Media Releases

PolyU and The Fire Services Department collaborate on research for indoor positioning technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Fire Services Department (FSD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to put forward a study on the use of innovation and technology (I&T) to track the location of firemen at indoor fire scenes in order to further enhance the safety of frontline personnel. PolyU and the FSD will collaborate in studying the use of indoor positioning technology to track and locate fire personnel at fire scenes inside buildings and protect them against danger. With PolyU's experience in cutting-edge engineering research and the advanced simulation training facilities in the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy, the collaboration will achieve an optimum synergy effect and provide better protection of fire personnel’s lives. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Mr Andy YEUNG, Director of Fire Services, the MoU was signed by Prof. Keith K.C. CHAN, Head of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU, and Mr KWOK Pak-chiu, Assistant Director (Corporate Strategy) of the FSD. Professor Jin-Guang Teng said, “Firefighters have always served and protected Hong Kong citizens with dedication and care, and PolyU is pleased to participate in this meaningful study by leveraging our research and innovation capabilities to strengthen the safety of fire personnel. PolyU’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering has a strong foundation in the area of precision engineering research, with its researchers having participated in the Nation’s space exploration missions of the Moon and Mars. The collaboration to develop an indoor fire scene tracking system will combine PolyU’s advanced positioning and precision engineering technologies with FSD’s professional facilities and support. I am confident that the study will help provide more timely protection to fire personnel.” Professor Teng added that PolyU will continue to harness its multi-disciplinary research strengths to support FSD’s work. For instance, PolyU’s Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering is conducting a “smart firefighting” research that adopts AI to monitor buildings fire hazards. Mr Andy Yeung said, “The FSD has long been supportive to the HKSAR Government in promoting the development and application of I&T. Over the years, the FSD has proactively introduced and applied I&T in enhancing its firefighting, rescue and emergency ambulance services for better protection of the lives and property of citizens as well as the safety of frontline fire personnel.” He said that the FSD has deployed robots for firefighting tasks and also applied artificial intelligence-assisted drones during mountain rescue operations to help search for missing persons. Both devices have been proven to be effective in greatly enhancing operational efficiency and safety. He added that the FSD would also share its accomplishments on I&T research with the fire and rescue departments of the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by conducting regular technical exchanges. *****END*****

PolyU holds 2023 New Year’s Day flag-raising ceremony

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held a flag-raising ceremony on campus to welcome the New Year. PolyU’s Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai, President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, Deputy Council Chairman Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, President Emeritus Prof. POON Chung-kwong, Honorary Court Chairman Dr Roy CHUNG Chi-ping, together with Council members, University Fellows, distinguished guests, staff, students and alumni attended the ceremony, wishing the Nation and Hong Kong prosperity and stability. The ceremony was performed by the newly established PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team.

PolyU welcomes Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint directions and key strategies; Leading Hong Kong to realise its vision as an international I&T centre

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology (I&T) Development Blueprint promulgated today by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. The Blueprint sets out four broad development directions and eight major strategies with recommendations on policies and support measures in order to enlarge the local I&T talent pool, enhance Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, promote the development of Hong Kong into a smart city and proactively integrate Hong Kong into the overall development of the Nation. PolyU has long been committed to nurturing I&T talents, fostering research and development (R&D) and transforming research outcomes into real-world solutions. The Blueprint will further leverage the leadership position of Hong Kong institutions in upstream R&D and form a complete I&T ecosystem together with the midstream and downstream sectors. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “The Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint sets out to consolidate Hong Kong’s R&D strengths and reinforce the capacity of universities to conduct breakthrough research. It also recommends a series of measures to strengthen support to universities’ basic research activities and facilities, as well as their efforts to transform and realise R&D outcomes, thereby bringing new impetus to the city’s I&T development. The Blueprint further introduces policies and measures critical for Hong Kong’s future development, including the increase of R&D expenditure, and the provision of land and research space for Hong Kong’s I&T sector at the ‘new international I&T city’ in the Northern Metropolis. As a global top-100 university, PolyU has been committed to fostering world-class research and innovation for the benefit of society and the Nation. The University welcomes and supports the directions and measures in the Blueprint. PolyU will also proactively promote an I&T culture in the city and contribute to the enhancement of the overall I&T atmosphere in the community.” Talent is the key to promoting I&T development. The Blueprint sets out strategies to enrich I&T talent resources and develop an international talent hub. Aligning with the Blueprint's strategies, PolyU will continue to refresh its I&T curriculum by introducing departmental scheme-based admissions, and adding two elements, namely Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (AIDA) and Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE), to the curriculum starting this academic year. Ranked the No.1 University in the “Best Universities for Blockchain 2022” list by CoinDesk, PolyU will launch the first BBA (Hons) in Digital Finance and Investment in the next academic year to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in nurturing fintech talents. PolyU welcomes the Blueprint strategy on nurturing and attracting I&T talent, especially the allowance and accommodation support for young scholars. The University believes that this move will help to retain local university talents. Furthermore, through the Global STEM Professorship Scheme, PolyU will attract top-notch international scholars to come to Hong Kong to participate in teaching and research work. PolyU has so far taken up 25% of successful nominations to attract international talents through this scheme. The National 14th Five-Year Plan fully supports Hong Kong's role as a bridge connecting the Mainland and the world. The Blueprint proposes a series of measures to deepen I&T cooperation with the Mainland and to proactively integrate Hong Kong into the overall development of the country. PolyU has been supporting key national development goals through partnerships with the Mainland universities, research institutions, governments at various levels and enterprises in the Mainland in areas such as aviation and aerospace, biomedical technology, advanced manufacturing, new materials, artificial intelligence, communications networks and new energy, as well as fostering talent development and I&T collaboration. As the only Hong Kong institution involved in China’s space projects, PolyU will also continue to actively participate in interdisciplinary research projects in the Mainland and overseas through the InnoHK Research Clusters, State Key Laboratories and other research institutions to extend its global I&T collaboration network. PolyU is committed to fostering knowledge transfer and supporting university academics in innovation and entrepreneurship. The University welcomes the “Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme” launched by the Hong Kong SAR government to help the R&D teams of local universities to commercialise their research outcomes into solutions. PolyU has nurtured more than 450 start-up enterprises, including the establishment of 230+ social/design/business innovation start-ups, the facilitation of 220+ technology start-ups, and the cultivation of four unicorns. To further drive innovation in industry development and transform PolyU’s research outcomes into real-world solutions, PolyU will encourage scholars to conduct exchange and collaborate with different provinces in the Mainland, and establish translational research institutions or centres to leverage PolyU’s research and translational capabilities for addressing local industry needs for transformation and innovation. The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), probably the largest research platform of its kind in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, will make impactful contributions to the development of new industrialisation and the digital economy in Hong Kong through interdisciplinary research and the development of applications in cutting-edge areas including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, carbon neutrality, deep-space exploration, gerontechnology, smart cities and smart energy. Looking forward, through its new I&T think tank, the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), PolyU will contribute interdisciplinary policy research in the areas of carbon-neutral cities, the Greater Bay Area’s I&T development, and the Belt and Road Initiative development in Southeast Asia, to dovetail with the National 14th Five-Year Plan in supporting Hong Kong to develop into an international I&T centre.   ***END***

Two PolyU Scholars awarded inaugural BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize

Two scholars from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been awarded the inaugural BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize (STIP), for their outstanding contributions in the fields of “Advanced Manufacturing” and “Life and Health”. Each will receive a HK$2million cash prize. Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is recognised in the “Advanced Manufacturing” field for his multidisciplinary research and breakthrough achievements at the interface of advanced manufacturing, surface science, fluid mechanism, thermal energy, materials science and physics. He has published over 200 papers in Nature, Science, Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences and other journals. Prof. Wang’s reseach has answered three century-old scientific questions—what the shortest contact time between solid and liquid is, how to steer directional liquid flow and how to overcome the Leidenfrost effect first discovered in 1756. He has also made an important contribution to exploring nature-inspired surfaces for a wide range of applications such as water energy harvesting, thermal cooling, fluid transport and flexible electronics. Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing, is recognized in the “Life and Health” field. He has obtained more than 50 patents and was ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in rankings compiled by Stanford University in 2021 and 2022. Prof. Zheng’s main research area includes biomedical ultrasound instrumentation, soft tissue elasticity measurement and imaging, 3D ultrasound imaging and smart aging technologies. The research team led by Prof Zheng has developed a 3D ultrasound imaging system for radiation-free scoliosis assessment, “Scolioscan Air”, which can bring accurate, safe and cost-efficient mass screening to schools anywhere in the community. His invention has been applied to clinical assessment in many countries to facilitate early diagnosis and early treatment of scoliosis, and to control the condition using non-surgical intervention, thus benefiting adolescents all over the world. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated the two awardees and said, “PolyU is honoured to have Prof. Wang and Prof. Zheng awarded the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize in recognition of their achievements in science and technology innovation. PolyU is committed to making contributions to the world’s development and human well-being.” The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize, established by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, is a non-governmental merit-based award. The Award aims at facilitating the development of science and technology innovation in Hong Kong by rewarding outstanding individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to science and technology innovation in Hong Kong. The awards ceremony will be held on 22 December.   *****END*****

PolyU partners with JS Global to transform research excellence; Fostering I&T development and technology commercialisation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and JS Global Lifestyle Company Limited (JS Global) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership integrates the University’s scientific research with innovative industry and actively promotes the transformation of scientific research into practical applications and the commercialisation of technology, with a view to promoting an in-depth integration of industry, academia and research institutions as well as facilitating the Innovation & Technology (I&T) development in Hong Kong. The collaboration among industry, academia and research institutions will create a positive impact in the process of I&T development, contributing to research and development (R&D) projects that are fitting the needs of industry and the R&D outcomes that can be effectively transformed into viable business opportunities. Leveraging the strengths of PolyU in applied research and JS Global’s leading position in the small household appliance market, the partnership will help to foster the transformation of research excellence into real-world applications. The PolyU and JS Global partnership focuses on three major areas, namely “Aerospace Technology and its Applications”, “Future Food” and “Smart Living”. Drawing upon PolyU’s innovation resources and rich experience in commercialising technological outcomes, as well as JS Global’s vision, both parties will jointly engage in R&D and nurture talents to inject new momentum into the I&T industry. In accordance with the technological needs of JS Global, PolyU will provide the corresponding research resources through different modes of cooperation, including collaborative research, patent licensing, project cooperation, and so forth, to provide support for the transformation of research outcomes. The two parties will also explore the feasibility of establishing the “PolyU-JS Global Innovation Centre” and the “PolyU-JS Global Scholarship Programme” to nurture I&T talents by offering scholarships and internship opportunities, aiming to enhance the quality of talent in the I&T ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Dr Johnny NG Kit-chong, Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Member of the Legislative Council, the MoU was signed by Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU and Ms HAN Run, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of JS Global, at the signing ceremony. Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, said, “PolyU is pleased to strengthen its collaboration with JS Global in the key areas of ultra-precision machining technology, advanced manufacturing and health science. Combining PolyU’s strength in these disciplines and JS Global’s experience in R&D and market development, we will join hands to deepen the integration of research outcomes and commercialisation, and explore more innovative solutions to promote the I&T industry. PolyU will continue to enrich the I&T talent pool, actively bring research results out of campus and turn them into practical applications, as well as build a collaborative platform among industry, academia and research institutions. These will generate greater impacts and benefits to society.” Ms Han Run, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of JS Global, said, “JS Global is glad to forge a collaborative partnership with PolyU. Our company seeks to launch the R&D and design platform focusing on small household appliances for smart living in Hong Kong. The partnership with PolyU will help to deepen interaction and the exchange of ideas between the two parties to facilitate nurturing the scientific research talents. We aspire to improve the quality of everyday life in homes around the world in the smart living sector, bringing more convenience to the public.” PolyU and JS Global will continue their endeavours to inject innovation resources into industry and drive interaction and collaboration between research institutions, universities and enterprises. The two parties will nurture I&T talents and stimulate innovations for technology commercialisation. Both PolyU and JS Global will also facilitate synergy among industry, academia and research institutions to support the development of the GBA into a leading I&T hub of global prominence.   *****END*****

Weaving AI Into Creativity Sparks Fashion Revolution; The world’s first designer-led AI system AiDA officially launches International brand ANTEPRIMA and six fashion designer brands showcase their latest collections using AiDA

Organised by the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab) with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as the Lead Sponsor *, “Fashion X AI” fashion show, the premier event of the “Fashion X AI: 2022-2023 International Salon” programme, was held today at the M+ Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong. The officiating guests included Ms Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, Mr Tsang Chiu-hok, Victor, Head of CreateHK and Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Ms Rebecca Pun said, “The successful launch of AiDA has demonstrated Hong Kong’s edge as a leading force in AI and fashion, bringing together the best fashion and technology talents. I am happy to witness the strong research capabilities and originality of AiDLab, generating advanced and forward-looking research results for the benefit of the industry and the general public.” Prof. Teng explained, “Tonight’s fashion show will demonstrate how AiDLab has been translating its research outputs into real-world applications, contributing to the development of an AI ecosystem, especially in fashion and design-related technology.” Developed by Prof. Calvin Wong, CEO & Centre Director of AiDLab, and his team, the AI-based Interactive Design Assistant for Fashion (AiDA) is the world’s first designer-led AI design system. Designers can upload their mood boards, patterns, colour palettes and sketches onto AiDA and then, with a few clicks, their original collections will be generated in a matter of ten seconds. The fashion show also featured the collections of six international and local fashion designer brands including BESFXXK、FENGYI TAN、INJURY、KAY KWOK、MOUNTAINYAM and THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER, as well as those of eight local young design units selected from over 200 entries received via an open call for young talent under the “Fashion X AI: 2022-2023 International Salon” programme to showcase their collections, all using AiDA for the first time. The show brought together the best fashion and technology talent and helps establish Hong Kong as a leading force in AI and fashion. In addition, the AiDA development team supported renowned international fashion brand ANTEPRIMA with AI technology to design their latest collection. Ms Izumi Ogino, Creative Director of ANTEPRIMA, said, “We input all the past ANTEPRIMA iconic looks into AiDA and infusing the 2023 Spring-Summer 2023 concept as well as a seasonal colour scheme, the system generated the designs. Silhouettes which were generated by AiDA keep our fundamental philosophy of ‘smart, precious, with Love’ complemented by out-of-the-box patterns proposed by AiDLab. If we achieve an appropriate balance between the two, we believe technology and craftsmanship of fashion can co-exist, with the help of AI technology to generate design variations, while at the same time reducing work hours and providing designers with more options.” The fashion event showcased the exclusive collaboration between ANTEPRIMA and AiDLab – resulting in the one-off capsule collection developed by ANTEPRIMA's designers using AiDA, which will be presented in a touring exhibition in Hong Kong after the show. AiDA has been hailed by local and international fashion designers for streamlining the design process and providing inspiration. Prof. Calvin Wong, who leads the AiDA project said, “At AiDLab, we believe that AI should be used as a supporting tool for fashion designers. Our approach is human-centred and interdisciplinary, and we have worked with designers for over two years to develop and refine AiDA. We are invested in creating innovation with practitioners from across all disciplines for intelligent fashion solutions.” AiDA, which is co-developed by AI specialists and designers, is officially launched today via Code-Create, AiDLab’s first spin-off start-up company. Designers can choose different combinations of colours, fabric prints and sketches based on their original inspiration and styles. Through a specific combination of advanced AI technologies, AiDA helps designers to bring inspiration into unique designs and fashion collections. Interested designers may contact AiDLab for an experience of AiDA. “Fashion X AI: 2022-2023 International Salon” aims to nurture creative capital, future-proof the industry and promote Hong Kong as a leader in intelligent fashion design, through activities including the fashion show and forum, international symposium, touring exhibitions, workshops and a massive open online course. More details are available on the project website at: https://www.fashionxai.com. *Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.   *****END*****

Fencing gold medallist Cheung Ka-long visits PolyU to connect with staff, students and alumni and encourage young people to pursue their dreams

Co-organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), a “Dialogue with Cheung Ka-long” was successfully held at the PolyU campus today with about 300 staff, students and alumni in attendance. Mr CHEUNG Ka-long, a gold medallist in Men’s Foil Individual at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, discussed his athletic and personal life, interacted with students and shared the fun of sports with the audience. Eight lucky participants were also instructed by Mr Cheung personally on the basic skills of fencing. The event was officiated by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU and Chairman of HKSI; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and other members of PolyU’s management. Dr Lam praised Mr Cheung for bringing home victory after winning Hong Kong SAR’s first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games. In recognition of Mr Cheung’s outstanding achievements in sports, PolyU recently conferred upon him an honorary doctorate degree. Dr Lam added, “At PolyU, we are committed to fostering a vibrant sports culture on campus. As Ka-long has now become a member of the PolyU community, I hope he can help the University’s sports development, especially in fencing. I also believe his spirit, dedication and determination would inspire PolyU students.” During the event, Mr Cheung shared how he is preparing for the Paris Olympics, discussed his athletic and personal life, as well as how he maintains a positive attitude in study and life in order to achieve his goals.   *****END*****

PolyU collaborates with Aier Eye Hospital Group to nurture Hong Kong’s young optometrists by providing clinical training in mainland China and overseas cities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has joined hands with Aier Eye Hospital Group (Aier) to provide six to eight weeks of clinical training in Aier’s eye hospitals and clinics in mainland China and overseas cities for a maximum of 30 selected students with outstanding academic performance from PolyU’s School of Optometry in five years. The two parties will also explore opportunities to conduct collaborative research on major eye health challenges. The partnership 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 Aier’s vast network of over 900 hospitals and clinics in Asia, the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, making it a leading global ophthalmology hospital group. The signing ceremony was held today on PolyU’s campus. Witnessed by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, Prof. David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU, and Ms Elaine ZHANG, Global Strategy and Business Development Director of Aier Eye Hospital Group signed the memorandum of understanding. Prof. Chea-su KEE, Professor and Interim Head of School of Optometry of PolyU and Ms Zhang also signed the agreement on the clinical placement arrangement. Prof. Wong said, “Aier Eye Hospital Group is a well-established medical institution in terms of its massive teams of professional ophthalmologists and optometrists, as well as having over 900 well-equipped eye hospitals and clinics across Hong Kong, mainland China, the USA, Europe and Southeast Asia. PolyU is delighted to further strengthen its strategic collaboration with Aier in advancing the research and clinical talent development of optometry, particularly in terms of providing more comprehensive training for optometry students to accelerate the field’s development in the country and the world.” Ms Zhang remarked, “With Aier’s global eye hospital and clinic network, we are gratified to provide PolyU students with clinical training, including diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. They will gain the opportunity to have first-hand experience of global eye care and medical development, which will help them build a macro and deep professional foundation for their future career.” The School has been proactively collaborating with local ophthalmologists and counterparts around the world to provide students with hands-on experience, preparing them for their future careers in optometry. With the clinical training offered by Aier, the students will further benefit. Prof. Kee added, “The support from Aier will enhance the School’s optometric education and help take the local optometric profession to the next level.” Clinical training cooperation between PolyU and Aier has been in place since 2017. Aier has also set up scholarships for optometry students from PolyU and offered them placement opportunities in its Hong Kong branches.   *****END*****

PolyU and HKXF ink MoU to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship; Drive young entrepreneurs’ participation in GBA’s I&T development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Hong Kong X Foundation (HKXF) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership aims to foster the development of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, cultivate student- and researcher-led innovation and entrepreneurship, facilitate Hong Kong’s integration into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and support the implementation of the National 14th Five-Year Plan that seeks to actively transform Hong Kong into an international I&T hub. The PolyU and HKXF partnership combines the advantages and resources of both institutions. Through the Hong Kong InnoX Academy, a non-profit educational institution wholly owned by HKXF, PolyU and HKXF will collaborate in I&T education, incubation and investment funding. The partnership will also provide young I&T entrepreneurs with all-round support and assistance through regular activities such as entrepreneur workshops, company visits, seminars and mentorship schemes. PolyU is one of the first Hong Kong universities to create a seed funding programme. In 2011, the University introduced the PolyU Micro Fund Programme to instil an innovative and entrepreneurial atmosphere within the PolyU community. The University strives to inspire new ideas among students and translate academic research into practical applications through knowledge transfer and technology commercialisation for the benefit of society. HKXF, spearheaded by Sequoia China, shares the same vision with PolyU in terms of driving an innovative and entrepreneurial ethos. The Foundation is devoted to reinforcing Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem in the digital era by supporting young I&T talents and entrepreneurs; promoting I&T development in the GBA; encouraging young people to seek innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities in the Nation, overseas and in Hong Kong; and assisting young I&T entrepreneurs in their I&T journey by offering appropriate platforms. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Zexiang LI, Co-founder of Hong Kong X-Tech Startup Platform, Professor of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Dean of Hong Kong InnoX Academy; and Prof. Guanhua CHEN, Co-founder of Hong Kong X-Tech Startup Platform, Director of the Centre of Hong Kong Quantum AI Lab and Professor of the Department of Chemistry of The University of Hong Kong, the MoU was signed by Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU and Ms Jessica CHEN, Vice-president of Sequoia China, Executive Director of HKXF and Project Lead of Hong Kong InnoX Academy at the signing ceremony. Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, said: “With support from the Nation and the strong promotion of the HKSAR government, Hong Kong’s I&T industry has entered a new stage of development. PolyU has been dedicated to nurturing I&T talents, and this adheres to the same philosophy and vision of HKXF. The two parties have been closely collaborating in multiple areas, such as the FYP+ (Final Year Project+) to support students in turning their graduation projects into entrepreneurial projects, the InnoX Camp to groom scientific and technological talents, and joint investments in PolyU start-ups. Through the signing of the MoU, both parties will combine their expertise in promoting I&T to nurture more talents, optimise the I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong and the GBA, and create better opportunities for the younger generation.” Ms Jessica Chen, Project Lead of Hong Kong InnoX Academy, added: “The HKXF has been serving the creative community in Hong Kong and the GBA on a non-profit basis and has directly supported over 240 innovative projects in the past six years. In this process, PolyU, as a pioneer institution in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, has been an essential partner of ours. The signing of the MoU with PolyU has built a solid foundation for our cooperation and helped us to explore more ways to collaborate. In the future, through the joint efforts of both parties, we can provide more career options for university students and young people, which will hopefully help Hong Kong to become a global innovation and technology hub.” PolyU and HKXF will continue to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students and researchers and support them in realising their full potential and entrepreneurial dreams. PolyU and HKXF will foster the translation of academic research into real-life applications to benefit society through I&T. The two parties also hope to contribute to Hong Kong’s transformation into an international I&T hub and support the city’s integration into the GBA and the Nation’s development, helping to open a new chapter for Hong Kong’s I&T development.   *****END*****   <!-- About PolyU While boasting a proud history of 85 years, PolyU is a vibrant and aspiring university with a forward-looking vision and mission, ranked among the world’s top 100 institutions. Upholding the motto “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”, PolyU is committed to building a talent pipeline and research strength for advancing the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The University also strives to provide excellent holistic education to nurture future-ready global citizens and socially responsible leaders, conducts high-impact interdisciplinary research, and proactively transfers knowledge to create value and build impact. The University embraces internationalisation and engages the Nation in education and research through strategic partnerships and collaborations. PolyU website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/   About Hong Kong X Foundation Established by Sequoia China, the Hong Kong X Foundation is devoted to promoting an entrepreneurial culture in HK, supporting HK's young entrepreneurs and building the new eco-system for Hong Kong's innovation and technology start-ups.   About Hong Kong InnoX Academy In 2022, the Hong Kong X Foundation initiated the establishment of the first innovative non-profit educational institution jointly established by the government, industry, and academia - Hong Kong InnoX Academy. Hong Kong InnoX Academy aims to provide systematic innovation and entrepreneurship education for young people in Hong Kong. With the vision of “Empowering Young Talent to Become Innovators", it combines the comprehensive resources of the Greater Bay Area to nurture innovative leaders and entrepreneurial talents who can put their learning into practice. Hong Kong X Foundation/ Hong Kong InnoX Academy website: http://www.hkxfoundation.org/ -->

PolyU research discovers the impact of fruit and vegetable intake on the nutritional value of breast milk

The breastfeeding rate in Hong Kong has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years. As the source of a variety of nutrients, breast milk plays a vital role in the healthy growth and development of infants. The Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has conducted a study to analyse the three-day dietary records and breast milk samples of Hong Kong lactating women. The research has revealed that the fruit and vegetable intake of lactating women was below the recommended level, and there was a significant correlation between dietary intake and the nutrient levels of breast milk, especially the carotenoid and polyphenol contents. As explained by the research team, the first 1,000 days from pregnancy to a two-year-old infant is the basis for establishing long-term health. Breast milk contains a variety of nutrients and plays an important role in their healthy growth. Prof. WONG Man-sau, Steering Committee Member of RiFood and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU said, “Apart from commonly known nutrients, such as protein and fatty acids, breast milk also contains phytonutrients such as carotenoids and polyphenols. These phytonutrients are important in the physical development of infants and can reduce the level of inflammation. Lacking one or more nutrients may weaken the immune system of infants, and may also increase their risk of getting chronic diseases in the future.” The PolyU research team collected breast milk samples and a three-day dietary record of about 90 lactating women and analysed the levels of carotenoid and polyphenol content. The study found that only 4% of lactating women had dietary habits that met the recommendation from the Department of Health to consume at least two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables per day, or the recommended intake of vitamin A according to the “Chinese Dietary Reference Intake” which was established by the Chinese Nutrition Society. The level of carotenoids in breast milk was higher in lactating women who had a higher intake of fruits and vegetables. Dr Christine LI, Teaching Fellow of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, said some carotenoids can be converted to vitamin A to promote the development of infants’ brain, vision and immunity, and can also protect the retina from damage by strong light. The research also found a significant correlation between the dietary habits in fruit and vegetable consumption of lactating women and the polyphenol content in their breast milk. Dr Daisy ZHAO, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, said polyphenol is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, which can prevent cardiometabolic diseases and reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Based on the research findings, Dr Kenneth LO, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, suggested lactating women should enhance the levels of carotenoids and polyphenols in breast milk through increasing their fruit and vegetable intake. Common dark green vegetables, including Chinese flowering cabbage, spinach, Chinese kale, Indian lettuce, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, papayas, mangoes etc., are rich in phytonutrients. A new research project “Feeding mom feeding infants” has been launched by the research team, recruiting about 100 pairs of lactating women and infants for a one-year study, to further investigate the relationship between the dietary habits of lactating women and the nutrients of breast milk, gut microbiota composition of infants and their growth.   *****END*****