News

PolyU and HKSI sign MoU to jointly advance sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy

(2 September 2026) The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) have formalised a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy in Hong Kong. With the 20th Asian Games and 5th Asian Para Games approaching, both parties are leveraging this collaboration to establish a cross-disciplinary platform for talent development, education, research and knowledge exchange. The partnership aims to provide comprehensive support for Hong Kong’s elite athletes competing at major international sporting events, empowering them to excel and bring honour to Hong Kong.   The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus on 31 August. Witnessed by Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) and Hon Vincent CHENG, Vice-Chairman of the HKSI, the MoU was signed by Prof. Marco PANG, Head of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Dr Kate YUNG, Director of Sports Medicine at the HKSI.   In his address, Prof. Ben Young said, “At PolyU, our Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has long been recognised for its professional expertise and dedication to improving lives. Our researchers and clinicians bring deep knowledge in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and I am proud that this expertise can now be placed in the service of Hong Kong’s elite athletes. In the Hong Kong Sports Institute, we have found a partner whose experience in elite sports medicine is second to none. Together, I am confident that we can achieve outcomes that neither institution could accomplish alone.”   Hon Vincent Cheng expressed his gratitude to PolyU for its commitment and support. He said, “At the HKSI, we recognise that athletes’ success depends not only on their talent and determination, but also on the collective efforts of the multidisciplinary professionals who support them throughout their sporting journey. This partnership will benefit both the HKSI and PolyU, while also advancing the broader development of sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Hong Kong. Most importantly, it will reinforce the expertise and professional support system behind elite athletes, ensuring lasting impact on the development of local sports.”   The partnership combines PolyU’s leading position in rehabilitation with HKSI’s extensive experience in sports medicine. Both parties will foster the professional development of staff and students through targeted training programmes and educational initiatives, while planning collaborative research and innovation projects in sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation. PolyU will also offer professional consultancy to enhance physiotherapy and musculoskeletal services at the HKSI. Furthermore, both parties will foster ongoing professional dialogue and exchange by regularly organising conferences, seminars and workshops.   PolyU and the HKSI will join forces to elevate the standard of sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in Hong Kong, aiming to benefit both athletes and the broader community.  

Prof. Bolton Chau Honoured with RGC Research Fellow Scheme Fellowship

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences is delighted to announce that Prof. Bolton Chau has been awarded a fellowship under the Research Grants Council’s (RGC) Research Fellow Scheme (RFS) for 2026/27. The scheme offers support for Prof. Chau’s continued innovations and breakthroughs in cognitive neuroscience.   The RGC received 35 nominations for the RFS. Among PolyU’s six nominations, Prof. Chau was shortlisted for interview and ultimately received this prestigious fellowship. This marks a significant milestone, as he is the first academic staff member in the Department to receive this award.   Prof. Chau’s project is titled “How distractors bias choices: Investigating mechanisms through computational modelling, neuroimaging, neurochemistry and neurostimulation.” The project seeks to investigate how human decisions are influenced by distracting information through the use of advanced cognitive neuroscience techniques. By combining computational modelling, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the research will examine the neurocomputational mechanisms underlying decision-making biases. The findings are expected to have important practical implications for strengthening evidence-based policy-making, promoting unbiased decision-making, and supporting the development of treatments for psychiatric disorders.   We extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Chau on this remarkable accomplishment. His achievement is a source of great pride for the Department, and we wish him every success in the exciting research journey ahead.    

Congratulations to Our Latest RGC Grant Recipients

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences is delighted to announce that 7 of our academic and research colleagues have been awarded funding under the Research Grants Council's Early Career Scheme (ECS) and General Research Fund (GRF) for 2026/27. These awards recognise the scholarly excellence, dedication, and innovative spirit of our colleagues, whose work promises to advance rehabilitation sciences and improve lives across our communities.   Early Career Scheme 2026/27 Prof. Derek Yau Effects of dual-task training on managing pain and improving frailty in community-dwelling older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain and frailty: a randomised controlled trial   Prof. Stephen Lau Targeting Sleep and Circadian Disturbance to Reduce Post-Stroke Depressive Symptoms: A Randomised Controlled Trial   General Research Fund 2026/27 Prof. Clare Yu A cluster-randomised controlled trial of a slow-jogging intervention for improving the executive function and physiological regulation of adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder   Prof. Patrick Kwong The Impact of Family Involvement in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation for Chronic Low Back Pain in the Elderly   Prof. Annie Leong Effects of combined cognitive pain distraction and task-oriented dual-task training in stroke survivors with hemiplegic shoulder pain: a randomized controlled trial   Dr Kim Li Mitochondrial p32 loss as a novel mediator in ponatinib-induced cardiotoxicity: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications   Dr Sherry She Enhancing Self-care of Individuals with Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity Using a Blended Behavioral Intervention: a Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial   We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all seven recipients. We look forward to the valuable contributions these projects will bring to the field and to the communities they serve.  

Congratulations to RS Faculty and Students on Their Outstanding Achievements at the HKPA Annual Conference cum ICCrPT Inaugural Conference 2026

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honoured to serve as a co-organiser of the HKPA Annual Conference cum ICCrPT Inaugural Conference 2026 . Our faculty and students were actively engaged throughout the programme, contributing to vibrant academic exchange and professional dialogue.   We are especially proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our colleagues and students:   10-Minute Oral Presentation Gold Prize: Mr Eugene Kwok (Associate Professor of Practice, PolyU RS) Silver Prize: Ms Fay Wang (Part-time MPhil student) Bronze Prize: Mr Kenneth Chung (Associate Professor of Practice, PolyU RS)   Poster Presentation Silver Prize: Mr Timothy Fung (Part-time PhD student) Bronze Prize: Mr Shi Hao Jia (Research team member of Professor Tiev Miller)   These accomplishments reflect not only individual excellence but also our shared commitment to advancing rehabilitation sciences and contributing to the continued development of the physiotherapy profession.  

RS Undergraduate Students Selected for RS Global Undergraduate Research Studentship Scheme (GURSS)

RS Undergraduate Students Selected for RS Global Undergraduate Research Studentship Scheme (GURSS) The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) is pleased to announce that three undergraduate students have been successfully shortlisted for RS Global Undergraduate Research Studentship Scheme (GURSS), which is a six-week overseas research attachment. The selected students will undertake research training and academic exchange activities at the University of Sydney and the George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia, providing them with valuable opportunities to gain international research exposure and broaden their academic horizons. The attachment programme aims to foster students’ research capabilities, strengthen global engagement, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration with leading international institutions. Through direct involvement in ongoing research projects and mentorship from internationally renowned scholars, students will gain first-hand experience in academic research and evidence-based practice. The following students have been selected for the programme: Cheung Wai Yip (Ray) – BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, Year 3 Hui Hannah Winglam – BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, Year 2 Tsang Chun Ho (Sunny) – BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, Year 2 This international attachment reflects the Department’s commitment to nurturing research talent among undergraduate students and providing opportunities for global academic engagement. We congratulate the selected students and wish them every success in their upcoming attachment programme.

The Inaugural PolyU Rehab Day - A Resounding Success!

The inaugural PolyU Rehab Day, held on 28 June 2026, brought our Department’s vision for the future of lifestyle medicine to life under the theme "AI and Technology in Rehabilitation." We were honoured to welcome Mrs Winnie Kang, JP (Commissioner for Rehabilitation), Dr Laura Lo (Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), PolyU) and Prof. David Shum (Dean of FHSS, PolyU) as officiating guests at the Opening Ceremony. The event drew over 500 registrations, including alumni, industry partitioners, and members of the public, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Throughout the day, participants explored five themed pavilions showcasing our Department’s latest innovations: Pain, Sleep and Wellness; Care for Rare Diseases and Special Needs; Stroke and Cognitive Rehab; Fall Risk Detection and Active Living; and Physical and Pulmonary Assessments. The talks covered timely topics, including “AI and Technology in Rehabilitation,” “Sleep Health,” and “The Three Highs,” which clearly resonated with our audience. Looking ahead, our Department will continue to collaborate with stakeholders across various sectors to advance the development of rehabilitation sciences and help create a brighter and more inclusive future for society.     Experiential Station: Perfecting Posture in the Digital Age   Experiential Station: Mobilisation of Knee Cap   Experiential Station: LED - Anti Inflammation and Carriage Protection for Knee Pain   Demonstration Station: Disruptive 3D-Printed Auriculotherapy   Demonstration Station: Innovative AI Research in Personalised Dietary Intervention   Experiential Station: Expert-Led AR Ecosystem for Holistic Child Development   Experiential Station: Disruptive Assistive Tech Empowering Non-Verbal Clients   Demonstration Station: Advanced 3D Printing Rapid Prototyping for Upper Limp and Lower Limb   Experiential Station: The Next-Gen Markerless Motion Capture   Experiential Station: Revolutionary Smart-Gadgets for Stroke Recovery   Demonstration Station: Winning Assistive Tech Products from PolyU RS Students   Experiential Station: AI-Driven Mobility & Strength Assessment   Experiential Station: Transforming Public Parks into Digital Rehab Hubs   Experiential Station: Sarcopenia / InBody   Experiential Station: Lung Function Test    

PolyU RS Team Honoured with 2026 D2L Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award

We are proud to announce that Prof. Chi-Wen CHIEN, Ms Vera LAM, and Prof. Stella CHENG from PolyU’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences have received the 2026 D2L Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award, presented by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE), Canada. This distinguished honour celebrates educators who set new standards for excellence in higher education.   Their award-winning project, Professionalism Learning in Occupational Therapy: Experiential, AI-Simulated, and Clinical Integration, brings professionalism education to life for first-year occupational therapy students through three complementary learning experiences:   Real-world clinical encounters with local practitioners, offering first-hand insight into professional practice. A purpose-built role-playing game that lets students explore ethical dilemmas and decision-making in a safe, engaging setting. Generative AI-simulated patient tutorials that sharpen communication and clinical reasoning through realistic, responsive interactions.   The Department extends the warmest congratulations to the team on this remarkable achievement.  

Announcing Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences 2026

We are delighted to announce that Mr YU Tak Kwong Terence has been named the recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences 2026.   Mr Yu was chosen in recognition of his exceptional contributions across two pillars of excellence. For nearly three decades, he has maintained a deep and enduring commitment to PolyU — serving as a member of the PolyU Foundation, providing generous sponsorship for landmark departmental events including the Pan-Pacific Conference on Rehabilitation and the 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner, and mentoring the next generation of allied health professionals through the High Flyer Mentorship Programme.   His entrepreneurial achievements are equally outstanding. As the founder, Mr Yu has grown his company into a leading force in healthcare technology, introducing innovations such as overground exoskeleton technology and gold-standard isokinetic systems to Hong Kong. His work has raised the standard of clinical practice and brought meaningful improvements in patient care — both locally and across the Chinese Mainland.   Mr Yu's journey embodies a commitment to clinical excellence, a spirit of innovation, and a genuine dedication to giving back to the profession and the community.   We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the assessment panel, comprising both internal and external members, for their thorough deliberation and consideration.   Please join us in congratulating Mr Yu on this well-deserved honour. His accomplishments inspire us all, and we look forward to the continued positive impact he will have on our Department, PolyU and our community.  

PolyU signs MoU with Society Work Department of CPC Jinan Municipal Committee and The Keswick Foundation to explore innovative comprehensive service model for new employment groups

The rapid growth of the platform economy has given rise to new employment groups comprising food delivery couriers, express couriers and ride-hailing drivers who rely on online platforms. In response to National policy requirements to strengthen services and management of new employment groups, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Society Work Department of the CPC Jinan Municipal Committee and The Keswick Foundation. This collaboration seeks to integrate government, professional and philanthropic resources to explore an innovative, comprehensive service model for new employment groups, promote the implementation of a “Social Work + Rehabilitation” interprofessional service model and establish a signature brand for charitable services. A signing ceremony was held on 27 May on the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU; Mr GAO Benwei, Deputy Director of the Society Work Department of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee; and Mrs Stacey HILDEBRANDT, Governor of The Keswick Foundation, the MoU was signed by Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; Mr LIU Yiwu, Deputy Director of the Society Work Department of the CPC Jinan Municipal Committee; and Dr Max WONG, Executive Director of The Keswick Foundation. Dr Laura Lo noted, “This collaboration aligns closely with National policy directions and responds proactively to local governance and livelihood needs. It focuses on the core needs of the new employment groups, including occupational health, psychological support and social integration, demonstrating PolyU’s strong expertise in healthcare, rehabilitation and social sciences. Through this collaboration, we aim to establish a collaborative mechanism and an interprofessional, comprehensive service model that combines ‘Policy + Professional Expertise + Philanthropy’, contributing to the Nation’s grassroots governance innovation.” Mr Gao Benwei stated, “The new employment groups face many urgent needs that require more targeted services. We hope to seize this collaboration opportunity to establish a regular communication mechanism, leveraging the Jinan pilot to build and improve a high-standard professional service system, develop a structured workforce and meticulously implement service programmes. Shandong and Hong Kong will learn from and complement each other’s strengths to jointly advance professional cooperation in social work between the two regions.” Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Honorary Advisor and Governor of The Keswick Foundation, said, “This initiative embodies the advantages of interprofessional and interinstitutional collaboration, promoting government-philanthropy synergy. It combines government policy guidance, university quality assurance in professional supervision and performance evaluation, and the Foundation’s philanthropic resources, project experience and capacity-building support. Starting in Jinan, the project aims to establish a replicable service model within community and professional domains, thereby deepening collaboration between Shandong and Hong Kong.” This collaboration will launch its first pilot scheme in Jinan, with the Jinan Ai-Wu-Jiang Service Centre for the Disabled and the Jinan Ji-Ai Social Work Service Centre acting as the executing agencies. The China and Global Development Network (CGDN) of the PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences will be a key partner, providing professional supervision and consultancy in social work, participating in service model design, talent cultivation and evaluation research, and offering academic leadership and professional support. This initiative will also leverage CGDN as a strategic platform to facilitate knowledge exchange and policy engagement, and to disseminate its impact at both National and international levels. At the same time, the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences will provide professional technical support in rehabilitation, including with regard to service design, remote guidance and professional training, creating complementary synergy with social work services. The three parties aim to explore the development of a tripartite care service system for new employment groups based on a “policy support + professional collaboration + social participation” framework, thereby establishing a replicable and scalable interprofessional comprehensive service model that will help improve the health and quality of life of new employment groups.

Dr Sherry She Recognised for Innovative AI Research in Personalised Dietary Intervention

Dr Sherry She Recognised for Innovative AI Research in Personalised Dietary Intervention   The Department is delighted to announce that Dr Sherry SHE, Research Assistant Professor, has received PolyU’s Young Innovative Researcher Award (YIRA) 2026. This prestigious university-level award recognises young faculty members who have demonstrated originality in their research, advanced technological development, and translated transformational innovation into solutions for global challenges.   In addition, Dr She has received the 2025 Outstanding Reviewer Award from the Journal of Sport and Health Science (JSHS) in recognition of her high-quality, thorough, and timely peer reviews, which have made a meaningful contribution to the journal’s academic standards.   Dr She’s award-winning project, “An Explainable, Theory and Culturally-Grounded Artificial Intelligence-based Chatbot for Personalized Dietary Behavior Intervention”, reflects the strong interdisciplinary impact of her research. It will develop and evaluate an explainable, theory- and culturally-grounded AI chatbot to deliver personalised dietary support for Hong Kong and broader Asian communities.   Integrating transparent reasoning, culturally calibrated image-based dietary assessment, and evidence-based behavior-change techniques with tailored personalisation rules, the chatbot will offer adaptive, on-demand coaching under clear clinical safeguards. Through a rigorous comparison with human health coaching, the study will assess both effectiveness and cost‑effectiveness, producing validated tools and implementation‑ready insights to broaden equitable access to dietary care and guide public‑health strategies for chronic disease prevention and management.   The Department warmly congratulates Dr She on these outstanding achievements and looks forward to her continued excellence in research, innovation, and academic service.