Dear Students
Welcome to the 2025/26 academic year at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)! Whether you are a new or returning student, I hope that you had an enjoyable summer and are ready to embark on an exciting year of learning, growth and discovery at PolyU. Guided by our motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”, we are committed to providing you with the values, knowledge and skills you need to excel academically, professionally, and personally, enabling you to pursue your aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.
Our New Strategic Plan: A Roadmap for PolyU’s Future
This academic year holds special significance since we recently launched our new Strategic Plan for 2025/26 to 2030/31, themed “Unite to Meet Challenges, Innovate to Benefit Society”, which will steer PolyU’s development in the years to come. At its heart is our vision for PolyU to be an innovative world-class university that pursues excellence in education, research, and knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. For our students, this means empowering you to become leaders and drivers of innovation. I encourage you to read our Strategic Plan and learn more by clicking here.
Readiness for an AI-Driven World
To help you become leaders and drivers of innovation, we are dedicated to equipping you with the capabilities to effectively navigate a world being profoundly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. We were probably the first university in the world to introduce compulsory AI education for all undergraduates back in September 2022 — well before generative AI tools like ChatGPT or DeepSeek became widespread and popular.
We have recently taken further steps to strengthen our leadership in AI. To address the growing demand for talent and expertise in the age of AI, the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS) was established in January. Building on this momentum, we set up the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) in July, which will propel PolyU to the forefront of AI research and applications, while elevating Hong Kong as a global centre for generative AI development.
Transforming Language Education
PolyU is also charting a bold new course in language education, reaffirming our dedication to providing you with the language and communication skills you need to thrive in a globalised world. We established the Language Education Institute (LEI) in July, which leverages AI and immersive technologies to lead the transformation of language education among university students. We have also formed a Language Education and Reform Committee, which brings together the expertise of LEI and other key stakeholders to elevate language and communication excellence at PolyU.
An Evolving Curriculum to Meet Societal Needs
PolyU continually evolves its educational structure to better support student growth and cater to the demands of industry and society. Building on the success of our department-based admissions, we have adopted Faculty-based admissions from this academic year, providing students with more flexible progression pathways to follow their interests and respond to a rapidly changing world. We have also introduced new programmes, such as the Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies, to address emerging societal needs.
Our forward-looking curriculum structure and innovative approach to education are delivering positive results, attracting top talent to study at PolyU. Our best 5 average HKDSE score has risen from 23.1 in 2019/20 to a record high of 25 in 2025/26, making PolyU virtually on par with the third-placed institution in Hong Kong.
A Research Powerhouse with Real-World Impact
Beyond education, PolyU has been surging ahead in research and innovation, with remarkable growth over the past few years. For example, the total externally won research funding for PolyU was slightly below $500 million in 2019/20, but this figure exceeded $1.4 billion in 2024/25.
The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), which conducts pioneering research in key areas of socioeconomic importance to meet pressing global challenges, now comprises 19 research institutes and centres, making it the largest research platform of its kind in the Greater Bay Area. The University also continues to build a network of translational research institutes focused on technology and innovation in cities across the Mainland, which aim to conduct high-impact research and development work to address local industrial and societal needs.
Together, these achievements have strengthened PolyU’s position as a world-class research powerhouse with real-world impact.
PolyU’s Contributions Recognised
I am proud to share that our unwavering commitment to educational and research excellence has been recognised at the national level. Last month, we were honoured to welcome a high-profile delegation led by Mr HUAI Jinpeng, Minister of Education, to our campus. Mr Huai commended PolyU’s educational philosophy of nurturing young students with a strong sense of national pride, competence, and responsibility. He also praised PolyU for developing solutions that address global challenges. His remarks serve as a strong affirmation of our efforts and inspire us to reach even greater heights of excellence for the benefit of society.
Make the Most of Your PolyU Journey
In closing, as you embark on this new academic year, I encourage you to seize every opportunity PolyU offers to foster your whole-person development. Engage deeply with your studies, enjoy extracurricular activities, collaborate with your peers from diverse backgrounds, seek out non-local learning opportunities to broaden your horizons, and take part in our pioneering research and innovation initiatives. I look forward to seeing the energy, creativity, and impact you will all bring to our campus and beyond.
Sincerely
Jin-Guang Teng
President
