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PolyU PReCIT Submits 2025 Policy Address Recommendations, Focusing on Economic Development and Improvement of People’s Livelihoods

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has submitted its recommendations to the HKSAR Government for the 2025 Policy Address. The recommendations focus on two key themes: driving economic development and improving people’s livelihoods.   Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, said, “Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as a global innovation hub and PolyU’s research excellence, we are committed to proposing policy recommendations that foster sustainable growth, stimulate economic vitality, and enhance community well-being.”   Key recommendations include:   1. Driving Economic Development   Consolidating Hong Kong’s Aerospace Research Resources to Support Industry’s Development Currently, universities, enterprises and researchers working in the Hong Kong aerospace sector operate in a fragmented manner, with limited collaboration. To promote cross-sector collaboration and national integration, PReCIT recommends that the HKSAR Government establish a “Hong Kong Aerospace Coordination Office” and create a “Hong Kong Aerospace Special Fund” to support research development and public education. Additionally, a “Fast-Track Transfer Scheme” is proposed to accelerate the commercialisation of aerospace technologies and promote the civilian application of aerospace technologies developed through national projects. To strengthen talent development, PReCIT suggests that the Government support the establishment of aerospace engineering programmes, fund curriculum development, attract international experts as visiting professors and implement a “Hong Kong Young Aerospace Talents Scheme” to sponsor young researchers for technical training, internships and mission participation in mainland laboratories or launch sites. Accelerating Digital Transformation in Hong Kong’s Tourism and Service Industries To enhance customer experience and operational efficiency in Hong Kong’s tourism and service industries, PReCIT recommends that enterprises adopt AI-powered tools to optimise customer service, streamline booking processes and provide personalised travel recommendations. Furthermore, PReCIT advises the Government to expand funding support and incentives, such as tax benefits and the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme to help tourism enterprises adopt relevant technologies. The establishment of the Digital Tourism Academy is also recommended to upskill staff and foster innovation, with an emphasis on integrating culture, sports and tourism for diversified development in the Greater Bay Area.   Advancing the Low-Altitude Economy (LAE) Strengthening ground infrastructure is crucial for accelerating the implementation of LAE applications. PReCIT recommends that the Government utilise artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information systems (GISs) for precise analysis to identify suitable infrastructure locations and integrate solar-powered charging infrastructure into urban spaces. To further advance LAE, the Government should deepen cooperation with Guangdong and Macao in building smart city clusters and enhance civil servants’ skills in AI and GISs applications to improve data analysis and ensure smoother project implementation. Investing in drone logistics networks and infrastructure is key to establishing a mature and efficient logistics system. PReCIT suggests that the Government prioritise the development of drone logistics networks to drive innovation and efficiency, including constructing take-off and landing stations to centralise drone operations, reduce safety risks, and improve logistics efficiency and the opening of low-altitude flight corridors. As drone technology rapidly evolves, safety remains a major challenge. The Government and industry regulators should expedite the development of technical standards and certification protocols. Advancing New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and Green Energy in Hong Kong PReCIT emphasises the urgency of expanding NEV infrastructure and promoting NEV adoption through policy and education; strengthening the NEV ecosystem; deploying floating solar photovoltaic systems and energy storage technologies; leveraging hydrogen energy and a complementary green solution; establishing data collaboration platforms; and driving innovation and technology development to lead the city towards sustainable transportation and a green future.   Promoting Carbon Trading and Carbon Pricing in Hong Kong PReCIT recommends the establishment of a carbon trading market in Hong Kong, the implementation of carbon pricing policies and the development of comprehensive policy frameworks to promote sustainable practices and foster green economic growth.   Development of Hong Kong’s Engineering Field To foster innovation in the construction industry, PReCIT suggests the adoption of building integrated photovoltaics by offering gross floor area concessions for new and renovated commercial buildings that incorporate these systems. Regional and global collaboration should be considered, including collaborative funding programmes with Guangdong and Macao, as well as training courses, conferences and exhibitions to enhance Hong Kong’s global competitiveness in the construction and engineering sectors. The Government should also consider launching financing schemes to help young professionals obtain mainland professional qualifications.   2. Improving People’s Livelihoods   Promote the Development of Hong Kong as an International Hub for Post-secondary Education PReCIT recommends the Government to expand the capacity of local universities to maintain high-level performance by accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town. It also proposes tripling the quota of Belt and Road scholarships to 450 and raising the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme award places to 600, attracting outstanding talents and enhancing research capabilities, thus further elevating Hong Kong’s international standing. Additionally, the establishment of a government-guaranteed loan scheme to support international students is recommended, alleviating financial pressures and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global educational hub. Enhance the Health of the People To improve Hong Kong’s healthcare services, PReCIT recommends integrating direct access to physiotherapy and occupational therapy services within all Social Welfare Department subsidised services, community care services, or district elderly community centres, together with the establishment of early disease screening mechanisms to achieve “early prevention, early detection and early treatment.” In terms of healthcare research and technology, it is advised to strengthen research in antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance and actively respond to the era of AI and machine learning to accelerate the high-quality development and use of these technologies in healthcare. The Government is also encouraged to support the development and integration of formalised optometry specialisation pathways, with a focus on paediatric optometry, vision therapy, geriatric eye care and low vision rehabilitation. Promote the Use of Sustainable Energy and Create a More Sustainable Environment PReCIT recommends that the Government to optimise energy and waste renewable structure, such as by providing financial incentives to encourage businesses and households to install renewable energy systems, therefore building a carbon neutral city. The establishment of a dedicated research institutes focused on interdisciplinary studies that integrate microbiology, agricultural science and food policy is also proposed.   Prof. Eric CHUI, Co-Director of PReCIT and Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, said, “Our interdisciplinary team of scholars has drawn on the University’s cutting-edge research and expertise to formulate evidence-based solutions that address both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities for the city’s sustainable growth.”   Dr Chili WU, Associate Director of PReCIT and Principal Research Fellow of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, added, “We look forward to working closely with the Government and community partners to turn our recommendations into meaningful actions, contributing to a vibrant, resilient and sustainable future for Hong Kong.”   For the full text of the recommendation report, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/research/publications/   Press Release: English; 繁體中文; 简体中文   Online Coverage: CRHK - https://polyu.me/4nbUcS2 Mirage News - https://polyu.me/3K1fL9r Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3HEh3GX Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/45LcpQE Line Today - https://polyu.me/462Vzvi 

PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025, Encouraging Secondary School Students to Apply Interdisciplinary Knowledge to Promote Sustainable Development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting interdisciplinary education and nurturing socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. The University’s Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) recently organised the “Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025” (the Competition), attracting over 180 students from 22 secondary schools. An award presentation ceremony, organised in collaboration with the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), was held on the PolyU campus today to recognise the outstanding student teams, with nearly 200 principals, teachers and students from the participating schools in attendance.   The award presentation ceremony was officiated by Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, along with Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT. Dr Choi Yuk-lin also engaged in an exchange session with some of the award-winning students.   Dr Choi Yuk-lin said, “The Competition provides students with high-quality learning opportunities beyond the classroom, enhancing their mastery and understanding of innovative technology applications and inspiring their creative thinking. I am particularly impressed by students’ demonstration of creativity and making good use of innovative technology to solve problems and improve the community, reflecting their sense of social responsibility, commitment and concern. These are exactly the important objectives we aim to accomplish through promoting digital education.”   Prof. Jin-Guang Teng applauded the creativity of the participating students and stated, “PolyU actively responds to the evolving needs of the times and is committed to promoting social innovation and sustainable development. Through the ‘Igniting Social Innovation Competition’, we have witnessed countless enthusiastic and creative secondary school students proposing innovative and practical solutions to social issues in Hong Kong, demonstrating the potential of the younger generation to build a better society.”   The Competition adopted an interdisciplinary approach, with the teams integrating knowledge from social science fields and leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, omnidirectional cameras and Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment facilities. A series of training workshops helped to raise students’ awareness of and improve their understanding of pressing social issues. Participating teams selected one of two themes — “building a greener Hong Kong” or “public health and well-being” — and aligned their projects with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of “responsible consumption and production” and “good health and well-being.” The submitted projects covered multiple areas, including environmental protection, healthcare and social inclusion.   Prof. Eric Chui highlighted the Competition outcomes and elaborated on how the event drove creativity and transformed innovative thinking into social value. He added, “This competition not only enhances students’ awareness of social issues, but also teaches them how to integrate technology with social science methods to explore and demonstrate relevant issues. At the same time, it stimulates students’ creative thinking and empathy, prompting them to care for those in need in society through positive actions.”   After evaluation by a judging panel comprising PolyU scholars and representatives from non-governmental organisations, the teams from Marymount Secondary School, St. Francis of Assisi's College and Kiangsu-Chekiang College (Kwai Chung) won the first, second and third prizes respectively.   Press Release: English; 繁體中文; 简体中文   Photo Album: Click Here   Online Coverage: CRHK - https://polyu.me/45WJtnD Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/3VxEapD Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/47myVR8 Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/3Vss4OC Line Today - https://polyu.me/41vzPqJ Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4g6GvRZ Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4na55Ul 

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