News and Events

THE Digital Universities Asia Conference 2024

Dr Wu Xiao-Ming, Associate Professor of the Department of Computing and Dr Julia Chen, Director of the Educational Development Centre joined the Times Higher Education (THE) Digital Universities Asia Conference in Bali, Indonesia, from 1 – 3 July, along with the IPAO team. Convening influential voices from leaders in higher education, industry and policy-making, the Conference not only explored the future of digital transformation, but also demonstrated how Asia’s higher education sector can empower faculty, students and support staff through the use of cutting-edge digital tools and technologies. During the panel discussion on "Authentic learning practices: Addressing misinformation in the age of ChatGPT", Dr Chen shared PolyU's innovative approach to using AI responsibly. She explained how the University leverages generative AI systems to enhance students' critical thinking skills and emphasised the significance of digital literacy and ethical reasoning. In the panel discussion on "Setting ethical boundaries for AI systems: Navigating uncharted territories", Dr Wu shared some of the challenges of the ethical complexities involved in AI development. She emphasised the importance of data security and privacy, and discussed strategies such as engaging with staff and students to establish transparent guidelines on AI development and deployment, with the aim of maintaining the principles of fairness and accountability to combat bias within AI systems. In discussion with industry leaders, the PolyU delegation demonstrated the University's aspiration to be an innovative world-class institution by embracing new technologies to spark innovation and creativity in teaching and learning, while aligning their efforts with the principles of academic integrity in the digital world.

PolyU leaps to 67th in the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities Rankings, placing third in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has attained encouraging results in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Global Universities Rankings, surging 33 places to 67th in the world. The University has also been ranked 9th in Asia and third in Hong Kong. In the subject rankings, PolyU has a total of 17 subjects being ranked among the top 50 in the world, with three of them among the top ten, including Civil Engineering (2nd), Engineering (5th), and Mechanical Engineering (6th).

PolyU shines in global university rankings: a testament to its excellence and impact

PolyU has reinforced its position as a global leader in academic excellence by securing a record-high result in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2025 and making a strong debut in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024. These impressive achievements demonstrate PolyU's unwavering commitment to providing high-quality education, conducting impactful research, and making significant contributions to society.

THE Global Sustainable Development Congress 2024

Professor Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and the IPAO team were invited to participate in the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Sustainable Development Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, from 10 to 13 June 2024. More than 3,000 global thought leaders, innovators and academics gathered to discuss solutions for a sustainable future.   Prof. Wong delivered an informative presentation during the panel discussion on “Global collaboration in research: Uniting minds for a sustainable tomorrow”.  Together with two other panellists, she shared insights on integrating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into research strategies.   PolyU has made significant contributions to the SDGs through research and innovative technology projects. The University's combined efforts led to its impressive debut in THE Impact Rankings 2024, attaining the 77th spot globally. This ranking reflects the University’s commendable achievements and commitment to sustainability. 

PolyU reaches record high in QS World University Rankings — Striving to address challenges of land and space shortages; Contributing to the development of an international education hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has reached new heights in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2025, surging eight places from the previous year to 57th. The University has also achieved highly commendable results in several performance indicators, including the “International Research Network” and “Citations per Faculty”, where it rated second and third in Hong Kong respectively. PolyU has been relentlessly pursuing excellence and actively attracting top-tier global talents. Efforts made by the University to this end include recruiting 13 internationally renowned scholars through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s Global STEM Professorship Scheme to strengthen the relevant disciplines. The QS ranking clearly reflects the University’s teaching and research quality as well as its global impact.

Briefing on THE Impact Rankings 2025

On 31 May 2024, IPAO organized a briefing session on the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings exercise, which was attended by over a hundred academic staff and administrative colleagues. During the briefing, IPAO representatives provided a comprehensive overview and methodology of the Impact Rankings, highlighting the data collection requirements and streamlined workflow. With the joint efforts and collaboration of the PolyU community, including faculties, schools, academic and non-academic departments and IPAO, the assessment will demonstrate the University’s achievements and dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

THE Campus Webinar: Recruit, develop and retain the best staff in higher education

Ir Professor H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, was invited to participate in a Times Higher Education (THE) Campus webinar on 29 May 2024, alongside experts from institutions in the UK and Europe, to discuss best practices for universities in identifying, hiring and developing top talents. Professor Man and the other two panellists, Dr Ines Crisostomo, Mentoring Programme Coordinator at the University of Luxembourg and Ms Helen Ashley, Director of Organisational Development at the University of Manchester, exchanged their experiences in identifying and attracting top talents to their universities. They also discussed best practices for staff development and retention. During the discussion, they also shared insights on managing the promotion pipeline and inclusive recruitment practices.  Professor Man noted that Hong Kong, as an international city, embraces individuals from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the success The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has had in attracting overseas talents.   THE Campus Webinar Review

PolyU alumni named Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia for revolutionary search-and-rescue drone system

Josua Chan Wing-hei and Max Lee Jwo-lem, two enterprising PolyU alumni and co-founders of the PolyU-nurtured startup LifeSparrow Solutions, have been named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia: Consumer Technology List 2024. This prestigious recognition comes after their innovative development of an AI technology that transforms search-and-rescue operations through a drone imagery system, swiftly locating missing hikers and reducing search time by more than 65%.

THE Asia Universities Summit and THE Awards Asia 2024

Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) and the IPAO team were invited to participate in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Universities Summit (the Summit) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 29 April to 1 May 2024. With the theme “Bridging frontiers: Changing the landscape of education in Asia”, the Summit attracted over 600 academic and industry leaders to engage in rewarding discussion on the rise of transnational education in Asia, enhancing employability of university graduates, and fostering collaboration to forge closer connections between institutions and government. During the panel discussion “Teaching excellence: How to ensure that teaching and learning remains at the core of the curriculum for universities”, Prof. WONG shared teaching and learning practices implemented at PolyU. He discussed the adoption of immersive learning, integration of “artificial intelligence and data analytics” into mandatory undergraduate programmes, establishment of the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development, and recognition of excellent teaching faculty. The audience found his experience-sharing stimulating and engaged in further discussion with Prof. WONG after the panel session. Prof. WONG also served as a panelist in another panel discussion session, “Innovative approaches to curriculum design and skill development”. He shared his thoughts on student-centric curriculum design and empowering students to become self-directed learners through the use of emerging educational technologies. The Summit Gala dinner revealed the results of THE Awards Asia 2024. A PolyU project led by Dr Jin LAM, Assistant Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles was recognised as “Highly Commended” in the category of “Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences”. This affirms the contribution of Dr. Lam’s team to promoting self-esteem and quality of life in community textile arts participation for older adults.

Experience sharing on Pure’s research intelligence services

Mr Charles Cheng, Senior Manager of IPAO, was interviewed by Pure to share insights on leveraging their research intelligence services to manage research projects in a systemic manner.