News

Prof. Christopher Chao shares Insights on Sustainability at Boao Forum

The International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference, jointly organised by the Government and the Boao Forum for Asia, was held from 6 June to 7 June. The Conference attracted over 800 government officials, representatives from international organizations, entrepreneurs and experts from more than 20 countries and regions to gather in Hong Kong, exploring how to capitalise on Hong Kong's unique advantage of being connected to the Mainland and the outside world, and how to foster global co-operation in the field of innovation and technology. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, shared at the sub-forum, Science and Technology Innovation: Driving Sustainable Development and Accelerating the 2030 Agenda, that the current environment places greater emphasis on knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship, and collaborative interdisciplinary research compared to 30 years ago. Using carbon neutrality as an example, Prof. Chao mentioned that the PolyU campus serves as a testing ground for the transformation of knowledge transfer, where campus environmental facility upgrades leverage the University's research achievements.   Online Coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4mREn3q 

Prof. Christopher Chao shares Insights on Sustainability at Boao Forum

A delegation from the Hainan Provincial Government visited PolyU on 6 June for discussions focused on deepening collaborative efforts between Hainan and Hong Kong, industrial achievements and commercial transformation. The delegation representatives included Mr Bateer, Vice Governor of Hainan Provincial People's Government; Mr Li Xunmin, Deputy Secretary-General of Hainan Provincial People's Government; Mr Xiang Hong, Consultant of Office of the Finance and Economics Committee of Hainan Provincial People's Government. The delegation met with Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU; Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT; Dr Laura Lo, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); Prof. Eric Chui, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of PReCIT; and PolyU representatives. Both parties have reached a consensus on pragmatic cooperation directions in the fields of digital economy, financial technology, high-level opening-up, global south engagement, outcome incubation and talent cultivation.

Translating Research Achievements into Practical Applications

Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, shared on RTHK’s programme about translating research achievements into practical applications and PolyU’s nurturing of start-ups. Prof. Chao elaborated that start-ups and research teams should draw on domestic and international experiences, understand needs of different cities, and develop appropriate market strategies and business plans.   Online Coverage: RTHK - https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/news-programmes/95&episode_id=1026210

PolyU Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreement with HICOOL Global Entrepreneurship Competition Organiser, Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship Collaboration between Beijing and Hong Kong

PolyU signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the organiser of the HICOOL 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Competition at the launch ceremony of the Hong Kong Division. This partnership aims to turn technological achievements into commercial successes and foster talents. Through the co-establishment of entrepreneurial bases, exchange activities, and the co-hosting of competitions, the partnership will cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, delivered a keynote speech on the collaboration in innovation and technology between Beijing and Hong Kong. His address analysed the trends driving high-quality economic development, the roles of Hong Kong and PolyU in this process, and highlighted PolyU's achievements in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, including its latest developments in Beijing. PolyU scholars also participated in a forum, sharing insights on the development and challenges of the artificial intelligence and robotics industries in Beijing and Hong Kong.   Online Coverage: HKCNA - https://polyu.me/45K6Vpo

Empowering Youth-led Startups to Empower Digital Marginalised Communities

Ms Sam Lam, Deputy Director of Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (JCDISI) of PolyU, was interviewed by RTHK’s TV programme “Hong Kong United” to introduce the ASCEND Tech for Good Scheme. Co-organised by JCDISI and Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, the scheme supports youth-led startups in developing user-centric technologies and digital literacy programmes to empower digital marginalised communities.   Online Coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/43ZRU1y (10:28 - 15:40)

Prof. Christopher Chao on APAC’s Biotech Collaborations

Biotech alliances have recently become more diverse and frequent in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. These collaborations accelerate research translation and strengthen the region’s competitive edge. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, shared in BioSpectrum Asia that APAC collaborations focus on targeted alliances between universities and local biotech companies. These partnerships leverage complementary expertise to address region-specific health challenges.    Online coverage:  BioSpectrum Asia - https://polyu.me/4khMKDH

Prof. Christopher Chao reappointed to Chief Executive‘s Policy Unit Expert Group

Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, has been reappointed to the Research Strategy Expert Group of the Chief Executive's Policy Unit Expert Group (CEPU), with the term to be effective for one year starting from 30 May 2025.   The Head of the CEPU, Dr Stephen Wong, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Expert Group members for putting forth their views and suggestions proactively, as well as for their generous sharing of expertise, insights and research findings in their respective fields over the past year. These contributions have provided important references for the Policy Address.   The CEPU Expert Group was established in May 2023 by the HKSAR Government as an advisory body. 59 members from different backgrounds including business, finance, professionals, think-tanks and academia, are assigned into three broad streams, namely the Economic Advancement Expert Group, the Social Development Expert Group and the Research Strategy Expert Group, to contribute expert views and new ideas to the CEPU on various topics.   HKSAR Government's Announcement: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/28/P2025052700677.htm   Online Coverage: Now TV - https://polyu.me/3Ffdwh3 Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/45u40kE (English) Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4kgulYd Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4kI0Pug Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/45rXNpl Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4jhuGIB Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4ju6C5v Orange News - https://polyu.me/43NwV1Q

PolyU Opens Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Exhibition Hall in Shenzhen

PolyU has recently organised an opening ceremony for the Shenzhen knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship exhibition hall cum Shenzhen Research Institute startups carnival, marking another milestone of the University’s establishment of I&T and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the GBA. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, shared that PolyU regards knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship culture as fundamental to development, with the PolyVentures ecosystem supporting faculty, students and alumni in transforming research outcomes into impactful and innovative applications.   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/43vcc1w Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4kE6j9k Dute News - https://polyu.me/4kC3zJh Sohu - https://polyu.me/4kE8BVY

When Social Work Meets Technology

Prof. Eric Chui, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU and Co-Director of PReCIT, delivered a speech about how social workers should adapt to the era of technology with various professional skills in the Outstanding Young Social Worker Recognition Scheme, discussing the changing social environment and the importance of leveraging innovation and technology. Prof. Chui emphasised that social workers not only need to possess expertise in traditional fields but also require interdisciplinary thinking and innovative skills. In addition, while exploring the application of technology and innovative methods in a sustainable society, it is also crucial to reflect on maintaining    Online coverage: Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4jnFjtJ

Impact of the Evergrande Scandal on PricewaterhouseCoopers in China

Prof. Lu Haitian, Director of Mainland Development Office of PolyU and Core Member of PReCIT, Sun Yicheng, a PhD candidate at School of Accounting and Finance, and Dr Huang Shan, postdoctoral fellow at the Shenzhen Research Institute and PReCIT, penned an article on The Standard to elaborate on their study about the damage suffered by PricewaterhouseCoopers in China due to the Evergrande scandal. The research team shared that the scandal has not only shaken trust in one of the world’s most prominent accounting firms but also raised urgent questions about audit integrity and regulatory oversight in China.   Online coverage: The Standard - https://polyu.me/3YZEekk