affairs University, co-organised the third thematic seminar on China’s diplomacy at PolyU Chiang Chen Studio Theatre. As one of the flagship events of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, the seminar invited former ambassadors of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Ambassador ZHAN Yongxin and Ambassador HUANG Ping, to deliver keynote speeches on the theme of “Navigating the Current Global Landscape: Insights into the Practice of China's Diplomacy” while sharing knowledge of diplomacy and their first-hand experiences. The event drew the keen participation of over 200 PolyU staff members, students, alumni and members of the public. In his speech, Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, remarked, “The world today is undergoing changes unseen in a century. Amid the rapidly evolving international landscape, geopolitical conflicts continue to escalate, bringing numerous risks and challenges to the world. At this complex and fast-changing juncture, we can deeply appreciate the vital importance and pivotal role of major-country diplomacy. National security, economic development, the well-being of the people and world peace are all inextricably linked to diplomacy. Over the years, China has unswervingly pursued the path of peaceful development, actively promoted the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and adhered to the concept of win-win cooperation, constantly injecting stability and positive energy into a world intertwined with change and turbulence.” He also noted, “PolyU has always attached great importance to students’ national education, Chinese cultural education and the cultivation of a global perspective. We require all undergraduate students to study a subject related to Chinese history and culture, and organise the ‘PolyU Chinese Culture Festival’ to promote Chinese culture and help students gain a better understanding of our Nation. This seminar is one of the key events of the Festival. We hope that through personal sharing of the two ambassadors, students can obtain a deeper grasp of the Nation's diplomatic policy and global development trends.” He added that next year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of PolyU. Having developed into a global top 50 university, PolyU will continue to nurture a strong sense of national pride, a global outlook and the desire to shoulder social responsibilities in students, developing them into talents with an affection for the Nation and Hong Kong, possessing both virtue and competence, who serve society and contribute to the Nation. Ambassador Zhan Yongxin, former ambassador of the PRC, has served as the Ambassador of the PRC to the State of Israel; Director-General of the Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Deputy Commissioner of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR; Deputy Director-General of the Policy Planning Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Counsellor of the Embassy of the PRC in Canada. He has developed acute insights into the current global landscape and trends in Asia-Pacific economic cooperation. Ambassador Zhan Yongxin stated: “Since joining the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, China has actively participated in cooperation across various fields, serving as an active advocate and steadfast practitioner of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. At this very moment, when the world stands at a crossroads, China has taken the initiative to host this year’s APEC informal meeting—stepping forward at a most crucial and challenging time for global and Asia-Pacific development, guiding the region and the world towards the correct path of openness, innovation and cooperation. This demonstrates its strong sense of responsibility as a major country.” He added that the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Hong Kong this year, expressing confidence that Hong Kong can leverage its unique strengths as a hub connecting the Chinese Mainland and the Asia-Pacific, harness the opportunities of regional cooperation, and inject impetus into industrial development, talent exchange and long-term economic growth. In addition, Ambassador Huang Ping, former ambassador of the PRC, delivered a keynote speech on “Building Bridges through People-to-People Diplomacy: Actively Advancing US-China Relations”. He has served as the Consul General of the PRC in New York (Ambassadorial Rank), Ambassador of the PRC to Zimbabwe, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consul General of the PRC in Chicago, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Mayor of Shaoxing City in Zhejiang Province, Counsellor and Consul General of the Embassy of the PRC in Canada, and Third Secretary of the Embassy of the PRC in the United States (US). Ambassador Huang Ping pointed out that people-to-people diplomacy could build bridges of communication between China and the US, foster friendly communication among citizens and the youth, promote pragmatic cooperation, and enhance people-to-people exchanges. Over his 42-year diplomatic career, Ambassador Huang has been posted to the US three times and actively participated in various forms of city promotion. This included collaborating with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETO New York) to promote Hong Kong’s unique characteristics in New York’s Times Square, and personally participating in dragon boat races organised by HKETO New York, through which he led by example to promote people-to-people diplomacy. He explained: “We hope to develop multi-dimensional people-to-people diplomacy by building more channels of communication and cooperation between the peoples of both sides to enhance mutual understanding and trust, thereby fostering people-to-people bonds and steering bilateral relations towards steady and long-term progress.” ***END***

PolyU debuts at VivaTech 2026, championing global collaboration and Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector”

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) made its debut at Paris-based Viva Technology 2026 (VivaTech), Europe’s leading startup and tech event held from 17 to 20 June. The PolyU delegation was led by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Prof. Zijian ZHENG, PolyU Vice President (Knowledge Transfer), with an exhibition booth in the Hong Kong Pavilion under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The University also hosted two inspiring panel discussions, marking a major milestone in expanding its global footprint and strengthening ties between Hong Kong and European markets. At the exhibition, the University showcased five outstanding PolyU startups and their innovations across high-growth tech domains, including artificial intelligence (AI), optoelectronic tech, health tech, sustainability and smart manufacturing. These promising ventures leveraged the pivotal platform of VivaTech to connect with global industry players, investors and corporate innovators, exploring opportunities for expanding overseas business collaboration and knowledge exchange. Among the featured PolyU startups, Bacbudy Limited and LeafIoT Technology Limited were named in the organiser’s top 400 participating startups using sustainable innovation to tackle climate, healthcare, digital inclusion and education challenges. PolyU also hosted an exclusive thematic session on-site and engaged in high-level industry dialogue to deepen collaboration between Europe and Hong Kong. At session titled “Breaking Barriers with Autonomous Systems: Transforming Industries with AI Innovation”, Prof. Christopher Chao stated in his opening remarks, “Bringing Hong Kong and France together at VivaTech underscores the importance of cross-continental collaboration in shaping the future of technology. At PolyU, we embrace this global outlook and actively foster technology-driven partnerships worldwide.” He also commended the showcased startups for their demonstration of resilience and creativity, as well as their commitment to improving lives with technology and innovation.  “By leading startups to international platforms such as VivaTech, we empower them to expand overseas, explore new markets and broaden their networks, thereby contributing to the global development of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology industries,” said Prof. Chao. Through his keynote address, Prof. Zheng Zijian shared his insights on how Hong Kong is scaling innovation as a leading AI hub and urged the global audience to seize new opportunities in Chinese Mainland. He remarked, “In Chinese Mainland, PolyU has over 1,000 partner universities and research institutes, over 50,000 alumni and 14 alumni networks. Backed by our robust network of 12 PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes, thousands of collaborative projects have been or are being undertaken. With such advantages, we are poised to fully integrate cutting-edge PolyU research with the industrial strengths and vast market scale of Chinese Mainland to create tangible societal benefits.” At the fireside chat of the networking reception titled “Hong Kong Tech Night: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity”, Prof. Zheng shared PolyU’s knowledge transfer strategies and explored the potential of Hong Kong-France collaboration. During the Hong Kong Seminar-cum-Networking Reception hosted by HKTDC, Prof. Christopher Chao engaged in an insightful executive dialogue with other leaders at the forefront of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem. At this high-level seminar with the theme “Talent and Infrastructure Powering the Hong Kong Tech Leadership and Global Collaboration”, Prof. Chao discussed how academia-industry collaboration could help translate cutting-edge research into commercially viable solutions as well as attract and nurture talents, thereby strengthening Kong Kong’s position as a world-class innovation hub. More importantly, he explored how academic-driven initiatives, benefitting from Hong Kong’s unique role as a “Super Connector”, can further drive Hong Kong-Europe synergy in advancing global innovation and technology development. VivaTech is one of Europe’s biggest startup and tech events and is held annually in Paris, France. The event connects startups, tech leaders, major companies and investors, bringing together world-premiere demos, launches and conferences in a collaborative ecosystem. For full details of PolyU’s participation at VivaTech 2026, please visit this webpage. Representatives from the participating PolyU startups shared their entrepreneurial journeys and innovations with the international audience. ***END***

PolyU, EDB and SCOLAR co-organise International Summit on Use of AI in Language Learning and Teaching 2026; Showcase latest AI-related innovations in language education

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is hosting the International Summit on the Use of AI in Language Learning and Teaching 2026 (AIinLT 2026) from 21 to 24 June. Organised by the PolyU Department of English and Communication (ENGL), in collaboration with the Education Bureau (EDB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), AIinLT 2026 provides a dynamic platform for teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary education, as well as education researchers and professionals, to exchange insights and experience. The Summit features keynote presentations and a panel discussion exploring the latest applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in language education, as well as workshops designed to advance teaching and learning practices with AI.  The opening ceremony, followed by the first keynote address and panel discussion, was held today in the Jockey Club Auditorium at PolyU. Officiating guests included Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Prof. CAO Jiannong, PolyU Vice President (Education),and Dr Anissa CHAN WONG Lai-kuen, Chairperson of SCOLAR.  Dr Choi Yuk-lin said that the event marked the grand unveiling of Digital Education Week 2026, which would be leveraged to effectively connect experts, scholars and relevant sectors around the world to exchange successful experiences, with a view to establishing an international platform for the sustained advancement of digital education, and showcasing the learning outcomes of Hong Kong students in digital education. Dr Choi noted that the Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools (the Blueprint) just announced would serve as a roadmap to provide guidance for schools to promote AI education from primary through secondary school levels. She emphasised that the EDB is driving the comprehensive implementation of “AI for all schools” and “AI for all students” with a view to ensuring our education system aligns with the country’s positioning of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre by providing talent support. Prof. Cao Jiannong highlighted PolyU’s commitment to advancing language education through the integration of AI in language learning and teaching. Through the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative, the University has embraced purposeful, pedagogically sound applications of AI to enrich learning and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in future workplaces. This commitment is reflected in the University’s new Language Education Institute, which will provide all PolyU students with opportunities to harness AI to support their language learning journeys. It is also evident in the University’s emphasis on the humanities, which play a vital role in helping students and educators use AI ethically while fostering deeper learning and creativity. Dr Anissa Chan said that SCOLAR has remained steadfast in its mission for the past 30 years to enhance the language proficiency of the people of Hong Kong. Looking ahead, SCOLAR will work in line with the Blueprint to bring together expertise from various sectors to shape a new landscape for language education. She hoped that the Summit would not only mark a new chapter in integrating AI into language learning, but also serve as an important bridge to foster innovation across sectors. Prof. Mairéad PRATSCHKE, an independent researcher and adviser specialising in AI strategy, ethical governance and human-centred design, delivered the first keynote address. In her presentation, she explored language education within hybrid communities—learning environments in which human educators, peers and AI agents each play integral roles. She also outlined the distinct contributions of both human and machine participants and their evolving impact on the future of education. The panel discussion that followed was moderated by Prof. Jenifer HO, Associate Professor of ENGL, and Dr Rickey LU, Senior Lecturer of ENGL. Themed “AI Across Educational Landscapes: Insights, Challenges, and Knowledge Exchange,” the panel consisted of educators from local primary and secondary schools, as well as scholars in the fields of education innovation and languages, promoting cross-sector dialogue. Throughout AIinLT 2026, a number of local and international scholars and experts will deliver keynote addresses (in alphabetical order by surname): Prof. CHEUNG Chi-keung, Professor and Dean of Education at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Prof. Jang Ho LEE, Professor of English Education at Chung-Ang University, Korea; Prof. Tony MCENERY, Chair Professor of Corpus Linguistics and AI for the Humanities at PolyU; Prof. Benjamin Luke MOORHOUSE, Associate Professor at City University of Hong Kong; and Prof. YANG Hongxia, Chair Professor of Generative Artificial Intelligence at PolyU. They will share key insights on AI and its ongoing role in transforming language learning and teaching across a multitude of learning contexts.  As part of AIinLT 2026, a series of hands-on workshops will be held on 23 and 24 June to provide educators with practical solutions for integrating AI into the classroom, thereby creating more engaging and personalised learning experiences that more effectively meet individual student needs.  For more details of the International Summit on the Use of AI in Language Learning and Teaching 2026, please visit: https://events.polyu.edu.hk/aiinlt2026/home ***END***