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PolyU study: EV charge point operators upgrading service quality and facilities are key to EV adoption and green transition

PolyU study: EV charge point operators upgrading service quality and facilities are key to EV adoption and green transition A study by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has found that digital word-of-mouth about charging stations, together with actual charging experiences, has become a key yet largely invisible driver of electric vehicle (EV) registration rates, and its influence is far beyond what the public and policymakers recognise.  The study highlights how operators and property managers of EV charging stations exercise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities and contribute to emissions reduction and green transition through enhanced charging experiences and overall service that goes beyond basic power provision.   The research, led by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics, analysed more than 246,000 online reviews of charging stations across the United States between 2019 and 2023. The findings show that EV adoption is not determined solely by government subsidies or the number of charging facilities. Actual user experience at charging stations, together with online reviews, has become an important force of local EV registration rates and the diffusion of EVs into neighbouring areas, and is a factor frequently overlooked in environmental policy design.   In the case where charging experiences are poor, even a continued increase in the number of charging facilities in a given area may be undermined by the large volumes of negative online reviews. This weakens residents’ willingness to switch to EVs and indirectly slows progress on emission reduction and the green transition.   At the societal level, consumers are increasingly relying on user comments on mobile apps and social media platforms to assess the safety, convenience and day-to-day practicality of charging facilities. Fine details such as the long-term occupancy of parking spaces by non-EVs, poor on-site conditions, inadequate lighting or potential security risks often shape the public’s perception of and willingness to purchase EVs, more directly than official statistics.   At the corporate governance level, charging station operators and property managers must regard charging as an integrated service product rather than simply power supply. Other service elements include clear and easy-to-understand user instructions, fair and transparent pricing structures, reliable and timely maintenance and support, and appropriate locations and supporting amenities. At the same time, companies should establish systematic mechanisms for monitoring and responding to online word-of-mouth, treat positive reviews as an important intangible asset, and enhance brand image through responsible operations and information disclosure, thereby raising governance standards and promoting sustainable development across the entire sector.   Online coverage: Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4m1greg   理大研究：營運商提升充電服務質素及配套成電動車普及與綠色轉型關鍵 香港理工大學一項研究顯示，充電站的電子口碑與實際充電體驗，已成為影響電動車登記率關鍵隱形力量，其影響力遠高於一般公眾與決策者的普遍想像。研究強調，電動車充電站營運商及物業管理公司能透過優化充電體驗，提供除基本供電外更全面的服務配套，以有效履行環境、社會及企業管治（ESG）責任，為減排目標及綠色轉型帶來積極作用。 是次該研究由環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心聯席主任、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系暫任系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄教授領導，分析了2019至2023年間美國各地充電站逾24.6萬則網上評價。研究指出，電動車的普及並非僅由政府補貼或充電硬件數量所決定，充電站的實際使用體驗以及線上評價，已成為左右各地電動車登記率及其周邊地區擴散效應的重要驅動因素，是環境政策設計中經常被忽視的一環。 若充電體驗欠佳，即使當地充電設施數量持續增加，亦可能因大量網上負評而削弱了市民轉用電動車的意願，從而間接拖慢減排與綠色轉型的進程。 在社會層面，消費者日益依賴手機應用程式及社交平台上的用戶分享，以判斷充電設施的安全性、便利度及實用性。例如車位遭非電動車長期佔用、現場環境惡劣、照明不足或治安隱患等細節，往往比官方統計數據更能直接影響市民對電動車的觀感及購買意欲。 在企業管治層面，充電站營運商及物業管理方須將充電視為一項完整的服務產品，而非單只是提供電源供應。其他服務細節亦包括：清晰易明的使用指引、公平透明的收費制度、可靠快捷的維修和支援機制，以及適切的場地及配套設施。同時，企業亦應建立系統化的電子口碑監察與回饋機制，把正面評價視為重要無形資產，透過負責任的營運模式及資訊披露，提升品牌形象，並推動整個行業的治理水平與可持續發展。 網上報導：香港經濟日報 - https://polyu.me/4m1greg                        

Prof. Mike LAI writes in newspaper: Appropriate ESG disclosure is key — accurate reporting matters for corporate risk reduction and competitiveness

Prof. Mike LAI writes in newspaper: Appropriate ESG disclosure is key — accurate reporting matters for corporate risk reduction and competitiveness Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Acting Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, recently penned an article for HK01, titled “Bidding Farewell to the ‘More is Better’ Myth – Mastering the Art of Accurate ESG Disclosure”, in which he explores issues related to green finance and ESG disclosure.   Prof. Lai notes that, in recent years, green finance and ESG information disclosure have become global trends, with enterprises generally believing that greater transparency attracts more investors.  However, his research team’s study of listed manufacturing companies in China found that the relationship between ESG disclosure transparency and corporate risk follows a U-shape curve: moderate disclosure helps reduce share price volatility, but excessive disclosure increases risk.  Disclosing an appropriate amount of ESG information can alleviate information asymmetry, boost investor confidence and reduce the impact of unexpected events on share prices.  Conversely, over-disclosure of commercially sensitive information may enable competitors to copy business practices, thereby weakening a company’s advantages and increasing its risk exposure.  The research also indicates that artificial intelligence and intellectual property protection can mitigate the risks associated with excessive disclosure and enhance corporate competitiveness.   Prof. Lai believes that the priorities of institutional investors also affects the impact of ESG disclosure on risk, and that enterprises should adjust their disclosure strategies according to market conditions.  For Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises, accurately disclosing information about the most distinctive and improvable ESG aspects, alongside technological and patent planning, can help enhance bargaining power and secure green loans.  At the policy level, the government should emphasise the quality and relevance of disclosures, encourage enterprises to make good use of artificial intelligence tools, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of reporting.  ESG disclosure should be seen as a strategic tool for enterprises to manage risk and strengthen competitiveness, rather than merely a compliance burden.   Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4bZibB7   黎基雄教授於報章撰文：ESG資訊披露需適度 精準披露助企業減風險、強競爭力 香港理工大學環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心聯席主任、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系暫任系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄教授，近日於《香港01》撰文，以「告別『愈多愈好』迷思——掌握ESG精準披露的藝術」為題，探討綠色金融及ESG資訊披露的議題。 黎教授指出，綠色金融及ESG資訊披露近年成為全球熱潮，企業普遍認為透明度愈高，愈能吸引投資者。然而，其研究團隊針對中國製造業上市公司的研究發現，ESG披露透明度與企業風險呈現「先降後升」關係：適度披露有助減少股價波動，過度披露反而增加風險。適量公開ESG資訊能紓緩資訊不對稱，提升投資者信心，降低突發事件對股價的衝擊；但若過度披露商業敏感資訊，其營運模式則可能被競爭對手模仿，削弱企業優勢，導致風險上升。研究亦指出，人工智能及知識產權保護可緩衝過度披露帶來的風險，提升企業競爭力。 黎教授認為，機構投資者的關注焦點亦會影響ESG披露對風險的作用，企業應根據市場情況調整披露策略。對香港中小企而言，精準披露最具特色及改善潛力的資訊，配合技術與專利佈局，有助提升議價能力及獲得綠色貸款。在政策層面，政府應重視披露質量與相關性，鼓勵企業善用人工智能工具，提升報告效率與準確度。ESG披露應成為企業管理風險及強化競爭力的策略工具，而非單純合規負擔。 網上報導：HK01 - https://polyu.me/4bZibB7                      

PolyU knowledge transfer: Digital twin system for smarter, greener government and corporate buildings

PolyU knowledge transfer: Digital twin system for smarter, greener government and corporate buildings A team led by Prof. XIAO Fu, Associate Director of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Management Committee Member of Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), Member of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), and Associate Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, has developed a highly practical digital twin system, which has been successfully implemented in the central air-conditioning systems across the PolyU campus and further extended to Hong Kong Government Office buildings and the headquarters of Midea Group in Guangdong. The system constructs high-precision digital models of buildings and uses IoT sensors to monitor real-time data such as temperature, pressure and power consumption.  By combining artificial intelligence (AI) analysis with physical engineering models, it can accurately predict equipment failures and automatically optimise air-conditioning start-stop times, water temperature settings, and pump operation strategies.  This intelligent approach significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions while ensuring indoor comfort and air quality. Furthermore, the system integrates mixed reality technology to transform maintenance operations.  By simply wearing smart glasses, maintenance staff can “see through” ceilings and walls to reveal concealed pipes and equipment.  The system not only displays real-time operating parameters and AI diagnostic results but also features indoor navigation to guide personnel precisely to the point of failure.  This intuitive interface allows technicians—even those without an AI background—to quickly gain proficiency, vastly improving the efficiency of troubleshooting and repairs. As cloud technology continues to mature, this solution will be expanded to more commercial buildings, supporting Hong Kong’s transition towards green building standards and carbon neutrality goals. Online coverage: Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3OpMOXd   理大科研成果轉化：數字孿生系統助政府及大型企業實現綠色智慧建築管理 由潘樂陶慈善基金智慧能源研究院副院長、旅遊業數字化轉型研究中心管理委員會成員、可持續城市發展研究院及環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心成員、建設及環境學院副院長肖賦教授領導的團隊，研發出一套具高度實用性的「數字孿生」系統，成功應用於理大校園的中央空調系統，並進一步推廣至香港政府合署大樓及美的集團廣東總部。 該系統為建築物構建高精度的數碼模型，並透過物聯網感測器實時監測溫度、壓力及耗電量等數據。系統結合人工智能分析與物理工程模型，能精準預測設備故障，並自動優化冷氣開關、水溫設定及水泵運轉策略。這一智慧方案在確保室內舒適度與空氣品質的同時，亦能顯著降低能源消耗與碳排放。 此外，系統整合了混合實境技術，徹底改變了維修操作方式。維修人員只需佩戴智能眼鏡，即可「透視」天花板與牆內的隱蔽管道與設備。系統不僅即時顯示運行參數與人工智能診斷結果，更具備室內導航功能，引導人員精確抵達故障點。這種直觀介面讓即使沒有人工智能專業背景的技術人員亦能快速掌握流程，大幅提升故障排查與維修效率。 隨著雲端部署技術日益成熟，該方案將逐步擴展至更多商業建築，助力香港實現綠色建築轉型與碳中和目標。 網上報導：香港新聞網 - https://polyu.me/3OpMOXd      

Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung appointed as member of Hong Kong Logistics Development Council

Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung appointed as member of Hong Kong Logistics Development Council Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Support) of Faculty of Business, Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics and Interim Head of Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, has been appointed as a member of the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL) for the 2026-2027 term. Established in December 2001, LOGSCOUNCIL serves as a forum for the HKSAR Government and industry stakeholders to advise on strategic initiatives that promote the development of Hong Kong’s logistics industry.  Its members represent a wide spectrum of stakeholders, bringing diverse expertise and knowledge from across the supply chain sector.   黎基雄教授獲委任為香港物流發展局成員 環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心聯席主任 、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系暫任系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄教授，獲委任為香港物流發展局2026-2027年度成員。 香港物流發展局於2001年12月成立，旨在為香港特區政府和物流業界持份者提供平台，就推動本港物流業發展的策略及措施提出建議。成員來自業界不同範疇，並具備豐富供應鏈知識及經驗，為香港物流業的持續發展提供多元專業意見。

High-value maritime services key to Hong Kong’s global trade standing, Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung writes

High-value maritime services key to Hong Kong’s global trade standing, Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung writes Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Support) of Faculty of Business, Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics and Interim Head of Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, recently penned an article in the Hong Kong Economic Times,  discussing the challenges and opportunities facing Hong Kong amid our country’s 15th grand national strategy. Prof. Lai pointed out that Hong Kong’s future success does not hinge on building another terminal, but rather on whether it can take the lead in transforming from a traditional port city into one offering high value-added maritime services. He explained that as our country accelerates its development as a maritime power and reshapes global trade patterns, competition will increasingly focus on influence in finance, technology, and regulatory frameworks. Only cities with these core strengths will be able to take a leading role in shaping new international rules and gaining market advantages. . He further noted that Hong Kong should actively develop high-end services such as maritime finance, smart ports and green shipping in the industry, while strengthening international connectivity and enhancing its capacity for institutional and technological innovations. This approach will not only help consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international shipping centre, but also inject fresh impetus into the local economy and enable Hong Kong to continue playing a leading role in the global maritime industry chain. Online coverage: Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/3NPGk3t (Chinese only)   黎基雄教授：高端海事服務是香港全球貿易地位的關鍵 環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心聯席主任 、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系暫任系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄教授近日於《香港經濟日報》撰文，探討香港在國家新一輪海事版圖重組下，所面臨的挑戰與機遇。 黎教授指出，香港要成功突圍，關鍵不在於再建一個碼頭，而是在於能否率先成功從傳統港口城市轉型至高增值海事服務城市。他解釋，隨著國家加快建設海洋強國，並重塑全球產業鏈及貿易格局，未來競爭焦點將集中於金融、科技與制度的話語權。唯有具備這些核心競爭力的城市，才能在新一輪國際規則制定及收益分配中佔據主導地位。 他續指，香港應積極發展海事金融、智慧港口、綠色航運等高端服務，並加強與國際接軌，提升制度與科技創新能力。這不僅有助於鞏固香港作為國際航運中心的地位，更能為本地經濟注入新動力，推動香港在全球海事產業鏈中持續發揮領先作用。 網上報導：香港經濟日報 - https://polyu.me/3NPGk3t

PolyU research: Supply chain finance enhances supply quality and predictability of collaboration

PolyU research: Supply chain finance enhances supply quality and predictability of collaboration A research study co-authored by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Support) of Faculty of Business, Chair Professor and Interim Head of Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, examined the impact of supply chain finance on supply chain resilience from three perspectives: (1) the accuracy of supply-demand matching; (2) the stability of supply-demand relationships; and (3) the quality of supply. The findings indicated that supply chain finance can effectively enhance performance in these three areas, thereby strengthening enterprises’ ability to cope with frequent—albeit relatively minor—disruptions such as demand fluctuations and localised logistics delays in day-to-day operations. Furthermore, the study found that higher levels of supply chain finance foster stronger collaboration between upstream and downstream participants in the logistics industry, leading to more stable, closer supply-demand relationships. By extending the creditworthiness of core enterprises to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), supply chain finance helps them overcome financing challenges and improve cash flow. Meanwhile, banks can leverage data such as orders, shipments, and payments to continuously monitor contract performance, reduce moral hazard and default risk, and enhance the predictability of collaboration. The study recommended that enterprises incorporate supply chain finance into their long-term cooperation frameworks, rather than viewing it merely as a short-term financial instrument, and design dedicated financing solutions for core suppliers and customers to secure stronger collaborative commitments, such as supply priority and joint contingency arrangements. Prof. Lai suggests that enterprises can promote supply chain finance in three steps: First, establish a robust data foundation by integrating Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), logistics, and financial systems to ensure that order, inventory, and payment information can be securely accessed and verified by banks and fintech partners. Second, select an appropriate supply chain finance model. Export-oriented enterprises may focus on developing accounts receivable factoring and order financing, while those with a high proportion of procurement from the Chinese Mainland may consider building platforms in partnership with core suppliers and Mainland banks. Finally, link supply chain finance to resilience KPIs. In addition to monitoring financing costs, enterprises should also continuously track indicators such as the supply stability rate, fluctuations in transaction cycle, days of inventory for key materials, and innovation output, to provide a concrete assessment of the effectiveness of financial tools. Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3ZAXhBf   理大研究：供應鏈金融提升供應質素及合作可預測性 由香港理工大學環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心聯席主任、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系暫任系主任兼講座教授黎基雄教授參與進行的一項研究，從三個層面探討供應鏈金融對供應鏈韌性的影響，包括：一、供求匹配的準確性；二、供求關係的穩定性；三、供應的質素。研究結果顯示，供應鏈金融能有效提升上述三方面的表現，增強企業應對日常頻繁但規模較小的擾動（如需求波動、局部物流延誤等）的能力。 此外，研究亦發現，供應鏈金融水平愈高，物流行業上下游的合作亦隨之提升，供需關係更趨穩定緊密。核心企業的信用可透過供應鏈金融延伸至中小企業，協助其紓緩融資困難及資金周轉慢的問題。銀行則可運用訂單、出貨及回款等數據，持續監控合同履行情況，降低道德風險及違約行為，提升合作的可預測性。 研究建議，企業宜將供應鏈金融納入長期合作框架，而非僅視其為短期財務工具，並為核心供應商及客戶設計專屬融資方案，以換取更高的合作承諾，如供貨優先權及共同備援方案安排。 黎教授指出，企業可循三個步驟推動供應鏈金融：首先，建立穩固的數據基礎，整合ERP、物流及財務系統，確保訂單、庫存及收付款資料能安全地供銀行及金融科技夥伴讀取與驗證。其次，選擇合適的供應鏈金融模式。出口導向型企業可重點發展應收賬款保理及訂單融資，而內地採購比重高的企業，則可考慮與核心供應商及內地銀行合作共建平台。最後，將供應鏈金融與韌性KPI掛勾，企業除關注融資成本外，亦應持續監測供貨穩定率、交易週期波動、關鍵物料庫存天數及創新產出等指標，以具體量化金融工具的成效。 網上報導: 文匯報 - https://polyu.me/3ZAXhBf

PolyU and BIT strengthen ties with new joint labs in green economy, ESG, and smart electronics

PolyU and BIT strengthen ties with new joint labs in green economy, ESG, and smart electronicsOn 22 January 2026, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted a delegation from the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT).  The delegation, led by Prof. JIANG Lan, President of BIT, comprised ten members who visited PolyU’s Research Centre for Nature-Inspired Science and Engineering (RCNISE) and Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT).  They also engaged in in-depth discussions with 17 PolyU representatives, including Prof. TENG Jin-Guang, President; Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of Graduate School; Prof. Edwin CHENG, Dean of Faculty of Business; and Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR).On the same day, the two universities signed memoranda of understanding to further strengthen institutional collaboration in the fields of medical engineering technology.  Prof. ZHANG Ming, Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering and Director of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), PolyU, together with his team, will spearhead research, innovation and talent development in the field. In addition, the two parties signed letters of intent to establish joint laboratories in three key areas: smart and green economy; environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and economic supervision; and smart electronics.  Two units under PAIR will take the lead in the initiatives. Prof. WU Qiang, Director of Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Professor and Associate Dean (Research) of School of Accounting and Finance, and Prof. CHAI Yang, Associate Dean (Research) of Faculty of Science and Director of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), will lead PolyU’s participation in the ESG and smart electronics laboratories, respectively. 理大與北理工加強合作　共建綠色經濟、ESG及智慧電子聯合實驗室 香港理工大學（理大）於2026年1月22日接待了北京理工大學（北理工）代表團。代表團由北理工校長姜瀾教授率領，一行十人參觀了理大仿生科學與工程中心及量子技術研究院，並與理大校長滕錦光教授、協理副校長（研究）兼研究生院院長王鑽開教授、工商管理學院院長鄭大昭教授，以及高等研究院院長陳清焰教授等共十七位理大代表進行了深入交流。 同日，兩校簽署了諒解備忘錄，進一步深化雙方在醫學工程科技領域的合作。理大生物醫學工程學系系主任、體育科技研究院院長張明教授將帶領團隊，在相關領域推動科研創新及人才培育。 此外，雙方亦簽署了合作意向書，計劃共建聯合實驗室，聚焦智慧與綠色經濟、環境、社會及治理（ESG）與經濟監管，以及智慧電子三大領域。其中，理大高等研究院轄下兩個單位將主力負責及推行相關工作。 環境、社會及治理促進研究中心主任、會計及金融學院教授兼副院長（研究）吳強教授，以及理學院副院長（研究）、人工智能物聯網研究院院長柴揚教授將分別負責ESG與經濟監管以及智慧電子聯合實驗室的相關工作。​

Establishment of Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA) with effect from 1 January 2026 as one of the constituent research units of PAIR! RCESGA aims to serve as a leading research centre focusing on the interactions among environmental, social, and governance issues for balancing the needs of the environment, society, and economy to ensure the long-term prosperity and sustainability of Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the world. Prof. WU Qiang, Associate Head (Research) and Professor of the School of Accounting and Finance, will lead the Centre as RCESGA Director.  Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of Faculty of Business, Interim Head and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies (LMS) will serve as RCESGA Co-Director. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences, Co-Director of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Prof. Jerry YAN, Editor-in-Chief of Nexus and Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, and Prof. YANG Dong, Associate Head and Associate Professor of LMS, will serve as RCESGA Associate Directors.