News & Events

Chinachem Group and PolyU join hands to foster industry-academic collaboration for the sustainable future of the Greater Bay Area

Chinachem Group (Chinachem) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen research collaboration among industry, academia and research organisations to drive innovative solutions for sustainable development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The partnership leverages the combined strengths and experience of PolyU in interdisciplinary research with that of Chinachem in property and community development. The MoU sets out a framework for both parties to conduct three pilot research projects to explore innovative solutions and technology applications to help achieve the goals of carbon neutrality, an inclusive society and a green economy. Through this industry-academia collaboration, Chinachem and PolyU will develop new technology and systems to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption in a next-generation data centre, explore new types of intergenerational housing for future Hong Kong community settlements in the GBA, and experiment with the use of blockchain technology in promoting green economy. Witnessed by Mr Donald CHOI, Executive Director and CEO of Chinachem Group, Mr Hung-han WONG, Executive Director and COO of Chinachem Group, Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU, and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, the MoU was signed by Mr Ricky TSANG, Deputy CFO of Chinachem Group, and Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. “As a socially responsible developer, we need to harness the full power of technology not only to speed construction and reduce costs, but also to create what we term ‘Places with Heart’,” Mr Donald Choi said. “Joint efforts across industries are essential to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is a very valuable step forward in regard to fostering business collaboration with academia and research organisations in order to pioneer innovative technological solutions. I feel very excited and energised about the possibilities for breaking new boundaries together, creating positive value for People, Prosperity and the Planet,” he added. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “This industry-academic collaboration will see PolyU and Chinachem working together to create solutions for major sustainability challenges including energy consumption, climate change, an ageing population and the adoption of green behaviour. PolyU will continue to deepen its collaboration with key partners and stakeholders in society to proactively translate research outcomes into real-world solutions to foster more liveable and sustainable communities in Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” Under the MoU, Chinachem and PolyU will also continue to explore cooperation opportunities in areas including support to start-ups and entrepreneurship, application and commercialisation of new technologies, environmental, social and governance strategy and measurement, and carbon neutrality.

PolyU honours eight outstanding alumni

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce that it has bestowed the “Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2022” on eight alumni in recognition of their significant achievements in their respective fields as well as their contributions to their alma mater and society. They are fitting testament to PolyU’s accomplishments in nurturing leaders for Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The Award aims to give recognition to distinguished graduates of PolyU and its forerunners, namely the Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College and the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Since its launch in 1996, over 90 graduates have been honoured for great distinction in their chosen fields, active support to their alma mater, as well as impactful contributions to the wider community. This year, achievement categories have been established to celebrate the considerable accomplishments of our alumni in specific areas. Recognition is now also given to outstanding young alumni. Organised at three levels, selection and result announcement of the Department and Faculty/School Awards had been completed prior to the selection of the University Award. Recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2022, in alphabetical order of last name, are: Ir Dr Goman HO Wai-ming, Arup Fellow and Director of Innovation, Arup Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Mr Peter LAM Wing-chap, Principal Consultant, Business and Networking Consulting Department, Huawei Technologies Company Limited Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Ir Ricky LAU Chun-kit, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), HKSAR Government Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Prof. Edman TSANG Shik-chi, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry and Director of Wolfson Catalysis Centre, University of Oxford Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement Recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award, in alphabetical order of last name, are: Mr Bayern CHUI Kin-pong, Partner, KPMG China Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement Mr James O Hing-pong, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing and Advertising, GOGOX Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement Dr Gilman SIU Kit-hang, Associate Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement Dr Bruce WANG Lei, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, EcoFlow Inc. Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement (Please refer to the Appendix for recipient biodata.) The Selection Committee of the University Award was chaired by Dr LAM Tai-fai, GBS, JP, Council Chairman of PolyU. Members included: Professor Jin-Guang TENG, JP, President, PolyU; Mr SIN Yat-kin, SBS, CSDSM, JP, Council Member, PolyU; The Honourable Duncan CHIU, Court Member, PolyU; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President, PolyU; Ir Eric MA Siu-cheung, GBS, JP, President, Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association; and Ir YAU Kwok-fai, President, Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations. The Award Presentation Ceremony will be held in December 2022.

PolyU honours two distinguished personalities at the 28th Congregation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its 28th Congregation today, presided over by PolyU’s Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Professor Jin-Guang TENG. At the Congregation, Honorary Doctorates were conferred upon two prominent figures and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees were awarded to 363 graduates. The ceremony was held at the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus and Professor ZHONG Nanshan, Professor of Medicine at the Guangzhou Medical University, was invited to give a speech. The two honorary degree recipients this year were (in alphabetical order of last name; please refer to the Appendix for the recipients’ biodata): Mr CHEUNG Ka-long, SBS, Gold medallist in Men’s Foil Individual at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics; and Professor YANG Mengfei, Researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology. In his speech, Prof. Zhong Nanshan encouraged graduates to harness their expertise to help promote the Nation’s technological development in key areas, and to contribute to the scientific advancement of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, the Nation and the world through their research and development efforts throughout the innovation process. This process starts with creativity, discovery and invention, and concludes with the creation of social and economic benefit. He said, “PolyU has put an emphasis on societal impact in its scientific research direction. I completely concur with this strategy.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng expressed heartfelt thanks to Prof. Zhong for his enlightening speech as well as his tireless efforts and contributions in combating COVID-19. Prof. Teng added that with the concerted efforts of members across society, the pandemic is coming under better control and people’s lives are gradually returning to normality. He also extended his congratulations to the honorary doctorates and doctoral graduates, noting that these graduates have overcome unprecedented challenges during the pandemic and made remarkable achievements. He encouraged them to use their knowledge to serve humanity and fulfil their aspirations. Prof. Teng further said that Hong Kong is entering an exciting new chapter of development as it is being transformed into an international innovation and technology hub, playing an essential part in the Nation’s technological development. PolyU graduates should not only seize this opportunity to make impactful contributions, but also help to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, the pandemic, energy shortages, and an ageing society. Prof. Teng said, “In all these important ways, PolyU graduates can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, applying their research skills for the greater good of society and living up to the University’s motto of ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’.” The University is conferring academic awards on a total of 10,189 students this year, including 363 Doctor of Philosophy degree graduates, 105 professional doctoral degree graduates, 51 Master of Philosophy degree graduates, 4,962 taught master’s degree graduates, 4,310 bachelor's degree graduates, 56 postgraduate diploma recipients, and 340 sub-degree award recipients.

PolyU 85th Anniversary Public Lecture by Hong Kong Palace Museum Director Dr Louis Ng Chi-wa: A New Vision for Carrying the Traditional Culture Forward

As part of the 85th Anniversary celebration series of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the University invited Dr Louis NG Chi-wa, Director of Hong Kong Palace Museum, to speak at a public lecture entitled “A New Vision for Carrying the Traditional Culture Forward” at the Jockey Club Auditorium of PolyU. Dr Ng led the audience on a journey of cultural heritage, and shared his views on how the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) would inherit and interpret the cultural relics and culture of the Palace Museum from a local perspective via a global lens. The lecture attracted more than 800 guests, staff, students, alumni and public. The Palace Museum houses a collection of national treasures, which are not only rare and precious, but also serve as vehicles for promoting Chinese philosophy and culture. Dr Louis Ng shared his views yesterday at the lecture on the role of the Palace Museum in the inheritance of Chinese culture, and how the opening of the HKPM will bring forth a new vision. He said that the HKPM is committed to inheriting and innovating Chinese traditional culture, and adhering to the mission and values of the Palace Museum, while acting as a bridge between China and the world to advance cultural dialogue and mutual learning among world civilisations by adopting the four “Visions” – “Modern Vision”, “Innovative Vision”, “Hong Kong Vision” and “Global Vision”. Moderated by Dr Kathy MAK Yim-king, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Assistant Professor of the Department of Chinese Culture of PolyU, Dr Ng also had a discussion with Ms Mary YU, Awardee of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2021, and other guests on the topic of how to further carry traditional culture forward. Dr Louis NG Chi-wa, said, “The important concept of cultural inheritance is not only to inherit the cultural heritage of predecessors, but also to introduce new elements and vitality to the traditional culture. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is committed to integrating technology with tradition, and encouraging young people to use their creativity to bring new interpretations and meaning to cultural inheritance. The HKPM shares the same vision and value in the future of Hong Kong with PolyU; both are willing to take responsibility for and contribute to the development of culture and education in Hong Kong. I strongly believe that a new era will soon begin in the inheritance and development of our city’s culture and education.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “We are committed to nurturing students with a strong sense of national identity, social responsibility and a global perspective through holistic education. We also put strong emphasis on value cultivation of our students. With the celebration of our 85th Anniversary this year, we hope to promote Chinese art and culture together with the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and increase the awareness of Chinese culture among the public and especially the younger generation. We are very grateful to Dr Louis Ng Chi-wa for strongly supporting our art and culture promotion endeavours.” PolyU’s 85th Anniversary celebrations kicked off last November and have included a public lecture by Prof. POON Chung-kwong, President Emeritus of PolyU, and a drama production by PolyU Theatre called “Our Town”. Upcoming finale events include the 85th Anniversary Grand Concert and an anniversary gala dinner.

Thirty-nine PolyU research projects granted the NSFC’s Young Scientists Fund 2022, with PolyU ranking as the top recipient among local universities

Thirty-nine research projects led by young researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been recognised by the National Natural Science Foundation of China’s (NSFC) Young Scientists Fund 2022 (the Fund), with PolyU ranking as the top grant recipient in terms of the number of projects awarded among local universities. The Fund has been expanded to allow researchers and universities in Hong Kong to apply for the first time. Each project will be granted funding of RMB 300,000 to support basic research work for three years. The awarded PolyU research projects cover a wide spectrum of topics, including environmental protection, green living environment, climate change, construction technology, and innovation in AI-assisted medical devices, fostering a better future for our changing living environment. Professor Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation at PolyU, said, “We are thankful for the support from the NSFC Young Scientists Fund for Hong Kong researchers, which will facilitate and strengthen our research projects and scientists’ development. With top-notch scholars and experts, PolyU is dedicated to conducting impactful research in interdisciplinary fields, making positive contributions to Hong Kong and the Nation’s technology and socioeconomic advancement.” Under the talent funding system of the NSFC, the Fund supports young researchers to freely choose their research topics within the funding scope of the NSFC to conduct basic research, fosters the ability of young scientists to independently undertake research projects and do creative research, stimulates the creative thinking of young scientists, and trains upcoming talents for basic research. This year, PolyU not only gained the leading position in the Young Scientists Fund, but also made good achievements in other funds and programmes from NSFC. The 39 awarded PolyU scholars and research projects ( Chinese only )

PolyU and Wuxi city government to set up pioneering research institute to drive innovation and technology development in Yangtze River Delta

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the city government of Wuxi, Jiangsu province, have reached an agreement to jointly set up the PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute – a pioneering move among Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions to establish a scientific research institute in Wuxi and participate in the Yangtze River Delta’s innovation and technology (I&T) drive. The new institute will foster I&T collaboration between government, industry, academia, and research institutions through the provision of an advanced research platform, a unique engineering doctorate programme, and incubation support backed by a robust local manufacturing sector. The PolyU-Wuxi collaboration will also contribute to the Nation’s I&T development. The cooperation agreement was signed today by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr ZHANG Jinwei, head of Xinwu district, Wuxi, in a video conference and witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Mr DU Xiaogang, Communist Party Secretary of Wuxi; Mr ZHAO Jianjun, Deputy Party Secretary and Mayor of Wuxi, and other leaders of PolyU and the Wuxi authorities. The partnership underscores a synergy between Wuxi’s economic strength and PolyU’s world-leading education and research excellence. It also reinforces collaboration among Jiangsu province, Hong Kong and Macau encouraged by national policies. The five-year cooperation agreement will come into effect from January 2023. The Faculty of Engineering of PolyU and the Wuxi National Hi-tech District will join forces to set up the Institute in phases. The Institute, located at the Wuxi Airport Economic Development Zone, comprises a teaching and research facility for the engineering doctorate programme, an advanced research platform for cutting-edge technologies, and an innovation hub for translational research and incubation of start-ups. Prof. H. C. Man, Dean of Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, explained that the PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute serves to: Establish a world-class advanced research and innovation platform The Institute will focus on the research and development of core technologies with proprietary intellectual properties in the areas of aerospace, biomedical technology, advanced manufacturing, new materials, artificial intelligence, telecommunication, and new energy. It aspires to be a hub of innovative minds through the promotion of joint research, academic exchange, co-incubation, and knowledge transfer. Nurture I&T talents A PolyU engineering doctorate programme uniquely designed for working professionals, as well as a post-doctoral engineering programme, will be rolled out by the Institute to nurture a Wuxi-based I&T talent pool. Candidates will be required to use their employers’ projects on tackling critical technological challenges as their thesis topics. They will also study business management and entrepreneurship in the programme to prepare themselves to be future I&T industry leaders. Fostering emerging industries The Institute will provide translational and entrepreneurial opportunities and render support to PolyU researchers to collaborate with Wuxi’s corporates and manufacturers to commercialise research outcomes. This will in turn promote the local development of emerging industries and spur breakthroughs in engineering technologies as well as their application. The Institute aims to nurture champions in emerging industries in three to five years. The Wuxi Municipal Government will provide the required facilities, infrastructure and funding in the next five years to support PolyU in developing this research institute. The two parties will also arrange for industry professionals from Wuxi and the Yangtze River Delta region to come to Hong Kong every year for exchange. Last year, PolyU established the Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Cooperation Alliance and signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in basic science and technology research with the Jiangsu Institute of Industrial Technology. Coupled with Wuxi's vigorous economic and industrial development, this cooperation with PolyU opened up an unprecedented chapter in "government, industry, academia and research" collaboration among the two parties. Dr Lam Tai-fai said: “Jiangsu province is an important province in the Yangtze River Delta region, and Wuxi enjoys a strong reputation for its comprehensive industrial development. PolyU has been actively engaged in strategic technology and innovation research cooperation with Jiangsu, and we are committed to contributing to the development of talents as well as innovation and technology research. With the integration of our excellence in education and research, PolyU is very pleased to work with the Wuxi government to strengthen the strategic cooperation between Jiangsu, Hong Kong and Macau to establish the Institute. PolyU will continue to strive to achieve excellence in the development of education, research and innovation.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said: “PolyU and the Wuxi government share a common vision for the future: we both strive to strengthen our cooperation in the cultivation of high-quality professionals and advanced technological innovation, ultimately contributing to the economic development of Wuxi, Jiangsu and the Nation. PolyU sees great importance in basic research, as well as applied and translational research. Through leveraging the platform of the Institute, we hope to match PolyU's research excellence with the industrial needs of Wuxi to deliver impactful outcomes.” Mr Zhao Jianjun said: “The successful establishment of the PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute marks another important partnership between the ‘Pearl of Taihu’ and the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, which is a strong impetus for the further development of cooperation among Jiangsu, Hong Kong and Macao. The two parties will seek new heights in technology and innovation and foster new emerging industries, through integrating PolyU’s education and research excellence with Wuxi’s economic and industrial power. Wuxi will provide the best service and maximum support for the cooperation between the two parties, and together we will work to create a new benchmark for government-academia cooperation between the Yangtze River Delta and the Greater Bay Area."

PolyU and OPPO establish Joint Innovation Lab to foster research and innovation on AI-driven computational imaging in the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a cooperation agreement with Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd (OPPO) for the establishment of the “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Lab” (Joint Lab). The laboratory will focus on joint research projects including AI-driven computational imaging and its chipisation, computer vision, immersive multimedia and AR/VR technology. OPPO aims to provide total funding of no less than RMB 10 million to support PolyU research and innovation projects and the establishment and operation of the Joint Lab. PolyU and OPPO will use the Joint Lab as a platform for academic exchange and joint science and engineering research projects, sharing these research outcomes and nurturing highly skilled talents together. The lab will be a leading force in catalysing academia-industry cooperation and innovation technology development in the Greater Bay Area. The cooperation agreement was signed yesterday (22 September) by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr Levin LIU, OPPO Vice President and President of OPPO Research Institute during a video conference officiating the launch of the Joint Lab. Prof. ZHANG Lei, Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image Analysis at the Department of Computing, PolyU, will be the Joint Lab’s director on behalf of the University. Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “PolyU works with local and international enterprises to promote knowledge transfer and advance economic and social development through the transformation of research outcomes into practical applications. The Joint Lab will leverage the expertise of PolyU’s applied research and the market-leading advantages of OPPO to facilitate innovation and breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies, the cultivation of talents and the provision of social benefits.” Mr Levin Liu said, “OPPO adheres to the concept of making the best use of science and technology for mankind, and strives to develop innovative technologies and excellent products to bring the best technology experience to users around the world. In our pursuit of innovation, we wish to join hands with those in academia to explore various modes of cooperation for joint research and development as well as talent cultivation. By integrating the insights and experience of our industry with the excellent foundational talent and research capabilities of the University, we will be able to develop an ongoing and win-win industry-university partnership.”

PolyU 85th Anniversary Public Lecture by Prof. Poon Chung-kwong on Knowledge and Self-Cultivation

To mark the 85th anniversary of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the University presented a public lecture today at the Jockey Club Auditorium. Prof. POON Chung-kwong, President Emeritus of PolyU was invited to speak on “Knowledge and Self-cultivation”, and to share his insights on how young people can pursue knowledge and build effective self-cultivation practices. Mr Eric CHAN Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delivered the opening speech at the public lecture. The lecture was attended by more than 700 guests, students and alumni. Prof. Poon said that while university education focuses on the promotion of student knowledge and professional caliber, the cultivation of morals and values are equally crucial to whole-person education. Based on his extensive experience, Prof. Poon discussed the methods and practices of exploring knowledge, and examined the three dimensions in realising self-cultivation, namely moral persistence, attitude towards others and problem handling skills. In a following session moderated by Prof. CHU Hung-lam, Chair Professor of the Department of Chinese Culture, PolyU, Prof. Poon discussed with PolyU alumni and students how young people can pursue both knowledge and self-cultivation amid the various changes in society, so that they may better contribute to their families, society and the Nation. Prof. Poon Chung-kwong said, “Whether a person's knowledge will do good or harm to society is determined by their moral cultivation. A person with knowledge but no self-cultivation is likely to harm the world and themselves, while a person with cultivation but no knowledge will find it difficult to cope with rapid societal change, and is thus incapable of helping others. The ultimate goal of education is to nurture both students’ knowledge and self-cultivation, which is the basis for promoting harmonious social development.” Over the years, Prof. Poon has made remarkable achievements in scientific research and education. As an outstanding scientist, he was twice invited to present proposals for the award of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, in 1985 and 1991. As a passionate educationist, he devoted 40 years of his life to university education, including 18 years as the Director of the Hong Kong Polytechnic and the President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In his opening speech, Chief Secretary for Administration Mr Chan Kwok-ki said, “Over the years, PolyU has nurtured talents with both knowledge and self-cultivation in different fields and professions for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. During the 18 years of his leadership, Prof. Poon successfully steered the then Hong Kong Polytechnic to become The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1994, laying a solid foundation for the development of teaching and research as well as achieving international recognition for PolyU.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “Prof. Poon has devoted his life to the cause of education and has always prioritised the whole-person development of students. He is a firm advocate of the integration of knowledge and morals in education to serve society. With years of experience, reflection and practice, Prof. Poon has unique and profound insights into how young people can grasp ‘knowledge’ and ‘self-cultivation’. The valuable insights shared by Prof. Poon today will definitely benefit PolyU students, staff, alumni and other audiences.” PolyU’s 85th Anniversary celebrations commenced in November last year, and a series of upcoming events include a public lecture by Dr Louis Ng, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum; Chinese Painting Appreciation — Collector and Philanthropist Perspectives by Mr Ho Sai-chu, who is a University Fellow and alumnus; and Artist-in-Residence Programme: a drama production by PolyU Theatre “Our Town”.

PolyU and China Southern Power Grid establish the Joint Institute for Green and Secure Power Grid

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG) have signed an agreement to establish the “Joint Institute for Green and Secure Power Grid” (the Joint Institute). Harnessing quality research results and interdisciplinary technologies in the fields of power equipment, green and secure management, smart city and green and safe power supply, the pair shall join efforts to take forward the establishment and development of the country’s new power systems initiative. CSG plans to provide a funding of RMB30 million in the upcoming five years to support PolyU in carrying out a series of fundamental and forward-looking research projects. The new power systems initiative is essential for both transformation and upgrading of the country’s power systems, as well as achieving “carbon emissions peak” and “carbon neutrality”. Building the new type of power systems using new energy with high security, openness and adaptability are crucial to meet the growing demand for clean energy. An interdisciplinary research team consists of members from six departments of the Faculty of Construction and Environment and the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU has already been formed, covering the areas of smart sensing, edge computing, big data, numerical simulation and advanced materials, etc. Collaborating with the experts from CSG, the team will focus on digital twin technology of power equipment, digitalisation of electric power distribution as well as safe and stability technology to facilitate the transformation and upgrading of power grid. The duo will, under the Joint Institute, also actively participate in major provincial and national projects to achieve technological breakthrough and contribute to national energy security. The collaboration agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr LI Rui, General Manager of Innovation Management Department of CSG, and witnessed by Prof. XU Kai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr LIANG Qinru, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, Mr PENG Wenjun Bryan, Head of Innovation and Technology (Greater Bay Area) at Invest Hong Kong, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, Mr WANG Hongzhi, General Manager of CSG, and Mr ZHANG Wenfeng, Deputy General Manager of CSG at the ceremony held on 8 September 2022. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU and CSG have been working together for a long time. The establishment of the Joint Institute shall further deepen the partnership between the two parties. Looking forward, our research team will advance the development of the new power systems and the research of novel green technologies, focusing particularly on new energy and smart city applications. Our efforts will contribute to the realisation of the country’s goals to peak carbon emissions and attain carbon neutrality.” Mr Wang Hongzhi said, “We are joining hands with PolyU to carry out comprehensive cooperation in technology innovation and talent exchange. Together we shall promote the development of new power systems through the Joint Institute. This partnership realises in-depth exchanges among industry, academic and research sectors, which not only supports the innovative development of the energy industry in China, but also provides strong support for building the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area into a national model for high-quality economic, social and technological development.” In addition to joint research projects, the collaboration aims to cultivate interdisciplinary experts of higher calibre to form a research force for building the national new power systems. Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “PolyU has been actively addressing global challenges, contributing to the development of green technology and providing innovative solutions by leveraging its expertise in different disciplines. The collaboration with CSG will facilitate academic exchange and resource sharing, support our academics to conduct various research activities in a more effective way, as well as nurture research talents for promoting major research projects.” Prof. Du Yaping, Director of the Joint Institute and Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU, said, “The Joint Institute will focus on exploring the application of green and safe technologies in the field of power transmission and distribution to solve the issues in the establishment of new power systems, which will greatly promote the innovation and technology development of Hong Kong.”

PolyU announces the establishment of the School of Fashion and Textiles to nurture innovative, creative fashion talent and seize opportunities in the Greater Bay Area

On the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the official upgrade of the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) and the establishment of the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT), the third flagship and independent school within PolyU. The opening ceremony was held at the University’s Jockey Club Innovation Tower last Friday (2 September). The School is an international institution integrating fashion and textile education, and innovative technology research. It will comprehensively enhance the competitive advantage of SFT graduates and Hong Kong’s fashion and textile industry while also aligning it with the market development of the Greater Bay Area. The School’s vision is to lead the fashion industry and create societal impact while offering solutions that leverage the research and innovative excellence of the School. The School is renowned for its world-class teaching and academic achievements. Its academics come from around the world, specialising and leading the way in a variety of academic and research areas including wearable and smart textiles, medical textiles and functional clothing, social fashion design, sustainable fashion, digital fashion marketing, and fashion supply chain management. According to a report by Stanford University in 2021, 13 ITC Scholars are ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists. Furthermore, according to CEOWORLD magazine, SFT was ranked the third in Asia and 43rd in the world of the World’s Best Fashion Schools in 2022. The School has set and reached significant milestones in its pursuit of research excellence for societal impact. Last year, SFT was highly appraised in the Hong Kong University Grants Committee (UGC) “2020 Research Review Exercise”, and its research in the creative arts, performing arts and design was the best among the eight UGC-funded institutions. Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Mr Sunny TAN, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR – Textiles, and Garment constituency; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Chairman of the PolyU Council; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, the President of PolyU; and Ms Shirley CHAN, Chairlady of the Advisory Committee of SFT. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, said, “It gives me great pleasure to inaugurate the School of Fashion and Textiles as the University’s third flagship and independent school. The new School will push the boundaries of educational and research excellence even further. SFT’s vision is to be a world-leading centre in fashion and textiles education, interdisciplinary research and collaboration, playing a pivotal role in developing Hong Kong into a world-renowned fashion hub.” Ms Shirley Chan, Chairlady of the SFT Advisory Committee, said, “The new School of Fashion and Textiles will have a new emphasis on education, research and industry partnerships. PolyU has been a leading institution for fashion and textile education and research, both in Asia and globally, since 1957. The transformation of ITC to the School of Fashion and Textiles reflects its continuing position as an educational leader for many years to come.” To meet the increasing demand for advanced technology in the fashion and textile industry, SFT has worked closely with the industrial sector both locally and internationally to introduce knowledge transfer and apply innovative and insightful technologies. Significant projects include the Nu-Torque™ singles ring-yarn technology, the personalised posture training system for medical, sports and healthcare applications, and intelligent 3D human-modelling technology. These have had ground-breaking and far-reaching influences within the industry. Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as successfully developing new anti-virus 3D printing materials, anti-virus reusable PU30 masks, and protective clothing, SFT has maintained its close ties with the government, NGOs and disadvantaged groups. SFT has earmarked additional resources to foster academic and technological education and research. Its courses keep pace with the times in order to best meet market requirements for advanced technology, and new subjects including artificial intelligence, digital fashion design, e-commerce and sustainable development are all being added to the School’s programmes. The revamped undergraduate programme - BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion, and the taught postgraduate programme - MA in Global Fashion Management, are vivid representations of a prestigious, high quality, full spectrum fashion education with the trilogy of design, business and technology to accommodate local, regional and international demand for fashion talent.