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PolyU partners with Southern Medical University and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in partnership with Southern Medical University (SMU) and Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University (SMU Shenzhen Hospital), have announced the establishment of the International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre (the Centre). This collaboration will leverage the academic and research strengths of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and SMU’s School of Rehabilitation Medicine, along with the extensive clinical experience and resources of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. The Centre aims to enhance the quality of sports medicine and rehabilitation services, and represents a significant advancement in the healthcare industry. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), led a PolyU delegation to SMU for academic exchanges and site visits, focusing on cutting-edge sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies. During the visit, a  Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Centre was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Prof. LIU Shuwen, Vice President of SMU; and Prof. ZHOU Hongwei, Director of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. Prof. Christopher Chao highlighted PolyU’s dedication to technological innovation, research translation and talent cultivation. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences stands as a leading academic unit both in Asia and globally, boasting top scholars and experienced clinical instructors. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of advanced sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies, enhancing the competitiveness of the medical industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and elevating the standard of sports medical rehabilitation treatment. The Centre aims to integrate medical care, education and scientific research to provide patients with professional and high-quality sports medicine rehabilitation and clinical services. The services will encompass prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation training for sports injuries. A key focus will be on fostering collaboration through joint academic programmes, international exchanges, and clinical training, with the goal of nurturing a new generation of globally minded rehabilitation professionals. By leveraging its extensive expertise in sports medical rehabilitation science, PolyU will play a crucial role in offering technical support and research guidance, actively contributing to injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes. Meanwhile, the research strengths of SMU and the PolyU Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology will be harnessed to advance sports science, intelligent rehabilitation equipment, and sports monitoring systems. The Centre will prioritise translating research outcomes into practical applications for the benefit of society. PolyU anticipates a continuing collaborative effort with SMU and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish the Centre as a globally leading integrated platform for medicine, industry, academia, and research. Through international partnerships, the Centre aims to cultivate professional talents and deliver high-quality medical services of superior standards.

Hong Kong SAR Space Science and Utilization Conference opens a new era of space collaboration 15 Jan 2025

Hong Kong SAR Space Science and Utilization Conference was held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 14 January. Hosted by the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CSU), the event aims to introduce the prospects of China's space science missions and the progress and achievements of scientific experiments on China's space station, encouraging researchers from Hong Kong and Macau to participate.  Over 140 attendees, including government officials and representatives, joined the event. Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, highlighted the university's commitment to space research through talent cultivation, project support, and international collaboration. Experts from the CSU discussed advancements and planning in space station science, covering topics like biotechnology, materials research, space exploration, and interdisciplinary experiments. The audience engaged actively and asked questions about research participation and promoting space science education for the next generation. The delegation also visited PolyU Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE) and the Aviation Services Research Centre. Prof. WU Bo, Associate Director of RCDSE, and Prof. ZHAO Qi, Management Committee member of RCDSE, had fruitful discussions, aiming to foster future collaborations and contribute to global space science technology.

PolyU signs MoU with Southern Medical University to advance medical development and cultivate research talent

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Southern Medical University (SMU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 10 December, joining forces on advancing medical development through innovative researchand nurturing medical talent, contributing to the global medical industry, human health and well-being. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr ZHANG Yurun, Secretary of the Party Committee of SMU, the MoU was signed by Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU, and Prof. LIU Shuwen, Vice President of SMU. PolyU and SMU will leverage their respective strengths to explore innovative research in cutting-edge medical technologies and enhance the quality of medical education. The collaboration aims to comprehensively improve healthcare service levels in both regions, and further promote the transformation and application of medical research and technological achievements. During their visit to PolyU, the delegation from SMU engaged in in-depth discussion on joint medical research, education and talent cultivation, exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration. Prof. Dongpresented the latest developments and plans of PolyU in innovative research and interdisciplinary education. Prof. Liuprovided a comprehensive overview ofSMU’s development history, outstanding achievements and future vision. PolyU has extensive experience and a solid foundation in health science education and research, and has established collaborative partnerships with several universities, including SMU. The SMU delegation visited the University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience and the University Research Facility in 3D Printing, to gain insights into PolyU’s leading research facilities and experimental technologies. These cutting-edge technologies and innovative outcomes demonstrate the University’s strong capabilities in medical research, laying a strong foundation for future collaborationbetween the two institutions.

PolyU’s "China National Space Administration and China Academy of Space Technology Aerospace Seminar" attracted strong participation

The "China National Space Administration and China Academy of Space Technology Aerospace Seminar," jointly organised by the Research and Innovation Office and the Research Center for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was held at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre on 2 December. The event attracted a large audience of faculty and students and it received an enthusiastic response. The seminar featured two distinguished speakers who have played pivotal roles in multiple major national space projects: LIU Jizhong, Chief Designer of China Lunar Exploration and Space Science and Engineering Center and SUN Zezhou, Researcher of China Academy of Space Technology. They shared valuable insights into the development processes and core technologies behind the space missions. Focusing on the Tianwen series of missions, the seminar highlighted the remarkable success of Tianwen-1 in orbiting, landing, and conducting rover exploration on Mars, marking a significant milestone in China’s planetary exploration endeavours. The speakers reviewed the development history, mission execution, and key technologies of Tianwen-1.  During the Q&A session, Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of RCDSE and Chair Professor of Precision Engineering at PolyU, discussed the challenges and opportunities in the aerospace field with the two speakers and young scholars. They shared personal reflections on their careers in space exploration and encouraged the younger generation to explore the unknown realms of the universe boldly. Looking ahead, PolyU aims to consolidate its technological advantages and continue participating in national space missions, contributing to a shared future for humanity.

PolyU and Hefei government jointly establish research institute for technological advancement

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hefei Luyang People’s Government have jointly established the PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute). By harnessing professional academic research and cutting-edge technology through collaboration, the Research Institute aims to transform outstanding scientific research projects to achieve sustainable development. Hefei stands as one of the key national hubs for comprehensive technological innovation development. The Research Institute will actively drive  diverse projects encompassing technological research and development, entrepreneurial incubation, and talent cultivation.  The Research Institute is dedicated to fostering and facilitating innovative advancement in research areas including deep space exploration, the low-altitude economy, and sensing technology. Throughout the years, PolyU has participated in various national space projects. Being the only university from Hong Kong actually involved in space endeavours, PolyU has developed and manufactured space instruments for the Nation’s space mission, effectively putting them into practical use. PolyU and the Hefei Luyang People’s Government held an official ceremony on 21 November to sign a cooperation agreement establishing the Research Institute, marking a milestone in promoting scientific research and technological advancements. This partnership underscores the commitment of Hong Kong and Hefei to innovation and excellence, serving as a dynamic platform connecting academia, industry and the community. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU led a PolyU delegation to Hefei to attend the signing ceremony. The agreement was signed by Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) and Mr YANG Binghong, Deputy Secretary and Mayor of Hefei City Luyang District. Representatives from PolyU and the Hefei Government attended the ceremony to celebrate the official establishment of the “PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute.”  Building upon the exceptional academic and research strengths of PolyU and Hefei, the Research Institute is dedicated to propelling technological innovation, cultivating scientific and technical expertise, and fostering strong global partnerships to drive progress in the Nation, Hong Kong, and worldwide.  By leveraging Hefei's rich resources and strengths, the Research Institute strives to optimise PolyU's research achievements, support the transformation of innovative outcomes, and empower the practical application of scientific research results. The successful establishment of the Research Institute reflects the strategic vision of both parties and will create a bright development prospect in the future. 

PolyU, CAICT and HKPC signed a strategic partnership agreement to promote computing infrastructure innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), signed a strategic partnership agreement at the 2024 International Symposium on Computility Technology Standards and Applications in Shanghai.  This collaboration focuses on joint research in key areas vital to the development of a smart and secure digital economy. These include computing infrastructure, industrial internet, smart manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity to build a new industrial ecosystem.  The three parties will also establish a joint laboratory and introduce domestic and international testing and certification services. The focus will be on the "Three Bigs and One New" （「三大一新」）areas: new industrialisation, big communications, big digitalisation, and big security, aiming to deepen the industrialisation of research outcomes and promote the high-quality development of strategic emerging industries. During the Symposium, the strategic partnership ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Li Wenjie Maggie, Professor of the Department of Computing of PolyU, Ms Zhiqin WANG, Vice Dean of CAICT and Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC. PolyU leverages its expertise in research and development (R&D) for hardware, software, and standard setting to deepen the commercialisation of research outcomes and accelerate the “One Accessment, Multiple Certifications” approach and the feasibility of joint testing certifications. This will incubate pilot cases with international impact, enhancing new productive forces in Hong Kong and accelerating national information technology development. The collaboration with HKPC and CAICT will serve as a vital conduit, bridging the Mainland and Hong Kong in the fields of industry and information technology, marking the beginning of a new era of cooperation with a primary focus on computing technology. Together, we will concentrate on infrastructure, IT equipment, and platform applications related to various types of computing power, including general computing power, intelligent computing power, edge computing power, and supercomputing power, aiming for multi-dimensional and comprehensive cooperation. This partnership will connect regional technological innovation, promote the international development of the industrial information sector, and enhance new productive forces.

PolyU and Tsinghua University collaborate on joint STEAM lab to foster innovation in art and design

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University have collaborated to establish a Joint Lab for STEAM, fostering art and design innovation in research, technology and talent development by leveraging the two universities’ exceptional expertise and knowledge in this cross-disciplinary area. This signifies the inaugural collaborative laboratory formed by PolyU and Tsinghua University. The Joint Lab for STEAM will enhance and bolster art and design innovation within the conventional STEM platform which encompasses science, technology, mathematics and engineering. It will also promote STEAM professional education and technology development through seminars and promotional activities, highlighting how blending arts and design with STEM enhances innovation, and economic and societal well-being. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU led a PolyU delegation to Tsinghua University to attend the signing ceremony. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Prof. Sai MA, Dean of the Academy of Arts & Design and Director of the Art and Science Research Center at Tsinghua University. This significant partnership between PolyU and Tsinghua University leverages the expertise and achievements of both universities in multidisciplinary research, particularly focusing on knowledge transfer in art and design for impactful social applications. Collaboratively, the Joint STEAM lab strives to cultivate a culture of creativity, innovation and technological excellence. The principal investigators of the Joint Lab for STEAM are Prof. Stephen Jia WANG, Professor of the School of Design and Director of the Research Centre of Future (Caring) Mobility (RcFCM) at PolyU and Prof. Sai Ma, Director of the Art and Science Research Center at Tsinghua University. The research focus areas of the Joint Lab include artificial intelligence and design, intelligent interactive systems, sustainable design and technology, innovative educational methods, data-driven design and human-machine symbiotic design. The PolyU RcFCM has developed a design-led innovations platform for conducting high-impact research with a vision that highlights an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge, STEAM and innovative design approach focusing on the caring and well-being of human life. It has made significant innovative research advancements in various areas including intelligent, interactive and experiential design. The Art and Science Research Center of Tsinghua University was established in May 2001 through the collaborative efforts of the renowned contemporary Chinese painter, Mr WU Guanzhong and the Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, Mr LEE Tsung-Dao. Led by Prof. Sai Ma as Director and with the late Mr Lee Tsung-Dao as Honorary Director, the Art and Science Research Center has developed a comprehensive platform that seamlessly integrates teaching, research and academic publications in arts and sciences. Furthermore, the Center actively nurtures talents, with a strong emphasis on individuality and innovation. Together with the Academy of Arts & Design of Tsinghua University, the vision for this collaboration was supported by Prof. Kun-Pyo LEE, Dean of the School of Design of PolyU and Prof. Winco YUNG, Senior Consultant of the Centre for Advances in Reliability and Safety of PolyU. The Joint Labaims to advance STEAM research, education and product development to foster a sustainable future. Research projects will be undertaken with a view to fostering collaboration among academia, research and industry, while also strengthening inter-university cooperation and bolstering the overall academic standing of the universities.

PolyU and COMAC sign agreement to establish Research Institute for Large Aircraft

On November 12, 2024, at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) signed an agreement to jointly establish the COMAC-PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft. The COMAC-PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft aims to promote the development of the large aircraft industry. Leveraging the academic strengths of PolyU and Hong Kong’s technological innovation resources, the Research Institute will focus on key tasks such as tackling challenges in domestically-produced commercial aircraft technology and exploring future new technologies. It will bring together regional industry and research capabilities to foster collaborative innovation, providing strong support for the development of the large aircraft industry.

PolyU and OPPO to establish Joint Innovative Research Centre on AI-driven computational mobile imaging

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a collaborative framework agreement with Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd (OPPO) to upgrade the existing “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Lab” (former Joint Lab) into the “PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Research Centre” (Joint Innovation Research Centre), effective from January 2025. This new framework will not only continue present research on artificial intelligence (AI) driven computational imaging but will also conduct more comprehensive and in-depth research that will cover the applications of smartphone AI imaging at all levels. OPPO aims to provide total funding of no less than RMB 30 million to the Joint Innovation Research Centre over the next five years to support PolyU’s research and the Centre’s operation. PolyU and OPPO have successfully commercialised research outcomes and jointly nurtured a number of AI talents through their partnership over the past few years. PolyU PhD students who joined the former Joint Lab have been closely working with OPPO engineers and have developed sophisticated Generative AI algorithms, which can instantly process unclear pictures on smartphones, resulting in high-resolution and realistic pictures to the naked eye. This innovation has already been integrated into OPPO’s flagship smartphones. As the demand for mobile video filming and multimedia content creation continues to grow, the future research direction of the Joint Innovation Research Centre will extend to more complex areas, such as video algorithms, album editing and lightweight Generative AI models. The Centre aims to leverage AI technology for mobile devices while maintaining high-quality image output. Additionally, the Joint Innovation Research Centre will continue to foster talent cultivation, academia-industry cooperation and technological innovation development. The signing ceremony for the collaborative framework agreement took place last Friday (1 November) at the PolyU campus, witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Mr Jason LIAO, President of the OPPO Research Institute. The agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr Zheng QIN, Head of Industry-Academia Affairs of OPPO. Prof. ZHANG Lei, Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image Analysis of the Department of Computing, PolyU, will serve as Director of the Joint Innovation Research Centre on behalf of the University. Prof. TENG remarked, “To address the opportunities and challenges of the AI era, PolyU will officially establish the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January 2025. This is an important move to implement the University’s innovation development strategy, aiming to meet growing technological needs and support talent nurturing. The Department of Computing, which houses the Joint Innovation Research Centre will also join the new faculty. The new structure will effectively promote in-depth exchanges and collaboration among research teams, and create more impactful outcomes. We believe that this in-depth cooperation with OPPO will enable us to fully seize opportunities and actively promote technological innovation and knowledge transfer.” Mr LIAO said, “In the three years of collaboration between OPPO and PolyU, we have witnessed significant technological breakthroughs and notable achievements in talent cultivation through the Joint Lab. Adhering to our mission of ‘Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World’, OPPO is dedicated to deepening the integration of academia-industry cooperation in the field of AI through this renewal, bringing more innovative intelligent imaging experiences to global users.” About PolyU The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aspires to be an innovative world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, driven by its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”. The University provides the best holistic education to nurture socially responsible “leaders of tomorrow” who possess a strong sense of national identity and a global perspective, and pursues impactful innovation and interdisciplinary research to address the world’s most pressing challenges. A robust culture of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the University, ensuring PolyU’s technologies are transformed into practical real-world applications. The University's unwavering commitment to excellence has earned it international recognition, with PolyU consistently ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide. Based on this solid foundation, the University will continue to make positive contributions in collaboration with its strategic partners for the betterment of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

PolyU scholar attended Payload Handover Ceremony for the SJ-19 Satellite

Prof. Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)was honoured with an invitation to visit the China National Space Administration on October 24 to attend “The Payload Handover Ceremony for the SJ-19 Satellite”, which has recently completed a successful mission and returned from space.  The multidisciplinary research team of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU has developed a space catalyst material test device and completed the catalyst material test in low orbit in space. PolyU is very honoured to be able to carry the space catalyst material test device developed by the university into space aboard the SJ-19 satellite. In the ceremony, Prof. Wang said PolyU's involvement in the Nation's space exploration dates back to the 2010s, with active participation in landmark projects. The University is dedicated to research contributions in aerospace science and technologies.