Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Sopuruchi Aboh Received RGC Junior Research Fellow Award 2025/26

Dr Sopuruchi Aboh, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of English and Communication, has been awarded the RGC Junior Research Fellow Scheme (JRFS) 2025/26. Dr Aboh is one of the 11 recipients from PolyU, joining a distinguished cohort of 60 awardees across Hong Kong. The RGC JRFS aims at providing promising local and non-local postdoctoral researchers at UGC-funded universities with support to advance their research career at a pivotal time, as well as to support their transition, as applicable, in taking up Assistant Professor or Research Assistant Professor positions at UGC-funded universities during the fellowship period, so as to nurture and expand a pool of research talents with a view to propelling research and development in Hong Kong and fostering a research culture.

Presentation of PolyU Faculty of Humanities Outstanding Alumni Awards

The Faculty of Humanities presented the Outstanding Alumni Awards at the 31st Congregation (FH) held on 8 November 2025. The Awards recognise alumni for their professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater. Congratulations to the following award recipients (in alphabetical order of the last name): Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Dr LEE Yiu-fai (Yee Kok), MH Abbot of Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple Master of Arts in Chinese Culture (2012) Department of Chinese History and Culture Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Dr Christina LEUNG Wai Ying Vice-Principal, Salvation Army Tin Ka Ping School Doctor of Applied Language Sciences (2025) Faculty of Humanities Master of Arts in English for the Professions (2008) Department of English and Communication Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Prof. Jack PUN Associate Professor, Department of English, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Master of Arts in English Language Studies (2011) Department of English and Communication Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Ms WONG Kit-ying, Zelia Trilingual Emcee and Trainer, ALOFT Culture BA (Hons) in Language Studies for the Professions Department of Language Science and Technology The Faculty extends its heartfelt congratulations to all awardees for their remarkable accomplishments and dedication. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr Benedict Sin Nga-yan, Director and General Manager, Myer Jewelry Manufacturer Limited; Mr Leung Lee Chung, Director, Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple; and Mr Eliot Li, Executive Director, First Shanghai Securities Limited and First Shanghai Futures Limited, for their generous support to the Faculty and for gracing the Congregation with their presence.

31st Congregation of Faculty of Humanities

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! The 31st Congregation (FH) was successfully concluded on 8 November 2025. The ceremony was kicked off with opening remarks from the Faculty Dean Prof. Li Ping. This year, we were honoured to have three Guests of Honour deliver the congratulatory address: Mr Cam MacMurchy, Head of Global Media Relations and Content, Tencent, in the first session; Mr Fletch Chan, JP, Deputy Secretary for Labour and Welfare (Welfare) 1, Labour and Welfare Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, in the second session; and Ms Bobo Wong, Head of Communications, Microsoft Hong Kong, in the third session. A total of 881 students graduated this year, including 693 postgraduate and 188 bachelor’s degree recipients. Awards and certificates were presented to students and Faculty members for their outstanding achievements and services. Once again, we wish all graduates a bright future and every success in their future endeavours!

LST PhD Student and Team Achieve 5th Place in Women’s Youth Team Event at 15th National Games Bridge Tournament

A LST PhD student, Hui Ka Yee Ruby, represented Hong Kong, China in the Women’s Youth Team Event at the Mass Participation Events of the 15th National Games - Bridge, held in Shenzhen from November 3 to 7, 2025. Her team achieved an impressive 5th place in the final rankings. This competition, part of the Mass Participation Events of the National Games, brought together 10 talented teams from across the country, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Shandong, Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou, Zhejiang, Henan, and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong, China team earned a commendable 5th place, ranking above Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou, Zhejiang, and Henan.

Final Call for Nominations – Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Science 2026

The nomination period for the Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Science 2026 will close on 31 October 2025. Hosted by the PolyU Faculty of Humanities, the biennial Chao Prize honours scholars and researchers worldwide who have made distinguished contributions to the field of language science. Two categories are awarded: the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Early Career Contribution Award, which include cash awards of US$100,000 and US$50,000, respectively. For details, please visit the official website or contact chao.prize@polyu.edu.hk.

Seven FH Scholars Named Among World’s Top 2% Scientists

Seven current scholars from the Faculty have been named among the Top 2% Scientists 2025 by Stanford University and Elsevier, based on their career-long citation impact. Faculty Dean Prof. Li Ping and Associate Dean Prof. Hu Guangwei have once again been recognised as top scholars globally in the fields of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (subfield: Experimental Psychology) and Communication and Textual studies (subfield: Languages and Linguistics), respectively. Prof. Huang Chu-Ren, Chair Professor of Applied Chinese Language Studies, along with Prof. Li Shaofeng and Prof. Zou Di, Professor and Associate Professor in the Department of English and Communication, continue to be featured on the list in the fields of Information and Communication Technologies (subfield: Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing), Communication and Textual studies (subfield: Languages and Linguistics), and Social Sciences (subfield: Education) respectively. Our newly joined Prof. Liang Hualou, Chair Professor of Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence, and Prof. Michal Krzyzanowski, Professor in ENGL, have also been featured on the list in the fields of Information and Communication Technologies (subfield: Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing) and Communication and Textual studies (subfield: Languages and Linguistics), adding to the Faculty’s growing strength in interdisciplinary research excellence. The World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists is compiled by Stanford University based on composite indicators of publication impact, including total citations, citations to single-authored publications and the H-index. It covers 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields, and is divided into two lists in relation to scholars’ career-long citation and single-year citation impact, recognising their long-term and recent research impact.

PolyU Information Day 2025

The PolyU Information Day 2025 was successfully held on 27 September. This event provided one of the best opportunities for visitors to learn more about FH’s undergraduate programmes and explore their study options. FH Departments introduced their programmes and facilities on the occasion. Information seminars, thematic talks, guided visits and many more activities were arranged for visitors. Online information seminars can be viewed at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/events/.

ENGL PhD Graduate Receives PolyU PhD Thesis Award 2025 – Outstanding Award (Non-STEM Category)

Dr Sopuruchi Aboh, PhD graduate from the Department of English and Communication (ENGL), has won the PolyU PhD Thesis Award 2025 – Outstanding Award (Non-STEM Category) for his thesis titled “Accent and social evaluation: A sociolinguistic analysis of language attitudes and stereotypes in university settings in Nigeria.” The thesis was completed under the supervision of Prof. Hans Ladegaard. Dr Aboh is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department. The PolyU PhD Thesis Award is established by the Graduate School to recognise, reward, and promote the distinguished research achievements by graduating PhD students. The award comprises two classes—Outstanding and Merit—to acknowledge varying levels of academic excellence.

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025

Congratulations to the following award recipients on receiving the Faculty’s Outstanding Alumni Award (in alphabetical order of the last name):  Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Dr LEE Yiu-fai (Yee Kok), MH Abbot of Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple Master of Arts in Chinese Culture (2012) Department of Chinese History and Culture Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Dr Christina LEUNG Wai Ying Vice-Principal, Salvation Army Tin Ka Ping School Doctor of Applied Language Sciences (2025) Faculty of Humanities Master of Arts in English for the Professions (2008) Department of English and Communication Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Prof. Jack PUN Associate Professor, Department of English, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Master of Arts in English Language Studies (2011) Department of English and Communication Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Ms WONG Kit-ying, Zelia Trilingual Emcee and Trainer, ALOFT Culture BA (Hons) in Language Studies for the Professions Department of Language Science and Technology The Award (website) recognises alumni for their professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater. Read more about the awardees: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Dr LEE Yiu-fai (Yee Kok), MH Dr Lee Yiu-fai joined the charitable organisation Sik Sik Yuen in 1985 and has been serving in a voluntary capacity ever since, holding multiple positions on its Board of Directors. He served as Chairman from 2007 to 2011 and has been elected as the Abbot of Wong Tai Sin Temple since 2006. Guided by the compassionate and benevolent teachings of Wong Tai Sin, Dr Lee has dedicated himself to promoting virtuous conduct, disseminating moral teachings, advancing education, providing medical assistance, and supporting elderly care. His efforts benefit over 100,000 individuals each year. Dr Lee has also been instrumental in promoting cultural heritage and the preservation of traditional practices. In 2014, he successfully applied to the State Council for the inclusion of Wong Tai Sin Belief and Customs in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, significantly elevating its cultural recognition. Dr Lee later proposed the establishment of the Wong Tai Sin Belief and Customs Cultural Centre to ensure the preservation and continuation of this valuable cultural legacy for future generations. In 2025, Dr Lee was selected as a Representative Inheritor in the Sixth Batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, an honour that underscores his profound contributions to cultural preservation and transmission. Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Dr Christina LEUNG Wai Ying Dr Christina LEUNG Wai Ying has made a lasting impact on education through school-based, territory-wide, and international initiatives. As Vice Principal of The Salvation Army Tin Ka Ping School (SATKP), she has led transformative programmes that enhance student engagement and foster holistic development. Her commitment to global citizenship through cross-border learning has enriched educational experiences and built bridges between communities. As Chairperson of Hong Kong Extra-Curricular Activities Masters’ Association (HKEAMA), she has expanded opportunities for underprivileged students by ensuring equitable access to enriching extracurricular activities, transforming lives and contributing to a more inclusive educational landscape in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Dr Leung’s leadership in promoting gender equity through The Hong Kong Association of Business and Professional Women (BPWHK) is equally commendable. By mentoring the next generation of women professionals, she has created a ripple effect that extends beyond the local community, amplifying women's contributions on a global scale. By fostering a supportive environment, Dr Leung is shaping a future where women are empowered to reach their full potential. As a Committee Member of the departmental alumni association, she strengthens alumni ties through networking events and mentorship programmes, fostering long-term engagement. Her innovative approach also connects NGOs to support the growth of students and teachers. By integrating virtual reality with neurolinguistic strategies, she prepares students for a future where digital literacy and advanced cognitive skills are essential, equipping them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Prof. Jack PUN Prof. Jack Pun is an Associate Professor (tenured) of Department of English at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, with an extensive academic and teaching backgrounds at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Oxford. He holds a DPhil (PhD) in Education from Oxford, an MA in English Language Studies of PolyU. His research in applied linguistics focuses on English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI), examining classroom interactions and the academic challenges students face in EMI settings. A second significant strand of his work investigates the role of health communication from a cross-cultural perspective. As a bilingual researcher, he analyses how communication affects patient satisfaction and decision-making in diverse clinical environments, aiming to improve care quality globally. Prof. Pun’s scholarly impact is recognised by his inclusion in the 2024 Stanford/Elsevier list of the World’s Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists in Language and Linguistics. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the Royal Society for Public Health in 2011. Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2025 Ms WONG Kit-ying, Zelia As a trilingual emcee, Ms Wong Kit-ying, Zelia has hosted over 1,000 events in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. She provides emcees services for multinational companies, higher education institutions and nongovernmental organisations. Ms Wong contributes her talent to promote the development of her hometown, Hong Kong. She hosted the Global University Presidents & Leaders Summit, which marks a significant step in establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for higher education. Her professionalism and achievements in the cultural and arts sector were recognised by the Hong Kong Professional Elite Ladies Selection panel. Beyond her emcee career, Ms Wong is also committed to the well-being of others, particularly supporting children, the disabled and underprivileged in society. She was honoured as "Most Outstanding Local Chapter President" in 2018 for her commitment to charitable contributions to the Reading Dreams Foundation, as well as her leadership and community service in the JCI North District in over the years. Her success in the industry notwithstanding, Ms Wong never hesitates to give back to her alma mater. She serves on the advisory committee of PolyU’s Department of Language Science and Technology, mentors students through PolyU’s Student Affairs Club, and acts as Emcee at PolyU’s events.

Two Faculty Projects Secured Funding in the Health and Medical Research Fund 2023 Exercise

Two research projects from the Faculty, led by Prof. Cindy Ngai and Dr Winsy Wong of the Department of Language Science and Technology, have been awarded funding in the 2023 Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) Exercise. The funded projects are titled “Connecting the Dots: Examining the Impact of Risk and Protective Factors on Loneliness Types and Mental Health in Hong Kong Elderly” and “Utilisation of Immersive Virtual Reality in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (IVR-CST) for Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study” respectively. The HMRF was established by the Health Bureau in 2011. It aims to build research capacity and to encourage, facilitate and support health and medical research to inform health policies, improve population health, strengthen the healthcare system, enhance health practices, advance standard and quality of care, and promote clinical excellence, through generation and application of evidence-based scientific knowledge derived from local research in health and medicine. In addition to health and medical research, the HMRF also provides support for health promotion projects, research infrastructure and research capacity building initiatives.