News

Prof. WONG Ka-hing named Lifetime Fellow of International Association of Advanced Materials

Congratulations to Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), on being named a Lifetime Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM). This prestigious honour recognises Prof. Wong’s outstanding academic achievements and visionary leadership in advancing interdisciplinary innovation.  Under his leadership, RiFood has successfully translated multiple cutting-edge research findings in food and materials science into impactful real-world applications, and has played an active role in promoting sustainability and social responsibility across the industry. Looking ahead, RiFood will continue to advance future food development through innovation, creating lasting and positive societal impact through promoting human health and environmental sustainability.

Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung: Dynamic capabilities and digital collaboration as key to supply chain competitiveness

Amid growing uncertainty in global supply chains, firms that continue to rely solely on internal resources and established operating models are finding it increasing difficult to maintain a long-term competitive edge.  A study by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) finds that, in the face of multiple challenges, including geopolitical risks, cost volatility and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, businesses must strengthen the dynamic capabilities of their supply chains, deepen value co-creation mechanisms, and embrace digital transformation to effectively enhance supply chain resilience and overall competitiveness. The study was led by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics.  The research identifies three core dimensions of supply chain dynamic capability.  The first is sensing capability, that is, a firm’s ability to identify external risks and potential opportunities at an early stage.  The second is adaptive capability, i.e., the ability to respond swiftly and make effective decisions during crises or sudden changes in the operating environment.  The third is reconfiguring capability, which refers to the capacity to flexibly adjust supply chain resource allocation and operating models in response to shifts in both internal and external environments. The study further highlights that dynamic capabilities do not necessarily lead to innovation performance or competitive advantage.  Their impacts must be realised through the process of value co-creation. Specifically, firms need to build closer collaborative relationships with suppliers, customers and logistics partners.  Through joint product design, process optimisation and information sharing, capabilities at the individual firm level can be extended across the wider supply chain network, thereby fostering knowledge integration, resource coordination and innovative outcomes. The study also finds that digital transformation plays a significant reinforcing role in this process.  The higher a firm’s level of digitalisation, the greater its efficiency in information flows, cross-organisational coordination and supply chain transparency.  This, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of value co-creation and further amplifies the positive impact of dynamic capabilities on innovation and performance.  In other words, digital technology is not merely a tool for improving operational efficiency, but also a critical enabler of collaborative innovation and strategic transformation across supply chains. The study emphasises that future market competition will no longer be confined to rivalry between individual firms, but will instead centre more on multi-faceted competitions between supply chain ecosystems in terms of collaborative capability, resilience and innovation performance.  Firms that can effectively integrate dynamic capabilities, value co-creation and digital transformation will therefore be better placed to build sustained competitive advantage in a highly uncertain external environment and to strengthen their leadership within the wider industrial ecosystem.   Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4vpkmpl

Research finds strabismus common among students in Hong Kong special education schools, urging more robust ophthalmic referral and support mechanisms

Prof. Jeffrey LEUNG Tsz-wing, Member of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV) and Assistant Professor of the School of Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, together with his research team, conducted a cross-sectional study in three special education schools.  The study provided vision screening for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and assessed their ocular alignment, visual acuity and stereopsis. The study was conducted using a questionnaire survey, which collected data on the students’ eye-care history, carers’ awareness of vision problems, and their access to financial support for ophthalmic care services.  The findings showed that strabismus is fairly common among students in Hong Kong special education settings, while carers’ limited awareness of strabismus has become a major barrier preventing students from receiving the ophthalmic care they need. The findings highlight the urgent need for public health reform.  Prof. Leung noted that, in the long term, it is necessary to establish an integrated closed-loop referral system and strengthen cross-sector collaboration to improve coordination between schools and ophthalmic healthcare providers, so as to ensure that this vulnerable group can receive timely, equitable and appropriate ophthalmic care services. The findings were published in Optometry and Vision Science under the title of “Ocular misalignment and unmet eye care needs among students with special education needs in Hong Kong”.   Read the full paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ovs2.70026

PolyU announces “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year”, showcasing impactful research driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to spearheading world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. To recognise outstanding achievements with far-reaching impact locally and globally, PolyU has launched the inaugural “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year” selection and voting campaign. From 20 remarkable research and technology translation stories announced in 2025, more than 7,700 members of the public and the PolyU community cast their votes. Combined with the scores of a professional judging panel, ten stories were selected as the final awardees. Among them, seven are led by PAIR members: Principal Investigator Research Topic Research Focus Prof. WANG Zuankai Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Member of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF) Innovation for self-stimulated ejection of freezing droplets unlocks cost-effective applications in de-icing The research team has invented a self-powered mechanism for ejecting freezing droplets, enabling droplets to shoot themselves away. This innovation could catalyse the development of self-powered methods for a variety of purposes, including de-icing, energy harvesting, and soft robotic applications. Prof. CHEN Jianli Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Member of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) Utilising satellite positioning data to track Greenland’s ice sheet melt behaviour and assess its impact on sea-level rise The global research team has integrated various modern space geodetic techniques, particularly satellite positioning data, to monitor the subsidence of vertical bedrock and quantify summer water storage in the Greenland ice sheet. This achievement offers new insights into ice sheets’ role in sea-level rise. Prof. QIU Anqi Associate Dean of Graduate School, Director of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Global STEM Scholar Sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing The team has unveiled research to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and cognitive health in adults. It highlights the dynamic relationship between obesity progression and brain-cognitive health. Prof. CHEN Changwen Interim Dean of Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Chair Professor of Visual Computing of Department of Computing, Management Committee Member of PAIR, Member of SCRI Novel multi-modal agent facilitates long video understanding by AI, accelerating the development of generative AI-assisted video analysis While AI technology is evolving rapidly, AI models still struggle with understanding long videos. The team has developed a novel video-language agent, VideoMind, that enables AI models to perform long video reasoning and question-answering tasks by emulating humans’ way of thinking. Prof. KO Ben Chi-bun Associate Professor of Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) Discovery of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine’s target and mechanism opens new avenues for treating viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease The research team has discovered that tetrandrine works by blocking the transport of sphingosine – a lipid molecule essential for cellular signalling – and inhibiting calcium channels. Their research has revealed the critical mechanism of tetrandrine for the first time, opening new avenues for drug discovery and disease treatment. Prof. LI Gang Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Renewable Energy, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Associate Director of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Management Committee Member of Photonics Research Institute (PRI), Member of RI-IWEAR and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) Prof. YANG Guang Assistant Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Member of RIAM, PRI and RISE Driving the commercialisation of energy-efficient solar cell technology towards a 40% efficiency milestone Third-generation solar cell technology is advancing rapidly. The research team has reported a breakthrough in their review of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, addressing challenges in efficiency, stability and scalability. Their study aims to raise the energy conversion efficiency from the current maximum of about 34% to 40%. Prof. LIU Aiqun Director of Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT), Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Global STEM Scholar PolyU successfully completes Hong Kong's first chip-based quantum network and test The research team has successfully developed a quantum communication chip to establish Hong Kong’s first quantum communication network. The team has achieved a breakthrough by successfully conducting a cybersecurity test on the world’s longest optical fibre quantum network, built utilising a quantum chip platform. Press release: https://polyu.me/4s8plYJ   Online coverage (Chinese only): Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/414Ttcw Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4dmCKbP Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4m1vfcL Mirage - https://polyu.me/4tiNeh2 The Standard - https://polyu.me/47AIV8y (English) Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4c27PiE (subscription required) Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4me6BWj People.cn - https://polyu.me/4v934Na NetEase - https://polyu.me/4srqNFT Guangzhou Daily - https://polyu.me/4sOGLe3 Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3Q9CGCE

Prof. QIU Anqi inducted into 2026 Class of AIMBE College of Fellows

Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), Associate Dean of Graduate School, Professor in the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar, has been named by the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) to its 2026 Class of College of Fellows. Election to the AIMBE College of Fellows is among the highest professional distinctions in the field of medical and biological engineering.  The College of Fellows comprises the top 2% of leaders, engineers, and innovators in the field.  AIMBE Fellows include Nobel Prize laureates, members of prestigious national academies, and winners of national awards in science and/or technology and innovation. Prof. Qiu was elected to the College of Fellows for her outstanding contributions to computational analyses of clinical phenotypes, neuroimage, and genetics to understand the origin of mental illnesses. She was one of only18 international scholars outside the United States elected to the AIBME college of Fellows this year, reflecting a distinguished career of cross-border academic excellence.

Prevention is better than cure: Prof. Eugene B. CHANG reexamines “health” through the lens of microbiome ecology

On 30 March 2026, Prof. Eugene B. CHANG, Martin Boyer Distinguished Professor at the University of Chicago (UChicago), delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture, titled “Microbiome Medicine: Understanding Health and Disease through the Lens of Ecological and Evolutionary Principles” at the PolyU campus. The seminar drew nearly 100 researchers, clinicians and students joining onsite, and over 15,400 online viewers across various social media platforms to learn about the burgeoning field of the “gut microbial organ”. At the seminar, Prof. Chang introduced the concept of “proactive health”, echoing Benjamin Franklin’s famous adage: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. He affirmed that the future of medicine lies in the shift from “reactive treatments” to “preventive healthcare”, and that maintaining the ecological balance of the human microbiome is the key to achieving this transformation. Prof. Chang described the gut microbiome as a vital organ that provides essential functions―uniquely “acquired” after birth and “modifiable” throughout life. He explained that when this ecosystem experiences perturbations or “dysbiosis”, it can trigger a vast array of disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndromes, and even neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He emphasised that to truly restore health, clinicians must adopt an ecological perspective and focus on “ecological succession”, the process by which microbial communities grow, evolve and stabilise over time. Another key highlight of the presentation was Prof. Chang’s discussion of the “seed and soil” principle. He explained that for microbiome-based interventions to be effective, both the “seed” (the microbial strain) and the “soil” (the host’s gut environment) must be taken into account. He noted that many current probiotics fail to engraft because the supplemented microbes lack evolutionary compatibility with the host. To solve this, he presented cutting-edge research on using mass spectrometry for functional profiling and demonstrated how Large Science Models and AI technologies help identify infants at risk of ASD, allowing for early intervention before symptoms emerge. In his concluding remarks, Prof. Chang reaffirmed his strong belief in the value of prevention, highlighting that “microbiome medicine” should evolve into a medical specialty dedicated to maintaining long-term health rather than just treating disease. He underscored the need for precision tools, such as biomarkers and AI-driven predictive platforms, to identify and correct microbial imbalances at an early stage. By understanding the ecological and evolutionary principles governing the gut, he affirmed that medicine could advance toward more effective, evidence-based preventive strategies to support lifelong health. The seminar concluded with a lively Q&A session moderated by Prof. CHIOU Jiachi, Amber, Associate Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Associate Director of RiFood. The discussion explored how microbiome medicine is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of both traditional and preventive healthcare. Key topics included the effectiveness of gut microbiome interventions in combating antibiotic resistance and enhancing immunity in immunosuppressed patients, as well as the specific applications of this research in treating Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, Prof. Chang shared his views on precision diagnostics for the gut-brain axis, specifically whether clinical decision-making should prioritise static microbial signatures, or dynamic response phenotypes following dietary or antibiotic perturbations. Please click here for an online review.

PAIR researcher steps into university leadership: Prof. ZHENG Zijian assumed the new Vice President (Knowledge Transfer)

Congratulations to Prof. ZHENG Zijian for being promoted to Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) (VP(KT)) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) with effect from 1 April 2026.  Prof. Zheng is currently the Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices and Associate Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), where he leads cutting-edge research projects in areas such as chronic biocompatible materials for soft electronic sensing, flexible and stretchable batteries for wearable applications, and permeable and multi-functional stretchable electronics.  As an internationally renowned scholar in manufacturing technology and materials science, Prof. Zheng has made significant contributions to PolyU’s interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer during his service at PAIR and RI-IWEAR.  He has demonstrated sustained excellence in translational research, fostered strategic partnerships with leading industrial enterprises, and secured substantial funding for knowledge transfer initiatives.  As VP (KT), Prof. Zheng will steer the planning and implementation of the University’s strategic agenda in knowledge transfer, technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship and engagement with the Chinese Mainland for knowledge translation.  He will oversee the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation, the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, as well as the Mainland Research Units. Prof. Zheng received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Cambridge and his Bachelor of Polymer Materials and Engineering degree from Tsinghua University.  He is a Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a Founding Member of The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, and a Founding Young Fellow of The Hong Kong Academy of Engineering.

New milestone in smart hospitality: PolyU partners with Yunji Technology and Blue Pin on service-robot innovation to advance smart hotel ecosystem

The Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with Yunji Technology and Blue Pin, signed a strategic cooperation memorandum on 27 March 2026, under which the three parties will jointly develop a smart hotel ecosystem for service robots that integrates academic research, hardware technology and data capabilities. Leveraging deep collaboration across industry, academia and research, the partnership aims to accelerate the expansion of China’s smart hotel solutions into global markets. Drawing on its strong industry insight and solid theoretical foundations, PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management will set the research agenda for digital transformation in tourism and, through rigorous academic research frameworks, ensure that related solutions are supported by measurable scientific evidence. Yunji Technology’s service robots are already deployed in more than 40 countries and over 40,000 hotels worldwide, providing hardware implementation and real-world application scenarios globally, and taking the lead in integrating service-robot scheduling and process automation. As the “intelligent hub”, AI data company Blue Pin will focus on the continuous learning and analysis of guest services and behavioural patterns, collecting and applying user behavioural data to enable service prediction and personalisation. Its proprietary AI platform “Jahvis” provides hotels with accurate guest profiling and decision-support capabilities. The three parties will form a joint R&D team centred on the concept of “predictive services” and plan to launch the first batch of pilot projects in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area in the third quarter of 2026. They aim to achieve quantifiable targets of a 100% improvement in guest satisfaction and a 200% increase in operational efficiency, before gradually expanding to Southeast Asia and eventually global markets.   Online coverage: TVB - https://polyu.me/4s3p5df; https://polyu.me/4c9lfdT Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4152vpN; https://polyu.me/4dfL2SY; https://polyu.me/4lVBnmw; https://polyu.me/4sxJVmh 泡財經 - https://polyu.me/4bQRBsu Chinese Press - https://polyu.me/3NHw6Tb

PolyU study: EV charge point operators upgrading service quality and facilities are key to EV adoption and green transition

A study by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has found that digital word-of-mouth about charging stations, together with actual charging experiences, has become a key yet largely invisible driver of electric vehicle (EV) registration rates, and its influence is far beyond what the public and policymakers recognise.  The study highlights how operators and property managers of EV charging stations exercise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities and contribute to emissions reduction and green transition through enhanced charging experiences and overall service that goes beyond basic power provision. The research, led by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics, analysed more than 246,000 online reviews of charging stations across the United States between 2019 and 2023.  The findings show that EV adoption is not determined solely by government subsidies or the number of charging facilities.  Actual user experience at charging stations, together with online reviews, has become an important force of local EV registration rates and the diffusion of EVs into neighbouring areas, and is a factor frequently overlooked in environmental policy design. In the case where charging experiences are poor, even a continued increase in the number of charging facilities in a given area may be undermined by the large volumes of negative online reviews.  This weakens residents’ willingness to switch to EVs and indirectly slows progress on emission reduction and the green transition. At the societal level, consumers are increasingly relying on user comments on mobile apps and social media platforms to assess the safety, convenience and day-to-day practicality of charging facilities.  Fine details such as the long-term occupancy of parking spaces by non-EVs, poor on-site conditions, inadequate lighting or potential security risks often shape the public’s perception of and willingness to purchase EVs, more directly than official statistics. At the corporate governance level, charging station operators and property managers must regard charging as an integrated service product rather than simply power supply.  Other service elements include clear and easy-to-understand user instructions, fair and transparent pricing structures, reliable and timely maintenance and support, and appropriate locations and supporting amenities.  At the same time, companies should establish systematic mechanisms for monitoring and responding to online word-of-mouth, treat positive reviews as an important intangible asset, and enhance brand image through responsible operations and information disclosure, thereby raising governance standards and promoting sustainable development across the entire sector.   Online coverage: Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4m1greg

Workplace stress in hospitality: PolyU study highlights key challenges and solutions

Workplace stress remains a significant concern for the global hospitality sector, with hotel employees facing unique pressures arising from constant guest interaction, emotional labour and operational demands.  Research led by Prof. Antony WONG, Member of the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism and Assistant Professor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, offers fresh insights into how these stressors impact hotel staff mental health and what organisations can do in response. Surveying 756 employees across 45 luxury hotels in China, the study identified poor leadership, job insecurity and pressure to respond rapidly to digital communication as the most damaging stressors.  Interestingly, traditional challenges such as job responsibility and complexity were associated with better mental health outcomes, suggesting that when staff perceive these demands as opportunities, they feel more in control and fulfilled. Teamwork was also found to enhance well-being, while junior and senior staff, as well as front- and back-of-house teams, experienced stress differently.  The research team recommends targeted management strategies, improved leadership training and clearer boundaries for digital communication to support staff well-being. The study concludes that an employee-centred approach is essential for improving engagement, retention and the long-term resilience of hospitality organisations.   Online coverage: Travel Daily News - https://polyu.me/4sAH2RJ Hotel Online - https://polyu.me/4c48IIM Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals - https://polyu.me/4tmRcoO HITEC - https://polyu.me/4vfhgnV Travel News Hub - https://polyu.me/3PIkhwJ Travel & Tourism Foundation - https://polyu.me/4sYT1IX Travel index - https://polyu.me/47GZJL3 Top 25 World - https://polyu.me/4e5NcVk Hotel Talks - https://polyu.me/4dr8e0u Visit Bali - https://polyu.me/4dkUQLn