News

Prof. Lu Haitian and His Team Shared Their Study on The Management of I&T Projects in Shenzhen and Hong Kong

Prof. Lu Haitian, Director of Mainland Development Office of PolyU and Core Member of PReCIT, and Dr Huang Shan, postdoctoral fellow at PolyU Shenzhen Research Institute and PReCIT, elaborated on their study on the management of I&T projects in Shenzhen and Hong Kong in Hong Kong Economic Journal. The research findings, based on extensive fieldwork and interviews conducted between April and August 2024, provided practical insights for enhancing Shenzhen's research policies and advancing cross-border cooperation.   Online coverage: Hong Kong Economic Journal -借鑑香港經驗 優化深圳科研管理

Flying High in The Emerging Low-Altitude Economy

With potential applications ranging from drone deliveries and flying taxis to aerial sightseeing and pesticide spraying, the burgeoning low-altitude economy is set to revolutionise a host of important sectors, such as logistics, tourism, agriculture, and even emergency rescue operations. Prof. Hailong Huang, Assistant Professor of Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering of PolyU and Core Member of PReCIT, shared that, to unlock the full potential of LAE, it’s essential to consider airspace regulations and guidelines, surveillance of the low-altitude airspace, infrastructure readiness, and public safety. The current issue of Excel X Impact featured on “flying high in the emerging low-altitude economy,” covering PolyU pioneering technologies that will put Hong Kong at the forefront of an exciting new industry, and PReCIT’s several recommendations advising the HKSAR Government on amending existing or establishing new regulations to manage the low-altitude economy.   Online coverage: Excel X Impact - https://polyu.hk/AkoTC

Prof. Christopher Chao on Hong Kong’s Development of Low-Altitude Economy

Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, analysed Hong Kong’s advantages in developing low-altitude economy in the GBA in Sing Tao Daily. Professor Chao shared that the low-altitude economy is a comprehensive economic form that uses low-altitude flight activities of civil and unmanned aerial vehicles to drive the integrated development of aircraft research and development, production, sales, infrastructure construction, flight support, and comprehensive services. Hong Kong has advantages in research and development, technological innovation, traffic management, and policy services, and is expected to lead the continuous development of the low-altitude economy in the GBA in the future.   Online coverage: Sing Tao Daily - 趙汝恒 - 低空經濟新空港︱來論 Headline Daily - 趙汝恒 - 低空經濟新空港︱來論  

PolyU Establishes Joseph Needham Professorship in Science and Civilisation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), with strong support from the Joseph Needham Foundation for Science and Civilisation (JNFSC), announced the establishment of the Joseph Needham Professorship in Science and Civilisation in the Faculty of Humanities at PolyU, in honour of Dr Needham’s outstanding contributions to academia, particularly his pioneering work in the history of science and civilisation. Today, the PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) co-hosted the 15th Joseph Needham Memorial Lecture with JNFSC. It featured Prof. Roel STERCKX FBA, Joseph Needham Professor of Chinese History, Science and Civilisation at The University of Cambridge, who delivered a lecture titled “‘Those who are learned do not farm and farmers do not learn.’ Writing agriculture in early China”. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Honorary Secretary of the JNFSC, said, “We are deeply committed to advancing interdisciplinary research that bridges technology, sustainability and cultural heritage. This lecture focuses on the interaction between scholarly discourse and agricultural development, resonating with the connection between academic rigour and real-world impact. In addition to co-hosting the lecture, we are very honoured to establish the Joseph Needham Professorship, continuing the research legacy of this legendary scholar. This new professorship will further advance research in the history of science and technology at PolyU, while also strengthening the University’s overall research capabilities.” Dr Peter LEE, Chairman of the JNFSC, remarked, “The Joseph Needham Memorial Lecture continues to bring together global top scholars to promote research in the history of science and medicine in East Asia. Today’s lecture helps the participants further understand ancient Chinese agricultural activities. To deepen the academic legacy of Dr Joseph Needham, JNFSC has announced the establishment of the Joseph Needham Professorship at PolyU to attract international scholars and expand Dr Needham’s core value of nurturing ‘the coexistence of science and civilisation’ through interdisciplinary research, talent development and public outreach, promoting a deep global dialogue on science and humanities.” In the lecture, Prof. Roel Sterckx FBA said, “In ancient China, rulers routinely presented agriculture as the most important profession in society. Yet, Confucius notoriously claimed he had no expertise when it came to fields and gardens and insisted that those who study should not be concerned with farming.” In his lecture, Prof. Sterckx explored how these seemingly contradictory attitudes were reflected in the textual sources of Warring States and early imperial China. The history of early Chinese agriculture was not just a story of agronomic and technological developments but also firmly influenced by the political philosophies of the time. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of the PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of PReCIT, also noted that the lecture explained the technological development and political relationships in early Chinese agronomy, highlighting the diversity of ancient Chinese agricultural history. Through a meticulous analysis of documents of the Warring States period, the lecture demonstrated how ancient Chinese rulers viewed agriculture as a fundamental political and economic strategy of the state.   JNFSC was established in 1979, with the aim of promoting the academic legacy of the late Dr Joseph Needham for the benefit of students and the public. To cultivate more outstanding scholars and talents like Dr Needham, JNFSC has established the “Joseph Needham Professorship” and “Joseph Needham Merit Scholarship” programmes. Two PolyU graduates, two HKU graduates and one HKUST graduate were awarded this year’s scholarship to recognise their outstanding performance in academic research, as well as their qualities of empathy, humility and courage. They will receive full scholarship funding and an additional stipend for a fixed period of four years during their postgraduate studies and research work. The full list of awardees is as follows: Awardees Graduating University Research Subject Academic Institute Mr Allen CHEN Zihao The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Human Genomics and Disease The University of Edinburgh Ms KWOK Hin Chi The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Data Science / Computer Science / ECE (MLDS) AI Health University of California San Diego Ms LIN Aijing The University of Hong Kong Biomedical Engineering Johns Hopkins University Mr Timmy WONG Tsun Chui The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Biochemistry and Cell Biology University of California, Berkeley Mr ZHANG Chenwei The University of Hong Kong Electrical & Computing Engineering Yale University   About Dr Joseph Needham Born in 1900, Dr Needham was a biochemist and historian of science known for his scientific research and writing on the history of Chinese science and technology. He initiated the publication of Science and Civilisation in China, which is an ongoing series of books about the history of science and technology in China published by Cambridge University Press. It is recognised as one of the most remarkable works of scholarship in the twentieth century.  Dr Needham was the first Western scholar to undertake a comprehensive and comparative study of the history of Chinese science and technology, examining its relationship with the development of modern science. He highlighted and fully recognised the rich connotations of traditional Chinese culture in science and technology development. His works opened up global interests in and attention to the history of Chinese science and technology, making it an important international academic field. Among his many academic honours and achievement, Dr Needham was elected as a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1994. His legacy as a distinguished scientist, humanist, and intellectual continues to have a profound impact on the science and civilisation of our world today.    PolyU looks forward to the continued exploration and understanding of the rich tapestry of science and civilisation inspired by Dr Needham’s remarkable legacy. PolyU has initiated global open recruitment for the Joseph Needham Professorship in Science and Civilisation. The position will be held by a world-renowned leading scholar at the Chair Professor level in the Faculty of Humanities, whose scholarship includes a focus on areas related to the history of science and civilisation.   Press Release: English; 繁體中文; 简体中文 Photo Album: Click Here 

Exciting Announcement: Unveiling PReCIT (Beijing) and PolyU Creative Technology Centre (Beijing)

The PReCIT (Beijing) and the PolyU Creative Technology Centre (Beijing) were unveiled on 30 April 2025! The PReCIT (Beijing) aims to bring together top I&T talent to conduct in-depth studies on frontier technology development trends, providing professional support for policymaking in I&T. Meanwhile, focusing on AI and metaverse, the PolyU Creative Technology Centre (Beijing) will collaborate with the Chaoyang District in I&T, covering areas such as policies, talents, technologies, products and habitats to drive the development of I&T industries in Chaoyang and Hong Kong.    Coverage: Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/3ERQpb China News Service - https://polyu.me/4iDKncI ifeng.com - https://polyu.me/3Sdflhb BJ News - https://polyu.me/4d5ltBN China.com - https://polyu.me/438x6V9 NetEase - https://polyu.me/4cRkKUy Eastday - https://polyu.me/4cSxo5L Sina HK - https://polyu.me/44hNfsr Sina -https://polyu.me/3SdOGkk Sohu - https://polyu.me/4362QKy qq - https://polyu.me/4d7bcoH

AI Empowers Legal Services: Leading the Future of Digital Rule of Law, PolyU Hosts Legal Technology Forum and Innovation Showcase

A wave of digitalisation has swept across the globe in recent years. Artificial intelligence (AI) is not only bringing disruptive changes to various industries but also creating a new ecosystem for legal services. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the “Envision the Future of AI-Powered Legal Services” forum on campus last Saturday (26 April), jointly organised by the University’s Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (KTEO).   Key figures in attendance included Mr LIU Chunhua, Director-General of Legal Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Barrister Ambrose LAM, Member of the Legislative Council and former President of the Hong Kong Law Society; The Hon Duncan CHIU, Member of the Legislative Council and President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Joint Council; Mr CAI Yi, Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Managing Director of Hong Kong Chengsheng Co., Ltd.; Mr YAO Maolong, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and President of the Hong Kong Jiangsu Federation of Community Organisations; Mr WONG Kai-yi, former Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data of the HKSAR; Prof. Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT. Over 150 representatives, including legal scholars from Hong Kong institutions, partners from major law firms in the Greater Bay Area, leaders from the compliance sectors and entrepreneurs, gathered to explore innovative AI applications and developments in law and compliance. The forum attracted 190,000 online participants via PolyU’s new media platform. The event also showcased the latest technological advancements developed by PolyU-incubated company Wiselaw Digital Technology. Serving National Strategies: Modernising Legal Services with AI PolyU is committed to advancing world-class innovative research and contributing to national development, particularly in the integration of academia and industry in the legal technology sector. Under the national strategy of “Digital Rule of Law”, PolyU leverages the advantages of institutional innovation in the Greater Bay Area to actively explore new pathways for the integration of AI and law, setting new paradigms for reconstructing legal services. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT said, “Hong Kong greatly benefits from ‘One Country, Two Systems’ and plays an important role as the bridge connecting the Mainland and the rest of the world. With the power of technology, Hong Kong has the potential to play a larger role in promoting cross-border cooperation and legal technology innovation. The innovative results showcased at this forum, which deeply integrate AI technology with legal and compliance expertise, are outstanding examples of our PolyVentures ecosystem nurturing exceptional enterprises and reflect PolyU’s innovative culture. Additionally, PolyU PReCIT actively participates in local policy research and formulation, providing forward-looking strategic recommendations to help Hong Kong establish itself as a sustainable international innovation and technology hub.” Mr Liu Chunhua, Director-General of Legal Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, pointed out that this year’s “Government Work Report” clearly outlines the need to develop new productivity tailored to local conditions, promote technological and industrial innovation, and continuously advance the “Artificial Intelligence +” initiative. This approach aims to enhance the innovation capabilities and outreach of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, providing clear guidance for empowering various industries with AI and bringing broad opportunities for Hong Kong’s innovative development. In considering how Hong Kong can contribute to the process of advancing Chinese-style modernisation and achieve better development through accelerated innovation, Mr Liu shared three key insights: Seize Opportunities: Capitalise on the momentum by actively adapting to the transformative upgrades in legal technology, enhancing core competitiveness and integrating into the national development framework. Innovate While Upholding Integrity: Promote the tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, demonstrate professional rationality, embrace exploration, and try new approaches to drive AI in continuously empowering and adding value to the innovation and development of the legal industry. Leverage Advantages: Leverage the advantages of “One Country, Two Systems”, the connectivity of an international legal hub, and the platform advantages of world-class universities and research institutions in Hong Kong. Additionally, harness the talent pool of legal and innovation elites. In particular, capitalise on the unique strengths of Hong Kong’s common law system to meet the needs of the Nation. Cross-Disciplinary Development: AI Driving a New Paradigm in Legal Services With over 20 years of experience in law and finance, Prof. LU Haitian, Hong Kong Sustaintech Foundation Professor in Accounting and Finance, and core member of PReCIT, delivered a keynote speech titled “Al and the Future of Legal Services”. He discussed the innovative prospects of AI in global legal services, including applications in legal intelligent retrieval and reasoning, and showcased the groundbreaking research results from the PolyU team in AI-powered legal services. Prof. Lu emphasised, “AI is not meant to replace lawyers but to empower legal professionals, making legal services more efficient and precise.” During the event, top legal technology experts and industry leaders from the Greater Bay Area engaged in two panel discussions on the opportunities and developments of AI in legal services. Panel participants included Ms ZHANG Yunyan, Senior Partner of Jincheng Tongda & Neal Law Firm; Barrister Ambrose LAM, Member of the Legislative Council and former President of the Hong Kong Law Society; Ms ZHAO Tong, Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Legal and Compliance of Guotai Junan International Holdings Limited; Mr HUANG Haifeng, Partner at Jones Day; Ms YU Su, Partner of JunHe LLP’s Guangzhou office, The Executive Director of Guangdong Lawyers Association; and Mr Anthony Siu, Founder of Anthony Siu & Company Solicitors & Notaries, engaged in an in-depth discussion on the topic of “Envisioning a New Paradigm for Legal Services”. Additionally, Mr Kelvin WONG, Director of KTEO at PolyU; Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences; Ms Winnie HAN, former Senior Vice President of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange; Dr SHEN Peng, Founder and CEO of Waterdrop Inc. and a recipient of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award; and Mr LI Xihuan, CEO, Global Business Group at DCG, shared their insights on “The Infinite Future of AI+Industry Based on Large Models”, providing forward-thinking directions for the collaborative development of legal technology and industry. Breakthroughs from 0 to 1: Launch of an Innovative Smart Legal Platform During the event, Wiselaw Digital Technology, a start-up nurtured under PolyVentures, made its debut with its groundbreaking innovations in legal services. Its core products include four major modules: legal AI agents, a deep-search, a toolbox and a legal library, marking the first release of AI-powered innovations in legal academia and industry. Founded in September 2024 by Prof. Lu Haitan, Wiselaw Digital Technology is Hong Kong’s first innovative tech company applying cross-border legal and compliance large-model intelligent agents. It aims to deeply integrate AI technology with expert knowledge in the legal compliance field to provide legal compliance solutions and services for Chinese enterprises going global, international financial institutions and foreign-related law firms. Wiselaw Digital Technology has received funding from PolyU’s Angel Fund (TSSSU+) and support from the PolyVentures startup ecosystem, successfully entering programmes such as the Cyberport Incubation Programme, Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base, and NVIDIA’s Startup Acceleration Program. Looking forward, PolyU will further promote the innovative development of AI in legal services, leveraging Hong Kong’s position as an international legal centre to provide valuable innovative solutions for global legal technology development and contribute to the national “Digital Rule of Law” initiative.   Press Release: English; 繁體中文; 简体中文 Photo Album: Click Here   Online Coverage: Phoenix TV - https://polyu.me/3S9HXry (Mandarin); https://polyu.me/3YRZY1l (Cantonese); https://polyu.me/42wLdn9 China Daily Hong Kong Edition - https://polyu.me/44bl3rh Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3GuDc9K Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4lPukLY; https://polyu.me/3Yh0Qwk Orange News - https://polyu.me/4jz1rCi Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/3EBiqVg Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/4jvGvMp China News Service - https://polyu.me/3EN2r6n China Review News - https://polyu.me/4cUccMQ NetEase - https://polyu.me/44OXQeu Sina - https://polyu.me/42POBbG

Supporting and Identifying School Dropout Youth

Prof. Eric Chui, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU and Co-Director of PReCIT, shared insights on the issue of school dropout youth in RTHK's radio programme “Letter to Hong Kong." Prof. Chui emphasised that school dropout youth are not "problematic students;" they often do not lack the desire to learn but rather lack directions, motivation, and a suitable approach for themselves. Prof. Chui pointed out that the issue of youth dropping out of school not only impacts their own development but could potentially have long-term effects on society and incur heavy costs.   Online Coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/42mxbEo

Let‘s Go Green! ESG X AI Application Workshop

Sing Tao News Corporation, Center for Economic Sustainability and Entrepreneurial Finance of PolyU and PReCIT co-organised an ESG workshop last Friday as part of the Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2024, featuring insights from industry-leading experts on green transformation and application of AI in ESG data analysis. The Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2025 was also kickstarted in the workshop.   Online Coverage: Sing Tao Daily - 星島X理大ESG工作坊圓滿舉行-ESG嘉許禮2025正式啟動 Headline Daily - 星島x理大ESG工作坊圓滿落幕 2025嘉許計劃同步啟動

Workshop on the Frontiers Of Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Entrepreneurs’ Forum Successfully Concluded

The Workshop on the Frontiers of Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Entrepreneurs’ Forum, organised by the Department of Management and Marketing, and co-organised by the Centre for Leadership and Innovation and the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, successfully concluded. We were honoured to have successful local entrepreneurs and internationally renowned scholars in entrepreneurship and innovation to share their valuable insights. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, delivered in his welcome speech that entrepreneurship is a fundamental force driving technological innovation, economic growth, and societal change. PolyVentures entrepreneurial ecosystem empowers students, alumni, academics and researchers to transform PolyU’s cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that create impact benefiting society.  

PReCIT Hosts Dialogue with Consul General of Malaysia in Hong Kong on ASEAN Malaysia Chairmanship 2025

PReCIT, in collaboration with APSS and GEO, hosted the seventh Consul General Talk and a special dialogue titled “ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship 2025” today. The event attracted not only PolyU faculty members, students, and alumni but also leaders from the business, technology, and policy sectors. The event commenced with opening remarks by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, and Mr Nicholas Ho Lik-chi, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Government of HKSAR. A dynamic dialogue followed, featuring Mr Muzambli Markam, Consul General of Malaysia in Hong Kong S.A.R. and Macao S.A.R., moderated by Prof. Kee Chea-su, Head of School of Optometry of PolyU and K.B. Woo Family Professor in Optometry. Ms Fong Wen Yan, a first-year Malaysian undergraduate student of School of Accounting and Finance of PolyU, then shared her journey and reflections at the University. The event was concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Eric Chui, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT. Press Release: English; 繁體中文; 简体中文