News

The 1st International Symposium on Smart•HAPPI Ageing: Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent

Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University jointly hosted The 1st International Symposium on Smart•HAPPI Ageing: Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent on 28 November 2025 to advance the field of smart and healthy ageing. The event drew enthusiastic participation from leading academics, industry professionals, and experts worldwide, highlighting the growing global interest and commitment to smart ageing initiatives.   The Symposium offered a diverse agenda, addressing a broad spectrum of topics central to healthy ageing. Proceedings began with opening remarks from Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub. The programme featured presentations by renowned international and local experts on topics such as elderly well-being, intergenerational support, cancer care, dementia, autonomy in later life, and gerontechnology. Keynote speakers included Prof. Alex Mihailidis from the University of Toronto, who shared how collaborative networks and co-design with older adults have advanced Canada’s AgeTech ecosystem, and Prof. Shiyuan WANG from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, who reflected on the experience of nonagenarians and recent scientific advances in healthy longevity.   In addition to the main sessions, the Symposium included poster presentations and a guided tour of the Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub. Encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration among attendees. Throughout the day, participants engaged in meaningful discussions and exchanged perspectives on the latest developments in ageing technology, ensuring a rewarding experience for all involved.   RISA sincerely thanks all speakers, participants, and registrants for their enthusiastic involvement and support, which were instrumental in the successful organisation of the Symposium. We are pleased to witness the collective efforts of the global community in driving forward the smart ageing agenda, and we look forward to welcoming everyone at our upcoming international events as we continue to shape a future of Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent ageing.

RISA Co-organized Seminar: Supporting and Rehabilitating Older Adults through AgeTech from Prevention to Personalised Care

The Seminar “Supporting and Rehabilitating Older Adults through AgeTech: From Prevention to Personalised Care”, jointly organized by the Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA) and the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), has been successfully concluded on 26 November 2025 at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. We are honoured to have Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS, Associate Vice-President, International Partnerships and Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto, Scientific Director, AGE-WELL Network, Centres of Excellence, Chairman, International Advisory Committee of RISA as the invited speaker. During the seminar, Prof. MIHAILIDIS underscored the role of technology in preventing decline, maintaining function and enabling independence among the ageing population. He also introduced AgeTech innovations which actively integrated feedback from senior citizens and caregivers. Additionally, Prof. MIHAILIDIS advocated for adopting an elderly-centred and empowering approach in policy design which ageing was a global concern. At the event, Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR; Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA and Prof. Arnold WONG, Associate Director of RISA presented a souvenir to Prof. MIHAILIDIS. RISA is delighted to see that this event successfully serves as a platform for global researchers in exchanging insights on AgeTech innovations. We will continue to foster international partnership of translating research achievements into accessible solutions and advocate for empowering senior citizens as co-leaders of gerontech innovation. 由與香港理工大學高等研究院(理大高等研究院)合辦的「樂齡科技助長者安老及復健：從預防到個人化照護」講座於2025年11月26日在理大順利舉行。我們很榮幸邀請到多倫多大學國際合作協理副校長、職業科學及職業治療系教授、AGE-WELL卓越中心網絡科研總監及智齡研究院國際顧問委員會主席Alex MIHAILIDIS教授擔任講者。 在講座中，MIHAILIDIS教授強調科技在維持功能、預防衰退及促進長者獨立生活所擔當的重要角色。他還介紹了在設計過程中採納長者及照顧者意見的樂齡科技創新產品。此外，MIHAILIDIS教授指出人口老化已成為全球關注點，政策制定者應採取以長者為本及賦能的理念。理大高等研究院院長陳清焰教授、智齡研究院院長鄭永平教授、智齡研究副院長黃宇樂教授在講座中向MIHAILIDIS教授致送紀念品。 智齡研究院樂見是次活動成功作為全球研究人員交流樂齡科技創新卓見的平台。我們將持續推動國際合作，把研究成果轉化為可負擔的方案，並倡議賦能長者成為樂齡科技創新的共同領導者。

RISA Showcased Innovations at the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2025

The 9th Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2025, jointly organized by the HKSAR government and The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), was successfully held from 20 to 23 Nov 2025 at The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with enticing over 37,000 visitors. As a supporting organization, The Research Institute for Smart Ageing proudly showcased the following 9 gerontech innovations:  1. ORAR: Oral-motor Assessment and Rehabilitation Mobile App 2. Smart Motion Capture System (SMCS) 3. Powered Rehab Skateboard 4. An AI Robot-Assisted Tailor Physical Activity Program for Families with Dementia 5. Shining Light on Brain Health: 40Hz BCI Research for Alzheimer’s Disease 6. COSMICS- Contactless Sleep Assessment System 7. Tendon Driven Soft Exoskeleton Glove 8. Rhythm of Life 9. CarePlatter- Hong Kong’s first app that brings together care food restaurants and IDDSI-related information RISA booth garnered strong interest from senior citizens, caregivers, academia, health professionals and industry leaders. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all visitors for supporting us. GIES 2025 successfully serves a platform for RISA and multisectoral stakeholders to foster collaboration and exchange insights in pursuing impactful ageing-related research and innovation. We will remain dedicated to co-create a prosperous silver economy ecosystem and an age-friendly community.    由香港特別行政區政府及香港社會服務聯會(HKCSS)合辦的「樂齡科技博覽暨高峰會2025」在11月20至23日於香港會議展覽中心順利舉行，活動吸引超過37,000人次入場。 作為活動的支持機構，智齡研究院展示了下列9件由成員研發的創新產品: 1. 口復易: 口肌評估及復康訓練流動程式 2. 智慧動作捕捉系統 3. 動力康復滑板車 4. 人工智能機械人輔助的認知障礙家庭定製運動計劃 5. 腦健康新契機：40赫茲腦機接口阿茲海默症研究 6. 智慧睡眠多模系統 – 非接觸式睡眠評估系統 7. 柔軟外骨骼手套 8. 鼓動心弦 9. 同枱食- 全港首個集合照護食餐廳及IDDSI相關資訊的應用程式 智齡研究院攤位吸引了長者、照顧者、學者、專職醫療人員及業界領袖的强烈興趣，我們感謝參觀者的支持。樂齡科技博覽暨高峰會2025成功作爲連繫智齡研究院及持份者建立合作及交流的平台，攜手推動具影響力的老齡化研究與創新。我們會繼續致力共建銀髮經濟生態圈及年齡友善城市。

RISA researchers showcased AI-driven healthcare innovation to the delegation led by Vice Minister of Science and Technology of China

Mr CHEN Jiachang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, led a delegation to visit The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 5 November 2025. During the visit, The Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) proudly showcased the following cutting-edge medical innovations integrated with artificial intelligence (AI): 1. A portable liver fibrosis and fatty liver assessment system, developed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering 2. A 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, developed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping 3. A virtual MRI contrast enhancement system, developed by Prof. CAI Jing, Management Committee Member of RISA, Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics 4. An ankle rehabilitation robot, developed by Prof. ZHANG Dan, Member of RISA, Director of PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Chair Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering 5. Robots for post-stroke telerehabilitation, developed by Prof. HU Xiaoling, Member of RISA, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering The delegation expressed strong interest towards the showcased projects during the visit, they affirmed PolyU’s commitment and contribution towards the knowledge transfer in AI and healthcare. RISA will remain dedicated to leveraging our robust interdisciplinary expertise to translate research achievements into impactful healthcare solutions for fostering smart and healthy ageing.  Press release: https://polyu.me/43Pqgnt (Chinese only) Online coverage: Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4oYwgCK CCTV - https://polyu.me/47qmBif HK01 - https://polyu.me/4p06kqg hkong.hk - https://polyu.me/47NQiIZ Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3WIuMjJ   國家科技部副部長陳家昌先生於2025年11月5日率團到訪香港理大大學(理大)。在參觀中，智齡研究院展示了以下應用人工智能(AI)的醫療前沿研究創新成果: 1. 由智齡研究院院長、理大梁顯利生物醫學工程教授兼生物醫學工程學系講座教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監鄭永平教授研發的「無線掌上式超聲脂肪肝和肝纖維化評估設備」 2. 由鄭永平教授研發的「無輻射三維超聲脊柱側彎評估設備」 3. 由智齡研究院管理委員會成員、理大醫療科技及資訊學系系主任兼教授蔡璟教授研發的「基於人工智能的虛擬增強磁共振影像系統」 4. 由智齡研究院成員、香港理工大學（南京）技術創新研究院院長及理大機械工程學系智能機器人與自動化講座教授張丹教授研發的「踝關節康復機器人」 5. 由智齡研究院成員、理大生物醫學工程學系副教授胡曉翎教授研發的「支援中風患者遠端復康自動化管理功能的移動式外神經肌骨系統」。 訪問團對理大展示的項目展示出濃厚興趣，他們肯定理大在推動人工智能及醫療保健知識轉移的決心和貢獻。智齡研究院將繼續努力運用跨學科的專業知識，將研究成果轉化為具影響力的健康方案，推廣智齡及健康老齡化。 理大新聞稿：https://polyu.me/43Pqgnt 網上報導： 巴士的報 - https://polyu.me/4oYwgCK 央視頻 - https://polyu.me/47qmBif HK01 - https://polyu.me/4p06kqg 香港新聞社 - https://polyu.me/47NQiIZ 香港新聞網 - https://polyu.me/3WIuMjJ

RISA organized Research Seminar-Strategies to Increase Research Capacity and Productivity, As Well As to Foster International Collaborations

The Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) successfully hosted Research Seminar- “Strategies to Increase Research Capacity and Productivity, As Well As to Foster International Collaborations” with the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU RS) on 4 Nov 2025. The event aims to foster meaningful international connections to pursue academic excellence and impactful innovation. We are honoured to have Prof. Paulo FERREIRA, NHMRC Research Fellow, Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Director of the Musculoskeletal Research Hub, Charles Perkins Centre, Research Academic Director, University of Sydney as the speaker.  In the seminar, drawing from his successful projects that connected public hospitals with health coaching services and developed holistic back exercise apps with multisectoral health professionals, Prof. Ferreira illustrated the edges of building global interdisciplinary synergies in research. He also emphasized the importance of creative thinking, proactive engagement and persistence in creating effective partnerships and high-quality research projects. His insights sparked vibrant discussions among partakers. This event successfully serves as a platform for global researchers to exchange insights in research and knowledge transfer. As a hub of converging multisectoral experts in ageing, RISA will continue to host different events for forging cross-border network and drive innovative solutions for ageing population.  This news is available in English only.

RISA member featured on HOY TV programme “Health Concern Group”

Prof. HU Xiaoling, Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Associate Professor of Department of Biomedical Engineering, was recently featured on HOY TV’s “Health Concern Group” programme to introduce the home-based innovation “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton”, a multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation pioneered by her team.  In the interview, Prof. Hu explained that stroke patients would likely experience lower limb motor functioning impairment including foot drop and foot inversion, thus might increase the risk of falls. Incorporating multiple advanced multimodal assistive technologies such as functional electrical stimulation, mechanical assistance provided by artificial muscles and sensory stimulation, Prof. Hu highlighted that the “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton” could complement the drawback of traditional ankle-foot orthoses of leading to muscle atrophy. Clinical studies demonstrated its effectiveness in fostering lower limb motor function, mobility, foot drop and foot inversion of stroke patients.  This ground-breaking invention reflects the contribution by RISA members in advancing knowledge transfer in stroke rehabilitation. RISA will continue to address stroke and health challenges of ageing population by delivering impactful and accessible solutions.  Online coverage: HOY TV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4y4j4soO0c (07:39 - 11:11)   智齡研究院成員、理大生物醫學工程學系副教授胡曉翎教授近日接受HOY TV《健康關注組》專訪，介紹由其團隊首創的移動式多模態居家足踝復康機械人「智雲行健步儀」。   胡教授在專訪中指出，中風患者普遍會出現下肢活動功能障礙如足下垂及足內翻，有機會增加跌倒風險。結合多種先進的多模態輔助技術包括功能性電刺激、由人工肌肉提供的機械輔助及感知刺激，她指出「智雲行健步儀」能解決傳統足踝矯形器容易引致肌肉萎縮的問題。臨床研究顯示該裝置有效促進中風患者的下肢運動功能、活動能力；改善足下垂及足內翻問題。   胡教授的開創性發明體現智齡研究院成員在推動中風復康知識轉移的貢獻。我們會繼續透過提供具影響力及可便利的方案，應對中風及人口老齡化帶來的健康挑戰。   網上報導： HOY TV -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4y4j4soO0c (07:39 - 11:11)

Start-up co-founded by RISA Director shines at GITEX Dubai

Eieling Technology Limited, a PolyU start-up co-founded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, participated in GITEX North Star Expand (GITEX) at Dubai from 12 to 15 October 2025. GITEX Dubai is one of the largest global technology events which bridges investors, industry leaders and start-ups.  Aspiring to advance the early screening and management of chronic liver disease, Eieling Technology Limited proudly showcased its knowledge transfer achievements, including Liverscan®, a portable liver fibrosis and fatty liver assessment system and FattaLab®, the world’s first lightweight intelligent fatty liver detection device. Its booth garnered interest from visitors and potential partners. This event successfully underscores the capabilities in healthcare research and innovations of RISA. We will remain dedicated to building global network in addressing healthcare needs and challenges in ageing societies.  Press release: English - https://polyu.me/3IRb6ad Chinese - https://polyu.me/4hitxBl Online coverage: Dimsum Daily - https://polyu.me/4o4D0yH (English only) Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4osGyuA (Chinese only) Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/493o67a (Chinese only)   由理工大學和智齡研究院院長、理大梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、生物醫學工程學系講座教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監鄭永平教授共同創辦的初創企業「意領科技有限公司」於2025年10月12至15日參加在杜拜舉行的GITEX North Star Expand（杜拜GITEX）。杜拜GITEX是其中一個全球最大型的科技盛會，旨在連繫國際投資者、業界領袖與初創企業。   意領科技有限公司銳意推動慢性肝病的早期篩查及管理，在活動展示了其知識轉移成果Liverscan®- 無線掌上式超聲波脂肪肝和肝纖維化評估設備及FattaLab®- 全球首款輕量化脂肪肝檢測儀，成功吸引參觀者及潛在合作夥伴的興趣。   是次活動成功展現智齡研究院在健康領域的研究及創新能力。我們將繼續建立並拓展國際網絡，應對老齡化社會下的健康需要及挑戰。   理大新聞稿: 英文版 - https://polyu.me/3IRb6ad 中文版- https://polyu.me/4hitxBl   網上報導: Dimsum Daily - https://polyu.me/4o4D0yH (只有英文版) 大公報 - https://polyu.me/4osGyuA (只有中文版) 文匯報 - https://polyu.me/493o67a (只有中文版)

RISA member featured on Now TV programme “Medicine Online”

Prof. LO Ka-hei Kenneth, Member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Assistant Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, has recently featured on the Now TV programme “Medicine Online” to share his insights on topics including sugar control, the use of next-generation sugar substitutes and the glycaemic index. In the program, Prof. Lo highlighted that excessive sugar consumption could lead to weight gain and health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. To manage sugar consumption, he suggested consumers should pay attention to the nutritional labels on food packaging. Prof. Lo also addressed the growing popularity of natural sugar substitutes, he did not recommend them as main replacements for sugar-free diets since they could have higher sweetness levels compared to regular sugar, special care should be taken when consuming. Additionally, Prof. Lo suggested the public be more aware of high glycaemic index (GI) foods such as rice, mashed potatoes, longans and lychees, which could cause more rapid and drastic rise of blood glucose levels. Prof. Lo’s comments shed light on building healthier lifestyles through food selection. As a hub of converging interdisciplinary researchers, RISA will continue to foster the health of senior citizens and the broader community through diverse and innovative approaches.  Online coverage: ViuTV - https://polyu.me/4od0QYL (8:20 - 11:40) Now TV- https://polyu.me/42xKr8X (7:46 - 11:04)     智齡研究院成員、理大食品科學及營養學系助理教授羅家禧教授近日接受Now TV節目《杏林在線》專訪，分享他對控糖、食用新式代糖及升糖指數等議題的見解。   羅教授指出攝取過量糖分會導致體重增加及可能引發糖尿病、心臟病等健康問題。他建議消費者應多留意食品包裝上的營養標籤，以幫助管理糖分攝取。此外，羅教授注意到近年天然代糖(natural sugar substitutes) 的流行，他不建議代糖作為「無糖飲食」的主要代替品，因為前者的甜度有時可比砂糖更高，在食用時需要特別注意。羅教授亦建議大家應多留意升糖指數 （GI）較高的食物如白飯、薯蓉、龍眼、荔枝等，它們會令血糖上升速度較快及高。   羅教授的見解有助我們建立更健康的生活及飲食習慣。作爲匯聚跨學科研究人員的平台，智齡研究院會繼續致力透過多元及創新的方式，提升長者和社區的健康水平。   網上報導： ViuTV - https://polyu.me/4od0QYL (8:20 - 11:40) Now TV- https://polyu.me/42xKr8X (7:46 - 11:04)

RISA hosted Research Seminar- Tips for Publishing in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

RISA Research Seminar- Tips for Publishing in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, organized by the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME), took place on 30 September 2025 at PolyU. The seminar attracted over 100 researchers from local and overseas universities attending onsite and online, achieving a resounding success. In the seminar, Prof. David HUNTER, Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology, Professor of Medicine, NHMRC Leadership Investigator Fellow, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, shared his insights of writing high-quality scientific research articles and publishing in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (OAC) - a renowned interdisciplinary journal which publicized OA research insights. The seminar sparked vibrant discussion regarding the challenges of publishing journals and their solutions. RISA is thrilled to see that this seminar fosters global collaboration among passionate researchers to pursue impactful OA research and demonstrate our commitment to building an international community for healthcare innovation. We are looking forward to seeing you at our future events. This news is only available in English version.

RISA organized Research Seminar- Novel Therapies in Osteoarthritis

The Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME) successfully hosted the RISA Research Seminar- Novel Therapies in Osteoarthritis on 29 September 2025 at PolyU. We were honoured to have Prof. David HUNTER, Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology, Professor of Medicine, NHMRC Leadership Investigator Fellow, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital as the speaker to share his insights on improving current therapies of osteoarthritis (OA). In the seminar, Prof. Hunter highlighted that most OA patients were not getting appropriate care. He further advocated for patient-centred care and holistic assessment of OA. He also proposed innovative solutions including developing AI-powered platforms to offer personalized exercise programs, goal setting and pain tracking. The seminar wrapped up with a lively discussion between the participants and Prof. Hunter, they had in-depth interaction on how to enhance OA patients and community engagement with sharing cases from Hong Kong and Australia. This seminar successfully served as a hub for global researchers to advance OA research and innovation. RISA will continue to foster multisectoral collaboration on promoting holistic and person-centred care to meet the healthcare needs of ageing population and demographic shift. This news is only available in English version.