News

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

Unveiling PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute

The PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute in Zhongshan (ZSRI) was unveiled yesterday, marking another landmark achievement in promoting technological innovation cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, said that ZSRI has accumulated a number of mature research projects in Hong Kong, some of which have already obtained patents. By bringing these patents to Zhongshan and licensing them to different companies, ZSRI aims to expedite the process of technology transfer, thereby supporting local industrial upgrading.   Online coverage: Zhongshan News - https://polyu.me/435GJE9 Zhongshan Daily - https://polyu.me/43EBQ59 新快報 - https://polyu.me/3H5etJq NetEase - https://polyu.me/43iJUXT Sina - https://polyu.me/4dtcOJx Sohu - https://polyu.me/43DBThy; https://polyu.me/4j9jmOI

Prof. Christopher Chao Suggests Learning from Hangzhou to Develop I&T

Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, suggested in Wen Wei Po that Hong Kong can learn from Hangzhou’s experience to optimise its development of the I&T ecosystem, including creating an environment that encourages innovation and launching supporting policies. The recent Zhejiang Tour for Youth from Hong Kong and Macao has set the stage for future collaborations between Hong Kong and Hangzhou. In the future, PolyU and Hangzhou can jointly promote projects, and organises exchanges between youth from the two cities, which will become an important component of cooperation between Hong Kong and Hangzhou.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po: 【創科新視野】借鑑杭州經驗 完善香港創科生態