Media Releases

PolyU respects Government’s decision, vows to build on experience and prepare for future challenges

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) acknowledges the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s final decision regarding the establishment of the third medical school. While the University is disappointed not to have been selected to establish the third medical school, PolyU fully respects the Government’s decision and will continue to support the HKSAR Government as always in nurturing healthcare professionals, promoting medical technology development, benefiting society, and contributing to the Nation. Establishing the third medical school is a significant policy that benefits Hong Kong citizens and supports the long-term development of the Nation’s healthcare sector. It carries profound importance for strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international health and medical innovation hub. PolyU was honoured to participate in the application process and submitted a comprehensive proposal based on decades of experience in healthcare education, hoping to provide a reference for healthcare service development in Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area cities. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, sincerely thanked the University’s preparatory committee members for their tremendous efforts and dedication throughout the process, expressing deep appreciation for their outstanding performance and team spirit. He also extended special gratitude to community members, alumni, and all staff and students for their consistent encouragement and support. Dr Lam acknowledged that the team had given their utmost and encouraged everyone to remain undeterred, calling for sustained unity and shared commitment to drive PolyU’s continuous development and support Hong Kong’s establishment as an international hub for post-secondary education. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, thanked all Expert Advisory Committee members and colleagues involved in the application process for their valuable input and strong support. He stated that “failure is the mother of success”, confirming the team would review and summarise this experience to refine related work, prepare thoroughly, and meet future challenges. Prof. Teng emphasised that PolyU will continue leveraging its unique strengths in “medicine-engineering integration”, deepen clinical collaboration with local hospitals, accelerate the translation of medical research outcomes, actively nurture healthcare talent to address societal needs, and contribute to establishing Hong Kong as an international hub for medical training, research and innovation. PolyU sincerely congratulates The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on its successful bid to establish the third medical school. Dr Lam and Prof. Teng reiterated their call for PolyU staff, students and alumni to fulfil their civic and social responsibilities by actively participating in the 8th Legislative Council Election and casting their votes on 7 December to jointly create the future. ***END***

PolyU hosts Hong Kong’s first Global Confucius Institutes Forum, gathering 150 delegates to drive digital and AI advancement

The “Global Confucius Institutes Hong Kong Forum”, co-organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its Confucius Institute of Hong Kong (CIHK), with support from the Chinese International Education Foundation, concluded today on the PolyU campus. As a flagship event of the “PolyU Chinese Culture Festival”, the Forum was themed “Exploring New Opportunities for Cooperation among Confucius Institutes in the Era of AI”. It brought together 150 delegates from 79 Confucius Institutes across 69 countries and regions, along with PolyU senior management, faculty members and students, to explore innovative pathways for international Chinese language education in the era of AI and to advance collaborative global development of Confucius Institutes. In his welcoming remarks, Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, said, “President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to international Chinese language education, emphasising the need to uphold integrity while pursuing innovation, strengthen connectivity and integration, and build consensus among all parties. As the Forum host, PolyU is honoured to gather with Confucius Institute delegates from around the world for valuable exchanges and discussions, to explore new opportunities for cooperation among Confucius Institutes, the potential of integrating education and technology, and innovative ways to develop international Chinese education. With the unique advantage of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Hong Kong serves as a bridge connecting China with the rest of the world, playing the role of a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’. PolyU and CIHK are committed to continue connecting Confucius Institutes globally, promoting cooperation, working hand in hand to advance cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world, to promote Chinese culture, and to contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.” Dr Lam emphasised that PolyU is committed to nurturing students with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, so they can serve society and contribute to the country. To this end, the University requires every student to study courses related to Chinese history and culture, and holds a “PolyU Chinese Culture Festival” every year. Today’s forum is one of the flagship events of this festival. At the opening ceremony, Dr LU Qiaomei, Director of CIHK, read the “Empowering Exchange and Integration through AI Transformation: Declaration of the Global Confucius Institutes Hong Kong Forum”, aiming to unite consensus, boosting shared progress and rooting cultural heritage. The Declaration focuses on four key directions for development: Actively integrating digital, intelligent and AI technologies into the teaching, cultural dissemination, and ecosystem development of the Confucius Institutes, helping to fulfil the noble mission of “fostering people-to-people bonds”; Developing multilingual and multi-scenario digital teaching resources to provide high-quality, personalised Chinese language education services and create a “teaching anytime, learning anywhere” smart learning ecosystem; Harnessing immersive technologies to revitalise elements of Chinese culture, establishing digital exchange platforms, and promoting mutual learning between Chinese culture and other cultures; and Establishing cooperative mechanisms to enhance cross-border and cross-regional cooperation, working together to build a global AI and digital technology community for Confucius Institutes. The event featured a series of keynote speeches and parallel discussion sessions that contributed cross-disciplinary insights. Dr Louis NG Chi-wa, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, shared new perspectives on international cultural communication in the new era from the angle of cultural dissemination; Prof. CAO Jiannong, PolyU Vice President (Education), explored educational transformation in the AI era; and Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Professor of the Department of Computing, presented a novel fusion-driven AI innovation framework to seek breakthroughs. The event was highly significant in uniting Confucius Institute representatives with experts and scholars from diverse fields to exchange experiences and ideas, injecting fresh vitality into development across multiple domains. As the first Confucius Institute in China and the only one of its kind in Hong Kong, the Confucius Institute of Hong Kong has, since its inauguration in 2006, provided opportunities for people to learn the Chinese language, and about Chinese history and various aspects of contemporary Chinese society. It also serves as a bridge between China and the other parts of the world in advancing research and teaching about China and aspires to become an international centre for young scholars in the field of China studies. Group photo of PolyU Council Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai (5th from left) and President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (5th from right) with the speakers. The Forum, themed “Exploring New Opportunities for Cooperation among Confucius Institutes in the Era of AI”, was a flagship event of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival. Dr Lam Tai-fai affirmed that PolyU and CIHK remain dedicated to fostering global connections among Confucius Institutes. ***END***

PolyU receives three awards at CES Innovation Awards 2026

Three innovations developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its startups have achieved remarkable success at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Awards 2026, garnering three prestigious Innovation Awards for their cutting-edge research and development achievements. Among the award-winning projects, the Smart Firefighting Robots received the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category, earning the coveted “Best of Innovation Award”, the best result PolyU has achieved since first participating in the event. PolyU is committed to nurturing startups through its unique PolyVentures innovation ecosystem. These outstanding results are a testament to the University’s dedication to world-leading research and innovation, as well as its efforts to translate research excellence into impactful solutions that benefit society. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enable autonomous firefighting operations, the Smart Firefighting Robot was developed by the research team of Prof. HUANG Xinyan, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE)  and Co-founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, together with Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of BEEE as well as the Founder and CEO of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited. This AI-driven robot can navigate smoke-filled environments, classify burning materials, and select and release optimal extinguishing agents. By sending real-time data to command centres, it can also enhance firefighting efficiency and help safeguard the health and safety of firefighters and the public. PolyU was also recognised for its Arm Rehabilitation Robot (also known as “Powered Rehab Skateboard”) and FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, which received awards in the Accessibility & Longevity and Digital Health categories respectively. These accolades highlight the University’s strong capabilities in health technology research and development. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable training device designed to support home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. Developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs, particularly for stroke survivors. Unlike traditional rehabilitation devices that are often bulky and expensive, this solution allows users to engage in effective therapy in the comfort of their homes or in community centres, catering to patients’ needs with simple setup and real-time tracking of training progress. Development of the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection, the FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, was spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of Eieling Technology Limited. Weighing only 120 grams, this palm-sized portable device, complemented by its mobile app, can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are excited by the remarkable accomplishments of PolyU researchers and start-ups on the international stage. As PolyU marks its third consecutive year at CES, the growing number and diversity of award-winning innovations signal a new milestone in its journey, highlighting PolyU’s rising prominence in the global technology arena.” Organised annually by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is among the world’s most influential consumer electronics technology exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge electronic technology for modern living. PolyU and its startups will showcase the award-winning technologies alongside a diverse portfolio of forward-looking research innovations at CES 2026, to be held in Las Vegas from 6 to 9 January next year. ***END***

20 PolyU scholars named Highly Cited Researchers 2025

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has 20* scholars recognised on the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2025” by Clarivate Analytics, with one scholar recognised in two categories, underscoring the University’s internationally recognised research and academic excellence and highlighting its contributions to societal development and technological advancement across diverse fields. Clarivate Analytics’ Highly Cited Researchers list recognises academics who have demonstrated significant and broad influence in their respective fields of research. This year, 6,868 scholars from 60 countries and regions have been named. The selected scholars have authored multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for their fields and publication year over the past 11 years. Of the world’s population of scientists and social scientists, Highly Cited Researchers are 1 in 1,000. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU is committed to advancing world-leading research and innovation for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. A total of 428 PolyU scholars are listed in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025 for their career-long citation impact or single-year citation impact, placing the University second among Hong Kong institutions and highlighting the strong research capabilities of PolyU academics. The PolyU scholars featured in the Highly Cited Researchers 2025 are listed below (in alphabetical order by surname): Category  Name Title and Faculty/Department/School  Computer Science Prof. CHENG Ran Associate Professor of the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Presidential Young Scholar Prof. TAN Kay Chen Head and Chair Professor of Computational Intelligence of the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Cross-Field Prof. CHAI Yang Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science, Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. Daniel LAU Chair Professor of Nanomaterials of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. LI Gang Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Prof. NI Meng Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Head and Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Prof. Harry QIN Professor of the School of Nursing Prof. Geoffrey SHEN Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships), Director of Global Engagement, Chair Professor of Construction Management of the Department of Building and Real Estate Prof. WANG Peng Former Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Prof. WU Tao Chair Professor of Frontier Materials of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. YAN Feng Chair Professor of Organic Electronics of the Department of Applied Physics Prof. YANG Guang Assistant Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Prof. ZHANG Xiao Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. ZHENG Zijian Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Engineering Prof. YAN Jinyue Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Prof. ZHANG Lei Chair Professor of Computer Vision and Image Analysis of the Department of Computing Prof. ZHENG Pai Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Wong Tit Shing Young Scholar in Smart Robotics Materials Science Prof. WANG Lianzhou Chair Professor of Energy Materials of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Prof. WANG Zuankai Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. ZHANG Xiao Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Mathematics Prof. ZHOU Zhi Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Mathematics For the full list of Highly Cited Researchers 2025, please visit: https://clarivate.com/highly-cited-researchers/ *including one PolyU scholar recognised in two categories and one former scholar. ***END***

PolyU successfully completes Hong Kong's first chip-based quantum network and test

As one of the most disruptive technologies of the 21st century, quantum technology is revolutionising the global technological landscape. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a breakthrough by successfully conducting a cybersecurity test on the world’s longest optical fibre quantum network, built utilising a quantum chip platform. This milestone marks a stride forward in the commercialisation of quantum communication and aligns with China’s strategic priorities, as outlined in the Nation’s “15th Five-Year Plan” where it is identified as one of the top technological areas for industry development. Quantum technology has already unlocked significant value in quantum computers, quantum satellites and precision measurement, and is poised to catalyse classical computing and cryptography. Theoretically, quantum computers, once powerful enough, can instantaneously break current encryption technologies, posing existential security threats to financial transactions, cross-border data privacy, Internet of Things (IoT) device communications, and in other critical areas. In response, countries worldwide are developing post-quantum cryptography or quantum encryption solutions to mitigate the impending cybersecurity risks of the quantum era. Led by Prof. Ai-Qun LIU, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT), Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Hong Kong Global STEM Scholar, a PolyU research team has successfully developed a quantum communication chip to establish Hong Kong’s first quantum communication network. Prof. Liu said, “Our quantum communication encryption is grounded in the principles of quantum mechanics: since quantum states cannot be cloned, it is theoretically almost impossible to crack. This small yet mighty quantum chip has the potential to safeguard Hong Kong’s digital financial system and its reputation as an international financial hub, making it a critical asset for our Nation’s economic development. The PolyU RIQT proudly leads the charge in embracing this crucial mission, harnessing cutting-edge quantum solutions to protect our future.” Under the leadership of Prof. Liu, the team at RIQT has developed a compact quantum chip, measuring just 12mm × 4mm, utilising semiconductor fabrication techniques. The optical fibre network provided by the HKCOLO.NET data centre as a donation enabled the team to complete a quantum encrypted transmission test on an existing optical fibre link spanning approximately 55 kilometres, connecting four nodes across Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories, and including PolyU, another university and two large data centres in Tseung Kwan O and Chai Wan. During the trial, the quantum chip successfully encoded and emitted photons with quantum information, transmitting encrypted messages between points through the network. The PolyU research team has successfully completed a test on an optical fibre network of approximately 55 kilometres, connecting four nodes across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. The quantum chip operates at a clock rate of 1.25 GHz, generating and transmitting high-quality quantum-encoded signals with remarkable stability. This enables secure key generation at a rate of 45.73 kbps, facilitating reliable encrypted optical fibre communications over distances exceeding 100 kilometres. Moreover, the system dynamically adapts to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and vibrations, maintaining stable connections and paving the way for commercial deployment. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, commented, “The rapid progress of quantum technology has prompted financial centres worldwide to proactively explore solutions to mitigate cybersecurity risks in the quantum era. As Asia’s leading international financial centre, Hong Kong must anticipate the threat posed by quantum computing and prepare ahead of time. This milestone not only addresses a strategic priority of the 15th Five-Year Plan but also aligns with the key initiative of Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, which prioritises advanced manufacturing and microelectronics. This quantum chip presents an excellent opportunity for our innovative ecosystem to leverage its capabilities. As a leading research university, PolyU will continue to translate research outcomes into impactful applications, driving Hong Kong’s development as a global innovation and technology hub.” Prof. Liu emphasised, “PolyU has pioneered a new generation of quantum chips suitable for massive rollout. Unlike solutions assembled with discrete and bulk optical devices, our innovative approach offers four major advantages: high speed, high stability, low cost and superior scalability for mass production. This compact, lightweight, plug-and-play equipment is essential for building high performance and scalable quantum communication networks. In addition, its compatibility with existing network systems will enable financial institutions and government sectors to smoothly transition their systems, responding to emerging cybersecurity threats amplified by advancements in computing power.” Prof. Ai-Qun Liu (centre) with his research team at the PolyU Research Institute for Quantum Technology. He reiterated that RIQT will continue to refine and test the multipoint transmission technology at scale, leveraging existing network infrastructure. This will pave the way for the widespread adoption of quantum communication across various scenarios, encompassing multiple industries. Ultimately, Hong Kong can seamlessly transition to the next generation of smart quantum networks, supported by a comprehensive and secure environment.   ***END***

PolyU and Cheoy Lee Shipyards forge strategic partnership to advance alternative-powered vessel technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Cheoy Lee Shipyards have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote research and innovation in artificial intelligence robotics, alternative-powered vessels and green materials. This collaboration aims to drive breakthroughs in electric vessels, sustainable manufacturing technologies and renewable energy. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. The MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Martin LO, Director of Cheoy Lee Shipyards. Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “PolyU is committed to advancing cutting-edge research and promoting academic-industry collaboration. This partnership with Cheoy Lee Shipyards exemplifies the synergistic advantages of academia and industry collaboration, paving the way for a new era of intelligent and sustainable vessels and reinforcing Hong Kong’s leadership in green shipping.” Mr Martin Lo stated, “This collaboration marks a new milestone in the long-term partnership between PolyU and Cheoy Lee Shipyards. Our shared vision is to combine the University’s research excellence with the Shipyard’s industry expertise to drive the future of shipbuilding and sustainable maritime development, moving towards smarter, greener and more sustainable growth.” PolyU and Cheoy Lee Shipyards will collaborate on scientific research, testing environments and application scenarios, promoting comprehensive innovation and advancing sustainable maritime technologies and energy-efficient transportation. This partnership will inject strong momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre.   ***END***

PolyU researchers drive commercialisation of energy-efficient solar cell technology towards 40% efficiency milestone

Third-generation solar cell technology is advancing rapidly. An engineering research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has reported a breakthrough in their review of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs), focusing on addressing challenges that include improving efficiency, stability and scalability. The team has conducted a comprehensive analysis of TSC performance and provided strategic recommendations, which aim to raise the energy conversion efficiency of this new type of solar cell from the current maximum of approximately 34% to around 40%. The team hopes to accelerate the commercialisation of perovskite/silicon TSCs through industry-academia-research collaboration, while aligning with the Nation’s strategic plan of carbon peaking and neutrality and promoting the development of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence through renewable energy. The research team comprises leading scholars including Prof. LI Gang, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology and Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy, and Prof. YANG Guang, Assistant Professor, both of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. They conducted a critical review of the challenges and future prospects of perovskite/silicon TSCs. Their review article, “Towards efficient, scalable and stable perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells”, has been published in the international journal Nature Photonics. Tackling stability and manufacturing challenges “While lab-scale devices have shown impressive efficiency advancement, further efforts are needed to improve their reliability, including minimising efficiency losses from small-area devices to large-area modules,” said Prof. Li Gang. “Special focus should also be given to ensuring that the manufacturability of materials and methods aligns with industrial standards.” To address these issues, Prof. Yang Guang and the team has highlighted several critical technical challenges. First, the intrinsic instability of perovskite materials under environmental stresses such as moisture, oxygen, ultraviolet light and thermal fluctuation remain a major challenge. Secondly, translating tandem devices to commercial-scale modules requires overcoming hurdles related to uniformity, defect control and large-area fabrication. Although preliminary outdoor testing of perovskite/silicon TSCs has been conducted, certified data on their long-term reliability remain scarce. To better assess the actual lifetime and commercial potential of these cells, the researchers recommend rigorous accelerated stability testing based on standardised procedures outlined by the International Electrotechnical Commission. Additionally, while perovskite raw materials are relatively low-cost, the use of rare elements and heavy metal lead in most cell designs raises significant environmental and regulatory concerns. The research therefore advocates for the development of sustainable alternatives, along with efficient recycling or lead sequestration strategies to enable viable commercialisation. Promoting industry-academia-research collaboration to accelerate deployment and drive cost reduction and efficiency gains The PolyU team advocates for industry-academia-research collaboration through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates material science, device engineering and economic modelling to advance this promising photovoltaic technology. “The development of efficient and reliable perovskite/silicon TSCs must address these remaining scientific challenges to achieve lower levelised electricity costs,” said Prof. Yang Guang. “The team hopes this research review will facilitate the transition of the technology from laboratory studies to commercial fabrication, while closely aligning with the Nation’s strategic plan of carbon peaking and neutrality. By providing a stable supply of high-efficiency renewable energy, we aim to deliver green and reliable power support for high-energy-consuming industries such as artificial intelligence, thereby helping to achieve a low-carbon transformation of the energy structure.” ***END***

PolyU-Shaoxing Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially inaugurated

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Vice Minister of Science and Technology Mr Chen Jiachang leads delegation to PolyU

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PolyU Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation hosts “PolyU Northern Metropolis Future Forum Season 2”

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