News and Kudos

LST Cultural Exchange with Hokkaido University

The cultural exchange session with Hokkaido University on Tuesday, 10 March, was a resounding success, running smoothly thanks to the dedicated support and cooperation of all involved. We are pleased to report that the event provided a deeply meaningful learning experience for PolyU participants, who enjoyed the rare opportunity to build genuine friendships with Japanese students. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the session as a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to foster international connections. The highlight of the day was the interactive lunch and sharing session, which allowed for an in-depth exploration of campus life in Japan. Students found immense value in practicing their Japanese with native speakers of their own age, noting that the casual environment offered a refreshing and practical contrast to formal or retail interactions. This exchange of perspectives not only sharpened language skills but also broadened cultural horizons, making it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

GRF-Funded Workshop Successfully Explored Chinese Morphological Instruction for Non-Chinese Speaking Students to Enhance the "Big Six" Competencies

The LST Seminar "Workshop Series for Enhancing the Big Six Competencies in Chinese Language Proficiency for Non-Chinese Speaking Students (I): Case studies and common issues in vocabulary teaching," supported by the General Research Fund (GRF) of the University Grants Committee and led by Prof. Ke Sihui’s team, was successfully held on February 4, 2026 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Around 130 participants—including university students, scholars, frontline educators, and professionals from multiple institutions—gathered to engage in in-depth discussions on “Chinese morphological instruction for NCS students in Hong Kong.” The workshop provided a vital platform for exchanging insights and practical methods for teaching Chinese characters and vocabulary in multilingual contexts. Key topics included balancing oracy and literacy, developing a morpheme-based Chinese dictionary, differentiated instruction, and the emerging role of AI-assisted teaching. The PolyU team extends their heartfelt gratitude to colleagues from the Lions Clubs International Ho Tak Sum Primary School: Mr. WONG Wai-lap (Principal), Mr. LAM Chun Hung (Assistant Principal), Mr. CHOW Chai Tong (SENCO), as well as the two guest workshop presenters, Ms PANG Chung Wai (Chinese Language Teacher) and Ms WAN Chui Lai (Chinese Language Teacher). We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the members from the 17 primary schools participating in the PolyU “After School Little Word Expert” (ALIDE) program for the academic year 2025–2026.

LST’s Prof. Elaine Kwong Featured on Ming Pao Daily and HOY TV to Discuss Ultrasound-Based Swallowing Measures

Prof. Elaine Kwong, Associate Professor in the Department of Language Science and Technology and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, was featured in Ming Pao Daily and HOY TV’s programme “Health Concern Group” to discuss a study investigating the temporal measures of oropharyngeal swallowing events identified using ultrasound imaging. This non-invasive approach enables accurate preliminary diagnoses for elderly patients without causing any harm. Click HERE to read the feature on Ming Pao Daily. Click HERE to watch the HOY TV programme “Health Concern Group” (EP461, 8:07–12:04).

The 9th International Conference on Multicultural Discourses & The 13th Symposium on Contemporary Chinese Discourses: A Resounding Success

The 9th International Conference on Multicultural Discourses and the 13th Symposium on Contemporary Chinese Discourses, held from November 15 to 17, 2025, at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was a resounding success.  Scholars, researchers, and students from around the globe gathered to discuss the theme “Asian Unity and Cooperation.” The conference provided a vital platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, exploring how Asia’s cultural traditions and discourses can address pressing global challenges and foster shared prosperity. Over 100 attendees from more than 10 countries and regions participated in the event. It also concluded with a call for greater collaboration among scholars and practitioners to harness Asia’s cultural and intellectual resources in building a shared global future. Participants praised the conference for its interdisciplinary approach, impactful discussions, and commitment to fostering multicultural dialogue.

LST PhD Student and Team Secure 5th Place in Women’s Youth Team Event at 15th National Games Bridge Tournament

LST PhD student Hui Ka Yee, Ruby represented Hong Kong in the Women’s Youth Team Event at the Mass Participation Events of the 15th National Games – Bridge, held in Shenzhen from 3 to 7 November 2025. Part of the Mass Participation Events of the National Games, the tournament brought together 10 talented teams from across the country. Ruby’s team delivered an outstanding performance, achieving an impressive 5th place in the final rankings. We warmly congratulate Ruby on her success and dedication in representing Hong Kong.

MA Student in Chinese Language and Literature Wins 2025 Outstanding Thesis Award

Miss Yin Haiqin, a postgraduate student in the Master’s Programme in Chinese Language and Literature (supervised by Prof. Leung Wai Mun), was awarded the Third Prize for Outstanding Master’s Thesis at the "15th Annual Conference of the Chinese Literary Geography Society and the 10th Postgraduate Forum," held in Jiangsu from July 25-27, 2025. A total of 249 papers were submitted to this year’s Postgraduate Forum. Following a rigorous evaluation by a panel of experts, 57 theses were selected for awards. In addition to receiving the certificate and cash award, Miss Yin was also invited to the forum to present her research on the canal culture in “The Peach Blossom Fan”. Congratulations to Miss Yin on her achievement!

CBS PhD Student Wins Awards at the 50th Hong Kong Youth Translation Competition

Congratulations to Ms. HUI Ka Yee Ruby, a PhD student from CBS, on winning First Runner-Up (Chinese-English) and a Merit (English-Chinese) in the Open Category of the 50th Hong Kong Youth Translation Competition (第50屆全港青年翻譯比賽). This prestigious competition, widely regarded as Hong Kong’s top translation contest, challenges participants to translate two articles within just two hours. We are very proud of Ms. HUI’s remarkable achievement and dedication—a true testament to the talent and excellence of our CBS students.

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU CBS 2025 - Result Announcement

The Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU CBS aims to give public recognition to outstanding CBS graduates for their professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater. We are delighted to announce the following result of the CBS Outstanding Alumni Award 2025: Ms Pearl POON Ming-chu - Department Outstanding Alumni Awardee High Diploma in Translation & Interpretation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic, 1980 Read more about the story of Ms Pearl POON Ming-chu Ms Poon graduated from The Hong Kong Polytechnic (now The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) and International Christian University in Tokyo. She is a renowned writer of children’s literature, a columnist for Wen Wei Po, and has been a member of the China Writers Association since 2013.  Mr REN Rongrong, a celebrated Chinese author, once described Ms Poon and her sister, Ms Jenny POON Kam-ying, as “The Grimm Sisters from Hong Kong”, likening them to Germany’s Grimm Brothers for their collaborative work for young readers. Ms Poon has spent the past three decades writing and publishing children’s books that resonate deeply with young minds in Hong Kong and beyond. To celebrate her contributions towards the development of children’s literature, she was selected as one of the prominent writers featured at the 33rd Hong Kong Book Fair. A reading expert, Ms Poon serves as Professional Consultant (Literary Arts) for Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the HKSAR Government, providing professional advice on library programmes, reading promotion activities, and cultural events for ten years. Through her engagement and cooperation with government-related organisations such as the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Language Education & SCOLAR (Standing Committee on Language Education and Research) Section, Ms Poon has curated and instructed numerous literary and educational programmes that have benefited many young people. Among her recent honours are the Gold Award at the 1st China Star Poetry Conference (中國首屆繁星詩會金獎 2024) and recognition as one of the 10th Traditional Culture Heritage and Development Cultural Heritage Public Figures (第十屆傳統文化傳承與發展 2025文化傳承公益人物) in Beijing. Congratulations to our exceptional CBS alumna for her remarkable achievements in her field, which have brought positive recognition to her alma mater. We also extend our gratitude to the panel of judges for their dedication and commitment throughout the selection process.    

CBS’s Discover Hong Kong: Language & Communication Competition 2025 Concludes with Resounding Success

“Discover Hong Kong: Language & Communication Competition 2025”, an innovative initiative organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies (CBS) in collaboration with PRHK, has successfully concluded. Designed for Secondary 2 to 5 students, this creative social media contest encouraged participants to explore Hong Kong’s cultural and urban landscapes through bilingual content creation. Launched in June 2025, the campaign saw over 300 students from across Hong Kong visit Hong Kong Disneyland (with complimentary entry tickets provided) to capture authentic footage of the park’s attractions. Participants crafted Instagram posts and reels showcasing the city’s landmarks in both English and Chinese, demonstrating their linguistic and digital communication skills. On 21 June 2025, Dr. J. TRAVIS from PRHK and Ms. YK Rebecca WOO, Founder and CEO at FR Consultancy, conducted two interactive sessions with approximately 300 contestants at PolyU, teaching them social media strategies and presentation skills. The final competition was held on 13 July 2025, with ten teams making it to the finals. A panel of seven judges, including Prof. Dechao LI, Associate Head of CBS; Mr. Jackin WONG, Lecturer of CBS; Ms. Emily CHOW, Deputy Chief Executive at OneDegree; Ms. Rebecca WOO; Ms. Jenny LAM, PR & Marketing Consultant; Mr. Anson HO, Senior Project Manager (Youth Development), Mindberg Training and Educational Resources Co. Ltd. & Vice Chairman, Sha Tin District Youth Development and Civic Education Committee; and Ms. Waverly YEUNG, Chief Marketing Officer, Cytologics Pharmaceutical Limited. The awards ceremony culminated in jubilant celebrations as the champion, Stewards Ma Kam Ming Charitable Foundation Ma Ko Pan Memorial College, was announced. Finalists and teachers shared emotional embraces, while the audience applauded the participants’ dedication. Here is the full list of awardees: Champion: Stewards Ma Kam Ming Charitable Foundation Ma Ko Pan Memorial College (@authentic_hongkong.mkp) 1st Runner-up: Marymount Secondary School (@biling_chilling) 2nd Runner-up: Po Leung Kuk Lo Kit Sing (1983) College (@plk83.discoverhk) Outstanding Content Video Award: King's College (@hk.unveiled) Most Engaging Video Award: Marymount Secondary School (@biling_chilling) Best Aesthetic Photography Award: Ho Fung College (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen) (@jennifer_discover_hong_kong) Best Video Editing Award: Precious Blood Secondary School (@disneypng.pbss) Congratulations to all participants! Relive the excitement by watching the event video.  

PolyU Students Excel at 9th Korean Consul General Cup Speech Contest

On 28 June 2025, two outstanding Korean minor students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have achieved remarkable success at the prestigious 9th Korean Consul General Cup Korean Speech Contest, widely regarded as Hong Kong's most authoritative Korean language competition.  At this annual competition organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong and the Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong, Mr Ma Kin Kei, BA student in English and Applied Linguistics, claimed the First Prize while Miss Cham Tsz Mei, BBA student in Accounting and Finance, secured the Third Place in the open division. As the top prize winner, Mr Ma has also earned the distinguished opportunity to participate in a cultural training programme in Korea, sponsored by the King Sejong Institute Foundation. This one-week immersive experience will further enhance his understanding of the Korean language and culture.