Welcome to Excel x Impact, our new quarterly publication that celebrates the spirit of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) – to pursue world-class excellence and make a positive impact on society.

In this inaugural issue, readers will learn more about PolyU’s achievements in education, research and knowledge transfer. At the time of publication, the world has been contending with the COVID-19 pandemic. For our part, the PolyU community has been harnessing innovation and expertise to fight the virus, while extending care to those in need. This is the kind of positive impact we should all be striving for.

I would like to thank our alumnus, Mr Alfred Sit, the newly-appointed Secretary for Innovation and Technology of HKSAR, who in this issue shares his vision for innovation as well as some memorable moments from his school days.

I also thank the Editorial Committee, in particular, Chairman Professor H. C. Man and Co-chairman Professor Kaye Chon, for their dedication and contributions to the launch of this university-wide publication.

This new publication could not have been successfully launched without the hard work of colleagues at the Communications and Public Affairs (CPA) Office. Many thanks to our CPA team for their excellent effort!

I wish you an enjoyable read.

Jin-Guang Teng
President