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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.”

9 Sep, 2022

Shenzhen Base

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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.

7 Sep, 2022

Shenzhen Base

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PolyU hosts the first China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters in Hong Kong: The first Test in Hong Kong will be held in November.Nurturing translation professionals through the promotion of nationally accredited qualifications

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed a cooperation agreement with the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI) Management Center (CATTI Management Center) of the China International Communications Group (CICG). The agreement authorises PolyU to organise the CATTI test in Hong Kong, with a view to uplifting the professional standard of Chinese-English translation in the city. The first Chinese-English translation and interpretation tests will be held in Hong Kong on 5 and 6 November. Interested candidates can register from now until 10 October. CATTI is the only language test incorporated into China’s national vocational qualification system. Divided into translation and interpretation categories, candidates who pass the test will obtain a Qualification Certificate of Proficiency issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) and CICG. The certificate is widely recognised by employers throughout the country. Last year, over 350,000 candidates took the examination. PolyU has been a close partner of CATTI Management Center since the test’s launch in 2003. As a designated CATTI training centre for nearly 20 years, PolyU has been nurturing skilled translators and interpreters while also promoting and enhancing the impact of CATTI in both Hong Kong and Macau. Previously, candidates in Hong Kong wishing to obtain professional certification were required to take the examination in Guangdong or elsewhere in the Mainland. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Ms MIN Yi, Director of CATTI Executive Office and Deputy Director of National Committee for Master of Translation and Interpreting Teaching Guidance, CICG, the cooperation agreement was signed by Prof. LI Ping, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, PolyU and Ms FENG Jingyi, Vice President of CATTI Management Center, in a video conference. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said: “PolyU is committed to connecting our education and research with the industry. We provide comprehensive language programmes to improve our students’ language proficiency for their professional development and to meet society’s needs, so that they can unleash their full potential and serve the community in a multilingual world. With PolyU organising the CATTI test in Hong Kong, we will further improve the competence of Hong Kong’s translators and interpreters and drive their career advancement with nationally recognised qualifications.” Ms Min Yi stated: “PolyU has cultivated abundant talents in languages and translation. Leveraging the strengths of both organisations, we are putting the ‘Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area’ into practice. Our partnership will help to nurture young translators who love our mother country and Hong Kong and to expand their global perspectives, while boosting the professional development of translation talents in Hong Kong. Furthermore, it will positively impact exchanges between the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau in the field of humanities.” Besides supporting professional development in Chinese translation and interpretation, PolyU has been proactively raising the Putonghua proficiency of its students, including through a newly launched sponsorship scheme to encourage students to take standardised Putonghua tests. All PolyU full-time students can apply to take these Putonghua tests at a discount. Additional sponsorship may also be offered based on their overall grades in the tests. To further increase students’ interest and proficiency in Putonghua, PolyU’s Chinese Language Centre and the Hong Kong Tertiary Putonghua Recitation Society will jointly organise the PolyU 85th Anniversary Performance cum Putonghua Recitation and Demonstration Workshop. The event will be held on 19 November at the Chiang Cheng Studio Theatre in PolyU. For more information about CATTI and PolyU’s Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/cbs/cts/hk/catti/ http://www.catticenter.com

7 Sep, 2022

Beijing Centre

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PolyU further contributes to the development of China's aerospace technology by collaborating with the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology in establishing the “Joint Research Centre of Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology”

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology (AAPT) have signed an agreement to establish the “Joint Research Centre of Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology”. Led by the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) of PolyU, the collaboration aims to establish a highly competitive scientific research force and technical cooperation team in the field of advanced aerospace propulsion technology through a long-term and in-depth strategic partnership. It is expected to further contribute to the development of China's aerospace technology. Advanced aerospace propulsion technology is a future-oriented field with broad application prospects. PolyU and AAPT have formed an ongoing complementary partnership to establish the “Joint Research Centre of Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology”. The five-year cooperation plan involves a number of joint research and development projects. Adhering to the global future development direction of aerospace propulsion technology, the projects will focus on the research and development of key technologies, and enhance the engineering research and production capabilities in the field. The signing ceremony for the cooperation agreement was held on 4 July 2022. The document of cooperation was signed by Professor Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr LI Bin, Associate Dean of AAPT, and was witnessed by Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr WANG Wanjun, Dean of AAPT. PolyU’s President, Professor Jin-Guang Teng said, “AAPT is the R&D centre of liquid propellant rocket engines in China. PolyU and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) have been working closely together to support the Nation's space exploration and research. This new collaboration will further support the development and modernisation of the Nation’s civil aerospace industry, manned spaceflight and space exploration. PolyU is honoured to continue its ongoing contribution to the development of the Nation’s aerospace science and technology.” Mr Wang Wanjun, Dean of AAPT said, “PolyU AAE has a world-leading research foundation, as well as design experience in aerospace and aeronautical propulsion technology. With PolyU’s comprehensive professional facilities and intelligence resources, the Joint Research Centre for Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology can become an influential platform for knowledge exchange. It will be of great benefit to the promotion of research and technological development in the field.” In addition to several joint research projects, this collaboration is also committed to cultivating a group of high-level interdisciplinary experts for future applications. “This collaboration will facilitate academic exchanges and resources sharing, and support scholars in conducting various academic seminars more efficiently, while also nurturing high-tech talents such as research doctoral students and visiting scholars. The joint research team will additionally be involved in a wide range of joint research programmes to foster major projects.” said Professor Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU. Mr Li, Associate Dean of AAPT said, “The Joint Research Centre will push the cooperation between PolyU and CASC to a new height. This longer-term and comprehensive partnership will serve and support the country's major needs and implementation of its technology projects.” PolyU’s Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering The Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) is committed to leading the development of the field of aeronautical and aviation engineering by amalgamating the experts in the Faculty and the industry. It has a rich history and solid background in engaging in academic research, and industrial collaborations related to aeronautical and aerospace engineering. AAE is well known for its researches in advanced technologies including supersonic combustion ramjet, liquid-propellant rocket engine and propellant combustion globally. Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology (AAPT) Established in 1965, the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology (AAPT) is one of China’s core aerospace science and technology research units, owned by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It has 11 units, which are all equipped with advanced facilities for innovation and research, production, and testing. As the only research centre in China focusing on aerospace propulsion technology, its development and production of various propulsion systems have been supporting the Nation’s space exploration and aerospace technology modernization and development.

7 Jul, 2022

Xi'an Base

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PolyU launches the largest interdisciplinary research platform in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to advance the development of an international innovation hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) – the largest research platform of its kind in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to foster interdisciplinary research, partnership with world-renowned scholars, and the transfer of technologies to stakeholders. PAIR focuses on research in frontier areas such as artificial intelligence, carbon neutrality, deep space exploration, smart cities, smart energy, and many more. The Academy will make impactful contributions to the development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology hub. Comprising 16 research institutes and centres with over 400 highly qualified PolyU senior researchers from all over the world, the interdisciplinary research platform is the largest among its peers in the Greater Bay Area. It pools top brains with a wealth of investigative and professional experience to conduct PAIR’s cutting-edge interdisciplinary research programmes. The Academy aspires to offer solutions to unprecedented societal challenges arising from climate change, food safety, an ageing population, disease, energy shortages, etc. It will also aim to promote sustainable development and growth. The PAIR research institutes and centres will furthermore address the opportunities brought about by the emerging technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that will change how people work and live, such as artificial intelligence, data science, the Internet of Things, and robotics. PAIR’s innovative research projects are supported by PolyU’s world-class laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities, including the State Key Laboratories and the Chinese National Engineering Research Centres (Hong Kong Branches). Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said the University is committed to developing innovations across disciplines and cultivating impactful solutions to the global challenges of today. He said, “PAIR will also promote and facilitate the establishment of close partnerships with industries and the community, ensuring the real-world significance and impact of its research. Furthermore, the Academy will play an important role in developing and supporting research collaboration activities with counterparts in the Mainland and around the world. PolyU will leverage its leading research and innovation capability and capitalise on the Greater Bay Area’s manufacturing strength to build the region into an international innovation and technology hub.” Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said the expansion of interdisciplinary research over the past decade has brought about a fundamental change in the basic concepts and practices of a scientific discipline. He added, “New disciplines may also emerge from the extensive research currently being performed by scientists in this interdisciplinary environment. Their research may have a wide-ranging positive impact, expanding knowledge and improving the quality of life.” The Academy is headed by Prof. Qingyan CHEN, Director of PAIR, Global STEM Professor, and Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science in the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU. He is Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, United States, after a distinguished stint of two decades at the prestigious university. He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Building and Environment journal since 2008. Prof. Chen said, “Interdisciplinary research can be one of the most productive and inspiring of human pursuits to produce solutions to the profound issues that society is facing. PAIR researchers are expanding knowledge and solving challenging problems through basic and applied interdisciplinary research, integrating disciplines not only from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, but also from business, design, social science, humanities, and management.” The official inauguration of PAIR will be held on 16 July 2022 at the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus and is one of the key events at the PolyU InnoTech Open Day.

5 Jul, 2022

Shenzhen Base

1

Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance officially inaugurated to jointly nurture talents and promote innovation and technology development in the three regions

The Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance (JHMUA) jointly established by Nanjing University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Macau was officially inaugurated at a ceremony held today simultaneously in Nanjing and Hong Kong. The JHMUA aims to leverage the advantages of institutions in Jiangsu Province, Hong Kong and Macau to strengthen exchange and collaboration in areas such as talent cultivation and research in innovation and technology. With the full support of the governments of the three regions, the JHMUA now consists of 33 member institutions, including 21 from Jiangsu Province, nine from Hong Kong and three from Macau. The first term of the JHMUA is chaired by Nanjing University while PolyU, the University of Macau and Nanjing Normal University will act as Vice Chairmen. Mrs Carrie LAM CHENG Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, attended the inauguration ceremony of the JHMUA. She said in her speech, “I visited Nanjing two years ago to attend the second Jiangsu-Hong Kong Summit on Interconnected Development and had a discussion with Mr Wu Zhenglong, Secretary of Jiangsu Province, and leaders of the Province on how to further strengthen the collaboration between the two locations. I also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between PolyU and the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute, aiming to propel integrated industrial development. I furthermore had discussions with the management and students of Nanjing University on their campus. That visit provided a good foundation for more collaboration between the two locations on various aspects including higher education and helped contribute to the growth of the Greater Bay Area as well as the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. Therefore, I am especially excited to congratulate the establishment of the Alliance today.” Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, said he is honoured to be participating in the establishment of the Alliance. He said, “Hong Kong institutions have been forging close ties with those in Jiangsu Province and Macau and collaborating closely with them in academic exchanges, scientific research as well as student development. Following the establishment of the JHMUA, we hope the institutions will have more opportunities to work together for the development of education and scientific research in the three regions.” PolyU has in the past years partnered with more than 30 institutions and organisations in Jiangsu Province to kick start over 100 teaching and research projects. Professor Teng remarked, “The economic and educational development of Jiangsu Province is highly acclaimed in our Nation. In addition, Jiangsu Province has witnessed the rapid development of a number of strategic emerging industries in recent years, such as artificial intelligence, biomedicine, new energy technology and more. Such progress brings about tremendous opportunities in innovation and technology, research and even entrepreneurship for institutions and talents in the three regions.” Benefitting from the staunch support provided by the governments in the three regions, it is expected that the JHMUA will bring the institutions in those regions together, enabling them to complement each other with their respective strengths to facilitate collaboration in research and enhance talent development, with the ultimate goal of “collaborating and sharing achievements together”. Following the inauguration ceremony, a higher education summit was held on the theme of “Regional Integration, Technology Innovation and Universities’ Development New Mission”. Leaders from more than 30 institutions attended the summit that provided much inspiration on the direction of the future development of the respective institutions. Back in November 2019, Chief Executive Mrs Carrie Lam visited Jiangsu Province and initiated the establishment of the “Jiangsu-Hong Kong University Alliance”. In early 2020, the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education recommended to include institutions from Macau in the Alliance, to increase the strength and resources of the Alliance and enhance the effectiveness of collaboration among the institutions in Jiangsu Province, Hong Kong and Macau. Member institutions of the Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance (JHMUA) - (33 in total) Jiangsu Province (21 members) Nanjing University Southeast University Nanjing Normal University Soochow University Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Hohai University China Pharmaceutical University Jiangnan University China University of Mining and Technology Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology Nanjing Forestry University Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Yangzhou University Jiangsu University Nantong University Jiangsu Police Institute Nanjing Normal University of Special Education NanJing XiaoZhuang University Communication University of China, Nanjing Jiangsu University of Technology Yancheng Teachers University Hong Kong (9 members) City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Baptist University Lingnan University The Chinese University of Hong Kong The Education University of Hong Kong The Hong Kong Polytechnic University The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Metropolitan University Macau (3 members) University of Macau City University of Macau Macau University of Science and Technology

16 Dec, 2021

Shanghai Centre

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PolyU collaborates with C-MER Eye Care to nurture Hong Kong’s young optometrists in the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a five-year memorandum of understanding today with C-MER Eye Care Holdings Limited to advance optometry development and eye and vision health in Hong Kong and Mainland China. About 60 students of PolyU’s world-leading School of Optometry will receive up to three weeks of clinical training in C-MER hospitals, clinics and optical centres in Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities every year; while researchers and specialists from the School and C-MER will collaborate on scientific studies about myopia management and ageing eyes – the main eye health challenges shared by Hong Kong and the Nation. The signing ceremony was held on PolyU’s campus, where Professor David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU, and Dr Dennis LAM, President and CEO of C-MER Eye Care Holdings Limited, signed the document regarding the collaboration. The signing was witnessed by Professor Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Professor Chi-ho TO, Chair Professor of Experimental Optometry and Head of School of Optometry of PolyU; and the senior management of C-MER Eye Care. Professor Wong said, “C-MER Eye Care is an outstanding institution, both in terms of its massive teams of professional ophthalmologists and optometrists, as well as its well-established eyecare clinics across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Beijing and Shanghai. PolyU is delighted to further strengthen its strategic collaboration with C-MER in advancing the research and talent development of optometry, particularly in terms of accelerating the field’s development in the Greater Bay Area.” Dr Lam said, “Through our C-MER eye hospital and clinic network in the GBA, we are very pleased to provide the PolyU students not only with clinical trainings, but also opportunities to know more about GBA. Such first-hand experience about the GBA and the human network established will be very beneficial to those who choose to develop their careers in future in the GBA.” The School of Optometry has been proactively collaborating with local ophthalmologists and counterparts around the world to provide students with hands-on experience, equipping them with the skills they need for their future careers. Professor To said, “The support from C-MER will enhance the School’s optometric education, helping to take the local optometric profession to the next level.” He added that clinical training cooperation with C-MER clinics in Hong Kong has started since August, benefiting 38 final year optometry students so far. The clinical training offered by C-MER in the GBA covers attachment programs to ophthalmologists on diagnosing and treating eye diseases, including medication and surgical treatment. Trainees will benefit from the rapid development of the optometry profession in the Mainland. The collaboration also brings together the complementary strengths of the School’s world-leading research capability (with its research impact ranking first in Asia according to Clinical and Experimental Optometry), and C-MER’s vast network of some twenty ophthalmic clinics and hospitals in the GBA, Beijing, Shanghai, etc., making it the only Hong Kong medical service provider that has sizeable operations in the Mainland. PolyU’s School of Optometry The School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is the only institution in Hong Kong that offers a bachelor’s honours degree programme in optometry leading to a professional qualification as an optometrist in Hong Kong. Optometrists are primary healthcare professionals who promote ocular health and vision through diagnosis and provision of suitable treatment options. The School’s undergraduate degree programme is regarded as one of the best globally. As a top-ranking optometry department in the world for research excellence, the School strives to undertake research-based teaching of the highest academic standards and to contribute to the promotion and delivery of high-quality vision and eye care in Hong Kong and elsewhere. C-MER Eye Care Holdings Limited C-MER Eye Care Holdings Limited is the largest HK medical service provider in the Mainland China. It is also one of the largest eye care groups in HK and the only group that has a sizable operation in the Mainland. Apart from ophthalmology, C-MER is now expanding their service scopes to dentistry and other specialities. Their goal is to facilitate the integration of HK’s medical service through their growing network in the Mainland, so as to become a good platform which provides affordable and high quality medical services to people in the GBA and beyond.

13 Dec, 2021

Shenzhen Base

1

PolyU pledges to support sports development with R&D in sports sciences and academic programmes for athletes, as National Team Olympians visit the campus

Six National Team Olympians who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Games visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today and appeared in a meet-and-greet session with students, alumni, staff and members of the public. The Olympic gold medallists included MA Long, the first five-time gold medallist in table tennis; rower CUI Xiaotong; weightlifter LU Xiaojun; swimming coach WANG Aimin; fencer SUN Yiwen; and SU Bingtian, an Asian record holder and the first Chinese sprinter who has qualified for a men’s 100-metre final in the Olympic Games. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, extended his warm welcome to the delegation. He said he was proud of the exertion and achievements of both Mainland and Hong Kong athletes at the Tokyo Games. He further said that the athletes are role models who have promoted a sense of belonging to the country among Hong Kong’s youth. Dr Lam also encouraged the National Team athletes to study at PolyU. “I invite elite athletes and gold medallists of the National Team to consider studying at PolyU after their retirement. We would fully support all of your expenses,” he said. Dr Lam added, “Hong Kong is honoured to host the 15th National Games in 2025 together with Guangdong province and Macau. By leveraging our leadership in sports sciences and sports physiotherapy, PolyU will strengthen its teaching and learning as well as R&D in these areas, and nurture more outstanding athletes so as to further contribute to sports development.” PolyU launched the Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme in 1998 and since then, the University has admitted more than 1,000 elite athletes to various full-time programmes. PolyU has also partnered with the Hong Kong Sports Institute since 2017, providing flexible tertiary study for the city’s elite athletes. Speaking at the National Olympians event, Mr Caspar TSUI, Secretary for Home Affairs, said, “PolyU has been very supportive to athletes in pursuit of their dreams. By enabling elite athletes to receive tertiary education while they are still committed to full-time training, PolyU helps athletes tremendously in developing their full potential and paving their future career options.” At the meet-and-greet session, the Olympians shared their inspiring journeys of exertion, willpower and tenacity as well as their patriotism with an audience of about 800 people. For instance, Su Bingtian shared his admiration of the spirit embodied by Hong Kong’s retired Paralympic track gold medallist So Wa-wai. He also invited PolyU students to visit and study at his alma mater, Jinan University in Guangzhou. The Olympians’ meet-and-greet was co-organized by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), General Administration of Sport of China, and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR. Ms YANG Ning, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China; Mr ZHANG Zhihua, Director of the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office; Professor Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and Dr Katherine NGAN NG Yu-ying, University Court Chairman of PolyU, also attended the event.

5 Dec, 2021

Others

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PolyU signs MoU with three strategic partners in support of “GBA PolyVentures 2025”

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with three strategic partners to further propel the “GBA PolyVentures 2025” blueprint laid down by the University to leverage PolyU’s experience in innovation and entrepreneurship education to provide the necessary support for nurturing deep tech ventures and accelerating their growth. The collaboration also aims to translate research excellence into societal impact to contribute to the development of innovation and technology in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The MoU were signed between PolyU and its strategic partners, namely Everbright Limited, StartupHK Fund and Hai Robotics. In his welcoming remarks at the signing ceremony, Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-chang, PolyU’s Deputy Council Chairman, said, “The signing of the MoU between PolyU and its strategic partners echoes with the needs of our Nation and leverages the strengths of PolyU and other parties in working together for the development of innovation and technology in the GBA. Hai Robotics, one of our strategic partners today, was nurtured under PolyU’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and has recently become a unicorn.” Hai Robotics is a start-up that provides autonomous case-handling robotic systems. It was founded in 2016 by 2012 graduate Mr Richie Chen and 2014 graduate Mr Bing Fang of PolyU’s Department of Electronic and Information Engineering. The start-up witnessed rapid growth by making use of the manufacturing advantages of the GBA and benefitting from the enormous opportunities of the Mainland China market. Hai Robotics announced last week that it has completed two rounds of financing garnering US$200 million in total, and its valuation has exceeded US$1 billion. The Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, Mr Alfred Sit, commended the GBA PolyVentures 2025. He said that the National 14th Five-year Plan indicates clear support for Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub and integration into the overall development of the country. The deepening collaboration with the Mainland, active participation in the development of the GBA and the integration into the nation’s development are pivotal to the future innovation and technology development in Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government has all along attached great importance to university-industry-research collaboration. It is hoped that the synergies generated can enhance the innovation power in Hong Kong, drive the innovation and technology development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and contribute to national innovation and achieve high-quality technological self-reliance. PolyU’s President, Professor Jin-Guang Teng, said, “In order to further promote the development of research and entrepreneurship in the GBA and to nurture future research talents to address the market needs, PolyU continues to collaborate closely with industry partners through ‘GBA PolyVentures 2025’, providing comprehensive support for start-ups in different stages from education and incubation, to accelerating and strengthening their development. The goal is to distil more than 300 seed stage innovation start-ups into at least 20 deep tech ventures each year and to nurture 25 impactful scale-ups in the GBA in the next few years through collaboration with strategic partners and various supporting initiatives.” According to the MoU, PolyU and Hai Robotics will explore establishing a joint innovation centre to promote PolyU’s education in innovation and entrepreneurship, nurture talents in “New Engineering”, and conduct applied research in robotics-related topics. PolyU and Everbright Limited will invest resources to help start-ups develop through collaboration between technology and industry, provide support to promising research projects, and roll out an internship programme for nurturing innovation talents. PolyU and StartupHK Fund will co-invest in PolyU’s start-ups and help them enter the GBA market as well as launch initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurship education. PolyU is also committed to providing high-quality education that keeps pace with the times and meets societal needs. The University will implement departmental scheme-based admissions from the 2022/23 academic year onwards, introducing two new elements of “Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis” and “Innovation and Entrepreneurship”. In addition, PolyU established the College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators and Residential College to encourage undergraduate students to conduct scientific research under the guidance of PolyU’s professors. These initiatives are all designed to inspire students’ scientific curiosity and enhance their innovation capabilities. PolyU places high importance on nurturing technology ventures. PolyU recently signed an MoU with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to kick off pre-incubation at university through the PolyU Micro Fund Scheme 2.0, which provides six months of entrepreneurship training to help entrepreneurial projects enter HKSTP’s start-up incubation programme directly. In addition, PolyU has launched two key programmes that leverage on the unique advantages of the technology and innovation ecosystem in the GBA. The first is PolyU’s GBA Startup Postdoc Programme targeted at PhD graduates who are determined to start their own businesses. Under dual academic and industrial mentorship, participants can simultaneously continue with their research and start their own business for commercialisation of their research outputs. Since the launch of the programme over a year ago, six PhD students have won nine awards in total. Six start-ups have been established to receive post-incubation support; some of them have even received angel investment. PolyU will extend the programme to both Shenzhen and Hong Kong to attract more technology and innovation talents to develop in the GBA. The second key programme is the GBA Maker Programme for hardware start-ups. PolyU makes full use of its unique advantages and facilities in manufacturing engineering, such as PolyU’s Industrial Centre, to combine Hong Kong's edge in innovation technology and the manufacturing capabilities of the GBA to nurture top-notch hardware start-ups. Through “GBA PolyVentures 2025”, PolyU aims to systematically accelerate the growth of start-ups through education and incubation and ultimately contribute to the development of innovation and technology in the GBA by deepening the collaboration with strategic partners and leveraging their resources, experience and network, with the support of PolyU’s new “Entrepreneurship Investment Fund”.

30 Sep, 2021

Shenzhen Base

1

HKSTP and PolyU Sign MoU to Advance GBA Entrepreneurship and Nurture Next Generation I&T Talent and Innovators

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a joint GBA-focused entrepreneurship programme, which aims to nurture young R&D talent into Hong Kong’s next generation of leading tech entrepreneurs and innovators. Under this partnership, PolyU and HKSTP will work closely to facilitate entrepreneurship education in the university and offer full-strength support to students and graduates to accelerate their growth at the startup ideation and incubation stages. The joint pre-incubation programme will integrate HKSTP’s ideation and pre-incubation framework with PolyU’s expertise in entrepreneurship education and knowledge transfer. This partnership will adopt HKSTP’s unique franchise model approach to apply its pre-incubation methodology to enable multiple partner programmes designed specifically to develop successful entrepreneurs. The HKSTP-PolyU programme is the first of such partnerships and combines co-nurturing of innovative ideas and with entrepreneurial training, coaching and mentorship to maximise the conversion of research into viable commercial success. PolyU also launched the GBA Maker Express programme – a combination of the PolyU Maker Fund scheme with the HKSTP iDM-Square hardware acceleration platform to help Hong Kong hardware innovators turn their creative ideas into market-ready products. This will spur Hong Kong’s reindustrialisation mission and accelerate local hardware startups in their product development from ideas to production, while leveraging the manufacturing capabilities of Shenzhen and other GBA cities. HKSTP will also collaborate closely with PolyU to deepen and grow the support for PhD graduates in PolyU’s GBA Startup PostDoc programme to pursue entrepreneurship while continuing translational research. This will also facilitate research commercialisation through startups who are sponsored or supported by corporates. Albert Wong, CEO at HKSTP said: “HKSTP’s partnership with PolyU is a signal of our commitment to turning Hong Kong’s world-class academic and R&D talent into future generations of pioneering entrepreneurs and innovators to fuel a new era of economic growth. With our proven ideation framework for startups, we will work closely with our partners to provide the critical guidance to unlock greatness from our young talent and accelerate the process of realising research potential into real business game-changers.” “PolyU is strongly committed to supporting entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer in order to maximise the impact of our research on Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. From next year onwards, we will embed the elements of “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” into all undergraduate programmes. We also have established various schemes, including funding, to support academic- and student-led start-ups that aim to commercialise PolyU’s technologies for the benefit of society. By integrating PolyU’s entrepreneurship initiatives with HKSTP’s vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem, the collaboration of the two parties will greatly empower young talent in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to translate their research ideas into pioneering real-world solutions that deliver positive societal impact,” said Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU. HKSTP is embarking on a broad sweeping strategy of deep partnerships with sector leaders to specifically target early-stage entrepreneurs and leverage the strengths of a combined network of industry and academic partners. PolyU has been supporting Innovation & Technology (I&T) talents in the GBA through various funding schemes such as PolyU Micro Fund Schemes since 2011 and the PolyU Maker Fund Programme launched in 2021, which is tailor-made for Hong Kong’s young makers and hardware developers to realise their ideas through the support of the Youth Development Fund (YDF). PolyU has also established a number of other programmes including the Lean Launchpad Programme, the Experiential Learning for Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship programme and lab-to-market validation programme for nurturing I&T talents during incubation.

26 Aug, 2021

Shenzhen Base

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