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PolyU Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme 2024

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) places great emphasis on holistic education of young people and on providing them with enriching and diverse learning opportunities, aiming to nurture talents who can drive innovation in the society. To foster high school student interest in research, PolyU organised the fourth “Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme” (JRMP), enabling participants to engage in diverse research projects under the guidance of PolyU academics. A record 180 students from 58 local and international secondary schools were selected to participate in this year’s Programme, supported by 70 academics from various faculties, schools and departments at PolyU. Mentees from JRMP 2024 participated in 30 projects, covering topics related to various fields, including applied social sciences, design, fashion and textiles, hotel and tourism, language, nursing, rehabilitation sciences, as well as various engineering specialisations such as aeronautical engineering, biomedical engineering and building engineering. Over a four-month period, under the guidance of PolyU academic mentors, students gained practical experience in research design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Through hands-on learning, they developed the skills necessary for successful research endeavours. The programme also included visits to PolyU’s laboratories and classrooms, providing students with exposure to the university’s academic environment and diverse undergraduate offerings, preparing them for their future studies and careers. Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), said, “PolyU is committed to leveraging our top-notch academics to support the development of young research talents in Hong Kong. The JRMP is designed to expose secondary school students to research experiences, with the guidance of our esteemed academic staff. Some of them will even have the opportunity to present their research findings at international conferences and make a real impact. Our mentees from last year’s programme submitted their project to the American Association for Applied Linguistics Conference 2024, and presented their research at the conference in the Houston, Texas. It shows that this Programme has sparked a passion for research in students, and I look forward to welcoming them to PolyU, as our students, or even better, as future researchers, to drive impactful innovations for our future.” Supervised by Dr Henry CHU, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, three students from Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College and Maryknoll Fathers’ School conducted the research project “Development of a self-driving robot for use in an indoor environment”. Students described their programme experience as “stimulating.” They shared, “As the use of automation and robotics technologies becomes more prevalent, these technologies are having a greater impact on our daily lives. In this project, we had the opportunity to learn how a self-driving car operates, from computer programming to the utilisation of sensors and lidar systems, and even covering the concept of artificial intelligence. This inspired our interest in engineering, and we are keen to study relevant disciplines at the university.” Under the guidance of Prof. YICK Kit Lun, Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) and Dr SHI Qiuqiong, Research Assistant Professor of the SFT, three students from St Paul’s Convent School and Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School learnt how to design sports bras in their research project “Activewear design in the digital age”. They said, “We are all interested in fashion design. This project covered practical design knowledge and introduced us to relevant technological trends. Most impressively, we had the opportunity to use the advanced 4D body scanner and motion capture system with ourselves as models. With these firsthand experiences, we gained a profound insight into the impact of technology on fashion design.” Two students from the YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College and Maryknoll Fathers’ School completed the research project “Exploring the attitudes and behaviours of elderly patrons towards self-service technologies in restaurants: A case study of elderly restaurant customers in Hong Kong” under the guidance of Dr Ada LO, Associate Professor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management. They said, “Our mentor’s guidance was invaluable throughout the project. We gained a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies by actively participating in various stages of the research process, including conducting a thorough literature review, in-depth interviews and data analysis. Our generation is accustomed to self-service technologies, so it is hard for us to imagine the challenges they bring to the elderly. After this experience, we have gained a deeper understanding of issues like social inclusion and how the hospitality and tourism industry can positively impact community well-being. We hope our findings can serve as a reference for the industry in enhancing the elderly’s experience using these technologies.” PolyU launched JRMP in 2021 to introduce high school students to diverse research areas and multidisciplinary knowledge, igniting their passion for inquiry. This initiative aims to nurture a new generation of local innovation and technology (I&T) talent, supporting Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub. Since its launch, the Programme has attracted 520 students from 108 local and international secondary schools, who completed a total of 144 research projects. Moving forward, JRMP will expand to welcome more secondary schools and students. Applications will open early next year, with the Programme scheduled to run from April to August. For this year’s programme website, photos and videos, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/prospective-students/undergraduate/local/junior-researcher-mentoring-programme/

A Vibrant Summer at PolyU

Summer is not only a great time for students to relax but also an excellent opportunity to gain exceptional learning experiences and meet new friends from around the world! PolyU’s colourful summer programmes offer young students the opportunity to unlock their potential and gear up for bright futures.   PolyU organised a range of programmes targeting students of different study levels. All these programmes provided local and overseas participants with cherished memories of PolyU and Hong Kong.   This year, the PolyU International Summer School attracted over 400 undergraduates from 20 countries and regions to join this one-month programme. Besides local tours and workshops to experience Hong Kong culture, students delved into credit-bearing courses covering a wide range of topics from Chinese culture, design, and technology to entrepreneurship and leadership, including the subject “Tomorrow’s Leaders”, which has won the QS Reimagine Education Awards and UGC Teaching Award. Students from across borders embarked on an incredible learning and cultural exchange journey.   For high school students, PolyU also offers two engaging summer programmes. The PolyU Summer Institute, now in its second year, welcome over 250 students from 12 countries and regions. Through a five-day residential camp, participants immersed themselves in various attachment programmes. Local students had the opportunity to experience PolyU’s signature Service-Learning programme, contributing to communities in need. International students explored Hong Kong’s cultural landmarks through local tours. Additionally, some students opted for a week-long, credit-bearing “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” course to cultivate an innovative mindset.

PolyU strengthens global partnerships in Southeast Asia

Prof. Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) embarked on a trip to Indonesia to connect with its global partners on behalf of the University. This milestone trip underscores PolyU's steadfast commitment to strengthening deeper connections in Southeast Asia and to empowering young talents on the global stage.   During the trip, Prof. Young led academics from the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Science, as well as an Indonesian PolyU student ambassador, in promoting the University to school principals, counsellors and students from diverse backgrounds. They met with local high schools, presented updates about PolyU, introduced dual-degree and new undergraduate programmes, and shared various support services and opportunities available to students, while the student ambassador shared her inspirational learning experiences at PolyU.   Prof. Young said, “PolyU is committed to building an international learning environment, attracting students from all around the world to study and work in Hong Kong, thereby contributing to the City’s development as an international hub for post-secondary education. We are glad to announce the expansion of our strong networks in Southeast Asia and look forward to further engagement with a broader spectrum of institutions.”

PolyU Expands Global Partnerships with Landmark MoUs in Southeast Asia

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to building an international learning environment, attracting students from around the world to study and work in Hong Kong, and promoting the development of Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education. Recently, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Prof. Ben Young embarked on a visit to Southeast Asia to broaden PolyU's global partnership network. On 29 July, Prof. Young signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of PolyU with an educational institution in Laos, marking the first educational collaboration between Hong Kong and Laos. The MoU Exchange Ceremony was witnessed by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith.   Following this, on 2 August, Prof. Young exchanged MoUs on behalf of PolyU with an educational institution in Vietnam and the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. The Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, and the Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Mr Phan Van Mai also witnessed this ceremony. These MoUs with educational institutions in Laos and Vietnam aim to provide opportunities for outstanding local students to pursue university education. PolyU will offer a wide array of scholarships, covering up to full tuition fees and providing living allowances, to ensure that promising students can receive a quality university education. Additionally, under the MoU with Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, the two universities will promote exchanges in the fields of research and education, including joint educational activities and sharing academic resources, thereby strengthening collaboration between the institutions in both regions.

University Alliance of the Silk Road Hexi Corridor Study Tour Successfully Held

A group of 30 undergraduate students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and eight students from Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) embarked on the Hexi Corridor Study Tour held by the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR) on 20 May 2024. The tour was organised by PolyU’s Global Engagement Office (GEO), Xi’an Jiaotong University, the Confucius Institute of Hong Kong (CIHK), and Xi’an Tongli International College (Tongli). Supported by funding from PolyU (Other Study Tour and Field Trip Funding Scheme) and Tongli, the programme provided students with transformative, non-local learning experiences, immersing them in the vibrant culture of the historic Silk Road and fostering long-lasting friendships. The study tour was successfully concluded on 29 May 2024.   During the trip, the students visited renowned cultural heritage sites and natural landscapes spanning five cities in the Hexi Corridor region: Xi’an, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, and Lanzhou. They visited the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, the Mogao Caves, historic fortresses such as Yang Pass, Yadan National Geologic Park, and Mati Temple, among other sites. The students also participated in a hands-on mural painting workshop to learn about Dunhuang art. In addition, academic exchange seminars were held at XJTU and Lanzhou University to deepen students’ understanding of the Silk Road. Several participants reflected on their experiences during this meaningful trip:   “The Overhanging Great Wall witnessed my friendship with PolyU students. Jiayuguan Pass and the surrounding mountains saw our happiness and bravery. Although parting ways with my friends was not easy at the end of the trip, I know our friendship will continue for years to come.” -- Yang Xudong, XJTU student   “Travelling along the Eastern Silk Road gave me a better understanding of the depth of Chinese history and culture. Each place has its unique charm. In addition to visiting ancient heritage sites, we had the opportunity to talk to locals and learn about their lives and traditions. I can imagine ancient traders and travellers travelling these routes, carrying valuable goods and knowledge. I am starting to appreciate China’s Silk Road even more. It is not only a bridge for economy and trade but also a hub for cultural exchange.”  -- Tsang Wing Lam, PolyU student   “It is better to travel 10,000 miles than read 10,000 books! I felt the footsteps of our ancestors walking along the Hexi Corridor. Standing in the northwest, I finally understood the inclusive nature of Chinese culture. I also grasped the splendour of our heritage and our human civilisation.” -- Liu Ziqiong, PolyU student   University Alliance of the Silk Road Jointly established by XJTU and PolyU in 2015, the UASR is a non-governmental and non-profit alliance aimed at providing an open and international collaborative platform in higher education. By assuming the Vice Presidency of UASR, PolyU takes a leading role in promoting talent development, technology and policy research, cultural exchanges, and medical services among member institutions along the Belt and Road.

PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme Helps Students Expand Their Knowledge of Civil Engineering and Sustainable Development in Thailand

Twenty students from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) embarked on a study trip to Thailand from 7 to 11 January 2024. This educational excursion was supported by the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme, which is administered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO). Through the immersive experience, the students acquired a deep understanding of the latest advances in civil engineering and sustainable development, enabling them to make informed comparisons between the industries in Bangkok and Hong Kong. During the trip, the students visited King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) and various local industry sites and engaged in cultural exploration alongside the KMUTT staff and students.   Below are some comments from the participants. “My study tour in Bangkok was eye-opening. One of the highlights was a visit to the Grand Palace, where I was in awe of the intricate architecture and beautiful design. In addition, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of Thai culture through interacting with students from KMUTT. By engaging in meaningful discussions with professionals, I also expanded my knowledge of civil engineering. Overall, the study tour in Bangkok was a valuable and unforgettable experience!” -- Crement Leung   “My trip to Thailand provided me with valuable experiences that far surpassed what I could have learned in a classroom setting. Being able to explore the country first-hand allowed me to appreciate the buildings and temples that are deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. Moreover, the rapid development of Thailand's transport systems and highways was remarkable. The bustling streets and markets depicted a colourful society...What truly made this journey special were the friendships I made along the way. This experience has left an indelible mark on me.” -- John Enriquez   “One of the most memorable stories was interacting with local students at KMUTT, where each student was working on an individual creative project. I was astonished by their hands-on capabilities in tackling problems and discovering innovative solutions. I was inspired by their willpower and resourcefulness.” -- Chung Cheuk Lun About PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme The PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme aims to support faculties, schools, departments, and student-related offices in organising thematic curricular and extracurricular activities to promote bilateral student mobility and enrich PolyU students’ Belt and Road experience. The Scheme is administered by the Global Engagement Office at PolyU. 

PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences Sign MoU to Establish First Collaboration with a Mongolian Tertiary Institution

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy of the School of Nursing of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 15 January 2024, to strengthen the collaboration of both parties and signify an important step forward in contributing to the Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative.   Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU said in his welcome speech, “We are pleased to announce that the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences is the first tertiary institution in Mongolia to collaborate with PolyU. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences for their efforts in forging connections between the University and Mongolia.”   In May 2023, twelve RS students took part in a study trip to MNUMS to learn about occupational therapy, with the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme administered by PolyU’s Global Engagement Office (GEO). PolyU is confident in expanding and enhancing its cooperation with MNUMS in the future and looks forward to forging closer bonds with other universities in the Belt and Road.   About PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme The PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme aims to support faculties, schools, departments and student-related offices in organising thematic curricular and extracurricular activities to promote bilateral student mobility and enrich PolyU students’ Belt and Road experience. The Scheme is administered by the Global Engagement Office at PolyU. 

Global Engagement Office Yearbook 2023

As the year draws to an end, the Global Engagement Office (GEO) announces the release of the GEO Yearbook 2023. Themed “Global Aspirations Flourish at PolyU”, the Yearbook provides an overview of GEO’s major accomplishments in 2023 in enhancing PolyU’s global engagement and presence in various fields. GEO also expresses gratitude to the individuals, organisations, and partners who have supported GEO's work in the past years. In the pursuit of excellence, GEO will continue working with all related parties to make PolyU a world-leading university with a global impact. GEO Yearbook 2023: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/docdrive/PolyU_GEO_Yearbook_2023.pdf  

PolyU, CityU, CUHK and HKUST co-organise Hong Kong Partners Week to promote study in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), City University of Hong Kong (CityU), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recently welcomed representatives from 38 university partners to promote study in Hong Kong and strengthen bonds with overseas universities. The senior management and faculty members of the four universities greeted their global university partners from Australia, Austria, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, the UK, and the USA earlier this month, introducing them Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a destination for international exchange students, the city’s strengths and opportunities and the campuses’ world-class research and student facilities. This programme “Hong Kong Partners Week”, held from 5th to 8th December, also invited leading speakers from the industry to share Hong Kong’s latest development. The programme began with a talk by Mr Daniel CHAN, Head of Greater Bay Area (GBA) of HSBC, who spoke about Hong Kong’s development and positioning as part of the GBA’s and the city’s opportunities for international students. Mr Bernard CHAN, Chairman of M+ Museum, then shared Hong Kong’s development and opportunities in art and culture, while Dr Eden WOON, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, gave insight into the city’s business landscape and opportunities. In addition to university facilities, such as PolyU’s Pao Yue-kong Library, CUHK’s Art Museum and the School of Chinese Medicine; CityU’s Milk Product Counter and Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre; HKUST’s Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility and the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute; as well as various student residences, the overseas delegates also visited Hong Kong Science Park which is managed by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Albert WONG, and his team shared Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development and related opportunities for international students. They also visited Central, Tai Kwun, the Palace Museum and the West Kowloon District to learn about Hong Kong’s history and cultural heritage conservation, as well as art and culture development. The delegates found the programme fruitful and inspiring. A university partner from The Netherlands said, “It was great to return to Hong Kong for the first time since the pandemic. I am deeply appreciative of the invitation to attend the Hong Kong Partners Week. The comprehensive reintroduction to four of the top universities was exceptionally well-coordinated.” Another university representative from the UK said, “I feel I am well informed and more ready to promote Hong Kong to our students than before, and I really hope this will generate good mobility both ways!” Universities in Hong Kong have strong and extensive student exchange programmes which provide overseas learning opportunities for Hong Kong students. It also brings in international exchange students to study in Hong Kong, which significantly contributes to campus internationalisation. Through fostering close ties with overseas university partners, universities in Hong Kong continue to promote higher education in the city, reinforcing the exchange of students, and helping Hong Kong to develop into an international higher education hub. The list of participating university partners are: Australia: RMIT University The University of Melbourne The University of Sydney University of South Australia Austria: Vienna University of Economics and Business Canada: Queen’s University The University of British Columbia Ireland: Trinity College Dublin University College Dublin Italy: University of Bologna Spain: ESADE Business School Sweden: Lund University The Netherlands: Maastricht University Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Wageningen University and Research UK: Newcastle University The University of Liverpool The University of Manchester The University of Warwick University College London University of Bath University of Bristol University of East Anglia University of Exeter University of Leeds University of Southampton University of St Andrews USA: Clarkson University San Diego State University The Pennsylvania State University The University of Utah University of California, Davis University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Merced University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Notre Dame University of Southern California University of Wisconsin-Madison   The participants visit CityU. The participants visit CUHK. HKUST Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Prof. WANG Yang (first row, eighth right) welcomes the participants to visit HKUST. Mr Daniel Chan, Head of Greater Bay Area (GBA) of HSBC Mr Bernard Chan, Chairman of M+ Museum Dr Eden Woon, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (right) Mr Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP The participants visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum.   ***END***

PolyU hosts UASR Tourism Sub-Alliance Belt and Road Session 2023

On 7 December 2023, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR) Tourism Sub-Alliance Belt and Road Session 2023 at SHTM in collaboration with the Global Engagement Office (GEO). The aim of this series of conference sessions is to establish a platform for academic exchange on the tourism and hospitality industry among UASR Tourism Sub-Alliance members and representatives of Belt and Road higher education institutions. With the support of the PolyU Network Initiative Scheme, administered by GEO, this Belt and Road Session was held in conjunction with IMPACT2023 Conference organised by SHTM, its Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre, and STR.   At the opening ceremony, Professor Kaye Chon, Dean of SHTM, welcomed the Session’s participants and invited them to share their insights into advancing tourism development in the Belt and Road region. Ten speakers from nine universities presented their disciplinary research findings and practices, sparking fruitful discussion of strategies to promote sustainability, revitalisation, and resilience in the tourism industry post-pandemic. The participating institutions included Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), Chengdu University (CDU), the University of Tabuk (UT), Duy Tan University (DTU), STP Bandung, Palembang Tourism Polytechnic, and the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.   PolyU has established strong partnerships with tertiary and research institutions worldwide, actively contributing to education, research, and knowledge transfer on a global scale. Apart from being the Co-founder and Vice-President of the UASR, PolyU was appointed as UASR’s Rotating President in 2023. The UASR Tourism Sub-Alliance was initiated by SHTM in 2019 and currently comprises PolyU, XJTU, KazNU, MFU, and CDU.