Media Releases

PolyU and China Tower sign strategic cooperation agreement to advance innovation in low-altitude economy and next-generation networks

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Tower Corporation Limited (China Tower) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to advance key research areas, including the low-altitude economy and next-generation network technologies. By fostering in-depth cooperation to promote technological innovation and translate research outcomes, this collaboration will accelerate the new quality productive forces in these pivotal sectors. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr ZHANG Zhiyong, Chairman of China Tower, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr CHEN Li, General Manager of China Tower, with the aim of establishing a robust and enduring framework for collaborative research and innovation, talent nurturing, and the translation of research outcomes. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng underscored PolyU’s leading role in low-altitude economy research, marked by the establishment last year of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy and the launch in the new academic year of a Master’s programme in Low Altitude Economy, along with the University’s internationally recognised expertise in data science, artificial intelligence and computer science. This partnership will integrate the University’s academic strengths and China Tower’s industry leadership to drive impactful research, build innovative platforms, facilitate effective technology transfer and cultivate highly skilled professionals, thereby contributing to the Nation’s high-quality development goals. Mr Zhang Zhiyong emphasised China Tower’s commitment to innovation-driven growth as the world’s largest telecommunications infrastructure service provider. By sharing resources and pursuing shared goals, China Tower aims to enhance its core competitiveness. This collaboration with PolyU will leverage the strengths of both parties to create a mutually beneficial partnership. With a focus on the low-altitude economy and next-generation networks, the cooperation seeks to generate strong synergy and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement through consistent communication and exchange. The collaboration marks a new chapter in the partnership between PolyU and China Tower. By combining efforts, the parties aim to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and make contributions to new quality productive forces, advancing technological innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond. ***END***

PolyU plans to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, fostering the development of Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) submitted a proposal to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government for the establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school, aiming to train more outstanding doctors to meet the healthcare needs of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). With strong research capabilities, a solid foundation, and extensive experience in healthcare education and training allied health professionals, PolyU is confident and well-positioned to support the initiative proposed in last year’s Policy Address to foster the development of Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President, along with Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. HE Mingguang, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology and Global STEM Scholar, held a press conference today to share the latest developments regarding the University’s efforts to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school. The proposal was prepared based on the 10 key parameters set out by the HKSAR Government’s Task Group on New Medical School, covering innovative strategic positioning, staffing, campus and teaching facilities, clinical exposure and learning resources, curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, student admission arrangements, funding arrangements, implementation plan, teaching and learning quality as well as research excellence. PolyU expressed its heartfelt gratitude to its Expert Advisory Committee members for their significant contributions to the proposal, including: Prof. ZHONG Nanshan, Recipient of the Medal of the Republic; Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Director of the Guangzhou National Laboratory Prof. Barry MARSHALL, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine; Professor, Senior Honorary Research Fellow of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall Centre, The University of Western Australia Dr York CHOW Yat Ngok, Former Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food / Secretary for Food and Health of the HKSAR Government; Former Hospital Chief Executive of Queen Mary Hospital Dr Lam Tai-fai stated, “PolyU is committed to supporting the Government by contributing both financially and through dedicated efforts to develop the third medical school. We stand with the Government during challenging times and pledge to cover all financial expenses if needed before the medical school relocates to the UniTown in Ngau Tam Mei. Over the past half-century, PolyU has trained over 50,000 healthcare professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, optometrists, radiologists and more, playing a pivotal role in the development of Hong Kong’s medical system. This has earned us the recognition and trust of both the public and the Government, who have full confidence in the University’s healthcare education. PolyU has a strong foundation in healthcare education, along with extensive experience and achievements in nurturing healthcare professionals. These outstanding accomplishments and advantages have been accumulated over many years, and there are no shortcuts to attaining them.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated, “PolyU has achieved remarkable success in medicine-engineering integration and AI-powered medical advancements. Among its recent technological breakthroughs are myopia control lenses, a prime example of successfully translating research outcomes into practical applications. With over 35 million units of lenses sold globally, the innovation has significantly improved the vision health of countless children worldwide. Another advancement is an AI-enabled self-testing retinal fundus camera, which can assess cardiovascular disease risk and screen for three common eye diseases. Other innovations include a 3D ultrasound imaging device for radiation-free assessment of scoliosis and portable equipment for the quantitative assessment of chronic liver diseases, such as fatty liver and liver fibrosis.” PolyU plans to offer a four-year bachelor’s degree programme in medicine, targeting undergraduate degree holders. The first intake will admit 50 local and non-local students and will gradually increase the admission quota based on demand. Supported by a robust team of over 1,300 healthcare-related teaching and research staff and equipped with more than 90 specialised laboratories and research facilities, the University intends to invest more resources to enhance its existing health science education and research facilities and strengthen collaboration with the current network of hospitals in Hong Kong that provide clinical teaching, laying a solid foundation for establishing the medical school. PolyU will also establish an “AI+ Academy”, with a focus on pioneering research in AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment. PolyU is thus well-equipped to establish a medical school, leveraging its advantages in medicine-engineering integration to advance healthcare technology and meet the medical needs of Hong Kong and the GBA. ***END***

PolyU project develops a Vision-Language Models for driving assistant, supported by Smart Traffic Fund

In complex driving scenarios, information overload can lead to distractions and delayed reactions. The introduction of Vision-Language models (VLMs) presents new possibilities for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Led by Prof. Pai ZHENG, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the project titled “Develop a Vision-Language Model-based Smart Driving Assistant for Enhancing Safety and Convenience of Motorists” has successfully secured over HK$5 million for a duration of 24 months from the Smart Traffic Fund.            This project aims to develop a smart driving assistant for vehicle cockpits leveraging vision-language models. The objective is to improve driver safety and convenience by analyzing the environment in real time and drivers’ needs to offer appropriate interactive strategy. Prof. ZHENG said, “Besides existing ADAS, our approach offers personalised driving tips to enhance the user experience. The system will collect and analyse personalised interaction data from users, including interactive language descriptions and visual environment information acquired during user participation experiments. This system will dynamically retrieve and generate customised driving strategies based on historical and real-time data, catering to the habits and preferences of individual drivers.” PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with a total of 23 projects receiving grants from the Smart Traffic Fund to date. The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology to enhance commuting convenience, enhance the efficiency of the road network or road space, and improve driving safety. ***END***

Seven PolyU subjects rank in the global top 30 in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025; Nursing climbs to highest place in a decade

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has excelled in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with seven subjects, across the disciplines of business, construction and environment, design, health, and hotel and tourism management, being placed in the global top 30. This reflects the international recognition PolyU has received for its academic and research achievements in multiple fields. PolyU ranked in the global top 30 for its subjects in Hospitality & Leisure Management (11th), Nursing (16th), Architecture & Built Environment (17th), Civil & Structural Engineering (17th), Art & Design (22nd), Marketing (22nd) and Environmental Sciences (27th). Among them, most notably, Nursing has climbed to its highest ranking in a decade, while Environmental Sciences came first in Hong Kong for the first time. Meanwhile, Hospitality & Leisure Management and Art & Design held onto first place among local universities. This year, the University has a total of 26 subjects breaking into the world’s top 100, including Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, which ranked 40th globally. Having identified artificial intelligence (AI) as one of its strategic research areas, earlier this year the University established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, while actively recruiting accomplished AI scholars from around the globe. It is also launching the new BSc (Hons) Scheme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in the coming academic year, and plans to establish the “AI+ Academy,” to fully leverage the University’s academic and research strengths in this emerging field. With its excellence in the disciplines of construction and environment, PolyU shines in several related subjects, among which are Architecture & Built Environment, Civil & Structural Engineering, and Environmental Sciences. Further harnessing its strength in these disciplines, PolyU will introduce the new BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies in the coming academic year to cultivate more promising talent for the construction industry. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “We are pleased with PolyU’s encouraging results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, which reaffirm the University’s world-leading position across various disciplines. PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university that pursues excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our ties and cooperation with partners around the world, with the aim of playing an increasingly important role on the global higher education stage.” Covering over 1,700 universities from around the world, the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 evaluates universities across 55 academic subjects and five broad subject areas, based on their academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per paper, the H-index and international research network.   ***END***

PolyU scholars discuss the latest developments in AI, demonstrating the University’s leadership in AI education and research

The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today hosted its inaugural Public Forum for Research and Innovation. Titled “DeepSeek and Beyond,” the keynote speech was delivered by Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Professor of the Department of Computing, who highlighted the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI). The event attracted over a thousand participants, including faculty members, students, alumni, and leaders from the innovation and technology sector, as well as academics and the public. Additionally, over 390,000 viewers tuned in through the live streaming platforms. The Forum began with a welcoming speech delivered by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science of the PolyU Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering. This was followed by Prof. ZHANG Chenqi, Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence of the PolyU Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Director of the PolyU Shenzhen Research Institute introducing the speaker. Prof. Zhang said, “The development of large models is at the core of competition in the AI wave. DeepSeek has demonstrated that high-performance AI models can be achieved using fewer and less advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), demonstrating that cutting-edge AI technology can be realised through the optimisation of algorithms.” The large AI model developed by the mainland Chinese startup DeepSeek has garnered wide acclaim around the world for its low-cost, high-performance, and open-source framework, disrupting the traditional “computing power-first” logic of AI model training. At the Forum, Prof. Yang highlighted the potential of generative AI (GenAI), adding that it presents abundant opportunities for various sectors, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, media and fashion, and for applications in medical imaging analysis, fraud detection, predictive maintenance, retail inventory management, content creation, and design and marketing. Prof. Yang also recounted the evolution of AI and shared her professional milestones with the audience, notably the development of the M6 large model, which trained a 10-trillion-parameters model using just 512 GPUs. Prof. Yang further elaborated on how her GenAI project, Co-GenAI, improves the accessibility of AI technology while minimising dependence on large-scale centralised computing resources, thereby transforming the trajectory of AI progress. This ground-breaking effort has positioned Hong Kong and the Mainland at the forefront of global advancement in GenAI. Moderated by Prof. Zhang Chenqi, a panel discussion was also held, featuring esteemed panellists Prof. Yang Hongxia and Prof. LI Qing, Head and Chair Professor of Data Science of the PolyU Department of Computing, and Co-Director of the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism. The scholars discussed the opportunities and challenges that advancements in AI present for higher education and research. They also engaged in fruitful discussion with participants during the question-and-answer session. The topics included the application of AI in industry, the regulation of information, its impact on the employment environment and economic development, and the integration of AI technologies. PolyU is committed to advancing AI education and research. In January 2025, the University established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences with a vision to lead global advancements in digital transformation and AI through distinguished education, research, and knowledge transfer. ***END***

PolyU unveils comprehensive zeolite structures, advancing development of catalysts for petrochemical and renewable energy

Zeolites, crystalline materials widely used in the petrochemical industry, serve as pivotal catalysts in the production of fine chemicals, with aluminium being the source of active sites within zeolite structures. A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has revealed the precise location of aluminium atoms in the zeolite framework. This discovery could facilitate the design of more efficient and stable catalysts, aimed at increasing the yield of petrochemical products, achieving efficient renewable energy storage, and controlling air pollution. This advancement will further promote the application of zeolites in relevant fields. The findings have been published in the international journal Science. The research is led by Prof. Shik Chi Edman TSANG, Chair Professor of Catalysis and Materials of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. He is joined by Prof. Tsz Woon Benedict LO, Associate Professor, along with first author Dr Guangchao LI, Research Assistant Professor, both from the same department. The team collaborated with researchers from the University of Oxford and the Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The unique properties of zeolites, characterised by their well-defined microporous structure, high surface area, and tuneable acidity and basicity, make them indispensable in petrochemical refining, environmental catalysis and fine chemical synthesis. The distribution of substitutional aluminium atoms within the zeolite framework influences the geometry of molecular adsorbates, catalytic activity, and shape and size selectivity. However, accurately locating these aluminium atoms and understanding their impact on the catalytic behaviour of zeolites has posed challenges for the scientific community for decades. In their research, the team focused on both lab-synthesised and commercial H-ZSM-5 zeolites to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical application, optimising H-ZSM-5 for advanced catalytic processes. Notably, the team introduced an innovative approach that integrates synchrotron resonant soft X-ray diffraction — a powerful tool for studying atomic structure — with probe-assisted solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) and molecular adsorption methods. This integration revealed the interactions of molecules at the active sites of aluminium atoms. Ultimately, the team has achieved a breakthrough in locating single and pairs of aluminium atoms in a commercial H-ZSM-5 zeolite. The research findings will facilitate the development of more efficient and selective catalysts, which have wide-reaching implications beyond petrochemicals, offering potential benefits for industries such as renewable energy and pollution control. Reducing energy consumption, this can, in turn, promote sustainability and minimises environmental impact. With regard to petrochemical refining, these catalysts can improve fuel yield and quality, particularly for products like gasoline and olefins, simultaneously lowering energy usage. In the realm of environmental catalysis, they contribute to cleaner air and mitigating air pollution. For renewable energy and biofuels, these innovations advance hydrogen storage and utilisation processes, which are crucial for the development of a hydrogen economy. Prof. Edman Tsang said, “This discovery is a game-changer as it precisely identifies the location of aluminium atoms in the zeolite framework and how they are positioned, providing for the first time a structural elucidation of zeolite frameworks. This breakthrough allows scientists to design more efficient and targeted zeolite catalysts, making the chemical process faster, more energy-efficient and more environmentally friendly.” Prof. Benedict Lo said, “We explored and combined various techniques to achieve a multidimensional view of the distribution of aluminium atoms and their interaction with adsorbed molecules, leading to insights into crucial reaction mechanisms. This provides scientists with a deeper understanding of the structure of zeolites.” Dr Guangchao Li said, “We will develop further novel synthesis methods to precisely control the distribution and concentration of aluminium atoms, as well as their pore architectures in zeolites. This advancement will enable the design of catalysts with optimised activity, selectivity and stability for specific industrial applications.” Looking ahead, the team will work closely with industry partners to translate research outcomes into commercial applications. By leveraging the extensive networks and research strengths of the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute, which focuses on green chemistry and sustainable catalysis, the team will collaborate with domestic petrochemical companies to promote translational research and accelerate the commercialisation of advanced zeolite catalysts. This effort is bolstered by state-of-the-art PolyU facilities, including the only SSNMR facility in Hong Kong and the soon to be introduced first Dynamic Nuclear Polarisation SSNMR (DNP-SSNMR) spectrometer in the Greater Bay Area and southern China. These resources strengthen the team’s research capabilities and facilitate the advancement of their research efforts. ***END***

PolyU “We Care We Share – Community Tele-Rehabilitation Programme in Mainland China” receives funding from the Keswick Foundation, expanding its service network nationwide

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) launched the “We Care We Share” team in 2014 to provide rehabilitation services to residents affected by the 813 earthquake in Ludian, Yunnan, China. With this year marking the 10th anniversary since the establishment of the team, PolyU has received a donation of HK$6.1 million from the Keswick Foundation to implement the “We Care We Share – Community Tele-Rehabilitation Programme in Mainland China” (the Programme), which seeks to replicate the successful experience in Yunnan across north-western and north-eastern China, thereby expanding its community rehabilitation service network nationwide. The expanded programme aims to provide rehabilitation service training for 5,000 local students and professional medical personnel, benefiting 500 families over the next three years. Dr David LAM, Legislative Council member (Medical and Health Services); Prof. Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President; Mrs Clara WEATHERALL, Chairman of the Keswick Foundation Board of Governors; Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Keswick Foundation; Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Prof. Marco PANG, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; Prof. YAO Liqing, Vice Chairman of the Yunnan Disabled Persons’ Federation and Associate Dean of the School of Rehabilitation at Kunming Medical University; Prof. MA Ting, Dean of the Rehabilitation School at Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Ms DUAN Chen-yuan, a recipient of the Programme; and Ms Atta YU, a student member of the “We Care We Share” team, jointly officiated at the launching ceremony. Dr David Lam said, “Rehabilitation is an essential extension of medical care. Based in Hong Kong, the PolyU ‘We Care We Share’ community rehabilitation service network supports rehabilitation services and personnel training in Yunnan, which has further developed into a nationwide professional service and training system. With breakthroughs in rehabilitation brought by technological applications of artificial intelligence and robotics, I believe PolyU can contribute to the Nation by leveraging its strength in this discipline.” Prof. Miranda Lou remarked, “The We Care We Share Community Rehabilitation Programme has been running for over a decade, with the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences providing rehabilitation services and therapist training to the local and neighbouring communities in Yunnan. Through professional knowledge, skills, therapeutic services and care, the Programme has not only transformed the recipients’ lives, but also brought hope to their families and communities. Today’s launching ceremony marks a new milestone for the Programme. We would like to once again express our gratitude to our charity partner, the Keswick Foundation, for their continued support, which enables us to keep moving forward and contribute more to the society.” Mrs Clara Weatherall said, “It gives me great pleasure to join you in celebrating the further expansion of this remarkable programme. What makes ‘We Care, We Share’ particularly special is how it combines expert professional care with practical, innovative community solutions. Together, we are empowering local professionals, communities, and families to build sustainable, lasting change.” The Programme has gained extensive experience in community rehabilitation over the years. With the support of the Keswick Foundation and leveraging technology to achieve tele-rehabilitation and interregional and interdisciplinary collaboration, the expanded programme will build a community-based rehabilitation service network nationwide. Through a three-dimensional model of “technology empowerment, community linkage and talent cultivation”, the Programme will leverage innovative rehabilitation medical technologies to provide support to more groups in need, while also raising societal awareness of the development of the rehabilitation profession. ***END***

PolyU and EdUHK co-host 2nd CILME Workshop to discuss application of metaverse and AI in future education

As educational technology continues to advance, it brings about tremendous changes and opportunities for the education sector. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) co-hosted the 2nd Centre for Immersive Learning and Metaverse in Education (CILME) Workshop (the Workshop) under the theme of “Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence for the Future of Education” on 21 February. Gathering leading scholars and experts from around the globe, it centred on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and immersive technologies on education. The Workshop was co-organised by the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute. Co-founded by PolyU and EdUHK in 2023, CILME aims to develop a collaborative infrastructure for conducting interdisciplinary research on technology-enhanced learning to impact education. The Centre focuses on exploring how technology like virtual reality (VR), metaverse and AI, can enhance students’ cognitive processing, attention, memory, brain function and, ultimately, their learning. Prof. WONG Kwok-yin, PolyU Vice President (Education), said, “CILME is committed to promoting the application of metaverse and immersive technologies among teachers and educators through workshops, seminars and conferences. This workshop is an important chance for educators to share ideas and explore new concepts, building a collaborative environment that will have a considerable impact on education. As AI rapidly develops, we aspire to create a future where technology and education work hand in hand.” In his remarks, Prof. Chetwyn CHAN Che-hin, CILME Co-Director and EdUHK Vice President (Research and Development), emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary and inter-university collaboration in advancing research and applications of AI and metaverse in education. The Workshop featured two keynote speeches, by Prof. Sangmin-Michelle LEE of Kyung Hee University, Korea, and Prof. Yew-Soon ONG of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. They discussed how AI technologies foster teaching innovations from different perspectives, and introduced the notion of developing digital human teachers that integrate VR and AI-assisted learning environments. Their speeches provided insights into the future development of AI-powered education, while also highlighting the critical role of metaverse technologies in this development. In the plenary sessions, scholars from PolyU and EdUHK presented their research findings on educational innovation with both theoretical and practical applications. Prof. HU Xiangen, Director of the PolyU Institute for Higher Education Research and Development, and Prof. Henry DUH, Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology, explored the use of AI as an “interactive learning partner” in subjects related to language and design. Prof. Philip YU, Associate Director of the EdUHK University Research Facility of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Prof. Yanjie SONG, Associate Director of the EdUHK Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, on the other hand, examined how VR platforms powered by large language models can improve both students’ language and communication skills, as well as their general knowledge. At the end of the Workshop, Prof. LI Ping, CILME Co-Director and Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Humanities, chaired a dynamic round-table discussion of critical issues related to technology-enhanced learning. Both face-to-face and offline participants actively engaged in the discussion, covering inspiring topics that included pedagogical design principles for enhancing student engagement, the roles of AI in education and the applications of AI to augment students’ higher-order thinking, problem-solving skills and personalised education.   ***END***

PolyU Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation joins hands with Shaw Foundation to pioneer STEAMS programme, integrating social elements into I&T education

With Innovation and Technology (I&T) providing a key impetus for the future development of Hong Kong, nurturing a new generation of I&T talent with innovative thinking and diverse capabilities is of great importance. The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been supported by funding of HK$16 million from The Shaw Foundation to launch the five-year “Shaw STEAMS for Good” programme (the Programme), designing novel I&T teaching activities for upper primary and junior secondary students. The Programme’s launch ceremony, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with participating schools, was held today at the University campus. The Programme has adopted STEAMS, a pioneering concept in education which integrates “Social” components, such as social innovation and design thinking, into the framework of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education. It aims to encourage students and educators to actively engage with and bring positive impact to society by leveraging their knowledge, taking forward the aspiration of “Education for Good.” Over the next five years, the Programme is expected to collaborate with 12 core schools, while also benefitting 30 network schools, and more than 900 teachers and 2,600 students. At the Ceremony, witnessed by Prof. Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President, and Dr Raymond CHAN, Chair of The Shaw Foundation, the MoU was signed by Prof. LING Kar-kan, PolyU Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) and Director of J.C.DISI, and the representatives of the five schools that have participated in the pilot programme. The schools are Good Hope School (Secondary Section), HKFYG Lee Shau Kee Primary School, Shatin Pui Ying College, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Seaward Woo College and Wah Yan College Hong Kong. At the Ceremony, Prof. Miranda Lou stated, “PolyU is dedicated to world-leading innovation and scientific research, advancing and transferring knowledge, and upholding a strong sense of social responsibility for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. We sincerely thank The Shaw Foundation for their generous support, enabling us to share our belief of ‘Education for Good’ with primary and secondary schools. This initiative will enhance the capabilities and resources of educators, while broadening students’ research perspectives from an early age and empowering them to become socially responsible future leaders.” Dr Raymond Chan added, “The Foundation’s philanthropy vision is grounded in the principle that ‘Give a man grain, and you feed him for a day; teach him to farm, and he will harvest for a lifetime’. We believe education is not only about nurturing talents but is also a driving force for social progress. A valuable attempt for the Foundation in advancing innovation and science education, the Programme is the first in Hong Kong to incorporate a ‘Social’ dimension into STEAM education, enriching it into STEAMS. It aspires to equip students with I&T knowledge while, at the same time, fostering their sense of social responsibility and commitment to community service. I would like to express my gratitude to the pilot anchor schools, whose enthusiasm and forward-thinking vision will help pave the way for a new chapter in developing STEAMS education in Hong Kong.” Elaborating on the Programme’s vision, Prof. Ling Kar-kan remarked, “J.C.DISI is dedicated to driving social change through the ‘Inno for Good’ initiative which focuses on six key innovation areas: Community for Good, Design and Service for Good, Care for Good, Aging for Good, STEAM for Good and Tech for Good. The Programme integrates design thinking and experiential learning pedagogy, providing students with task-oriented learning opportunities with a focus on real social issues. This ensures students are not only equipped with professional knowledge and technology skills, but are also enabled to apply their learning to practice and thus more fully unleash their potential.” Supported by the PolyU Global Engagement Office and a group of social innovation experts and academics in emerging fields like low-altitude economy and future food from the University, the Programme will design a series of student workshops, organise various activities outside the classroom, and develop the Learning/Living Lab as an immersive STEAMS learning space, the student-led “Shaw STEAMS for Good: Youth Summit,” and more. It will also propose a comprehensive STEAMS curriculum and establish an online STEAMS resource-sharing hub for educational purposes. For more information of and the application for the “Shaw STEAMS for Good” programme, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/disi/shaw-steams-for-good/.   ***END***

PolyU scholars propose policy recommendations to advance shipping ecosystem in Hong Kong with support from Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting research excellence to address societal challenges and opportunities by providing strategic insights. In response to intensifying competition in the global shipping market, PolyU scholars have conducted a comprehensive study of Hong Kong’s shipping ecosystem and developed policy recommendations aimed at fostering collaborative efforts to enhance the shipping ecosystem within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This project aligns with the long-term initiatives outlined in the 2024 Chief Executive Policy Address and has been supported under the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) 2024/25 of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit of the HKSAR Government. This year, only two out of 37 applications received funding. Led by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the PolyU’s Faculty of Business, Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics, and Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, the project “Policy Recommendations on Uplifting Hong Kong’s Status as an International Shipping Centre through Development Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area” has received more than HK$2 million funding support from SPPRFS 2024/25. The project adopts an ecosystem perspective to examine the local shipping industry. It analyses the components, development trends, industry interactions and adaptability of Hong Kong’s shipping industry to external changes, with the aim of identifying potential opportunities, particularly those brought about by the ongoing development of GBA, to enhance the City’s status as an international shipping centre. The project identifies benchmark characteristics of the shipping ecosystem and assesses how the interaction between the shipping industry’s related sectors fostering value creation and sustainable development. It also provides policy recommendations to leverage Hong Kong’s unique strengths and opportunities. Integrating quantitative analysis with qualitative case studies, industry survey, and expert interviews, the research draws on professional insights from the fields of shipping economics, policy studies and regional development. Prof. Lai said, “This project aims to provide substantial policy recommendations to enhance Hong Kong’s competitive edge in the global shipping landscape. By fostering collaboration with GBA stakeholders and focusing on core areas such as sustainability and technology adoption, we expect the research outcomes to positively impact Hong Kong’s economy and society while also offering valuable insights for other shipping hubs.” The SPPRFS is aimed at encouraging local think-tank experts and scholars (including those from universities and civil society think-tanks) to apply their expertise to conducting evidence-based research on key public policy issues and to facilitating the knowledge transfer of research findings to policy considerations, serving as a channel for the HKSAR Government to tap society’s public policy research expertise. ***END***