News

Strengthening Partnerships and Connections with Future Research Talent Across Chinese Mainland

During September and October 2026, a Graduate School (GS) delegation, led by Professor Zuankai Wang, Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of GS, visited top universities across Chinese Mainland for PolyU’s Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) and PhD recruitment outreach.  Beijing – Tsinghua University, Peking University Shanghai – Tongji University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Hefei – University of Science and Technology of China Wuhan – Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology During the visits, we introduced prospective PhD students to PolyU's vibrant research ecosystem and scholarship opportunities. Beyond student recruitment, these visits also strengthened our academic partnerships through discussions on research education and joint talent development. The delegation also visited the PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute (HFRI) to gain insights into local research and innovation development. The team also met with students from the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship (MTE) programme conducting research at HFRI to learn more about their research experiences. This meaningful tour has deepened our engagement with academic partners and reinforced our shared commitment to nurturing research talent. We look forward to welcoming more outstanding students to the PolyU community. 

PolyU PhD Info Week 2026 Concludes Successfully

On 6-8 October 2026, the PolyU PhD Info Week 2026 brought together prospective PhD candidates worldwide through a series of online sessions, showcasing research study opportunities at PolyU. Throughout the event, participants gained insights into PolyU's research environment, facilities, and support for RPg students. They also heard from our academic departments, which introduced their research strengths, faculty members, and PhD opportunities across disciplines. A highlight of the week was an exclusive face-to-face session for PolyU students hosted by Prof. Wang Zuankai, Dean of the Graduate School. He shared how students can leverage the opportunities, resources, and support available at PolyU to prepare for future PhD studies. A key message from the session was Prof. Wang’s interpretation of "P.H.D.": Passion – pursuing scientific questions that genuinely inspire and excite you Hope – believing in the potential of research to create impact and benefit society Discovery – generating new knowledge and advancing the frontiers of research Thank you to all professors and students who contributed to making this year's PhD Info Week a success. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of researchers to the PolyU community. Recordings of the online departmental sessions are now available HERE.  

Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Future Research Leaders

On 29 September 2026, the Graduate School (GS) welcomed a new cohort of research postgraduate students at the RPg Student Orientation cum RPg Alumni Award Presentation 2026, while also celebrating the achievements of distinguished RPg alumni who began their academic journeys at PolyU. The event opened with remarks by Prof. Kenneth Fong, Associate Dean of GS, who encouraged students to embrace the opportunities ahead, noting that “A PhD is one of the most demanding yet rewarding endeavours of your life.” This message resonated through the experiences of this year's RPg Alumni Award recipients: Professor WANG Danyang Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award 2026 Dr Maxwell Fordjour ANTWI-AFARI Outstanding Young Research Postgraduate Alumni Award 2026  Through their inspiring stories, both awardees reflected on how their time at PolyU shaped their careers. They encouraged the new RPg students to pursue research with curiosity and purpose, while making the most of the opportunities available throughout their studies. The event also introduced new RPg students to the resources and opportunities available at PolyU. At the student sharing session, our current RPg students shared valuable perspectives on research life and personal growth within our vibrant research community. A sincere thank you to everyone who made the event such a meaningful occasion. We look forward to supporting our RPg students as they embark on their research journey and develop into the next generation of research leaders.

GS6100 Masterclass Series Launches with Prof. Erin Cho

On 25 September 2026, more than 100 RPg students joined the inaugural session of GS6100: Path to Research Excellence: Lessons from Distinguished Scholars. We were delighted to welcome Prof. Erin Cho, Dean of the PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles and Limin Professor in Integrated Strategies and Leadership in Fashion, as our first speaker. Drawing on her extensive academic and leadership experience in the U.S., Prof. Cho shared valuable insights on leadership and innovation. At the heart of her talk was a simple yet powerful philosophy: “Be Good.” For Prof. Cho, being good is not simply about being kind. It is about delivering what you promised to deliver, especially as a leader. She emphasised that leadership involves supporting team members, recognising the contributions of others, and leading with integrity and purpose. She also reminded students that visions and goals do not emerge overnight but are shaped through the accumulation of knowledge and life experiences over time. We extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Cho for an inspiring start to the GS6100 Series. We look forward to more thought-provoking sessions with distinguished scholars in the months ahead.

Aspiring Innovators Begin Their MTE Journey at PolyU

On 9 September 2026, the Graduate School (GS) hosted the Inauguration Ceremony for the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship (MTE) Programme, welcoming the second MTE cohort and marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. We are honoured to have welcomed distinguished guests, including Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) of PolyU; Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research) of PolyU and Dean of GS; Prof. QIU Anqi, Associate Dean of GS and MTE Programme Director; Prof. LIU Xihui, Deputy Director of MTE Programme; Prof. XIA Yong, Associate Dean of GS and Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of GS. The event also featured a special guest — Ms WANG Junxia, China's first Olympic long-distance running champion. The second cohort brings together 69 students from diverse backgrounds spanning Business Management, Engineering and Technology, Media and Design, and Economics and Finance, reflecting the interdisciplinary spirit at the heart of MTE. Students also received a recorded message from Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, who shared his encouragement and best wishes as they begin this exciting journey. Event Highlight: Sharing by Ms WANG Junxia “The essence of entrepreneurship is not about defeating others, but about fulfilling yourself.” Drawing on her experiences as an Olympic champion and elite athlete, Ms WANG encouraged students to stay true to their purpose, embrace challenges with resilience, and keep moving forward despite uncertainty. Prof. WANG Zuankai also shared the entrepreneurial “Six Forces” that underpin the MTE spirit: Motivation, Talent, Energy, Focus, Vision, and Execution. These qualities represent the mindset and capabilities needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving technology and innovation landscape. As the second cohort embarks on this transformative journey, we wish them every success in translating bold ideas into meaningful impact through PolyU’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.

Inaugural Research Student Excellence and Engagement Day Successfully Held

The Graduate School (GS) successfully hosted its inaugural Research Student Excellence and Engagement Day (ReSEED) on 21 August 2026, bringing together 27 outstanding research students to showcase their research achievements and academic journeys. The event was opened by Prof. WANG Zuankai, PolyU Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of GS, who introduced the four pillars of research excellence — "PAGE”: Publication, Award, Grant and Enterprise. He emphasised that students are the core and true driver to opening a new page in PolyU, encouraging everyone to engage actively for collaboration and learning, and to draw inspiration from one another's experiences. Student speakers included publication award recipients, PolyU's first Schmidt Science Fellow, the champion of the PolyU Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition 2026, and recipient of For Our Future Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2025/26. Their work spanned four inter-disciplinary areas: Renewable Energy and Carbon Neutralisation, Health Systems and Computational Intelligence, Smart Cities and Urban Sustainability, and Advanced Materials and Future Battery. A highlight of the day was the presentation ceremony for the SINOPEC "Cleaner Energy Better Life" Research Student Scholarship, recognising 30 research postgraduate and undergraduate students for their achievement in research and innovation through high-quality publications. The awards were presented by Prof. WANG Zuankai, together with Mr ZOU Weihai, Vice President of Sinopec (Hong Kong) Limited, and Mr WANG Haifeng, Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer of Sinopec Kantons Holdings Limited. The scholarship marks a powerful partnership between PolyU and SINOPEC and our shared commitment in nurturing talent and advancing innovation. Congratulations to all presenters and award recipients. We look forward to their continued efforts to advance innovation and create lasting impact through their work.

PolyU MTE Student Industry Visit in Jinjiang

On 17-18 July 2026, students from the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship (MTE) programme participated in a two-day industry visit to Jinjiang, Chinese Mainland. Through visits to ANTA Group, the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute and Techwork Textile, an alumni-founded enterprise, students gained first-hand insights into innovation and industrial practices in Jinjiang. ANTA Group From a local enterprise to a leading global sportswear brand, ANTA's growth journey offered participants valuable perspectives on technology innovation, global expansion strategies, sustainable development, and evolving product and retail trends. PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (JJRI) As PolyU's first research institute established beyond the Greater Bay Area, JJRI serves as a platform for innovation and industry collaboration. The group toured its food technology exhibition hall and exchanged ideas with JJRI representatives on research translation, entrepreneurship education, and opportunities for university-industry partnership. Techwork Textile At this PolyU alumni-founded enterprise, students observed smart manufacturing processes and learned how digital transformation is reshaping the textile industry. By bridging academic learning and industry practice, the visit broadened students' perspectives on entrepreneurship while offering direct exposure to Jinjiang's dynamic business ecosystem. About MTE Programme

International Research Summer School 2026 Successfully Concludes

The International Research Summer School (IRSS) 2026 has officially come to a close. From 29 June to 9 July 2026, more than 60 outstanding prospective researchers from around the world came together at PolyU for two weeks of research exploration and cultural exchange, including participants from Chinese Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Russia, Canada, and beyond. Designed to give students a taste of PhD life at PolyU, this year's programme featured four cutting-edge research themes: Artificial Intelligence, Materials Science & Advanced Manufacturing, Life Science & Health Technology, and Energy & Sustainable Development. From laboratory tours and seminars to hands-on research workshops, collaborative research proposal competition, and conversations with potential supervisors, participants immersed themselves in the PolyU research environment while building their skills, confidence, and understanding of doctoral studies. Beyond campus, students also experienced the vibrant culture of Hong Kong through visit to the Hong Kong Palace Museum, a traditional Chinese dining experience, and a ride on an iconic open-top double-decker bus. We hope all participants enjoyed a rewarding and memorable summer at PolyU and in Hong Kong. We look forward to welcoming many of them back as future PolyU postgraduate researchers.

PolyU 3MT 2026: Transforming Research into Impactful Stories

Jointly hosted by the Graduate School (GS) and the English Learning Centre (ELC), the PolyU 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition 2026 was successfully held on 6 July 2026. We were delighted to witness our research students transform years of dedicated research into compelling three-minute presentations supported by one single slide. Through outstanding communication and storytelling, the 10 finalists brought complex ideas to life, captivating both the judges and the audience while showcasing the real-world impact of their research. Winners of PolyU 3MT 2026: Champion YANG Shihui, Yvette Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Construction and Environment Chief Supervisor: Prof. LEU Shao-Yuan “Smart Microbes: Rewriting the Story of Food Waste to Energy” 1st Runner-up SHEK Tsz Chin, Phoebe Department of Language Science and Technology, Faculty of Humanities Chief Supervisor: Prof. Elaine Kwong “From Mechanism to Automation: Investigating the Efficacy of Swallowing Maneuver Training” 2nd Runner-up LEE Pui Kei, Peggy Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Science Chief Supervisor: Prof. Daisy Zhao “Chinese Sweet Tea - A ‘Sweet’ Remedy for Obesity-associated Metabolic Disorders” People’s Choice Award ZHU Lin Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Chief Supervisor: Prof. LIU Liang “Human–AI Interaction in Digital Platforms: Studies on the Impacts of Generative AI Applications” Congratulations to all our winners! Our Champion will represent PolyU at the Asia-Pacific 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, showcasing the University's research excellence on the regional stage. Learn more about PolyU 3MT

Strengthening RPg Supervision Through Mediation

On 3 June 2026, the Graduate School (GS) hosted a Mediation Workshop for RPg Supervisors, delivered by the Hong Kong Mediation Centre (HKMC). The workshop introduced the fundamentals of mediation and examined how these skills can be applied to build and sustain positive, effective supervisory relationships. The session opened with a welcome note from Prof. XIA Yong, Associate Dean of GS. Prof. Francis LAW, President of HKMC, then shared his expertise on practical strategies for conflict resolution and constructive dialogue. Using real-life scenarios, Prof. Law facilitated interactive group discussions, where participants exchanged perspectives and explored approaches to improving supervisor-student communications. Upholding our ongoing commitment to supporting staff development and enhancing students’ learning experience, GS will continue rolling out targeted professional development sessions that empower our academic team, strengthen collaboration across the university and foster a more harmonious academic environment for both supervisors and RPg students.