The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various industries has sparked a global drive to harness its power in order to gain a competitive edge. At PolyU, top scholars are not only observing these trends but are also actively positioning the University at the forefront of AI-driven transformation in education, healthcare and industry. In a recent interview with Shenzhen TV, President Professor Jin-Guang Teng, Professor Yang Hongxia and Professor He Mingguang shared their perspectives on the impact of AI and PolyU’s pioneering role.

Professor Teng: Embracing AI transformation – “the sooner, the better”

Professor Teng believes universities must cultivate talent to meet society’s evolving needs. He emphasised that embracing AI transformation is essential for every institution, stating, “the sooner, the better”. Under his leadership, PolyU has pioneered initiatives such as incorporating the mandatory subject “Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics” into the undergraduate curriculum and launching first-of-their-kind master’s programmes in the metaverse and blockchain, equipping students to navigate emerging technologies.

He encourages students to embrace lifelong learning and seize the opportunities that AI presents across all disciplines. “No matter how advanced AI becomes, it will never completely replace humans; there will always be a need for people to plan, manage and lead the development of various industries,” he said.

Professor Yang: GBA has the potential to nurture world-class AI talent

Professor Yang Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), shared her visionary outlook on the future of AI. She predicts that AI will become increasingly decentralised, enabling broader participation in developing large AI models. PolyU’s interdisciplinary environment, especially through the PAAI platform, allows various academic fields to develop their own domain-specific AI models, leveraging both academic and industry expertise.

She is particularly optimistic about the potential of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to nurture world-class AI talent, noting that PolyU’s research teams are already applying AI models in diverse sectors. “I believe that with the right environment and support, Hong Kong can become a global leader in generative AI,” she said.

Professor He: PolyU’s robust knowledge transfer policies foster innovation

Professor He Mingguang, a Global STEM Scholar under HKSAR’s Global STEM Professorship Scheme, highlighted the benefits of PolyU’s robust knowledge transfer policies, which guide researchers in commercialising their inventions. “As an inventor, you can benefit from your inventions, not only gaining personal benefit, but also through helping people. There are many practical and effective policies in place to encourage staff members to create new technologies and products.” For example, Professor He’s team has developed an AI-assisted non-invasive angiography for diagnosing eye diseases, which is now undergoing clinical trials.

Watch the interview here:
Shenzhen TV