News

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.

Chengdu University Students Participate in PolyU Study Programme through the Belt and Road Funding Scheme

Ten students from the School of Tourism and Culture Industry at Chengdu University embarked on an enriching educational visit to the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from 6 to 19 August 2023 to deepen their understanding of tourism and marketing. The visit was made possible with the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme, administered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO). During the visit, the students attended lectures, collaborated on research projects and visited local hotels to gain valuable insight into tourism management. Working alongside SHTM students from PolyU, they collectively developed marketing recommendations to promote Hong Kong as an attractive destination for the Chengdu community.   Below is some of the feedback from the participants.   “I have many beautiful and profound memories of Hong Kong from these 14 days. The workshop at the SHTM impressed me the most, as I had never participated in such a workshop in Chengdu. In the SHTM’s Vinoteca Lab and Bistro1979, I mixed and tasted alcohol and beverages, set the dining table, learned to distinguish between different knives and forks, and practised serving. I was able to combine theoretical and practical learning”. -- Zou Xueying   “I’m writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible experience and opportunities. The academic atmosphere at PolyU was truly exceptional. The professors were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their subjects, creating an inspiring learning environment. I could feel that they really wanted to teach us something and make us learn something from their lessons. The courses offered me a deeper understanding of hospitality.” -- Chen Xingyu   “The SHTM has always been my dream school, and I am fortunate to have been involved in this project and have close connections with the SHTM and PolyU. We all completed our tasks in an atmosphere of harmonious and pleasant teamwork, ultimately bringing our entire project to fruition. Through this process, I feel that my leadership skills improved”.    -- He Bingxue   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. 

Chulalongkorn University Student Interns at PolyU through the Belt and Road Funding Scheme

A student from Chulalongkorn University of Thailand carried out a two-month research internship at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from 3 July to 25 August 2023. The visit was made possible by the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme, administered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO). Focusing on the design and development of fuel cells for green power generation, Ms Benyapa Yawanopas said that the internship refined her technical expertise and research skills in the field of alternative energy solutions. Below is Benyapa’s feedback on her overall experience at PolyU.   “It was an incredibly enriching experience that advanced my professional growth, expanded my cross-cultural learning, and promoted my personal development. Effectively, this internship introduced me to a new area of study, sustainable energy research. Cross-cultural learning was an integral component of my experience. Collaborating with a diverse team of international colleagues allowed me to appreciate the global nature of the energy industry. The exchange of ideas and perspectives enhanced my adaptability, communication skills, and ability to work effectively in today’s interconnected world”.   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 Joined the Alliance of International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) joined the Alliance of International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) as a member at the Alliance’s 3rd General Assembly of 4–5 November 2023.   ANSO was established in 2018 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences with the support of 36 other national academies, research institutions, universities and international organisations from around the world. It is a comprehensive international science and technology organisation, established under the Belt and Road Initiative, that supports the achievement of sustainable social, economic and environmental development. ANSO currently consists of 78 member institutions from 55 countries. By joining ANSO, PolyU will strengthen its collaborations with a global network of national academies of sciences, universities, research institutes and international organisations seeking to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals through science, technology, innovation and capacity building.  

PolyU Students Attend International Summer School in Nanjing Through Belt and Road Funding Scheme

Nineteen students from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) joined the International Summer School on AI organised by Southeast University from 14 to 18 May 2023 in Nanjing. The visit was made possible with the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme administered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO). Lectures gave the students insights into topics such as machine learning, knowledge graphs, and human-computer interaction. They also visited facilities including Hauwei Nanjing Research Center, NR Electric, and Purple Mountain Laboratories, and toured famous sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace in Nanjing. Cultural exchanges involving students at Southeast University also took place. Several students shared their experiences after the visit.   “This tour gave me a fruitful experience in Nanjing. I had the chance to study in a different university, meet new friends, and learn the culture of Nanjing. Moreover, this tour broadened my views about China’s technological development.”    “We learned a lot and experienced the history and culture of Nanjing. I think it was a very valuable experience for us and I am looking forward to more such opportunities in the future to learn more about Mainland China.”   “Not only did I visit the scenic attractions, but I also had a chance to broaden my perspectives by communicating with locals. Visiting famous companies in China gave me a deeper understanding of my future career path and how learning about technology influences society.”  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 Students Explore Business Management in Mainland China Through Belt and Road Funding Scheme

Thirteen students from the Department of Management and Marketing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) took part in a field trip to Dongguan in Mainland China that ran from 5 to 9 June 2023 to bolster their understanding of practical business management. The participants learned about business models and management strategies from senior executives at seven local companies. They also teamed up with final year students from Guangdong University of Science and Technology to carry out market research to formulate their own start-up business proposals. At the end of the trip, the students presented their business proposals to the senior executives of the organisations visited. Several students shared their views of the trip.     “Through this field trip, I have gained valuable inspiration. It not only prompted me to consider sustainable business practices from a business student’s perspective, but also encouraged me to adopt sustainable behaviour in my daily life as a consumer. As a business practitioner, it is essential to focus not only on profit but also on minimising the negative effect on the environment, as sustainable business development can lead to long-term benefits. During the five-day trip, I was impressed by the support from both society and the government for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Greater Bay Area. The experience further strengthened my determination to establish myself as an entrepreneur in the Greater Bay Area.” -- Liang Yuchen Esther   ‘“The most significant experience I had was the insight I gained from exchanges with mainland students. Students and teachers from different departments in the mainland have jointly established an entrepreneurial plan for rural China and successfully progressed it for five years… This made me understand that actions can make people grow, and they have more experience and inspiration, instead of being limited to learning from books.”    -- Yeung Chun Ho    “During the five-day study week, the most impressive experience for me was the visit to Guangdong Dongguan Science and Technology Co., Ltd. In the e-CNY section, there were different electronic payment instruments ranging from the oldest to the most advanced. I was most pleasantly surprised to come across a payment method that I had never seen before… I am optimistic about the business opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. The large market in the Greater Bay Area, coupled with attractive career development opportunities and a vibrant working environment, all these advantages have encouraged me to develop my ambitions in the Greater Bay Area.” -- Cheung Hoi Ying 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 Students Learn About Occupational Therapy in Mongolia Through Belt and Road Funding Scheme

Twelve students from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) took part in a study trip to Mongolia from 14 to 18 May 2023 to learn about occupational therapy (OT). The visit was made possible with the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme, administered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO). The students delivered presentations and conducted workshops at the First Mongolian International Occupational Therapy Conference, during which they exchanged ideas with global OT specialists. In addition, the students visited local rehabilitation hospitals and the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Cultural exchanges with local students were also held as the two parties explored community sites and attractions in Ulaanbaatar together. Below are some comments from the participants.    “I was overjoyed by the amount of knowledge I gained. It was an eye-opening experience to see how occupational therapy can be practiced differently in various cultures. I was inspired by the presentations and workshops, which provided me with practical and innovative approaches to enhance my OT knowledge. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and to collaborate with colleagues from different parts of the world. This trip undoubtedly expanded my horizons and motivated me to continue learning and growing in my field.” -- Chan Weng U   It was an unforgettable and meaningful journey in Mongolia. As an OT student, it was my great honour to attend the First International Conference of Mongolia Occupational Therapy Association. During the conference, we heard from occupational therapists from Mongolia and their efforts in the profession, and researchers from countries such as Japan and Switzerland shared their research. Most importantly, at the post-conference dinner night we were given the valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with participants like professors, local therapists and other healthcare professionals.” -- Lau Hoi Ming Annie   “This conference gave us a chance to listen to professors from other countries, such as Professor Bumsuk Lee from Gunma University and Professor Christiane Mentrup from Zurich University of Applied Sciences. This reinforced my knowledge and enhanced my understanding of the application and effectiveness of different techniques in the community, such as CIMT (Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy) for stroke patients and strategies for treating adult patients with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).”    -- Yau Ka Yi   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 participates in University Alliance of the Silk Road Forum 2023

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) representatives participated in the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR) Forum 2023, held in Xi’an on 8 October 2023. Under the theme of “Development and Innovation of World Higher Education in the Context of the New Technology Revolution”, the Forum was hosted by Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU), the President Unit of UASR, and brought together more than 160 representatives from 58 universities in 23 countries and regions. Delegates included Mr WANG Xiao, Member of the Standing Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee and Executive Vice Governor; Ms XI Ru, representative of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of the Ministry of Education; Mr LU Jianjun, Secretary of the Party Committee of XJTU; Mr WANG Shuguo, President of XJTU; Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU; and Prof. LU Haitian, Director of the PolyU Mainland Development Office. The Forum initiated the mechanism of the China-Central Asia Higher Education Cooperation Forum and launched the Belt and Road Industry-Education Alliance Initiative, aiming to create a platform for higher education exchange and cooperation and promote the development of the USAR. PolyU was appointed by the UASR Executive Council to the next rotating Alliance presidency. Dr Lo received the Alliance flag from XJTU Vice President, Prof XI Guang, stating that “PolyU is honoured to assume the Presidency coinciding with the momentous 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. PolyU and XJTU jointly established the UASR in 2015. Since then, the UASR has grown from comprising four members to including over 160 member institutions, facilitating diverse academic exchanges and research collaborations. Looking to the future, the Alliance will continue to provide a remarkable platform for cultural exchange and talent cultivation among the Belt and Road countries.” During the Forum, Dr Lo and Prof. Lu also attended a meeting to discuss the fostering of closer co-operation between higher education institutions in Hong Kong and Central Asia, hosted by Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR. Dr Choi said that the Government is committed to developing Hong Kong as a regional education hub. Leveraging the distinctive advantages of enjoying the Mainland’s strong support and its global connectivity, the Government hopes to attract international academic talent to pursue further studies and develop a career in Hong Kong. Dr Lo also noted that PolyU has established partnerships with over 280 universities from 40 countries. As a leading higher education institution in Hong Kong pioneering in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, PolyU has been actively supporting talent exchange and research cooperation among Belt and Road countries and looks forward to establishing and strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions in Central Asia in the future. Jointly established by XJTU and PolyU in 2015, the UASR is a non-government and non-profit alliance aimed at providing an open and international collaborative platform in higher education. PolyU holds the Vice Presidency of the Alliance and takes a leading role in fostering talent development, research on technologies and policies, cultural exchange and medical services among members institutions along the Belt and Road. In May 2023, President Xi Jinping stated in his keynote speech at the China-Central Asia Summit that China needed to strengthen dialogue between nations and also stressed that China would continue its support for universities in Central Asian countries in joining the UASR”

PolyU Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme 2023 held to nurture high school students as research talents

The Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into a smart city and promoting the development of innovation and technology. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has always attached great importance to the holistic education of young people, aiming to nurture innovation and technology talents to cope with the rapid development of society. To stimulate senior secondary school students’ interest in research, PolyU has successfully organised the third “Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme” (JRMP). The number of students admitted and research projects completed both reached new records. A total of 136 high school students explored thematic research in different fields under the mentorship of approximately 80 scholars from different PolyU faculties/schools and departments. This year’s Programme presented 42 research topics covering a variety of subjects, including not only trending technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, but also rehabilitation sciences, biomedical engineering, hotel and tourism, nursing, languages, business, fashion and design, and various engineering specialisations. With mentorship from experienced PolyU academics, students gained hands-on experience in the process of research design, data collection and analysis, and results reporting over a period of four months. They also had the opportunity to visit PolyU's many laboratories and teaching facilities to deepen their understanding of research, as well as of the knowledge and skills required through closely interacting with the mentors of each project. Students were able to explore PolyU’s diverse undergraduate curriculum and broaden their academic horizons, thereby enabling them to better prepare for their future academic and career pursuits. PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Prof. Ben Young said, “ PolyU has been enhancing its teaching pedagogy, aiming to stimulate young people to reach their potential and develop innovative thinking through various programmes, thus equipping themselves to achieving their goals and embrace future challenges. Since the launch of the JRMP in 2021, 340 senior students from 83 local and international secondary schools have been admitted to the Programme and participated in over 110 research projects. The research results have been recognised by international academic institutions. Our mentees’ research outcomes had been presented at international academic conferences for three consecutive years, and some of them were awarded prizes. The overall achievement was remarkable and encouraging. We hope that under the guidance of PolyU academics, students who have participated in the Programme can further develop their interest in research at an early stage, gaining valuable experience and acquiring new skills through conducting research. By fostering knowledge exchange through cooperation with students from different schools, they may become part of the next generation of research talent. Under the guidance of Dr Xinyan HUANG, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and his team, a student from West Island School conducted a research project “Smart Firefighting with AI and Robots”, and successfully invented an AI robot that could autonomously look for a fire source and extinguish the fire. The student said, “This research successfully applied artificial intelligence and robotic technology to perform intelligent firefighting. It automated the process of locating the fire source and quenching the fire, thus securing firefighters’ safety. We hope the research outcome will inspire and be the reference for the development of similar products. I have been keen on AI and engineering-related subjects for a long time. Joining the JRMP has helped guide the direction of my future study and has broadened my horizons. I wish to keep exploring and have fun by doing research. ” Two students from Diocesan Girls' School and Christian and Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Secondary School conducted their research project “Development of a Metaverse Virtual Environment”. Under the guidance of Dr Yuk Ming TANG, Senior Teaching Fellow of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and his team, the students first tried to develop a game in the metaverse. They shared what they had gained in their foremost research, “The concept of the metaverse has been a hot topic in recent years and has great potential for development. Through conducting a literature review and research on the concept of metaverse, we have learnt the importance of logical thinking and analytical skills from PolyU mentors and the team. We attempted to put ideas into practice by using design and 3D painting skills to create an interactive metaverse environment. This accumulated valuable and unforgettable learning experiences for us, laying a foundation for future study and research.” PolyU strives to cultivate young people’s interest in research, nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators, so as to expand the talent pool in Hong Kong. In addition to encouraging secondary school students to gain different learning experiences through interdisciplinary learning activities, full-time undergraduate students studying at PolyU also have the opportunity to receive funding and conduct research projects under the supervision of PolyU scholars. PolyU will continue its efforts by organising the “Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme 2024” and inviting more schools and students to participate. Applications will commence early next year and the Programme is expected to run from April to August. Programme website, photos and videos: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/prospective-students/undergraduate/local/junior-researcher-mentoring-programme/

PolyU summer programmes welcome local and international students to experience campus life

This summer, the Global Engagement Office (GEO) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the Summer Institute 2023 and International Summer School 2023 for high school and undergraduate students.   PolyU launched its inaugural Summer Institute for students from Hong Kong secondary and international schools, with over 210 senior students joining the residential camp. They participated in ice-breaking and campus hunt games, and joined programme talks and hands-on activities arranged by the University’s six faculties and three schools. The high school students also took the opportunity to interact with current PolyU undergraduate students and interest club members so as to learn more about their future studies at PolyU. During the welcome dinner, Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education), introduced the key features of the University’s undergraduate curriculum. Representatives from faculties and schools mingled with the participants and answered their questions about the University’s undergraduate programmes. Forty-five of the participants also took a credit-bearing course, either “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” or “Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics”, thereby gaining an elementary knowledge of entrepreneurship and/or AI, and learning to apply the theories to develop an innovative mindset in the digital era. The Summer Institute not only challenges students’ inquisitive minds, but also immerses them in the University’s stimulating learning environment so that they can get first-hand experience of making informed choices for their future studies.   In addition, organised by GEO, around 450 undergraduate students from PolyU, its partner institutions and other universities joined the PolyU International Summer School 2023 from mid-July to mid-August. Students studied one or two of our credit-bearing courses from the University’s globally renowned disciplines, including hotel and tourism management, optometry and rehabilitation sciences. Various local excursions were also organised to immerse participants in aspects of Hong Kong culture; these included a night tram tour, Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride, and visits to Tai O Village, Tsz Shan Monastery and the Wishing Tree in Lam Tsuen. There were also fun-filled workshops, with topics that included making Hong Kong-style milk tea, egg tarts, siu mai and minibus signs. The International Summer School 2023 allowed students to experience excellent teaching, while also learning about the vibrancy and diversity of Hong Kong, as well as to engage in intercultural exchange with PolyU students and other participating students from around the world.   To find out more about the PolyU International Summer School 2023, please click here, and visit their website for details about the PolyU Summer Institute.