Opening Ceremony and Forum of RICRI gathers cross-sector experts to promote infrastructure resilience against climate change

The Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI), a pioneering strategic research institute focused on global climate change, was officially inaugurated on 2 April 2025 at Hotel ICON under the witness of over 300 participants from PolyU, academia, government departments, and industry.

The establishment of the RICRI was made possible with the staunch support of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation. Led by Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Dean of Faculty, the institute will collaborate with renowned experts from Mainland China and Hong Kong government departments, as well as industry partners to create an interdisciplinary research platform that fosters deep integration across sectors and research for sustainable development in Hong Kong, the Nation and globally.

A Forum co-organised by FCE was held on the same occasion to explore a wide range of topics, including:

• High-fidelity Monitoring and Prediction of Extreme Climate Events in Hong Kong and Surrounding Regions
• Monitoring & Adaptation of Civil Infrastructure Towards Resilience
• Urban Resilience Enhancement for Energy-Building-Transport-Water Sector Synergization (UREBTW) ToolBox
• Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Infrastructure Resilience and Water Disaster Management
• Resilience of Rural Infrastructure and Communities to Climate Change
• Intelligent Platform & Toolbox for Urban Infrastructure Resilience

The establishment of RICRI further strengthens PolyU’s research capabilities in climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience, advancing the pursuit of sustainable development.

Press release: English - https://polyu.hk/CyRHg; Chinese - https://polyu.me/4jaIwO1

FCE students awarded for academic, leadership, and research distinction

FCE student support schemes enhance learning experience and empower future leaders

As a leading institution in construction and environmental education, FCE is committed to attracting and nurturing high-calibre students. The Faculty has recently launched or updated several student support schemes aimed at enhancing the student experience and fostering the development of future leaders.

FCE Award for Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Award aims to recognise undergraduate students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to becoming professionals or leaders in the construction and environmental fields. Award recipients are acknowledged for their active engagement in activities that enhance their knowledge, skills, and professional network. Each awardee will receive a cash prize sponsored by the FCE Fund and a certificate.

FCE Global Learning Scheme

The Scheme enhances participation in non-local learning experiences by supporting academic departments and students. It provides financial incentives for departments to develop subjects/programmes with non-local learning opportunities, fostering collaboration with world-leading universities and companies. It also offers eligible undergraduate students a one-off financial subsidy to assist with the expenses of participating in non-local learning activities.

Entry Scholarship and Bursary for Outstanding HKDSE Students

To attract and recognise students with outstanding results in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE), the Faculty will award a one-off scholarship on top of the entry scholarships offered by the University or programme-hosting department. Students in financial need can also apply for extra bursary support, subject to their eligibility.

FCE students and teaching staff are encouraged to visit the FCE Scholarships & Awards webpage and the intranet to explore and make good use of these opportunities.

FCE showcases educational excellence during RICS accreditation visit

The academic programmes offered by FCE equip students for professional careers and leadership roles across various construction and environmental fields, with the majority receiving accreditation from professional organisations. On 26 and 27 March 2025, an accreditation team from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) visited FCE to evaluate ten bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes offered by the three FCE academic departments for accreditation purposes.

During the two-day visit, the RICS team met with Prof. Charles WONG, Associate Dean (Teaching & Global Engagement) of Faculty, along with the Heads, Associate Heads (Teaching), programme leaders, and other relevant academic and teaching staff. They discussed general and strategic issues related to the programmes, examined key programme elements, and explored the Faculty’s collaboration with RICS. The team also reviewed coursework and toured department laboratories and facilities to gain a comprehensive understanding of the quality of education provided at FCE. Furthermore, they engaged with students and industry representatives to gather insights and experiences on the programmes. This visit provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the Faculty’s commitment to maintaining educational excellence.

FCE broadens global reach to connect with prospective students worldwide

FCE Chair Professor Distinguished Lecture

At the FCE Chair Professor Distinguished Lecture held on 22 April 2025, Prof. Meng NI, Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology of the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE), presented the lecture “Reversible Solid Oxide Cells for a Sustainable Future – from Materials to Engineering Designs”.

Prof. Ni introduced reversible solid oxide cells which are capable of working as solid oxide fuel cells for clean power generation and as solid oxide electrolysis cells for green hydrogen production. He illustrated the research progress and future development of new materials, new strategies, and new engineering designs for reversible solid oxide cells developed by his team. The research by Prof. Ni and his team greatly enhanced the performance and durability of reversible solid oxide cells, contributing to sustainable development.