Media Releases

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in recognition of the Croucher Foundation’s longstanding support to the Institution, yesterday (17 November) dedicated one of its laboratories on campus to the Foundation and had it named after the Late Mr Noel Croucher to celebrate the Foundation’s 25th anniversary.

The naming ceremony of the Croucher Laboratory of Product Mechatronics was officiated at by Prof. Kan Yuet-wai, Chairman of the Croucher Foundation; Mr Roy Chung, PolyU Deputy Chairman of Council; and Prof. Poon Chung-kwong, PolyU President.

During the ceremony, Prof. Poon thanked the Foundation for its generous support to PolyU. He said, “The Croucher Foundation plays a pivotal role in promoting the advancement of Hong Kong. By offering scholarships and fellowships to top-notch scholars in Hong Kong over the years, the Foundation has supported a critical mass of elite scientists and research projects in the areas of science, medicine and technology. To date, 15 academic staff and 44 projects of PolyU have already benefited from the Foundation’s support.”

Renowned for its applied researches, PolyU has long distinguished itself by developing advanced and industry-friendly technology and products. This March, Prof. David Zhang, Associate Head and Professor of PolyU’s Department of Computing was among the eight top local scientists to be honoured with the Foundation’s Senior Research Fellowship Award.

Operating under the directorship of Prof. Yung Kai-leung, Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, the newly named Laboratory is a teaching and research centre which fosters technological breakthrough by combining a wide range of engineering subjects such as mechanical and electrical engineering, computing, miniaturization and micro-manufacturing.

The Laboratory has a strong portfolio of cutting-edge research projects delivering impressive results. One example is the concept design and simulation of the Mars Rock Corer, a rock sampling tool commissioned by the European Space Agency to take part in its Mars Express Mission in December 2003. Another project involves the development of an innovative Miniaturized Micro/ Nano-injection Moulding Machine for the production of micro size products in the bioengineering and electronics industries.

******