News

Three PAIR members receive Smart Traffic Fund totalling HK$10 million

Congratulations to three PAIR members for securing over HK$10 million funding in total from the Smart Traffic Fund. The three awarded projects are as follows: Automated Monitoring Traffic Data System for Detector Status and Non-recurrent Events – led by Prof. Edward CHUNG Chin-shin, Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Driving and Speed Guidance System for Heavy Goods Vehicles – led by Prof. HUANG Hailong, Member of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), Member of SCRI and Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Smart Route Planning System – led by Dr YU Yue, Research Personnel of SCRI, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics The Smart Traffic Fund was established by the HKSAR Government to provide funding support for projects in the research and application of innovation and technology aimed at enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety.

Two PolyU education research projects awarded under Theme-based Exercise of Public Policy Research Funding Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to leveraging its outstanding research capacity to make a profound impact on the development of education in society. PolyU has secured support for two projects through the Theme-based Exercise specially launched under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) 2025/26 of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU). A total of eight projects received funding under the scheme focusing on education-related policies. Among all applicant institutions, PolyU ranked first in both the number of funded projects and the awarded amount. The two projects, led by scholars from the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), have collectively received approximately HK$1.6 million. They are recognised as being aligned with the future strategic positioning and development needs of Hong Kong. The two PolyU projects are (by project number): Principal Investigator Prof. YU Lu Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU Co-Investigators Prof GU Mingyue (Professor and Dean of Graduate School, EdUHK) Dr WU Ka-yu Florence (Section Head (Counselling and Wellness), Student Affairs Office, PolyU) Prof. HE Jingwei (Associate Professor, Division of Public Policy, HKUST) Prof. Ronnel Bornasal KING (Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, CUHK) Prof. LIN Li (Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, LU) Prof. PAN Jiayan (Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, BU) Prof. YE Shengquan (Associate Professor, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, CUHK) Prof. ZENG Min (Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, HKU) Project Title Enhancing Adaptation, Integration, and Career Development of Non-local University Students in Hong Kong Funded Amount HK$905,993.00 Duration 12 months   Principal Investigator Prof. CHEN Xiaohua Sylvia Associate Dean Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU Co-investigators Prof. NG Chi Kit Jacky (Assistant Professor, APSS, PolyU) Dr AU Kit Yee Algae (Research Assistant Professor, APSS, PolyU) Dr LU Yiqing Erin (Senior Research Fellow, APSS, PolyU) Dr WU Ka-yu Florence (Section Head (Counselling and Wellness), Student Affairs Office, PolyU) Project Title Enhancing Cultural Integration for Non-local Students in Hong Kong: A Multicultural Acquisition Approach to Policy Development Funded Amount HK$694,257.55 Duration 12 months The PPRFS aims to encourage local think tank experts and scholars (including universities and civil society think tanks) to apply their expertise to conduct evidence-based research on key public policy issues, facilitate the knowledge transfer of research findings to policy considerations, and serve as a channel for the Government to tap into the public policy research expertise of society.

PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech establish joint laboratory for innovative soy research and functional food development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Soy-Sky FarmTech Company Limited (Soy-Sky FarmTech) have announced the establishment of the PolyU-Soy-Sky FarmTech Joint Laboratory for Innovative Soy Research and Functional Food Development (the Laboratory).  The Laboratory is dedicated to advancing research on soy-based functional foods and promoting the translation of sustainable agricultural technologies. The donation ceremony for the Joint Laboratory was held on 10 July on the PolyU campus, where Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Mr Kenneth TING, Chairman of Soy-Sky FarmTech, exchanged commemorative souvenirs.  Other distinguished guests in attendance included Ms Clara CHAN, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), members of PolyU senior management and scholars, Soy-Sky FarmTech senior management, shareholders and industry partners. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the Laboratory will conduct innovative research on soybeans and food development, support the industry in developing novel soy-based functional foods and related sustainability, and foster a “Healthy Eating and Sustainable Living” culture.  PolyU and Soy-Sky FarmTech aim to jointly advance the Nation’s agricultural and food technology sectors, extend research achievements to Belt and Road countries, and work together to build a healthier and greener future. Press release: https://polyu.me/44yUqw3 Online coverage: Mirage News – https://polyu.me/3UhF3C8 Hong Kong Commercial Daily – https://polyu.me/4nWDgAk (Chinese only) MeetHK – https://polyu.me/4542ULQ (Chinese only)

PolyU research projects win funding support from RAISe+ Scheme

The Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government has recently announced the second batch of projects selected for funding under the Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme. Among the four successful projects from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), three are led by PAIR members. Inaugurated in 2023, the RAISe+ Scheme aims to provide funding, on a matching basis, for at least 100 research teams from universities funded by the University Grants Committee which demonstrate strong potential to evolve into successful startups. Each approved project will receive funding support ranging from HK$10 million to HK$100 million. Project Title Project Leader Project Description High-Speed 3D Stacked AI Vision Sensors Prof. CHAI Yang Associate Dean of Faculty of Science; Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics in Department of Applied Physics; Director of Joint Research Centre for Microelectronics; Management Committee Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR); and Member of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), Photonics Research Institute (PRI), and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) This project focuses on the development and commercialisation of an advanced AI vision sensor with high-speed operation, high dynamic range, and ultra-low power consumption. The sensor overcomes key limitations of conventional image sensors, particularly motion blur in high-speed scenarios. Key applications of the AI vision sensor include security surveillance systems, autonomous navigation, and motion analysis in extended reality devices and smartphones.   The sensor achieves high-speed, high-dynamic-range, and low-power imaging through the integration of conventional image sensors with dedicated visual information processing chips. Novel Nutraceuticals for Neurodegenerative Diseases Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation; Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences in Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Director of PolyU–BGI Joint Research Centre for Genomics and Synthetic Biology in Global Ocean Resources (RCOcean); Management Committee Member of Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI); and Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) This project develops novel nutraceuticals and drugs derived from natural resources for treating neurodegenerative diseases. It establishes the LifeChip technology platform, combining next-generation DNA sequencing, AI-driven discovery, advanced chemical separation, high-throughput in vivo screening, and synthetic biology. Focusing on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as neurological disorders including insomnia, depression, and anxiety, this integrated approach delivers a comprehensive solution for both prevention and treatment using innovative nutraceuticals with unique mechanisms of action. For instance, the development candidate Oxyphylla® is a first-in-class drug targeting α-synuclein, an emerging therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease. Oxyphylla® is anticipated to become a disease-modifying therapy, offering a breakthrough in neurological health. Tunable Laser Chip Based on Metasurface Structure and its Application Prof. YU Changyuan Director of PolyU–Jingjang Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Management Committee Member of PRI; and Member of RI-IWEAR, Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE)   This project pioneers a novel broadband tunable laser chip that, for the first time, integrates both a metasurface reflector and phase-change materials within a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser. This enables an ultra-high quality factor resonant cavity and dynamic continuous tuning of the output wavelength over an exceptionally wide bandwidth (40nm).   Compared to traditional laser structures, the chip not only features a more compact design but also achieves the same kHz-level tuning speed as leading international competitors. With the cost just one-twentieth that of existing market solutions, the chip is expected to achieve widespread adoption in battery monitoring systems, industrial production processes, autonomous driving technologies and high-speed optical communication modules. Press release: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/media/media-releases/2025/0620_polyu-research-projects-win-funding-support-from-raise-scheme/ Online coverage: Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/3FZoEPp Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/45va2Sk Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/44jUdfY Line Today - https://polyu.me/43OTu6y CCTV - https://polyu.me/4ehx1T9 Wuxi Daily - https://polyu.me/3Gat71H Science Net - https://polyu.me/43ULCjN The Paper - https://polyu.me/4klyyJr CHNM - https://polyu.me/3ZGc6D8 Sina - https://polyu.me/4ecyiL4 Guangzhou Daily - https://polyu.me/43Xn35V CMG The Greater Bay Area - https://polyu.me/3TQ4muV

MHRC receives donation from Bright Future Charitable Foundation to develop mobile app for enhancing adolescent mental health

Prof. Hector TSANG, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences and Co-Founder of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) of PolyU, has received a generous donation from the Bright Future Charitable Foundation for the project “E-Breathing to Reduce Psychological Distress in Adolescents”. The two-year project aims to develop a mobile-based intervention for the early detection of Hong Kong adolescents at risk of psychological distress. The app “E-Breathing” uses Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to capture the psychological symptoms and support needs of adolescents and prompts users to engage in slow-paced breathing exercises when they score high on negative affect. The study will conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 148 participants and evaluate the app’s effectiveness in improving users’ mood.

RILS study revealing Malacca heritage with cutting-edge geospatial technologies

A project named “Antiquity and Heritage Lost, Found and Revealed: Promotion of 21st Century Geo-spatial Technologies” led by Prof. Wallace LAI Wai-lok, Member of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, has been granted HK$3.22 million from the General Support Programme under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF-GSP) of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government. This two-year project, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Baptist University and local amateur war historians, aims to uncover and document the city’s concealed historical sites using advanced geospatial technologies. By employing techniques such as geo-referencing, airborne and terrestrial laser scanning, and geophysical technologies, the team is capturing detailed images of buried wartime relics and antiquities, bringing these lost historical relics back to light. To foster community involvement in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education, the team will organise public programmes such as guided visits to cultural and wartime heritage sites, STEAM-focused seminars, interactive workshops, and immersive exhibitions. The team has collaborated with wide stakeholders including government bodies, universities and industry partners, science magazines, non-government organisations and local village community to enhance public engagement and advance the application of geospatial innovations in uncovering Hong Kong’s hidden historical stories. In May 2025, the team expanded the study scope to Malacca, Malaysia, where they conducted 3D scanning and mapping of historic structures, including the Porta de Santiago and St. Paul’s Church. By integrating digitised historical maps with modern scanning technologies, the team identified remnants of long-buried colonial fortifications. Further expeditions to other regions in Malaysia and Indonesia are planned.   Press release: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/tc/media/media-releases/2025/0604_polyu-study-uncovering-hong-kong-s-hidden-history-with-cutting-edge-geospatial-technologies/ Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4mNd5LL Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4ktud7O Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4ksFCEP hkong.hk- https://polyu.me/4kR8y9a Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/45eqdTL (subscription required) Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/43Jt84w

MHRC Member awarded HMRF grant to evaluate mobile app for early detection and intervention for postpartum depression

Prof. Jessie LIN, Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has been awarded a grant of about HK$500K from the Health and Medical Research Fund of the Health Bureau, HKSAR, for the project “Enhancing clinical care for postpartum depression using ecological momentary assessment and intervention: a feasibility randomized controlled trial with “MotherCare” mobile app”. Designed by the PolyU research team, the app provides personalised, real-time and mindfulness-based ecological momentary interventions (EMI) for postpartum women with depression according to their emotional states. The evaluative study includes a three-month randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving 40 participants, assessing the mobile app’s usability and acceptability, as well as participants’ adherence to the intervention and their improvements in mood and emotional regulation. The research has significant clinical implications for the early detection and management of postpartum depression in Hong Kong and beyond.

Nine PolyU projects awarded Environment and Conservation Fund

Nine projects led by scholars at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been supported by the Environment and Conservation Fund, with a total grant of approximately HK$6.99 million. The awarded projects aim to advance environmental protection and conservation efforts through cutting-edge technologies and innovative research. They cover various pressing environmental issues, including carbon reduction, noise problem, ozone formation, sea water treatment and more. The Environment and Conservation Fund provides funding support for educational initiatives, community waste reduction and recovery, research, technology demonstration, and other projects related to environmental and conservation matters. The awarded project must help enhance the overall environmental quality of Hong Kong, raise environmental awareness of the local community, and promote public participation in green and low-carbon living. Projects led by PAIR members: Principal Investigator PAIR Research Unit Project Title Awarded Amount Prof. DU Liangfen, Assistant Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD); A Novel Acoustic Metagrating Barrier for Traffic Noise Reduction HK$760,592 Prof. WANG Tao, Chair Professor of Atmospheric Environment of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD)   Investigating Atmospheric Oxidation Capacity of Hong Kong: Measurement and Modelling of Hydroxyl Radicals, Hydroperoxyl Radicals, and Hydroxyl Radicals Reactivity HK$1,469,500 Prof. CHOY Yat-sze, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD)   Sonic Metagrating Barrier for Broadband Sound Absorption and Wave Manipulation HK$472,000 Prof. Randolph LEUNG Chi Kin, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM) and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD)   Integrating Close-Proximity Sound Power Measurement and Numerical Propagator Technologies for Realistic Prediction and Assessment of Tyre/Road Noise Nuisance in Hong Kong Urban Environment HK$1,060,140 Prof. TSANG Yuen-hong, Professor of the Department of Applied Physics Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Photonics Research Institute (PRI) and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) Designing a Prototype for Simultaneous Solar Desalination and Hydrogen Production HK$500,000   Further reading: https://polyu.hk/krYMP  

Prof. MA Wei receives Smart Traffic Fund to develop AI-enabled parking garage vacancy prediction service

Prof. MA Wei, Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), Assistant Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU, has been awarded a funding of about HK$2.9 million from the Smart Traffic Fund for a period of 18 months, for his project titled “Parking Garage Vacancy Prediction Services in Hong Kong: AI-enabled Solutions for Enhanced Reliability and Extensibility”. This project aims to develop a deep learning-based parking garage vacancy prediction service for off street carparks in Hong Kong. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology and combining big data with real time data, the service will predict parking vacancy and estimate queuing times for fully occupied garages, helping to reduce motorists’ cruising time and enhance road efficiency. Read more: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/rio/news/2025/20250127---smart-traffic-fund/

Ir Prof. ZHENG Pai receives Smart Traffic Fund to develop smart driving assistant

Congratulations to Ir Prof. ZHENG Pai, Member of the Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Wong Tit Shing Young Scholar in Smart Robotics and Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and his team, on receiving over HK$5 million in funding from the Smart Traffic Fund under the Transport Department of the HKSAR Government for the two-year project titled “Develop a Vision-Language Model-based Smart Driving Assistant for Enhancing Safety and Convenience of Motorists”. The project aims to develop a smart driving assistant for vehicle cockpits leveraging vision-language models, which can analyse the environment in real time and drivers’ needs to offer appropriate interactive strategy for improving driver safety and convenience. This innovative approach promises to unlock new possibilities for enhancing driver-assistance technologies, reinforcing advancements in road safety and intelligent transport solutions.