Media Releases

PolyU and Linkerbot collaborate to advance embodied AI research, pioneering innovation in smart manufacturing and robotics technologies

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Linkerbot Beijing Technology Co., Ltd. (Linkerbot) yesterday (29 April) signed a framework cooperation agreement to promote cutting-edge research and technological innovation in embodied artificial intelligence (AI). The two parties will explore conducting joint research on frontier technologies in this field, including AI-driven dexterous hands, vision-language-action (VLA) models, and integrated flexible sensing and actuation systems, with a view to accelerating technology iteration and translation, and injecting fresh impetus into the development of smart manufacturing, robotics and other related industries. At the signing ceremony held on the PolyU campus, the cooperation agreement was signed by Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) of PolyU, and Ms ZUO Jiaping, Co-founder and Vice President of Linkerbot. Prof. Xiaowen FU, Chair Professor of Logistics Engineering and Head of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU scholars who will participate in the collaborative projects, and representatives from the Linkerbot research outreach division, also attended the ceremony to celebrate the collaboration. Embodied AI has been incorporated into the country’s future industry plan and was identified as a new economic growth driver in the Outline of the National “15th Five-Year Plan,” demonstrating immense potential for industrialising related technologies. Prof. Zheng Zijian said, “PolyU is committed to advancing pioneering scientific research and fostering deep industry-university-research collaboration. Building on this partnership, the University will capitalise on its robust research strengths in AI, materials science and sensing technologies, and synergise with Linkerbot’s specialised expertise in dexterous robotic hardware and real-world commercial deployment, overcoming critical technical bottlenecks in embodied intelligence.” Ms Zuo Jiaping said, “Linkerbot is driven by ‘Clever Hands Create Everything’ and the philosophy of ‘One Million Hands, One Million Skills’, empowering robots with true dexterous manipulation. Harnessing PolyU’s world-class strengths in AI, materials science and flexible sensing, this collaboration will focus on skill learning and generalisation, end-to-end multimodal synergy, and flexible sensing and exoskeleton technologies. Leveraging the advantages of the Greater Bay Area, we will accelerate the transition of embodied AI from the laboratory to real-world scenarios, injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub, and the upgrading of the Nation’s intelligent manufacturing sector.” PolyU possesses solid fundamental research capabilities and high-calibre talent in the field of embodied AI, while Linkerbot boasts rich expertise in its technology development, adoption and marketisation. The two parties will foster comprehensive collaboration across research, knowledge transfer and industrial applications, creating an innovation ecosystem that integrates industry, academia, research and application. The first phase of the joint projects will cover areas such as human-robot collaboration based on AI and dexterous hands, synergy of skill primitive learning and vision-language-tactile models, VLA foundation models, and integrated flexible sensing and actuation systems for intelligent assistive exoskeletons. Building on this collaboration, PolyU and Linkerbot will actively respond to the national strategy of empowering all sectors with AI and of promoting the deep integration of the real and digital economies. The partnership advances efforts to fuel the development of embodied AI and smart manufacturing, and to drive technology breakthroughs and translation in key areas such as dexterous manipulation and human-robot collaboration, contributing to the Nation’s technological innovation.   ***END***

PolyU research reveals hidden health risks from urban airborne microbes: low concentration of bacterial toxins may trigger nearly 20% of inflammatory responses, while drug-resistant fungi may spread with the wind

Public concern about air pollution has traditionally centred on chemical pollutants such as vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions found in fine particulate matter (PM2.5). However, researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have discovered that seemingly insignificant microbial components in the air, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and cellular debris, pose a long-overlooked health hazard. The research revealed that, although accounting for less than one-millionth of the total mass of PM2.5, bacterial endotoxins can trigger inflammatory responses in the human respiratory system in nearly 20% of cases. The research team also detected drug-resistant fungi in urban air, raising further public health concerns. A PolyU research team comprising Prof. JIN Ling, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Prof. Polly LEUNG, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, and their jointly supervised PhD student, Ms Jinyan YU, conducted a systematic analysis of the microbial components in PM2.5. The study showed that the microbial constituents of PM2.5 are predominantly bacteria. Among them, a structural component of bacterial cell walls known as endotoxin accounts for less than 0.0001% of the total mass of PM2.5, yet triggers up to 17% of inflammatory response. Its toxicity-to-mass contribution ratio is the highest of all known PM2.5 components. In other words, to effectively reduce the health risks posed by air pollution, the key may not lie in lowering the overall PM2.5 mass, but in precisely targeting and controlling these highly toxic trace components. The findings have been published in the academic journal Environmental Science & Technology. Prof. Jin Ling noted, “Traditional air quality management has largely focused on reducing the overall PM2.5 level. However, as major pollution sources such as industrial and vehicular emissions decline due to global clean-air initiatives, previously overlooked microbial pollutants will play an increasingly important role in future public health risk management. Accurately identifying these toxic components and their sources will help safeguard public health.” In addition to the health risks posed by bacteria, Prof. Jin Ling is also concerned about the threat posed by airborne fungi. In another study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, Prof. Jin, Dr Franklin CHOW, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, and their jointly supervised Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Chunlan FAN and PhD student Mr Tian CHEN, analysed Candida species commonly found in respirable suspended particulates (PM10) in urban areas, exploring how they are carried and transmitted and then cause infections in the community. Candida species are classified by the World Health Organization as priority pathogens and their potential health risks have drawn global attention. The research team identified multidrug-resistant Candida parapsilosis in urban air and revealed its close genetic links to clinical strains from infected individuals. This suggests that the general public may be exposed to drug-resistant fungi through everyday breathing or skin contact with the air. The research also revealed that Candida species are seasonally prevalent in urban ambient air and widely distributed in anthropogenic settings such as wastewater treatment facilities, healthcare environments and ventilation systems in residential buildings. Notably, Candida parapsilosis showed exceptionally strong environmental resilience and drug resistance, making it a major pathogenic fungal threat in urban air. Prof. Jin said, “The spread of drug-resistant fungi in both environmental and clinical settings, alongside a growing at-risk population worldwide, highlights antifungal resistance as a critical global environmental health issue. Moving forward, the team will identify urban-specific fungal reservoirs and investigate conditions that promote drug resistance and model airborne transmission pathways, providing a scientific basis for developing more effective public health strategies.” ***END***

PolyU JUPAS Admissions Q&A 2026 to be held in early May, featuring on-campus and online activities to provide up-to-date programme information

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will hold the PolyU JUPAS Admissions Q&A 2026 in early May. Designed specifically for current JUPAS applicants, the event will provide latest programme information and hands-on advice, in person and online, enabling students to re-evaluate and refine their programme choices before the mid-to-late July modification deadline. The event will feature a rich array of on-campus and online activities, as well as the Whiz Team—a dynamic group comprising staff from the PolyU Academic Registry, professors, programme representatives and student representatives—who will provide participants with practical, wide-ranging advice. On 9 May (Saturday), the PolyU campus will come alive with nearly 40 diverse sessions, including an admission talk organised by the Academic Registry which will cover the latest admission updates, flexible admissions arrangements and JUPAS strategies, as well as programme seminars and consultations hosted by various faculties and departments, during which prospective applicants can seek advice directly from professors and programme representatives. In addition, a group of student representatives will be on hand to share interview tips and first-hand experience of campus life, while guided tours will be arranged so that applicants can get a taste of the PolyU learning environment. From 11 to 13 May, individual faculties and departments will further offer online talks and consultation sessions, allowing applicants to access programme information conveniently. PolyU has adopted a flexible undergraduate admissions strategy to offer students a greater variety of programme options, while launching programmes across various emerging fields to better meet society’s talent needs. For the 2026/27 academic year, the Faculty of Engineering will launch the BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Technology, and the Faculty of Humanities will offer the BSc (Hons) in Language Science and Technology. The University also allows students to tailor their study paths to better suit their personal interests: those with clear academic goals can choose their preferred departmental schemes or programmes directly, while others wishing to further explore their options can enrol on one of the bachelor’s degree schemes to gain a better understanding of the different majors within a faculty or school before making their choice of study path. Meanwhile, students admitted to the Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies will be able to explore programmes from different faculties and schools before deciding on their majors, allowing for more self-directed and flexible learning. To foster students’ global perspectives, PolyU will continue to offer an additional HK$30,000 overseas exchange funding to all undergraduate students who receive an academic Entry Scholarship, supporting their participation in student exchange programmes. The University’s goal is for all undergraduates graduating in the 2027/28 academic year and thereafter to engage in at least one non-local learning experience before graduation. For more information on the PolyU JUPAS Admissions Q&A 2026 and to register, please visit: www.polyu.edu.hk/conday   ***END***

PolyU SHTM and THINK CHINA joint study offers strategic insights into capturing value of Chinese Mainland tourists in Hong Kong and Macao

As cross‑border travel between Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao continues to normalise, the challenge for both cities has moved beyond simply restoring visitor volumes to monetising evolving travel patterns characterised by shorter stays, increased price sensitivity and more deliberate spending behaviour. The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with THINK CHINA, today released the findings of a joint research study examining the spending habits, mobility patterns and value created by Chinese Mainland tourists in Hong Kong and Macao. Led by Prof. Kam HUNG, Principal Investigator and SHTM Professor; Prof. Tony TSE, Co‑Investigator and SHTM Professor of Practice; and Mr Benjamin SUN, Co‑Investigator and Managing Director of THINK CHINA, the study addresses a critical shift in the post‑pandemic recovery tourism landscape and translates empirical findings into strategic, forward‑looking recommendations for destination managers, tourism operators and policymakers. The study draws on a rigorous mixed‑method research design, combining enhanced survey instrumentation with strict data‑quality controls. A total of 3,209 valid responses were analysed, from 1,928 Chinese Mainland visitors to Hong Kong and 1,281 to Macao, enabling a detailed, segmented analysis of the spending, shopping behaviour, mobility and decision‑making of Chinese Mainland tourists. Key findings from the study include the following. Chinese Mainland visitors should not be treated as a single demand pool Proximity drives visit frequency but not necessarily value. Same‑day visitors, predominantly from the Greater Bay Area, show significantly higher repeat visit rates, while overnight visitors remain the primary drivers of immediate per‑trip value due to their broader participation in shopping, dining, accommodation and experiential activities. The research advocates a shift from traffic‑based thinking to conversion‑based thinking: same-day visitors should be seen as a repeat-customer base with lifetime-value potential, whereas overnight visitors should be targeted for deeper cross-category spend. Accommodation choice emerges as a powerful commercial signal Travellers who combine star‑rated and non‑star‑rated stays show longer stays and stronger spending performance, indicating a trend of selective premiumisation rather than simple budget constraints. Luxury shoppers remain the clearest high‑value segment, though value creation differs across destinations In Hong Kong, luxury spending produces a step‑change in total expenditure, driven by fashion‑led baskets and large‑ticket purchases concentrated in established luxury districts such as Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay. In Macao, premium demand is most evident on the Macao Peninsula and, in particular, the Cotai Strip, where integrated resort environments amplify luxury intensity. Beauty and family shoppers represent scalable value pools Beauty shoppers sit within an affordable‑premium band and are responsive to trust‑building, curated content and digital touchpoints. Family travellers, while not always the highest spenders on a per‑capita basis, generate economic impact through larger baskets and wider category participation across attractions, dining, accommodation and household‑related purchases. They offer a wider commercial reach than luxury shoppers while supporting conversion levers. The study underscores that shopping demand is not fixed, but can be shaped through better‑designed visitor journeys, improved information accessibility, reduced transaction friction and stronger ecosystem integration among tourism, retail, hospitality, attractions, events and transport. Crucially, Hong Kong and Macao should not follow identical strategic playbooks. Hong Kong’s strength lies in its citywide retail connectivity, long-standing brand trust and the efficient conversion of short, multi‑stop trips into shopping and dining spend. Macao’s competitive advantage lies in ecosystem integration, where gaming, entertainment, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions), concerts, resort stays and retail can be orchestrated into unified total‑spend pathways. Prof. Kam Hung remarked, “Destinations that succeed in the next phase of competition will be those that shift away from treating visitors as mere footfall and instead manage them as distinct, monetisable customer segments.” Mr Benjamin Sun added, “It’s time to rethink Hong Kong and Macao beyond geographic borders. A decade ago, our consumer markets were clearly defined; today, seamless movement across the Greater Bay Area has blurred those lines. Locals remain the foundation, but GBA visitors should be seen as a natural extension of our core audience. The real opportunity lies in understanding the distinct segments within this expanded market—and activating them with precision and frequency. Those who act decisively will unlock the next wave of growth across tourism and retail.” Prof. Kaye CHON, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, said, “This research underscores the importance of moving beyond volume‑driven thinking towards value‑oriented destination management. By bridging academic research and industry practice, we aim to help the industry and policymakers navigate shifting visitor behaviours and strengthen long‑term competitiveness.” To view the full report, please download it here. ***END***  

PolyU scholar honoured with BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize for outstanding contributions to advanced manufacturing

Prof. Changyuan YU, Chair Professor of Photonic Information System in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Director of the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute, has been awarded the 4th BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize (“BOCHK STIP”) in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the research and application of photonic information systems. Since the Prize was established in 2022, PolyU’s world-leading scholars have been widely recognised for their breakthroughs and achievements in innovation and technology. Over four consecutive years, seven PolyU scholars have received six BOCHK STIP awards, spanning the fields of “Life and Health”, “Advanced Manufacturing”, “FinTech” and “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. This strong track record is a testament to PolyU’s deep-rooted strength in world-class innovation and technology. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “We are greatly encouraged by the continued recognition of PolyU scholars with this prestigious award. This not only reflects the University’s outstanding achievements in advancing interdisciplinary research and technological innovation, but also underscores our strong capability in translating cutting-edge technologies into practical applications across different industries. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to capitalise on its research strengths to drive the realisation of innovation and technology, contributing to high-quality development and the cultivation of new quality productive forces for Hong Kong and the Nation.” This year’s BOCHK STIP recognises Prof. Yu and his team for their development of fundamental optical communication systems, including carrier recovery, signal compensation and optical performance monitoring. The team has also pioneered the research and commercialisation of AI-assisted optical fibre sensing systems and a variety of photonic meta-devices and chips, which have promoted the revolution of photonic manufacturing technologies. Prof. Yu’s research focuses on integrated photonic devices, optical fibre communication, sensing systems, and biomedical instruments. He is an Optica Fellow and formerly served on the Telecommunications Standards Advisory Committee for the Singapore government. His teaching and research achievements are extensive. He has supervised more than 20 postdoctoral researchers and over 40 PhD students, received 16 Best Paper Awards at international conferences, and has led or co-led more than 70 research projects, including a project funded under the Innovation and Technology Commission’s RAISe+ Scheme. His team has also been very active in commercialising research outcomes, having established several startups and winning numerous major accolades, including the Special Merit Award from “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Romania and Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2026, the Gold Award at Hong Kong TECHATHON+ 2025 and 2026, the Guangdong Province First Prize of Technological Invention Award in 2020 and the National Championship (biomedical area) in the 3rd China Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition in 2014. BOCHK STIP, a non-government merit-based award, was established by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and the title sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong). It aims to reward outstanding scientists and research teams in Hong Kong and in Hong Kong-established institutions located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for their significant achievements in scientific and technological innovation and transformation. Please download Prof. Changyuan Yu’s portrait here. ***END***

PolyU and Fu Hong Society establish Asia’s first Centre for Inclusive Innovation harnessing academia-industry synergy to translate research for social inclusion

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Fu Hong Society (FHS) have jointly established Asia’s first Centre for Inclusive Innovation, a milestone celebrated with an opening ceremony today (24 April) at the PolyU Industrial Centre. Supported by matching funds from the PolyU Faculty of Business and a generous donation from the SF Family Foundation Limited, the Centre is positioned to drive “Research, Innovation and Service Transformation”. Translating the University’s interdisciplinary research outcomes into real-world applications to benefit the social welfare sector, the Centre will launch pilot, validation and optimisation schemes in areas including rehabilitation technology and vocational training, with the aim of propelling Hong Kong to a leading role in advancing social inclusion in Asia. As Asia’s first Centre for Inclusive Innovation, the Centre is distinguished by the deep collaborative model between PolyU and FHS. Staff members and service users of FHS will actively participate in the research process, while PolyU and FHS have jointly contributed funding to establish the Centre, demonstrating close collaboration between the academic and social welfare sectors. The ceremony was officiated by Mr HO Kai-ming, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government of the People’s Republic of China. Witnessed by Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU and Dr IP Yan-ming, President of Fu Hong Society, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof. LAI Kee-hung, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics at PolyU, and Mr CHIEN Kwok-keung, Chairman of Fu Hong Society. This collaboration signifies the joint vision of PolyU and FHS in fostering collaboration among industry, academia and research. By combining PolyU’s research excellence with FHS’s extensive frontline experience in community services, the collaboration aims to drive the translation of impactful research solutions into real-world settings, laying a solid foundation for the rehabilitation technology ecosystem in Asia. The signing ceremony was followed by an unveiling ceremony symbolising the official commencement of the Centre’s operation. During his speech, Mr Ho Kai-ming said, “In advancing the development of rehabilitation services in Hong Kong, PolyU and Fu Hong Society have always been our important partners. With the generous support of SF Family Foundation Limited and the PolyU Faculty of Business, I look forward to the Centre leveraging the strengths of various organisations to provide more targeted support for the diverse needs of persons with disabilities living in the community, while further alleviating the physical and emotional burden on their caregivers. The Government will continue to work closely with the social welfare sector, academia, the business sector and other stakeholders to foster innovation in rehabilitation services and build a caring and inclusive society together.” Dr Laura Lo noted, “PolyU is committed to fostering the deep integration of academia, industry and research. Through sustainable business models, we transform interdisciplinary research outcomes into innovative solutions that can be implemented over the long term for the benefit of society. With the support of matching funds from the PolyU Faculty of Business, we are providing the catalyst to bridge gaps in rehabilitation services, contributing PolyU expertise to the long-term development of Hong Kong's social welfare sector.” Dr Ip Yan-ming shared, “The Centre for Inclusive Innovation combines PolyU’s professional research and technological expertise with Fu Hong Society’s many years of frontline experience. It breaks away from the traditional one-way paradigm of ‘receiving services’, empowering persons with disabilities to become ‘creators’. This not only addresses their genuine needs but also enables them to give back to society. It is about empowering them with not just self-reliance, but also dignity and a sense of achievement.” SF Family Foundation Limited believes that, by prioritising projects with clear social impact, charitable funding ensures innovation addresses public needs rather than purely commercial goals. Aligned with our national 15th Five-Year Plan, this support advances high-quality development, the innovation-driven development strategy, and inclusive and shared development, fostering research and rehabilitation solutions that benefit society broadly and sustainably.   Leveraging PolyU’s interdisciplinary strengths in five inaugural research projects The “PolyU–FHS Centre for Inclusive Innovation” goes beyond traditional vocational rehabilitation frameworks by implementing five interdisciplinary research projects in its initial phase. Drawing upon PolyU research strengths in business, healthcare, social sciences and engineering, these initiatives cover multiple forward-looking applications, including: the formulation of the Hong Kong Inclusive Technology Adoption Standard (HKITAS)—the City’s first dedicated guidelines for non-government organisations to apply technology safely and efficiently; the research and development of personalised ophthalmic aids through 3D printing; the application of antibacterial surface technologies to develop antimicrobial 3D-printed accessories designed to enhance hygiene and safety in communal living environments; the pioneering of AI-enhanced swallowing assessment; and the development of an intelligent food preparation system to provide nutrient-optimised soft meals. These evidence-based application solutions are designed to precisely address service needs and enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities. The Centre’s operation is built upon the synergy of four integrated core pillars. The mechanism begins with “Needs Co-creation”, which closely connects service users, frontline staff and researchers to ensure that innovation is rooted in actual needs from the outset. This is followed by “Prototyping and Field Pilots”, where research outcomes are refined within the FHS’s real-world service settings through development, testing and continuous enhancement to ensure their technical feasibility for application. To maintain scientific rigour, the Centre employs “Cross-Disciplinary Research and Impact Evaluation”, utilising data analysis and clinical evidence to measure improvements in users’ work and life quality. Finally, the Centre focuses on “Standards Development and Knowledge Translation” by establishing industry benchmarks like HKITAS and knowledge sharing platforms to ensure these inclusive technology solutions can be scaled across the entire social service sector. By combining clinical practice with applied technology, the PolyU–FHS Centre for Inclusive Innovation is dedicated to redefining the professional value of persons with disabilities. The Centre guides service users to transition from traditional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) to participating in the research, development and production of OBM (Original Brand Manufacturing) products. The structured approach allows individuals with varying abilities to participate in high-value-added production, enhancing their capabilities and achieving the goal of long-term sustainable development. The guests visited the exhibition highlighting PolyU research projects. ***END***  

PolyU and Anker Innovations establish joint laboratory to accelerate commercialisation of smart home products

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Anker Innovations Technology Co., Ltd (Anker Innovations) signed a collaboration agreement on 21 April to officially establish the “PolyU-Anker Innovations Joint Laboratory”, marking a new milestone in industry-university-research collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The Joint Laboratory will focus on the research and development of on-device AI technologies, aiming to accelerate the intelligent upgrade of home devices and promote the widespread application of related technologies in the international market. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr Steven YANG, Founder and CEO of Anker Innovations, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr Frank ZHU, President of Smart Home at Anker Innovations. Subsequently, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng; Prof. Christopher Chao; and Prof. Hongxia YANG, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) and Director of the PolyU-Anker Joint Laboratory, together with Mr Steven Yang and Mr Frank Zhu, officiated at the unveiling ceremony of the Joint Laboratory. This collaboration will leverage PolyU research strengths in AI models, chip-level optimisation and model fusion, as well as Anker Innovations’ extensive industry experience in the global smart hardware market. Together, they will build a collaborative innovation model of “university research and development + industrial application” to promote the commercialisation of research outcomes. In his address, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng outlined PolyU’s strategic positioning. He noted that PolyU is a research university that actively responds to the Nation’s development strategy and aligns closely with the needs of industry and society. He emphasised that research outcomes should not only be targeted at publication in top international journals, but also be translated into technologies and products that benefit society. PolyU has high-calibre research teams in the field of AI and has established PAAI as a strategic development platform to drive the practical application of AI technologies, contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub and supporting the Nation’s innovation-driven development strategy. Through its collaboration with Anker Innovations, PolyU hopes to accelerate the commercialisation of PolyU research outcomes and enhance the competitiveness of Anker Innovations’ products in the international market, achieving mutual benefit and common development. Mr Steven Yang said, “Anker Innovations has always been committed to enhancing the intelligent experience of consumer electronics products through advanced technology. PolyU’s deep expertise in cutting-edge AI research is highly complementary to our strengths in product definition, scenario implementation and global marketing. The Joint Laboratory will act as an accelerator for technological innovation, promoting the widespread application of on-device AI in home hardware scenarios.” The Joint Laboratory will be jointly managed by PAAI and Anker Innovations’ technical team. Initial research will focus on low-precision training, inference and fusion technologies for on-device models, promoting the localised learning and deployment of large AI models. While balancing computational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, it will further enhance user privacy protection to address core market demands for smart home devices. Through the Joint Laboratory, both parties aim to align with the Nation’s innovation-driven development strategy, leading the smart home industry’s transition from “connected intelligence” towards “decision intelligence”. ***END***

PolyU and Geely Farizon establish joint lab to promote methanol-electric mobility for a carbon-neutral Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Geely Farizon) recently held a signing ceremony on the PolyU campus to officially establish the “PolyU–Farizon Transport and Energy Joint Laboratory” (the Joint Lab), focusing on industrial development policies in relation to methanol-electric technologies, promoting their development across technical, economic, and social dimensions, and building a new methanol ecosystem to help Hong Kong achieve its carbon neutrality goals. PolyU possesses robust capabilities in engineering, construction, and environmental sciences. Its Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) has a proven track record in green transport, energy policy, and smart city development, generating significant impact in the low-carbon transport sector. This new collaboration will leverage PolyU interdisciplinary research capabilities to provide solid academic support for the emerging methanol ecosystem. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. LI Xiangdong, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment of PolyU; Mr Mike FAN, Chief Executive Officer of Geely Farizon; and Ms DAI Huifang, Principal of Geely Academy, Geely Holding Group. The MoU was signed by Prof. CHEN Wu, Head of LSGI at PolyU, and Dr SONG Zhaohuan, Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of Geely Farizon. A project agreement marking the official launch of research on methanol‑electric vehicles in Hong Kong was subsequently signed by Prof. ZHUGE Chengxiang, Assistant Professor of LSGI at PolyU, and Mr Jack YANG, Head of Hong Kong Project Team at Geely Farizon, in the presence of senior leaders and scholars from both sides. In his welcoming remarks at the ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “PolyU is delighted to join hands with Geely Farizon to embark on this new journey of industry-academia-research collaboration. This collaboration marks a crucial step forward in advancing Hong Kong’s green and low-carbon transportation, contributing directly to the carbon neutrality targets set out in the ‘Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2050’. By leveraging PolyU’s strengths in scientific and policy research alongside Geely Farizon’s deep industry expertise, we aim to provide evidence-based policy recommendations for green transport governance and offer citizens cleaner, more efficient travel options.” Mr Mike Fan stated, “PolyU brings together top global research talent and features deep industry-academia integration, making it one of the most pioneering and influential universities in Hong Kong. PolyU and Geely Farizon share a highly aligned vision for green transportation. Together, we will write a new chapter in energy transition for Hong Kong, promote high-quality green development in the Greater Bay Area, and bring Chinese solutions to the global stage.” The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is actively promoting the green transformation of vehicles and increasing the proportion of renewable energy usage. The Government’s initiatives create a favourable innovation environment for developing a methanol ecosystem in Hong Kong. Backed by Geely Farizon’s industry resources and PolyU research expertise, the Joint Lab will focus on three major research directions: research on policies for promoting and popularising methanol-electric technologies in the public transport sector; development of a smart energy supply operation platform tailored to Hong Kong’s green transport policies and urban traffic scenarios; and feasible solutions and advisory reports for the local introduction of methanol-electric vehicles. Furthermore, methanol-electric industry-academia-research fund and expert network will be established to provide comprehensive support for the effective integration of transportation and energy. Since initiating their partnership last year, PolyU and Geely Farizon have rapidly advanced exploratory work on methanol-electric applications in Hong Kong, in the areas of transportation, and methanol trade, storage, and refuelling. At the Intelligent Electric Vehicle Development Forum 2026, both parties witnessed the launch of the “Global Methanol-Electric Ecosystem Alliance”, of which they are both members. The Alliance’s first core event will be held in Hong Kong this June, showcasing the latest developments in the methanol-electric industrial ecosystem and demonstrating to the world the robust technological strength and ecological advantages of China’s methanol-electric solutions. ***END***

PolyU secures funding for four cutting-edge projects in Third Round of RAISe+ Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has earned funding support for four high-impact research projects in the third round of the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme, administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Spanning areas from advanced manufacturing to artificial intelligence (AI), these projects demonstrate significant potential for industry impact—a testament to the University’s research excellence and translation. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, congratulated the PolyU research teams and remarked: “We are grateful for the funding support from the HKSAR Government through the RAISe+ Scheme, which empowers our researchers to pursue world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. From smart manufacturing and quantum technology to fintech and digital transformation of legal services, these high-commercialisation-potential projects will support Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub, as well as the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region. Looking ahead, the University will remain committed to translating its research outcomes into real-world applications through industry-academia-research collaboration, making significant contributions to Hong Kong, our Nation and the world.” Details of the projects are listed below: Project Title Project Leader Project Description Forging with Clarity: Intelligent In-Situ Laser Melt Pool Monitoring Technology Prof. H.C. MAN Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering and Chair Professor of Materials Engineering IntraSpect™ is redefining precision manufacturing with its 3rd-generation intelligent in-situ melt pool control technology. By integrating advanced high-frequency optical tomography with a multi-modal AI engine, the team has developed an “industrial eye” capable of penetrating metal vapour to deliver micron-level 3D real-time monitoring and closed-loop control, effectively eliminating hidden defects such as porosity. This solution matches the performance of top-tier international competitors at half the cost, offering a rapid ROI of less than one year. Closely aligned with the “15th Five-Year Plan” and “China Intelligent Manufacturing 2030”, IntraSpect™ empowers the EV battery and electronics sectors to transition from passive defect detection to proactive quality prevention. WiseLaw: Next Generation Agentic AI for Legal Services Prof. LU Haitian Hong Kong Sustaintech Foundation Professor WiseLaw Digital Technology Co., Ltd is Hong Kong’s first technology enterprise specialising in AI applications for cross-border legal and compliance services. Incubated by PolyU, WiseLaw brings together PolyU alumni and technical experts from leading internet companies in Chinese Mainland. WiseLaw deeply integrates AI with professional legal and compliance expertise, driving the intelligent transformation of legal services and corporate compliance management. As WiseLaw’s core product, “Lawrence” is an AI Digital Employee designed to empower corporations, financial institutions and law firms. Distinct from conventional software tools, Lawrence is built to “work like an employee”. It provides continuous support across cross-border business scenarios, including legal research, compliance review, contract analysis, risk identification, knowledge management and workflow coordination. Leveraging world-leading LLM capabilities and professional knowledge, further enhanced by WiseLaw’s proprietary Harness Engineering and Agentic Memory solutions, Lawrence enables users to improve operational efficiency, reduce compliance costs and mitigate legal risks. It provides enterprises with a more sophisticated and efficient framework for navigating global expansion and international operations. ShieldTrade: Multi-layer Defense System for Secure Web3 Transactions Prof. Allen AU Man-Ho Associate Head (Research and Development) and Professor of the Department of Computing The project aims to develop ShieldTrade, a next-generation Web3 security system that prevents users from transacting with blacklisted or sanctioned addresses, malicious or deceptive smart contracts, and phishing or fraudulent applications that attempt to obtain unauthorised token approvals or asset transfers. ShieldTrade provides end-to-end security protection for Web3 users by detecting risky transactions before execution and blocking malicious activities in real time. It analyses wallet interactions, smart-contract behaviours and transaction patterns to identify blacklisted or sanctioned addresses, malicious or deceptive contracts, and phishing or fraudulent “dApps” designed to steal assets or token approvals. Through advanced binary analysis, fuzzing and symbolic execution, ShieldTrade delivers proactive defence against emerging Web3 threats and ensures safer participation in decentralised ecosystems. New Generation of Miniature Quantum Chip with Embedded System for Cybersecurity Prof. LIU Ai-Qun Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology, Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Hong Kong Global STEM Scholar In today’s information-driven era, safeguarding data has become an exceptionally critical concern. Traditional encryption methods may prove highly vulnerable in the face of potential quantum computing attacks in the near future, underscoring the need to develop new technological solutions with high security standards. The project aims to develop a new generation of miniature quantum chips with embedded systems that enable secure communication by integrating optical quantum components with classical electronics (ARM and FPGA) on a single chip, often using CMOS fabrication to reduce size and cost. These chip-scale devices support high-speed communication, while allowing easy integration into IoT devices, handheld devices, fibre-optic networks, data centres and other applications. ***END***  

PolyU provides global stage for “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy 2026”, highlighting AI technologies for new-type power systems

Co-organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and The Hongkong Electric Company, Limited (HK Electric), the “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy 2026” (the Programme) concluded with a Graduation Ceremony on 17 April. Marking its ninth year of international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the energy sector, the Programme continues to serve as a pivotal platform for fostering long-term collaboration in the electric power industry among Belt and Road (B&R) countries and regions. This year’s theme, “AI Technologies Enabling New-Type Power Systems”, aligns with the global momentum towards carbon neutrality and sustainable development while underscoring the need to safeguard energy security. The Programme attracted a record-breaking 45 energy professionals and scholars from B&R countries and regions, including China [Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Macao Special Administrative Region], Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering; Mr Francis C.Y. CHENG, Managing Director of HK Electric; Mr OU Xiaoming, Chief Representative of the State Grid Hong Kong Representative Office; Mr YANG Junhu, Deputy President of the State Grid Technology College; and Ms LIANG Li, Chairman of XJTU Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering officiated at the Graduation Ceremony. The Programme was also honoured to welcome esteemed guests, including Mr JIN Lei, Director and Level 2 Inspector,  and Mr LIU Bin, Analysts at Level 2, both from the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Mr Raymond POON, Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the Government of the HKSAR; Prof. Frank CHAN, Senior Vice President of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers; Prof. Alfred SIT, Chief Executive and Secretary of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers; Ms Anna AU, Deputy Director (Hong Kong Talent Engage) and Mr Edwin HUNG, Assistant Manager (Hong Kong Talent Engage), of the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR; Mrs Karina CONCHA, Consul-General, Consulate General of Chile in Hong Kong; and representatives of the Consulate-General of Indonesia in Hong Kong, including Consul for Economic Affairs Ms Bertylani SAULINGGI, Consul for Socio-Cultural Affairs Mr Clemens T. BEKTIKUSUMA, and Vice Consul of Information and Sociocultural Affairs Ms Zivya S. HUSNAYAIN; and Mr Evegenii KOSIAKOV, Vice Consul, Consulate General of Russia in Hong Kong, together with senior executives from the co-organisers. Their presence underscored the Programme’s growing international recognition and its pivotal role in fostering cross-border collaboration in the energy sector. Prof. H.C. Man noted, “The synergy between AI and power systems is the cornerstone of the next generation of energy management. At PolyU, we are committed to pioneering the innovative solutions required to build a sustainable, AI-enabled energy future. Through this Programme, we continue to strengthen our role as a global hub for interdisciplinary research, facilitating the high-level exchanges that will transform how the world generates, distributes and consumes green energy.” Mr Ou Xiaoming stated, “We hope that this technology exchange platform will continue to develop, expand in influence and become an important channel for exchanges and sharing between senior power and energy managers and university researchers of Belt and Road countries and regions. With this platform, SGCC sincerely hopes to deepen communication and collaboration with all parties under the Belt and Road framework, promote the synergy of computing power and electricity, and foster integrated development of power technological and industrial innovation, making ‘digital intelligence’ a defining feature of Belt and Road cooperation.” Ms Liang Li said, “AI is playing an increasingly important role in new-type power systems, enabling renewable energy integration, intelligent dispatch, equipment monitoring, fault diagnosis, and system optimisation. AI is not only improving existing systems, but also helping shape the future paradigm of power systems. For Xi’an Jiaotong University, this year’s Programme was especially memorable. The Xi’an session was held during the 130th anniversary of our university, which made the event even more meaningful for us.” Mr Francis Cheng noted, “At HK Electric, reliability remains the cornerstone of everything we do. In 2025, we once again achieved a world‑class electricity supply reliability of over 99.9999%, translating into less than half a minute of unplanned interruption per customer on average. Such performance does not happen by chance. It is the culmination of the vision of our forerunners, decades of long‑term planning, disciplined investment and an enduring commitment to engineering excellence. By leveraging AI, data analytics, Internet-of-Things and intelligent monitoring, we are driving more predictive and proactive maintenance, improving safety, efficiency and service reliability.” As AI advances at an unprecedented pace, it is fundamentally transforming how power systems are analysed and managed. Key academic highlights of the Programme included lectures by Prof. XU Zhao and Prof. BU Siqi of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU themed “AI-Empowered Evolution of Modern Power Systems” and “AI-Enabled Secure Operation” respectively. The Programme also showcased cutting-edge data-driven assessment and regulation techniques essential for the economic operation of modern, “new-type” power grids. In dense, geographically constrained cities such as Hong Kong, highly reliable electricity distribution is essential. Engineers from the Transmission & Distribution Division at HK Electric shared the team’s initiatives on proactive cable diagnosis using artificial intelligence and the application of a 3-D GIS digital twin for distribution substations which helps maintain a healthy network. With an in-house developed AI model, engineers were able to achieve unprecedentedly excellent results, as compared with manual screening based on expert knowledge in the past, in selecting high‑risk cables for offline tests, enabling proactive maintenance and maintaining high supply reliability, despite the continuous ageing of the cables. Participants also gained immersive experience through field visits to some of the region’s most advanced energy facilities, including: HK Electric’s Lamma Power Station, System Control Centre and Intelligent Condition Monitoring Centre; PolyU’s Solar Energy Performance Management System; SGCC’s Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Electric Power Aerospace Technology; and XJTU’s State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment. Since its inception in 2018, the Programme has attracted over 900 industry professionals from 44 B&R countries and regions, facilitating more than 10,000 hours of knowledge exchange. As the first-of-its-kind university-industry collaboration in Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, it remains a leading global hub for capacity building, nurturing the talent required to lead the world’s transition to a low-carbon future. ***END***