News

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

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

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

A research team led by Prof. QIU 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

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

PolyU–Moganshan joint geospatial efforts advance global sustainability

The PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) is committed to harnessing the versatile power of smart technologies and geospatial intelligence in building efficient, sustainable, and resilient cities.  The Institute has earlier entered into a formal collaboration with the Moganshan Geospatial Information Laboratory to establish the Key Laboratory of Geospatial Knowledge Innovation, under the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Central People’s Government. The Key Laboratory of Geospatial Knowledge Innovation will be co-directed by Prof. CHEN Jun, Director of Moganshan Geospatial Information Laboratory and Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS and Chair Professor of Geomatics at PolyU.  Based in Deqing, Zhejiang, the Moganshan Geospatial Information Laboratory is a national-level research and innovation platform jointly established by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Zhejiang Province, dedicated to advancing geospatial science, technology breakthroughs, and international cooperation. The new key laboratory focuses on three major challenges in geospatial information: dynamic geospatial information acquisition, systematic analysis, and knowledge services.  Through interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-institutional research, the two sides aim to produce precise, reliable, and multidimensional dynamic global geospatial data, information, and knowledge products, while also strengthening talent development and professional exchange in the related fields.  These outputs are expected to provide high-quality geospatial knowledge services for the United Nations’ ecological governance, disaster early warning, food security, climate change monitoring, and sustainable forest management. To mark the launch of the laboratory, the two sides co-organised the Forum for Global Geospatial Public Products in Deqing on 28 January 2026.  The exchange activity featured speeches by the two co-directors, who highlighted the strategic importance and development opportunities of global geospatial public products.  Leading experts and scholars from other universities and national research institutions also attended the forum, presenting their latest research and practical experiences, and engaging in in-depth discussions on topics such as development of public product system, transformation of scientific research achievements, and services to developing countries. Under the agreement, the two sides will carry out research in four directions including global geospatial crowdsourced sensing, global geospatial scenario system analysis, global geospatial knowledge product development, and global geospatial knowledge services, and jointly launch related geospatial knowledge innovation technologies and products.  They will also promote talent exchange and development through activities such as lectures, conferences, forums, and mutual visits. In its initial phase, the laboratory intends to collaborate with partner institutions such as Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Malaysia, the National Geomatics Center of China, and the Satellite Remote Sensing Application Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources.  The partners will contribute to the laboratory’s work through participating in the research activities, data resource sharing, joint technological development, and application demonstrations.  The collaboration will unite their complementary strengths and leverage the Nation’s advanced geospatial technologies to bring forth geospatial innovations that transcend borders and contribute to global sustainable development. Grounded in surveying and mapping science, the Key Laboratory of Geospatial Knowledge Innovation, Ministry of Natural Resources integrates multidisciplinary knowledge from geography, ecology, and other fields together with intelligent technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things for research on relevant theories, key technologies, and application models.  The laboratory is steered and governed by leading experts from PolyU, Moganshan Geospatial Information Laboratory, and its partner institutions.

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.

Exploring the Moon: Prof. WU Bo inspires students at PolyU’s space-themed programme kick-off

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has launched its 2025/26 space-themed programme under the theme “Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station”.  Prof. WU Bo, Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, and Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, delivered the inaugural public lecture titled “Robotic Exploration at the Lunar South Pole” on 24 January 2026, to mark the commencement of the programme.  Prof. Wu presented an accessible yet insightful overview of the construction of a lunar research station and the advancement of space robotics, inspiring students’ interest in aerospace technology.  The lecture prompted a lively discussion during the question-and-answer session, reflecting students’ strong enthusiasm for space technology and their inquisitive spirit. The event attracted over a hundred teachers and students from secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to attend in person.  Simultaneously, it was live-streamed across various social media platforms in the Chinese Mainland, drawing nearly 8,000 online viewers and receiving an enthusiastic response.  Press release: https://polyu.me/4k0N8qW Programme details: https://polyu.hk/zesoZ   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao: https://polyu.me/4rcd2ug Wen Wei Po: https://polyu.me/3ZBJJFG Hong Kong Commercial Daily: https://polyu.me/3ZzwaXc HK01 - https://polyu.me/4rlCuxv Australian Chinese Daily - https://polyu.me/4t5BgrU    

PolyU and BIT strengthen ties with new joint labs in green economy, ESG, and smart electronics

On 22 January 2026, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted a delegation from the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). The delegation, led by Prof. JIANG Lan, President of BIT, visited PolyU’s Research Centre for Nature-Inspired Science and Engineering (RCNISE). They also engaged in in-depth discussions with 17 PolyU representatives, including Prof. TENG Jin-Guang, President; Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of Graduate School; Prof. Edwin CHENG, Dean of Faculty of Business; and Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR). On the same day, the two universities signed memoranda of understanding to further strengthen institutional collaboration in the fields of biomedical engineering technology. Prof. ZHANG Ming, Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering and Director of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), PolyU, together with his team, will spearhead research, innovation and talent development in the field. In addition, the two parties signed letters of intent to establish joint laboratories in three key areas: smart and green economy; environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and economic supervision; and smart electronics. Two units under PAIR will take the lead in the initiatives. Prof. WU Qiang, Director of Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Professor and Associate Dean (Research) of School of Accounting and Finance, and Prof. CHAI Yang, Associate Dean (Research) of Faculty of Science and Director of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), will lead PolyU’s participation in the ESG and smart electronics laboratories, respectively.

Prof. Kevin KWOK Wing-hin interviewed by RTHK: Resistant starch and innovative environmental technology

Prof. Kevin KWOK Wing-hin, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, was recently interviewed on RTHK’s programme Climate Watch. He provided an in-depth discussion on the differences between resistant starch and regular starch, as well as their health and environmental value. Prof. Kwok pointed out that the structure of starch changes after refrigeration, with some components transforming into resistant starch, which is more difficult for the human body to digest. This helps to increase satiety, promote gut health, and support the growth of probiotics. The presenter also raised the impact of refrigeration on the molecular structure of meat, to which Prof. Kwok responded that most starchy foods are cooked, and the structural changes mainly affect the action of digestive enzymes. He also outlined the aims of RiFood’s research into resistant starch, which include enhancing its nutritional value and functionality. The team hopes to develop foods suitable for people with diabetes or unstable blood sugar levels. Prof. Kwok also addressed the issue of food waste, stressing that recycling starchy foods and uncooked food waste such as soya beans and tea leaves can reduce wastage. The team has also experimented with converting tea and coffee grounds into raw materials for plastics, promoting the development of environmental technology. In addition, mushrooms and mycelium have emerged as promising research directions. These can be used to produce plant-based meat and packaging materials, as well as to develop microprotein products that aid gut absorption. Prof. Kwok emphasised that RiFood research team’s work is health-focused, with some products already launched on the market. They continue to collaborate with other organisations to drive innovation in food technology. While he believes fresh food is preferable, he noted that the main aim of technology is to extract natural nutrients rather than add chemical substances.   Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4jOGqV9 (1:12:33 - 1:34:53)

PAIR celebrates excellence and team spirit at annual gathering

The Academy recently brought together administrative support staff at PAIR for its annual team-building event, a special occasion that honoured the collective dedication and efforts of colleagues over the past year, while also recognising individuals for their exceptional service and contributions through the 2025 PAIR Outstanding Service Awards. Awardees recognised: Ms Mavis FAN (PAIR Central Office) Ms Millie SHUM (PAIR Central Office) Ms Kate FUNG (Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy, RISE) Ir Dr Karen TAM (Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality, RCRE) The activity welcomed newly joined staff, fostered mutual understanding, and strengthened ties among colleagues.  Functional teams from the PAIR Central Office, together with invited colleagues from selected RIs/RCs, shared workplace stories and practical tips on effective interactions, spanning verbal and written exchanges, interpersonal connections, and inter‑departmental as well as cross-sectoral collaboration.  Looking ahead, the team will remain steadfast in upholding the Academy’s core values, providing quality administrative support services to further advance PolyU’s interdisciplinary development.