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PolyU Fosters Global Education Partnerships at NAFSA 2026 in Orlando

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently participated in NAFSA 2026 in Orlando, one of the world's premier international education conferences. Throughout the week, the delegation engaged in strategic discussions to strengthen ties with valued partners and explore new collaborations with potential institutions, expanding PolyU’s global reach and enriching students’ international learning experiences. A highlight of the event was a small-scale appreciation luncheon hosted in Orlando by PolyU’s delegation. It provided a wonderful opportunity to gather with esteemed partners in a close setting, express sincere gratitude for their ongoing support, and discuss future collaborative initiatives. The meaningful connections established during NAFSA 2026 resulted in a remarkably successful week for the university. Moving forward, PolyU remains committed to connecting with both current and potential partners on upcoming occasions, working together to advance the future of global education.

PolyU Fosters Global Education Partnerships at NAFSA 2026 in Orlando

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently participated in NAFSA 2026 in Orlando, one of the world's premier international education conferences. Throughout the week, the delegation engaged in strategic discussions to strengthen ties with valued partners and explore new collaborations with potential institutions, expanding PolyU’s global reach and enriching students’ international learning experiences. A highlight of the event was a small-scale appreciation luncheon hosted in Orlando by PolyU’s delegation. It provided a wonderful opportunity to gather with esteemed partners in a close setting, express sincere gratitude for their ongoing support, and discuss future collaborative initiatives. The meaningful connections established during NAFSA 2026 resulted in a remarkably successful week for the university. Moving forward, PolyU remains committed to connecting with both current and potential partners on upcoming occasions, working together to advance the future of global education.  

PolyU x BOCHK “Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station” Lunar Robot Design Competition concludes successfully, sparking secondary school students’ interest in aerospace technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has long been an active participant in the Nation’s space missions and continues to promote STEM education through space-themed programmes, encouraging young people to join the field of innovation and technology and cultivating professional talent. This academic year, PolyU has co-organised the space-themed programme PolyU x BOCHK “Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station” with the Education Bureau (EDB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government of the People’s Republic of China. The initiative aims to inspire secondary school students’ interest in space science and engineering, enabling them to put STEM knowledge in practice and nurturing future technology talent. The programme was sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK) and supported by the Chinese Society of Astronautics and the Hong Kong Society of Astronautics. As one of the programme’s highlights, the Lunar Robot Design Competition received a total of 65 design proposals from students of 52 secondary schools and international schools in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). An award ceremony was held today at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre on the PolyU campus, attended by nearly 200 experts, students, teachers and parents. Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education, stated, “We are deeply inspired by the successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft, and that it is the first time for a payload expert from the HKSAR to participate in it. The EDB will seize the momentum to further promote aerospace education in schools and keep optimising science, mathematics, and technology education.  The introduction of Primary Science and the newly updated Junior Secondary Science Curriculum have strengthened students’ scientific literacy.  These initiatives equip students with creative problem-solving skills, while enhancing their exposure to innovation and technology, including elements of space technology.  These curriculum developments aim to encourage students to not only learn scientific knowledge and skills, but also apply them creatively, just as what our participants have done in today’s competition.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU is dedicated to fostering innovation, research excellence and technological advancement. Leveraging the University’s cutting-edge engineering and research capabilities, our interdisciplinary teams have actively participated in critical National space missions, including the Chang’e lunar exploration missions and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission, contributing to our Nation’s historic space exploration endeavours. Later this year, we will also launch the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy (PARA), further strengthening our world-class excellence in deep space exploration as well as aviation. This competition clearly demonstrates the talent and potential of secondary school students in Hong Kong and the wider Greater Bay Area. The skills they have shown in this competition are exactly what the scientific community needs in the future.” Mr CHAN Man, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, said, “The first astronaut from Hong Kong entering the Tiangong space station to conduct scientific experiments not only demonstrates Hong Kong’s contribution to supporting the nation’s ambition of becoming a space power, but also stands as a fine example of Hong Kong integrating more deeply into and serving the country’s overall development. This aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan’s clear direction to accelerate the development of aviation and aerospace as a strategic emerging industry. As a leading commercial and regional bank with over a century of deep roots in Hong Kong, BOCHK has long been a steadfast supporter of Hong Kong’s space development journey, with a special focus on inspiring and empowering our youth by supporting a wide range of youth development projects related to technological innovation and cutting-edges fields such as artificial intelligence. Whether through direct programme funding or strategic collaboration with academic institutions like PolyU, we are committed to providing the platform, the resources and the encouragement needed to nurture future talent for the development of national space exploration.” In his video address, Mr JIANG Jun, Deputy Secretary-General, Chinese Society of Astronautics, said that that the competition focused on the theme of lunar robot design, promoted learning through competition and empowered innovation. It provided a professional practical platform for youth in Hong Kong, Macau, and the Greater Bay Area to connect with deep space exploration and delve into robotics technology. The winning projects fully demonstrated the scientific literacy, innovative thinking, and sense of national responsibility of the young students. He encouraged the students to maintain their passion for aerospace technology and their pursuit of robotic innovation, to explore bravely, dare to break through, and integrate their personal aspirations into the grand national endeavour of space development. The judging panel highly praised the remarkable creativity and scientific thinking demonstrated by the participating students, noting that the teams’ innovative designs reflected their outstanding potential in the fields of space science and engineering. The panel encouraged the students to continue their studies in STEM fields and further refine their projects, thereby laying a solid foundation for their future research careers and allowing them to seize the vast opportunities arising from the rapid development of the Nation’s space industry. The Lunar Robot Design Competition focused on four themes: Exploration and Surveying Robots, Construction and Infrastructure Robots, Astronaut Support and Logistics Robots, and Multi-Robot Cooperative Systems. Students were required to design scientifically grounded robotic solutions for exploration of the lunar south pole. Following an evaluation by a judging panel comprising PolyU aerospace experts and members of the Hong Kong Society of Astronautics, teams from Pui Kiu College, Good Hope School and Malvern College Hong Kong were named the champion, first runner-up and second runner-up respectively. All finalist teams were also awarded grants to recognise their outstanding performance and to encourage them to continue promoting STEM education in their schools. The champion team from Pui Kiu College designed a bionic hexapod robot. Utilising a hexapod bionic chassis to navigate the moon’s complex terrain with agility, the robot is designed to aid in resource transport, material handling and assembly. It also features autonomous excavation and processing of lunar surface materials for 3D printing, providing robust support for lunar infrastructure projects. The first runner-up team from Good Hope School proposed a multi-robot cooperative system designed for lunar south pole exploration, consisting of a base, a transporter and two hopper explorers. By dividing the labour between stationary processing, heavy transport and agile scouting, the system overcomes the limitations of single robots, showcasing the potential of multi-robot systems in deep space exploration missions. The second runner-up team from Malvern College Hong Kong proposed a design for an exploration robot powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators. Equipped with dexterous robotic arms and a LiDAR system, the robot is capable of autonomous terrain mapping and resource exploration, making it suitable for long-term exploration and surveying missions in the permanently shadowed regions of the lunar south pole. The space-themed programme PolyU x BOCHK “Pioneering the Moon: Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station” earlier hosted a public space-themed lecture and a student tour of the PolyU Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, allowing participants to gain a more profound understanding of aerospace science and foster a greater interest in and awareness of the Nation’s aerospace achievements.  

The 7th USRN Online Forum on Post-Truth and The Role of Science

The 7th USRN Online Forum on “Post-Truth and the Role of Science”, hosted by the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN), was successfully concluded on 20 May 2026. This online forum addressed myths about misinformation, explored the epistemic and pedagogical dimensions of trust in science, and presented empirical findings related to exposure, repetition, and corrective strategies in the digital age.  Three insightful speakers contributed to the discussion: Professor Jeroen de Ridder, Professor of Epistemology and Metaphysics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Dr Inez Z. Ponce de Leon, Associate Professor, Department of Communication at Ateneo de Manila University; and Dr Wenting Yu, Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.  Professor Jeroen de Ridder presented three myths about disinformation and misinformation, arguing that identifying and combating these issues is more challenging than commonly assumed. He emphasised the epistemic difficulty of determining truth and misleading content, especially on complex topics. Professor de Ridder provided evidence showing that production and consumption of misinformation are heavily skewed, and the effects on people’s beliefs and behaviour tend to be limited and short-lived. He argued that misinformation is a symptom of broader societal distrust rather than its primary cause. Then, he advocated greater transparency about how science works and by fostering relationships to demystify scientific practices.  Dr Inez Z. Ponce de Leon presented on science and risk communication, challenging the automatic association between trust and science. She shared research indicating that people often trust scientists not solely based on facts, but due to perceived power dynamics. She highlighted how local knowledge and experiences significantly influence decision-making, particularly in disaster situations in the Philippines, and questioned whether science education’s focus on results rather than processes contributes to misperceptions of science as static rather than dynamic. Dr Ponce de Leon recommended the need for transdisciplinary approaches in science communication that incorporate local knowledge alongside scientific knowledge from the beginning of projects rather than as an afterthought.  Dr Wenting Yu shared research findings on misinformation and science communication, highlighting patterns of media exposure, repetition effects, and the challenges of verification in the digital age. She noted that generative AI can create fabricated information and even increase the perceived credibility of false claims when accompanied by citations. While fact‑checking and professional corrections can be effective, they tend to be less engaging than sensational falsehoods. She stressed the importance of making accurate scientific information accessible to the public and suggested that scholars should actively engage in public communication through various channels, while enhancing media and AI literacy. About the USRN The University Social Responsibility Network (USRN), established in 2015, believes that universities have an obligation to work together to find solutions to address the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the world today, making the world more just, inclusive, peaceful and sustainable. The USRN comprises 24 member institutions with a wide geographic spread. Members are leading universities in their countries dedicated to making a positive impact for the benefit of the society and the world. Currently, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University serves as the Chair of the USRN Executive Committee and hosts the Network Secretariat. 

PolyU Strengthens Global Ties at Inaugural France-Hong Kong Universities Forum in Paris

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the first edition of the France-Hong Kong Universities Forum, held in Paris from 21 to 22 May 2026. Co-organised by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao, France Universités, Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee (UGC), and the Heads of Universities Committee’s Standing Committee on Internationalisation (HUCOMSCI), the landmark event aimed to deepen academic ties and foster high-impact collaborative research between higher education institutions in both regions. A significant milestone of the two-day programme was the signing of a Letter of Intent between the universities in Hong Kong and France Universités. This agreement formally solidifies a shared commitment to expanding internationalisation efforts and establishing long-term collaborative structures. Reflecting PolyU’s continuous dedication to international academic collaboration, the university actively contributed to the forum’s extensive panel discussions. Professor Ben Young, Vice President of Student and Global Affairs at PolyU, represented the institution in a critical dialogue focused on artificial intelligence-driven innovation. The panel explored how universities in France and Hong Kong can lead advancements through interdisciplinary research, share expertise, and train future leaders in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The comprehensive programme also featured high-level visits to prestigious French scientific institutions, including the Académie des sciences, the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), the National School of Decorative Arts (ENSAD), and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). These strategic engagements provided valuable platforms for Hong Kong university leaders to exchange perspectives on research priorities and explore pathways for strengthened scientific cooperation. The successful completion of this inaugural forum marks a new chapter in global academic collaboration. The institutional exchanges and high-level dialogues established in Paris have laid a strong foundation for future initiatives, reaffirming PolyU’s commitment to driving impactful global research, nurturing international talent, and continuously expanding its worldwide academic network.

PolyU Participated in the World-Class University Presidents’ Forum and the University Alliance of the Silk Road Executive Council Meeting 2026

From 7 to 8 April 2026, the World-Class University Presidents’ Forum and Expo was held at Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) during the university’s 130th anniversary celebrations. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the event alongside 29 other universities and research institutions to exchange insights into the key role of higher education in global governance, artificial intelligence, and talent cultivation. At the higher education expo, which attracted over 500 visitors from local universities and secondary schools, Professor Jiannong Cao, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, delivered a speech highlighting student-centred learning and teaching and the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative.  As co-founder and Vice President of the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR), PolyU attended the UASR Executive Council Meeting on 7 April with fellow member institutions, namely XJTU, Harbin Institute of Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Nazarbayev University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the National University of Sciences and Technology, Pusan National University, Samarkand State University, and the University of Liverpool. Members approved membership applications and deliberated on strategies for deepening collaborative efforts in future initiatives.  PolyU is committed to strengthening strategic collaboration and partnerships with universities worldwide. Through the UASR platform, we continue to support the Belt and Road Initiative and promote substantive academic exchange across the Belt and Road region. Jointly established by PolyU and XJTU in 2015, the UASR is a non-governmental and non-profit alliance aimed at providing an open and international collaborative platform in higher education. 

PolyU fully supports "Study in Hong Kong" Week, strengthening Hong Kong's position as international education hub

In support of theHong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s “Study in Hong Kong” Week, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has rolled out a series of international education activities this week, including co-hosting the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition with the seven other University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities. Through these efforts, PolyU is helping to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for post-secondary education, expand the global academic network, and showcase to the world the strengths and excellence of Hong Kong’s higher education sector. Themed “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good”, this year’s APAIE conference was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the opening ceremony officiated by Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; Mr Tim LUI, Chairman of the UGC; Dr David WONG, Chairman of the Education Commission; Prof. James TANG, Secretary-General of the UGC; Prof. Venky SHANKARARAMAN, President of APAIE; together with Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and representatives from the otherUGC-funded universities on 24 February. The gala event attracted a record-breaking attendance of more than 3,000 global education leaders from over 70 countries and regions, demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique status as a venue for international educational exchange. A highlight of APAIE 2026, the Presidents’ Dialogue featured a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng. Focusing on building partnerships for the global good, Prof. Teng, together with presidents and representatives from leading universities worldwide explored how higher education institutions can respond to challenges arising in this fast-changing era by fostering new frameworks for win-win international collaborations. He also shared valuable insights into driving the long-term development of education and research through innovation. The Dialogue brought together global education and industry leaders for forward-looking discussions on key issues in higher education, further consolidating Hong Kong’s leadership on the global higher education stage. In a seminar on supporting international students, Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU, introduced PolyU’s comprehensive support services tailored for international students, highlighting efforts to foster interaction among students from diverse backgrounds, help international students adapt smoothly to a new learning and living environment, and enhance these students’ sense of belonging to the University. Prof. Young also discussed with representatives from local universities how Hong Kong can leverage its many advantages in higher education to attract top students from around the world. During “Study in Hong Kong” Week, PolyU also hosted the PolyU Partners Day, a major event that welcomed over 180 representatives from its partner institutions across 37 countries and regions. The University management team introduced latest PolyU’s remarkable achievements over the years, its latest developments, academic and research strengths, and internationalisation strategies, while campus tours and networking sessions with faculty and students were held to deepen the partnerships. In addition, the PolyU Chinese Language Centre, together with the Confucius Institute of Hong Kong, organised a series of cultural activities for the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, featuring calligraphy, paper cutting, traditional Chinese costume experiences and festive foods. These activities helped foster a culturally inclusive atmosphere on campus and provided international students with the opportunity to experience the charm of Chinese culture firsthand, showcasing Hong Kong’s appeal as a top study destination. To support the Government’s efforts to build the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, PolyU will continue to expand its global recruitment network, with a particular focus on outreach to emerging markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America.  The University will offer a wide range of scholarships and comprehensive support to attract international students from diverse cultural backgrounds to pursue their studies in Hong Kong. At the same time, PolyU will leverage its unique academic strengths and international influence to actively promote high-level international academic exchange and collaboration and maintain close partnerships with world-leading institutions such as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. By further advancing research collaboration and academic engagement, the University will enhance the appeal of the “Study in Hong Kong” initiative.

The 6th USRN Online Forum on Social Responsibility in University Operations

The 6th USRN Online Forum on “Social Responsibility in University Operations”, co-hosted by the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN) and The University of Manchester, was successfully concluded on 25 February 2026. Moderated by Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at The University of Manchester, the online forum focused on the importance of considering social responsibility in university operations. The online forum featured three insightful speakers: Dr Fernando Paras, Assistant Vice President for Renewable Energy, Development, and Management for Southern Constituent Universities at University of the Philippines; Ms Jasmin Lewis, Sustainable Procurement Manager, Procurement, Finance at UNSW Sydney; and Ms Sarah Fox, Executive Director for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at The University of Manchester. Dr Julian Skyrme opened the session by introducing the USRN, a global network of universities committed to advancing social responsibility in higher education. He emphasised that universities, being major employers and significant organisations, must assess their internal practices to maintain their credibility and enhance their social impact. Dr Fernando Paras presented on the sustainability initiatives of the University of the Philippines system, highlighting nature-based solutions for campus health and safety, green mobility programmes, and renewable energy projects. He discussed how the university maintains green spaces and utilises solar power across its campuses, aiming to achieve net zero emissions. Dr Paras emphasised that facilities management is now regarded as a strategic function, and partnerships are crucial for public service activities. He pointed out that the university will increasingly be evaluated by its operational practices as much as its academic output. Ms Jasmin Lewis presented the university’s approach to social procurement, highlighting their focus on indigenous and social enterprises. She explained how UNSW tracks and increases spending with these suppliers, noting a 155% increase in social enterprise spend in the last financial year. Jasmin also discussed their strategy, “Progress for All”, and their commitment to sustainability, which has resulted in top global rankings for sustainability and social impact. Ms Sarah Fox shared her experience in developing an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy at The University of Manchester, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between policy and lived experiences. She also discussed a successful reverse mentoring programme she implemented at BBC before joining the higher education sector, which led to improved recruitment outcomes and reduced attrition rates among underrepresented groups. The speakers explored various ways that universities can strengthen their social responsibility, including through better procurement practices, community partnerships, and leading social conversations. The session concluded that universities can strengthen their credibility in contributing to society by adopting truly socially responsible operations. About the USRN The University Social Responsibility Network (USRN), established in 2015, believes that universities have an obligation to work together to find solutions to address the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the world today, making the world more just, inclusive, peaceful and sustainable. The USRN comprises 24 member institutions with a wide geographic spread. Members are leading universities in their countries dedicated to making a positive impact for the benefit of the society and the world. Currently, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University serves as the Chair of the USRN Executive Committee and hosts the Network Secretariat. 

PolyU Hosts Rehabilitation Sciences Students and Staff from Mongolia

From 29 January to 4 February 2026, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) organised the 2026 Rehabilitation Sciences Student–Staff Exchange Programme. Twelve students and two faculty members from the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy at the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) visited PolyU and several healthcare facilities to learn about the various rehabilitation practices in Hong Kong and to discuss professional collaboration opportunities. Following the success of the programme last year, this event is the second academic exchange between PolyU and the MNUMS under the University Alliance of the Silk Road Sub-Alliance of Engineering Medicine Facilitated Technology Innovation. The Mongolian participants gave overwhelmingly positive feedback after their visit. Dr Erdenee Baasankhuu, Physiotherapy Lecturer at the MNUMS, commented: “Participating in this programme at PolyU was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. I now understand how theory and practice can be effectively integrated within a modern, student-centred learning environment. Exposure to diverse clinical settings also helped me realise that rehabilitation is not only about physical recovery but also about supporting a patient’s psychological well-being, social participation and independence in a holistic manner.” MNUMS student Ms Tangad Altanzaya also shared her insights about the programme: “My week in Hong Kong was incredibly productive. What impressed me most was the unwavering commitment to ‘person-centred care’. Therapists demonstrated remarkable precision in adapting to each patient’s environment and selecting the most effective assistive devices. This programme has truly inspired me and will significantly influence my future studies and professional development.”   In 2025, PolyU and Xi’an Jiaotong University jointly established the University Alliance of the Silk Road Sub-alliance of Engineering Medicine Facilitated Technology Innovation. The MNUMS is a founding member of the Sub-alliance and PolyU’s first Mongolian partner. PolyU will continue to cultivate academic collaboration and partnerships along the Belt and Road.

PolyU x BOCHK launch space-themed programme 2025/26 to jointly nurture aerospace technology innovators in Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has played an active role in the Nation’s space missions and is committed to nurturing the next generation of space science and aerospace technology talent, contributing to the Nation’s space endeavours. This year, PolyU has once again launched its space-themed programme, “Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station”. An inaugural public lecture was held on 24 January on the PolyU campus to mark the launch of the programme. The event attracted over a hundred teachers and students from secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to attend in person, while it was simultaneously live-streamed on multiple social media platforms in Chinese Mainland, drawing nearly 8,000 online viewers and receiving an enthusiastic response. In her welcoming address, Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), said, “At PolyU, our commitment goes beyond education; we are deeply engaged in space research and missions.This strong research foundation enables us to engage you with authentic, cutting-edge topics such as robotic exploration, lunar mapping, surface operations, and planning for future facilities like the International Lunar Research Station. Through today’s lecture and the related competition, we hope you will discover how what you learn in school, such as physics, mathematics, computing, engineering and even design, can one day be applied to real missions in deep space exploration, contributing to humanity’s exploration of the universe.” The lecture, themed “Robotic Exploration at the Lunar South Pole”, was delivered by Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations at PolyU. Prof. Wu gave an accessible yet insightful presentation on the construction of a lunar research station and the development of space robotics, inspiring students’ interest in aerospace technology. The lecture sparked lively discussion during the Q&A session, showcasing students’ strong enthusiasm for space technology and their inquisitive spirit. This year’s space-themed programme is organised by PolyU and co-organised by the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. It is sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK), with support from the Chinese Society of Astronautics and the Hong Kong Society of Astronautics. The programme aims to inspire students’ interest in space science, engineering and exploration on the lunar south pole while enhancing their understanding of the scientific and technological challenges associated with robotics on the lunar south pole. The programme also aims to foster innovative thinking and nurture future talent for the Nation’s space endeavours. In line with China’s plans for building the International Lunar Research Station as well as the upcoming Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions and aiming to foster innovation across STEM disciplines, the programme features a Lunar Robot Design Competition. Participating teams will be tasked with designing a robot capable of conducting research and exploration on the lunar south pole, with their designs supported by scientific research. Each team will be required to submit a written proposal comprising a conceptual design and technical drawings, followed by a prototype of their robot in 3D printed or digital model/animation format. Registration for the competition is now open. Student teams from Secondary 3–5/Gao 1–2/Grade 9–11 (US curriculum)/Year 10–12 (UK curriculum) from secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area are welcome to participate. Proposal submissions are due by 31 March 2026. An adjudication panel will shortlist 10 finalist teams. The shortlisted teams will be invited to visit the PolyU Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations and cash prizes will be awarded based on the final assessment results. All participating students will receive a certificate of participation, while finalists will be invited to join the PolyU Summer Institute 2026. Should the students participating in the competition later apply for admission to PolyU through theSpecial Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme, their outstanding performance in this competition will be recognised. For more information about the space-themed programme, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/prospective-students/undergraduate/local/polyu-space-themed-programme/ ***END***