Media Releases

PolyU collaborates with Aier Eye Hospital Group to nurture Hong Kong’s young optometrists by providing clinical training in mainland China and overseas cities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has joined hands with Aier Eye Hospital Group (Aier) to provide six to eight weeks of clinical training in Aier’s eye hospitals and clinics in mainland China and overseas cities for a maximum of 30 selected students with outstanding academic performance from PolyU’s School of Optometry in five years. The two parties will also explore opportunities to conduct collaborative research on major eye health challenges. The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of the School’s world-leading research capability (with its research impact ranking first in Asia according to Clinical and Experimental Optometry), and Aier’s vast network of over 900 hospitals and clinics in Asia, the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, making it a leading global ophthalmology hospital group. The signing ceremony was held today on PolyU’s campus. Witnessed by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, Prof. David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU, and Ms Elaine ZHANG, Global Strategy and Business Development Director of Aier Eye Hospital Group signed the memorandum of understanding. Prof. Chea-su KEE, Professor and Interim Head of School of Optometry of PolyU and Ms Zhang also signed the agreement on the clinical placement arrangement. Prof. Wong said, “Aier Eye Hospital Group is a well-established medical institution in terms of its massive teams of professional ophthalmologists and optometrists, as well as having over 900 well-equipped eye hospitals and clinics across Hong Kong, mainland China, the USA, Europe and Southeast Asia. PolyU is delighted to further strengthen its strategic collaboration with Aier in advancing the research and clinical talent development of optometry, particularly in terms of providing more comprehensive training for optometry students to accelerate the field’s development in the country and the world.” Ms Zhang remarked, “With Aier’s global eye hospital and clinic network, we are gratified to provide PolyU students with clinical training, including diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. They will gain the opportunity to have first-hand experience of global eye care and medical development, which will help them build a macro and deep professional foundation for their future career.” The School has been proactively collaborating with local ophthalmologists and counterparts around the world to provide students with hands-on experience, preparing them for their future careers in optometry. With the clinical training offered by Aier, the students will further benefit. Prof. Kee added, “The support from Aier will enhance the School’s optometric education and help take the local optometric profession to the next level.” Clinical training cooperation between PolyU and Aier has been in place since 2017. Aier has also set up scholarships for optometry students from PolyU and offered them placement opportunities in its Hong Kong branches.   *****END*****

PolyU and HKXF ink MoU to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship; Drive young entrepreneurs’ participation in GBA’s I&T development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Hong Kong X Foundation (HKXF) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership aims to foster the development of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, cultivate student- and researcher-led innovation and entrepreneurship, facilitate Hong Kong’s integration into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and support the implementation of the National 14th Five-Year Plan that seeks to actively transform Hong Kong into an international I&T hub. The PolyU and HKXF partnership combines the advantages and resources of both institutions. Through the Hong Kong InnoX Academy, a non-profit educational institution wholly owned by HKXF, PolyU and HKXF will collaborate in I&T education, incubation and investment funding. The partnership will also provide young I&T entrepreneurs with all-round support and assistance through regular activities such as entrepreneur workshops, company visits, seminars and mentorship schemes. PolyU is one of the first Hong Kong universities to create a seed funding programme. In 2011, the University introduced the PolyU Micro Fund Programme to instil an innovative and entrepreneurial atmosphere within the PolyU community. The University strives to inspire new ideas among students and translate academic research into practical applications through knowledge transfer and technology commercialisation for the benefit of society. HKXF, spearheaded by Sequoia China, shares the same vision with PolyU in terms of driving an innovative and entrepreneurial ethos. The Foundation is devoted to reinforcing Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem in the digital era by supporting young I&T talents and entrepreneurs; promoting I&T development in the GBA; encouraging young people to seek innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities in the Nation, overseas and in Hong Kong; and assisting young I&T entrepreneurs in their I&T journey by offering appropriate platforms. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Zexiang LI, Co-founder of Hong Kong X-Tech Startup Platform, Professor of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Dean of Hong Kong InnoX Academy; and Prof. Guanhua CHEN, Co-founder of Hong Kong X-Tech Startup Platform, Director of the Centre of Hong Kong Quantum AI Lab and Professor of the Department of Chemistry of The University of Hong Kong, the MoU was signed by Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU and Ms Jessica CHEN, Vice-president of Sequoia China, Executive Director of HKXF and Project Lead of Hong Kong InnoX Academy at the signing ceremony. Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, said: “With support from the Nation and the strong promotion of the HKSAR government, Hong Kong’s I&T industry has entered a new stage of development. PolyU has been dedicated to nurturing I&T talents, and this adheres to the same philosophy and vision of HKXF. The two parties have been closely collaborating in multiple areas, such as the FYP+ (Final Year Project+) to support students in turning their graduation projects into entrepreneurial projects, the InnoX Camp to groom scientific and technological talents, and joint investments in PolyU start-ups. Through the signing of the MoU, both parties will combine their expertise in promoting I&T to nurture more talents, optimise the I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong and the GBA, and create better opportunities for the younger generation.” Ms Jessica Chen, Project Lead of Hong Kong InnoX Academy, added: “The HKXF has been serving the creative community in Hong Kong and the GBA on a non-profit basis and has directly supported over 240 innovative projects in the past six years. In this process, PolyU, as a pioneer institution in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, has been an essential partner of ours. The signing of the MoU with PolyU has built a solid foundation for our cooperation and helped us to explore more ways to collaborate. In the future, through the joint efforts of both parties, we can provide more career options for university students and young people, which will hopefully help Hong Kong to become a global innovation and technology hub.” PolyU and HKXF will continue to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students and researchers and support them in realising their full potential and entrepreneurial dreams. PolyU and HKXF will foster the translation of academic research into real-life applications to benefit society through I&T. The two parties also hope to contribute to Hong Kong’s transformation into an international I&T hub and support the city’s integration into the GBA and the Nation’s development, helping to open a new chapter for Hong Kong’s I&T development.   *****END*****   About PolyU While boasting a proud history of 85 years, PolyU is a vibrant and aspiring university with a forward-looking vision and mission, ranked among the world’s top 100 institutions. Upholding the motto “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”, PolyU is committed to building a talent pipeline and research strength for advancing the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The University also strives to provide excellent holistic education to nurture future-ready global citizens and socially responsible leaders, conducts high-impact interdisciplinary research, and proactively transfers knowledge to create value and build impact. The University embraces internationalisation and engages the Nation in education and research through strategic partnerships and collaborations. PolyU website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/   About Hong Kong X Foundation Established by Sequoia China, the Hong Kong X Foundation is devoted to promoting an entrepreneurial culture in HK, supporting HK's young entrepreneurs and building the new eco-system for Hong Kong's innovation and technology start-ups.   About Hong Kong InnoX Academy In 2022, the Hong Kong X Foundation initiated the establishment of the first innovative non-profit educational institution jointly established by the government, industry, and academia - Hong Kong InnoX Academy. Hong Kong InnoX Academy aims to provide systematic innovation and entrepreneurship education for young people in Hong Kong. With the vision of “Empowering Young Talent to Become Innovators", it combines the comprehensive resources of the Greater Bay Area to nurture innovative leaders and entrepreneurial talents who can put their learning into practice. Hong Kong X Foundation/ Hong Kong InnoX Academy website: http://www.hkxfoundation.org/ --

PolyU research discovers the impact of fruit and vegetable intake on the nutritional value of breast milk

The breastfeeding rate in Hong Kong has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years. As the source of a variety of nutrients, breast milk plays a vital role in the healthy growth and development of infants. The Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has conducted a study to analyse the three-day dietary records and breast milk samples of Hong Kong lactating women. The research has revealed that the fruit and vegetable intake of lactating women was below the recommended level, and there was a significant correlation between dietary intake and the nutrient levels of breast milk, especially the carotenoid and polyphenol contents. As explained by the research team, the first 1,000 days from pregnancy to a two-year-old infant is the basis for establishing long-term health. Breast milk contains a variety of nutrients and plays an important role in their healthy growth. Prof. WONG Man-sau, Steering Committee Member of RiFood and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU said, “Apart from commonly known nutrients, such as protein and fatty acids, breast milk also contains phytonutrients such as carotenoids and polyphenols. These phytonutrients are important in the physical development of infants and can reduce the level of inflammation. Lacking one or more nutrients may weaken the immune system of infants, and may also increase their risk of getting chronic diseases in the future.” The PolyU research team collected breast milk samples and a three-day dietary record of about 90 lactating women and analysed the levels of carotenoid and polyphenol content. The study found that only 4% of lactating women had dietary habits that met the recommendation from the Department of Health to consume at least two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables per day, or the recommended intake of vitamin A according to the “Chinese Dietary Reference Intake” which was established by the Chinese Nutrition Society. The level of carotenoids in breast milk was higher in lactating women who had a higher intake of fruits and vegetables. Dr Christine LI, Teaching Fellow of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, said some carotenoids can be converted to vitamin A to promote the development of infants’ brain, vision and immunity, and can also protect the retina from damage by strong light. The research also found a significant correlation between the dietary habits in fruit and vegetable consumption of lactating women and the polyphenol content in their breast milk. Dr Daisy ZHAO, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, said polyphenol is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, which can prevent cardiometabolic diseases and reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Based on the research findings, Dr Kenneth LO, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, suggested lactating women should enhance the levels of carotenoids and polyphenols in breast milk through increasing their fruit and vegetable intake. Common dark green vegetables, including Chinese flowering cabbage, spinach, Chinese kale, Indian lettuce, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, papayas, mangoes etc., are rich in phytonutrients. A new research project “Feeding mom feeding infants” has been launched by the research team, recruiting about 100 pairs of lactating women and infants for a one-year study, to further investigate the relationship between the dietary habits of lactating women and the nutrients of breast milk, gut microbiota composition of infants and their growth.   *****END*****

PolyU’s Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor of Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. Wang Zuankai receives the Croucher Senior Research Fellowship 2023

Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has received the Croucher Senior Research Fellowship 2023 in recognition of his outstanding achievements in nature-inspired engineering and his breakthrough research on inhibiting the Leidenfrost effect. Each award carries a value of HK$2 million over one year towards the award winner's research expenses. Nature-inspired innovation is an interdisciplinary science that integrates biology, physics, chemistry, materials, engineering and other disciplines. It draws inspiration from living creatures and learning from nature to find innovative solutions. Prof. Wang’s research centres on nature-inspired engineering with a particular focus on exploring and observing the surface properties of natural creatures to develop novel nature-inspired materials for a wide range of applications such as water and energy harvesting, thermal cooling, fluid transport, and flexible electronics. For example, by observing the lotus leaves that enable water to drain away, Prof. Wang and his team have developed a new material that can quickly repel water, which helps prevent the accumulation of ice on metal surfaces such as aircraft wings and engines, thus reducing the occurrence of accidents. One of the most impactful scientific breakthroughs of Prof. Wang’s research is to identify an innovative solution to addressing the liquid cooling of high-temperature surfaces by suppressing the classical physical phenomenon- the Leidenfrost effect, a challenge that scientists have been unable to overcome for centuries. Honored to receive the Fellowship from the Croucher Foundation, Prof. Wang said, “I am grateful for the Croucher Foundation for recognising my research efforts on nature-inspired engineering and studies into the Leidenfrost effect. I hope the recognition will motivate more scholars to seek inspiration from nature and draw innovation in related research”. Professor Wang received his B.S. degree from Jilin University in 2000, M.S. degree from the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 2003, and Ph.D. degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2008. After one-year postdoctoral training at Columbia University, he joined the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) as Assistant Professor in 2009 and was promoted to Chair Professor in 2021. He was also the Associate Dean of the College of Engineering from 2019 to 2022 and the founding Deputy Director of the Research Centre for Nature-Inspired Engineering from 2021 to 2022 at CityU. He is currently the Executive Editor-in-Chief of Droplet journal (Wiley), and Associate Editor and Advisory Board Member for ten journals. Professor Wang is a founding member of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the International Society of Bionic Engineering (ISBE), Croucher Senior Research Fellow (2023), RGC Senior Research Fellow (2022), Highly Cited Researcher (Cross-field) as recognized by Clarivate (2022), and Changjiang Chair Professor as conferred by the Ministry of Education of China (2016). His work has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records and two of his inventions have won the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva Gold Medal and Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury, respectively. He has received many other awards including the Green Tech Award (2021), Xplorer Prize (2020), Hall of Fame (Advanced Engineering Materials, 2019), 35th World Cultural Council Special Recognition Award (2018), President's Lectureship (2020, 2018), Outstanding Research Award (Senior, 2017), and President's Award at CityU (2017, 2016). Ph.D. students he supervised have won many prestigious awards including the Grand Prize and First Prize of the Hong Kong University Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (2022), Hong Kong Young Scientist Award (2015, 2019, 2022), Materials Research Society Graduate Student Gold Award (2016) and Silver Award (2015, 2021), and Hiwin Doctoral Dissertation Award (2016, 2019, 2021).   *****END*****

PolyU start-up launches innovative spectacle lens to slow down myopia progression; Deploys two PolyU patented technologies to protect children’s vision health

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today announced that Vision Science and Technology Co. Ltd. (VST), a PolyU supported start-up, has successfully developed the Nano Multi-rings Defocus Incorporated Lens for controlling the progression of myopia (or short-sightedness). VST collaborated with State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) (SKL-UPMT) and the School of Optometry of PolyU to create the new solution by integrating DISC technology and Ultra-precision Nano Multi-rings Machining Technology, offering children and adolescents a convenient, non-invasive and effective option to delay myopia progression. PolyU holds the patents for both DISC technology and Ultra-precision Nano Multi-rings Machining Technology. The launch of the Nano Multi-rings Defocus Incorporated Lens is a testament to the University’s long-term commitment to driving research and innovation, and its continuous effort in facilitating knowledge transfer and research commercialisation by supporting cutting-edge technology start-ups. PolyU’s School of Optometry invented the novel DISC technology, which is proven to retard the myopia progression of children by 60%. The method produces a clear image on the retina and a defocused or blurred image in front of the retina simultaneously, enabling children to have clear vision while controlling the development of myopia. Based on this technology, the DISC-SH soft contact lens was introduced in 2018. Developed by SKL-UPMT, the Ultra-precision Nano Multi-rings Machining Technology blends advanced optics design, ultra-precision machining and ultra-precision measurement technologies, and ultra-precision mould-making to apply DISC technology in spectacle lens production. By implementing ultra-precision process, the new spectacle lens provides added comfort for wearers, while offering more stable vision. The non-invasive design also makes it more suitable for children of different ages. Prof. TO Chi-ho, Visiting Chair Professor of the School of Optometry of PolyU and Co-founder of VST, said, “It is important to keep myopia progression under control, especially among children, as high myopia could lead to sight-threatening complications. VST is committed to developing and selling products that help improve people’s vision health through technology transfer and commercialisation for the benefit of society. We are pleased to partner with SKL-UPMT and the School of Optometry to launch the new Nano Multi-rings Defocus Incorporated Lens, resulting in a major breakthrough in DISC technology. This initiative helps address the spiralling myopia problem among children, especially in markets with a relatively high ratio of myopes such as Hong Kong, Singapore and mainland China.” Prof. Benny CHEUNG, Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Director of SKL-UPMT at PolyU, stated, “Ultra-precision machining technology is a multi-disciplinary advanced manufacturing technology, which is the backbone of crucial industries like optometry, semiconductors, advanced optics, aerospace, energy, biomedical and new materials development. At SKL-UPMT, we put our focus on the development and application of forefront technologies and have a proven track record in designing and implementing new methods, process, systems and facilities in ultra-precision machining and ultra-precision measurement. We are delighted to extend the locally developed Ultra-precision Nano Multi-rings Machining Technology to fine-tune and manufacture optometric products and will continue to create new technologies and solutions for diverse industries to benefit the society. By doing so, we will further Hong Kong and mainland China’s competence and strategic advantages in design and advanced manufacturing.” VST will soon roll out the Nano Multi-rings Defocus Incorporated Lens in Hong Kong and mainland China. The company will continue collaborating with PolyU to develop new myopia control products based on DISC technology to protect the vision health of children and adolescents. Founded by PolyU’s professor and alumni, VST has received financial support from the PolyU Micro Fund and the PolyU Tech Launchpad Fund. In 2018, VST secured a licence from PolyU for commercialising DISC technology, which VST manufactures and distributes DISC lenses at its authorised optometric clinics and fitting centres. PolyU strives to create societal impact through research innovation as well as knowledge and technology transfer. Leveraging its comprehensive entrepreneurship support platform, the University nurtures academic- and student-led start-ups by offering a wide array of training and funding support programmes, connecting these start-ups with various resources of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as providing education, incubation and acceleration programmes.   *****End*****

PolyU and Hanson Robotics inaugurate the Centre for Humanistic Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to foster translational research in the GBA

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Hanson Robotics Limited (Hanson) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Centre for Humanistic Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CHAiR) for translational research with the goal of advancing the well-being of humanity. The partnership integrates PolyU’s strength in interdisciplinary research and Hanson’s well-known humanoid robotics platform to explore technology applications. Sophia, Hanson’s most advanced human-like robot, will work with PolyU researchers to enhance the contribution of AI and robotic technology for social and commercial benefits. Research into and applications of AI and robotics are essential to the advancement of industry. As an interdisciplinary research and development centre, CHAiR brings cross-faculty collaborations in research fields such as AI, the internet of things (IoT), neuroscience, design, computer science, mechanical engineering, material science, healthcare and the humanities. In collaboration with Hanson, CHAiR supports innovation and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. PolyU Prof. Jiannong CAO, Dean of Graduate School, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, is the principal investigator and administrative director of CHAiR. Prof. Cao and Dr David HANSON, CEO and Founder of Hanson Robotics, are the co-chair of the Centre’s steering committee. Witnessed by Prof. Jin Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Mr Doug GLEN, Executive Director of Hanson Robotics, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Dr Hanson. During the signing ceremony on 5 December 2022, Sophia made conversation with the guests. She said, “I look forward to learning many new skills and abilities. With your help, maybe I can learn how to be a nurse, a teacher, a concierge, a librarian. You can teach me how to be a better companion, a more skilful artist, a funnier entertainer.” Dr Hanson said, “CHAiR is perfectly positioned to refine and improve the performance of Sophia-class robots in ways that promote the growth of a new service robot industry. Once the industry starts to expand, so too will investment in improved hardware, software and manufacturing technologies.” Prof. Teng said, “Academia-industry collaboration is one of the most productive mechanisms for creating and implementing innovations. There is tremendous untapped potential for humanistic social robots. Let us aspire that CHAiR will be a major catalyst for the onset of the age of humanistic robots.” Prof. Cao, who is also Director of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), said the Institute has been working on practical solutions to key challenges in advanced AIoT technologies and applications. He said, “It is a natural evolution for RIAIoT to partner with Hanson Robotics to tackle even more ambitious opportunities in humanistic AI and social robotics. CHAiR will play a unique and important role to combine Hanson’s know-how with world-class academics here at PolyU.” Hanson Robotics is an AI and robotics company dedicated to creating socially intelligent machines that enrich the quality of our lives. Sophia is the world’s first robot citizen and the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme. *****END*****

PolyU and Hong Kong Space Museum collaborate on “Moon | Mars VR” interactive exhibit, simulating a spacewalking journey for visitors

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has collaborated with the Hong Kong Space Museum to showcase an interactive exhibit “Moon | Mars VR”, starting today for one year. The virtual reality exhibit, powered by PolyU’s cutting-edge technology that assists the Nation’s space missions, allows the public to experience spacewalking and explore the landing sites of Chang’e-4 and Tianwen-1 spacecrafts on the Moon and Mars. The launch ceremony was held today at the Museum. The VR exhibit makes use of data provided by the relevant space agencies of China and the PolyU research team led by Professor WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Director of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations and Associate Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, to create a virtual reality environment of the landing sites on the Moon and Mars, allowing visitors to virtually experience spacewalking on the two celestial bodies. Invited by the China National Space Administration, this VR system was also recently showcased at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held at Zhuhai and enthusiastically received by audience. The launch ceremony today was officiated by Prof. Wu Bo and the Curator of the Hong Kong Space Museum Mr Timothy HO Man Hung. Prof. Wu is the developer of the innovative 3D topographic mapping and intelligent geomorphological analysis techniques which contributed to landing site mapping and selection for China’s Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4, and Chang’e-5 lunar missions, as well as the Tianwen-1 mission to Mars. Tying in with the theme of the exhibit, Prof. Wu was also invited to deliver a public lecture titled “Space Exploration: A Journey to the Heavenly Questions”, discussing recent space missions by China and other countries exploring the Moon and Mars, and introducing the application of topographic mapping, remote sensing, artificial intelligence and other technologies in support of these space exploration missions. Prof. Wu also discussed the prospects for further space exploration and education with the audience. Prof. Wu said, “As the only Hong Kong institution contributing to the Nation’s astronautical projects, PolyU has been deeply involved in China’s lunar and Mars missions. We are pleased to collaborate with the Hong Kong Space Museum in showcasing this exhibit, inviting the public to experience some of the scientific research achievements of PolyU and the Nations’ space exploration accomplishments over the years. Looking forward, it is hoped that more events and exhibitions with a focus on space technology can be held to promote greater awareness and interest among the public and young people.” To further contribute to the development of China's aerospace technology, PolyU has established the “Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations”, and also signed a cooperation agreement with the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology in China to establish the “Joint Research Centre of Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology”. The University fully supports the selection of payload specialists in Hong Kong for China’s manned space programme, and previously held a seminar on campus to encourage outstanding young scholars to apply. PolyU will continue to realise our vision to benefit the Nation and Hong Kong by nurturing talents and pursuing cutting-edge scientific research. The “Moon | Mars VR” exhibit is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and PolyU, and jointly organised by the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Planetary Remote Sensing Laboratory of PolyU’s Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, and supported by the China National Space Administration’s Information Office. For more information, please visit the museum website at: https://hk.space.museum/en_US/web/spm/exhibitions/permanent-exhibition/moon-mars-vr.html . *****END*****

Ten PolyU projects funded by the NSFC/RGC for Collaborative and Joint Research Schemes

Ten research projects led by scholars at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Research Grants Council (NSFC/RGC) under the Joint Research Scheme (JRS) and the new Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) 2022/23 Exercise. Under the CRS, two PolyU research projects have been awarded a total amount of HK$7.164 million. While under the JRS, eight research projects led by PolyU scholars have received total funding of HK$9.396 million. Both CRS and JRS support research projects for a period of four years. The research projects cover topics in information technology, management science, marine and environmental science, new material science, applied mathematics and biomedical engineering. PolyU scholars are committed to exploring innovative discoveries for a more sustainable future. Some of the projects address imminent social and human needs with, for example, research on a hospital bed sharing mechanism and optimisation, investigation of rainstorm and storm surge occurrence pattern together with flood risk assessment in the Greater Bay Area cities, and time-sequence regenerative repair of atherosclerotic blood vessels with Janus cardiovascular stents. Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation at PolyU, said, “PolyU is dedicated to conducting impactful research through multi-disciplinary collaborations to foster sustainability for a better world. We are thankful for the support of the NSFC/RGC for the PolyU projects funded under the Collaborative Research Scheme and Joint Research Scheme, which reinforces research strengths across the Mainland and Hong Kong to lead innovative discoveries.” The NSFC/RGC supports research projects jointly proposed by Mainland and Hong Kong researchers for their scientific merit. The CRS, which was newly introduced in 2022/23, aims to support larger-scale collaborative research across disciplines and/or across universities in the Mainland and Hong Kong with a view to enhancing research output and impact. The grant for each Hong Kong applicant is limited to HK$3.6 million. The JRS promotes collaboration between researchers in the Mainland and Hong Kong for their complementary strengths. The amount of funding for Hong Kong applicants is limited to HK$1.25 million.   List of PolyU Projects funded under NSFC/RGC Collaborative Research Scheme 2022/23 Research Field Project Title Hong Kong Project Coordinator Mainland Principal Investigator/ Institution Information Technology   Monolithically Integrated Electronics with Two-Dimensional Semiconductors – from Controllable Growth to Device Integration Prof. CHAI Yang Department of Applied Physics Prof. ZHANG Wenjing Shenzhen University New Materials Science Long-cycle and High-energy-density Flexible Li Batteries Using Hollow Multishelled Structure and Hierarchical Composite Electrode Prof. ZHENG Zijian Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Prof. YANG Mei Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences   List of PolyU Projects funded under NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme 2022/23 Research Field Project Title Hong Kong Principal Investigator Mainland Principal Investigator/ Institution Information Technology Enhancing Digital Asset Security Basedon the Blockchain Technology Prof. XIAO Bin Department of Computing Prof. DENG Xiaotie Peking University Management Science Mechanism and Optimization for Hospital Bed Sharing Prof. YE Hengqing Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies Prof. WAN Guohua Shanghai Jiao Tong University Marine and Environmental Science Investigation of Rainstorm - Storm Surge Joint Occurrence Pattern and Induced Flooding Risk Assessment in Coastal Cities within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Dr DUAN Huanfeng Department of Civil and Environment Engineering Prof. ZHENG Feifei Zhejiang University An Integrated System of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Unmanned Surface Vehicles for Smart Maritime Support in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Dr LIU Wei Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Prof. MA Yong Wuhan University of Technology New Materials Science Tin-Based Metal Halide Perovskites for X-Ray Detectors Prof. YAN Feng Department of Applied Physics Prof. YANG Shihe Peking University Others Mathematical Modeling and Analysis on the Predator-mediated Competitions and their Biological Consequences Prof. WANG Zhian Department of Applied Mathematics Prof. LOU Yuan Shanghai Jiao Tong University Stochastic Multiobjective Optimization and Applications Prof. CHEN Xiaojun Department of Applied Mathematics Prof. YANG Xinmin Chongqing Normal University Time-sequence Regenerative Repair of Atherosclerotic Blood Vessels with Janus Cardiovascular Stents Dr ZHAO Xin Department of Biomedical Engineering Prof. YANG Zhilu Southern Medical University   *****END*****

PolyU hosts 85th Anniversary Dinner, strives to excel further in education, research and knowledge transfer

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) celebrated its 85th Anniversary today and hosted a dinner at Hotel ICON, its teaching and research hotel. Honourable guests including community leaders, government officials and industry partners joined PolyU staff, students and alumni at the event that marked the finale of the University’s year-long Anniversary celebrations. Honourable guests including community leaders, government officials and industry partners joined PolyU staff, students and alumni at the event that marked the finale of the University’s year-long Anniversary celebrations. Immersed in the 85th Anniversary Theme Song that embodies PolyU’s spirit, Mr CHEUK Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR; Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR; Ms WAN Ning, Deputy Director General of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, and senior members of the PolyU Council, University Court and central management officiated the evening event. Two inaugural publications from the newly launched PolyU Press, PolyImpact: PolyU Inventions and Innovations that Benefit the World and Builders of a Better World: Outstanding PolyU Alumni Awardees, were introduced at the dinner to showcase the University’s achievements in nurturing talents and conducting impactful research for the benefit of society. Addressing the event, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing said, “PolyU has contributed tremendously to society through nurturing talents since its inception. The University has also made impressive progress in academic and scientific research areas, yielding enormous impactful results. In the new era of the Nation’s development, as a first-class Hong Kong institution that excels in education and research, PolyU has proactively supported the goal of building Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub set out in the Nation’s 14th Five-year Plan. PolyU has also seized the opportunity brought about by the HKSAR Government’s Global STEM Professorship Scheme and redoubled its efforts to attract internationally renowned I&T scholars to teach and conduct their research in Hong Kong.” Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “This year marks the Nation, Hong Kong and PolyU entering a new chapter of development and embarking on a new journey with fresh impetus. For 85 years, PolyU has grown and thrived with Hong Kong’s society, and steadfastly supported the development of the Nation and Hong Kong in different times through nurturing talents, developing technologies, and responding to the needs of society, with a view to benefiting the community. Looking ahead, PolyU will scale new heights and make further contributions to Hong Kong and the Nation with our unique strengths.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “Backed by our strong foundation, we will keep striving to excel further in providing world-class education and conducting cutting-edge research. We will support Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to develop into an international innovation and technology hub by nurturing talents with diverse strengths who can play a leading role in the I&T ecosystem, intensify our efforts in conducting interdisciplinary research to meet societal needs, and promote knowledge transfer of R&D outcomes. PolyU will also continue to nurture more future talents who possess a strong sense of national identity and social responsibility as well as a global perspective.” Earlier in the day, PolyU held the University anniversary day flag-raising ceremony on campus attended by over 500 members of the PolyU community. Over the past year, PolyU has held a year-long 85th Anniversary celebratory programme under the theme “We Are PolyU, Together We Excel”. Activities under this programme included the Main Entrance unveiling ceremony, the InnoTech Open Day, the Art and Culture Series, the Grand Concert, the Sportathon, the Distinguished Lecture Series, the theme song and Power Up Exercise, and many more. The University has progressed from its earliest days as the Hong Kong Government Trade School, founded in 1937, to become the Hong Kong Technical College in 1947, then the Hong Kong Polytechnic in 1972, and eventually assumed full university status in 1994. It moved to its current campus at Hong Hom in 1957. Today, PolyU is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, with almost 460,000 graduates who have become a positive force for society’s development.   ***** END*****

“Furniture for Our Future” Project – for Families of Sub-divided Units Community distribution kicks off to enhance learning environment for children

Organised by the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (JCDISI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and funded by Hongkong Land HOME FUND (HOME FUND), the “Furniture for Our Future” Project – for Families of Sub-Divided Units (the Project) has tailored 2,000 sets of ergonomically designed furniture (the furniture set), consisting of a study desk, a chair, and auxiliary accessories, for improving the learning environment of children residing in sub-divided units (SDUs). The first batch of 180 furniture sets will be delivered to SDUs families in Kowloon City District in late November, benefiting a total of 184 children. In collaboration with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the remaining batches will be distributed in Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Siu Sai Wan, and Kwai Tsing districts in the first half of 2023. JCDISI is committed to realising social innovation through trans-disciplinary collaboration, multi-faceted community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. The Project successfully built bridges between academic knowledge and community needs by forming an interdisciplinary research team with JCDISI, the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the School of Optometry and the School of Design of PolyU to design a SDUs-friendly furniture set for children aged 4 to 16, who are at potential risk of scoliosis and myopia due to a poor sitting posture caused by limited space and lack of natural light in SDUs. The furniture set is designed to be durable, movable and adjustable in order to fit in with different spatial setups. The furniture set consists of the following: Foldable, height-adjustable, and tiltable learning desk: It can be pulled towards the bed to shorten the distance between children and the desk for writing and reading. Detachable ergonomic chair set: Upper part of the chair is detachable and can be placed on the bed for use. The supportive backrest and the cushion can provide support to the spine so that the children can maintain a proper sitting posture. Footrests with three different heights: The heights can help children of different heights maintain proper sitting posture. Reading partition: It separates children from complex visual environments and reduces the adverse effects on visual development to improve concentration in children. Rechargeable light with adjustable brightness and colour: The light provides appropriate lighting for studying to protect children’s vision. The research team believes the furniture set can improve the learning environment as well as the physical and mental well-being of children living in SDUs while increasing their self-efficacy and confidence, thereby promoting the upward mobility of youth in the long run. The Project has translated professional knowledge into practical applications to respond to the community’s needs, which embodies the University’s mission of knowledge creation, dissemination and transfer. The team added that the standardised design of the furniture set is conducive to production at scale so that co-creation can be adopted by the wider community and support a larger proportion of children in need. Mr LING Kar-kan, Director of JCDISI of PolyU, said, “To make social innovation tangible and sustainable, cross-sector and disciplinary efforts are a must to achieve positive impact. We believe that the furniture set specially designed for children living in SDUs can create a ‘micro-environment’ that is conducive to learning in a cramped and disordered environment which is essential to children’s development. We hope that we can continue to maximise the project’s impact by connecting stakeholders to tap into more community resources to benefit more children, thus making a sustained impact in the community.” Mr HO Chung Ho, Service Supervisor, The Salvation Army Youth, Family and Community Services, remarked, “More than 90% of the registered families have participated in the briefing session for the distribution, reflecting that the custom-tailored furniture set is highly welcomed by the SDUs families. The design of the study desk and chair for children living in SDUs not only practically meet the families' real needs, but also boost children’s motivation to study by creating a healthy learning environment and designated study space. In addition, the furniture set can also help raise parents’ awareness of their children’s physical and mental development, including spine and vision condition.” Mr. Robert WONG, Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, said, “Since its inception, Hongkong Land HOME FUND has been committed to addressing social issues related to housing in Hong Kong. Over the past two years, HOME FUND has been actively collaborating with various NGOs to provide diverse programmes aimed at supporting the disadvantaged living in sub-divided units. An example of such a collaboration is our work with JCDISI of PolyU. Together we produced an ergonomically designed furniture set, enabling a conducive learning environment for nearly 2,000 children living in sub-divided units. We are delighted to collaborate with JCDISI on this project - a project that demonstrates how organisations and institutions can support the youth and therefore the wider community.” About Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Established in 2012, JCDISI of PolyU is committed to providing an innovative and human-centred platform to ENVISION a better life in society, to CONNECT people with passion and NURTURE doers of all ages to INNOVATE with collective wisdom to ENABLE impactful action.   *****END*****