Media Releases

PolyU and HKMA sign MoU to establish CBDC Expert Group

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with four other local universities, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Expert Group to support the HKMA’s exploration of key policy and technical issues surrounding CBDC. The MoU signifies a strategic partnership aimed at fostering collaboration and gathering expert insights from technical, analytical and academic perspectives on various topics related to CBDC. The establishment of the Expert Group demonstrates mutual recognition of the pivotal role played by financial technology (fintech) and CBDC in Hong Kong’s development landscape. This collaboration aims to promote interdisciplinary discussion on CBDC and address pertinent fintech issues, thus contributing to Hong Kong’s continued success in maintaining its status as an international financial centre. Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU and Mr Colin POU, Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) of HKMA signed the MoU, witnessed by PolyU representatives including Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation Office; Prof. Qing LI, Head of the Department of Computing; Prof. Allen Man Ho AU, Professor of the Department of Computing, and Prof. Daniel Xiapu LUO, Professor of the Department of Computing. Prof. Man endorsed the formation of the CBDC Expert Group, stating that, “Our faculty is committed to advancing fintech and CBDC research and development in Hong Kong through promoting innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange.” As part of this initiative, PolyU and HKMA will collaborate closely on a range of topics related to CBDC, leveraging their respective expertise and resources. The CBDC Expert Group, which includes Prof. Au and Prof. Luo as founding members, will serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing insights, and exploring innovative solutions in CBDC and other emerging fintech areas. Prof. Li said, “Our expertise in influential research and innovation has primed our department in shaping the future of CBDC as a focal point in the field of finance.” Prof. Au and Prof. Luo expressed their excitement about joining the CBDC Expert Group, saying “We strive to conduct pioneering research that instils public trust in CBDC by tackling privacy and security challenges, reinforcing our commitment to an advanced financial system.”   ***END***

PolyU and Wuhan government to establish Technology and Innovation Research Institute

A delegation led by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) visited the Wuhan Municipal People’s Government and met with Dr GUO Yuanqiang, Member of the Standing Committee of Hubei Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Wuhan City, and Mr CHENG Yongwen, Communist Party Deputy Secretary of Wuhan City and Mayor of Wuhan Municipal People’s Government, with a view to exploring and strengthening cooperation between Hubei and Hong Kong. Prof. Teng in his speech highlighted PolyU’s proactive efforts in promoting interdisciplinary research in recent years by establishing institutes, which have seen significant results in the realms of technological innovation and knowledge transfer. To further this goal, PolyU will connect research outcomes with industrial development to generate tangible social value. Acknowledging Wuhan’s favourable location and robust industrial development, the establishment of the joint PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute aims to strengthen cooperation with Wuhan in technological innovation, knowledge transfer and talent development spanning life sciences, new energy, new materials, smart cities and the artificial intelligence industry, so as to make greater contributions to the high-quality development of Mainland China. Dr Guo stated that the Wuhan Municipal Government had prioritised innovation-driven development as a key strategy for city development. Significant efforts have been made to leverage the city’s advantages in terms of scientific and educational talents for fostering innovation, and to capitalise on its advantageous transportation system and location to enhance domestic and international connectivity, creating a favourable environment for deeper cooperation between the two parties. Dr Guo also expressed the desire to establish a regular mechanism for exchange and collaboration with PolyU, aiming to attract and drive more innovative talents and resources to gather in Wuhan. They will partner with local universities, institutes and enterprises to facilitate research innovation, promote transformation and commercialisation of research achievements, developing Wuhan into a nationally recognised innovation and technology hub with a modern industrial system. The framework agreement between the Wuhan Municipal People’s Government and PolyU on the establishment of the PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Mr MENG Hui, Vice Mayor of Wuhan Municipal People’s Government. Guests attending included Mr Franco KWOK, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan; Ms ZHANG Xiaomei, Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Hubei Provincial People’s Government; Mr Irons SZE, Permanent Honorary President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA); and Dr WONG Chun, the former Vice-President of the CMA. PolyU is the first university in Hong Kong to collaborate with the Hubei Provincial Government in setting up a Technology and Innovation Research Institute in Wuhan. During this visit, the PolyU delegation also visited universities in Wuhan for in-depth discussions and exchanges to explore collaboration opportunities.   ***END***

PolyU honours five outstanding alumni

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce that it has conferred the “Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2023” on five 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. Recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2023, in alphabetical order of last name, are: Prof. Sophia CHAN Siu-chee, GBS, JP Professor of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong; Senior Advisor to the President’s Office, The University of Hong Kong; Director, HKU Primary Health Care Academy Sr Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, SBS Chairman, Hong Kong Green Building Council Prof. TO Chi-ho Visiting Chair Professor of Experimental Optometry, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Scientific Director, Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited Mr Alex WONG Chun-bong Founder, C. B. Wong & Co. Recipient of the Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award 2023 is: Mr FANG Bing Co-founder, Hai Robotics (Please refer to the Appendix for recipient biodata.) The Award Selection Committee was chaired by Dr LAM Tai-fai, GBS, JP, Council Chairman of PolyU. Ex-officio members included: Professor Jin-Guang TENG, JP, President, PolyU; and Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President, PolyU. Other members included: Dr Daniel YIP Chung-yin, BBS, JP, Council Member, PolyU; Mr Augustus TANG Kin-wing, Court Member, PolyU; Ir Dr Samson TAM Wai-ho, JP, President, Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association; and Ir YAU Kwok-fai, President, Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations. Since the launch of the Award in 1996, 105 recipients 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. The Award Presentation Ceremony will be held in December 2023.   ***END***

PolyU Info Day to be held this Saturday Enhancing the quality of the student experience of learning through AI and robotics technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to driving teaching innovation by integrating technologies to its course curriculum and establishing artificial intelligence teaching and learning facilities, cultivating talents with technological and digital capabilities. To meet the rising demand for innovative talents in emerging technologies, PolyU will further enhance some of its departmental scheme-based admission programmes and introduce multiple new taught postgraduate programmes spanning food technology, smart cities, and financial technology in the new academic year, strengthening the talent pool in various areas. The University will also hold the Information Day (Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes) to provide students and those interested in pursuing further studies with the latest admissions and programme information. Initiatives on teaching and learning innovations are internationally recognised Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, PolyU’s Vice President (Education), said, “PolyU has always placed a strong focus on technology in education, and its Strategic Plan emphasises the quality of the student experience of learning. The University has been playing a pioneering role in driving innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong by developing interactive pedagogies, introducing education technology and establishing the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD) to drive educational research and pedagogical development.” In recent years, the education sector has been actively promoting immersive learning experiences. PolyU has set up the first large-scale X-Reality hybrid classroom (HiVE) in Hong Kong which adopts fully immersive six-sided CAVE technology to provide a virtual training environment that enables students from multiple disciplines to experience and practise critical hands-on skills in realistic scenarios like hospitals and aircraft maintenance. The University also established the new Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AIR Lab) this year. It is equipped with the Smart Delivery System and advanced robotic systems, allowing educators, students and researchers to explore various aspects of the emerging field of collaborative robotics. The AIR Lab currently hosts 15 PolyU project teams. Dr Julia CHEN, Director of the Educational Development Centre, said that PolyU has launched various initiatives to enhance teaching quality over the years, which include HiVE, the “Learning Analytics Platform” developed by the Educational Development Centre, as well as the VR learning system “Virtual Hospital” and the “Internationalisation at Home” teaching model pioneered by the School of Nursing. She remarked, “The teaching innovation projects of PolyU have garnered awards at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Reimagine Education Awards, the UGC Teaching Awards, and the EdTech Heroes Awards respectively. These accolades are a testimony to the international recognition of the University’s ongoing efforts in this field.” Enhanced undergraduate programmes to meet industry demands As the demand for stringent food safety and health standards increases, the industry needs more skilled talents. In this respect, the Faculty of Science will launch a new BSc (Hons) Scheme in Food Safety and Technology in the 2024/25 academic year. The programme equips students with knowledge of food science, and the scientific and engineering skills needed for various applications. Graduates will be prepared to take up the role of food technologists, food innovators, vigilant food safety officers, among others. Additionally, the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biotechnology, Food Safety and Chemical Technology under the Faculty of Science will be renamed as BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biotechnology and Chemical Technology, to cultivate talents with professional knowledge of biotechnology and chemical technology. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Construction and Environment will introduce the new BSc (Hons) in Urban Informatics and Smart Cities under the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Spatial Data Science and Smart Cities (Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics / Urban Informatics and Smart Cities), to fully support the government’s vision of building Hong Kong into a world-class smart city. Mr Edward SHEN, PolyU’s Registrar, said, “As one of the top global universities, PolyU is committed to designing programmes that keep pace with the times and cultivating talents for emerging industries in response to the societal demand for innovative talents. The University will continue to support students with exceptional talents through various admission schemes, nurturing them to become tomorrow’s leaders with an international outlook and a sense of social responsibility.” PolyU Information Day (Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes) to be held this Saturday This year, the Info Day will be held from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on 21 October (Saturday), offering the latest information for those interested in applying to full-time undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes. For more details, please visit: www.polyu.edu.hk/infoday/. Highlight Events: Six thematic talks will be hosted by virtual artificial intelligence staff “AIDA IE” and “URIS”, who are specially designed by the University’s Academic Registry. The talks will cover admission information for applications via JUPAS, non-JUPAS (non-local qualifications), senior year admission (Associate Degree or Higher Diploma qualifications) and National College Entrance Examinations (Gaokao), as well as the details of taught postgraduate programmes and the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme (STARS). Over 200 thematic talks and programme information seminars organised by faculties, schools and departments; guided tours to various laboratories and facilities; alumni and student sharing; consultation sessions; exhibitions and workshops. Registered participants who complete designated tasks will be able to redeem special gifts. Undergraduate admission in the 2023/24 academic year Among PolyU’s full-time publicly-funded undergraduate programmes, the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Hotel and Tourism Management (Hotel Management/ Smart Tourism and Hospitality/ Event and Experience Management) was the most popular, being chosen by 1,403 JUPAS applicants as their first choice. The BSc (Hons) Scheme in Nursing – Nursing and BBA (Hons) Scheme in Accounting and Finance (Accountancy/ Accounting and Finance/ Digital Finance and Investment) placed second and third, attracting 1,125 and 1,099 applicants respectively. More than 93% of PolyU admittees this year chose the University’s programmes as their Band A choices. In terms of admission grades, the top three programmes were, subsequent to the Main Round Offer of JUPAS, the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Medical Laboratory Science and Radiography - Radiography , the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Rehabilitation Sciences – Physiotherapy and the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Medical Laboratory Science and Radiography - Medical Laboratory Science respectively. Among the admittees via JUPAS, the average score for the best five HKDSE subjects was 24.6. 279 undergraduates admitted this year achieved 5** in at least one subject, with both Chinese and English at level 3 or above, in the HKDSE examination, attaining a notable admissions profile. PolyU has set-up the first large-scale X-Reality hybrid classroom in Hong Kong that enables students from multiple disciplines to practise critical hands-on skills. PolyU’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab is equipped with the Smart Delivery System and advanced robotic systems, allowing educators, students and researchers to explore various aspects of the emerging field of collaborative robotics.   ***END***

PolyU Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub naming ceremony

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has recently renamed the Global Student Hub on campus the “Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub” and held the Naming Ceremony on 11 October to honour Mr King WONG and his family’s recognition for and generous support to PolyU’s education and research development. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, accompanied by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, Dr Sunny CHAI, PolyU Foundation Chairman, and Dr Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President, presented mementos to Mr King Wong and Mr Tommy WONG. Together with the University senior management and members of the Wong’s family, they officiated at the plaque unveiling ceremony for the “Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub”. Friends of the late Mr Wong Man and Ms Tang Kit-wah also attended the ceremony to witness this important moment. Holding multiple professional qualifications including those of barrister, accountant and engineer, Mr King Wong has been a part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Construction and Environment since 2015 and was appointed an Adjunct Professor in 2023. His younger brother Mr Tommy Wong is also a seasoned educator who has taught and guided many students over the years. Mr King Wong stated that naming the Global Student Hub after his late parents not only commemorated their contributions to society and the family, but also allowed him and his family to support the advancement of higher education in Hong Kong. Mr King Wong and his five siblings grew up under the influence and teachings of their parents, and they strongly believe growing up in a loving and inclusive environment with good teachers and friends is beneficial for the all-round development of youngsters. He shared an anecdote from his childhood, recounting how his primary school teacher initiated a fundraising effort to help a student whose home had been burnt down in a fire. This act of compassion sowed the seeds of love and empathy in his heart, as well as inspiring him to pursue a career as an engineer. He was very pleased to see that PolyU attaches great importance to whole-person education and being the first university in Hong Kong to include Service-Learning as a compulsory subject in the undergraduate curriculum and establishing the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture to give students greater opportunities to learn about Chinese culture and wisdom. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng sincerely thanked Mr Wong for his generosity and longstanding support to PolyU. He said, “We are honoured to receive donation from Mr Wong and his family in support of PolyU’s education and research development. The donation has provided PolyU with extra resources for cultivating outstanding talents, which help enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and make other valuable contributions to society.” Covering an area of more than 420 square meters and accommodating over 200 people, the “Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub” became operational at the end of 2020. It is a popular hangout spot for the PolyU community and venue for various cultural and social activities led by students or the University.   ***END***

PolyU participates in University Alliance of the Silk Road Forum 2023

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) representatives participated in the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR) Forum 2023, held in Xi’an on 8 October 2023. Under the theme of “Development and Innovation of World Higher Education in the Context of the New Technology Revolution”, the Forum was hosted by Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU), the President Unit of UASR, and brought together more than 160 representatives from 58 universities in 23 countries and regions. Delegates included Mr WANG Xiao, Member of the Standing Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee and Executive Vice Governor; Ms XI Ru, representative of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of the Ministry of Education; Mr LU Jianjun, Secretary of the Party Committee of XJTU; Mr WANG Shuguo, President of XJTU; Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU; and Prof. LU Haitian, Director of the PolyU Mainland Development Office. The Forum initiated the mechanism of the China-Central Asia Higher Education Cooperation Forum and launched the Belt and Road Industry-Education Alliance Initiative, aiming to create a platform for higher education exchange and cooperation and promote the development of the USAR. PolyU was appointed by the UASR Executive Council to the next rotating Alliance presidency. Dr Lo received the Alliance flag from XJTU Vice President, Prof XI Guang, stating that “PolyU is honoured to assume the Presidency coinciding with the momentous 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. PolyU and XJTU jointly established the UASR in 2015. Since then, the UASR has grown from comprising four members to including over 160 member institutions, facilitating diverse academic exchanges and research collaborations. Looking to the future, the Alliance will continue to provide a remarkable platform for cultural exchange and talent cultivation among the Belt and Road countries.” During the Forum, Dr Lo and Prof. Lu also attended a meeting to discuss the fostering of closer co-operation between higher education institutions in Hong Kong and Central Asia, hosted by Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR. Dr Choi said that the Government is committed to developing Hong Kong as a regional education hub. Leveraging the distinctive advantages of enjoying the Mainland’s strong support and its global connectivity, the Government hopes to attract international academic talent to pursue further studies and develop a career in Hong Kong. Dr Lo also noted that PolyU has established partnerships with over 280 universities from 40 countries. As a leading higher education institution in Hong Kong pioneering in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, PolyU has been actively supporting talent exchange and research cooperation among Belt and Road countries and looks forward to establishing and strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions in Central Asia in the future. Jointly established by XJTU and PolyU in 2015, the UASR is a non-government and non-profit alliance aimed at providing an open and international collaborative platform in higher education. PolyU holds the Vice Presidency of the Alliance and takes a leading role in fostering talent development, research on technologies and policies, cultural exchange and medical services among members institutions along the Belt and Road. In May 2023, President Xi Jinping stated in his keynote speech at the China-Central Asia Summit that China needed to strengthen dialogue between nations and also stressed that China would continue its support for universities in Central Asian countries in joining the UASR”   ***END***

PolyU Information Day (Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes) to be held on 21 October, integrating AI elements to provide updated admissions and programme information

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will hold the Information Day (Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes) (Info Day) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on 21 October, offering the latest information for those interested in applying to full-time undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes. This year, six thematic talks will be hosted by virtual artificial intelligence staff “AIDA IE” and “URIS”, who are specially designed by the University’s Academic Registry. The talks will cover admission information for applications via JUPAS, non-JUPAS (non-local qualifications), senior year admission (Associate Degree or Higher Diploma qualifications) and National College Entrance Examinations (Gaokao), as well as the details of taught postgraduate programmes and the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme (STARS). These talks will be progressively made available on the Info Day website starting from 18 October. Prospective students and parents are all welcome to register and join the talks. On the Info Day, there will be a broad range of activities, including over 200 thematic talks and programme information seminars organised by faculties, schools and departments; guided tours to various laboratories and facilities; alumni and student sharing; consultation sessions; exhibitions and workshops. To enhance interactivity, registered participants who complete designated tasks online and in-person on the Info Day will be able to redeem a dessert and participate in creative workshops by using cutting-edge technologies to make sandblast glass, robot-assisted bookmarks, and wooden phone stand provided by the University’s teaching and research hotel “Hotel ICON” and Industrial Centre respectively. For more details, please visit the Info Day website. Starting from the 2024/25 academic year, PolyU will further optimise some of its departmental scheme-based admission programmes. The Faculty of Science will launch the new BSc (Hons) Scheme in Food Safety and Technology and rename the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biotechnology, Food Safety and Chemical Technology as BSc (Hons) Scheme in Biotechnology and Chemical Technology. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Construction and Environment will introduce the new BSc (Hons) in Urban Informatics and Smart Cities under the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Spatial Data Science and Smart Cities (Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics / Urban Informatics and Smart Cities). In addition to undergraduate programmes, PolyU is committed to nurturing professional talents by providing a wide array of high-quality postgraduate programmes to meet the ever-changing needs of industry and society. In the academic year of 2024/25, the University will offer more than 100 taught postgraduate programmes, including 13 newly launched Master’s degree programmes listed below. All taught postgraduate programmes are now open for application: MSc in Electric Vehicles* MSc in Smart Manufacturing* MSc in Medical Data Science* Master of Medical Imaging* Master of Medical Laboratory Science* MSc in Quantitative Finance and FinTech* MSc in Innovative Multimedia Entertainment* MA in Sustainable Fashion and Innovation MA in Bespoke and New Couture* MA in Fashion Venture and Leadership* MSc in Intelligent Wearable Technology* MSc in Luxury Experiences Management* MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hospitality* * The offer of the programme is subject to approval For Info Day details and registration, please visit: www.polyu.edu.hk/infoday/. For undergraduate and taught postgraduate programme details and application procedures, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study.   ***END***

PolyU and Rohto join forces to establish the Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) partnered with Rohto, an eye care brand under Mentholatum, to establish the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care (“the Centre”). The Centre’s inauguration took place at the “Leading Research in Eye Fatigue, Empowering the Joy of Seeing” launch ceremony held in Hong Kong. During the event, PolyU and Rohto also jointly released the “Promoting Healthy Vision and Prioritizing Standardised Diagnosis of Eye Fatigue” advocacy paper, which aims to enhance eye health within the broader community. Honourable guests witnessing this significant event included Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. ZuanKai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Prof. Mingguang HE, Director of the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care and Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology School of Optometry, Mr Michael SIN, President of Mentholatum Asia Pacific, and Mr Wesley CHAN, General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Mentholatum (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Establishment of The PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care marks a breakthrough for the optometry industry At the launch ceremony, Prof. Teng, said, "The University's School of Optometry is one of the world's leading institutions in optometry and vision science, and PolyU is the only university in Hong Kong offering optometry education. We have established several research centres related to ophthalmology, including the Centre for Eye and Vision Research launched with the University of Waterloo in Canada and supported by the HKSAR Government, as well as the Centre for Vision Science Research under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. The partnership with Rohto represents a powerful alliance in eye care." Moving forward, the Centre will gather teams of ophthalmic experts to conduct research and testing in multiple locations and establish collaborative networks with various regions to develop eye health and care technologies, aiming to provide comprehensive medical and care solutions for eye fatigue. Early attention is crucial in the face of rising eye fatigue cases Prof. Mingguang He, Director of the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care and renowned scholar in the international optometry field, corroborated these findings at the launch ceremony, stating “Due to society’s digital transformation and fast-paced lifestyles, eye-fatigue problems are increasingly prevalent. This problem can significantly impact both quality of life and work efficiency, but the majority of people tend to overlook its significance.” Prof. Mingguang He also noted that eye fatigue is caused by prolonged eye usage, leading to tiredness and discomfort. It already affects approximately 20-30% of children and adolescents and 50-80% of adults, including university students and office workers who use computers extensively. However, the establishment of an innovative and standardised treatment system for eye fatigue is still a work in progress. Currently, the traditional diagnosis of eye fatigue relies heavily on subjective questionnaires, while treatment methods vary, lacking a unified objective diagnostic standard and evaluation. As a result, eye fatigue is often overlooked by patients and clinical practitioners, leading to a relatively limited understanding of this condition in terms of both public awareness and academic research. It is crucial to prioritise high-quality research into and resolution of eye fatigue issues. Rohto partners with PolyU to introduce Eye Fatigue advocacy: Enhancing public eye health in four key areas The low level of public awareness of eye fatigue and the existing diagnosis system being ill-prepared to effectively tackle this issue are of growing concern. Mr Michael Sin, President of Mentholatum Asia Pacific, said, "Mentholatum holds a strong commitment to scientific research, grounding its practices in scientific principles and relying on experimental evidence. It prides itself on introducing products of the highest quality. The Rohto brand is recognised as the world's leading eye-care brand. Over the years, Mentholatum has been dedicated to promoting eye health, particularly through the development and introduction of a range of eye drops targeting eye fatigue. We are honoured to collaborate with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in establishing the PolyU-Rohto Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care. We share a common vision in promoting research into eye fatigue, recruiting talented individuals, and focusing on the study of eye-fatigue technology to aid in treatment and alleviate the impact of eye fatigue, allowing us to appreciate the world with our eyes to the fullest.” On this occasion, Rohto and PolyU also jointly announced the launch of the "Promoting Healthy Vision and Prioritizing Standardised Diagnosis of Eye Fatigue" advocacy paper." This advocacy, centred around the "Know-Diagnose-Explore-Engage" framework, aims to enhance public awareness of eye fatigue. Its objectives are to establish and promote globally unified diagnostic standards and develop a multi-level diagnosis system. It also seeks to explore new prevention methods and treatment approaches. Through collaboration with various sectors, the Centre is dedicated to creating a healthy environment for eye health, cultivating healthy eye habits, and mitigating the impact of visual fatigue on public eye health, thereby improving individuals' quality of life.   ***End***

IFEC and PolyU jointly release the results of the Behavioural Science Study on Investor Behaviour on Virtual Assets Call on investors to review their investment behaviour and attitude

The Investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC) has commissioned The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Department of Applied Social Sciences to understand behavioural factors that affect virtual asset investors’ investment decisions The research from PolyU showed investors tend to use “heuristics” (mental shortcuts) to select easily available information for processing and tend to overestimate their investment acumen About three-quarters of virtual asset investors surveyed said they invest in virtual assets in pursuit of short-term returns (75%), believe that virtual assets is an investment trend (74%), and worry about missing out on investment opportunities (73%) IFEC urges the public to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to safeguard their assets before making investment decisions With financial technology innovations, the fast-evolving financial services landscape has brought about both opportunities and challenges to investors. Among them, virtual assets have attracted much market attention. In 2022, IFEC commissioned the Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to conduct the Behavioural Science Study on Investor Behaviour in the Virtual Asset Markets: Heuristics in Virtual Assets Investment Decision-Making to explore the behavioural factors that affect virtual asset investors’ investment decisions. Meanwhile, the IFEC conducted the Retail Investor Study 2023 to further monitor and evaluate the attitude and behaviour of virtual asset investors. Virtual asset investors tend to rely on “heuristics” (mental shortcuts) to select information and be overconfident in their judgement The IFEC commissioned the Department of Applied Social Science of PolyU to conduct a behavioural science research on virtual asset investors. Data was collected through a questionnaire from October to November 2022 with 501 respondents aged 18-69 who have traded or held virtual assets in the past 12 months. The study found that investors use habitual mental shortcuts (known as “heuristics” in behavioural economics) including: Availability – tendency to rely on information that is readily available, easy to recall and highly familiar Anchoring – pay too much attention to past information, such as prices of initial coin offering Overconfidence – overestimate personal investment intuition and the ability to achieve high investment returns, etc. The research team also summarised various mental shortcuts related to virtual assets into five strategies, namely Herding, Secure Obedience, Distrustful Empiricism, Wishful Speculation and Intuitive Confidence, with each type being vulnerable to different cognitive biases. Virtual assets attracted the attention among the young generation and incidence of investing recorded an upward trend IFEC Retail Investor Study 2023 was conducted in the form of face-to-face interviews from June to July 2023. About 1,000 interviews were conducted with retail investors aged 18-69 who held or traded a defined list of financial products in the past 12 months. The study showed that most retail investors had invested in stocks (96%) in the past year, followed by investment funds (24%) and bonds (18%). At the same time, 8% of retail investors surveyed said they had invested in virtual assets and related products in the past year, an upward trend compared to studies conducted earlier (1% in 2019 and 6% in 2021). The young generation demonstrated a stronger interest in virtual assets, 23% of the young working adult surveyed (18-29 years old) had invested in virtual assets and related products in the past year. The proportion was about three times that of the overall retail investor respondents, and had recorded a significant upward trend (3% in 2019 and 12% in 2021). According to the International Survey of Adult Financial Literacy report released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development International Network on Financial Education (OECD/INFE) in 2020, Hong Kong ranked first among 26 countries and economies. The study measured overall levels of financial literacy, indicated by combined scores on knowledge, attitude and behaviour. Hong Kong ranked first in terms of financial knowledge, sixth for financial behaviour and fourteenth for financial attitude. This indicated that the Hong Kong public possessed solid financial knowledge, but there is room for improvement in both financial management behaviour and attitude. The Retail Investor Survey 2023 reflected a similar situation. Awareness of the “Regulation of Virtual Asset Trading Platforms” was 47% among the surveyed retail investors while the level of awareness was much higher among the surveyed virtual asset investors at 96%. In addition, approximately three-quarters of the surveyed virtual asset investors indicated that they invested in virtual assets with the aim to pursue short-term returns (75%), considered virtual assets as an investment trend (74%) and expressed concerns about missing out on investment opportunities (73%). This implied that investors should look into applying the knowledge they acquired to improve and review their investment behaviour and attitude in order to make informed investment decisions. IFEC General Manager Ms Dora Li said, “The rapid development of financial products and digital technology has brought about more opportunities and challenges for investors. The IFEC would like to thank Professor Eric Chui, Head and Professor of Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and his team for the research findings on the behavioural science study of virtual asset investors and their related recommendations. Regardless of the choice of investment products, it is imperative for investors to adhere to three fundamental investment principles. First, investors should maintain a vigilant approach to safeguard their assets. In addition, investors should understand the product characteristics and related risks before investing, in order to align their choices with their financial goals and risk tolerance level. Last but not least, investors should regularly review their investment decisions and outcomes, engage in self-reflection to assess their own behaviour and attitude towards investing.” Professor Eric Chui, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology at PolyU said, “As in other types of investments, the judgement and decision to invest in virtual assets should not rely solely on “mental shortcuts”. In addition to personal intuition, virtual asset investors should think more deliberately and rationally. They should also build up their financial literacy and collect high-quality market information to avoid the irrational investment behaviour and biases, in order to make better informed investment decisions.” The IFEC is committed to promote and strengthen investor education. The Hong Kong public is encouraged to take full advantage of the tools and resources available on IFEC’s social media platforms and website to develop sound investment and financial behaviour and habits. The IFEC website also features a dedicated page on virtual assets, offering a range of educational resources to help enhance the public’s understanding of the characteristics and risks associated with virtual assets. The IFEC calls on the Hong Kong public to get prepared and embrace the opportunities brought about by the emerging trends of financial digital technology.   ***END***

Six innovative PolyU railway technology projects supported by MTR Research Funding Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received funding from the MTR Academy’s 2023 MTR Research Funding Scheme for six forward-looking research projects aimed at exploring advanced railway technology applications. PolyU researchers from the Faculty of Construction and Environment and the Faculty of Engineering lead these innovative research projects to initiate cutting-edge technologies for the future advancement of railways. These six projects have received total funding of HK$7.25 million. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “PolyU has consistently demonstrated strong research capabilities in the field of smart railways, dedicating itself to providing comprehensive and practical innovative solutions for the industry. The MTR Research Funding Scheme plays a crucial role in supporting these transformative advancements. We will continue to drive innovation, delivering long-term benefits to the railway development of Hong Kong, the Nation and even on the global stage.” The funded research projects encompass a broad spectrum of potential applications for environmental, social and governance aspects of rail operations and smart community development. Leveraging PolyU’s academic and research excellence in construction, environment and engineering, these projects develop innovative solutions for emergency evacuation, achieving sustainable development goals, noise control in railway engineering, autonomous modularised trains and fire resilience. Launched by the MTR Academy in February 2023, the MTR Research Funding Scheme supports forward-looking research projects to explore, shape and realise the mass public transport systems of tomorrow, breach the boundaries of current solutions and thinking, and offer insights into achieving services and operational excellence for tomorrow's transport. Maximum total funding of each proposal is up to HK$1.5 million for three years. PolyU Projects Supported by MTR Research Funding Scheme 2023 Faculty of Construction and Environment Principal Investigator Project Title Project Abstract Dr Xinyan HUANG, Associate Professor, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Intelligent Emergency Digital Twin System in Metro Station for Fire Evacuation The proposed intelligent safety monitoring system employs cutting-edge technologies, including AIoT, computer vision and deep learning, to achieve a smart fire emergency response and evacuation. The system can predict the dynamic flow of occupants and risk of a stampede in a fire emergency, and can provide onsite evacuation guidance through dynamic exit sign systems. Moreover, it can recognise the status and behaviours of occupants to identify those who need immediate help near the fire incident and transfer real-time information to firefighters and rescue teams. Dr Anthony Chun Yin YUEN, Assistant Professor, Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Coupling Fire and Toxicty Predictions Using CFD-MD Simulations for Enhanced Pedestrian Movement Modelling and Fire Resilience Designs of Metro Stations The identification of parental combustion fuel gases, which are essential for toxicity, such as the pyrolysis and combustion releases resulting from the burning of specific building and furnishing materials, are yet to be characterized. This project will develop a new strategy to incorporate coupled and non-linear pyrolysis-combustion kinetics via Molecular Dynamics characterisation of the thermal degradation process validated by thermal gravimetry data. It considers the formation pathways and predictions of toxic chemical species and smoke/soot particulates, contributing to firefighting and egress system designs. Dr Siu Kai LAI, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Development of a New Inerter-based Rail Damper to Mitigate Railway-induced Ground-borne Noise by a Physics-informed Deep Learning Framework Using rail dampers is an effective mitigation measure to reduce the impact of structure-borne noise caused by railway vehicles. However, installation difficulty and their working performance pose limitations. To overcome these challenges, this project proposes a new inerter-based rail damper in metamaterial structure. This design aims to enhance the force transfer characteristics of a mechanical system. In addition, a time-sequencing physics-informed neural network approach will be employed to optimise the structural design. Faculty of Engineering Principal Investigator Project Title Project Abstract Prof Chi-yung CHUNG, Head of Department, Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering Developing an Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting System to Energize Monitoring Systems in the Hong Kong MTR System This project aims to develop a sustainable energy supply system for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) devices by utilizing electromagnetic energy harvesting (EMEH) techniques without interfering with the operation of the railroad system. WSNs energized with the EMEH techniques will offer a long-lasting and comprehensive monitoring network, paving the way towards sustainable smart railway systems. A cost-effective, efficient, reliable, scalable and sustainable smart solution for energizing railway monitoring and condition assessment systems is proposed. Dr Hongbo YE, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Planning and Operation of Future Railway System with Autonomous Modularized Trains and Virtual Coupling Signalling This project proposes a vision of future railway systems, realised by autonomous modularised trains running under virtual coupling signalling, in order to handle the tempo-spatial variation of passenger demand. The proposal envisages three phases: developing optimisation models and algorithms for scheduling, investigating rescheduling methods, and exploring energy-efficient trajectory planning. Dr Jingzheng REN, Associate Professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Promoting Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) in MTR for Pursuing Sustainable Development Goals and Better Service Quality This project aims to establish a scientific and comprehensive criteria system for performance assessment regarding ESG and sustainable development goals (SDGs). By combining multi-criteria decision-making methods and systems dynamics, the proposed novel multi-dimensional assessment tool can incorporate the interdependences and interactions among the ESG and SDGs for identifying complex cause-effect relationships and the critical factors, and then mapping and analysing them both qualitatively and quantitatively. This new tool for performance assessment and improvement related to both ESG and SDGs can not only be used for Metro/Rail operators, but can also be implemented in other fields and in other cities.   ***END***