News

PhD Graduate won PolyU PhD Thesis Award 2026 - Outstanding (STEM Category)

Dr. LIU Ye Department of Computing Chief Supervisor : Prof. CHEN Changwen We are delighted to announce that Dr. LIU Ye, PhD graduate from FCMS, has been awarded the ‘PolyU PhD Thesis Award 2026 – Outstanding (STEM Category)’. Under the supervision of Prof. CHEN Changwen, Dr. Liu completed his thesis “Towards Interactive Multi-modal Content Understanding.” - For contribution to multi-modal understanding and agentic AI Dr. Liu’s thesis advances the transition from conversational AI to agentic AI: intelligent systems that can understand their surroundings, make informed decisions and take action. It develops a framework connecting perception, reasoning and interaction, enabling AI to actively seek information and use what it learns to guide its next step. This brings society closer to AI assistants that can handle unfamiliar situations and help people accomplish complex tasks. The research provides foundations for more capable and efficient AI, with technologies already adopted in products from Tencent, vivo and Huawei. Its openly shared models, software and datasets also support innovation across the research community and industry. Looking ahead, these advances could enable assistants that operate digital tools and robots that interact with the physical world. By connecting understanding with purposeful action, this work contributes to a future in which AI plays a more useful role in how people work, learn and live. The research has had a substantial impact on both academia and industry and was recognized as one of PolyU’s Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year. The Faculty is immensely proud of Dr. Liu’s outstanding achievement and wishes him every success in the next chapter of his academic and professional journey.

港理大計算機及數學科學學院與合肥綜合性國家科學中心人工智能研究院簽署合作備忘錄 推動腦科學與類腦智能研究

香港理工大學（理大）計算機及數學科學學院與合肥綜合性國家科學中心人工智能研究院（人工智能研究院）簽署合作備忘錄，正式建立策略性合作夥伴關係，攜手推進腦科學與類腦智能領域的研究合作。簽署儀式於2026年9月16日在理大校園舉行，由理大計算機及數學科學學院暫任院長陳長汶教授及人工智能研究院副院長陳莉教授代表雙方簽署，並由理大常務及學務副校長黃永德教授、副校長曹建農教授及中國工程院院士、人工智能研究院科技委主任吳楓教授共同見證。   合作備忘錄為雙方在腦科學與類腦智能領域的科研合作訂立框架，旨在促進跨領域創新研究及高水平學術交流，進一步提升雙方的國際學術影響力。通過整合雙方的科研資源及優勢，將為師生及研究人員創造更多交流與發展機會，推動科技創新與知識共享，並促進高層次科研人才培育。   本次合作是理大計算機及數學科學學院與人工智能研究院在人工智能及相關前沿領域合作的重要里程碑。雙方將攜手推動腦科學與類腦智能研究發展，為科技創新和人才培養作出貢獻。   PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and the Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center Sign MoU to Advance Research in Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence   The Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center (IAI), have established a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster research collaboration in brain science and brain-inspired intelligence. The signing ceremony was held at PolyU on 16 September 2026. The MoU was signed by Prof. CHEN Changwen, Interim Dean of FCMS of PolyU, and Prof. CHEN Li, Associate Director of IAI, and witnessed by Prof. WONG Wing-tak, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, and Prof. WU Feng, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, IAI.   The MoU establishes a framework for research collaboration in brain science and brain-inspired intelligence between the two institutions. It aims to promote interdisciplinary innovation, facilitate high-level academic exchanges, and further enhance the international academic impact of both parties. By leveraging complementary strengths and research resources, the collaboration will create valuable opportunities for students, faculty members and researchers, advance technological innovation and knowledge sharing, and support the cultivation of high-calibre research talent.   This collaboration marks an important milestone in the partnership between PolyU FCMS and IAI in artificial intelligence and other frontier research areas. The two institutions will work closely to advance research in brain science and brain-inspired intelligence, foster academic synergy and innovation, and contribute to technological advancement and talent development.

PolyU retains top Hong Kong rankings in AI and Mathematics in GRAS 2026

The Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS) is proud to announce that PolyU has once again achieved outstanding results in the 2026 ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS). PolyU is ranked 15th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in Artificial Intelligence (AI), while Mathematics also remains 1st in Hong Kong. This marks the second consecutive year that PolyU has held the top position locally in both AI and Mathematics.   The results reflect the Faculty’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, world-class research, and impactful education in two of today’s most important and rapidly advancing disciplines.   Building on this achievement, the Faculty will continue to leverage its strengths and resources to drive excellence in education, research, and knowledge transfer, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, industry engagement, and global partnerships.   Online coverage: Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4h7pgRE Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4reTFC9

Prof Daniel Luo Appointed as Supervisor for the Hong Kong Scholars Program 2026

We are thrilled to share that Prof Daniel Luo, Associate Dean (Research) and Professor in the Department of Computing (COMP) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS), has been appointed as a Supervisor under the Hong Kong Scholars Program 2026 — a testament to his outstanding research leadership and mentorship. Jointly established by the Society of Hong Kong Scholars and the China National Postdoctoral Council under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Program aims to bring together the complementary research strengths and talent resources of Hong Kong and Mainland China to cultivate outstanding postdoctoral researchers. It also helps solicit high-calibre PhD graduates from leading Mainland universities, promoting academic exchange and strengthening research collaboration between the two places. Among the 80 outstanding candidates admitted to the 2026 round, 31 PolyU academics have been selected as supervisors, the highest number among all local universities. This remarkable achievement underscores PolyU’s strong research capabilities, distinguished academic reputation, and steadfast commitment to nurturing exceptional postdoctoral talent. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof Luo on his appointment as a supervisor and his successful matching with an outstanding candidate under the Hong Kong Scholars Program 2026. For more information, please visit Hong Kong Scholars Program website: https://www.hkscholars.org/a/151530-eng

Prof Ajay KUMAR honoured with the prestigious 2026 IEEE Biometrics Council Leadership Award

We are delighted to announce that Prof Ajay Kumar, Associate Head (Research) and Professor in the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) at the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS), has received the prestigious 2026 IEEE Biometrics Council Leadership Award. The award was presented during the IEEE/IAPR International Joint Conference on Biometrics (IJCB), held in Rome, Italy, from 1–4 September 2026. Recognised as one of the Council's highest distinctions, the award honours exceptional long-term leadership, pioneering research contributions, and sustained service to the biometrics community. Over the past two decades, Prof Kumar has made groundbreaking contributions to contactless biometric recognition, including palmprint, fingerprint, finger-knuckle, and palm-vein technologies. His sustained impact extends beyond research into community leadership, notably through his service as President of the IEEE Biometrics Council from 2021 to 2022. In conjunction with the award ceremony, Prof Kumar delivered an inspiring vision talk titled “Biometrics at a Crossroads: From Impact to Responsibilities”. His presentation addressed critical future directions, including trustworthy and privacy-preserving biometrics, responsible AI development, multimodal identity systems, and countermeasures against deepfake technologies. Alongside a commemorative plaque and a US$2,000 honorarium, this award brings great honour to our Faculty. We offer our sincerest congratulations to Prof Kumar on this remarkable international recognition.  

Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2026

Doctor of Artificial Intelligence (DAI) Orientation Luncheon Marks Milestone Launch for Inaugural Cohort

The Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully hosted the Doctor of Artificial Intelligence (DAI) Orientation Luncheon on Saturday, 5 September 2026, at Hotel ICON. The celebratory event brought together faculty leadership, academic staff, and the inaugural cohort of doctoral candidates, marking the official launch of the University’s flagship professional doctorate in artificial intelligence.   Welcoming the Pioneering Cohort Established in January 2025, FCMS introduced the Doctor of Artificial Intelligence (Programme Code: 09002) this September as a cornerstone initiative to nurture top-tier AI leaders and practitioners capable of driving impactful, real-world innovations across industry and society.   The orientation luncheon provided an engaging setting for networking, academic exchange, and community building. Attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with the Faculty’s leadership team, including Prof. CHEN Changwen, Interim Dean of FCMS, Prof. HUANG Jian, Programme Director, as well as the Faculty’s Associate and Assistant Deans, and core teaching staff.   In their welcoming remarks, Prof. Chen and Prof. Huang shared their vision for the DAI programme and articulated FCMS’s commitment to advancing frontier AI education. They encouraged the new doctoral candidates to leverage PolyU’s robust interdisciplinary platform to tackle complex technological and societal challenges.   "We are thrilled to welcome our very first cohort of DAI students to the PolyU community. In today’s fast-evolving AI landscape, FCMS is dedicated to providing our doctoral candidates with the resources, expert mentorship, and collaborative network essential to lead transformative change." — Prof. CHEN Changwen, Interim Dean, FCMS   Join Our Next Cohort: Applications for 2027/28 Entry Now Open Following the successful launch of our inaugural class, applications for the 2027/28 intake of the Doctor of Artificial Intelligence (DAI) programme are now open.   Designed for visionary professionals, tech leaders, and senior executives, the DAI programme provides interdisciplinary training that combines theoretical rigor with translational AI applications to drive impactful and ethical innovation.   Programme Code: 09002 Normal Duration: 3 years (full-time) / 5 years (part-time) Entrance Year: September 2027 Programme Details & Admissions: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fcms/study/tpg/dai/    

Prof DAI Min and Prof ZHENG Yuanqing Receive Prestigious RGC Senior Research Fellowship and Research Fellowship Awards

We are delighted to announce that Professor DAI Min, Chair Professor of Department of Applied Mathematics, and Professor ZHENG Yuanqing, Professor of Department of Computing, both from the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS), have been named RGC Senior Research Fellow and RGC Research Fellow, respectively, under the Research Grants Council (RGC) Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS) and Research Fellow Scheme (RFS) for 2026/27. These prestigious awards recognize their outstanding research and scholarly impact. Professor Dai’s work focuses on pioneering advances in mathematical finance, while Professor Zheng drives transformative developments in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The schemes provide dedicated support to enable them to pursue high-impact research and mentor the next generation of research talent for Hong Kong. Awarded annually to only 10 fellows per scheme, the SRFS and RFS each offer substantial funding of approximately HK$8.5 million and HK$5.6 million, respectively, to sustain long-term research excellence. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Dai and Professor Zheng on this distinguished achievement. Their impactful projects exemplify the University’s strength in translating theoretical innovation into real-world solutions.   Awardee Project Title Abstract Prof DAI Min Multi-dimensional free boundary problems in finance: Theory and algorithms This project aims to address key challenges in financial decision-making that can be formulated as multi-dimensional free boundary problems. Through a comprehensive theoretical and numerical study of four interconnected themes, including deep learning and continuous-time reinforcement learning applied to portfolio selection, corporate finance and option pricing, this research promises significant advances in stochastic control theory, computational methods and financial modeling. Its outcomes will potentially benefit policymakers and investors by improving market understanding and risk management. Prof ZHENG Yuanqing Software-defined edge radio access networks: System architecture and applications   This project aims to design and implement a new software-defined wireless network architecture to address backhaul network pressure in traditional Cloud Radio Access Networks (CRAN). By processing signals locally through an efficient packet processing pipeline, this research will accelerate radio access network innovation to support massive IoT connectivity for smart metering, precision agriculture and the emerging low-altitude economy, facilitating large-scale concurrent communication, wireless sensing and carrier frequency shifting.      

Young talents shine at PolyU Young Minds in Computer and Mathematical Sciences Competition 2026

The PolyU Young Minds in Computer and Mathematical Sciences Competition 2026 successfully concluded on 4 July, bringing together more than 250 students from secondary schools across Hong Kong. After participating in the Preliminary Round paper-based test in May, 90 finalists advanced to the Final Round on Saturday to compete in three exciting tracks: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Applied Mathematics, and Computing.   Through a series of engaging challenges, participants demonstrated how mathematical concepts and computational thinking can be applied beyond the classroom. The event was filled with energy and inspiration, as students showcased outstanding problem-solving abilities, creativity, and teamwork while tackling complex tasks.   We were honoured to welcome Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education), and Prof. CHEN Changwen, Interim Dean of FCMS, to the Award Presentation Ceremony. Their presence reflected the University’s strong support for nurturing young talents in computer and mathematical sciences. They also expressed appreciation for the participants’ enthusiasm for data-driven disciplines and presented awards to the winning teams in recognition of their exceptional performance.   We hope this experience has inspired participating students to further explore and develop their strengths and interests, and to navigate the fast-developing world of technology with confidence and creativity. Congratulations once again to all the winning teams, and heartfelt applause to every participant for their impressive performance.   To view more highlights from the Competition: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fcms/news-and-events/photo-gallery/20260704_polyu-fcms-young-minds-competition-final-round/  

Appointment of Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence Systems

The Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor CAO Liangliang as Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence Systems in the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), effective 29 June 2026. Professor Cao obtained his Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Science and Technology of China in 2003 and Master of Philosophy degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2005.  He further received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from University of Illinois    Urbana-Champaign in 2011.  Professor Cao began his career as Research Staff Member at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center.  He then joined Yahoo Labs as Senior Research Scientist in 2015 and in 2016 co-founded Switi Inc., a startup which was subsequently acquired by Google in 2018.  Following the acquisition, Professor Cao founded and led the Google Cloud Speech Modelling Team during 2018 and 2021.  He later joined Apple in 2022 as Principal Scientist and Engineering Lead, and Google DeepMind in 2024 as Principal Engineer and Director.  Most recently, he has served as an advisor at OPPO Inc.  Professor Cao has also contributed to academia with adjunct academic appointments at Columbia University from 2013 to 2018 and at University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2021. Professor Cao is a leading expert in artificial intelligence, with research focus on Artificial Intelligence, encompassing Computer Vision, Speech and Language across both cloud-based and on-device systems.  He has played a key role in the development of several large-scale AI systems, including Google Cloud Vision, Google Speech, Gemini and Project Astra.  His publications have received over 11,000 citations, and h-index of 53 (Google Scholar), with the filing of more than 15 patents and publications in top-tier AI venues across multiple areas including Computer Vision, Speech, and Natural Language Processing. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Professor Cao has been elected a Fellow of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 2025.  His accolades include IBM Watson Emerging Leader in Multimedia and Signal Processing and First Place in ImageNet Large Scale Visual Recognition Challenge in 2010, IBM Outstanding Accomplishment for Multimedia Team in 2012, ACM SIGMM Rising Star Award in 2017 and Google Cloud Feats of Engineering Award in 2019.  He has also contributed significantly to the academic community, serving as Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence (TPAMI) and also on a number of journal boards and conference committees including IEEE Transactions on Multimedia, IEEE MultiMedia, Journal of Visual Communication and Image Representation, The Visual Computer, ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications and Applications, ACM Conference on Multimedia and AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, etc. Welcome Professor Cao to the FCMS family.