News

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 Seminar, 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

Prof. SONG Haiyan says Hong Kong tourism needs to move towards diversified and higher-value development

Prof. SONG Haiyan, Director of the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), Associate Dean (Research) and Chair Professor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism, was interviewed on RTHK’s radio programme Backchat on 26 March 2026, where he shared perspectives on the future development and market positioning of Hong Kong’s tourism sector. Prof. Song said that the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) decision to allocate 75% of its resources to overseas markets represents a wise strategic adjustment.  Having relied heavily on Mainland visitors during the early stage of tourism recovery, Hong Kong now needs a more diversified mix of source markets to enhance the overall resilience and adaptive capacity of its tourism sector. He suggested focusing on the Middle East, ASEAN and European markets.  The Middle East offers high-spending long-haul visitors, while ASEAN can provide strong visitor volume.  Europe remains an important market that should not to be overlooked, as travellers from the region tend to stay longer, spend more and show strong interest in heritage, culture and even medical tourism.  He was less certain about the US market, given the ongoing tensions between China and the United States. Prof. Song also noted that attracting more overnight visitors will require closer co-operation among HKTB, hotels, theme parks, attractions and event organisers.  He said Hong Kong should also promote itself not only as a cosmopolitan city, but also as a destination for cultural and nature-based tourism, highlighting its countryside, outlying islands, fishing villages and distinctive neighbourhoods. He added that promotion efforts should combine traditional advertising with social media, influencers and well-known figures connected with Hong Kong.  Modern travellers, particularly those aged 30 to 50, are increasingly seeking immersive experiences rather than simple checklist-style sightseeing.  He also said that Hong Kong should address overseas perceptions that the city has become less open, and instead place greater emphasis on presenting Hong Kong as a vibrant, family-friendly and safe destination.   Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4d60l0k (01:24 - 16:34)

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

Prof. Simon LEE’s team develops “PD-001R”, a first-in-class candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen, Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation and Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with his postdoctoral researcher Dr Zhao Chen, have successfully developed an innovative drug, “PD-001R”, targeting neurodegenerative diseases. This first-in-class, novel small-molecule drug candidate, is specifically designed for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Yizhiren (Alpinia oxyphylla), and is produced through chemically synthesis. The core mechanism that underlies the therapeutic action of PD-001R lies in promoting the degradation of pathological α-synuclein aggregates. Results from animal studies have shown that PD-001R not only demonstrates significant efficacy against Parkinson’s disease, but also exhibits neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s disease, with good oral bioavailability and safety. This ground-breaking research was awarded the Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association and Gold Medal at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, Switzerland, reflecting its strong international recognition and innovative value. Prof. Lee is a Member of the Management Committee of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), and a Member of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) at PAIR. He is also the Founder of the PolyU start-up AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited. His research encompasses brain disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and drug discovery particularly from natural products. The advent of PD-001R brings new hope to patients with neurodegenerative diseases and marks a significant breakthrough in Hong Kong’s biomedical innovation landscape. Online coverage: East Week - https://polyu.me/4szr3n1

Prof. LIU Bin (NUS) reveals how trace impurities unlock breakthroughs in ultralong organic phosphorescence

On 25 March 2026, Professor LIU Bin, Deputy President (Research and Technology) of National University of Singapore (NUS), delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Iso-structure Induced Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence” at the PolyU campus.  The event attracted nearly 100 in-person participants and over 15,700 online viewers across various social media platforms. Prof. Liu began the lecture by highlighting a long-standing challenge in organic photophysics: the inherent difficulty of achieving efficient triplet state emission. She then presented her team’s breakthrough discovery in carbazole, a ubiquitous organic building block.  Their research revealed that trace impurities—notably the isomer 1H-benz[f]indole (Bd) commonly found in commercial carbazole—are actually the hidden drivers of ultralong phosphorescence. This insight has fundamentally shifted the field’s focus from intrinsic molecular properties toward understanding the critical role of “iso-structural doping” in generating phosphorescence. The lecture further explored the diverse origins of these influential impurities, including variability in raw starting materials, side reactions during synthesis, and previously unidentified by-products. By regulating the doping process, Prof. Liu’s team has moved beyond “serendipitous observations” toward “rational design”, leading to the development of high-performance “multi-functional phosphorescent materials”, such as organic persistent mechanoluminescence and colour-tunable room-temperature phosphorescence. A significant portion of the presentation was dedicated to translating these insights into practical materials engineering.  One key advancement is the development of the “Matrigel-Alginate Granular-Interstitial Composite (MAGIC) matrix”, which supports the bottom-up nanofabrication of organic phosphorescent nanocrystals.  The MAGIC matrix is a “sandwich-like” composite structure that combines particle support and matrix nutrition: optically transparent, bio‑inert alginate is processed into cell‑sized microgel particles, assembled into a granular scaffold, and infused with Matrigel to form a robust, cell‑compatible composite.  Prof. Liu emphasised that these organic phosphorescent nanocrystals show immense promise for biomedical applications, with preliminary in-vivo evaluations demonstrating their effectiveness for high-contrast lymph node imaging.  Other cutting-edge applications discussed included data encryption, anti-counterfeiting, and optical waveguides. The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session moderated by Prof. XING Bengang, Chair Professor of Chemical Biology.  Both onsite and online audiences actively participated, raising questions on topics such as the distinctions between iso-structure induced effects and other aggregation-induced phosphorescence strategies, the structure-property relationship between spin-orbit coupling strength and ultralong phosphorescence performance, and biomimetic approaches to designing next-generation devices, leaving the audience inspired by the future possibilities of molecular engineering. Please click here for an online review.

Interdisciplinary innovation: Prof. Jeffrey LEUNG discusses myopia prevention and vision screening technology for children

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, was recently interviewed on RTHK’s programme “Infinite Future”, where he shared recent findings in research on children’s vision and discussed the value of interdisciplinary learning in scientific research. Prof. Leung employs animal models to examine the effects of environmental factors on eyesight and ocular development. He noted that, in experiments with chicks, external environmental influences such as artificially induced myopia or astigmatic lenses can trigger self-adjustment of refractive power in the chicks’ eyes, demonstrating a close relationship between visual signals and changes in myopia and astigmatism. Research has further revealed that localised visual blur can also affect eye growth, providing additional insight into how everyday environments, such as reading and outdoor activities, influence the growth of children’s eyes. In addition, Prof. Leung’s team has developed a mobile application, Myopia Intelligent Tele-Triage system (MITTs), to assist parents in conducting preliminary vision screening at home. The app utilises artificial intelligence technology to record prescription data and generate progress reports, and provides information on myopia control, enabling parents to proactively monitor and address their children’s vision issues at an early stage. Prof. Leung emphasised that scientific research requires curiosity and an interdisciplinary spirit, integrating clinical practice, fundamental research and technology to drive medical innovation. He encourages young scientists to be bold in crossing disciplinary boundaries, believing that interdisciplinary collaboration will spark the most powerful “chemical reactions” and generate greater impact. Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4bE2bod (10:21 - 14:41)

Prof. Mike LAI writes in newspaper: Appropriate ESG disclosure is key — accurate reporting matters for corporate risk reduction and competitiveness

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, Acting Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, recently penned an article for HK01, titled “Bidding Farewell to the ‘More is Better’ Myth – Mastering the Art of Accurate ESG Disclosure”, in which he explores issues related to green finance and ESG disclosure. Prof. Lai notes that, in recent years, green finance and ESG information disclosure have become global trends, with enterprises generally believing that greater transparency attracts more investors. However, his research team’s study of listed manufacturing companies in China found that the relationship between ESG disclosure transparency and corporate risk follows a U-shape curve: moderate disclosure helps reduce share price volatility, but excessive disclosure increases risk. Disclosing an appropriate amount of ESG information can alleviate information asymmetry, boost investor confidence and reduce the impact of unexpected events on share prices. Conversely, over-disclosure of commercially sensitive information may enable competitors to copy business practices, thereby weakening a company’s advantages and increasing its risk exposure. The research also indicates that artificial intelligence and intellectual property protection can mitigate the risks associated with excessive disclosure and enhance corporate competitiveness. Prof. Lai believes that the priorities of institutional investors also affect the impact of ESG disclosure on risk, and that enterprises should adjust their disclosure strategies according to market conditions. For Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises, accurately disclosing information about the most distinctive and improvable ESG aspects, alongside technological and patent planning, can help enhance bargaining power and secure green loans. At the policy level, the government should emphasise the quality and relevance of disclosures, encourage enterprises to make good use of artificial intelligence tools, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of reporting. ESG disclosure should be seen as a strategic tool for enterprises to manage risk and strengthen competitiveness, rather than merely a compliance burden.   Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4bZibB7