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PolyU participates in SmartHK to explore new opportunities for cooperation

SmartHK, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and co-organised by the Department of Commerce of Jiangsu Province as well as Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, concluded in Nanjing on 28 August. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), as a key exhibitor, established connections with a diverse array of participants from both Hong Kong and Jiangsu. The event featured an exhibition, start-up pitching sessions, on-site business matching opportunities, and market visits, all aimed at strengthening cooperation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong. Throughout the event, Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen, Chair Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at PolyU, shared the university's extensive collaborations with Jiangsu in industry, academia, and research. He also discussed emerging trends in drug discovery, functional food research, and the development of platforms for natural products. PolyU showcased five innovative projects, including biomedicine, intelligent wearable technology, and smart cities, thereby highlighting its advancements in technology and scientific research. SmartHK has been held in major cities in Mainland China since 2011, promoting Hong Kong’s international network and professional services through conferences, seminars, business matching sessions and more. It aims to explore Hong Kong-Jiangsu collaboration in the areas of financial services, innovation and technology (I&T), sustainable development, culture and creativity. PolyU not only showcased impactful research driven by innovative technologies, but also facilitated meaningful exchanges and partnerships that will foster future growth and development in both regions.

PolyU and Tencent jointly organised "Tanyuan Initiative Info Session”

The “Tanyuan Initiative”is an innovative project by Tencent, that aims to promote culture and technology through cutting-edge digital solutions. The initiative was launched with an engaging info session at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 26 August, attracting over 190 participants from research institutions, cultural associations, and technology companies. Attendees eagerly exchanged insights on the latest trends and future directions in culture and technology. The event featured esteemed speakers from renowned organisations such as Tencent, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Sino United Electronic Publishing Ltd., Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), and PolyU. They led discussions and roundtable forums, providing valuable perspectives on the initiative's goals. Prof. Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, highlighted the university's strengths in data science, art and design. He mentioned the importance of nurturing traditional culturethrough the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, which enhances the appreciation of Chinese culture among younger generations. In addition, Prof. Henry DUH, Centre Director of PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre of PolyU, also shared impactful research results in cultural technology. During a themed roundtable, Dr NG Hiu Fung Peter, Assistant Professor of the Department of Computing at PolyU, engaged in insightful discussions with guests regarding cultural digitalisation, offering inspiring ideas for collaboration among academia, industry, and research.

PolyU joins forces with Peking University Third Hospital to foster collaboration on physiotherapy

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this month, deepening their collaboration in the field of physiotherapy. The MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Prof. LI Rong, Vice President of PUTH and Director of the Reproductive Medicine Department. The MoU aims to establish a strategic partnership between PolyU and PUTH, focused on developing physiotherapy research, cultivating talent and building research platforms to enhance industry development and meet the growing global demand for healthcare. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “PolyU is committed to conducting world-leading research and innovation, while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to provide societal solutions. As a top-tier comprehensive hospital in China, with clinically orientation, PUTH promotes the innovative development of medical technologies through research and technology transfer. By joining hands, both parties will leverage their respective strengths to jointly advance physiotherapy treatment technologies, achieving mutual benefits and translating cutting-edge research into practical applications to create a positive impact globally.” Prof. Li Rong said, “PolyU's Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has a distinguished international reputation. This collaboration with PolyU marks a new chapter, whereby both parties will elevate the standard of education and research in physiotherapy, ultimately enhancing physiotherapy services for patients.” The collaboration will enhance regional medical technology capabilities and benefit more patients in need. Looking forward, PolyU and PUTH will deepen their cooperation in areas such as clinical treatment, technological innovation, and talent cultivation, striving to set new benchmarks in the field of physiotherapy services in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.

PolyU and ChemPartner collaborate on developing novel immunotherapy agents

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Shanghai ChemPartner Co. Ltd. (ChemPartner) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 9 August to establish the partnership and jointly develop next-generation cancer immunotherapy agents.  This partnership combines expertise from both academia and industry, with the long-term goal of benefiting cancer patients. PolyU continues to advance its novel targets into personalised cancer treatments based on antibodies. The collaboration integrates the University's strengths in fundamental scientific research and the industry's translational expertise, creating a synergistic relationship.  The partnership aims to bridge research on drug development, accelerating innovation and commercialisation of cancer treatments. This synergy promotes knowledge exchange and resources, paving the way for oncology advancements. The MOU was signed by Prof. CHOW Ming-cheung, Larry, Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, and Mr Shixin FAN, Board Director of ChemPartner. Prof. CHOW said, "This partnership exemplifies the need for academia and industry to collaborate closely to achieve success. To achieve complementary advantages, we will focus on the early discovery phase of markers, while ChemPartner will work on the later stages of antibody development." Mr. William Woo, Chairman and CEO of ChemPartner, said, "We hope that through this partnership, we can promote exchanges and collaboration between the two sides in the field of medical technology, share resources, complement each other's strengths, and jointly make greater contributions to human health."

PolyU and Zhongshan jointly establish technology and innovation research institute to advance development of biomedicine

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government (Zhongshan Government) officially signed a cooperation agreement on 30 July to jointly establish the “PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute”. This collaboration marks an important step forward for both parties in promoting the development of biomedicine in the two regions and enhancing industry-academia-research cooperation. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President led a delegation to participate in the 2024 Zhongshan Global Investment Promotion Conference, where the cooperation agreement signing ceremony for the Research Institute was also held. Witnessed by Mr GUO Wenhai, Secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee; Mr XIAO Zhanxin, Deputy Secretary of the Zhongshan Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Zhongshan City; Prof. Gary WONG, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry at PolyU; and Mr Victor ZHAO, Assistant Director of the Research and Innovation Office at PolyU, the agreement was signed by Mr YE Hongguang, Member of the Leading Party Group of the Zhongshan People’s Government and Vice Mayor of Zhongshan City, and Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. Prof. Teng stated, “Our collaboration with the Zhongshan Government to establish this Institute aligns in terms of timing, geographical advantage and our strong working relationship. This is not only an important milestone in the development of our university but also a starting point for jointly promoting innovative technology development with Zhongshan. The establishment of the Institute will inject new momentum into the economic and social development of Zhongshan, as well as responding to President XI Jinping’s call to make good use of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor, promoting the integration of the east and west banks of the Pearl River Estuary, strengthening innovation and technology cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and advancing industry-academia-research transfer to empower new quality productive forces in the region.” The Institute will focus on the field of biomedicine, particularly independent research and development of pharmaceutical products, and is committed to improving community healthcare. The Institute will also closely collaborate with hospitals in Zhongshan, promoting the translation of research outcomes through industry-academia-research cooperation to benefit the public. The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor enhances transportation and the flow of personnel, capital and technology between the two cities, helping Zhongshan better integrate into the overall GBA development. Serving as a hub for innovative technology, the Institute aspires to provide robust technical support for the industrial upgrading and act as a catalyst for the economic development of Zhongshan. This cooperation not only strengthens the connection between PolyU and the Zhongshan Government, but also promotes their joint efforts to seize and embrace the immense opportunities brought about by innovative technology.

PolyU and Nanjing Zhuling signed MoU to establish joint laboratory on industrialised construction

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Nanjing Zhuiling Technology Co., Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 25 July to establish a joint laboratory on industrialised construction. The MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr AnGang Dai, CEO of Nanjing Zhuling Technology. Dr Zhiheng Zhao, Research Assistant Professor of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU and Dr Liu Hengzhi (Class of 2009), COO and Product Director of Nanjing Zhuling Technology will serve as directors of the joint laboratory. The joint laboratory will focus on research areas, including the digitalisation of construction in the industrial metaverse, digital twins, construction robotics, intelligent building systems, as well as advanced automation and AI-driven solutions. By leveraging the respective strengths in research resources, testing environments and application scenarios, the two parties aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of the construction process, and achieve breakthrough results in the digital transformation of the construction industry. This cooperation is of great significance in promoting innovative development in the construction field, injecting new momentum into the industry, and contributing to the generation of new high-quality productive forces for society.

PolyU unveils the PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute and establishes the PolyU Jiangsu Alumni Network

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Gulou District of Nanjing Municipal People’s Government held an unveiling ceremony on 6 July in Nanjing, to mark the official establishment of the PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Research Institute). The Research Institute’s goal is to leverage PolyU’s research resources to promote bilateral exchanges in education, science and technology, and talent between Hong Kong and Nanjing. The aim is to create a top-quality, domestic and international strategic technology innovation platform. This platform will facilitate project implementation, incubation and industrialisation. Ms HAN Liming, Member of the Standing Committee of CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Secretary of CPC Nanjing Committee, has been deeply involved in this collaboration and has had in-depth discussions with Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, regarding the Research Institute’s development. Ms Han Liming (right), Member of the Standing Committee of CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Secretary of CPC Nanjing Committee, has been deeply involved in this collaboration and has had in-depth discussions with Dr Lam Tai-fai (left), Council Chairman of PolyU. The unveiling ceremony, signifying the official establishment of the Research Institute in Nanjing, was witnessed by Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. ZHANG Dan, Director of the PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Mr CHEN Zhichang, Deputy Secretary of CPC Nanjing Committee and Mayor of Nanjing; Mr Xu Guanghui, Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology; Mr WU Wei, Vice Mayor of Nanjing; Mr. HONG Lilai, Secretary-General of Nanjing; and Mr WANG Anwei, Secretary of the Gulou District Committee. In his speech, Dr Lam Tai-fai highlighted that PolyU has nurtured nearly 500,000 alumni over the past 87 years and is currently ranked 57th in the QS World University Rankings. The University will collaborate with enterprises and the government in the Nanjing region to fully leverage the strengths of both Nanjing and Hong Kong, promote technological innovation, and foster the deep integration of government, industry, academia and research, providing strong support for local economic and social development. PolyU hopes the Research Institute will become a globally influential technology innovation incubation base, injecting new momentum into Nanjing’s scientific research development and contributing to the Nation’s technological innovation. Mr Chen Zhichang, Deputy Secretary of the Nanjing Municipal Committee and Mayor, stated in his speech that the establishment of the Research Institute signifies the alignment of PolyU and the Nanjing Municipal People’s Government and their goals in pursuing technological innovation. With complementary research strengths, both parties aim to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results. Adhering to a spirit of innovative thinking, the Research Institute will explore strategic emerging industries and advances in fields such as the next generation of artificial intelligence. Mr Wang Anwei, Secretary of the Gulou District Committee, emphasised in his speech that General Secretary Xi Jinping highlighted at the National Science and Technology Conference and the National Science and Technology Awards Conference that technological innovation is crucial to implementing Chinese-style modernisation. The establishment of the Research Institute will help Jiangsu build new quality productive forces and implement the directions laid out in important speeches of General Secretary Xi Jinping. Gulou District will actively integrate the educational resources, research facilities of local universities, research institutions and enterprises to provide support for the Research Institute and offer various government services and talent services. Representatives of the Research Institute gave presentations focusing on research areas that included artificial intelligence, life and health, green construction and the environment, as well as introducing the Institute’s overall development direction and construction plans to government representatives, and guests from other research institutions and enterprises. The Institute will set up four research centres: “Intelligent Robotics and Mechatronics Research Centre”, “Artificial Intelligence of Things Innovation Research Centre”, “Intelligent Construction Research Centre”, and “Healthy Vision Innovation Research Centre”. These Centres will collaborate deeply with the Gulou District Government, providing cutting-edge technology innovation research and development services to enterprises and research institutions, and thus aiming to transform Nanjing into a world-class smart city and promote technological innovation in these fields. Additionally, to strengthen the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation, promote new industries, new business models, and explore new development opportunities, the Research Institute signed multiple framework agreements with 13 partners, including Nanjing Port Group Co., Ltd, the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, and the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Nanjing University. Following the Research Centre unveiling ceremony and to celebrate the establishment of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Jiangsu Alumni Network, PolyU held an inaugural celebration and dinner. Over 300 guests gathered to share this joyous moment. The establishment of the Jiangsu Alumni Network reinforces the strength of the PolyU mainland alumni network and its aim of promoting mainland alumni activities and enabling the University to participate more actively in national development.  

PolyU and Institute of Advanced Science Facilities, Shenzhen signed a cooperation agreement

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Institute of Advanced Science Facilities, Shenzhen signed the Strategic Collaborative Framework Agreement on 11 July. This marked a solid step forward for both parties in the fields of technological and disruptive innovation. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Prof. HU Shuiming, Deputy General Manager of Engineering Department of the Institute of Advanced Science Facilities of Shenzhen, signed a cooperation agreement on behalf of the respective parties. The ceremony was witnessed by Ms CAI Ying, Guangming District Party Secretary, Ms YANG Li, Head of the United Front Work Department, Mr YAO Gaoke, Deputy District Mayor of Guangming District, Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG stated that by leveraging the facilities of the advanced photon sources in Guangming, it fosters collaborative technological innovation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and also facilitates the transformation of scientific and technological achievements and contribute to making PolyU a globally leading research university. This initiative also aims to inject vitality into the construction of high-level scientific facilities at the PolyU-Shenzhen Industrial Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Research Institute). Prof. HU Shuiming highlighted that as a Comprehensive National Science Center of the Greater Bay Area, the joint partnership of experimental stations will enable ultrafast and ultrafine spatiotemporal resolution research in the fields of information materials, nano/quantum materials, and complex biomolecules. The Research Institute is in the stage of the construction of the free-electron laser facility in Shenzhen, aiming to attract more users to participate in its construction to better serve scientific research and industrial applications at large. The PolyU and the Guangming District of Shenzhen have a solid foundation for cooperation. A framework agreement was signed to jointly establish the Research Institute in August 2023. Successive joint efforts would bring new momentum to technological innovation, integrate their respective strengths and facilities, and foster continuous development of the Greater Bay Area on the global stage. Prof. Jianhua HAO, Director of Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of PolyU, Prof. Benny CHEUNG, Director of State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology of PolyU and many others attended the visit and conference. The delegation visited the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology and the PolyU Design Show.

PolyU and Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital co-host seminar on immunotherapy’s new frontier with a clinical focus

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute (SZRI) and Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital have collaborated to organize a seminar that aims to delve into the new frontier of immunotherapy, with a specific focus on its clinical application. The conference centered around discussions in four areas: precise targeted disease diagnosis and treatment, immune cell regulation for disease treatment, cell metabolism research in immunotherapy, and nanomedicine. Interactive sharing and engaging discussion also took place with the guests.  Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Director of SZRI stated that PolyU was committed to cultivating top-tier talent and conducting both fundamental and applied research, as well as promoting world-class innovation and entrepreneurship. The stem cell engineering and immunotherapy research platform being developed by SZRI would become the twelfth research institute under PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. It would also be the first interdisciplinary research platform established outside of the University's main campus, reflecting PolyU's commitment to integrating local medical research and clinical practice, and accelerating the transfer and application of research results.

PolyU and Shihezi University signed MoU for technology collaboration and Student Exchange Programme Agreement

Prof. MA Chunhui, Deputy Secretary of Party Committee of Shihezi University, led a delegation to visit The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 21 June to strengthen exchange and research collaboration between the two universities. PolyU and Shihezi University signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for technology collaboration and the agreement on student exchange. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Prof. MAsigned the MoU on research cooperation and a Student Exchange Program Agreement on behalf of their universities. Future collaborative areas include optometric technology and electrical and mechanical engineering. The collaboration aims to promote the development of ophthalmology and electromechanical engineering, as well as academic exchange. The visit and academic exchange brought an in-depth discussion on the latest technological development. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, met with the delegation, exchanged souvenirs and took group photos. During the meeting, Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU and Prof. MA introduced their universities' research development and directions. They acknowledged the greater potential for collaboration between the two institutions.Prof. DONG emphasized the collaborative efforts would contribute to the development of western areas in China and the Belt and Road Initiative through the partnership with Shihezi University. The delegation toured Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) in the Hong Kong Science Park and the Industrial Centre in PolyU. CEVR is a partnership between PolyU and the University of Waterloo, operating under the Health@InnoHK cluster. They also visited the Material Resource Centre and PolyU Design Show 2024, one of the highlights in the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the School of Design.During the visits, both parties exchanged insights and ideas on innovative development and support for student entrepreneurship. The signed MoU and agreement will further enhance cooperation between the two universities, and provide a favorable platform for academic exchange. Both universities will build close partnerships and strengthen research capabilities in relevant fields, fostering research achievements. Shihezi University was formerly Shihezi Medical College. In 1996, Shihezi Medical College, Shihezi Agricultural College, Xinjiang Economic College and Xinjiang Normal College were merged to form Shihezi University. Shihezi University actively strengthens scientific research and promotes the integration of industry, academia and research.