News

Ir Prof. YUNG Kai-leung shares PolyU’s contributions to Nation’s space missions on Now TV

PolyU Research Awards Coverage Ir Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of Research Centre of Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was featured on Now TV’s programme “The Now Dialogue”, where he introduced PolyU’s contributions to the nation’s lunar and Mars exploration missions, as well as participations in international space projects. Prof. Yung explained that since 2010, PolyU has actively participated in several national space missions, including Chang’e 3 to Chang’e 6 and Tianwen-1.  The University was responsible for designing the lunar surface sampling and packing system and played a key role in successfully retrieving the world’s first-ever soil sample from the far side of the Moon.  Furthermore, PolyU established the RCDSE, which focuses on lunar regolith research and long-term storage technologies, alongside studies in planetary base construction, planetary resource and microbes, planetary remote sensing and mapping, and the effects of space environment on space instruments. PolyU not only collaborates closely with the national space team, but also actively pursues international partnerships, including participation in the European Space Agency’s Jupiter exploration programme.  As Hong Kong advances the development of space technology and the space economy, PolyU will continue to leverage its geographical advantages to contribute further to the nation’s space exploration programme and to foster both local and international cooperation in space science research.   Online coverage: Now TV - https://polyu.me/4rFKObJ (5:11 - 9:19) (Chinese only)

Eight PolyU research projects receive support from Environment and Conservation Fund, driving sustainable development through interdisciplinary collaboration

PolyU Research Awards Coverage Eight PolyU projects have received support under the first-round funding exercise of the 2025/26 Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF). These projects cover areas including low-carbon construction materials, wastewater treatment, electric vehicle infrastructure, greenhouse gas monitoring, air quality assessment, coral reef restoration and eco-cultural tourism, with total funding of approximately HK$6.45 million.  Among them, six projects are led by PAIR members. Funded PolyU projects led by PAIR members include: Principal Investigator Research Project Awarded Amount (HKD) Prof. Joseph AWANGE Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS); Professor of Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) AI-powered Sky Scans: Revolutionising Hong Kong’s Greenhouse Gas Monitoring with GNSS-RO 348,000 Prof. LENG Zhen Associate Director of Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE); Member of RILS and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD); Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Dual-phase VOC Reduction of Waste Tyre Modified Low-carbon High-performance Asphalt Pavements through Reactive Extrusion 1,316,000 Prof. LIU Tao Member of RISUD and Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE); Assistant Professor of CEE Reconfiguring Saline Wastewater Treatment to Remove Phosphorus and Nitrogen via Innovative Pathways 500,000 Prof. MA Wei Member of RISUD, SCRI and Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT); Assistant Professor of CEE EVChargeMap: An Integrated Geospatial Database of Public and Private EV Chargers in Hong Kong 500,000 Prof. Charles WONG Associate Director of RISUD; Management Committee Member of RILS; Member of SCRI; Associate Dean (Teaching & Global Engagement) of Faculty of Construction and Environment; Professor of Department of LSGI Unravelling City-wide Vertical Aerosol and Particulate Matter, a Remote Sensing Study in Hong Kong 600,000 Prof. James FANG Kar-hei Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), RILS, RISUD and RCRE; Associate Professor of Department of Food Science and Nutrition 3D-printed Artificial Reefs from Oyster Shell Waste for Coral Restoration: Technology Demonstration and Community Education 1,593,200 The ECF was set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China to provide funding support for educational, research and other projects and activities in relation to environmental protection and nature conservation matters. It aims to encourage the public to change their behaviour and lifestyle to achieve sustainable development, and to develop or introduce innovative technologies and practices to improve the environment and conserve resources. Press release: https://polyu.me/4tjxXNL   Online coverage: Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4rAzEVv  

PolyU collaborates with University of Toronto to explore establishment of joint research centre, driving gerontechnology innovation in response to ageing population

PolyU Research Awards Coverage PolyU and the University of Toronto, Canada, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4 February 2026 to explore the establishment of a Joint Research Centre on Healthy Ageing and AgeTech. In response to the challenges brought about by global ageing, this initiative aims to promote the development and application of gerontechnology, and enhance the quality of life and care for older adults. The partnership will foster in-depth cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Toronto in research innovation, knowledge transfer and talent cultivation in the field of gerontechnology, benefitting the elderly populations of both cities and beyond. The MoU was signed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, and Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS, Associate Vice-President, International Partnerships of University of Toronto. Under the MoU, RISA and the Department of Biomedical Engineering will work closely with the University of Toronto Institute of Biomedical Engineering and its institutional strategic initiative, AGE-WELL National Network (AGE-WELL), to explore setting up the joint research centre. They will also jointly develop application-oriented gerontechnologies, and co-organise staff and student exchange programmes as well as international conferences to strengthen research and education. The two universities aspire to build a bridge between elderly care support in Hong Kong and Toronto through technology, with particular attention to the needs of Cantonese-speaking older adults and their families. PolyU possesses strong research capabilities in smart ageing, rehabilitation technology and biomedical engineering, with multiple research and service units, including RISA, from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds. The University of Toronto holds a leading position in gerontechnology, biomedical engineering and community-based innovation, while its AGE-WELL has a nationwide network across Canada. Their collaboration will enable development of a robust international platform for gerontechnology that will advance translation of research outcomes and nurture a new generation of talent in relevant fields. In addition, the two universities will seek support from the communities in both cities, and, through the joint research centre, continuously innovate and promote the use of gerontechnology in community, with the vision of bringing older adults a “HAPPI” life: Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent. Press release: https://polyu.me/4qmRrOW; Chinese - https://polyu.me/4kmBuHa   Online coverage: The National Tribune - https://polyu.me/4kqo6C2 Mirage - https://polyu.me/4awUFuy Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3ZUh5ja Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/3O1BLDp

Safe water for all: Prof. Daigger’s insights on global water trends and priorities

On 2 February 2026, Prof. Glen DAIGGER of University of Michigan delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Global Water Management Trends” at the PolyU campus.  The event attracted nearly 110 in-person participants and reached an impressive online audience of more than 16,900 across various social media platforms. Prof. Daigger began by outlining the critical state of global water resources, noting that renewable water supplies are now fully allocated—or over-allocated—and that climate change further reduces both their availability and quality.  As populations grow and living standards rise, water demand continues to increase, particularly in agriculture and industry.  Traditional sources are no longer sufficient, necessitating the development of “manufactured” water through technologies such as potable water reuse and desalination.  The economic value of water now exceeds the cost of its delivery, making it essential to identify new revenue streams.  Accelerated adoption of innovative technologies is vital to meet rising demands without harming the environment He emphasised three main priorities for the water sector: transforming water management to prevent stress, improving resource efficiency, and ensuring universal access to safe water and sanitation.  He advocated a fundamental shift towards integrated management—such as the “One Water” and sponge city concepts—that combine efficiency, storage, local capture and advanced treatment methods.  Integrating built and natural infrastructure can yield multiple benefits, while resource recovery from wastewater offers opportunities to produce water, energy, nutrients and other valuable materials.  Achieving these goals requires collaboration among utilities, private-sector involvement, and the adoption of decentralised, flexible systems tailored to local needs. Extending the human right to safe water and sanitation to all was highlighted as essential for public health, economic development, and social equity.  Prof. Daigger discussed the importance of affordability, innovative financing, and community engagement in water projects.  He advocated for resilient water systems that integrate rainwater management, green infrastructure, and resource efficiency—aiming for zero waste and continuous environmental restoration.  Success, he noted, depends on aligning water system visions with community goals, fostering collaboration with governments, and selecting solutions that deliver broad benefits. Above all, adaptive management and ongoing learning are crucial for building sustainable, future-proofed water systems. To encapsulate his key messages, Prof. Daigger referenced three quotes from Mr Yogi BERRA, a famous American professional baseball player, coach, and manager.  First, the call for vision—“You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you are going, because you might not get there”—spoke to the necessity of strategic water planning and management.  Second, “In theory, there’s no difference between theory and practice.  In practice, there is”—highlighted the realities and unforeseeable challenges of putting ideas into action.  Finally, “The game isn’t over until it’s over” underscored the need for perseverance and adaptability in addressing ongoing and future water challenges. The presentation concluded with a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. LIU Tao, Member of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Associate Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, during which both the in-person and online audience engaged in a thoughtful exchange with Prof. Daigger. Please click here for an online review.

High-value maritime services key to Hong Kong’s global trade standing, Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung writes

PolyU Research Awards Coverage Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Support) of Faculty of Business, Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics and Interim Head of Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, recently penned an article in the Hong Kong Economic Times, discussing the challenges and opportunities facing Hong Kong amid our country’s 15th grand national strategy. Prof. Lai pointed out that Hong Kong’s future success does not hinge on building another terminal, but rather on whether it can take the lead in transforming from a traditional port city into one offering high value-added maritime services. He explained that as our country accelerates its development as a maritime power and reshapes global trade patterns, competition will increasingly focus on influence in finance, technology, and regulatory frameworks. Only cities with these core strengths will be able to take a leading role in shaping new international rules and gaining market advantages. He further noted that Hong Kong should actively develop high-end services such as maritime finance, smart ports and green shipping in the industry, while strengthening international connectivity and enhancing its capacity for institutional and technological innovations. This approach will not only help consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international shipping centre, but also inject fresh impetus into the local economy and enable Hong Kong to continue playing a leading role in the global maritime industry chain.   Online coverage: Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/3NPGk3t (Chinese only)

Prof. DING Xiaoli interviewed on RTHK: New trends in floating communities and architecture

PolyU Research Awards Coverage Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Chair Professor of Geomatics, was recently interviewed on RTHK’s programme “World in a Nutshell”, where he provided an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in floating communities and architecture. The Schoonschip floating community in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is widely regarded as a global example of innovative floating architecture. Situated along a local canal, the community comprises thirty modern floating homes, around half of which are duplex units. Structurally, these homes resemble buildings on land: they use concrete hulls for ballast and are anchored to the shore with mooring/achoring arms to ensure stability. Around one third of the rooftops are equipped with greenery and solar panels, enabling residents to share or sell surplus electricity within the community or to the national grid—an illustration of sustainable living in practice. Importantly, the floating buildings at Schoonschip are designed to rise and fall with changes in the water level, providing effective flood protection. During a storm in 2022, residents reportedly only needed to secure outdoor items to remain safe. Prof. Ding pointed out that floating buildings are generally no more than three storeys high, typically supported with pontoons beneath the structure, and often use highly durable concrete and flexible pipes to connect water supply and sewage facilities. Such developments can help alleviate land shortages and housing supply pressures, while also address the flood risks brought about by climate change. Beyond the Netherlands, low-lying countries such as the Maldives are also actively developing floating communities, employing approaches that integrate artificial coral reefs and deep-sea cooling technologies to support environmental protection and innovation. Prof. Ding further noted that although floating buildings must contend with weather challenges such as typhoons and earthquakes, their potential benefits, including disaster resilience, environmental protection, and flexible land use, are encouraging more cities worldwide to explore the possibilities of living on water.   Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4apMf8b (23:17–34:16) (Chinese only)

PAIR researchers shine at PolyU President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025

PolyU Research Awards Coverage Congratulations to the following PAIR members for receiving the PolyU President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025! Category of Award Awardee Title(s) Research and Scholarly Activities   Prof. TAO Xiaoming Management Committee Member of PAIR Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF), Chair Professor of Textile Technology Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textiles Technology Research and Scholarly Activities (Early Career Researcher) Prof. Tommy WEI Management Committee Member of Photonics Research Institute (PRI) Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT) Associate Head and Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Knowledge Transfer: Industry Prof. ZHENG Zijian Associate Director of RI-IWEAR Management Committee Member of RISE Member of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT) and PRI Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices Knowledge Transfer: Society Prof. WONG Ka-hing Management Committee Member of PAIR Director of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) Member of Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE) Professor of Department of Food Science and Nutrition

Prof. QIU Anqi develops novel AI graph neural network models to unravel interdisciplinary complexities in image recognition and neuroscience

PolyU Research Awards Coverage A research team led by Prof. QUI Anqi, Director of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), Associate Dean of Graduate School, Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, has developed a novel heterogeneous graph attention network namely “Hodge-Laplacian Heterogeneous Graph Attention Network” (HL-HGAT), which is set to revolutionise the modelling of complex relationships in graph-structured data.  This innovation is poised to overcome the current limitations in fields such as logistics, computer vision, chemistry and neuroscience. Traditional graph neural networks (GNNs) mostly look at simple “A-to-B” type connections, which makes it hard for them to understand group interactions.  Prof. Qiu’s new HL-HGAT model goes beyond this by interpreting graphs as higher-dimensional shapes (called simplicial complexes), so it can capture relationships among nodes, edges, triangles and higher-order structures.  Central to HL-HGAT is the Hodge-Laplacian operator, which facilitates the modelling and propagation of signals beyond simple pairwise relationships, offering a richer understanding of complex data.  A key innovation of HL-HGAT is its capacity to model dynamic, time-varying graphs, using HL filtering, adaptive attention and heterogeneous signal decomposition to reveal evolving patterns that static GNNs may overlook.  The model has demonstrated versatility across a range of applications, including logistics (optimising delivery routes), computer vision (improving image classification), chemistry (predicting molecular properties), and neuroscience (analysing brain imaging data).  Notably, HL-HGAT can detect subtle neural changes in conditions like depression and Alzheimer’s disease, outperforming traditional methods and enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention in clinical settings. This innovative HL-HGAT model not only achieves outstanding results in addressing complex graph-based tasks in both scientific and industrial domains, but also represents a significant advancement in GNN technology.  The research, detailed in a paper titled “HL-HGAT: Heterogeneous Graph Attention Network via Hodge-Laplacian Operator”, has been published in IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence. Press release:  https://polyu.me/49OzR1u   Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4k68Cmp Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/49XexFD (subscription required) Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4a1dapz Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4afQ3c5 Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/49OAzfa Gene Online 基因線上 報導連結 Gene Online - https://polyu.me/4qmRoCO

PolyU research: Supply chain finance enhances supply quality and predictability of collaboration

PolyU Research Awards Coverage A research study co-authored by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Support) of Faculty of Business, Chair Professor and Interim Head of Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, examined the impact of supply chain finance on supply chain resilience from three perspectives: (1) the accuracy of supply-demand matching; (2) the stability of supply-demand relationships; and (3) the quality of supply. The findings indicated that supply chain finance can effectively enhance performance in these three areas, thereby strengthening enterprises’ ability to cope with frequent—albeit relatively minor—disruptions such as demand fluctuations and localised logistics delays in day-to-day operations. Furthermore, the study found that higher levels of supply chain finance foster stronger collaboration between upstream and downstream participants in the logistics industry, leading to more stable, closer supply-demand relationships. By extending the creditworthiness of core enterprises to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), supply chain finance helps them overcome financing challenges and improve cash flow. Meanwhile, banks can leverage data such as orders, shipments, and payments to continuously monitor contract performance, reduce moral hazard and default risk, and enhance the predictability of collaboration. The study recommended that enterprises incorporate supply chain finance into their long-term cooperation frameworks, rather than viewing it merely as a short-term financial instrument, and design dedicated financing solutions for core suppliers and customers to secure stronger collaborative commitments, such as supply priority and joint contingency arrangements. Prof. Lai suggests that enterprises can promote supply chain finance in three steps: First, establish a robust data foundation by integrating Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), logistics, and financial systems to ensure that order, inventory, and payment information can be securely accessed and verified by banks and fintech partners. Second, select an appropriate supply chain finance model. Export-oriented enterprises may focus on developing accounts receivable factoring and order financing, while those with a high proportion of procurement from the Chinese Mainland may consider building platforms in partnership with core suppliers and Mainland banks. Finally, link supply chain finance to resilience KPIs. In addition to monitoring financing costs, enterprises should also continuously track indicators such as the supply stability rate, fluctuations in transaction cycle, days of inventory for key materials, and innovation output, to provide a concrete assessment of the effectiveness of financial tools.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3ZAXhBf

Bridging science, technology and policy: Prof. Daniel M. KAMMEN’s call for a just energy transition

Prof. Daniel M. Kammen of Johns Hopkins University delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Innovation and Cooperation for the Just Energy Transition” on 26 January 2026 at the PolyU campus.  The event attracted nearly 100 in-person participants and reached an impressive online audience of more than 16,200 across various social media platforms. Prof. Kammen commenced his presentation by providing an overview of the current landscape of sustainable and reliable clean energy.  He emphasised that, at present, climate science, technology and policy are not sufficiently aligned.  While technologies are advancing rapidly to keep global warming to within 1.5°C, achieving a truly sustainable future critically requires pro‑environment, inclusive‑growth, and pro‑business choices made at every level — household, local, regional, national, and global. Prof. Kammen illustrated how clean energy can drive inclusive growth by sharing examples from energy markets in the western United States.  He highlighted a suite of energy, transportation and land-use modelling tools, and policy opportunities that are consistent with the 1.5°C objective, while also addressing social and environmental justice goals.  He stressed that a just energy transition must ensure the equitable distribution of both the benefits and costs of decarbonisation, with particular attention to vulnerable and marginalised communities, and that new green jobs and economic opportunities are accessible to all. Prof. Kammen then discussed clean energy transitions in China and Africa, highlighting data science methods that reduced energy dispatch delays by 20% and increased revenue.  In Chengdu, the integration of green transport and a new carbon accounting tool has encouraged commuters to adopt low-carbon options, optimised bus networks, and improved efficiency, generating significant revenue.  In Africa, the Health, Electrification and Telecommunications Alliance (HETA) has improved rural healthcare accessibility by powering health facilities with solar energy, showcasing the impact of integrating social and technical approaches.  Supported by global organisations, HETA carries out projects to electrify health facilities and build green supply chains, thereby advancing healthcare and climate goals. In conclusion, Prof. Kammen asserted that smart, adaptive grid technologies and architectures are a critical asset for sustainability, enabling resilient, renewable‑based energy systems and ensuring equitable access to clean power.  He stressed the need to accelerate partnerships in these areas and noted that energy must play a greater role in sustainable water and health systems.  He also emphasised that ocean health is inseparable from human health, and that building sustainable societies will require cross-sectoral collaboration across science, technology and policy. The presentation was followed by a lively question-and-answer session, moderated by Prof. GUO Ye, Associate Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering.  Both on-site and online audiences engaged actively in a thoughtful exchange with Prof. Kammen, reflecting the widespread interest and commitment to advancing the just energy transition. Please click here for an online review.