Opening Ceremony of Celestial Horse: An Interdisciplinary Narrative of Civilisation Symbiosis along the Silk Road

On the evening of 4 November, the opening ceremony of Celestial Horse: An Interdisciplinary Narrative of Civilisation Symbiosis along the Silk Road was held at Gallery B&C, Jockey Club Innovation Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The exhibition is organised by Nanjing University and supported by the School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, as an Academic Strategic Partner. Open to the public from 1 to 7 November, the week-long academic exhibition is free for PolyU staff, students and the general public. In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU Design, highlighted Hong Kong's longstanding position as a bridge between China and the world and its important role in fostering cultural exchange and preserving cultural heritage. He expressed his appreciation for the contributions made by students from PolyU's Master of Science in Innovative Multimedia Entertainment (MScIME) programme, together with researchers from the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre and Research Centre for Culture and Art Technology (RCCAT), contributed creative digital interpretations of Silk Road culture to the exhibition. By presenting these projects alongside the archaeological and heritage research output of Nanjing University, the exhibition demonstrates how design and technology can create new possibilities for cultural preservation, education and public engagement. Prof. Lee also noted the value of design as a process of translation, transforming traditional culture into experiences that younger generations would be interested to explore, interact with and reflect upon. Research findings are translated into formats that spark curiosity and creativity among new audiences, offering renewed perspectives on cultural heritage, cultural exchange and preservation. The exhibition continues until 7 November, offering visitors an opportunity to experience Silk Road civilisation through archaeology, design and digital technologies. For exhibition details, please visit the event page.   《天馬：絲路文明共生的跨學科敘事》特邀開幕儀式在香港理工大學舉辦 11月4日晚，《天馬：絲路文明共生的跨學科敘事》特邀嘉賓開幕儀式於香港理工大學賽馬會創新樓 Gallery B&C 舉行。本次展覽由南京大學主辦，學術戰略合作單位香港理工大學設計學院全力支援。展覽已於11月1日對外開放，為一周限定專題學術特展，展期持續至11月7日，面向公眾免費開放。 在開幕儀式致辭中，香港理工大學設計學院院長李健杓教授表示，香港長期以來一直擔當連繫中國與世界的重要橋樑，在促進中外文化交流及推動文化遺產傳承方面發揮獨特作用。他很高興看到理大創新多媒體娛樂理學碩士（MScIME）課程學生，以及理大英偉達聯合研究中心與文化與藝術科技研究中心（RCCAT）的研究團隊，以創新的數碼方式演繹絲路文化，並透過本次展覽與南京大學的考古研究及文化遺產學術成果同場展示。李教授認為，展覽充分展現設計與科技如何為文化保育、教育推廣及公眾參與開創新的可能性。 李教授亦指出，設計的重要價值在於其作為一種「轉譯」的過程，能夠將專業知識轉化為年輕一代願意探索、互動及反思的體驗。研究成果透過轉譯，以能激發新受眾好奇心與創造力的形式呈現，為非物質文化遺產、文化交流與文化保育帶來新的視角與理解。 展覽分為視覺建構、學科交融、數位絲路三大板塊，融合文物圖像、考古田野資料與AIGC視頻、互動遊戲、實體裝置等數位創作，以「天馬」符號解讀兩千年來絲路文明交流互鑒的歷史，同時展出香港理工大學英偉達聯合研究中心及文化與藝術科技研究中心的研究與創作成果。展覽期間配套學術論壇活動。 如需了解展覽詳情，請瀏覽活動網頁。

PolyU Design Students and Bosch Home Comfort Group APAC Win Red Dot Design Concept Award 2026 for Innovative Air-conditioning Concept

A pioneering air-conditioning concept developed by students from the Master of Design (MDes) Innovative Business Design programme at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design), in collaboration with Bosch Home Comfort Group APAC, has received the Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2026. Named airLingual, the concept reimagines indoor climate control through intuitive hand gestures, replacing conventional remotes, mobile apps and screens with a more seamless and accessible user experience guided by the philosophy of "Simple as Air". Powered by local Edge AI, airLingual recognises everyday hand gestures and interprets sign language without additional setup, enhancing accessibility while safeguarding privacy through local data processing. The concept also incorporates a concealed LED display for visual feedback and motion-sensing technology capable of detecting falls or unusual postures to support user safety. Developed through an industry-sponsored collaboration between PolyU Design and Bosch Home Comfort Group, the project challenged students to envision future residential air-conditioning and HVAC experiences for Generation Z users in Hong Kong and the wider Asia-Pacific region, combining user research, design innovation and industry mentorship. Prof. Sylvia Liu, Assistant Dean and Specialism Leader of the master’s programme of PolyU Design, said: “We are delighted to see our students receive international recognition for their creativity and design excellence. This achievement reflects PolyU Design's strong emphasis on industry collaboration, enabling students to tackle real-world challenges and develop impactful design innovations.” Lawrence Chu, Head of Industrial Design & UIUX (APAC), Bosch Home Comfort Group APAC, who is also an alumnus of the MDes programme, said: “airLingual provided a unique opportunity to learn from the next generation of designers. Their vision for more intuitive, human-centred interactions helped shape our exploration of a universal language for personalised comfort.” The success of airLingual underscores PolyU Design's commitment to industry-engaged education, empowering students to transform research, strategic thinking and emerging technologies into innovative solutions with real-world impact. The project also demonstrates how PolyU Design graduates continue to contribute to industry-academia collaboration, with MDes alumnus Lawrence Chu serving as an industry mentor on the project. Students: Liu Hap Hoi Hugo, Liu Jinxin Kimmy, Mao Xin Asta, MDes Innovative Business Design Academic Supervisor: Prof. Benny Leong & Prof. Sylvia Liu Collaborator: Bosch Home Comfort Group APAC

PolyU LKSD&I Hosts Designpreneur X STEM Workshop for Kwun Tong Government Secondary School Students

On 27 September 2026, the Li Ka Shing Design and Innovation Centre (LKSD&I) at PolyU Design collaborated with an educational partner to deliver a customised one-day Designpreneur X STEM workshop for students from Kwun Tong Government Secondary School. The workshop introduced design thinking, entrepreneurship and STEM applications through the real-world theme of Circular Economy. Led by Assistant Professor Luke Feast, the workshop combined hands-on activities, design exercises and rapid prototyping to help students explore how design can address environmental and societal challenges. Working in teams, participants developed concepts and prototypes while applying creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Throughout the workshop, students took part in idea development, group discussions, presentations and peer learning activities. Their final proposals were evaluated based on: Idea Originality  STEM Integration Prototyping Quality Presentation   The workshop provided students with opportunities to learn from one another while receiving feedback and guidance from PolyU Design academics. Through the Designpreneur X STEM experience, participants gained exposure to design-led innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary problem-solving. LKSD&I regularly collaborates with schools and educational organisations to create learning experiences that connect design, innovation and entrepreneurship. Organisations interested in Designpreneur-related workshops are welcome to contact lks.design@polyu.edu.hk to explore collaboration opportunities.

PolyU and Harbin Institute of Technology Launch Shenzhen International School of Design and Future Design Joint Research Centre

（中文版在本頁底部）   The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) inaugurated the Harbin Institute of Technology–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen International School of Design (SISD) and launched the Future Design Joint Research Centre (the Centre) on 24 September, marking a new milestone in the two universities’ collaboration in education, research and innovation. The ceremony was held at HIT’s Shenzhen campus and officiated by Academician Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, and Academician Jiecai HAN, President of the Harbin Institute of Technology. Bringing together PolyU’s internationally recognised expertise in design education and research and HIT’s strengths in engineering and technology, SISD has been established with the approval of the Ministry of Education and aims to cultivate future talent equipped with innovative thinking, technological literacy and a broad cross-disciplinary outlook. Academician Jin-Guang Teng stated, “This collaboration is built upon the highly compatible educational philosophies and development visions of our two institutions. It embodies our shared mission to serve national development, drive educational innovation and nurture future talent. These two major platforms will not only serve as important vehicles for deepening collaborative innovation and fostering the integration of education, research and industry between our institutions, but also play an exemplary and leading role in strengthening educational and research collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and supporting the development of the Greater Bay Area.” Academician Jiecai Han said, “The two universities have already built a solid foundation for cooperation in joint educational initiatives, laboratory development and doctoral training. By drawing on their respective strengths, both institutions will work together to advance SISD’s development, promote the integration of engineering excellence and design innovation, and nurture interdisciplinary talent with strong design thinking capabilities, thereby providing new momentum for the University’s progress towards becoming a world-leading university.” SISD will offer master’s degree programmes covering Design, Intelligent Science and Technology, and Urban and Rural Planning in academic year 2027/28 on the HIT Shenzhen campus. The three-year programmes plan to admit an inaugural intake of 150 full-time master’s students. The programmes are jointly coordinated and taught by teachers from both universities. Students who complete the programme and fulfil the graduation requirements will be awarded a separate degree certificate by each of the two universities. The newly established Future Design Joint Research Centre was launched the same day. It will focus on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of design, technology and society, with three key research areas: Future Living and Smart Cities; Systems Integration Design; and Culture, Arts and Digital Media Technologies. The Centre will promote pioneering research, knowledge transfer and the translation of research outcomes into real-world impact, injecting further momentum into the Nation’s innovation-driven development and the development of the GBA. Following the plaque unveiling ceremony, representatives from both universities convened the inaugural meeting of the SISD Joint Management Committee to review key matters including the School’s governance structure, academic committee membership and postgraduate admissions arrangements, laying a solid foundation for its future development.   理大與哈爾濱工業大學共同成立深圳國際設計學院及未來設計聯合研究中心 香港理工大學（理大）與哈爾濱工業大學（哈工大）於9月24日正式成立「哈爾濱工業大學香港理工大學深圳國際設計學院」（學院），並同步啟動「未來設計聯合研究中心」（中心），標誌兩校於教育、科研及創新領域的合作邁向新里程。揭牌儀式於哈工大深圳校區舉行，由理大校長滕錦光院士及哈工大黨委常委、校長韓傑才院士等雙方嘉賓共同見證。 學院獲國家教育部批准成立，結合理大在設計教育與研究方面的國際領先優勢，以及哈工大在工程科技領域的卓越實力，致力培育學生成爲具跨學科視野、創新思維及科技素養的未來人才。 滕錦光院士表示：「這次合作建基於兩校高度契合的辦學理念和發展願景，體現服務國家發展、推動教育創新和培育未來人才的共同使命。兩大平台不但將成為兩校深化協同創新、推動產學研深度融合的重要載體，亦能為深化大灣區教育科研合作、服務大灣區建設發揮示範引領作用。」 韓傑才院士表示：「兩校在合作辦學、共建實驗室及博士生培養等領域有著良好的合作基礎。希望雙方充分發揮各自優勢，攜手推進學院建設，加強工程技術與設計創新的交叉融合，培養具有設計思維的複合型人才，為學校邁向世界領先大學注入新動力。」 學院將於2027/28學年在哈工大深圳校區開辦碩士研究生課程，涵蓋設計、智能科學與技術，以及城鄉規劃三個範疇。課程為期三年，首年計劃招收150名全日制碩士研究生。課程由兩校聯合統籌及授課，完成課程並符合畢業要求的學生，將由兩校分別頒發學位證書。 此外，兩校亦同步啟動「未來設計聯合研究中心」，聚焦設計、科技與社會融合發展的跨學科研究，重點推進未來居所與智慧城市、系統整合設計，以及文化、藝術及數字媒體科技三大前沿研究方向，促進創新研究、知識轉移及科研成果轉化，為國家創新驅動發展及大灣區建設注入新動能。 揭牌儀式後，兩校隨即召開首屆聯合管理委員會第一次會議，審議學院治理架構、學術委員會組成及研究生招生方案等重要事項，為學院未來發展奠定堅實基礎。  

Call for Submissions | 2026 19th PhD Colloquium on Design Research

The 2026 19th PhD Colloquium on Design Research will be held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University on 10 and 12 November 2026 and hosted by its School of Design.   Under the theme “Building Translational Design Knowledge”, the Colloquium will bring together design scholars, faculty members, and doctoral researchers from institutions in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas to explore emerging directions in design research across four areas: Design Intelligence, Design Wellbeings, Design for Virtue, and Translational Knowledge.   Doctoral students in design and related disciplines worldwide who have passed their confirmation of candidature are invited to submit a research abstract with their supervisor’s recommendation. Outstanding applicants will receive a formal invitation to present their research and showcase a poster at the Colloquium, with feedback from experts across participating institutions. Best Presentation and Best Poster Awards will be presented.    Submission deadline: 24:00, 30 September 2026 (Beijing Time)   Please refer to the Call for Submissions for the submission procedure, email address, and full requirements.   We warmly invite doctoral researchers to submit their work and welcome colleagues and partner institutions to share this call with their academic communities.     Organiser The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design Supporting Institutions Tsinghua University Tongji University Jiangnan University Hunan University National Cheng Kung University Guangdong University of Technology

Results Announcement for Selected Projects for LKSD&I Capstone Project Funding Scheme 2025/26

PolyU Li Ka Shing Design and Innovation Centre (LKSD&I) has successfully completed Judging Session on 3 August 2026 for LKSD&I Capstone Project Funding Scheme 2025/26, a funding scheme that encourages students to transform their capstone projects into real ventures, establish startups, and pursue further funding through the PolyVentures Ecosystem. This year, LKSD&I has received 20+ nominations from different design disciplines, and there are 8 projects have been selected by the judging panel, comprising of Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of School of Design; Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean (Global and Industry Engagement); Prof. Benny Leong, Professor of Practice; and Ms Winnie Cheng, Manager of PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (KTEO. Selected projects demonstrated outstanding performance in four core aspects among all received project applications: (1) Innovativeness and Originality, (2) Business Development Potential, (3) Research and Development, and (4) Booth Presentation at PolyU Design Show 2026. List of selected projects are indicated as below in alphabetical order:  Selected Projects for LKSD&I Capstone Project Funding Scheme 2025/26 Integrated Designpreneurship (InD) Project #01 Project Name: City Sense Diary Project Team Member: Lai Wai Shan Project Description: City Sense Diary is a sensory mobility platform designed for visually impaired people to support free exploration, reflection, and social connection beyond point-to-point navigation. Users can record sensory notes during their journeys, revisit them as diaries, share experiences with others, and join short co-walking trips. Project #02 Project Name: SEW+ Project Team Member: Yeung Wan Chiu, Ma Yicheng Project Description: Hong Kong’s female labour has the lowest rate among most Asian cities where childcare and inflexible work conditions are the primary barriers. Su Embroidery is at a risk of generational extinction within a decade. The project turns an endangered skill into a flexible earning and livelihood for the women who need it most. Project #03 Project Name: THE RUINED CITY: Scavenger 0 Project Team Member: Peng Zixun Project Description: The Ruined City: Scavenger 0 is a low-tech, mixed-media narrative game project that helps people re-reading everyday life through overlooked or functionless objects. It responds to a task-driven lifestyle in which people often know what needs to be done next but may lose sensitivity to how their own condition is changing. Product Design (PRD) Project #04 Project Name: HI-TOUCH — Connection in Motion Project Team Member: Chen Ching Lam Project Description: HI-TOUCH addresses the lack of engaging, socially interactive park facilities for young people. It responds to the need for a more usable and inclusive public space that encourages activity, connection, and a stronger relationship with nature. MDes — Smart Service Design (SSD) Project #05 Project Name: Weaving Identity Through Friendship Project Team Member: ZHANG Hanmei, LIU Yinghon, FAN Shuyu, ZHANG Kaiying, QU Sichen Project Description: WEAVE is a friendship-based digital service that helps Gen Z women exploring their own identity through meaningful interaction with close friends through the WEAVE platform. MSc in Innovative Multimedia Entertainment (MScIME) Project #06 Project Name: BeeCare: The AI-Driven Digitalization of Welfare Workflows Project Team Member: Song Zhixin Project Description: BeeCare is a mobile workflow platform designed to reduce administrative burden on frontline social workers in Hong Kong's elderly care sector. Social workers' time can be transformed into direct care, reducing risks of severe burnout, and alleviating the sector's high turnover rate. Project #07 Project Name: EcceHomo: The Last Lucid Dream Project Team Member: Tang Jian, Gong Yunfei, Li Zhi, Yu Fan Project Description: Current humanities education and museum exhibitions suffer from an empathy deficit, highly relying on passive observation rather than active participation. High-fidelity cultural VR experiences face prohibitive custom development costs. The project makes scale and replication more feasible for standard cultural institutions. Project #08 Project Name: SensePlay Project Team Member: Cho Ka Yan, Siu Yat Long, Wong Ngo Fung Project Description: SensePlay alleviates challenges faced by students with moderate to severe Special Educational Needs. The tools are designed for their complex sensory, physical, and cognitive needs, while assisting therapists to deliver personalised support through real-time progress tracking, customisation, and system integration in schools and service centres. Each selected project teams will receive HK$15,000 on a conditional offer from LKSD&I, subject to their status of meeting the conditional offer requirements. These include: (1) Applied to the PolyU Micro Fund 2025/26 (Cohort 2) and selected as one of the shortlisted teams / top performers or Will apply to PolyU Micro Fund 2026/27 (Cohort 1); and (2) Establishing a company in Hong Kong within 6 months after the announcement from LKSD&I, SD. The Principal Applicant serving as the company director and hold at least 50% of the shares or alternatively hold the largest shareholding among all company directors. Selected teams will be notified and shared with further information in the logistic arrangements. Once again, we would like to congratulate all selected project teams that successfully granted with the funding from the funding scheme. And we would like to take the opportunity to thank for all the contributions and supports from all staff members and students from PolyU. LKSD&I will continue working closely to empower and nurture PolyU Design students with unleashed talents in design, innovation, and entrepreneurship. For further updates on the Capstone Project Funding Scheme 2026/27, please stay tuned and details will be announced shortly on the LKSD&I webpage on the PolyU Design website. About Li Ka Shing Design and Innovation Centre (LKSD&I) Li Ka Shing Design and Innovation Centre (LKSD&I), a vibrant hub for creativity and entrepreneurship at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With the generous support of the Li Ka Shing Foundation, LKSD&I is dedicated to empowering PolyU Design students by nurturing their talents in design, innovation, and entrepreneurship.    

Tsang Hoi Yi Neme's Capstone Project MUSEC Recognised as James Dyson Award 2026 Hong Kong Runner-up

TSANG Hoi Yi Neme, a recent graduate of the BA (Hons) in Design (Product Design) programme at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design), has been named a Hong Kong Runner-up in the James Dyson Award 2026 for MUSEC Arm Sleeves, an innovative wearable music interaction device developed as her final-year capstone project. Developed as a final-year capstone project, MUSEC is a wearable music interaction device that transforms body movement into sound and haptic feedback. Combining gesture recognition, touch controls and a companion mobile app, it enables users to create and personalise music through physical interaction. Featuring both Casual Mode for everyday use and Dancer Mode for expressive performance, the project reimagines music listening as an active, immersive and embodied experience. This breakthrough design offers music lovers and dancers a more engaging and physical way to experience sound. Created under the supervision of Stephen J. Wang, MUSEC reflects PolyU Design's commitment to nurturing future designers through interdisciplinary education, creative inquiry and practice-based learning. By integrating wearable technology, interaction design and user experience, the project demonstrates how students are empowered to develop innovative design solutions that respond to emerging opportunities and contemporary needs. The James Dyson Award is an international design and engineering competition that celebrates problem-solving inventions by emerging designers and engineers. Following its recognition as a Hong Kong Runner-up, MUSEC will advance to the next stage of the competition alongside the other awarded projects from Hong Kong. The international Top 20 shortlist will be announced in October and selected by a global team of Dyson engineers, while the global winners will be announced in November and chosen by Sir James Dyson.   Learn more about MUSEC  

PolyU Design and St. Petersburg State University Sign MoU to Strengthen Design and Creative Economy Collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design) recently welcomed a delegation from St. Petersburg State University (SPbU) for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a framework for collaboration in joint educational initiatives, academic exchange, co-developed research, student exchange, and work-integrated education opportunities. The signing builds on SPbU's visit to PolyU Design in December last year and marks an important step in strengthening international partnerships in design, innovation and the creative economy. The MOU was signed by Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU Design, and Prof. Anastasia Yarmosh, First Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of SPbU. Witnessing the signing were Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean (Global & Industry Engagement), Prof. Jaehyun Jaden Park, Associate Professor, and Prof. Shera Hyunyim Park, Assistant Professor, and Ms Emily Ng, Manager of PolyU Design, alongside Prof. Sergey Andryushin, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Mr. Danil Tolmachev, Director of the School of Creative Economy, and Ms Anna Tomchik, Deputy Director of the School of Creative Economy of SPbU. A key area of common interest is the development of the creative economy, an emerging field that brings together design, innovative business, AI and cultural technologies. Through the new partnership, PolyU Design and SPbU will explore how design, particularly in the areas of service design and digital solutions, can contribute to the development of creative cities and future industries. The collaboration further extends PolyU Design's global network of academic collaborators and supports Hong Kong's ongoing efforts to strengthen its position as an international education hub, foster talent cultivation, and expand innovation partnerships. Looking ahead, PolyU Design looks forward to welcoming students and colleagues from SPbU to Hong Kong in 2027 and beyond for exchanges, collaborative projects and academic activities, further strengthening ties between the two institutions and opening new opportunities for learning, research and innovation.

Advancing Design Education and Research through Greater Bay Area Partnership

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design) is strengthening its engagement with leading design institutions in the Greater Bay Area through renewed collaboration with the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts (GAFA). Recently, Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU Design, visited GAFA and met with Prof. Cai Yonghua, Vice President of GAFA, together with faculty representatives from both institutions. The meeting focused on exploring future areas of collaboration and discussing the extension of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of PolyU Design and GAFA to advancing design education, fostering collaborative research, and creating greater opportunities for academic exchange. Discussions covered potential initiatives to strengthen cooperation in teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and talent development, while enhancing connections across the creative and innovation ecosystem of the Greater Bay Area. As PolyU Design continues to expand its network of strategic partnerships, the School remains dedicated to advancing design-driven innovation and strengthening knowledge exchange within Hong Kong, Mainland China, and beyond.

PolyU Design Announces Outstanding Alumni Awards 2026 Recipients