Forging an innovative hub for rail transit solutions with China Railway Electrification Engineering Group
In support of Mainland China’s strategic vision to develop a robust transportation system essential for economic growth and regional integration, PolyU and China Railway Electrification Engineering Group recently signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Beijing. This agreement focuses on advancing technology research and application in rail transit. The signing ceremony also marked the unveiling of a joint research laboratory, which both parties plan to develop into a global innovation hub for rail transit solutions.
Through the Beijing-Hong Kong technology cooperation mechanism, PolyU and China Railway Electrification Engineering Group aim to cultivate high-quality talent equipped with both innovative theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This partnership seeks to leverage each party’s strengths to create a model for industry-education integration, contributing to the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the global digital economy.
China Railway Electrification Engineering Group, a key member of China Railway Group Limited and ranked among the world’s top 500 brands and enterprises, plays a vital role in the construction of electrified railways and urban transit in Mainland China. This collaboration is expected to enhance innovation within the rail transit sector.
A new era of innovation and talent development in rail technology
Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, emphasised that the establishment of the joint research laboratory responds to General Secretary Xi Jinping’s call for integrating technological and industrial innovation during the Two Sessions 2025. It marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between PolyU and China Railway Electrification Engineering Group, exemplifying joint efforts from Beijing and Hong Kong to support national strategies. The research laboratory aims to become an innovation hub for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, focusing on tackling key technological challenges and promoting China’s high-speed rail technology globally.
Mr Dou Baoxin, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of China Railway Electrification Engineering Group, highlighted the laboratory’s role in integrating the innovation chain encompassing basic research, technological breakthroughs, and industry transformation. Both parties plan to establish joint training programmes and practical training facilities aimed at cultivating talents of scientists and engineers to support advancements in the industry.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the joint innovation laboratory, signaling a new phase in the collaborative efforts of both sides. PolyU representatives also conducted an on-site inspection at the Electrification Equipment Research and Development Center, exploring developments in intelligent construction and digital technologies in rail transit.
In the presence of Dr Lam Tai-fai (left, back row) and Mr Dao Baoxin (right, back row), the strategic cooperation agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) (left) and Mr Lin Yunzhi, Chief Engineer of China Railway Electrification Engineering Group and (right).
Witnessed by Dr Lam Tai-fai (2nd from left, back row), Mr Dou Baoxin (2nd from right, back row), Prof. Christopher Chao (left, back row) and Mr Lin Yunzhi (right, back row), the strategic cooperation agreement on research and application was also signed by Ir Prof. Ni Yi-qing, Yim, Mak, Kwok & Chung Professor in Smart Structures, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit, Director of National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) and Director of PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute (left), and Mr Li Yubing, Chief Engineer of China Railway Electrification Engineering Group (right).
