Media Releases

PolyU Chinese Culture Festival presents Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, bringing staff, students and alumni together to celebrate and promote Chinese cultural heritage

To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and promote traditional Chinese culture, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held the “PolyU Chinese Culture Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival Gala” from 17 to 19 September. The three-night event featured “Lantern Lighting Night”, “Cultural Experience Night” and “Moonlit Lantern Night”, attracting more than 17,000 registrations from students, staff and alumni to celebrate the joyous festival together. Through a diverse range of immersive cultural activities and festive programmes, the PolyU community experienced the rich heritage of Chinese culture, while fostering diversity, inclusion and cohesion on campus. The third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival officially commenced in March. As a pivotal opportunity for the University to promote the excellence of Chinese culture while advancing students’ whole-person development, the Festival featured a diverse range of engaging activities designed to enhance the younger generation’s understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, while strengthening their sense of national identity, pride and belonging.

TJU–PolyU Shenzhen Institute of Future Technology holds 2026 opening and inauguration ceremony, strengthening Shenzhen–Hong Kong higher education collaboration and nurturing future innovation and technology talent

The Tianjin University (TJU) –The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Shenzhen Institute of Future Technology (SIFT) held its 2026 opening and inauguration ceremony yesterday (20 September) at the International Campus of University Town of Shenzhen. Approved by the Ministry of Education in May this year, the establishment of SIFT marks a significant milestone in the two universities’ efforts to deepen collaboration in higher education and nurture innovation and technology talent for the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, and Prof. CHAI Liyuan, President of TJU, joined representatives of the two universities, industry partners, and SIFT faculty members and students in witnessing this important occasion. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its support of the partnership between the two universities, which has opened a new chapter in deepening cross-boundary higher education collaboration and cultivating innovative scientific and technological talents for the Greater Bay Area and the Nation. He stated, “Through this partnership, the two universities strive to integrate our disciplinary strengths, educational philosophies, research resources and international networks to nurture innovative talents for the Nation. Such talents will possess a strong sense of national pride, a global perspective, social responsibility, an innovative spirit, strong practical capabilities and collaborative competencies.” He encouraged students to uphold sound values, focus on developing their capabilities, take ownership of their learning and embrace innovation throughout their studies. He also urged them to grow into outstanding talents equipped for the era of artificial intelligence, applying their knowledge and expertise to serve the Nation, contribute to society and benefit humanity. Prof. Chai Liyuan welcomed the new students on behalf of TJU and thanked all sectors of the community for their longstanding support for SIFT’s development. Using the three themes of “establishing a presence in Shenzhen, taking root in Shenzhen and pursuing studies in Shenzhen”, he outlined the significance of SIFT in the contemporary era and its direction for talent development. He said the two universities would bring together their complementary resources and focus on frontier fields in future industries, including brain-computer interfaces, intelligent medicine, artificial intelligence and smart grids. Through interdisciplinary education, industry–education integration and collaboration between the two universities, SIFT will reshape knowledge structures, transform learning environments and broaden students’ horizons. Prof. Chai encouraged students to seize the opportunities of the times, embrace both a commitment to the Nation and a global outlook, pursue their studies with diligence, and shoulder their responsibilities by writing a new chapter for their generation in Shenzhen, a city renowned for reform and innovation. At the ceremony, Prof. LAI Puxiang, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at PolyU; Mr ZHAO Jiehui, an alumnus of TJU and Chairman of Deepexi Technology Co., Ltd; and student WANG Shixian delivered remarks on behalf of faculty members, alumni and industry partners, and new students. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, Prof. Chai Liyuan and members of the senior management of the two universities subsequently officiated at the inauguration ceremony, presented and pinned badges of the two universities to student representatives. Other attendees included Prof. H.C. MAN, Director of SIFT and Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering (FENG); Prof. LI Keqiu, Director of SIFT and Dean of TJU’s Shenzhen International College; Prof. Raymond SZE, Associate Director of SIFT and Associate Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS); together with members of the senior management teams and representatives of PolyU and TJU. Established with the support of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, SIFT is jointly operated by TJU and PolyU, offering undergraduate, taught postgraduate and research postgraduate programmes. Its academic programmes focus on key future industries identified in national development plans, embracing frontier technology fields such as brain-computer interfaces, intelligent medical engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence and smart grids. Building upon the strong educational and research capabilities of the two universities and Shenzhen’s well-established innovation ecosystem, SIFT actively promotes interdisciplinary integration and collaboration between academia and industry. To-date, SIFT has received approval to offer seven postgraduate and doctoral programmes and four undergraduate programmes. In the 2026/27 academic year, it launched the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Engineering and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science programmes, admitting a total of 102 undergraduate students. The first cohort of postgraduate students is expected to commence their studies in the 2027/28 academic year. The establishment of SIFT will further facilitate the sharing of high-quality education resources between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, injecting fresh impetus into higher education collaboration and the development of future industries across the Greater Bay Area. Wang Shixian delivered remarks on behalf of the new students. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (4th from right); Prof. Chai Liyuan (4th from left); Prof. Cao Jiannong (2nd from right); and Prof. Ming Dong (2nd from left) presented badges of the two universities to student representatives. TJU–PolyU Shenzhen Institute of Future Technology held its opening and inauguration ceremony yesterday at the International Campus of University Town of Shenzhen. ***END***

PolyU delegation visits Nanjing to unveil PolyU InnoHUB@Nanjing and deepen Jiangsu–Hong Kong I&T collaboration

To support implementation of the national innovation-driven development strategy, further deepen Jiangsu–Hong Kong cooperation in technology and innovation, and promote cross-regional integration of industry, academia and research, a delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), led by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, visited Nanjing from 7 to 9 September. During the visit, they met with provincial and municipal leaders, including Mr LIU Xiaotao, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Governor of Jiangsu Province; Mr LI Zhongjun, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Nanjing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Nanjing; and Mr ZHAO Jianjun, Secretary-General of the Jiangsu Provincial Government. The delegation also visited the Yangtze River Delta National Technology Innovation Center (NICE) and attended the unveiling ceremony of the PolyU InnoHUB@Nanjing. The visit leveraged Hong Kong’s unique advantage of “being backed by the Motherland and connected with the world”, as well as PolyU’s strengths in applied research. Building on two flagship platforms, the PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute (NJRI) and the PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute (WXRI), the visit focused on breakthroughs in technologies, the commercialisation of high-value research outcomes, and on fostering an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The visit further promoted the deep integration of the innovation, industry, capital and talent chains connecting Jiangsu and Hong Kong, injecting new impetus into high-quality regional development. The PolyU delegation also included Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer); Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer); Prof. ZHANG Dan, Director of the PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Prof. George HUANG, Director of the PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute; and directors and representatives of various PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes. During the meetings, the two sides reviewed the history of cooperation between PolyU and Jiangsu Province, and exchanged views on topics including the development of new-type research and development institutions, breakthroughs in key core technologies, joint cultivation of high-level talent and the commercialisation of research outcomes. Dr Lam Tai-fai introduced PolyU’s overall strategy for industry-academia-research cooperation in the Chinese Mainland in recent years, as well as the progress made towards establishing Mainland Translational Research Institutes in Jinjiang, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Nanjing, Huizhou, Zhongshan, Wuhan, Shaoxing, Hefei, Ganzhou and Zibo. He also expressed gratitude for Jiangsu Province’s long-standing support for PolyU’s development in the province. He stated that PolyU attached great importance to its strategic synergy with Jiangsu. The NJRI and WXRI are key to the University’s deployment in the Yangtze River Delta. PolyU will continue to bring its quality research capabilities to the region, connect innovation resources at home and abroad, deepen university-local government and university-enterprise cooperation, and promote the deep integration of technology, talent and industry between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, thereby serving the region’s innovation-driven development. Both sides expressed their commitment to aligning with major national strategic needs, focusing on key regional innovation tasks and promoting the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation. They will jointly advance key core technology breakthroughs and the commercialisation of research outcomes, strengthen the technology and innovation research institute platforms established by PolyU in Nanjing and Wuxi, support enterprises in co-building joint laboratories, accelerate the incubation and implementation of high-quality innovation and technology projects, and jointly establish a benchmark for university-local government collaboration between Jiangsu and Hong Kong. The PolyU delegation also paid an in-depth study visit to NICE, where they were warmly received by Prof. LIU Qing, Director of NICE and President of the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute, and Prof. Yuandong GU, Member of the NICE Management Committee and Vice President of the Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Technology Innovation Institute. The delegation toured the Innovation Center’s exhibition hall, gaining an in-depth understanding of its achievements in tackling key core technologies, industry–academia–research collaboration, commercialising research outcomes and developing joint innovation centres. The delegation held a discussion with Prof. Liu Qing and his management team. The two sides exchanged views on the industrial technology needs of the Yangtze River Delta, the alignment of PolyU disciplinary strengths with those needs, joint efforts to undertake cross-regional projects, two-way talent exchange, proof-of-concept development and industry incubation. They look forward to establishing a regular communication and collaboration mechanism to jointly support the development of the Yangtze River Delta sci-tech innovation community. The PolyU delegation also visited Gulou Innovation Plaza, where they inspected NJRI, toured the Institute’s technology exhibition hall and attended the unveiling ceremony of the PolyU InnoHUB @Nanjing. Municipal and district leaders who also attended the event included Mr LU Ruifeng, Director of the Nanjing Municipal Science and Technology Bureau; Mr WANG Anwei, Secretary of the CPC Gulou District Committee; Mr DONG Han, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Gulou District Committee and District Mayor of Gulou District; Mr XU Cheng, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Gulou District Committee and Deputy District Mayor of Gulou District; and Ms WANG Yuan, Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Gulou High-tech Zone. In his address, Prof. Zijian Zheng said the establishment of the PolyU InnoHUB@Nanjing marked an important step in the Institute’s efforts to advance commercialisation of research outcomes and industry incubation. PolyU InnoHUB@Nanjing will provide comprehensive support for PolyU students, staff and alumni pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship in Nanjing. Mr Dong Han congratulated the PolyU InnoHUB@Nanjing on its official launch and stated that Gulou District would continue to provide quality services and policy support to the Institute and the entrepreneurial teams based there, working together to build a demonstration benchmark for Nanjing–Hong Kong collaborative innovation. Subsequently, Prof. Zhang Dan and Mr Xu Cheng unveiled the PolyU InnoHUB@Nanjing. During the event, NJRI also held an electronic signing ceremony with several leading and innovative enterprises. The agreements cover PolyU areas of strength, including intelligent robotics, artificial intelligence of things, smart construction and vision health, demonstrating the strong momentum behind the commercialisation of the University’s research outcomes. The official launch of the PolyU InnoHUB@Nanjing marks a new stage in the innovation ecosystem of NJRI, further strengthening its key functions in technology research and development, commercialisation of research outcomes, talent cultivation, and collaboration and exchange. It also injects new impetus into deeper technology and innovation collaboration between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, promoting mutually beneficial development. Group photo of the PolyU delegation and representatives of the Yangtze River Delta National Innovation Center. ***END***

PolyU welcomes the HKSAR’s First Five-Year Plan and 2026 Policy Address; Advancing the integrated development of education, technology and talent

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the policy initiatives announced by the Chief Executive in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address. PolyU is pleased to see the Government accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, with the aim of establishing a globally competitive university hub. The comprehensive and detailed development blueprint for the three university towns in San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling clearly sets out their respective functions and development directions, laying the foundation for high‑quality university towns that are suitable for education, research, innovation and living. PolyU also welcomes the Government’s commitment to allocating additional resources to support the capacity expansion and enhancement of post-secondary education, while deepening collaboration among industry, academia and research. Adopting the strategic positioning that integrates the four pillars of “talent cultivation, scientific research, transformation of outcomes, industry development”, the Government is in a bid to achieve the integrated development of education, technology and talent, and further strengthen Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness in higher education and innovation and technology. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, said, “We welcome the Government’s release of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address, which provide a clear roadmap for Hong Kong to seize the significant opportunities arising from the National 15th Five-Year Plan and to advance the development of new quality productive forces. PolyU will fully support the implementation of the Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, proactively align with national development strategies, leverage its strengths in industry-academia-research collaboration, and contribute more actively to the country’s overall development and national needs. PolyU has recently established the Policy Research Institute for Education, Technology and Talents to support the implementation of the Government’s strategic priorities. The Institute will help drive the integrated development of education, technology and talent, while supporting Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for post-secondary education and an international hub for high-calibre talent. PolyU is also fully committed to supporting the Government’s efforts in promoting patriotic education, national education and national security education. We will continue to deepen young people’s understanding of the Nation’s history and culture, development achievements and national security, strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the country, and nurture a new generation of talent with both a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. The Northern Metropolis is set to become a major engine of Hong Kong’s future growth and a key platform for synergising education, technology and industry development. PolyU will actively support the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town and is considering applying for relevant land sites. This will enable us to further advance research commercialisation, nurture innovation and technology talent, and promote industry development, contributing to Hong Kong’s aspiration to become an international innovation and technology centre. Together with stakeholders across sectors, we will seize the opportunities presented by the development of Greater Bay Area and better serve national development.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU is encouraged by the Government’s strong support for innovation and technology development, the promotion of industry-academia-research collaboration, and the expansion of education, research and talent exchanges. The Loop Hong Kong Park, identified as a priority development area within the Northern Metropolis, will bring together leading universities and research institutions from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and around the world, providing a vital platform for research collaboration, knowledge transfer and talent pooling. We welcome the continued enhancement of research and teaching facilities in the Park and look forward to actively participating in its development, working together to advance innovation and technology and strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration. We are also pleased to see the Government support the construction of new integrated teaching and scientific research buildings, which will provide additional resources for nurturing research talent and supporting frontier research. PolyU has long been committed to promoting knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship among PolyU community and industry-academia-research collaboration, while actively aligning with the Northern Metropolis development direction. We have submitted a proposal to establish an institute in the area of life and health technologies in the Loop Hong Kong Park. Focusing on the convergence of artificial intelligence, life sciences and health technologies, the institute will serve as an integrated platform for research and knowledge transfer, accelerating the translation of research outcomes and injecting momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre. At the same time, PolyU is planning to establish a School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to further strengthen the talent pipeline for innovation and technology. The School will nurture more innovators and entrepreneurs with a global perspective for Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the Nation.” Deepening the Integration of Technological and Industrial Innovation PolyU welcomes the Policy Address’s emphasis on deepening the integration of technological and industrial innovation, accelerating research commercialisation and strengthening collaborative innovation among industry, academia and research sectors. As a key contributor to innovation and technology development in both Hong Kong and the Nation, PolyU has built an extensive knowledge transfer network spanning Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas. This includes Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) across 12 cities in Chinese Mainland, the PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Centre, and two Shenzhen-based research institutes. The University has also launched the PolyU Innovation Investment Roadshow Series (PIIRS), which connects technology, capital and industry. In the 2024/25 academic year, PolyU’s total knowledge transfer income reached HK$2.98 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 43% and ranking second among Hong Kong’s higher education institutions. Through its PolyVentures ecosystem, the University has incubated more than 900 start-ups. Many of these ventures, founded or led by PolyU scholars, alumni and students, are actively developing technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, new energy, high-end manufacturing and space technology, with strong potential to become unicorns. In addition, 10 PolyU research projects have received funding under the HKSAR Government’s Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme, demonstrating the University’s strength in translating research excellence into industry impact. Aligning with Key National Strategies in Technology and Planning for Frontier Technological Research Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan highlights the importance of aligning with key national strategies in technology, focusing on core technologies in life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing and new materials, while promoting the “industries for AI” and “AI for industries”. To support these priorities, PolyU has established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), bringing together interdisciplinary expertise to advance research in frontier technologies. Leveraging the strengths of a world-class university, PolyU is helping drive the integration of technological innovation with industry development. The University is also encouraged by the Government’s plans to accelerate the development of emerging industries such as aerospace technology and the low-altitude economy. PolyU is the only university in Hong Kong to have participated in multiple national space missions. In July this year, the University established the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy (PARA), focusing on aerospace, aviation and low-altitude economy research. In addition, PolyU is partnering with the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in the InnoHK Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology, contributing advanced manufacturing and materials technologies to support the development of space technologies. Supporting the Capacity Expansion and Enhancement of Post-Secondary Education and Nurturing Global Innovation Talent Talent is the cornerstone of innovation-driven development. PolyU welcomes measures in the Policy Address to strengthen Hong Kong’s talent pipeline, including a 30% increase in UGC-funded research postgraduate places, increase in annual quota of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, and promotion of the wide adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies across the higher education sector. PolyU has actively supported the HKSAR Government’s initiatives to establish the “Study in Hong Kong” and the “Study Tour in Hong Kong” brands. Upon the increase in admission quota of non-local students, the University has already admitted nearly 1,000 non-local undergraduate students for the 2026/27 academic year. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue expanding recruitment efforts in emerging markets, including Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa, to attract outstanding students from around the world. The University will also introduce programmes aligned with the latest developments in emerging technologies, nurturing globally competitive talent for Hong Kong, the Nation and the wider regions, and providing the skilled workforce needed to support innovation and industry development. ***END***

PolyU and EY renew MoU to advance ESG and sustainability talent development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ernst & Young Advisory Services Limited (EY) have today renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further deepen their collaboration in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability. By strengthening talent development, knowledge exchange and research collaboration, both parties will continue to jointly promote best practices in ESG and sustainability, fostering closer integration between academic research and industry application. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) and Mr Jack CHAN, EY China Chairman and Greater China Regional Managing Partner, the MoU was signed by Prof. Nancy SU, Head of PolyU School of Accounting and Finance and Mr Benny CHEUNG, EY Hong Kong and Macau Managing Partner. Since establishing their collaboration in 2021, PolyU and EY have built a solid foundation in advancing ESG initiatives, knowledge transfer and talent development. Under the renewed MoU, PolyU will promote the exchange of forward-looking academic insights and industry practices through thematic research exchanges and the sharing of research findings. Meanwhile, EY will provide professional guidance and regular engagement opportunities for PolyU School of Accounting and Finance students, helping them apply their academic knowledge in real-world business environments. Dr Laura Lo said, “PolyU remains steadfast in its mission to advance knowledge, foster innovation and serve the community. We are confident that, by implementing this renewed MoU, engaging EY as an industry knowledge partner and providing practical project support to students on our Master of Science in ESG and Sustainability programme, PolyU and EY will continue to lead ESG innovation, nurture the next generation of leaders and jointly contribute to a sustainable future for Hong Kong and the broader global community.” Mr Jack Chan said, “ESG is no longer a specialist topic sitting on the sidelines of business. It is increasingly connected with how companies set strategy, manage risk, allocate capital, strengthen governance and create long-term value. This makes collaboration between academia and industry more important than ever. Through this renewed MoU, EY and PolyU will continue to combine academic excellence with practical industry experience to help develop the next generation of multidisciplinary talent and support Hong Kong’s sustainable development.” Looking ahead, both parties will actively engage in industry forums, professional training programmes and academic seminars to examine key issues including ESG governance, sustainable finance and green technology, thereby advancing ESG development in Hong Kong. They will also explore a broader range of opportunities to nurture high-calibre ESG professionals for the industry, including student internships, talent recruitment and professional development initiatives. ***END***

Inauguration of Zhejiang University–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Joint Institute for Digital and Intelligent Innovation and launch of PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network

The Zhejiang University–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Joint Institute for Digital and Intelligent Innovation (the Institute), jointly established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Zhejiang University (ZJU), was officially inaugurated on 26 August. The Institute will further strengthen PolyU’s research presence in the Yangtze River Delta, open up channels for the flow of innovation between Zhejiang and Hong Kong, help align Hong Kong’s research strengths precisely with the rich industrial base of the Chinese Mainland, and promote multi-dimensional integration and collaborative development between Zhejiang and Hong Kong in education, technology and talent. Meanwhile, the PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network was also inaugurated in Hangzhou. The launch of the two initiatives — a research platform and an alumni organisation – marks a new milestone in PolyU’s deepening engagement in the Yangtze River Delta and its efforts to strengthen Zhejiang–Hong Kong collaboration in science and education. The inauguration ceremony, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang on 26 August, and was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Prof. REN Shaobo, Chairman of the Zhejiang University Council. Other PolyU representatives included Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. LU Haitian, Director of Mainland Development and Ms Dorothy TANG, Deputy Director of Finance of the Finance Office. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated that the establishment of the Institute marked a natural continuation and deepening of nearly 30 years of cooperation between the two universities, elevating their partnership to a new level. He expected the Institute to proactively align with national strategic development goals and pursue forward-looking, original and impactful research centred on digital and intelligent technologies and related frontiers. He also expected the Institute to leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world. The Institute would foster robust synergy among research communities in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and beyond, and contribute to the Nation’s high-level sci-tech self-reliance and high-quality development. Prof. Ren Shaobo said that, since 1997, the two universities had carried out fruitful cooperation in areas such as talent development, scholar and academic exchange, building deep mutual trust. He noted that digital and intelligent technologies are profoundly reshaping the global economic and social landscape, and that ZJU and PolyU each have their own strengths and are highly complementary in the field of digital and intelligent innovation. He looked forward to the Institute pooling the quality research capabilities of both universities to focus on frontier directions such as artificial intelligence, data science and intelligent computing, to drive internationally impactful original research outcomes, to nurture digital and intelligent innovation talent with a global vision, and to drive the translation and application of a range of technological achievements, thereby injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the digital economy in Zhejiang and across the country. The Institute will establish six interdisciplinary research centres in its first phase, focusing on: the digital and intelligent development of culture and tourism; digital and intelligent services; intelligent unmanned systems technology and governance; key technologies for the design, operation and maintenance of new marine energy; embodied intelligent robotics and the low-altitude economy; and “Digital and Intelligent Innovation + X” strategic industrial crossovers. The Institute hosts a Centre for Digital and Intelligent Education Research and Development, the “Zhejiang–Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Human–Machine Collaboration and Organisational Transformation” (a provincial-level international science and technology cooperation platform), and a team of high-calibre full-time researchers. It is committed to building an internationalised, interdisciplinary research platform and high-end think tank, a multi-tiered platform for industry–research–education integration and achievement translation, and a high-level platform for international exchange, cooperation and influence, thereby making positive contributions to building China’s autonomous knowledge system in the field of digital and intelligent innovation and to serving national strategies and major regional needs. The inauguration ceremony and celebration dinner of the PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network were held in Hangzhou on the same evening. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng extended warm congratulations on the establishment of the Network and expressed his hope that it would fully play its role as a bridge between Hong Kong and Zhejiang. Mr ZHOU Guohui, President of Zhejiang Provincial Federation for Science Popularization and a PolyU alumnus representative, said in his address that he hoped the Network would rally the strength of alumni and help build connections between their alma mater and the development of Zhejiang. In his inaugural address, Mr CAO Bin, the inaugural President of the PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network, said that the Network would focus on serving alumni, integrating Zhejiang and Hong Kong resources, and empowering university–enterprise collaborative development. A memorandum of understanding signing ceremony for the joint establishment of a Special Electromechanical Equipment Safety Technology Laboratory was also held, to empower university–locality collaborative innovation. Prof. Yi-Qing NI, Yim, Mak, Kwok & Chung Professor in Smart Structures, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) and Director of the PolyU Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute, signed the agreement with China Jiliang University and Sicher Elevator Co., Ltd on behalf of PolyU. Prof. Yi-Qing Ni, Director of the Hong Kong Branch of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre and Director of the PolyU Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute (centre); Prof. Dao-xin Dai, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President (in charge of daily administration work) of China Jiliang University (right); and Dr Dong-liu Li, Chairman of Sicher Elevator Co., Ltd and PolyU alumnus (left), signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of the three parties, to co-establish the Special Electromechanical Equipment Safety Technology Laboratory. ***END***

PolyU and Citybus sign MoU to promote simulated driving training, enhancing training effectiveness and road safety for Bus Captains

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Citybus Limited (Citybus) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Citybus will utilise the “Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System” developed by PolyU, and funded by the Smart Traffic Fund, as a supplementary tool for Bus Captain training. The system uses Extended Reality (XR) technology with a container truck driving simulation platform to provide simulated driving training for Bus Captains, thereby enhancing training effectiveness and safety awareness. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Prof. Xiaowen FU, Head of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) and Chair Professor of Logistics Engineering, and Ms Rebecca CHAN, Administrative Director of Citybus, the MoU was officially signed by Dr Yuk Ming TANG, Senior Lecturer of the ISE, and Mr Roger WONG, General Manager (People and Culture) of Citybus, on behalf of respective organisations. The “Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System” was developed as an outcome of an ISE research project. The System integrates XR technology, AI-driven analysis and a “six-degree-of-freedom” motion simulation platform. In the initial phase of the partnership, the existing container truck driving simulation platform serves as the foundation to pilot a trial to support training for Citybus Bus Captains. The system can simulate various road scenarios such as pedestrians suddenly crossing the road and adverse weather conditions, while recording and analysing the Bus Captains’ driving performance and response to emergency situations. The University will evaluate and refine the simulation based on actual training needs to better reflect daily bus driving conditions; should the trial yield positive results, both parties will explore further optimising the system or transforming it into a platform more closely tailored to the operational characteristics of buses. Prof. Xiaowen Fu remarked, “PolyU is committed to translating research outcomes into practical applications. Supported by the Smart Traffic Fund (Project Ref.: PSRI/37/2204/RA), the initiative aims to overcome the scenario and technical limitations of traditional driver training; by leveraging simulation technology, it provides trainees with personalised, targeted training to enhance their driving skills and crisis response capabilities. The system analyses trainee performance to offer tailored recommendations. At the same time, trainees can repeatedly practise high-risk, low-frequency traffic scenarios in a zero-risk simulated environment, thereby reinforcing emergency responses, building muscle memory and significantly improving their ability to react appropriately on real roads. This collaboration with Citybus enables further application and evaluation of the research findings in real-world training scenarios, with the aim of further optimising and transforming the simulation system. We look forward to partnering with Citybus in translating PolyU research outcomes into practical industrial applications and in supporting the upgrading of talent training in the bus industry.” Ms Rebecca Chan said, “Citybus serves over a million customers daily and prioritises road safety at all times. Keeping pace with the times, we proactively leverage innovative technologies to enhance our professional people development and training, enabling us to adapt to the ever-changing traffic environment. We are delighted to partner with PolyU on this pilot scheme, which utilises the driving simulation system as training aids. Our Bus Captains can practice various driving scenarios in a simulated environment, complementing on-road training, allowing them to enhance their response capabilities in a safe environment. Citybus will continue to harness technology to elevate safety standards. By integrating smart elements into all areas, from talent training and learning development to fleet operations and management, we remain fully committed to providing safer and more reliable bus services for the community.” The pilot scheme for smart driving training officially commenced this July. In the first phase, Citybus has arranged for selected serving Bus Captains to participate in simulated driving training. Subsequently, the teams from PolyU and Citybus will jointly review the training data and evaluate the System’s effectiveness. Both parties hope that practical operational experience will serve as a reference for future bus training models and help continuously enhance public transport safety in Hong Kong. ***END***

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Mourns the Passing of Mr Tung Chee Hwa

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is deeply saddened to learn the passing of Mr Tung Chee Hwa, former Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). We offer our deepest condolences to his family. Mr Tung dedicated his entire life to the Nation and Hong Kong, earning widespread respect for his vision and noble character. As the first Chief Executive of the HKSAR, he steadfastly upheld the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, steered Hong Kong through a pivotal era of historical transition, and made enormous contributions to Hong Kong’s smooth return to the Motherland, the preservation of its prosperity and stability, and the advancement of its long-term development. Mr Tung consistently championed education, talent cultivation and technological innovation as cornerstones of progress, and worked tirelessly to advance higher education in Hong Kong. He served as Chancellor of PolyU and a Council member of Hong Kong Polytechnic, and took a deep personal interest in the University’s growth. The Tung family shares a long and profound bond with PolyU. The Tung Foundation has been a committed supporter of the University since the 1980s, and played an instrumental role in establishing the CY Tung International Centre for Maritime Studies — laying a solid foundation for PolyU’s academic development and talent nurturing across shipping, logistics and maritime studies. May Mr Tung rest in peace. His love for the Nation and Hong Kong, his spirit of public service, and his dedication to education will endure in our hearts forever.

Inaugural “PolyU Alumni Week” brings together over 1,200 alumni for vibrant summer reunion

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its inaugural “PolyU Alumni Week” from 22 to 31 August. Featuring a wide range of activities, including thematic talks, cultural experiences, social gatherings and a virtual campus treasure hunt, the event brought together over 1,200 alumni from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas, participating both online and in-person. PolyU also officially launched the PolyU Alumni WhatsApp channel to provide a more convenient and efficient alumni communication platform, further strengthening real-time engagement with its global alumni community. The highlight of the inaugural Alumni Week, the PolyU Alumni Appreciation Reception, was attended by PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, together with members of the University’s senior management team, deans of faculties and schools, and alumni leaders. Expressing his gratitude to members of the PolyU community who have long supported alumni affairs, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU has recently achieved remarkable results across various endeavours, including rising to 50th globally in the QS World University Rankings. These accomplishments demonstrate PolyU’s excellence in education and research, reflecting the concerted efforts of our staff, students, alumni, faculties, schools, departments and administrative offices. The enthusiastic participation and continued contributions of our alumni are not only a driving force behind the growth of the alumni community, but also a strong pillar of support for the University’s development. As PolyU approaches the significant milestone of its 90th anniversary, we warmly invite all alumni to take part in the upcoming celebrations. We look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with everyone to take PolyU to even greater heights.” During Alumni Week, PolyU hosted two thematic talks, welcoming attendees both online and in person. The “Living x Innovation: Alumni Entrepreneurs Talk” featured four distinguished alumni entrepreneurs who shared their entrepreneurial journeys and industry insights: Dr Abraham LAM, Director of MEGA Automation Limited; Mr ZHANG Quan, Founder and CEO of Twelve Flavors; Dr Jason CHEUNG, Principal Research Fellow of the PolyU Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology; and Prof. Joanne YIP, Associate Dean and Professor of the PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles. Meanwhile, the “Lunchtime Talk: Positive Parenting Through Effective Communication and Guidance” featured Mrs Bally WONG, Founder and Chairman of ABC Pathways Group, who shared practical parent-child communication strategies, helping demonstrate the University’s ongoing support for alumni across various stages of life. The Alumni Affairs Office also organised a diverse programme of social events, including “Past Meets Plate: Walled City and Chiu Chow Culture Journey”, “Between the Lines and the Vines – Hidden Gems of China’s Wineries”, and “Alumni Connect – Central”. These activities gave alumni opportunities to visit historical attractions, enjoy traditional delicacies and expand their networks over lunch. Meanwhile, the “ASPIRE” Young Alumni Mentorship Programme hosted its “ASPIRE Reunion” to celebrate the successful completion of its inaugural cohort with mentors and mentees. Movie screenings were also organised during Alumni Week, allowing alumni to enjoy films together and connect through a shared cultural experience. To overcome geographical boundaries and time zones, the “Around PolyU: Virtual Treasure Hunt”, which spanned the entire Alumni Week, adopted a digital campus orienteering format. This enabled alumni around the globe to “revisit” their alma mater virtually and participate in a campus puzzle hunt game, showcasing the cohesion and innovative vitality of the PolyU alumni community. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to strengthen its ties with alumni through diverse channels, rallying their support to foster the University’s long-term development. “Past Meets Plate: Walled City and Chiu Chow Culture Journey” took PolyU alumni on a unique urban exploration tour of Kowloon City. Through “Alumni Connect – Central”, PolyU alumni expanded their networks over lunch. ***END***

PolyU and Diagens Tech establish joint laboratory to advance AI-driven medical innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Hangzhou Diagens Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Diagens Tech) officially established the “PolyU-Diagens General Artificial Intelligence and Medical Applications Joint Laboratory” (Joint Laboratory) on 2 September. The Joint Laboratory will focus on developing and translating innovative general artificial intelligence (AI) applications tailored for medical settings. Key research areas include medical image analysis, medical foundation models and healthcare automation technologies. Through this collaboration, PolyU and Diagens Tech underscore a pivotal step in their collaborative efforts in AI and healthcare innovation. The plaque-unveiling ceremony was held at the PolyU campus. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. CHEN Changwen, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU; Prof. XIAO Bin, Associate Head (Partnership and Collaboration) of the Department of Computing of PolyU; Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation of PolyU; and Dr LI Yongqi, Project Lead of the Joint Laboratory, together with Dr SONG Ning, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Diagens Tech; Mr WEI Ran, Head of the Medical General Intelligence Lab of Diagens Tech; Mr WU Chengfa, Board Secretary and General Manager of the Strategic Investment Department of Diagens Tech; Mr ZHAO Yancheng, Assistant Manager of the President’s Office of the Diagens Tech Hong Kong Office; and Ms ZHU Yiqiong, Director of Marketing and Branding of the Diagens Tech officiated at the unveiling ceremony of the Joint Laboratory. Building on the strengths of both parties, PolyU and Diagens Tech will work hand in hand to advance the development of smart healthcare technologies, striving to enhance the quality and efficiency of medical services in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and beyond. The Joint Laboratory brings together PolyU’s world-class research expertise in AI, data science, and healthcare technologies with Diagens Tech’s extensive experience in medical imaging, smart medical devices, and digital healthcare equipment. By integrating academic excellence with industry capabilities, the partnership will create a collaborative platform that bridges fundamental research with clinical and real-world applications, while promoting talent development, interdisciplinary collaboration and technology transfer. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The Nation is accelerating the development of the ‘Healthy China’ initiative. The establishment of the Joint Laboratory reflects the shared commitment of PolyU and Diagens Tech to supporting national strategic imperatives, leveraging technological advancements, and fulfilling their social responsibilities in academia and industry. Through our collective efforts, the Joint Laboratory will propel progress in the development of medical AI and elevate healthcare quality, accessibility and efficiency in Hong Kong, across the Nation and around the world.” Dr Song Ning remarked, “AI for Science is fundamentally transforming the global healthcare landscape. As humanity seeks deeper insights into life and health and strives to overcome complex diseases, AI presents challenges and opportunities on a scale comparable to the historic moon landing mission. Diagens Tech is committed to advancing healthcare AI from innovation to industrial-scale deployment. Through this partnership, both sides will empower one another to meet the rapidly growing demand for next-generation healthcare solutions. By closely integrating PolyU’s pioneering research capabilities with Diagens Tech’s expertise in industrial commercialisation, the collaboration aims to establish a new productivity paradigm for healthcare AI and usher in the next era of AI for Science in medicine.” Through pioneering research and innovation, PolyU and Diagens Tech aspire to position the Joint Laboratory as a leading platform for AI-driven medical innovation and intelligent healthcare applications, contributing to the “Healthy China” initiative and advancing the modernisation of healthcare services. ***END***