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Consul General of Sweden to Hong Kong and Macau Unveils Sustainability Success Story at PolyU PReCIT Consul General Talk

The fourth in the “Consul General Talk Series” organised by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was held on 29 February. Under the theme of “Innovation, Technology & Carbon Neutrality in Sustainable Cities”, in her keynote address Ms Louise BERGHOLM, Consul General of Sweden to Hong Kong and Macau, showcased Sweden's experiences as a renowned trailblazer of sustainability development in shaping sustainable cities. Sweden is well-known as a sustainability pioneer. Ms Bergholm said, “Sweden aims to be completely fossil-free and use 100% renewable energy by 2045 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We hope our green model, achieved through technical innovation, will encourage more supportive global action on sustainability. With its previous accomplishments in addressing climate change, Sweden has proven that combining sustainability with human well-being is a path to success and development.” PolyU is committed to fostering carbon-neutrality through interdisciplinary research and ground-breaking green tech innovations on campus. Eight PolyU research projects were granted total funding of HK$39.8 million from the HKSAR Government Green Tech Fund, ranking them first in both the number of supported projects and the total awarded funding among UGC-funded universities since the fund's inception in 2020. In addition, HK$24 million was awarded to 34 PolyU projects by the Environment and Conservation Fund from 2020 to 2022, further validating PolyU’s efforts in fostering sustainability. The University has established the Carbon Neutrality Funding Scheme to support research projects focused on decarbonisation. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT said, “Last year was the warmest year on record. We must unite and take decisive action to address the pressing climate challenge. A green campus would set a crucial role model to mobilise concerted efforts on sustainable living. PolyU has laid out its Roadmap to Achieving Carbon Neutrality on Campus, targeting to achieve Scope 1 (direct emission) and Scope 2 (indirect emission) carbon neutrality by 2045, five years ahead of the HKSAR Government's plan.” He added, “The establishment of PReCIT is timely for the shaping of influential I&T policy recommendations to support governmental actions. The Centre has secured a Public Policy Research Fund to assess the adoption of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Hong Kong. With carbon neutrality as one of the Centre’s key foci, we hope to contribute to the accelerated development of sustainable cities.” Prof. Eric CHUI, PReCIT Co-Director and Head of the PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences, emphasised the critical importance of achieving sustainability and urged concerted action in fighting climate change. During the discussion session, there were a number of thought-provoking exchanges among industry influencers and experts focusing on how to adopt best practices for a more sustainable future. Facilitating the sharing of perspectives by Hong Kong-based diplomats, the “Consul General Talk Series” is supported by the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Global Engagement Office to serve as a platform for the PolyU community and the general public to gain insights into the latest I&T policies and prospects in the Belt and Road countries.   Photo album: Click here Press Release: Click here (English Verision) Click here (Chinese Version)   Online coverage: Hong Kong Economic Journal  - https://polyu.me/3InF6qb Hong Kong Commercial Daily - - https://polyu.me/4agHs6n Think Hong Kong -https://polyu.me/49XAT8t Sing Tao Daily News -  https://www.stheadline.com/esg/3329865 The GBA Education Integrative Development Think Tank - https://mp.weixin.com/s/cPVlZjK

PolyU proposes the establishment of a medical school and a large-scale teaching hotel in the Northern Metropolis to support the development of the medical, hotel and tourism industries in the Greater Bay Area

At a spring media luncheon today, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng outlined the University’s latest developments, alongside other senior management team members, faculty/school deans and representatives. Themed “United and Progressive, Innovation for Strength”, these developments included an earlier proposal to the government for the establishment of a PolyU satellite campus in the Northern Metropolis, with a focus on fostering scientific research and innovation to address the needs of the Greater Bay Area and the Nation. Additionally, PolyU aims to establish a research powerhouse and large-scale research facilities to attract and nurture more innovation and technology (I&T) talents. Dr LAM Tai-fai said, “2024 holds great significance for PolyU as it marks the 30th anniversary of our institution achieving university status. We are thrilled to organise a series of celebratory events under the theme ‘Powering Innovation: 30 Years and Beyond’, including the ‘PolyU Chinese Culture Festival’. The Festival aims to promote the rich traditions of Chinese culture, cultivate a deeper appreciation of Chinese heritage, and strengthen the sense of pride and belonging to the Nation among the younger generation, the PolyU community and wider society.” PolyU proposed establishing a medical school and large teaching hotel with a convention and exhibition centre at the new campus to address the healthcare needs of the Greater Bay Area’s population and boost the region’s tourism, convention and exhibition industries. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “Once established, the Northern Metropolis is projected to have a population of 2.5 million, accounting for one-third of Hong Kong’s population, with an emerging need for medical services. With a long history of excellence, PolyU offers expertise across a wide spectrum of health technology disciplines, including rehabilitation science, medical laboratory science, radiography, nursing, optometry, and more. We hope to fully leverage our strengths in ‘medical and engineering integration’ and build on this solid foundation to advance the integrated development of medicine and health sciences.” In addition, to meet the demand for talent and technology in the Artificial Intelligence era, PolyU also plans to establish its tenth school in the middle of this year, initially comprising three departments, including the Department of Applied Mathematics, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The “PolyU Chinese Cultural Festival” will kick off in the middle of March, focusing on different art forms and themes including pottery lacquerware and embroidery, and inviting scholars, experts and artists to showcase the values and charm of Chinese culture through exhibitions, lectures and workshops.   Press Release: Click here (English Version) Click here (Chinese Version)

PolyU Research Centre for Electric Vehicles Officially Launches

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the “Launch Ceremony of Research Centre for Electric Vehicles cum Forum on Intelligent EV and Energy for Carbon Neutrality” co-organised by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) on campus, in the presence of approximately 350 staff and students, together with leaders from government, innovation and technology, energy and academic sectors.  In his closing remarks at the Forum, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT mentioned that PolyU has been paying strong attention to carbon neutrality and is leading in securing Green Tech Fund and Environment and Conservation Fund among all local institutions. It has also recently secured a Public Policy Research Fund to study hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and electric vehicle related policies. PolyU would continue to strive for excellence in education, research and knowledge dissemination, thereby making significant contributions to the progress of the Nation, while also journeying toward a more sustainable future and achievement of the goal of carbon neutrality. The Research Centre for Electric Vehicles (RCEV) is led by its Director, Prof. C.C. CHAN, who is widely recognised as the “Father of Asian Electric Vehicles”, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Distinguished Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The Research Centre aims to develop a cutting-edge research platform to address energy and technical challenges presented by modern electric vehicles. Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR Government; and Mr Neil Bush, Founder and Chair of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations, delivered opening remarks. Together with Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Prof. C.C. CHAN, RCEV Director, they congratulated the University on the establishment of the Centre.   Press Release: Click here (English Version) Click here (Chinese Version)   Online Coverage: HKCNA - Link CCTV.com - Link TVB - Link Now TV - Link CRHK - Link HKCNA - Link HKCD - Link Sing Tao - Link ODN - Link WWP - Link TKP - Link HKEJ - Link Headline Daily - Link AM730 - Link Lion Rock Daily - Link China Daily - Link People’s Daily Overseas Edition - Link Bauhinia - Link China News Service - Link People.cn - Link SZ News - Link Fujian Daily - Link Guardian.cn - Link East Money - Link Sohu - Link HKEJ - Link On.cc - Link AM730 - Link TKWW - Link Dot Dot News - Link BNN Breaking - Link Xinhua Net - Link The Voice of GBA - Link The 21st Century Business Herald - Link ifeng.com - Link Sina - Link Wallstreetcn - Link East Money - Link

PolyU Targets to Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2045

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, gave an interview to Sing Tao Daily to elaborate on the University’s carbon neutrality plan, including multiple green tech research centres and projects, and targets to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.   Full Article: https://www.it-square.hk/archives/tag/polyuCarbonNeu  

Prof. Christopher CHAO Urges for Improvement on GBA Capital Flow

Professor Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and PReCIT Director said in an interview with the South China Morning Post that more local start-ups were willing to tap into the mainland market. In contrast, more room for capital flow improvement was required regarding the 5th Anniversary of the release of the Outline Development Plan for GBA. Please refer to below for details.

PReCIT Core Members Explore Deep Collaborative Opportunities with Jinjiang

Led by Prof. Christopher Chao, Director of PReCIT, Vice President (Research and Innovation) & Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, and Prof. Eric Chui, Co-Director of PReCIT, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences and Professor, core members of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) visited Jinjiang, Fujian from 19 to 21 January 2024, meeting with government officials and local industry representatives to explore potential avenues for collaboration between Hong Kong and Jinjiang to enhance the industries in the region. The highlight of the visit included the forum “Bridging Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovative Resources to Empower Industrial Upgrading in Jinjiang (「嫁接香港科创资源，赋能晋江产业升级」)”, where Prof. Christopher Chao, expressed optimism about the potential for mutual growth while Dr. Chili Wu, Manager of PReCIT, Senior Research Fellow of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, presented a report on the research conducted by PReCIT, which underscored the potential for collaboration and mutual growth between Hong Kong and Jinjiang. During the forum, representatives from the Jinjiang Government presented the latest policies supporting technology advancements in Jinjiang and shared their experiences and insights into the establishment and operation of a think tank. Three representatives from local industries also took the stage to share their success stories and express their anticipation to collaboration with PolyU. Mr K. K. Ling, SBS, Core Member of PReCIT, Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities), Director of Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation, Ir Prof. Horace Mui Kwok-wai, Prof. Yu Changyuan, Dr Xihui Liu, Dr Xueyong Zhan, Dr Oscar Chan, Dr Zhu Xiaolin, and Ms Amylia Chan also joined the discussion with government officials and industry representatives, fostering a dialogue on the potential for deep collaboration in the future.  

Researchers from PReCIT Enlighten Students on Green Deck Development Research

In the final session of the "Seminar Series on Green Deck Development," Prof. Eric CHUI, Co-Director of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and Dr William CHAN, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS), from the Green Deck Project Team, shared their insights and valuable experiences in assessing public opinions towards the Green Deck Project. The seminar series, organised by the Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE) of PolyU, aimed to deepen undergraduate students’ understanding of Green Deck development and related research. During the session, Prof. CHUI and Dr CHAN took the students on a comprehensive journey through their research process. They explained the guiding theoretical framework, survey design, the two surveys that they conducted, and the findings they obtained. In addition, they discussed the implications of their research, providing students with a real-world perspective on the impact of their work. Throughout the presentation, Prof. CHUI emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary efforts in translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions. He also encouraged students to apply the knowledge that they have gained from the seminar series in their future endeavors, highlighting their potential to contribute to the field of Green Deck development and beyond. The Green Deck Project Team aims to construct the Green Deck over the Hung Hom Cross Harbour Tunnel Toll Plaza, with the goal of improving air quality and community health, restoring community connectivity, meeting social needs, revitalizing urban centers, and boosting the local economy. PReCIT has been commissioned by the project team to assess public support for the latest Green Deck proposal. To view more photos from the seminar, please visit: https://polyu.hk/FKsdR.

Prof. Christopher CHAO appointed to Hong Kong Web 3.0 Standardization Association

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and PReCIT Director, and Prof. CAO Jiannong, Director of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT) of PolyU, have been appointed as members of the advisory committee and expert committee of the newly established Hong Kong Web 3.0 Standardization Association respectively to advise on HK's digital development.   Online Coverage: CCTV- https://polyu.me/41TU9Re

PolyU Representatives on Hong Kong I&T Talent Index 2023

Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic Univerisity (PolyU) and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and PReCIT Director of PolyU shared their insights into the Hong Kong I&T Talent Index 2023 as well as scientific research and entrepreneurship at the index-releasing event. Online Coverage: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7313945646091436578

PolyU Supports CLP Power & Equinix HK’s Energy Efficiency Project

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was engaged to assess the energy efficiency of an set of airflow optimisation best practices funded by the China Light and Power and Equinix HK, a data centre operator. The solution was verified to reduce CRAC energy consumption by 29.3%, fostering the achievement of Hong Kong's carbon neutrality targets. Dr Oscar Chan Ka-chung, Research Assistant Professor of PolyU PReCIT and the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, said the project could reduce 51,000 kg of carbon emissions annually. Online Coverage: The Standard - https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/50011916/258531 Hong Kong Economic Times - https://paper.hket.com/article/3670177(subscription required) Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://www1.hkej.com/dailynews/finnews/article/3633836 Wen Wei Po - https://www.wenweipo.com/202312/AP65720