News

PolyU Grants Over HK$13 Million for Undergraduate Research Scheme

PolyU has granted more than HK$13 million to over 410 outstanding undergraduate students to undertake research projects under the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) since its launch in 2021/22. Prof. Horace Mui, the Master of CURI Residential College and Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, and PReCIT core member said apart from the subsidies, students will be guided and supervised by academic staff throughout the research with aim of strengthening academic curiosity and enquiry-based learning.   More is available at: https://skypost.ulifestyle.com.hk/article/3570910 (Chinese only)

PolyU Food Waste Collection System Fosters Carbon Neutrality

Prof. Horace Mui, Associate Head (Research) and Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and PReCIT core member of PolyU was invited to present awards and introduce the Food Waste Collection System for Catering Services at PolyU during the Eco City Foundation’s Award Ceremony for the waste reduction programme.  The Food Waste Collection System has been proven environmentally friendly, reducing waste volume while saving waste handling costs.   Online Coverage:  China News - http://chinanews.com/zw/tp/2023/07-10/10040124 

Dr HAN Sirui Believes Implementing AI Laws in HK Is Imperative

In an interview with 《China Daily》regarding the AI tools development in Fintech, Dr Han Sirui of PReCIT, said that implementing AI laws in the city is imperative given Hong Kong's strategic positioning as a regional technology hub.   Details are available at: https://lnkd.in/grHSkSwe    

Prof. Christopher Chao Shared How PolyU Could Be Instrumental in Advancing Disruptive Technology Innovation

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, shared on how PolyU could be instrumental in advancing disruptive technology innovation in GBA in a media interview. Full version is available at  Eastmoney (Chinese only) : eastmoney.com/news/20230703190156681325800

PolyU Innovation and Technology Forum Addresses Barriers for Hong Kong Start-ups and Investment

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) concluded its fourth Innovation and Technology Forum Series with the theme of “Breaking Barriers for Hong Kong’s Start-ups and Investment”, gathering leaders and stakeholders from the I&T ecosystem, policymakers, entrepreneurs and investors to contribute ideas in-person and online about how to support the growth of start-ups and research commercialisation.  Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU, said, “To propel the growth of start-ups in Hong Kong, a supportive environment, facilitating policies and strong incentives are essential for attracting talents to commercialise their research and innovations. Through different initiatives, PolyU has nurtured more than 480 start-ups, including more than 50 academic-led initiatives, 4 unicorns and quite a number of ponies. Our first-in-Asia ‘GBA Start-up Postdoc Programme’ is progressing well in nurturing technopreneurs.” At the Forum, Mr Hendrick SIN, Co-founder and the Vice Chairman of CMGE and Founding and Managing Partner of China Prosperity Fund; Mr Chris SHUM, Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Asiabots Limited; Dr Abraham LAM, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MEGA Automation Limited; and Mr Hugh CHOW, Executive Director of The ESG Consortium delivered keynote presentations covering topics on how start-ups secure early-stage funding, the significance of incorporating environment, social, governance (ESG) elements into business development strategies, leveraging opportunities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to scale up businesses and how policies can boost entrepreneurial spirit. They also exchanged ideas with participants during the panel discussion. Policy recommendations proposed at the Forum include: shortening funding application time, expanding the scope of funding support, increasing funding flexibility, establishing a quality assessment mechanism for investors and increasing adoption of new local technologies. Start-ups are advised not to solely focus on funding, but to also identify the right investors and industry, and understand that business development prospects and market situation can help with financing. Seeking partnerships and strategic alliances to gain resources and knowledge, and to build a sustainable business model from the start are essential to long-term success. For start-ups looking to tap into the GBA market, seeking support from the Qianhai government for affordable incubation space and resources is also recommended. The Forum was co-organised by PolyU’s Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office and supported by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited. Founded in 2022, PReCIT is a University-level interdisciplinary policy research centre. Led by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, and Prof. Eric CHUI, Co-Director of PReCIT and Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU, PReCIT’s primary areas of research include carbon-neutral cities, Greater Bay Area I&T development and the Belt and Road Initiative development in Southeast Asia.   Photo album:Click here Forum Replay Video: Click here Press Release: Click here (English Verision) Click here (Chinese Version)   Online coverage: Capital Magazine - https://polyu.me/3XL009O Line Today - https://polyu.me/3rifbLt Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://www2.hkej.com/instantnews/current/article/3498285/ Think Hong Kong - https://www.thinkhk.com/article/2023-07/03/60807.html Master Insight - https://www.master-insight.com/precitevent Sina - https://news.sina.cn/sx/2023-07-03/detail-imyzkser6252330.d.html?from=wap Ifeng - https://finance.ifeng.com/c/8R7OCsBv8wU  

Hong Kong Moonshot Projects? Ambitious Bids Desirable but Leadership Needed to Drive Interest, Investment, Scientists Say

In response to Alibaba Cloud founder Wang Jian’s suggestion of setting up a cloud-based research hub to leverage the yet-to-be launched Survey Space Telescope project, Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT of PolyU told 《SCMP》that Hong Kong’s best moonshot opportunity would be taking part in China’s astronomy projects. Full version is available at: https://lnkd.in/gFw8n-R6 (SCMP)

Hong Kong’s Rash of Violent Crimes May Not Be The Result of "Copycat Effect"

Interviewed by 《SCMP》on the recent spate of knife attacks in the city, Professor Eric Chui Wing-hong, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, PolyU, warned those under huge mental stress and lacking the capacity to process such widely reported incidents were more likely to copy such crimes. Full version is available at: https://lnkd.in/gThqcvAE (SCMP)

PolyU’s PReCIT presents second talk in Consul General Talk Series

The second talk in the “Consul General Talk Series”, organised by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and supported by the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Global Engagement Office of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was successfully held on 14 June 2023. Mr Almas SEITAKYNOV, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong and Macao and Vice-consul Mr Kamil BEKENOV, spoke on the cooperation between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong in the field of innovation and technology. A PolyU student from Kazakhstan also shared her insights into student life in Hong Kong. The "Consul General Talk Series" aims to serve as a platform for the PolyU community and the general public to gain insights into and knowledge about the I&T development and policy, opportunities and prospects in Belt and Road Countries through the sharing from the Consuls-General in Hong Kong. Photo album: Click here Press release: English - Click here; Chinese - Click here  

PReCIT Assists in the Public Engagement of Green Deck Project

The Green Deck Office of PolyU introduced the Green Deck proposal to the business sector, Legco members, and other stakeholders. For details, please refers to 《Singtao》print version below.  The Green Deck, which would be built over the Hung Hom Cross Harbour Tunnel Toll Plaza, aims to improve air quality and community health, restore community connectivity, satisfy social needs, revitalize urban centers and boost the local economy. PReCIT is assigned to assessing public support on the latest Green Deck proposal by the project team and a forum for collecting public opinion was held in March and a study report will be published shortly.   《Singtao》Print Version:  

PolyU President: Mainland can enhance Hong Kong’s research commercialisation

Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, stated in an interview with 《Ming Pao》 that Hong Kong's industrial foundation is relatively weak, and Mainland can provide more opportunities for research commercialisation. He suggested that start-ups in Hong Kong conduct research locally, and cooperate with Greater Bay Area cities for subsequent production and commeralisation for a better outcome. He recommended that young I&T entrepreneurs understand national development and have a global horizon to explore opportunities. Full version is available at 《Ming Pao》 (Chinese only) : https://finance.mingpao.com/fin/dailym1633405584543/20230609/1686223179451/