Prof. Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU (centre); Prof. Chen Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (5th from right); Prof. Chen Wu, Head of LSGI (4th from right); Prof. Ding Xiaoli, Director of the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space (3rd from right); Prof. John Shi Wenzhong, Director of the PolyU Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (2nd from right); Prof. Weng Qihao, Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (1st from right); along with Mr Chang Kwok-fai (5th from left); Mr Chu Siu-ki, Assistant Director (Survey and Mapping) (4th from left); Mr YEUNG Cheuk-man, Chief Land Surveyor (Technical) (3rd from left); Mr AU Chi-ho, Chief Land Surveyor (Development) (2nd from left); and Mr CHOI Wai-man, Chief Land Surveyor (Land Information Centre) (1st from left) of the Lands Department.
Group photo with PolyU and Lands Department representatives
Prof. Wu Chen, Head of LSGI, stressed the importance of this government-academia collaboration.
Prof. Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, anticipates that this MoU will enhance Hong Kong’s position as a global smart city leader.
Mr Chang Kwok-fai said that the collaboration marks a significant step towards modernising Hong Kong’s geospatial technologies.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Lands Department of the HKSAR Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 12 September 2025. The partnership aims to drive smart city development and digital transformation in Hong Kong.
The MoU was signed at PolyU by Prof WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Mr CHANG Kwok-fai, Deputy Director (Survey and Mapping) of the Lands Department, in the presence of representatives from both organisations.
Lands Department representatives:
- Mr CHANG Kwok-fai, Deputy Director (Survey and Mapping)
- Mr CHU Siu-ki, Assistant Director (Survey and Mapping)
- Mr. AU Chi-ho, Tommy, Chief Land Surveyor (Development)
- Mr. CHOI Wai-man, Raymond, Chief Land Surveyor (Land Information Centre)
- Mr. YEUNG Cheuk-man, Danny, Chief Land Surveyor (Technical)
- Mr. CHAN Ka-lok, Alvin, Senior Land Surveyor (Technical Information)
The PolyU representatives:
- Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU
- Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR)
- Prof. CHEN Wu, Head of LSGI
- Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS)
- Prof. John SHI Wenzhong, Director of the PolyU Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI)
- Prof. WENG Qihao, Director of Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG)
Welcoming the partnership, Prof Wang said: ‘From urban planning and environmental monitoring to disaster response and resource management, spatial data and artificial intelligence are transforming the way we understand and interact with our environment. By bringing together the Survey and Mapping Office’s authoritative expertise with PolyU’s academic excellence and innovative drive, this MoU will strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global smart city leader and create a legacy of innovation and prosperity for our community.’
Mr Chang remarked: ‘This partnership combines PolyU’s research excellence with the Lands Department’s practical experience, marking a significant step towards modernising Hong Kong’s geospatial technologies. We will promote innovative solutions that enhance land administration efficiency and support the city’s smart development.’
Prof. CHEN Wu, Head and Chair Professor of LSGI, emphasized the significance of the partnership, “SMO possesses valuable datasets, regulatory frameworks and practical insights into urban challenges, while PolyU contributes cutting-edge research, technical expertise, and innovative solutions. By working together, we can bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that scientific advancements are effectively translated into real-world applications. Ultimately, this collaboration will accelerate the creation of a smarter, more sustainable Hong Kong by leveraging the strengths of both sectors to address complex urban issues and improve the quality of life for citizens.”
Under the MoU, four PolyU units — LSGI, RILS, SCRI and RCAIG — will collaborate with the Survey and Mapping Office (SMO) on research, education and knowledge exchange in land surveying, geographic information systems, remote sensing, smart city applications, AI and location-based technologies.
The parties plan to establish a joint research centre. PolyU will contribute personnel and technical resources, while SMO will provide professional and industry insights. The collaboration will also explore training for industry practitioners and relevant government staff on the latest surveying and geospatial technologies.
This MoU underscores PolyU’s commitment to impactful research and further strengthens Hong Kong’s leadership in geomatics and smart city development.
