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PolyU scholar awarded ASCE Greater China Distinguished Leadership Medal 2025

Prof. XIA Yong, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been awarded the ASCE Greater China Distinguished Leadership Medal at the 3rd ASCE Greater China Conference.  Prof. XIA is recognised for his exceptional innovative contributions and outstanding leadership in advancing the ASCE Greater China Section and the civil engineering profession in the region. The award’s selection process involved a comprehensive evaluation of criteria such as professional contributions, academic influence, and international engagement.  Prof. Xia has been engaging in research of large-scale civil engineering structural health monitoring, structural damage identification, and substructure methods. Being an expert in the field, his developed technologies have been applied to numerous landmark structures, including the 600-m tall Canton Tower, the 632-m tall Shanghai Tower, the 1377-m long main span Tsing Ma Bridge, the world’s longest 55-km long Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, and the PolyU Footbridge. For more of Prof. XIA’s achievements: Machine learning methods for structural health diagnosis and operation maintenance of bridges Digital Twin-based Long-span Bridge Health Monitoring PolyU Joint Research Research Centre for Marine Infrastructure The ASCE Greater China Section serves as a vital platform for fostering the growth of civil engineering in Greater China. It facilitates knowledge exchange, networking opportunities and professional development among its members, uniting engineers across diverse disciplines within civil engineering, including structural, geotechnical, construction, environmental, materials and water resources. Credit: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) Joint Research Research Centre for Marine Infrastructure  

Media interview: PolyU scholar shares Eco-blocks development and construction application

As one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Hong Kong faces a significant challenge in carbon emissions from the construction sector, which accounts for over 50% of the city's total emissions. Promoting the green transformation of the construction industry has become critical. Green buildings aim to reduce environmental impact by integrating innovative technologies and sustainable design principles, with the widespread adoption of green building materials. Prof. Poon Chi-sun, Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials and Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) focuses on converting waste materials, such as construction debris, glass aggregates and incineration ash, into sustainable building materials, thereby reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental quality. Prof. Poon was featured in the TV programme “Carbon Revolution in China” to introduce Eco-blocks, a type of green construction material produced from construction and other waste materials. These blocks utilise advanced recycling technology and are manufactured through low-carbon methods. By grinding recycled glass into powder as a substitute for cement, the production process significantly lowers carbon emissions.  In addition, Eco-blocks not only relieve the burden on overloaded landfills, but also address issues related to rainwater accumulation and flooding, as they are capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, contributing to carbon sequestration. In response to the increasing demand for green design in architecture, Prof. Poon believes that innovation and sustainable development contribute to a healthier environment and improved living conditions. He emphasises the collective responsibility to confront the challenges of climate change, fostering a path towards a more sustainable future.  

Diversity fosters interdisciplinary research to tackle vital societal challenges

As an interdisciplinary researcher holding dual PhDs in Computer Science and General Literature, Prof. Johan F. Hoorn, Full Professor of the School of Design and Department of Computing and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) uniquely integrates science and the arts, focusing on logic-based artificial intelligence, human-robot interaction, and the psychological aspects of technology. His work aims to integrate personality and emotion into robot design, fostering more natural interactions between humans and machines. Drawn to PolyU after a global tour for a documentary on his social robots addressing loneliness in older adults, Prof. Hoorn appreciates the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration. His current research intersects affective computing and social robotics, exploring emotional ambiguity in decision-making through quantum probability. One of his notable projects, which was awarded a grant under the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based Research Scheme 2024/25, focuses on "Social Robots with Embedded Large Language Models Releasing Stress among the Hong Kong Population." This initiative aims to develop social robots that can provide customised mental care and support, enhancing the well-being of those underserved by traditional healthcare. Prof. Hoorn highlights the importance of diversity in driving interdisciplinary collaboration to foster innovative solutions for intricate societal challenges. At PolyU, he finds an inspiring environment that encourages creative design and deep exploration of quantum models, backed by supportive leadership. Prof. Hoorn said, “It’s the only place I have ever worked where I can do creative design and simultaneously delve into quantum probability to model robot behaviour.”

PolyU and Shandong First Medical University forge partnership to nurture healthcare professionals and advance radiation oncology research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Shandong First Medical University (SDFMU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration on medical education and innovation, including nurturing healthcare professionals and joint medical research. This partnership will synergise PolyU’s education and research strengths in health technology and informatics, and SDFMU’s extensive experience in clinical work and the application of cutting-edge medical technologies for tumour radiotherapy, advancing talent and research development in the field. The MoU signing ceremony was held in Jinan, Shandong Province, last month. Witnessed by Mr CHEN Ping, Vice Governor of Shandong Province; Prof. Jing CAI, Head of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. YIP Shea-ping, Chair Professor of Diagnostic Science and Molecular Genetics of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Prof. Sijin LIU, Secretary of the Party Committee of SDFMU; and Prof. YU Jinming, Hospital President of the Cancer Hospital of SDFMU, the MoU was signed by Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Prof. WANG Yuxuan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of SDFMU. Prof. David Shum said, “The signing of this MoU marks an important step as PolyU and SDFMU join forces to drive medical education and research to new heights. The partnership will combine PolyU’s strong research capabilities in health technology with the rich clinical experience in cancer treatment that SDFMU has accumulated, striving to propel future development of radiation oncology.” Prof. Wang Yuxuan remarked, “This collaboration between the two universities represents our shared vision for the advancement of medicine. We hope that it will further strengthen our exchanges and cooperation in talent nurturing, research and innovation, and clinical practice, thereby injecting new impetus into the development of the Nation’s healthcare industry. Under the MoU, PolyU and SDFMU will seek to develop various academic and professional exchanges and explore potential for collaboration in nurturing healthcare professionals, establishing joint laboratories and more. Capitalising on their respective strengths, both parties aspire to cultivate future medical talents and advance research outcomes, with the aim of contributing to the enhancement of healthcare standards in the Mainland and Hong Kong. During the trip, the delegation from the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics participated in the 2nd Cancer Particle Radiotherapy Conference, co-hosted by the Cancer Hospital of SDFMU and the Shandong Anti Cancer Association. The delegation members engaged in lively discussion with some of over 2,000 experts from around the world about the pioneering concept, new technology and treatment outcomes of particle radiotherapy for cancer. At the Conference, Prof. Jing Cai delivered a speech centred on the future use of artificial intelligence in radiotherapy.

PolyU and CSD sign MOU to promote upcycling of food waste and development of eco-friendly products

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Correctional Services Department (CSD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to jointly promote the upcycling of food waste and the development of environmentally friendly products, injecting new impetus into the sustainable development of the correctional industry. The MoU sets out a framework for collaboration between PolyU and CSD to jointly promote innovative development initiatives over the next five years, including the application of PolyU’s scientific research results on food waste upcycling to industrial production in correctional institutions; and the provision of vocational training to persons in custody (PICs) in the design and production of environmentally friendly products by PolyU to enhance their employability. The collaboration not only promotes environmental protection but also assists in the rehabilitation of PICs. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr NG Chiu-kok, Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation and Management), the MoU was signed by Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food and Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of PolyU, and Mr TONG Soen, Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation). Prof. Chao said at the ceremony that PolyU has been tackling social challenges and promoting sustainable development through innovative research and translating research outcomes over the years. The “food waste-derived 3D printing material” patented technology covered in the collaboration project was developed by PolyU’s Research Institute for Future Food, which opens up a new way to tackle the problems of municipal food waste and greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong. Both parties will work together to create a mutual aid ecosystem, where new economic, ecological, and cultural value can be generated, contributing to the realisation of a cohesive society and sustainable development. Addressing the ceremony, Mr Ng said that the CSD has been committed to introducing green measures in correctional work to build an integrated and sustainable correctional system. The signing of the MoU marks an important milestone in the sustainable development of correctional work. The first phase of the collaboration involves the application of PolyU’s patented technology for making 3D printing material with spent coffee grounds to the industrial production work performed by PICs. PolyU will also provide vocational training in product design for PICs to develop more environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products. The environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products will be available for sale on the CSD Sports Association's online charity gift sales platform, Made In Prison, to promote messages of supporting rehabilitation and environmental protection to the public. All proceeds from the sale, after deducting necessary costs, will be donated to various local registered charities, providing PICs with opportunities to contribute to the community.

A pathway to innovation in language development studies under diversity

As a neurolinguist and a mother of two, Dr Caicai ZHANG, Associate Professor in the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), combines her personal experiences with her research on child language learning and developmental disorders. With access to PolyU's state-of-the-art neuroscience facilities, including advanced neuroimaging resources, she investigates childhood language disorders with the aim of identifying early biomarkers and developing effective intervention strategies. Her current longitudinal study tracks brain, cognitive, and language development in Chinese children aged four to six, including exploring the influence of sleep on memory consolidation. At PolyU, Dr ZHANG thrives in a collaborative environment, leveraging interdisciplinary connections to enhance her work. Supported by substantial funding and resources, she is committed to making a meaningful impact on children's speech and language development. Dr ZHANG believes that diversity within academia fosters innovation and impactful work. The importance of unique perspectives brought by women and mothers, which can lead to broader research topics and inspire future generations. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion not only inspires her research but also serves as a role model for future generations, encouraging more women and mothers to pursue careers in academia and research.

PolyU partners with Southern Medical University and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in partnership with Southern Medical University (SMU) and Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University (SMU Shenzhen Hospital), have announced the establishment of the International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre (the Centre). This collaboration will leverage the academic and research strengths of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and SMU’s School of Rehabilitation Medicine, along with the extensive clinical experience and resources of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. The Centre aims to enhance the quality of sports medicine and rehabilitation services, and represents a significant advancement in the healthcare industry. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), led a PolyU delegation to SMU for academic exchanges and site visits, focusing on cutting-edge sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies. During the visit, a  Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Centre was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Prof. LIU Shuwen, Vice President of SMU; and Prof. ZHOU Hongwei, Director of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. Prof. Christopher Chao highlighted PolyU’s dedication to technological innovation, research translation and talent cultivation. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences stands as a leading academic unit both in Asia and globally, boasting top scholars and experienced clinical instructors. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of advanced sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies, enhancing the competitiveness of the medical industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and elevating the standard of sports medical rehabilitation treatment. The Centre aims to integrate medical care, education and scientific research to provide patients with professional and high-quality sports medicine rehabilitation and clinical services. The services will encompass prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation training for sports injuries. A key focus will be on fostering collaboration through joint academic programmes, international exchanges, and clinical training, with the goal of nurturing a new generation of globally minded rehabilitation professionals. By leveraging its extensive expertise in sports medical rehabilitation science, PolyU will play a crucial role in offering technical support and research guidance, actively contributing to injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes. Meanwhile, the research strengths of SMU and the PolyU Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology will be harnessed to advance sports science, intelligent rehabilitation equipment, and sports monitoring systems. The Centre will prioritise translating research outcomes into practical applications for the benefit of society. PolyU anticipates a continuing collaborative effort with SMU and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish the Centre as a globally leading integrated platform for medicine, industry, academia, and research. Through international partnerships, the Centre aims to cultivate professional talents and deliver high-quality medical services of superior standards.

PolyU project develops AI-enabled parking garage vacation prediction service supported by Smart Traffic Fund

Advanced technology in artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in managing transportation. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to harnessing its interdisciplinary research capabilities to drive the advancement of smart mobility. A PolyU project aimed at enhancing parking garage vacancy prediction services has received support by the Smart Traffic Fund. Led by Prof. MA Wei, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU, the project titled “Parking Garage Vacancy Prediction Services in Hong Kong: AI-enabled Solutions for Enhanced Reliability and Extensibility” has been granted approximately $2.9 million from the Smart Traffic Fund for a period of 18 months. This project aims to develop a deep learning-based parking garage vacation prediction service for off street carparks in Hong Kong. By leveraging AI technology and combining big data with real time data, the service will predict parking vacancy and estimate queuing times for fully occupied garages, helping to reduce motorists’ cruising time and enhance road efficiency. PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with a total of 22 projects supported by the Smart Traffic Fund to date.  The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology to enhance commuting convenience, enhance the efficiency of the road network or road space, and improve driving safety.

PolyU and Peking University Third Hospital join forces to establish Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore advancements in medical education, research and healthcare services. Both parties also agreed to establish the “Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory”, focusing on research and development, talent cultivation and knowledge transfer. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both parties to foster innovation in medicine and engineering, laying a solid foundation for cultivating future medical professionals and contributing to global medical advancements. Witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. FU Wei, PUTH President; and Prof. YUAN Chunhui, Director of the Department of General Surgery of PUTH, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Prof. TANG Yida, PUTH Vice President. Following this, the agreement for the joint establishment of the “Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory” was signed by Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU and Prof. Yuan Chunhui, in the presence of Dr Lam Tai-fai, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Prof. Fu Wei and Prof. Tang Yida. Dr Lam Tai-fai and Prof. Fu Wei then officiated at the plaque unveiling ceremony for the “Medicine-Engineering Collaborative Innovation Research Laboratory”, marking its official establishment. In his speech, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “With 87 years of history, PolyU has always been committed to contributing to the development of Hong Kong and the Nation. PUTH is one of the top Grade 3A hospitals and one of the 14 pilot hospitals nationwide for high-quality development among public hospitals. We are grateful for PUTH’s trust and its support for PolyU. By combing our strengths and strengthening synergistic development in medical science and engineering, we are confident that this collaboration will unleash great potential in talent cultivation, education and research.” Prof. Fu Wei said, “PUTH is dedicated to the interdisciplinary integration of medicine and engineering. This collaboration with PolyU will deepen our joint efforts in research and innovation, and talent cultivation, advancing the development of medical technology.” PolyU and PUTH will leverage their respective strengths to enhance their research capabilities through interdisciplinary research and academic exchanges. Together, they aim to develop advanced diagnostic tools and treatment methods that can more accurately predict diseases, optimising patients’ treatment experience and achieving a more comprehensive approach to health management. Both parties will actively promote student exchanges at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and collaborate in nurturing postdoctoral students, so as to cultivate future medical talents and facilitate the application of research outcomes for the benefit of the Nation. PolyU has extensive experience and a solid foundation in health science education and research. Over the past 40 years, in support of the development of the local healthcare system, PolyU has nurtured over 50,000 allied healthcare professionals in various disciplines, including medical laboratory science, medical imaging, radiotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, optometry, prosthetics and orthotics, and speech therapy. In addition to its collaboration with PUTH, PolyU has established partnerships with several universities in mainland China, and is actively preparing for the establishment of the third medical school to meet the high demand for quality healthcare services in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Representatives of PolyU and PUTH attended the signing and plaque unveiling ceremony.

PolyU lecturer's project helping grassroots children fulfil their music dreams honoured with Hong Kong Humanity Award 2024

A social sciences lecturer from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), who is committed to providing equal music learning opportunities for grassroots children, has been honored with the “Hong Kong Humanity Youth Power” of the Hong Kong Humanity Award 2024. Dr Javier PANG Chi-long, Lecturer of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, has received the “Hong Kong Humanity Youth Power” of the Hong Kong Humanity Award 2024, for his outstanding humanitarian contributions in promoting equal music education. Dr PANG’s research interests include non-profit organisation (NGO) and social innovation, China and Hong Kong studies, gender, and sexualities, and marriage and family. He mainly teaches Understanding Diversity, Social Capital, Human Capital, Capstone Project, and Social Planning and Policy Process at PolyU.  Besides teaching and academic research, Dr Pang serves as a research consultant of ADC Thematic Research on Hong Kong Music Development project - COVID & HK Music. He is also a founding member of a local NGO, WeWahMusic, which teams up volunteer tutors to provide piano lessons to grassroots children on a completely volunteer basis and guides them to participate in various music activities. Thousands of children have benefited from this music resources sharing service. Dr PANG emphasised that their vision is to nurture grassroots children to develop their musical potential. Beyond music education, the team cares about the lives of these children, listening to and supporting them in exploring more possibilities. Dr PANG said, “My team and I will continue to connect the community through music to help children develop their potential and explore more resource-sharing options.” Organised by the Hong Kong Red Cross, the Hong Kong Humanity Award is the very first award of its kind in Hong Kong. It aims to give tribute to individuals in society who exemplify the very spirit of humanity by putting it into practice and action. In recognition of the devotion and contribution of the youth generation to humanity, the Hong Kong Humanity Youth Power award encourages young people in humanity service to put into practice and help disseminate the humanitarian spirit. For more: Hong Kong Red Cross: The Awardee of 2024 Hong Kong Humanity Award - Dr Javier Pang Chi-long