News

Prof. Christopher Chao on Promoting Electric Vehicles Adoption in Hong Kong

As an international metropolis, Hong Kong is at the forefront of addressing global climate change and moving towards carbon neutrality by committing to achieve this goal by 2050. Among these efforts, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles has become a key element in promoting green travel. However, potential users often experience “range anxiety,” worrying about the unavailability of charging facilities before their batteries run out. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, discussed in Wen Wei Po how precise range prediction and strategic charging infrastructure planning can effectively alleviate “range anxiety.” This approach not only accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles in Hong Kong, but also provides valuable insights for sustainable urban transportation development locally and globally. It contributes to achieving global carbon neutrality goals sooner and marking the beginning of a new era in green travel.   Online Coverage:  Wen Wei Po: https://polyu.me/4m5RIEJ

How Hong Kong and Universities Can Tap into Mainland China’s Space Solar Power Project

Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT; Dr Oscar Chan, Research Assistant Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU and of PReCIT; and Matthew Lo, Research Assistant of PReCIT; penned an article on SCMP. The article discusses the significant opportunity for Hong Kong and universities to engage with China's groundbreaking Orb-Shape Membrane Energy Gathering Array project, focusing on accelerating decarbonization efforts through space-based solar power technology. A practical version of PolyU's transmissive metasurface could be used for generating focused microwave beams that can efficiently deliver power over long distances.   Online Coverage:  South China Morning Post - https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3320256

The Y.Elites Association Delegation Visits PolyU

A delegation led by Mr Jason Wong, JP, Chairman of The Y.Elites Association (YEA), visited PolyU last Friday for discussion on exploring collaborative opportunities in scholarships, student affairs, mentorship programmes, start-up competitions, training and exchange programmes. The delegation representatives included Dr Yvonne Wong, Vice Chairman of YEA; Ms Renee Leung, Vice Chairman of YEA; Mr Benjamin Li, Vice Chairman of YEA; Mr Calvin Tse, Vice Chairman of YEA; Mr Jason Lee, Vice Chairman of YEA; and Ms Yvonne Leung, Secretary General of YEA.  The delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with PolyU representatives, including Dr Laura Lo, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students and Core Member of PReCIT; Prof. Eric Chui, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of PReCIT; Mr Kelvin Wong, Director of PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship; and Ms Janet Wong, Manager (Development) of Office of Institutional Advancement. Both parties have further deepened collaboration, working together to promote youth development, and discovering and nurturing young talents with potential.

Registered Technology Transfer Professionals Certification Programme

Registered Technology Transfer Professionals (RTTP) Certification Programme was officially launched on 19 July 2025 in Jinjiang by PolyU’s Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (KTEO), PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (JJRI) and the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT). This marks the first delivery of this series in Mainland China. The opening ceremony was officiated by Ms Lin Pingla, Secretary of the Party Group of Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau, along with Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU's Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chairman of Executive Committee of International Strategic Technology Alliance (ISTA). Prof. Yu Changyuan, Director of JJRI and Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mr Kelvin Wong, Director of Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship and Secretary-General of ISTA; Ms Amylia Chan, Assistant Director of KTEO; Ms May Lo, Assistant Director of KTEO; and Dr Chili Wu, Assistant Director of JJRI and Associate Director of PReCIT attended in a strong show of support. Focusing on lean launchpad, this programme equips participants with knowledge in business analysis tools to help entrepreneurial teams in the areas of customer discovery and market demand validation, thereby promoting the commercialisation of technological achievements while ensuring competitiveness and profitability. Ms Lin Pingla expressed that the launch of RTTP, the world’s most influential certification of technology transfer in Jinjiang will significantly promote exchange of technology transfer, foster international collaboration, and nurture international technology transfer talent. Prof. Christopher Chao commented that technology transfer professionals serve as the critical role of bridging innovation and industrial needs. This programme cultivates talents with international perspectives, aligning with PolyU’s commitment to enhancing innovation, advancing cross-border collaborations, and supporting national innovation development. PolyU will continue to deepen industry-academia-research collaboration with Jinjiang to jointly building an innovation hub. PolyU has invited a team of experts with international practical experience in technology transfer to serve as instructors, including Dr Vincent Zhong, Alternate Counsel of Alliance of Technology Transfer Professionals; Mr Kelvin Wong; Prof. Zheng Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering; and Prof. Wong Poh-kam, Emeritus Professor of Business School and LKY School of Public Policy of National University of Singapore. Participants from government, healthcare institutions, technology transfer offices, research institutions, enterprises and universities actively engaged in discussions, sharing technology transfer experience during the programme. RTTP, established by ATTP, is the only internationally recognised professional qualification for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and commercialisation. ISTA is the sole member organisation of ATTP in Greater China. PolyU, as one of the founding members of ISTA, will continue to launch RTTP certification programme across different cities in Mainland China to nurture technology transfer professionals and assist them in obtaining relevant certifications, accelerating innovation commercialisation, and expanding global market reach.  Photo Album: Click Here Online Coverage: Jinjiang TV - https://polyu.me/4mdNY3L Jinjiang News - https://polyu.me/45gcCuE

The 2025 Asia-Pacific Youth Model United Nations and Youth Forum on Global Competence Successfully Concludes

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to equipping students with cutting-edge The 2025 Asia-Pacific Youth Model United Nations and Youth Forum on Global Competence, organised by Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), and co-organsied by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Education Exchange (Hong Kong and Macao) Centre, has successfully concluded. This event further advanced high-level education opening-up, and fostered cultivation of international talents. In his opening speech, Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, encouraged participants to integrate technological innovation with humanistic care, practice the concept of “technology for good,” and sharpen global competence. Prof. Jia Wenjian, Deputy Secretary of the CPC BFSU Committee and President, urged participants to cultivate a strong sense of national pride, embrace unity in diversity, and courageously shoulder responsibilities of the times. António Guterres, The Secretary-General of the United Nations, praised the positive impact of the event on enhancing the capabilities of the youth, and expressed willingness to work hand in hand with global youth to create a future of peace, dignity, and prosperity for all humanity.   Photo Album: Click Here   Online Coverage: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press - https://polyu.me/3TEhDqn

Prof. Christopher Chao on MTRI’s Significance

Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, highlighted on Wen Wei Po that since 2023, PolyU has pioneered “PolyU research + Mainland industrial chain + Mainland market = societal benefit.” This collaborative model has effectively facilitated the sharing and commercialisation of technological achievements. Through close partnerships with multiple cities in the Mainland, PolyU has jointly established translational research institutes to propel practical IP beyond campus boundaries.   Online Coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4krduko

Prof. Christopher Chao Discusses PolyU’s Achievements and Visions

Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, was exclusively interviewed by CCTV, discussing PolyU's recent achievements and developments, and sharing his own experience to encourage the youth to be perseverant and daring in facing challenges. Prof. Chao mentioned the University’s exceptional performance in world universities rankings, including ranking first in Hong Kong for “International Research Network” in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings. Besides, PolyU has been putting efforts into supporting fundamental research and applications. Through the Mainland Translational Research Institutes, the University has gained tremendous support from local governments in various cities in mainland China.   Online Coverage: CCTV - https://polyu.me/4nVw5sb (part 1); https://polyu.me/4ljKlcv (part 2)

Prof. Christopher Chao Receives Prestigious ASHRAE Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award 2025

PolyU is proud to announce that Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, has been awarded the esteemed Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award 2025 from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Prof. Chao is the third recipient from Asia to receive this distinguished honour. This prestigious recognition was presented at the ASHRAE Annual Conference in USA on 21 June 2025. As the only awardee invited to deliver his acceptance speech on stage, Prof. Chao stated, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from ASHRAE. Together with PolyU researchers, we strive to advance research and innovation in the field of building energy and environment, contributing to the academic and professional communities that inspire us to push the boundaries of engineering excellence.”   Press Release: English / Traditional Chinese / Simplified Chinese Online Coverage: Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4nnPlhH

Prof. Christopher Chao on Recruiting International Talents

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026 has recently released, with PolyU achieving its new high. This reflects the international recognition PolyU has earned for its academic and research excellence, underscoring the University’s influence and accomplishments in the global higher education sector. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, talked about PolyU’s edge in attracting international students and scholars in an interview with Hong Kong China News Agency. Prof. Chao also mentioned that PolyU has established 11 technology innovation research institutes in multiple cities in China, enabling scholars to translate research achievements into practical applications. These more mature and sophisticated systems help attract scholars back to Hong Kong.   Online Coverage: HKCNA: https://polyu.me/44rD2rK (1:32 - 2:16; 2:43 - 5:40)

Representatives from Youth Federation of Overseas Chinese of Jinjiang Visits PolyU

Representatives from Youth Federation of Overseas Chinese of Jinjiang visited PolyU, jointly exploring opportunities for cooperation between Fujian and Hong Kong. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, shared in his welcoming speech that PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute) is an important base for knowledge and technology transfer. PolyU continues to develop with Jinjiang in the fields of "government, industry, academia, research, and application," and jointly build a new type of political-business-academic collaboration mechanism. Ms Chan Sin Man, Chairman of the Youth Federation of Overseas Chinese of Jinjiang, mentioned that Jinjiang is focusing on developing “new quality productivity,” accelerating the layout of strategic emerging industries such as biomedicine, new materials and electronics, and PolyU, as an internationally renowned university, has fruitful research results in artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing and natural sciences, aligning closely with Jinjiang's industrial demands.   During the exchange, Dr Chili Wu, Assistant Director of PReCIT of PolyU and Assistant Director of PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute, introduced the Research Institute, elaborating on its overview of talent team building, industry-university-research cooperation and InnoHub (Jinjiang) of PolyU. Ms Amylia Chan, Assistant Director of Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, showcased PolyVentures ecosystem, innovative scientific research and translational applications. Dr Steven Wei, Senior Lecturer of School of Accounting and Finance, shared insights on the impact of the current international political situation on international trade. Both parties explored deepening technology, capital and market linkages to jointly create new spaces for development.