The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and MTR Corporation collaborated to promote operational excellence

The 6th MTR Global Operations Standards Institute Technical Seminar (GOSI TS6) was successfully held in Hong Kong

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From 9 to 11 July 2026, the 6th MTR Global Operations Standards Institute Technical Seminar (GOSI TS6) was successfully held in Hong Kong. The Seminar was jointly organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and MTR Corporation (MTR), marking the first collaboration between PolyU and MTR in hosting this international technical seminar.

Under the theme “Striving for Excellence in Operations and Customer Service”, the Seminar brought together railway professionals, researchers, industry leaders and representatives from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and international businesses, together with experts from the aviation, logistics, hospitality and technology sectors. Participants exchanged insights on operational excellence, customer service, digital transformation, railway innovation and sustainable development.

Group photo of the participants attending the 6th MTR Global Operations Standards Institute Technical Seminar (GOSI TS6).

Opening Ceremony

Ir Chair Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU

The Seminar commenced at PolyU with opening remarks delivered by Ir Lee Kim-hung, Co-Chair of the Organising Committee and Deputy Director – Operations Engineering Maintenance, MTR Corporation, together with Ir Chair Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), PolyU. Also, the Welcome Keynote Address was delivered by Ms Jeny Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation, who shared MTR’s strategic vision for global customer service development and operational excellence.

Keynote Addresses and Panel Discussions

Prof. Ada Lo, PolyU, presented a keynote speech entitled “Next-Generation Customer Service and Customer Experience”.

The Seminar featured keynote speeches and panel discussions delivered by distinguished speakers from PolyU, MTR Corporation, City University of Hong Kong, Airport Authority Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited.

Interactive panel discussions further explored how cross-sector innovation can enhance railway operations, passenger experience and long-term sustainability.

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Keynote Panel I: Next-Generation Customer Service
Keynote Panel II: Innovation & Technologies for Enabling Excellent Operations and Sustainability

Visit to PolyU CNERC-Rail

On 11 July, delegates visited the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Research Center (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC-Rail) at PolyU.

Dr Vincent Wai Kei Ao introduced the Centre’s development, major research areas and latest research achievements before guiding participants through its research facilities. The delegation also exchanged ideas on railway electrification, automation, intelligent inspection, structural health monitoring and smart maintenance technologies.

The visit strengthened mutual understanding between academia and industry while creating new opportunities for future research collaboration and technology transfer.

Dr Vincent Wai Kei Ao introducing the latest research and development activities of CNERC-Rail to the visiting delegates.

Looking Ahead

As the first GOSI Technical Seminar jointly organised by PolyU and MTR , GOSI TS6 represents an important milestone in strengthening industry-academia collaboration and advancing operational excellence across the global railway community.
Building upon the expertise of CNERC-Rail (Hong Kong Branch) and the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute, PolyU will continue working closely with MTR and international partners to promote innovation in smart railways, intelligent maintenance, digital transformation and sustainable transportation, contributing to the future development of railway systems worldwide.