News

Northern Metropolis University Town to Help Alleviate Talent Shortages

The Government proposed in 2021 developing the Northern Metropolis to support Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology centre under the new industry pattern of "South-North dual engine (finance-innovation and technology)." This year's budget has also reserved about 90 hectares of land in the Northern Metropolis for developing the Northern Metropolis University Town. Prof. Eric Chui, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU and Co-Director of PReCIT, and Dr Chili Wu, Assistant Director of PReCIT of PolyU and Senior Research Fellow of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, were interviewed by Sing Tao Daily. They highlighted that the construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town will help address key challenges, including talent shortages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as insufficient teaching and research space in Hong Kong. Online Coverage:  Headline Daily: https://www.stheadline.com/macroeconomics/3444938/

Dr Wu Chili Analyzes Hong Kong-GBA Tech Innovation Strategy

Dr Chili Wu, Assistant Director of PReCIT of PolyU and Principal Research Fellow of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, provided an in-depth analysis of Hong Kong's competitive advantages and implementation pathways for establishing itself as an international innovation and technology hub at Innovating Hong Kong Global Talent Carnival. Dr Wu mentioned that innovation is at the core of national development in the new era, and the Greater Bay Area should play a leading role as an innovation centre, strengthened collaboration among universities, research institutions, and innovative enterprises. 

Prof. Christopher Chao Addressed Challenges and Opportunities in the Beijing-Hong Kong Tech Collaboration at the 2025 Beijing-Hong Kong Technology Innovation Forum

The Beijing-Hong Kong Technology Innovation Forum of the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum was held in Beijing. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, highlighted challenges in research funding models and industrial chain collaboration. Prof. Chao emphasized the need to fully leverage cooperation opportunities between Beijing, Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area, capitalize on policy incentives to expand collaboration, bridge technology and capital chains, and engage in high-value technological innovation fields. This approach would help harness regional resources to nurture top-tier talent and drive innovation. Professor Chao also underscored the significant role of universities in advancing science and technology innovation.   Online Coverage: Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4c70wG2 Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4j6FhGF ifeng.com - https://polyu.me/3FXakX6 JD Online - https://polyu.me/4jdEvrD Beijing Business Today - https://polyu.me/4hOYziM East Money - https://polyu.me/4l8OYpX NetEase - https://polyu.me/4lf2BnJ Sina - https://polyu.me/3DYhIAX Sohu -  https://polyu.me/3XAdLt1  

Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology hosted the Sixth Consul General Talk, Featuring Consul General of the Netherlands and PolyU Scholar to Explore Dutch Diplomacy and Floating Solutions

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the sixth Consul General Talk on 25 March 2025, featuring Mr Maurits ter Kuile, the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Hong Kong and Macau. The talk provided attendees with a unique opportunity to gain insights from the Consul General’s extensive experience in Dutch diplomacy, alongside a sharing session on floating solutions from Prof. Zhao Xiao-lin, Chair Professor of Civil Infrastructure of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of PolyU and Associate Director of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS). The talk was supported by the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS), Global Engagement Office (GEO), and RILS of PolyU.    In the welcoming speech, Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research & Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, underscored the importance of combining diplomatic collaboration with cutting-edge innovation to tackle pressing global challenges.  Prof. Chao added, “by working together, we can leverage our collective expertise to create sustainable, adaptable environments that benefit communities worldwide.”  Themed “Dutch Diplomacy, a candid conversation with the Dutch Consul General,” Mr ter Kuile shared that “as Dutch diplomats, we are working for the freedom, prosperity and security of the Netherlands and its citizens. We do so by finding common ground and working together with other countries in solving global challenges. At the Consulate General in Hong Kong, this means that we promote bilateral trade and provide consular services. Hong Kong and the Netherlands are both densely populated hubs for international trade. This provides great opportunities to work together, especially if we can come up with sustainable solutions that can help reduce the consequences of climate change.”  Prof. Zhao shared his insights on “Innovative Partnerships: Floating Solutions from the Netherlands and PolyU”, a topic that has gained significant attention for its pivotal role in combating climate change and advancing sustainability. He emphasised the transformative potential of cross-border collaborations in scaling resilient, and eco-conscious technologies. The event attracted a diverse audience, including students, academics, and professionals, all eager to engage in meaningful discussions about the intersection of diplomacy and innovative research. The Consul General Talk Series highlights PolyU’s dedication to global interaction and intellectual dialogue. By bringing together perspectives from diplomats based in Hong Kong, the series provides a platform for both the PolyU community and the general public to explore the latest innovations and technology policies in Belt and Road countries, fostering opportunities for meaningful collaborations.   Press Release Chinese Version: Click Here

Shaping the Future of Life and Health through Interdisciplinary Research

The International Conference on Primary Health Care with Interdisciplinary Efforts: Evidence to Impact was successfully held at PolyU. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, emphasised in his opening address that the important role research is playing at the paradigm shift of health care, and the findings of healthcare researchers contribute to better understanding of the gap between the current state of primary health care and a possible future with interdisciplinary collaboration.  The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) has added Life and Health Technology as one of its research directions, facilitating interdisciplinary research collaboration to address societal health challenges, and excelling impactful policy research. More about the Event: https://polyu.hk/xqmxE 

Prof. Eric Chui Shared the Potential of “S” in ESG for Hong Kong’s Sustainable Future

Prof. Eric Chui, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU and Co-Director of PReCIT, shared “Unlocking the Potential of ‘S’ in ESG for Hong Kong’s Sustainable Future” in the Central Market, providing a comprehensive analysis of local and global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) development trends, with particular emphasis on the pivotal role of the “Social” component in driving sustainable progress. Prof. Chui highlighted that PolyU is actively promoting ESG development by raising social awareness through research, collaborating with the Government and industry to support the long-term development of the "Social" component.  

PolyU Harnesses Cross-Boundary Data Validation Platform to Verify Mainland Students’ Information

Prof. Lu Haitian, Director of Mainland Development Office of PolyU and Core Member of PReCIT, was interviewed by TVB News on the Shenzhen-Hong Kong cross-boundary data validation platform. PolyU is the first local university to harness an application via the platform to verify mainland students’ educational qualifications and other data. Prof. Lu said that the University receives tens of thousands of applications for postgraduate programmes annually, with manual document verification previously requiring substantial manpower. By leveraging the platform’s technology, the University can now verify the credentials of approximately 100 students in two minutes, significantly improving efficiency.   Online Coverage: TVB: https://polyu.me/4l54Hqa  

International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2025 Starts Today

The opening ceremony of the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2025, organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, co-organised by the China Hydrogen Alliance, and supported by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and several other units, was held today at the Hong Kong Science Park. Mr Tse Chin-wan, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, delivered in the opening address that, leveraging its distinctive advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, Hong Kong is well-positioned not only to adopt the technologies and products locally for green transformation but also to serve as a demonstration hub for hydrogen and other green technologies for other parts of the world. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, shared his insights on the opportunities and trends in the global hydrogen market, noting that green hydrogen is expected to play an important role in the market due to increasing investments in renewable energy and decarbonization targets, with the market closely intertwined with policies. He further expressed that PolyU and universities worldwide are placing significant emphasis on hydrogen development, with researchers focusing on developing new types of catalysts, storage technologies, and integrating them into microgrids.  

International Young Engineers Exchange Forum Successfully Concluded

International Young Engineers Exchange Forum, jointly organized by Young Members Committee (YMC) of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) and the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), successfully concluded on 7 March 2025. This forum, recognized as part of the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, focused on three key themes: Unity - Engineering Our Smart City, Empowerment - New Quality Productive Forces, and Connection - Grow the Nexus, Link the Links.   During the forum, Ms Keiko Kam, Chairman of the HKIE YMC, emphasized the significant role of today's engineers in tackling global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, technological advancements, and sustainable development. Mr Eric Ma, President of the HKIE, highlighted that engineers, equipped with creativity and determination, have the potential to create a lasting impact. Ir Prof. Horace Mui, Interim Dean of Students and Core Member of the PReCIT of PolyU, introduced the Outstanding Student Academy of PolyU, underscoring its role as a catalyst for nurturing future leaders and fostering collaboration across disciplines to address global sustainability challenges, and aligning with the theme of the forum. Distinguished speakers from diverse disciplines shared their insights on innovative technologies and sustainable development. Discussions at the forum propelled advancements in smart city engineering, the cultivation of resilient and innovative productive forces, and the promotion of inclusive city development through global collaborations and the dedication of young members.  

PolyU Develops Green Technologies to Achieve Carbon Neutrality; Carbon Dots-Driven Green Radiative Cooling Coating for Energy Saving and Cooling in Buildings

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, and Prof. LU Lin Vivien, Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU, were interviewed by Sing Tao Daily on PolyU’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality through education, research and policy studies. Prof. CHAO mentioned that PolyU established Campus Carbon Neutrality Committee in 2022, responsible for strategic planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and review of the campus's carbon neutrality roadmap and action plan. The Committee supports potential research for the transformation and realisation of outcomes, including novel carbon dots-driven green radiative cooling coating for energy saving and cooling in buildings. Prof. LU added that the coating can adjust cooling capacity based on solar irradiance. This new photoluminescent radiative cooling nanocoating can convert solar energy into light energy to mitigate urban heat island effects caused by building materials.   Online Coverage: Sing Tao Daily: https://polyu.me/4hofXLG