PolyU has taken a bold step in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) with the inauguration of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), positioning Hong Kong as a global testing ground for AI innovation in healthcare and smart city development, while fostering world-class technologies and talent.

PAAI will harness PolyU’s cross-disciplinary strengths in computer science, mathematics, and data science to support high-quality development across industries, aligning with the Nation’s “AI Plus” initiative under the 15th Five-Year Plan. The inauguration ceremony, held at PolyU’s Chiang Chen Studio Theatre, was officiated by Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, President of PolyU Professor Jin-Guang Teng, and other PolyU members.

During the ceremony, Professor Sun described the launch of PAAI as a new chapter in the city’s united efforts to expedite AI development. “Our vision to become a global hub for AI development was underscored in the 2025 Policy Address delivered by our Chief Executive, with promotion of AI being top of our agenda, taken forward through multi-pronged measures on key enablers, including talent, data and industry applications,” he remarked.

Professor Teng outlined PAAI’s mission to deliver sustainable, efficient, and impactful solutions for key sectors, such as healthcare, finance, education, and more. “It will also cultivate a talent ecosystem that can drive future innovation by leveraging Hong Kong’s international research environment and its government-industry-academia-research network,” he added.

Keynotes by Professor Yang Qiang, PAAI Director, and Professor Yang Hongxia, PAAI Executive Director, explored the challenges and opportunities of the AI revolution and the potential of Co-Generative AI, respectively. Their insights highlighted how PolyU’s AI research is being translated into real-world applications that benefit diverse industries.

Following the inauguration, a series of forums brought together global experts to discuss cutting-edge AI technologies and their innovative applications in healthcare. The “International Forum on AI 2025”, moderated by Professor Yang Qiang, and the “Intelligent Oncology Forum”, moderated by Professor Cai Jing, Head of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics, sparked in-depth discussions on the deep integration of AI and healthcare, innovative applications, and cross-disciplinary breakthroughs.

In the AI for Health Forum held after the inauguration, Prof. Yang Qiang (2nd from left) and Prof. Yang Hongxia (1st from left) discussed with clinical experts how AI is reshaping the future of healthcare.

With PAAI, PolyU is leading the way in responsible and inclusive AI innovation. Learn more about PAAI.