Thanks to Supporters

Appreciation Reception for Scholarship and Bursary Donors 23/24

What an incredible honour it was to have hosted the successful Appreciation Reception for Scholarship and Bursary Donors 2023/24 at the Alumni Atrium on 16 April! This joyous gathering brought together over 100 donors, guests, students, and members of the senior management team, all united in celebration and profound gratitude for the exceptional scholarship and bursary donors. During the event, PolyU President Prof. Jing-Guang Teng and Deputy Chairman of PolyU Foundation Dr Alex Wong expressed their deepest appreciation to all the donors, recognising their unwavering support and guidance as PolyU works to create a favourable environment for educating the young generation. Certificates of appreciation were presented to those extraordinary donors who have generously supported our University's scholarship and bursary scheme for at least 15 years. We were also honoured to welcome esteemed representatives from two organisations, Zonta Club of Kowloon and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, to join us and share their invaluable experiences, beliefs, and aspirations in supporting education and PolyU. Adding a touch of enchantment to the occasion, Mr Yaseen Shafayet, a talented scholarship awardee from the Department of Applied Physics, mesmerised everyone with his captivating guitar recitals. His heartfelt performance truly embodied the gratitude we all feel towards our amazing donors. Please click on the photo link to revisit the joyful moments of the reception: https://oia.pixieset.com/appreciationreceptionforscholarshipandbursarydonor2324/

PolyU Foundation Spring Appreciation Reception

On 25 March 2024, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Foundation (PolyU Foundation) organised a spring appreciation reception dedicated to acknowledging the continuous support and contributions of its esteemed members. The event also served to extend our warm welcome to those who have recently joined or upgraded their membership status to Honorary Life Chairman, Honorary Life President, and Honorary Life Vice President. During the reception, Dr Roy Chung, Treasurer of the PolyU Foundation conveyed his profound appreciation to the members for their invaluable contributions throughout the years. Their steadfast support has played a pivotal role in propelling PolyU to make remarkable advancements in both research and education. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, the President of PolyU further extended his gratitude to the members. He also gave a presentation on the latest developments of PolyU, which included the exciting news that fifteen PolyU academics were recognised among the world’s most highly cited researchers. PolyU ranked third in Hong Kong in this prestigious category. The new and upgraded members were given a Certificate of Appreciation and a souvenir as a token of appreciation by Prof. Teng and Dr Chung. At the reception, the PolyU Student Affairs Office Chinese Orchestra gave a splendid performance, making the event truly memorable. Please click on the photo link to revisit the joyful moments of the reception: https://oia.pixieset.com/polyufdnspringappreciationreception/

PolyU Foundation Luncheon Illuminates Blockchain’s Future

PolyU Foundation organised a luncheon seminar titled “Blockchain Technology: From Groundbreaking Research to Applications and the Future” on 21 March 2024 to explore the transformative power of blockchain technology. PolyU stands at the forefront of blockchain innovation. It has been ranked No. 1 in the "Best Universities for Blockchain 2022" by CoinDesk. The speaker, Professor Allen Au from the Department of Computing at PolyU, is a pioneer in the field who has succeeded in achieving research breakthroughs to advance blockchain technology and fuel the Web3 revolution. At the seminar, Professor Au pointed out that blockchain is not just for tech insiders but is increasingly relevant across various sectors. He showcased blockchain’s wide-ranging applications and how it can benefit industries such as healthcare, supply chain management and construction. He also shared insights into the future trends. He together with the moderator, Dr Sunny Chai, PolyU Foundation Chairman, provided their perspectives and engaged participants in stimulating discussions. Attendees gained invaluable insights into blockchain’s potential and a broader perspective on how this new technology can foster change and innovation in diverse fields.

PolyU Seal of Love Foundation Building Naming Ceremony

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has recently renamed the Block BC building on campus as the “Seal of Love Foundation Building”. A Naming Ceremony was held on 8 December to honour the recognition and generous support of the Seal of Love Charitable Foundation (the Foundation) for PolyU’s education and research development. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, accompanied by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, presented mementos to Mr Lawrence CHAN, Chairman of Seal of Love Charitable Foundation Limited, Ms Dee Dee CHAN, Director of Seal of Love Charitable Foundation Limited, and members of the Chan family. Together with University senior management, they officiated at the plaque unveiling ceremony for the “Seal of Love Foundation Building”. Witnessing this important moment, the ceremony was also attended by friends of the Chan family. The Chan family’s long-standing ties with PolyU date back to the 1980s. Pioneering Hong Kong hotelier Mr CHAN Chak Fu was an early champion of the proposal to set up the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and made a donation to the then Hong Kong Polytechnic for a hospitality vocational training programme. In 2017, the family made a generous donation to SHTM to further develop the School’s excellence in the hospitality industry. In recognition of the contribution, the building that houses the School was named the Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Building. Now, the Seal of Love Charitable Foundation, founded by Mr Lawrence Chan, son of Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu, has shown its support again to PolyU by providing a donation of $45 million to establish the “Seal of Love Charitable Foundation Health and Service Impact Fund,” which has the aim of advancing PolyU’s research impact in health-related disciplines. The first project beneficiary will be a five-year mental health initiative called The Resilience Students Training Hub (“ReST Hub”). ReST Hub’s goal is to turn university campuses across Hong Kong and Asia into mental health promotive ecosystems through services, trainings, and community engagement events.  Also a keen supporter of PolyU, Ms Dee Dee Chan, daughter of Mr Lawrence Chan and granddaughter of Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu, is currently a member of the University Council, as well as a Director of Hotel Icon Limited and a governing committee member of the PolyU Foundation. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng sincerely thanked the Foundation for their generosity and long-standing support to PolyU. He said, “We are honoured to receive this generous donation from the Foundation in support of PolyU’s education and research development for promoting mental wellness among students and youth, and the vision of transforming university campuses into mental health promoting ecosystems.” The “Seal of Love Foundation Building” is located adjacent to the University main entrance and the iconic long staircase. It not only preserves the memories of generations of staff and students, but also symbolises the close partnership between the Foundation and PolyU.  

Able Engineering Company Limited’s support to PolyU in advancing civil engineering research

Sustainable development is one of the world’s most urgent issues. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has dedicated itself to responding to societal needs through scientific innovation. Able Engineering Company Limited has been a staunch supporter of PolyU for many years and has donated funds to establish the Michael Anson Endowed Professorship in Civil Engineering. Ir Professor C. S. Poon, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been appointed as the Endowed Professor. In an appreciation lunch hosted by PolyU President Professor Jin-Guang Teng on 27 November 2023, Professor Teng expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the University. “The Endowed Professorship affirms PolyU's significant achievements in scientific research and the University will further leverage its research strengths to address complex global issues and scientific challenges,” Prof. Teng added. Ir Yau Kwok-fai, Director of Able Engineering Company Limited, a civil engineering graduate of the then Hong Kong Polytechnic, is an ardent supporter of his alma mater. He believes that establishing the Endowed Professorship and naming it after Professor Michael Anson, the inaugural dean of the predecessor to the Faculty of Construction and Environment, will impact generations of academia, motivating them to continue to build and excel upon the strong foundations laid by Professor Anson. Ir Professor C. S. Poon, also Chair Professor of Sustainable Construction Materials, is one of the leading scholars in research that valorises and recycles different wastes into useful construction materials. He is grateful for the support from Able Engineering and believes that the Endowed Professorship will enable his team to strive for further research breakthroughs so as to turn more ideas into real solutions for the betterment of the community. With the support of donors, the Endowed Professorship Scheme recognises the achievements of distinguished researchers in their specialist disciplines and enables the Endowed Professors to explore and advance cutting-edge research projects for the betterment of mankind. The University hopes that like-minded philanthropists will also witness the powerful impact of the Endowed Professorship Scheme in the appointment of the professorship. Please browse the Scheme website for more information.  

PolyU and SINOPEC Sign Collaborative Agreement on “Cleaner Energy Better Life” Outstanding Student Award Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) have signed a collaborative agreement to establish the SINOPEC “Cleaner Energy Better Life” Outstanding Student Award Scheme. This award scheme provides scholarships to support PolyU's efforts in nurturing a diverse pool of talents for society. It also seeks to recognise and encourage undergraduates with outstanding academic achievements, as well as doctoral, master's, and students of the College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators who have demonstrated excellence at the PolyU Research Student Conference, while fostering their research capability and innovative spirit. This marks the second consecutive year that Sinopec has offered scholarships to PolyU. In addition to continuing their support for the Excellent Graduation Thesis Award Scheme established last year, this donation will extend the scope to cover multiple faculties and departments. It is expected that more than 60 students will benefit. The agreement signing ceremony took place in PolyU on 22 November 2023. The agreement was signed by Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, and Mr Zhijun Ye, Deputy Chief Representative of Hong Kong Representative Office at Sinopec, in the presence of Mr Zhenying Jiang, Chief Representative of Hong Kong Representative Office at Sinopec, Dr Laura Lo, Associate Vice-President (Institutional Advancement) and Ir Prof. Albert Chan, Dean of Students of PolyU. Dr Lou expressed gratitude for Sinopec’s strong support, “Sinopec’s support and donation to PolyU represent their recognition of PolyU’s teaching and research efforts. We look forward to further our cooperation and the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership between the two parties." Mr Jiang also stated, "Clean energy and better life" is the solemn commitment and relentless pursuit of Sinopec. We are willing to join hands with the teachers and students of PolyU to make unremitting efforts for a green and low-carbon lifestyle, and to safeguard the clear sky and blue sea of Hong Kong. We aim to contribute to cultivating outstanding young people with exceptional abilities and patriots who love Hong Kong and the country.”

Naming Ceremony of Dr Joseph Lee Classroom

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has recently named one classroom on the PolyU campus after Dr Joseph Lee, President of Wofoo Foundation Limited. A naming ceremony was held on 20 October in appreciation of Dr Lee’s generous support to the University’s education and research development. A seasoned entrepreneur, Dr Lee made significant contributions in the fields of social services, manufacturing, and trade. He founded Wofoo Plastics Limited in 1980, laying the foundation for his successful career. Since the early 90s, Dr Lee has increasingly devoted his time and efforts to serving society. Dr Lee pledged himself to foster a caring, inclusive, and respectful society and further the Wofoo vision of “Harmony brings a family prosperity. Cohesion makes a nation wealthy.” Dr Lee's vision aligns with PolyU's educational philosophy, which is to provide students with a quality whole-person education and nurture them to become professionals and leaders with a sense of nationalism, internationalism, and social responsibility. At the ceremony, PolyU President Prof Jin-Guang Teng thanked Dr Lee for his generosity and ongoing support to PolyU. He said, “We are honoured to name the classroom "Dr Joseph Lee Classroom", not only to thank Dr Lee for his guidance and support but also to further recognise his passion and dedication to education, as well as to carry forward his spirit of fraternity and commitment, so that PolyU students will be able to learn from his good example.” Dr Lee also supported a number of studies on nurturing Hong Kong's young people in the past. They included two large-scale research projects led by our Associate Vice-President (Undergraduate Programme) Prof Daniel Shek, one focused on Moral and Character Education in Hong Kong in 2016 and the other one explored Whole Person Development and Well-being of Young People in Hong Kong in 2021. Whether it is education, research, or knowledge transfer, Dr Lee is walking side by side with PolyU in building a better society. Dr Lee said, “Wofoo and PolyU share a common vision to educate for a better society. I am very happy to work with my long-time friend, Prof. Daniel Shek, especially in the areas of promoting Service-Learning and the Wofoo Leaders Network initiative”. The naming ceremony was a joyful occasion celebrating Dr Lee’s uplifting example of gaining happiness by giving. To see some happy moments at the ceremony, please click here.

PolyU Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub naming ceremony

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has recently renamed the Global Student Hub on campus the “Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub” and held the Naming Ceremony on 11 October to honour Mr King WONG and his family’s recognition for and generous support to PolyU’s education and research development. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, accompanied by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, Dr Sunny CHAI, PolyU Foundation Chairman, and Dr Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President, presented mementos to Mr King Wong and Mr Tommy WONG. Together with the University senior management and members of the Wong’s family, they officiated at the plaque unveiling ceremony for the “Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub”. Friends of the late Mr Wong Man and Ms Tang Kit-wah also attended the ceremony to witness this important moment. Holding multiple professional qualifications including those of barrister, accountant and engineer, Mr King Wong has been a part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Construction and Environment since 2015 and was appointed an Adjunct Professor in 2023. His younger brother Mr Tommy Wong is also a seasoned educator who has taught and guided many students over the years. Mr King Wong stated that naming the Global Student Hub after his late parents not only commemorated their contributions to society and the family, but also allowed him and his family to support the advancement of higher education in Hong Kong. Mr King Wong and his five siblings grew up under the influence and teachings of their parents, and they strongly believe growing up in a loving and inclusive environment with good teachers and friends is beneficial for the all-round development of youngsters. He shared an anecdote from his childhood, recounting how his primary school teacher initiated a fundraising effort to help a student whose home had been burnt down in a fire. This act of compassion sowed the seeds of love and empathy in his heart, as well as inspiring him to pursue a career as an engineer. He was very pleased to see that PolyU attaches great importance to whole-person education and being the first university in Hong Kong to include Service-Learning as a compulsory subject in the undergraduate curriculum and establishing the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture to give students greater opportunities to learn about Chinese culture and wisdom. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng sincerely thanked Mr Wong for his generosity and longstanding support to PolyU. He said, “We are honoured to receive donation from Mr Wong and his family in support of PolyU’s education and research development. The donation has provided PolyU with extra resources for cultivating outstanding talents, which help enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and make other valuable contributions to society.” Covering an area of more than 420 square meters and accommodating over 200 people, the “Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub” became operational at the end of 2020. It is a popular hangout spot for the PolyU community and venue for various cultural and social activities led by students or the University.

PolyU Foundation holds appreciation reception to honour members

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Foundation held an appreciation reception on 6 October 2023 to show appreciation to its members for their long-standing support to the University. Among the guests invited were new and upgraded members in the PolyU Foundation membership categories of Honorary Life Member, Life Member and Senior Member. Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of the PolyU Foundation, took the opportunity to express his heartfelt thanks to the members for their generosity and long-standing support, which have continuously driven us forward. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, warmly welcomed the guests and shared with them PolyU’s latest developments in education and research. He acknowledged members for their ardent support to the University, which has enabled PolyU to make significant contributions to society. As a token of thanks, a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to the members by Prof. Teng and Dr Chai. Following the appreciation reception, the members also paid a visit to the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations and School of Design, where they learned more about PolyU’s accomplishment and ongoing progress.

PolyU and Accel Group establish Metaverse+ Joint Laboratory to promote the development and innovation of smart cities related fields

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Accel Group Holdings Limited (Accel Group) have established the “PolyU-Accel Group Metaverse+ Joint Laboratory” (Joint Lab). The Joint Lab aims to foster the research and application of metaverse technology in various sectors, accelerate the ongoing development of Hong Kong as a green and smart city, strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration and cultivate professional talents. The Accel Group plans to donate HK$10 million to PolyU in the next five years to support the project development and operation of the Joint Lab. The kick-off ceremony was held today on the PolyU campus, officiated by Ms Lillian CHEONG, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Mr KO Lai-hung, Chairman and CEO of Accel Group; Ms Iris Ping-fan WONG, Hong Kong delegate to the National People’s Congress; Mr CHAN Han-pan, LegCo Member; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU; Prof. LI Qing, Chair Professor of Data Science and Head of the Department of Computing of PolyU; together with other guests. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “To better equip students for societal needs, PolyU has taken the lead in launching new Master’s degree programmes in areas including blockchain technology, metaverse technology, and artificial intelligence and big data computing. ‘Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics’ (AIDA) and ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ (IE) have also been incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum. PolyU is committed to becoming an innovative world-class university and its contributions to blockchain technology and Web3 development have been widely recognised. The University topped the ‘Best Universities for Blockchain 2022’ list by CoinDesk, and our scholars recently won the international ZPRIZE award to recognise the breakthroughs achieved by the team in zero-knowledge crypto technology in Web3.” Dr KO Lai-hung said, “The establishment of the Joint Lab with PolyU will benefit the diversification of our business development and as such is a milestone in the Group’s process of technological innovation. We will cooperate with academia by integrating our extensive industry experience and leveraging our financial resources into research in order to propel the construction of a more competitive and sustainable Hong Kong with the utilisation of metaverse technology. Our Group will also seize the enormous business opportunities brought by the metaverse and actively apply innovative outcomes in our business so as to increase our competitive advantage and support our long-term development.”  The Joint Lab will conduct diversified research, including into the metaverse’s role in enterprise cooperation, industrial applications, green and smart city initiatives, energy management, and sustainable supply chain systems. It is expected that the establishment of the Joint Lab will improve production efficiency and quality while at the same time reducing risk and cost, accelerating the ongoing development of Hong Kong as a green and smart city, and cultivating professional talents. Weaving together the knowledge and research capability of academia with the experience and resources of industry, this collaboration between PolyU and Accel Group will further strengthen cross-disciplinary cooperation and explore the potential and value of metaverse technology in industrial applications and environmental protection.