Media Releases

PolyU and Dassault Systèmes establish first Center of Excellence in Asia Pacific to advance “AI + digital twin” for materials innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Dassault Systèmes signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Dassault Systèmes–PolyU Center of Excellence. Established on the existing PolyU Research Centre of Materials Intelligent Manufacturing, the Center is the first Dassault Systèmes Center of Excellence in the Asia Pacific region. Combining PolyU’s research excellence in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics for materials innovation with Dassault Systèmes’ leadership in digital twin technologies and advanced software solutions, this industry-academia international partnership aims to foster innovation in “AI + materials” and “AI + digital twin,” support talent development in “AI + manufacturing,” and drive industrial upgrading in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the PolyU campus on 17 September. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Samson KHAOU, Executive Vice President of Asia-Pacific, Dassault Systèmes, along with distinguished representatives from PolyU and Dassault Systèmes, the MoU was signed by Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Ms Joanne LI, 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Sales Director of China, Dassault Systèmes. The signing was followed by a plaque unveiling ceremony officiated by Prof. Christopher Chao and Mr Samson Khaou, which marked the official launch of the Dassault Systèmes–PolyU Center of Excellence. On this occasion, it was also announced that Mr Samson Khaou had been appointed as a member of the Industrial Advisory Board of the PolyU Research Centre for Materials Intelligent Manufacturing, with an official letter presented by the Research Centre’s Director Prof. Haitao ZHAO, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Materials Intelligent Manufacturing. This represents a significant milestone in international cooperation between academia and industry, connecting the “AI + manufacturing” innovation ecosystems of Hong Kong, France as well as the rest of the world. Mr Samson Khaou (right) has been appointed as an Industrial Advisory Board Member of the PolyU Research Centre for Materials Intelligent Manufacturing. Prof. Haitao Zhao (left) presented him an official letter of membership at the event. Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “PolyU is committed to promoting interdisciplinary innovative research and has made noteworthy achievements in AI as well as in other emerging fields. With the University’s longstanding partnership with Dassault Systèmes since 2003, the newly established Center of Excellence will further reinforce our shared vision in ‘AI + materials’ and ‘AI + digital twin.’ It will also harness the research capabilities of the PolyU Research Centre for Materials Intelligent Manufacturing to deliver lasting benefits of ‘AI + manufacturing’ to Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond.” Mr Samson Khaou stated, “This new Center of Excellence is fully aligned with Dassault Systèmes’ next ten-year strategy, which is to leverage AI to virtualise materials, equipment and the manufacturing process. Through this partnership, we will focus on three priorities: first, fostering new generations of digital talent through the Center, curriculum development initiatives and hands-on projects in ‘AI + materials’ and ‘AI + digital twin’; second, deepening integration between industry, academia and research to strengthen Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem; and third, expanding our long-term investment and presence in Hong Kong by working closely with universities, industries and government to establish an AI Lab for industry applications. We are excited to work hand-in-hand with PolyU to bring into real-life impact from virtual worlds.” Within the collaborative framework, the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering will provide comprehensive academic support to the Dassault Systèmes–PolyU Center by aligning its resources, talent and research strengths with the Center’s initiatives. Prof. Chung Chi-yung highlighted that the Center is more than just an infrastructure of AI and digital twin technologies; it is a hub where ideas, technologies and talent converge to create measurable international impact in “AI + materials.” The new Center will be led by Prof. Haitao Zhao. He introduced the Center’s vision, mission and research focus and noted that it would strive to address the expanding needs of industry for intelligent manufacturing solutions, particularly in materials, energy and sustainable development, and leverage robotics platforms and domain-specific large language models to promote the development of “AI + digital twin.” ***END***

PolyU announces senior appointments: Prof. Wing-tak Wong reappointed as Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Christopher Chao appointed as Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce the reappointment of Prof. Wing-tak WONG as Deputy President and Provost, effective 1 December 2025. Additionally, Prof. Christopher CHAO has been appointed as Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), commencing his term on 1 October 2025. Both professors are world-renowned scholars with outstanding leadership capabilities and extensive management experience. They will work together to drive PolyU towards greater achievements and further strengthen its leading position in the global higher education and innovation sector. Prof. Wong has served as Deputy President and Provost since 2020, playing a pivotal role in strategic planning, organisational restructuring, talent recruitment, campus digital transformation, and teaching innovation. He established the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, expanded global partnerships, enhanced curriculum design, elevated student learning experiences, and drove the establishment of interdisciplinary centres and the transfer of research outcomes. Prior to his current role, Prof. Wong held various important management positions, including Head of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles, and Deputy Dean of the Shenzhen Research Institute. He spearheaded the establishment of multiple research platforms and centres, including the Food Safety and Technology Research Centre. Prof. Wong is currently Chair Professor of Chemical Technology at PolyU and Chairman of the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification. He has published numerous papers in internationally renowned journals such as Nature Communications, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Advanced Science, receiving multiple academic honours for his outstanding contributions to nanoscience, inorganic chemistry, and various interdisciplinary research fields. Prof. Chao, currently serving as Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, brings a wealth of leadership and management experience to his new role. With his astute understanding of the local and Mainland educational landscape, he has driven impressive research advancements over the past few years, fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations, knowledge transfer, and innovation. Under his guidance, PolyU has made groundbreaking progress in several key research areas, solidifying its position as a leader in higher education and innovation within both Hong Kong and the Mainland. Going forward, Prof. Chao will continue to shape the University’s academic research and innovation endeavours with his forward-thinking vision. Prof. Chao is also an internationally recognised scholar in thermal and environmental engineering. He has authored over 220 journal papers, holds more than 20 patents, and has received numerous prestigious international awards, including the “Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award 2025” from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Additionally, he is a fellow of various professional organisations, including the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASHRAE and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK). Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, said, “To support PolyU’s accelerated and sustainable growth, we made the decision to restructure our management in June this year, introducing key leadership roles including Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Vice President (Knowledge Transfer). This restructuring will enable us to have a more resilient, dynamic, and well-rounded management team. The Council fully supports these appointments, and is delighted to have a world-class management team in place that has demonstrated a deep commitment and unity to serving PolyU. We are proud of their unwavering dedication to the University’s mission and values.  As one cohesive team, I am confident that our management will continue to operate with synergy, leverage each other’s strengths to drive innovation, push boundaries in teaching and research, and propel the University towards new heights of achievement.  PolyU will continue to uphold its motto of ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’, adhering to its original aspiration, moving forward steadfastly, helping Hong Kong develop into an international education hub, and contributing to building a strong education system for the Nation.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “Prof. Wong and Prof. Chao are highly respected in academia and have accumulated extensive experience in university administration and higher education development. Over the past few years, as core members of PolyU’s management team, they have been dedicated to their duties and fulfilled their missions, making significant contributions to the University’s development. They have a deep understanding of PolyU’s strategic positioning and future planning, and I believe they will not only drive development in key areas such as education quality, research innovation, and knowledge transfer, but also inject new momentum into consolidating PolyU’s position as an innovative world-class university.” Prof. Wong said, “Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working closely with the University team to drive various initiatives. Looking ahead, we shall continue advancing the sustainable development of the University and nurturing professionals with innovation and a global perspective. My focus will remain on elevating academic standards, innovating teaching practices, and cultivating holistic student development, thereby solidifying the foundation for PolyU’s ongoing success.” Prof. Chao commented, “I am deeply honoured by the University’s trust in appointing me to this pivotal role. I shall strive to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations, deepen knowledge transfer, and cultivate strategic partnerships with diverse sectors to further elevate PolyU’s international standing and societal impact. It is my utmost priority to harness the power of innovation and research to propel the University towards new heights of excellence.” ***END***

25 PolyU research projects receive support from Health and Medical Research Fund, driving healthcare innovation and interdisciplinary knowledge transfer

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing healthcare innovation and interdisciplinary research, achieving significant breakthroughs in pioneering fields such as medicine, healthcare and AI-powered medical innovation, and translating research outcomes into practical solutions. In the latest round of funding from the Health and Medical Research Fund, 25 PolyU research projects secured a total of HK$22.91 million. The projects span areas including AI-powered medical technologies, primary healthcare, precision medicine and preventive medicine, underscoring the University’s strong interdisciplinary research capabilities in the healthcare sector. The funded projects cover a wide range of topics, from advanced diagnostic technologies, rehabilitation training and management, and innovative mental health treatment solutions, to caregiver support and community-based care models. The research encompasses the disciplines of biomedical engineering, health technology and informatics, nursing, optometry, rehabilitation sciences, language science and technology, and food science and nutrition. PolyU scholars are dedicated to applying advanced technologies to drive healthcare innovations. Examples include the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in single-cell monitoring in the early detection of infection-associated thrombosis, the use of immersive virtual reality in cognitive stimulation therapy for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, and the development of mobile health platforms to support postpartum depression and symptom management in paediatric patients. Several PolyU research projects also focus on translational medicine applications. These include: the use of time-resolved magnetic resonance fingerprinting for liver cancer radiotherapy assessment; multi-omic investigation of a novel Bartonella bacterium identified in the human microbiome and originating from dermatophagoides farina; and personalised prediction of acute genitourinary toxicities. A number of other funded projects target chronic disease management and rehabilitation, offering innovative interventions for post-stroke fatigue, knee osteoarthritis and upper limb motor recovery. Beyond clinical research, PolyU scholars are also dedicated to community well-being. Initiatives in this area have seen interventions to alleviate loneliness and support mental health among the elderly, creative arts therapy to enhance the mental health of prostate cancer patients, and the development of AI-powered interactive platforms for diabetes management. For further details on the 25 funded PolyU research projects, please refer to the appendix. The Health and Medical Research Fund, administered by the Health Bureau, aims to build research capacity and to encourage, facilitate and support health and medical research. Its objectives are to inform health policies, improve population health, strengthen the healthcare system, enhance healthcare practices, advance the standard and quality of care, and promote clinical excellence through generation and application of evidence-based scientific knowledge derived from local health and medical research.  ***END***

PolyU researchers pioneer 3D micro-printed sensors to advance on-chip biosensing for early disease detection

Early-stage disease diagnosis relies on the highly sensitive detection of biomarkers. Optical whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microcavity sensors have emerged as a highly promising technology for precise, label-free biosensing. However, major challenges remain in the rapid fabrication of large-scale arrayed WGM microcavity sensors and their integration into lab-on-a-chip devices for biomedical applications. In a noteworthy advance, researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a novel 3D micro-printed WGM microlaser sensor for highly sensitive on-chip biosensing. This innovation drives the development of next-generation biosensing tools, enabling direct, ultrasensitive and quantitative measurement of biomarkers for early disease detection. Prof. ZHANG A-ping, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU, and his research team have invented the new sensor—a 3D micro-printed Limacon-shaped WGM microlaser sensor—by combining flexible 3D micro-printing technology with the optical advantages of WGM microlasers. This innovation achieves both easier light coupling and superior biosensing performance, paving the way for impactful on-chip biosensing applications. Prof. Zhang said, “In the future, these WGM microlaser sensors could be integrated into a microfluidic chip to enable a new generation of lab-on-a-chip devices for ultrasensitive, quantitative detection of multiple biomarkers. This technology could be used for the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancers and Alzheimer's disease, or for fighting major health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.” The newly developed microlaser sensor design overcomes many challenges that have hindered the integration of such sensors into lab-on-a-chip systems for point-of-care medical diagnostics. The research further reveals that the microlaser sensor’s resonant nature and its very narrow linewidth of lasing peaks enable the detection of extremely small concentrations of human immunoglobulin G (IgG), a common antibody found in blood and other body fluids. Experimental results showed that the sensor can detect human IgG at a detection limit of approximately 70 ag/mL, highlighting its potential for ultralow-limit detection of biomarkers in early disease diagnosis. The research, “3D micro-printed polymer Limacon-shaped whispering-gallery-mode microlaser sensors for label-free biodetection,” has been published in Optics Letters, and highlighted with a news release by international optical society OPTICA. The state-of-art facilities at PolyU have played a crucial role in supporting the researchers’ groundbreaking innovations. Prof. Zhang remarked, “This innovative microlaser sensor was made possible by our in-house 3D micro-printing technology, which allowed for the rapid fabrication of the specially designed 3D WGM microcavity and high-precision trimming of its suspended microdisk.” Integrating photonic sensors onto a chip is critical for advancing high-performance biosensing technology. Optical WGM microlaser sensors operate by circulating light resonantly within tiny microcavities. When target molecules bind to the cavity’s surface, they induce slight changes in the laser’s wavelength, enabling highly sensitive detection of biological substances. However, one challenge in applying these sensors in real-life is the need to couple light entering and leaving them, which typically requires a tapered optical fibre with a diameter smaller than 2 microns. Such tiny fibres are not only difficult to align but also susceptible to various environmental disturbances. This limitation has hindered the integration of microlaser sensors into lab-on-a-chip devices for real-time, high-sensitivity detection of biomolecules. Using the light emitted directly from the microlaser sensor offers a promising alternative to using tapered optical fibres for light coupling. However, the circular microcavities of conventional WGM microlasers make efficient far-field light collection difficult, thereby limiting the readability of the sensor’s weak signal. To overcome this challenge, the research team designed a 3D WGM microlaser sensor featuring a Limacon-shaped suspended microdisk. This innovative design provides the sensor with both low lasing threshold and directional light emission, improving light coupling efficiency for practical on-chip integration. Leveraging their self-developed 3D micro-printing technology, which offers high resolution and flexibility, the team successfully fabricated the arrays of WGM microlaser biosensors at a remarkable speed. Experimental results showed that the microlaser biosensors exhibited a very low lasing threshold of 3.87 μJ/mm2 and a narrow lasing linewidth of about 30 pm. Notably, the sensors were capable of detecting IgG at a concentration as low as attograms per millilitre, highlighting their potential for ultrasensitive biomarkers detection in early disease diagnosis. Moving forward, Prof. Zhang plans to integrate the microlaser sensors into a microfluidic chip to develop optofluidic biochips for rapid, quantitative and simultaneous detection of multiple disease biomarkers.   *Notes: A lab-on-a-chip is a device that integrates one or several laboratory functions (e.g. chemical or biological analysis) on a single integrated circuit (commonly called a “chip”) of only millimetres to a few square centimetres to achieve automation and high-throughput screening.   ***END***

PolyU International Future Challenge (Wenzhou region) yields top four teams

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PolyU to host International Low-Altitude Economy Summit on 9 October, aiming to advance the Greater Bay Area’s aviation logistic hub

In support of the HKSAR Government’s drive to foster innovation and technology development and promote the development of a low-altitude economy (LAE) ecosystem by hosting flagship events as announced by the Chief Executive in his Policy Address delivered last week, and with the aim of positioning Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will host the International Low-Altitude Economy Summit (the Summit) at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre on 9 October (Thursday). Members of the public and industry professionals are welcome to register for the event. The Summit is organised by PolyU, with the support of the Working Group on Developing the Low-altitude Economy of the HKSAR Government and the Greater Bay Area Low-altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA). The event will gather over 40 leaders from government and business, as well as scholars and industry practitioners from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas to share insights, focusing on topics such as low-altitude airspace management, industry development models and urban applications, with the aim of advancing the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) aviation logistic hub. An Innovation Showcase will be held concurrently, featuring around 30 government departments, academic institutions and enterprises presenting cutting-edge technology applications and the LAE Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. The Summit is honoured to have Mr Michael WONG, Deputy Financial Secretary of HKSAR Government; Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; and The Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of LAEA, as officiating guests, and Dr BI Qi, Chief Scientist of China Telecom, as the keynote speaker. Two fireside chats will also be held on the day. Mr Kevin CHOI, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government, and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, will join distinguished representatives from government, civil aviation and other authorities, business leaders, scholars and industry experts, including leading electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and low-altitude systems developers, from around the globe, to discuss policy directions for LAE and collaborative innovation across industry and academia respectively. In the afternoon, four parallel sessions will focus on: policy frameworks for LAE development in Hong Kong and various provinces and cities in the Mainland; progress updates on ongoing Regulatory Sandbox projects; unmanned aircraft system traffic management in the GBA and technological advances in unmanned aerial vehicles; and hardware, software and system integration innovations for unmanned aerial vehicles. PolyU is committed to supporting technology development related to LAE. Established last year, the University’s Research Centre for Low-altitude Economy has launched multiple interdisciplinary research initiatives spanning infrastructure deployment and low-altitude airspace operations, as well as intelligent sensing and control technologies. Additionally, in September this year, PolyU launched a Master of Science programme in Low-altitude Economy with the aim of nurturing specialised talent for the sector. For more information about the International Low-altitude Economy Summit and registration details, please visit: https://events.polyu.edu.hk/ilaesummit2025/home   ***END***

PolyU receives donation from China Merchants Foundation to establish China Merchants Belt and Road Scholarship

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to fostering an international and diverse learning environment, attracting students from around the world to study and develop in Hong Kong. With a generous donation from the China Merchants Foundation, the China Merchants Belt and Road Scholarship has been established to support exceptional master’s students from Belt and Road countries and regions in pursuing postgraduate studies at the PolyU Faculty of Business. The inaugural scholarship presentation ceremony was held on 17 September at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub on the PolyU campus. Four students from South Korea, Rwanda, Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia, enrolled in the Master of Science in Business Administration and Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management, were awarded an Admission Scholarship in recognition of their excellent academic achievements and impressive interview performances. At the ceremony, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Mr MIAO Jianmin, Chairman of China Merchants Group and Chair of the Board of China Merchants Foundation; and Mr Nicholas HO, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the HKSAR Government, delivered speeches. Mr YU Xiao, Vice Chairman and President of The Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, attended the event. Representatives from PolyU, China Merchants Group, The Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, alongside professors and students from PolyU Faculty of Business, and other esteemed guests, also attended to witness the scholarship presentation. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the China Merchants Foundation for establishing this scholarship at PolyU, which underscores our shared commitment to advancing the Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative. As the first university in Hong Kong to embrace the Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative, PolyU co-founded the ‘University Alliance of the Silk Road’ in 2015, encouraging international cooperation in higher education. In recent years, the number of students from Belt and Road countries enrolling at PolyU has steadily increased. Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients. I encourage you to unleash your full potential, excel in your studies, and contribute to cultural exchange and collaboration between China and the Belt and Road countries.” Mr Miao Jianmin said, “China Merchants, since its establishment in 1872, has consistently supported educational initiatives and talent cultivation, actively providing a broad platform for young people around the world to showcase their talents and realize their dreams.This scholarship aims to encourage outstanding students to pursue academic excellence and to promote professional and cultural exchanges among the Belt and Road countries and regions, contributing to building a community with a shared future for mankind. We hope that the recipients will take this opportunity to serve as ambassadors to connect China with the rest of the world.” Mr Nicholas Ho said, “Hong Kong, as a super connector and value-adder, plays a vital role in building a Belt and Road talent pool. This shared talent pool benefits not only our local development but also the Mainland, Belt and Road countries, and beyond. The Scholarship will enhance these efforts, helping to build a robust and shared Belt and Road talent pool that supports long-term collaboration and fosters global cultural exchange.” Ms Hannah LEE, a scholarship recipient from South Korea who is currently studying for the Master of Science in Business Management, said, “Thank you to China Merchants Group for this scholarship. Not only has it provided me with invaluable financial support, but it has also motivated me to strive for academic excellence. I greatly cherish this opportunity and plan to stay in Hong Kong to work after graduation and give back to society.” The China Merchants Belt and Road Scholarship comprises two categories: Admission Scholarship and Graduation Academic Scholarship. The Graduation Academic Scholarship will be awarded at the end of the 2025/26 academic year to six eligible master’s graduates who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and fulfil the required criteria. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (left) presented a souvenir to Mr Nicholas Ho (right). Mr Nicholas Ho (5th from right), Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (5th from left), Mr Miao Jianmin (6th from right), Prof. Ben Young (4th from left), Mr Yu Xiao (4th from right); Dr Laura Lo (3rd from left); Mr Zhang Junli (3rd from right); Prof. Horace Mui (2nd from left); Ms Huang Yi (2nd from right); Prof. Mike Lai (1st from left); and Ms Niu Hua (1st from right) posed for a group photo at the ceremony. ***END***

PolyU receives donation from GS Charity Foundation to support research on using AI to advance sustainable fashion design and brand ecosystem management

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received a generous donation from the GS Charity Foundation to support the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) research project “From Tradition to Tech: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Fashion Design and Brand Ecosystem Management in the Age of AI and Digital Platforms”. The research aims to drive sustainable fashion design and brand ecosystem management. The donation and kick-off ceremony for the research projects was held today on the PolyU campus, officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, and Mr YEUNG Fan, Vice-chairman and General Manager of Glorious Sun Group. The two parties exchanged souvenirs to commemorate the occasion. Co-created by SFT and the Industrial Centre, the PolyU souvenir employs weaving techniques to depict PolyU’s iconic architecture. Engraved with the inscription “With chic, intelligently led fashion, PolyU extends its heartfelt gratitude,” it conveys the University’s deep appreciation to the Foundation for its generous support and highlights SFT’s commitment to driving fashion trends with innovation. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng expressed gratitude to Glorious Sun Group and GS Charity Foundation for its long-standing and steadfast support for PolyU’s development, adding: “AI is a core technology driving Hong Kong’s reindustrialisation and smart city development. With PolyU’s robust research capabilities, this collaboration will enable the continuous supply of talent for the textile sector, equipped with cutting-edge industry knowledge and AI expertise. This will help Hong Kong leverage its regional advantages and further consolidate the Greater Bay Area’s position as a hub for fashion innovation.” Mr Yeung Fan said, “Since the 1980s, Glorious Sun Group has developed a deep partnership with PolyU—one that has remained strong for four decades. Our support for PolyU research into co-developing a brand ecosystem reflects our confidence in PolyU research excellence, testifies to our enduring collaboration, and affirms our shared commitment to nurturing outstanding talent and driving innovation and sustainability in the apparel industry.” Joining Prof. Teng and Mr Yeung at the kick-off ceremony were Ms CHEUNG Wai Yee, Director and Deputy General Manager of Glorious Sun Group; Professor the Honourable POON Chung-kwong, PolyU President Emeritus; The Hon Jimmy NG Wing-ka, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Member of the Legislative Council; Dr Katherine NGAN, University Court Chairman; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation). After the kick-off ceremony, Prof. Joanne YIP, Associate Dean and Professor of SFT introduced the research project “From Tradition to Tech: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Fashion Design and Brand Ecosystem Management in the Age of AI and Digital Platforms.” She noted that the fashion industry is undergoing a transformational shift, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as AI and digital platforms while also adopting sustainable practices. The extensive use of AI is providing innovative solutions for the industry, enhancing operational efficiency and delivering a brand-new customer experience. Furthermore, the integration of AI with emerging technologies—such as blockchain, cloud computing, big data and the Internet of Things—is creating unprecedented opportunities for enterprises. The research project will focus on the seven key areas below, developing innovative insights and solutions that integrate traditional fashion design with advanced technologies, including AI and digital platforms. This will help accelerate traditional design and manufacturing processes, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the fashion industry: Intelligent Data-Driven Design and Digital Transformation in the Fashion Industry AI Applications in Fashion: Revolutionising Apparel Review and Safeguarding Creative Assets Apparel Material Simulation and Optimisation System Robust Estimation of Product Budget and Data Mining of Production and Operational Data Managing Supply Ecosystems to Enhance Competitive Advantage: An Integrated Study of Multi-Role Supplier Collaboration Mechanisms in the Fashion Supply Chain Industry A Critical Examination of Online Consumer Reviews: Implications for Digital Transformation in the Fashion Sector AI-Based Optimisation Strategies for the Live Commerce Ecosystem ***END***

「致敬國家豐碑」國情教育宣講活動在理大圓滿舉行 逾250名師生及各界代表出席

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PolyU welcomes 2025 Policy Address measures to accelerate the construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town and the development of Hong Kong as an international education hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the measures announced by the Chief Executive in the 2025 Policy Address, which promote the integrated development of education, technology and talents. These initiatives enable universities to attract more non-local students and teaching and research talents, and advance the development of emerging technologies and industries, solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology centre and accelerating th establishment of an international education hub. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, said, “PolyU fully supports the HKSAR Government’s effort to establish Hong Kong as an international hub for education and high-calibre talents, advancing the synergistic development of talent cultivation, talent attraction, and technology. We also welcome the establishment of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to help accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town. Two years ago, PolyU submitted a proposal to the Government outlining plans to establish a ‘medical school’ and a large ‘teaching hotel’ with an exhibition and convention centre, addressing the healthcare needs of the Greater Bay Area’s population and boosting the region’s tourism, convention, and exhibition industries. PolyU has been on a strong upward trajectory in recent years, ranking 54th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, but it faces the acute challenge of land and space shortages for further development. The University hopes the Government will provide steadfast support for the establishment of a new campus in the Northern Metropolis to relieve these bottlenecks and help strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub, build an international post-secondary education hub, and establish the city’s third medical school. Furthermore, PolyU has also provided strong support for the Government’s efforts to promote Chinese culture, including the Chinese Culture Festival and a wide range of community engagement activities. Since last year, PolyU has launched the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, comprising a series of activities related to Chinese culture. Earlier, together with the Guangdong University of Technology, PolyU co-produced a stage play commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong, fostering a sense of national pride among students. The University has also hosted film screenings, talks, and exhibitions to mark the 5th Anniversary of the Implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU supports the Government’s measures on building an international education hub, including relaxing restrictions on the admission of self-financing non-local undergraduate and research postgraduate students as well as the establishment of the Task Force on Study in Hong Kong, helping further promote Hong Kong’s higher education sector. Committed to fostering a multicultural and international learning atmosphere on campus, the University is actively expanding its outreach to multiple emerging markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South America to attract more outstanding non-local students. To meet market needs, we have launched various new programmes in emerging technologies to nurture professional talent for a wide range of industries. In view of this, the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences was established to meet the pressing demand for high-end talent in the age of AI.” In the last academic year, PolyU organised over 590 undergraduate recruitment activities across nearly 64 countries and regions worldwide, including 46 Belt and Road and ASEAN countries. In alignment with the Government’s initiative to increase the admission quota of non-local students, PolyU has proactively expanded its non-local student intake since the 2024/25 Academic Year. This year, the University admitted around 1,100 non-local students, including 400 international students. Moving forward, PolyU will make the most of the resources provided by the Government and roll out large-scale publicity campaigns to further strengthen its overseas outreach, attracting outstanding non-local students from around the globe. PolyU is pleased with the Government’s strong commitment to promoting the development of the AI and data science industries, with the aim of positioning Hong Kong as a global hub for AI development. In particular, the establishment of the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute will facilitate upstream AI R&D, midstream and downstream R&D outcomes, as well as the expansion of use cases. This initiative aligns closely with the University’s establishment earlier this year of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence. Led by scholars with extensive experience in developing large AI models, these two academic units will drive AI-driven interdisciplinary research and innovation, while also nurturing talent in related fields for Hong Kong. Additionally, PolyU supports the Government’s various initiatives to propel the development of strategic emerging industries, including aerospace and the low-altitude economy. PolyU boasts solid research capabilities in both fields and, notably, stands as the only university in Hong Kong to have participated in multiple national space missions. Last year, the University established the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy and launched an MSc Programme in Low-Altitude Economy, comprehensively addressing the needs for interdisciplinary research and talent development in this emerging field. Co-organised by the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy under the Government and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance, PolyU will host the International Low-Altitude Economy Summit on 9 October 2025 to showcase Hong Kong’s leading position in the low-altitude economy to the world. PolyU also welcomes the Government’s launch of the Innovation and Technology Talents Exchange Scheme for Industry and Academic Sectors, which encourages university professors to engage in corporate R&D activities and invites technical experts from technology enterprises to contribute to teaching, strengthening the collaborative development of the industry, academic and research sectors. This initiative aligns with PolyU’s commitment to expanding its network of industry partnerships and translating research outcomes into practical solutions. Following the establishment of the PolyU Shenzhen Research Institute, the University has set up translational research institutes in 12 major Mainland cities, as well as the Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre in Shenzhen, to address local industrial and societal needs. Through the cooperative model for technology transfer defined by the equation: “PolyU research + Mainland industrial chain + Mainland market = societal benefit”, PolyU actively promotes technology transfer and collaborative innovation. Earlier this month, PolyU’s Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology submitted its recommendations to the HKSAR Government for the 2025 Policy Address, focusing on driving economic development and improving people’s livelihoods. Many of these recommendations are aligned with the policy directions outlined in the 2025 Policy Address, including consolidating aerospace research resources, advancing the low-altitude economy, promoting carbon trading and carbon pricing, and advancing new energy vehicles and green energy in Hong Kong. ***END***