Prof. Zhu Xinhua Receives Academic Advisor Appointment from Singapore's Minister for Education as LST Faculty and Students Showcase Research at the 8th International Conference on TLCSL

In September 2026, faculty members and research students from the Department of Language Science and Technology (LST) were invited to attend the 8th International Conference on Teaching and Learning of Chinese as a Second Language (TLCSL), organised by the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL). During the Conference, one team member was formally appointed as an academic advisory, and the team delivered key academic presentations and engaged in in-depth scholarly discussions across a range of frontier topics. Conferment of Academic Advisor Appointment On 8 September, at the conference’s opening ceremony, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education of Singapore, accompanied by Dr Foo Suan Fong, Executive Director of SCCL, presented the official Letter of Appointment to Prof. Zhu Xinhua, appointing him as Academic Advisor to the SCCL. In the official tribute, the master of ceremonies praised Prof. Zhu for his long-standing commitment to Chinese language curriculum and assessment research, highlighting him as an internationally renowned scholar in Chinese language education and a deeply cherished friend who has worked closely with Singapore’s Chinese education community for decades. During his academic career at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Prof. Zhu has repeatedly invited to serve as an expert consultant on Chinese language curriculum and assessment for the Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore. He has also served on numerous occasions as an overseas reviewer for SCCL’s research initiatives and currently serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Chinese Language Education. Following the opening ceremony, the team exchanged views with counterparts from the Ministry of Education of Singapore, the National Institute of Education at Nanyang Technological University, SCCL, as well as primary and secondary schools. During the session, Minister Lee, Executive Director Dr Foo, and Prof. Zhu shared insights and perspectives on the latest developments in Chinese language education research and pedagogical practices across Singapore and Hong Kong. Their discussions focused on frontier topics including Artificial Intelligence (AI)-empowered Chinese curricula, innovative instructional models, and student performance in large-scale international assessments. Delivery of Keynote Address Prof. Zhu delivered a keynote address entitled "Characteristics of GenAI Writing Feedback and Teacher Professional Learning: An Empirical Study of Human–AI Collaborative Mechanisms". He commenced by analysing the ecological transformation and practical challenges facing writing feedback in the era of Artificial Intelligence. Drawing upon his research team’s 15 publications in AI-empowered language education, he highlighted three representative studies, detailing their research frameworks, assessment instruments, and empirical findings concerning the psychological and behavioral dynamics of human–AI interaction among teachers and students. Finally, from the perspective of knowledge transfer, he focused on strategies for enhancing the efficacy of writing feedback in AI-supported environments, offering forward-looking yet actionable recommendations on informing language policy refinement, reshaping curricula, and advancing pedagogical innovation. Conduct of Invited Symposia On 9 September, PolyU scholars Prof. Leung Wai Mun, Prof. Ke Sihui, and PhD candidates Xiao Yu and Xu Xintong convened an PolyU- invited symposium titled "Teaching and Learning Chinese as a Second Language in Multilingual Contexts of Hong Kong: From Policy Planning to Cognitive and Pedagogical Practices." Bridging macro-level policy and micro-level cognition, the four presentations examined the cultural tensions in "hybrid-type textbooks," the cognitive mechanisms of "self-teaching" in Chinese reading, translanguaging in preschool classrooms, and the effectiveness of morphological awareness instruction in primary schools. Spanning diverse educational stages and research paradigms, this session aimed to offer innovative theoretical insights and evidence-based pedagogical strategies to advance CSL education in multilingual ecologies. On the same day, Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Liu Yaping presented her study, "Meaning Construction in Multimodal Reading: Comprehensibility and Cognitive Challenges of Distinct Text-Image Relations" at another invited symposium titled "Exploring Multimodal Reading in Diverse Educational Contexts: Hong Kong and Singapore Perspectives." Focusing on how diverse text-image relations affect readers' meaning-making processes, her findings offer valuable insights for multimodal reading pedagogy, reading material development, and text-image design in instructional resources. In addition, in his capacity as Co-Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Zhu attended the editorial board meeting of the Journal of Chinese Language Education (JCLE) to advance the development of an international scholarly dissemination platform for Chinese language education. Furthermore, Prof. Lin-hong Cheung and Prof. Zhu paid a dedicated visit to Prof. Chew Cheng Hai, an internationally renowned linguist and a founding scholar of Singapore’s Chinese language education community. During the visit, Prof. Zhu conveyed his warmest regards and engaged in insightful dialogue on the heritage, continuity, and future development of Chinese linguistics and overseas Chinese language education. This academic visit to Singapore successfully showcased the Faculty’s and Department’s research findings and expertise in the field of Chinese language education and assessment, while further expanding their scholarly exchange networks across the Asia-Pacific region. Moving forward, the team will continue to deepen inter-institutional collaborations and actively pursue research topics of both theoretical significance and practical value.

HKLO Team Shines at the 23rd International Linguistics Olympiad with 5 Awards

Our Hong Kong Linguistics Olympiad (HKLO) Team, comprising four local secondary school students, achieved outstanding results at the 23rd International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL), held in Bucharest, Romania, from 27 July to 1 August 2026.   Competing against some of the world’s most talented young linguists, the Team brought home two Silver Medals (Maxwell JI and Theo LOMONE), one Bronze Medal (Ricky LEUNG), one Honourable Mention (Jayden KONG), and a Silver Medal in the Team Contest – affirming their exceptional capabilities on the global stage.   Congratulations to all team members on their remarkable accomplishments, which showcase their exceptional linguistic aptitude, dedication, and teamwork.   The results of the 23rd IOL can be found here.   HKLO Team at the IOL 2026 (in alphabetical order) Prof. Eric PELZL (Team Leader) FARHAN Ishraq (Deputy Team Leader) Jayden KONG (St Paul’s Co-educational College); Maxwell JI (Chinese International School); Ricky LEUNG (Excel London College); and Theo LOMONE (Diocesan Boy’s School).   Looking ahead, the 2026/27 HKLO training programme will commence in late September/early October. If you’re interested in joining this year, don’t miss the opportunity! The 24th IOL will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2027.   The Hong Kong Linguistics Olympiad (HKLO) is organised by the Faculty of Humanities at PolyU, in collaboration with the HKLO Committee.   The IOL is one of the twelve international science Olympiads designed for secondary school students, challenging participants to solve complex linguistic puzzles using logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Unlike many competitions, it requires no prior knowledge of specific languages or linguistics. Participants tackle problems spanning syntax, phonology, semantics, and writing systems by identifying patterns in unfamiliar language- including rare and endangered ones. The competition is divided into two categories: an individual contest where participants work independently, and a team contest requiring collaboration to resolve more intricate problems.

Inauguration Ceremony for the Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Language Technology (AILT) between PolyU and NWPU Successfully Held

Marking a significant milestone in the convergence of artificial intelligence and language studies, the Department of Language Science and Technology (LST) under the Faculty of Humanities (FH) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the School of Foreign Studies at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU) jointly held the Inauguration Ceremony and Exchange Meeting for their newly established Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Language Technology (AILT) on 4 September 2026. Representatives from both institutions gathered at the PolyU Hung Hom Bay Campus to celebrate the official launch of the new joint laboratory. Following the unveiling ceremony, both delegations engaged in a fruitful and joyful discussion regarding future project collaborations and strategic partnerships. The two institutions explored a wide range of prospective initiatives spanning academic exchanges, joint research endeavours, faculty training programmes, and student exchange scheme. Both parties expressed great delight with the productive discussions and look forward to deep, fruitful cooperation ahead, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the integration of artificial intelligence and language technology.

FH Participates in PolyU Summer Institute 2026

The Faculty of Humanities (FH) took part in the PolyU Summer Institute 2026, organised by the Student Admissions and Scholarships Office (SASO). The two-week programme attracted talented students from around the world. Through the attachment programme, participants explored FH's key academic areas—including language science and technology, English and communication, and Chinese history and culture, and gained valuable insights into the Faculty's teaching and research strengths. Their experience was further enriched by a visit to the Hong Kong Public Records Office, where students engaged in hands-on activities related to archival research and the preservation of historical documents. In addition, FH offered the subject Introduction to Language Science, providing students with an authentic taste of learning at PolyU. The Faculty extends its sincere gratitude to all participating students and looks forward to welcoming many of them back to the FH community in the future.

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2026

Congratulations to the following award recipients on receiving the Faculty’s Outstanding Alumni Award (in alphabetical order by the last name): Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2026 Dr Frederick CHEUNG Fu Wah Principal, Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School Master of Arts in English Language Teaching (2005) Department of English and Communication Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2026 Prof. XING Jie Vice Dean, Professor and PhD Supervisor, School of Interpreting and Translation Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies Doctor of Philosophy (2010) Department of Language Science and Technology Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2026 Ms Jody LAM Pui Yee Speech Therapist, Part-time Assistant Lecturer and Clinical Educator Master of Speech Therapy (2016) Department of Language Science and Technology Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2026 Prof. Esterina NERVINO Associate Professor, Department of English and Department of Marketing, City University of Hong Kong Doctor of Philosophy (2018) Department of English and Communication 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 2026 Dr Frederick CHEUNG Fu Wah Dr Frederick Cheung has more than 20 years of experience in English teaching and has worked closely with the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to support local secondary schools in strengthening English education. As Principal of Chinese YMCA Secondary School, he is committed to improving students’ English proficiency and enriching students’ learning experience through innovation, collaboration, and purposeful educational development. He founded Hong Kong’s first Aviation Early Career Training and Experience Center (A.E.C.T.E.C.) in local secondary schools. By combining school-based aviation studies with STEM education, the programme provides students with practical and diverse opportunities connected to the aviation industry. These experiences help students develop curiosity and problem-solving skills, while also deepening their understanding of real-world applications. Dr Cheung also promotes the responsible use of artificial intelligence in English Language Learning. By integrating AI tools and strategies appropriately, he aims to deliver more personalised learning support, increase student engagement, and strengthen learners’ confidence in using English effectively. Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2026 Prof. XING Jie Prof. Xing Jie is a distinguished academic leader, currently serving as the Vice Dean, Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Interpreting and Translation Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. His international leadership is reflected in his roles as a member of the Research Task Force of the International Federation of Translators (FIT), a Council Member of the Translators Association of China (TAC), and the Vice President of the Socio-Translation Studies Committee of the China Association for Comparative Studies of English and Chinese (CACSEC). Prof. Xing has published widely on translation sociology, theory, pedagogy, and interpreting studies, with work appearing in leading journals such as Babel and Chinese Translators Journal. His scholarly excellence has earned him prestigious honors, including the Award for Outstanding Achievements in Philosophy and Social Sciences of Guangdong Province (2024) and multiple research awards from the Guangdong Society of Postgraduate Education. Prof. Xing also remains deeply committed to PolyU, having served as an External Examiner in 2021 and spearheaded collaborative initiatives such as the “AI in Translation” workshop to foster cross-border academic exchange. Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2026 Ms Jody Pui Yee LAM Ms Jody Lam is a speech-language pathologist, part-time assistant lecturer, and clinical educator based in Hong Kong, with more than a decade of experience spanning clinical practice, academic teaching, and professional leadership. She has demonstrated sustained and distinguished leadership in the speech therapy profession through her service as President of The Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists (HKAST). Under her leadership, HKAST successfully transitioned into a limited company in 2022 and expanded its public outreach through a broad spectrum of territory-wide campaigns and the upcoming HKAST Convention in November 2026. Regionally, Ms Lam secured HKAST’s affiliation with the Asia Pacific Society of Speech, Language and Hearing (APSSLH), currently serving as an Executive Board Member to foster cross-border cooperation. Her contributions also extend to scholarship and mentorship. She served as lead author of a Routledge book chapter on professional advocacy in 2025 and established a student outreach team to nurture future professionals. Deeply committed to community service, Ms Lam has volunteered locally and globally, including at Mother’s Choice Childcare Home in Hong Kong, and Casa Del Niño Association in Antigua, championing social responsibility and extending speech therapy support to underserved communities. Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2026 Prof. Esterina NERVINO Prof. Esterina Nervino is currently serving as an Associate Professor at the City University of Hong Kong. She is also the Associate Director of the Institute of Global Governance and Innovation for a Shared Future and the Co-Director of the New Frontiers in Professional Communication Lab, in addition to several external affiliations. She actively develops industry partnerships that support research collaboration, student internships, and executive education. Her research integrates social semiotics, multimodality, business communication, luxury studies, sustainability, and city branding, with a particular focus on arts, culture, and social impact. Her research has examined digital transformation in the luxury sector, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to language, business, and innovation. She is actively engaged in research funded by the Research Grants Council and in consultancy projects that contribute to responsible innovation and strategic communication within the luxury and cultural industries. She also organises cultural dialogues and serves on committees across Asia and Europe, promoting cross-cultural exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.

AIH PhD Student Recognised in Greater Bay Area Young Leaders Selection 2026

Mr Wong Chung Ho, a PhD student in the Division of Artificial Intelligence and the Humanities (AIH), has been recognised in the 20th Greater Bay Area Young Leaders Selection. Organised by the Junior Chamber International Hong Kong Harbour (JCI Hong Kong Harbour), the Greater Bay Area Young Leaders Selection recognises outstanding young leaders who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, professional achievement, and community service. The programme aims to foster cross-sector collaboration and exchange among emerging leaders across the Greater Bay Area. Mr Wong's achievement reflects his commitment to education, youth development, and community engagement. AIH extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Wong on this outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success in his academic and professional endeavours. Mr Wong's Remarks “It is my great pleasure to be awarded the 20th Greater Bay Area Youth Leader Award by the JCI. This recognition is a tremendous milestone for me, not only an affirmation on my career aspiration, but also a conjoint effort by everyone who has supported my vision for youth development and community services along my career path. I would like to thank Hon Wah College where I have been serving for 11 years . I would like to appreciate the AIH at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University where I am currently studying my PhD degree. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Pei Qing, my PhD supervisor and my referee, Mr Zhao Yang, for their tremendous support to me. Throughout my career as a secondary school teacher, I have always believed in empowering the younger generation not only strive for excellent academic results, but also embrace innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and social responsibility. This esteemed accolade inspires me to continue fostering regional connectivity and driving positive changes across the Greater Bay Area. I look forward to this new chapter and stay firm to make every endeavour to promote youth development.”

Prof. Huang Chu-Ren Honoured as Emeritus Professor

Prof. Huang Chu-Ren, Chair Professor of Applied Chinese Language Studies, has been conferred the title of Emeritus Professor (Applied Chinese Language Studies), with effect from 1 July 2026, upon his retirement from the University.

LST Student Triumphs in the 4th FH Three Minute Thesis Competition

The Faculty hosted its 4th Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition on 16 June 2026, showcasing the research prowess of our PhD students. The event challenged participants to present their complex research projects in just three minutes, emphasising clarity, conciseness, and effective communication. The winners are as follows: Champion: SHEK Tsz Ching Phoebe (LST) First Runner-up: TAN Kexin (ENGL) Second Runner-up: WANG Yijun (ENGL) The 3MT Competition, developed by the University of Queensland, is an academic competition that challenges postgraduate students to present their research in just three minutes, using one slide. The competition aims to develop students’ communication and presentation skills, particularly in the area of research communication. The Faculty Champion will advance to represent the Faculty at the University’s 3MT Competition to be held on 6 July. We wish her every success in the upcoming event.

PolyU Arts and Humanities Ranks 23rd in Best Global Universities by Subject 2026-2027, Placing 3rd in Asia

The Faculty of Humanities has attained notable results in the US News and World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Global Universities for Arts and Humanities. Arts and Humanities at PolyU is now ranked 23rd globally and 3rd in Asia. This remarkable achievement places the Faculty among the world’s elite institutions, recognised for its excellence in education, high-impact research, and meaningful contributions to society. The 12th annual US News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings evaluate institutions worldwide based on academic research performance and international reputation. The Rankings are calculated based on 13 indicators, including global and regional research reputation, total citations, and international collaboration.

Call for Nominations: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2026

We are pleased to announce that the Faculty of Humanities(FH) is now calling for nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Humanities 2026. The award aims to give public recognition to FH graduates for their diverse accomplishments and contributions. Three specific areas of achievement would be given recognition, including: Professional Achievement Entrepreneurial Achievement Scholarly Achievement Outstanding Young Alumni Award Alumni who are aged at/under 40 in the award selection year would be eligible for the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Eligibility The nominated candidate must be a graduate of the Faculty of Humanities* who has successfully completed a full-time or part-time programme offered by PolyU (or its forerunners: Hong Kong Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College, and Hong Kong Polytechnic) which led to academic award accredited by the respective Institution. The Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award has three levels, namely Department, Faculty and University levels. The nominees for the Faculty Award should be recipients of the Departmental Alumni Award or graduates of the Faculty level programmes, such as Doctor of Applied Language Sciences and BA(Hons) in Language Studies for the Professions. The proposer can be PolyU graduates, Honorary Graduates, University Fellows, PolyU staff, current PolyU Council and Court members and current Advisory Committee members. There is no limit to the number of nominations to be submitted by each proposer. However, the proposer cannot be the candidate himself/ herself. Faculty awardees of the current year may be nominated for the Outstanding Alumni Award at the University level. FH reserves the right to make a final decision on any individual's eligibility for the Award. In case of any dispute/disagreement, the decision of FH shall be final. *including graduates from the former Faculty of Communication Nomination Deadline 26 June 2026 Award Details and Nomination Form Completed forms shall be sent to fh.events@polyu.edu.hk by the nomination deadline. Contact Us Email: fh.events@polyu.edu.hk Tel.: +852 3400 8212