News

IET-PolyU Mentorship Programme 2025/26: Empowering Future Engineers Through Mentorship and Connection

Date: Friday, 3 October 2025 Time: 18:30 – 20:30 Venue: Room FJ404, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Hong Kong, proudly launched the IET-PolyU Mentorship Programme 2025/26—a transformative initiative designed to connect aspiring engineers with seasoned industry professionals. This year, the programme welcomed 30 passionate students, each eager to gain career insights and forge meaningful connections within the engineering field. The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Professor CY Tang, Associate Head of ISE, followed by an inspiring keynote delivered by Mr. Peter Leung, Chairman of IET Hong Kong. The highlight of the event was a motivational talk by Mr. Silvius Wing Hin Sze, an IET mentor, whose personal journey and professional wisdom resonated deeply with the mentees. To round off the evening, a networking dinner provided a relaxed setting for mentors and mentees to engage in thoughtful conversations, exchange ideas, and explore future opportunities in Industrial and Systems Engineering. The IET-PolyU Mentorship Programme continues to be a cornerstone for nurturing talent, fostering growth, and building lasting relationships within the engineering community.

ISE Student Awarded the MTR “Ride to Success” Scholarship

We are delighted to announce that Mr Lau Chi-yeung (Hugo), a student in the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Logistics and Enterprise Engineering, has been awarded the MTR “Ride to Success” Scholarship. The Scholarship Presentation Ceremony was held on 2 September 2025. Launched by MTR Corporation to mark the 45th anniversary of its metro service, the scholarship recognises first-year undergraduates in engineering, transport, or logistics-related programmes who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, a commitment to community service, and a strong interest in the railway industry. In addition to subsidising up to the full tuition fee of eligible programmes, awardees will take part in enrichment activities designed to help them explore their potential, clarify career aspirations, and contribute to the community. Hugo’s strong academic record, active engagement in community initiatives, and demonstrated passion for railway systems and transport innovation distinguished his application. Through the scholarship’s enrichment opportunities, he will gain valuable exposure to the industry, deepen his understanding of railway operations, and further develop the skills needed to drive positive impact in the transport sector. This accolade celebrates not only Hugo’s personal excellence, but also the high standard of professional readiness and social responsibility that our programme instils. We warmly congratulate Hugo on this well-deserved achievement and look forward to his continued contributions to the logistics and transport community.

ISE Student received the Best Paper in PhD Colloquium Award at the 26th European Conference on Knowledge Management (ECKM) 2025

Quba Ahmed, a PhD student under the guidance of Prof. Carman Lee and Dr. Saleem Sumbal, has received the Best Paper in PhD Colloquium Award at the 26th European Conference on Knowledge Management (ECKM) 2025. In a remarkable gathering of scholars and professionals, the conference took place at LUT University in Lahti, Finland. Quba's paper titled "AI-Driven Knowledge Management in Megaprojects: The Leadership Factor" was recognized for its innovative insights into the integration of artificial intelligence in knowledge management practices. The paper explores how AI can enhance decision-making processes in large-scale projects, addressing the complexities and challenges inherent in megaprojects. It emphasizes the vital role of leadership support in fostering a collaborative environment, ultimately driving project success and sustainability.

PolyU and New Hua Du Sign MoU to Launch AI Digital Marketing Joint Lab

On 28 July 2025, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and New Hua Du Technology Co Ltd. (New Hua Du) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the AI Digital Marketing Joint Lab (數字化營銷人工智能聯合實驗室), representing a significant milestone in advancing industry-academia collaboration in the field of smart marketing and artificial intelligence. The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; and Prof. Lik Hang Lee, Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU, together with Ms. Yan Wang, Chairperson and General Manager of Jiuai Zhihe (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., representing New Hua Du Technology. The joint lab will combine PolyU’s strengths in multimodal large-scale models, intelligent data mining, and consumer behaviour analysis with New Hua Du’s extensive experience in brand operations, digital marketing, and new retail. Through this partnership, both parties aim to drive innovation in AI-powered marketing solutions, focusing on areas such as consumer behaviour prediction, personalised recommendations, content generation, and market insights.

National Centre of Technology Innovation for Intelligent Design and Numerical Control (NCDC) – Hong Kong Centre MoU Signing Ceremony

On 24 July 2025, a delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) visited the National Centre of Technology Innovation for Intelligent Design and Numerical Control (NCDC) at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. The PolyU delegation included Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Pai Zheng, Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; Dr. Chili Wu, Deputy Director and Chief Researcher of PReCIT; and Ms. Amylia Chan, Assistant Director of KTEO. During the visit, the PolyU delegates held discussions with Prof. Liang Gao, Vice President and Director of NCDC; Prof. Xinyu Li, Vice Dean of the School of Mechanical Science and Engineering; Prof. Jianzhong Yang, Executive Deputy Director of NCDC; Dr. Zixun Liu of the Institute of Science and Technology Development; and Prof. Hao Li and Prof. Mi Xiao from the Department of Industrial Engineering at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to collaborating on the establishment of the "NCDC – Hong Kong Centre" and engaged in in-depth discussions on the development plan and collaborative opportunities. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between PolyU and NCDC to further explore the co-development framework of the NCDC - Hong Kong Centre, focusing on fields such as human-robot collaborative manufacturing systems, ultra-precision machining CNC systems, workshop and logistics scheduling and management, industrial foundation models and embodied intelligence, intelligent design and interactive systems, etc., facing the main battlefield and major needs of the national economy, giving play to Hong Kong's location advantages and international cutting-edge innovation capabilities, and cooperating to complement each other and overcome critical challenges. It is also agreed that the formal contract will be signed after both parties reach an agreement on the detailed conditions and arrangements of the cooperation and obtain the necessary approvals from relevant departments. At PolyU, the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering will be the executive department for the Centre.

ISE students won 1st Runner Up in Dr Ching Yuen-kai - IC ‧ U3DP ‧ Product Innovation Prize 2024-25

We are thrilled to announce that a team of final-year students from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) has achieved the 1st Runner-Up position in the prestigious Dr. Ching Yuen-kai – IC • U3DP • Product Innovation Prize 2024–25! The competition, initiated by the Faculty of Engineering (FENG) and supported by the Industrial Centre (IC) and the University Research Facility in 3D Printing (U3DP), was successfully held on 19 May 2025. This year, 26 teams submitted their innovative projects, with only 8 teams shortlisted for the final round. Students developed their projects at U3DP and IC, focusing on solutions that make a positive impact on society, especially for those in need. Our ISE team—comprising LEE Chun Lok, HEUNG Pui Yin, and WONG Yat Chun —impressed the judges with their project, “InnovWalk – Innovation + Walking Stick.” This socially driven innovation which is designed to enhance mobility and safety for individuals in need has secured the 1st Runner Up position, reflecting the team’s dedication to addressing real-world challenges. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the InnovWalk team for their remarkable achievements, and to all the winners and participants for their inspiring contributions!

ISE students got Merit Prize in Region 9 Project Management Case Competition 2025

Our students recently participated in the Region 9 Project Management Case Competition 2025, organized by the Project Management Institute Hong Kong Chapter (PMIHK). This prestigious competition aims to cultivate the next generation of project managers and promote industry best practices among students and the broader community. The ISE team—comprising LEE Chun Lok, HEUNG Pui Yin, and WONG Yat Chun, under the guidance of Dr. Y.M. Tang and Dr. Jacky Ting, received the Merit Award for their impressive performance. Throughout the competition, participants engaged in specialized training sessions and seminars exploring digital technologies, industry trends, and their practical applications across various sectors. We are pleased to congratulate our team on this achievement. Their dedication and teamwork reflect our commitment to learning and innovation in project management.

PolyU ISE team win Silver award at the 8th Global Competition on Design for future Education

From July 26 to 28, 2025, the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the Final of the 8th Global Competition on Design for Future Education (GCD4FE) at Beijing Normal University’s Changping Campus. Co-organized by Beijing Normal University and UNESCO IITE, the event featured 30 finalist teams from top universities worldwide. The PolyU ISE team—STURM Leo Matthias, YIN Zifu (Ivy), and LAU Ho Wai (Justin), supervised by Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang—won the Silver Award for their project “SilverSpark,” an interactive digital environment for teaching and learning. Developed within a 48-hour challenge, SilverSpark leverages artificial intelligence and multimedia technologies to create personalized and engaging educational experiences. The team’s creativity and technical expertise were highly praised, highlighting Hong Kong’s contribution to global educational innovation. This achievement demonstrates the Department’s leadership in educational technology and talent development, and we are proud of our students for bringing honor to PolyU on the international stage.  

Our research Student won First Runner-Up in the Three Minute Thesis Competition 2025

We are delighted to announce that Ms. LIN Huijun, a research student from our Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), has been awarded First Runner-Up in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT ®) Competition 2025, organized by the PolyU Faculty of Engineering. Her research project, titled “Developing Sustainable and Safe Calcium Metal Batteries,” was supervised by Prof. Zhenglong Xu. The 5th 3MT Competition, held on 19 June 2025, celebrates the outstanding research conducted by postgraduate students. Originating from the University of Queensland, Australia, the 3MT® competition challenges participants to communicate the significance of their research to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. Now recognized globally, 3MT® has been held at over 900 universities in more than 80 countries, fostering excellence in academic presentation and research communication. Ms. Lin’s achievement not only highlights her individual dedication and expertise, but also reflects the commitment to innovation and impactful research that defines our ISE community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Lin on this remarkable accomplishment and look forward to her continued contributions to the field of sustainable energy.

ISE Students Win Merit Prize in Innovation & IT at the 11th Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition

Our students recently participated in the 11th Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (2025), organized by the Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association. This prestigious competition serves as a leading platform to foster creativity, technological advancement, and entrepreneurial spirit among university students in Hong Kong. The competition team—comprising Leo Matthias Sturm (ISE), Yin Zifu Ivy (ISE), Lau Ho Wai Justin (ISE), Fung Yik Hei, Ho Tsz Ming, and Ko Tsun Ming—was supervised by Dr. Yuk Ming Tang. The team received the Merit Prize in the Information Technology category for their outstanding project, DyslexAI 「讀寫易AI」. Their award-winning project leverages artificial intelligence to support children with dyslexia, providing highly accurate and personalized training through an intelligent platform. Achieving an impressive 99.5% classification accuracy using deep learning models and multi-modal data analysis, the system offers a non-invasive and effective solution to enhance learning outcomes, particularly for students with special educational needs. We are proud to congratulate our team on this achievement. Their dedication, creativity, and teamwork exemplify our commitment to advancing socially meaningful technologies and nurturing the next generation of innovators.