Media Releases

Rising Hong Kong Fashion Talent Wows Audience at PolyU Fashion Show 2023; Uniting Top Industry Players to Bring Revitalizing New Force to the Fashion Industry

Hong Kong fashion is in full bloom again! At the highly anticipated PolyU Fashion Show held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 28 June 2023, 30 talented students wowed the audience during the catwalk show and dazzled the judges, industry experts and local fashionistas with their innovative and unique concepts of contemporary fashion and creative designs. Organised by the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Show clearly demonstrated the emerging new power of local fashion. From casual outfits to evening wear, activewear and lingerie, the graduating students from the University’s flagship programme, the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles, displayed masterpieces of design on the runway. Hosted by Ms Rabeea Yeung, the Show attracted an audience of over 1,400 with many distinguished guests including renowned local designers Ms Vivienne Tam and Mr Manix Wong, as well as Ms Lilian Kan and Ms Mary Yu, who are also alumni of the School; while a global audience of nearly 40,000 also watched the show online through YouTube, Wechat and Weibo live stream. As a world-class fashion and textiles education institution, SFT is dedicated to providing a vibrant creative community to foster students’ development as independent designers, thinkers, leaders and entrepreneurs. Supported by a variety of industry partners and sponsors, the Show engaged students with key industry players from across the fashion and technology sectors, helping them stay abreast of current industry trends and further their careers. Eight awards and scholarships were presented at the Show in recognition of outstanding work and to encourage the talented students to pursue their dreams in fashion while embracing their fruitful academic journey at SFT. The judging panel for the Overall Grand Award, sponsored by the Nameson Group, comprised leading fashion designers and industry professionals, including Mr Benny Wong, Chairman of Nameson Group and Ms Janet Cheung, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association. Three outstanding alumni, fashion practitioners with remarkable achievements in their respective fields, were also invited to join the panel for the selection of the overall winner. They included Mr Derek Chan (M.Phil / 2016), who was a finalist in the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designer’s Competition 2012 (YDC) and is currently the Design Director and Co-founder of DEMO, a fashion label that reimagines traditional masculinity in contemporary and gender-neutral designs. In addition to nominated as one of the nine emerging Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) designers by HYPEBEAST, Derek was also being selected by Hong Kong Fashion Council as Designer of the Year (Menswear) in 2016 as well as bagged the Collection of the Year award in 2019, and one of the 10 Asian Designers to Watch Awards from Fashion Asia in 2019 and 2020. Mr Daniel Cheung (BA / 2016) is now a celebrity stylist and Fashion Director of Madame Figaro Hong Kong, a reputed French fashion magazine. With his creativity, knowledge and great eye for recognising trends, Daniel has been invited to style numerous magazine covers and frequently works as a consultant with various fashion brands. Last but not least, Mr Wilson Yip (BA / 2015) is a local designer and founder of Wilsonkaki, a fashion brand that draws inspiration from daily life experiences for its innovative concepts. Wilson’s accolades include being chosen as one of the 10 Asian Designers to Watch 2021, being awarded the Champion and Best Footwear Design Award at YDC 2019, as well as the Manish Arora Award at the 14th International Arts of Fashion Competition in San Francisco, CA. Other members of the judging panel for the various awards and scholarships were (in alphabetical order): Ms Janet Cheung, Vice Chairman, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association Ms Ale Lau, Chief Designer, Yintak Intex Company Limited Mr Hanks Lee, Director, Corporate Communications & Watsons Brand Marketing, A.S. Watson Group Ms Karen Ng, Secretary, Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries' Association Ms Cintia Nunes, General Manager - Head of The Mills Fabrica Asia Ms Brenda Yang, Technical Manager, Flinders Merino Group & The Woolmark Company Ms Dilys Yiu, Director, Fenix Group Holdings Limited The winner of the Overall Grand Award sponsored by Nameson Group was Hana Li with her outstanding work themed “Gentle Transitions: Impressions of Nature ‘s Fleeting Embrace”. She created the collection with a patchwork of different fabrics. The HKIAIA Overall Grand Award winner, sponsored by the Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries' Association, was Wingo Chong, with her work created under the theme “Art Tour”. Inspired by how historical European artworks portrayed female bodies with full and round figures, Wingo adds elements of traditional European paintings and exhibition halls to her designs compared to how female bodies are criticised in contemporary society. Through her lingerie collection, she hopes to express the idea of embracing the body and that everyone should appreciate and respect different body shapes. Prof. Erin Cho, Dean of SFT said, “The annual PolyU fashion show is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our wonderfully gifted students. It also provides an interactive platform for them to present their ideas to the world, be seen by industry professionals and gain inspiration for their careers. This year, we were particularly proud to see so many amazing designs on stage and the way the work defined new aesthetics and pushed the boundaries of what fashion is and what fashion can contribute to society beyond being just apparel.” Appendix: List of Awardees   ***END***

PolyU signs MoUs with leading Jinjiang-based enterprises to drive cooperation between Hong Kong and Fujian

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with several leading enterprises in Jinjiang city to strengthen industry-academia-research cooperation between the two cities. During a three-day visit to Hong Kong, a delegation led by Mr ZHANG Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang City, visited PolyU to have an in-depth exchange with the University’s senior management and researchers. The delegation included representatives from the Communist Party, and the Jinjiang Municipal Government including the Office of the Municipal Party Committee, United Front Work Department, Science and Technology Bureau and Commerce Bureau, as well as representatives from leading Jinjiang-based enterprises in the industries of textiles and clothing, sportswear and footwear, new materials, and microelectronics. On the first day of the visit on 26 June, the delegation paid a visit to the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design and the Centre for Eye and Vision Research at the Hong Kong Science Park, gaining insights into PolyU’s interdisciplinary research, achievements in industry-academia-research collaboration, as well as its future development plans. The research centres are co-founded by the University and world-leading institutions under the InnoHK initiative. On 27 June, PolyU participated in the Fujian-Hong Kong Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference-cum-Signing Ceremony. Witnessed by local and Mainland government officials including Mr ZHOU Zuyi, Fujian Provincial Party Committee Secretary and Director of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the Fujian Province; Mr CHAN Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr ZHANG Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang City, inked a cooperation framework agreement to establish the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute in Jinjiang outlining the future development plan of the research institute. On June 28, during the last day of their visit, the delegation toured the PolyU campus and visited laboratories and research centres related to the establishment of the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute. To take forward in-depth industry-academia-research collaboration, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, signed MoUs with representatives from three Jinjiang-based corporates, namely Mr YANG Jianxiang, Director of Research and Innovation of ANTA Group; Mr XU Jintai, Executive Director of SinceTech Group; and Mr SHI Junqiao, Executive President of Fujian Huaqing Electronic Material Technology Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Mr ZHANG Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of Quanzhou Communist Party Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang, Mr HUANG Tiankai, Member of the Standing Committee of the Jinjiang Communist Party Committee and Head of the Jinjiang United Front Work Department; and Mr ZHANG Qingchang, Director of the Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau. In his speech, Dr Lam Tai-fai stated, “With the staunch support of the Jinjiang Municipal Government, PolyU has signed MoUs with leading enterprises. We will collaborate deeply and effectively in various fields, such as new textile materials, fashion design, intelligent wearable systems and microelectronics. Through this collaboration, we hope to leverage the research strengths of Hong Kong and PolyU, further connect with enterprises in Mainland China, promote complementary advantages between Fujian and Hong Kong, and contribute to Hong Kong's integration into the country's overall development." Mr Zhang Wenxian said, “The visit to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University was an exciting experience. Jinjiang, the birthplace of the 'Jinjiang Experience', is a vibrant city that nurtures entrepreneurs. The city's shoe and apparel industry is valued at over 300 billion yuan, while its textile industry is worth over 100 billion yuan. Additionally, there are thriving building material and food industries worth over 50 billion yuan, alongside cutting-edge sectors such as new generation information technology, advanced equipment manufacturing, and medical and healthcare industries that are worth over 10 billion yuan. PolyU's strengths can be effectively integrated with Jinjiang's industrial development, and there is enormous potential for cooperation between the two parties. We aim to take this opportunity to expand the scope and level of cooperation between PolyU and Jinjiang. Jinjiang will provide full and sincere support for collaboration between the two parties, ensuring that our joint projects thrive and prosper, creating a new model of cooperation between the universities of Hong Kong and Mainland cities.” In the first half of 2023, PolyU and Jinjiang have engaged in various collaborations and exchanges. In February, PolyU and the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government reached initial agreement and signed a cooperation framework agreement to drive the establishment of the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute with the aim to strengthen research collaboration among industry, academia and research organisations and foster development along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Meanwhile, PolyU’s PReCIT signed an agreement with the Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau to carry out research projects that leverage Hong Kong’s resources and strengths in innovation and technology in response to Jinjiang’s industrial modernisation needs. In April, PolyU was invited by the Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau to participate in the 24th Jinjiang Footwear and the 7th Sports Industry International Exhibition where the University showcased its latest research achievements, including bionic robotic hands, high-precision flexible pressure sensors and 3D printed insoles for diabetic patients. Lined up by Jinjiang City government, a PolyU delegation also paid visits to the major industries and institutions in Jinjiang to explore and discuss the potential collaborations. In mid-May, a PolyU delegation visited Jinjiang to discuss the implementation plan of the “PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute”. Subsequently, the relevant agreement was signed at an event held in the Quanzhou Nanyi National High-tech Zone in early June. The research institute will leverage PolyU’s research strengths and achievements to meet Jinjiang’s industrial needs and facilitate the city’s industrial transformation. Through such collaboration, PolyU expects to unleash the strengths of its researchers and innovative technologies. The University also aims to draw more quality Hong Kong-based innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises and talents to engage in research exchanges in Jinjiang, so as to promote complementary advantages and synergistic development between Fujian and Hong Kong in order to establish a leading I&T base and achieve mutual benefits. Looking forward, PolyU will continue to strengthen collaboration with enterprises and maintain close connections with Mainland China to conduct impactful research and accelerate the commercialisation of research outputs. The University will strive to integrate into the country’s overall development and make contributions to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T hub.   On 26 June, Mr Zhang Wenxian, Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of Quanzhou Municipal Committee and Communist Party Secretary of Jinjiang Committee (middle), led a delegation to visit the Centre for Eye and Vision Research at the Hong Kong Science Park. The research centre is co-founded by the University and world-leading institutions under the InnoHK initiative.   On the first day of the visit on 26 June, the Jinjiang delegation visited the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design at the Hong Kong Science Park, gaining insights into PolyU’s interdisciplinary research, achievements in industry-academia-research collaboration, as well as its future development plans. The research centre is co-founded by the University and world-leading institutions under the InnoHK initiative.   *** END ***

PolyU welcomes the launch of the Fund for Innovative Technology-in-Education

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the Fund for Innovative Technology-in-Education (FITE) launched by the University Grants Committee (UGC) and supported by the Quality Assurance Council (QAC). With a funding allocation of $100 million, FITE aims to provide an impetus for universities to promote innovation in teaching and learning. PolyU believes the Fund will help strengthen the overall experience and quality of teaching and learning, unleashing students’ potential and enhancing their digital competency. Technological development accelerates digital transformation in various industries. PolyU continues to reform its curriculum to promote innovation and technology development and the nurturing of interdisciplinary talents. Two programme elements, namely “Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis” (AIDA) and “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” (IE), have been incorporated into the General University Requirements accordingly. Furthermore, PolyU has introduced new Master’s degree programmes, including blockchain technology, metaverse technology, artificial intelligence and big data computing etc., to better equip students for societal needs. Ranked the No.1 University in the “Best Universities for Blockchain 2022” list by CoinDesk, PolyU established the Research Centre for Blockchain Technology, the first research centre in Hong Kong that studies full-stack blockchain technology. PolyU has also partnered with Cybaverse to set up Hong Kong’s first research laboratory on law and Web3 to promote the development of the digital economy. To nurture the next generation of researchers and innovators, PolyU launched the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) and College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI). Under these initiatives, undergraduate students are given opportunities and funding to conduct individual or group scientific research projects under the guidance of University professors, further enhancing research competency among students and contributing to the advancement of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the Nation. Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said, “The UGC and QAC support the experimental and exploratory endeavours of universities in enhancing their teaching and learning. With FITE, PolyU hopes to advance the use of technology in teaching and learning. PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility and will continue its pursuit of excellence and impact through its education and research endeavours, while nurturing the next generation of leading talents.”   ***END***

PolyU and Hangzhou government to establish joint technology and innovation research institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hangzhou Gongshu District People’s Government have reached an agreement to promote industry-academia-research collaboration and complementarity between Hong Kong and Hangzhou. At the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong & Macao - Zhejiang Week & Zhejiang and Hong Kong Cooperation Theme Forum 2023 on 26 June, Mr John LEE Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr YI Lianhong, Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, and Mr LU Shan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang People's Government witnessed the signing of co-operation agreements between Zhejiang and Hong Kong. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr SHEN Jianli, Vice District Mayor of Gongshu District, signed a framework agreement to promote the establishment of the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute to carry out in-depth and effective industry-academia-research collaboration. The Research Institute will set up three research centres in the initial stage, tentatively named the “Rail Transit Intelligent Centre,” “Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Research Centre,” and “Digital Medical Beauty Research Centre”. The research centres will focus on three key aspects: technology research and development, entrepreneurial incubation, and talent cultivation. They aim to promote complementary advantages and coordinated development between Hangzhou and Hong Kong, which will work together to develop innovative solutions, with the development of a first-class technology innovation base to achieve mutual benefit. During the same event, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr YU Zhihong, Chairman of Zhejiang Transportation Investment Group Co., Ltd. (Zhejiang Transportation Investment Group), signed a Zhejiang-Hong Kong cooperation agreement in scientific research. PolyU’s rail transit research team and Zhejiang Transportation Investment Group will cooperate in various aspects, such as research and development of new products and technologies, global promotion of innovative achievements, talent cultivation, and scientific research collaboration. On 27 June, Mr SONG Xinjian, Second-Level Inspector from the Hangzhou Science and Technology Bureau, led a delegation from several major administrative regions of Hangzhou (Qiantang District, Gongshu District, Yuhang District, and High-tech Industry Development Zone) and executives from several companies to PolyU campus and visited the Chinese National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC-Rail) and the Biomaterials Laboratory, so as to gain a deeper understanding of PolyU’s scientific research talent advantages and innovative research technology. Both parties will further explore the working plan of the Research Institute and jointly seek future cooperation opportunities. Moving forward, PolyU will continue to focus on cooperation with enterprises and closely connect with the Mainland, in order to carry out influential scientific research in various cutting-edge technology fields, promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, integrate with national development, and fully support Hong Kong in building an international innovation and technology centre.   ***END***

PolyU and Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (tentative) to establish Technology and Innovation Research Institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (“EIT”, tentative) have reached an agreement to establish the PolyU-Ningbo Technology and Innovation Research Institute, aiming to strengthen and facilitate research collaboration among industry, academia and research organisations in Hong Kong and Ningbo. PolyU and EIT will collaborate in multiple fields, including advanced manufacturing, chemical energy and low-carbon sustainability development, with the overall aim of advancing innovative research technology and transforming core technologies. The operational objective is to promote complementary advantages and coordinated development between the two universities, and together develop innovative solutions to establish leading innovation hubs. PolyU envisions effective collaboration between the two universities in industry, academia and research, leveraging the advantages of PolyU's scientific talents and innovative research technologies, and attracting more high-quality Hong Kong enterprises and researchers. The collaboration will involve PolyU faculty members, students and alumni engaging in scientific research, exchanging ideas and starting businesses in Ningbo. The framework agreement was signed on the PolyU campus on 25 June 2023 by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Prof. ZHANG Dongxiao, Executive VP and Provost of EIT. The signing was witnessed by Mr. PENG Jiaxue, Zhejiang Provincial Committee Standing Committee member and Ningbo Municipal Party Secretary, Mrs Carrie LAM, Former Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Prof. CHEN Shiyi, President of EIT.   *** End ***

PolyU scientist honoured with prestigious European research award and Academy membership

Prof. Xiao Lin ZHAO, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been bestowed with the Humboldt Research Award 2023 and elected a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, in recognition of his achievements in civil engineering. The Humboldt Research Award is granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany for up to 100 leading international researchers whose discoveries, findings or insights have made significant impact in their disciplines and beyond with cutting-edge achievements. While the Award is open to researchers in all disciplines, Prof. Zhao’s Award is for research excellence in civil and structural engineering. Prof. Zhao has also been elected a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts in the field of technical and environmental sciences. An esteemed non-governmental association, the Academy’s 2,000 members comprise leading scientists, artists and practitioners of governance, and among their members are 37 Nobel Prize winners. As a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Prof. Zhao’s research focuses on improving the resilience and safety of engineered structures, developing innovative and environmental-friendly construction materials, and the strengthening of ageing metallic infrastructure. He said, “These two achievements are encouraging for me in my endeavours to achieve impactful research and translational innovation. In collaboration with researchers in various PolyU research institutes, I am now undertaking initiatives to develop floating structure technology for innovative land creation as well as floating farms for food sustainability in Hong Kong. These aim to increase Hong Kong’s capacity for sustainable growth and liveability with reduced environmental impact and construction costs.”   ***END***

PolyU research discovers pathogenic mechanism and novel treatment for superbug “Klebsiella pneumoniae” to reduce mortality

Two novel approaches for the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant superbugs have shown efficacy and good clinical application potential in studies performed by a team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Their findings have recently been published in two prestigious journals, namely Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy under Nature and Journal of Infection. The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned that the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant microbes, commonly known as "superbugs," could lead to the next wave of public health disasters. Many of the known superbugs actually evolved from normal flora, or bacteria that commonly exist in our body, and may cause a wide range of infections, especially when our immune system is weakened; hence they may readily spread in the hospital and the community, and potentially pose a threat which is more serious and long-lasting than the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, a number of bacterial strains have been classified as superbugs, among which the hyper-resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae is arguably the one which poses the greatest threat to human health. In 2017, a research team led by Prof. CHEN Sheng, Chair Professor of Microbiology, Member of State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, and Head of Department of Food Science and Nutrition at PolyU, discovered a newly emerged genetic variant of Klebsiella pneumoniae, namely the hyper-resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP), which can cause untreatable and fatal infections even in healthy individuals. As the name implies, this superbug is not only multidrug-resistant, but also highly invasive. Various studies in China showed that the mortality rate of CR-hvKP infection ranged from 25-45%. To date, CR-hvKP has been regarded as an ‘urgent threat to human health’ by many medical experts worldwide. After several years of intensive research, the research team has recently made major breakthroughs in their efforts to delineate the pathogenic mechanism of CR-hvKP and devise effective intervention strategies. The team also identified the key factors involved in interaction with the host and the nature of the host immune response triggered during the process of infection. Specifically, they discovered the signal pathways through which the pathogen triggers the onset of a cytokine storm, in which the signal molecules can induce uncontrolled activation of immune cells of the host that can eventually develop into septic shock, an extremely dangerous and potentially fatal condition. Subsequent experiments revealed that inhibiting the onset of a cytokine storm could significantly reduce mortality among infected patients. The research team studied the therapeutic value of immunosuppressants such as Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and found that ASA can suppress the onset of a cytokine storm in infected mice. ASA, commonly known as Aspirin, is widely used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation. ASA treatment can effectively suppress the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lungs and drastically reduce cytokine production, decreasing the likelihood of septic shock in the host. This is the first time it has been discovered that immunosuppressants can be used in the treatment of CR-hvKP infection. The new findings provide important insights into the development of new approaches for clinical management of diseases caused by this important pathogen. However, although ASA can protect patients against septic shock during CR-hvKP infection, this compound is unable to eradicate the pathogen. The research team therefore explored the use of a combination of ASA and other antibiotics in the treatment process and found that the therapeutic effect of ASA can be further enhanced by including an effective antimicrobial agent during treatment. However, since CR-hvKP exhibits resistance to almost all known antimicrobial agents and searching for new antimicrobial compounds is not a practical way to address the problem, Prof. Chen’s team adopted a ‘drug repurposing’ approach in a separate but related study, in which they searched for over-the-counter drugs that exhibit antimicrobial effect or can act synergistically with currently used antibiotics and enhance their activity. The team successfully identified a drug called zidovudine, which is an anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) agent, which can act synergistically with the antibiotic rifampicin to eradicate CR-hvKP. The advantage of identifying new antimicrobial compounds through drug-repurposing is that the drugs do not have to go through a lengthy drug development and approval process. It is expected that the zidovudine / rifampicin combination can be used alongside immunosuppressants to treat life-threatening CR-hvKP infections. In summarising the new research findings, Prof. Chen said, “We are glad that our studies were able to identify two promising therapeutic options that may be used alone or in combination to combat the growing threat of Klebsiella pneumoniae, only five years after we discovered the CR-hvKP strain. It should be noted that prompt treatment will reduce mortality and the spread of the pathogen.” He also added, “We plan to validate our findings in clinical trials in the near future and we believe our research efforts will eventually benefit patients and significantly reduce the mortality rate of CR-hvKP infected patients.” The studies that generated the research findings described in the two publications were funded by the Theme-Based Research Scheme and the Research Impact Fund from the Research Grant Council. The studies were also supported by the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery of PolyU. Furthermore, part of the research was conducted at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU), and one of the studies was conducted in collaboration with Dr Guan YANG of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health at CityU.   ***END***

PolyU’s PReCIT presents second talk in Consul General Talk Series

The second talk in the “Consul General Talk Series”, organised by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and supported by the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Global Engagement Office of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was successfully held on 14 June 2023. Mr Almas SEITAKYNOV, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong and Macao and Vice-consul Mr Kamil BEKENOV, spoke on the cooperation between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong in the field of innovation and technology. A PolyU student from Kazakhstan also shared her insights into student life in Hong Kong. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, said that the Nation has expressed clear support for Hong Kong’s development into an international Innovation and Technology (I&T) hub, which will help further drive I&T development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Mr Seitakynov discussed how Kazakhstan has transformed rapidly into a digital country and how the government’s policies toward developing I&T and innovation has helped accelerate the technological modernisation of the economy. He also highlighted potential I&T collaboration opportunities between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong. Through the sharing of perspectives by diplomats in town, the “Consul General Talk Series” aims to serve as a platform for the PolyU community and the general public to gain insights into the latest I&T developments and policies, as well as about opportunities and prospects in the Belt and Road countries.   ***END***  

Two PolyU innovations in energy and new materials awarded TechConnect 2023 Innovation Awards

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has won two prestigious TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo 2023 (TechConnect) Global Innovation Awards in the areas of energy and new materials. TechConnect is the world’s largest multi-sector event for fostering translational innovations and technology commercialization. This year, marking the seventh consecutive year that the University has received such recognition, PolyU is the only higher education institution in Hong Kong to have snatched awards. PolyU’s winning innovation in the area of “energy, efficiency and environmental” is the world’s first ammonia-powered electric vehicle that can achieve zero-carbon emission while delivering higher efficiency and ensuring safer energy storage than conventional electric vehicles, thereby providing a more sustainable solution to long-term transportation issues. The other award-winning PolyU project, in the area of “medical devices and materials”, has developed novel Photocrosslinkable nanocomposite materials for bone graft applications, providing a highly efficient solution for bone healing. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU congratulated the winning teams and said, “PolyU strives to nurture global scholars through excellence in teaching and learning, research and knowledge transfer. The award-winning technologies showcased at TechConnect will continue to inspire PolyU to develop impactful research and innovations. We are committed to addressing global challenges facing mankind through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.” Details of the two PolyU award-winning innovations are below: 1. Ammonia Powered Fuel Cell-based Electric Vehicle project, led by Prof. Eric CHENG Ka-Wai, Professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering The ammonia-powered fuel cell based electric vehicle adopted ammonia-to-wheel energy conversion where liquid ammonia stored inside a cylinder is broken down into nitrogen and hydrogen by catalysts to generate electricity, and achieves zero carbon emission. In this project, hydrogen is produced from ammonia on the vehicle for feeding fuel cells. A large storage of hydrogen is not needed as the hydrogen is consumed immediately. There are no hazardous issues from the hydrogen. Hence, it is safer and can be managed more easily. 2. Biomimicking Photocrosslinkable Nanocomposite Bone Grafts project, led by Dr Xin ZHAO, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering Biomimicking Photocrosslinkable Nanocomposite Bone Grafts mirror the structure of natural bone. They can load and release bioactive molecules and activate cell-signaling pathways to simultaneously promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis while providing optimal mechanical support to the injured area in order to expedite the bone healing process. The product can compete in the growing market and serve a huge number of patients who are receiving orthopedic surgeries. The TechConnect conference will be held in Washington, D.C. from 19 to 21 June, 2023. PolyU’s delegation will showcase various innovative projects and meet with technology prospectors with a view to potential collaboration. For details of TechConnect 2023 Innovation Awardees, please visit: https://www.techconnectworld.com/World2023/participate/innovation/awards.html   ***END***

PolyU collaborates with Tianjin Medical University to establish scientific collaborative research platform to identify causes of eye disease and construct screening system

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has joined with Tianjin Medical University (TMU) to nurture talents, build research teams, conduct scientific research and develop a scientific collaborative research platform in the next five years. The two universities will combine their research strengths to identify causes of eye disease and the possible solutions. They will also adopt artificial intelligence technology and leverage extensive clinical data databases to construct a screening system for eye disease. The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of the world-leading research capability of PolyU’s School of Optometry (with its research impact ranking first in Asia according to Clinical and Experimental Optometry) and TMU’s excellent research and teaching capability, which has enabled it to rank sixth among the 85 medical schools in the country. A signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, and Prof. YAN Hua, Party Secretary of TMU, signed the memorandum of understanding. Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU and Prof. YU Ying, Vice President of TMU, signed the strategic cooperation agreement. Prof. Wong said, “TMU is a well-known medical university in China. Its teaching achievements and research projects have won many awards and national support. PolyU is glad to be able to promote strategic cooperation with TMU with a view to enhancing scientific research and academic talent training and jointly contribute to the development of optometry and vision science in the country and the world.” Prof. Yan remarked, “I am very pleased that TMU and PolyU have reached another level of cooperation in academic exchange and research. In line with the principle of “complementary advantages, coordinated development and mutual benefit”, we will enable advanced cooperation in the fields of optometry and vision science, and cultivate first-class students. We aim to produce top-level scientific research outputs and jointly develop an innovative teaching and scientific collaborative research platform.” The PolyU School of Optometry has collaborated with institutions worldwide to build interdisciplinary research teams and promote high-impact vision science research. With strategic cooperation with TMU, both institutions will have increase their competitiveness. Prof. Shum noted, “PolyU’s School of Optometry and TMU jointly establishing a scientific collaborative research platform will help to solicit increased research funding, develop clinical application systems and contribute to enhancing eye-care services in Hong Kong and the country.” The two institutions have carried out academic and research cooperation since 2004. In 2019, the two universities jointly established the “TMU-PolyU Optometry and Vision Science Joint Laboratory”, contributing to basic scientific research and facilitating knowledge transfer outcomes.   ***END***