Media Releases

PolyU participates in Asia Summit on Global Health, showcasing innovations in healthcare technology

The global demand for healthcare continues to rise due to an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Scholars, startups, and research teams from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 26 and 27 May. They shared insights with industry experts from around the world and showcasing the University’s research achievements in healthcare technology innovations. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, stated, “PolyU has consistently harnessed expertise and research capabilities in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, public health, and engineering. We leverage the unique advantages of medical and engineering integration and empowering medicine with AI to develop innovative solutions that meet societal needs. As a pioneer in innovation and entrepreneurship, PolyU is committed to nurturing startups and promoting the commercialisation of research outcomes to contribute to the well-being of society and humanity globally.” Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, Chair Professor of Systems Biology and Artificial Intelligence of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar, participated in a thematic session on the theme of “Data-driven Healthcare Transforming Patient Journey”. With industry peers, he explored innovative applications of and prospects for using big data and AI technologies in optimising patient healthcare processes. Prof. Zhang highlighted the importance of healthcare data for researchers and the need for long-term collaboration among all stakeholders to collectively advance healthcare research and innovation. Additionally, seven PolyU startups, three research teams, and The InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research showcased their research and technological achievements in healthcare technology at the “InnoHealth Showcase” and ASGH exhibition respectively. Their innovations cover areas such as pharmaceutical and therapeutics, AI and digital health, medical device and diagnostics, and community health and wellness, highlighting PolyU’s strengths in these fields. PolyU is dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship development that benefits to the world. Through PolyUVentures, its signature startup ecosystem, the University bolsters PolyU startups at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys – from education and ideation to incubation, acceleration and fundraising. Over the years, PolyU has nurtured about 600 startups, including two listed companies, three unicorns and 26 ponies. ***END***

PolyU-Zhongshan Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially unveiled, promoting the development of biomedicine and health industry of the two cities

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PolyU research reveals rising soil nitrous acid emissions driven by climate change and fertilisation accelerate global ozone pollution

Ozone pollution is a global environmental concern that not only threatens human health and crop production, but also worsens global warming. While the formation of ozone is often attributed to anthropogenic pollutants, soil emissions are revealed to be another important source. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have examined global soil nitrous acid (HONO) emissions data from 1980 to 2016 and incorporated them in a chemistry-climate model to unveil the pivotal role soil HONO emissions play in the increase of the ozone mixing ratio in air and its negative impact on vegetation. Soil microbial activities and agricultural practices, notably fertiliser application, release various gases from soil into the atmosphere. Previous studies found that soil HONO emissions contribute up to 80% of the atmospheric HONO mixing ratio. The interaction of HONO with other pollutants in the atmosphere is crucial to the chemical production of ozone. HONO also promotes ozone formation by elevating concentrations of its precursors nitrogen oxide (NOₓ). Prof. Tao WANG, Chair Professor of Atmospheric Environment of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, along with his research team, has compiled a dataset of soil HONO emission measurements from diverse ecosystems worldwide and pioneered a quantitative parameterisation scheme to quantify the impact brought by the emissions. The research made possible the comprehensive dataset measurements by integrating multiple variables, including climate factors like soil temperature and soil water content, and fertiliser type and application rates into the scheme. For unquantifiable factors such as microbial activities, land use and soil texture, the team applied diverse parameterisations based on latitude, longitude and land use data of the corresponding soil samples. The findings have been published in Nature Communications, with Dr Yanan WANG, PolyU Postdoctoral Fellow, and Dr Qinyi LI, Professor at Shandong University, being the co-first authors. Global soil HONO emissions continue to increase The researchers found that soil HONO emissions have increased from 9.4 Tg N in 1980 to 11.5 Tg N in 2016. Using the chemistry-climate model to simulate the impact of these emissions on atmospheric composition, they discovered an average 2.5% rise annually in the global surface ozone mixing ratio, with localised increases reaching up to 29%. Such increases may lead to the overexposure of vegetation to ozone, adversely affecting ecosystem balance and the production of food crops. In addition, ozone damage will reduce the capacity of vegetation to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby further aggravating the greenhouse effect. The team pointed out that soil HONO emissions are influenced by the combined effects of nitrogen fertiliser usage and climate factors like soil temperature and soil water content, resulting in seasonal and geographic variations. Global soil HONO emissions peak in the summer when soil temperature is higher and crops are in their growing season. The northern hemisphere was found to contribute to two-thirds of global emissions, with Asia being the largest emitter, accounting for 37.2% of the total. Emissions hotspots mainly clustered in agricultural areas in India, eastern China, central North America, Europe, African savannahs and South America. Regions with lower pollution levels are more affected Notably, the influence of soil HONO emissions on the increase of the ozone mixing ratio is more significant in low anthropogenic emission regions. This is because ozone formation is closely related to the concentrations of its precursors NOₓ and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air. Typically, NOₓ concentrations are lower while VOC concentrations are higher in areas with low anthropogenic emissions, placing these areas predominantly in a NOₓ-limited regime where ozone is more sensitive to NOₓ. An increase in NOₓ concentration will thus lead to a greater rise in ozone levels. With the global trend in recent years of decreasing anthropogenic emissions, more regions are likely to shift towards a NOₓ-limited regime, driving up the impact of soil HONO emissions on ozone levels. Prof. Wang said, “Climate change and the increasing use of fertiliser will lead to continued rise in soil HONO emissions, which may offset some of the benefits expected from reduced anthropogenic emissions. It is crucial to understand and manage soil emissions to foster sustainable development. We therefore recommend considering soil HONO emissions in strategies for mitigating global air pollution.” Advanced modelling techniques and diverse datasets In the development of the robust parameterisation scheme, the research team integrated advanced modelling techniques and diverse datasets, including global soil HONO emissions measurement data from 110 previous laboratory experiments and data derived from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA2) reanalysis. The research team also leveraged the Community Atmosphere Model with Chemistry (CAM-Chem) climate-chemistry model developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research of the United States for simulating the impacts of soil HONO emissions on atmospheric chemistry and vegetation exposure risk. Prof. Wang said, “Our future research will focus on expanding the global observational network for soil HONO emissions, as well as on offering a deeper understanding of microbial roles in HONO emissions by soil. These two approaches can facilitate a more accurate assessment of ozone and other secondary air pollutants production caused by soil HONO emissions and their impact on vegetation. Further studies should also explore mitigation strategies to optimise fertiliser use, such as deep fertiliser placement and the use of nitrification inhibitors, with the aim of reducing soil HONO emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity.” ***END***  

PolyU hosts flagship IEEE ICDE 2025, gathering data engineering experts from around the globe to inject new vitality into Hong Kong I&T ecosystems

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the 41st IEEE International Conference on Data Engineering (ICDE) from 19 to 23 May. A premier academic event in the field of data science and engineering, the Conference brought together nearly 900 leading scholars, industry experts and researchers from around the globe to explore cutting-edge topics, advancing innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), big data and other emerging technologies in the field. The five-day conference featured a series of events sparking discussion and fostering exchanges among participants, including keynote speeches, thematic panels, academic paper presentations, doctoral student seminars, poster sessions, special lectures and workshops. Hosted by representatives from academia and industry, these events shed light on a range of timely issues and current topics such as data management, data mining, data visualisation and AI. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, delivered a warm welcoming address at the opening ceremony, highlighting the increasing global interest in data science, data engineering and AI. He emphasised PolyU’s positioning as an innovative world-class university and its commitment to meeting the evolving demands of society. The University has integrated compulsory AI education into the undergraduate curriculum and established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences earlier this year. He also introduced the newly established PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence, which is under the leadership of a prestigious scholar with extensive industrial experience and will further promote AI research and applications. Three internationally renowned scholars, Prof. Amr El ABBADI, Distinguished Professor of the Computer Science Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara; Prof. Guoliang LI, Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Tsinghua University; and Prof. Evaggelia PITOURA, Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Ioannina, Greece, delivered keynote speeches at the Conference. They focused on significant facets of data engineering and discussed emerging topics including stream summarisation for big data analytics, the integration of large language models in data analytics systems and responsible AI. Supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board as well as a number of world-leading enterprises, including Huawei, Alibaba Cloud, Baidu AI Cloud, ByteDance, Tencent Cloud, OceanBase and UniCom, the Conference promoted innovative application of data science and AI technologies by fostering collaboration among industry, academia and research agencies in diversified forms. It also deepened international academic cooperation and injected vitality into local technological innovation ecosystem, consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub. To ensure academic quality, the Organisation Committee comprised outstanding academics and industry experts from around the world. Among them were several scholars from PolyU, including Prof. LI Qing, Chair Professor of Data Science and Head of the Department of Computing, who served as the Co-Chair to oversee the overall organisation of the event; Prof. HUA Wen, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, who supervised the paper review process; Prof. FAN Wenqi, Assistant Professor of the Department of Computing, who was in charge of local arrangements; Prof. HUANG Xiao, Assistant Professor of the Department of Computing, who managed the doctoral consortium; and Dr Alexander ZHOU, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Computing, who was responsible for paper publication and agenda management. Since its inception in 1984, ICDE has been a flagship academic event in the global data science and engineering field, dedicated to advancing the frontier theories and practical applications of data management technologies. It has witnessed the era transition from relational databases to cloud-native technologies, and continuously led data-driven innovations globally. For more information about ICDE 2025, please visit: https://ieee-icde.org/2025/ ***END***

PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre and PolyU Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (Qianhai) officially unveiled, catalysing industry-academia-research collaboration for Shenzhen-Hong Kong technology hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has established the PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre (QHRC) and the PolyU Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (Qianhai) (PReCIT-QH), with support from the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen Municipality (Qianhai Authority). These Centres aim to establish a Shenzhen-Hong Kong technology hub to advance the industrial development of both regions. At the joint unveiling ceremony held in Qianhai, Shenzhen today, memorandums of understanding (MoU) with industry partners were signed, testifying to the parties’ commitment to fostering industry-academia-research collaborations. The event also marked the launch of the PolyU International Future Challenge (IFC) Qianhai Region, which aims to attract top-tier technology talents, accelerating the commercialisation of technologies. Officiating guests Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Mr WANG Shourui, Member of the Standing Committee of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee, Director-General of Qianhai Authority and Secretary of the Bao’an District Committee; Ms WEN Ping, Member of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone Work Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and Deputy Director General of Qianhai Authority; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, along with other distinguished guests, to unveil the two new centres, marking their official establishment in Qianhai. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “PolyU is committed to advancing research and innovation grounded in knowledge transfer and the cultivation of an innovation ecosystem to drive high-quality socio-economic development. To date, PolyU has nurtured over 600 start-ups. The establishment of the two centres in Qianhai marks a pivotal milestone in the University’s collaboration with the Qianhai Authority to propel industrial innovation. By leveraging the resources and strengths of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area (GBA), these centres will accelerate the development of cutting-edge interdisciplinary technologies, deepen industry-academia-research collaborations and serve as strategic platforms connecting technology enterprises and innovation teams from across the GBA, thereby fostering high-level expertise in technology policy and reinforcing regional and national development.” Ms Wen Ping stated, “As a world-leading university, PolyU is a pioneer in artificial intelligence, sustainable architecture and medical technology. The collaboration between Qianhai and PolyU is both timely and strategically aligned. The establishment of the PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre and PolyU Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (Qianhai) underscore the joint commitment of Shenzhen and Hong Kong to advancing technology innovation. Qianhai will prioritise the Nation’s strategic goals, the development direction of GBA, the needs of Hong Kong and the capabilities of Qianhai, to deepen collaboration with PolyU in cross-border technology transfer, transformation of research outcomes and entrepreneurship incubation of the regions, contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub.” Leveraging PolyU’s robust research capabilities, QHRC will focus on advancing technology in the fields of AI sensors and smart manufacturing, intelligent medicine and healthcare, and innovative design. Through industry-academia-research collaboration, the Centre will integrate premier resources to incubate technology start-ups within its new incubation platform, PolyU InnoHub@Qianhai, driving industry upgrades with state-of-the-art technologies. Meanwhile, PReCIT-QH is committed to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and impactful research, and serves as a platform for regional policy experts to propose strategies for technological development in the GBA. The two centres will create synergies by exploring cutting-edge technologies, nurturing talents and accelerating the commercialisation of research outcome to advance the industrial development in the regions. To foster a dynamic innovation ecosystem in Qianhai, QHRC entered into MoUs with the China Construction Science and Industry Corporation Limited (CSCEC) and three venture capital firms, including Shenzhen Angel Capital Guiding Fund, Hony Capital and Hina Investment. Separately, PolyU signed MoUs with Shenzhen Reform and Opening Up Executive Leadership Academy, and HKCPPCC (Provincial) Members Association. The PolyU International Future Challenge Qianhai Region supported by strategic partner CSCEC, launched at the ceremony, provides a holistic platform for technology talents, project teams and startups to propose innovative solutions in areas such as AI-powered smart construction, metaverse, augmented reality/virtual reality, intelligent wearables and big health to address industry challenges. Mr Shuhua YANG, Deputy Party Secretary and General Manager of CSCEC, emphasised that the competition will drive new momentum into the transformation and upgrading of construction industry by providing resources such as real-world scenarios and industrial support for integrating cutting-edge innovations such as AI and the metaverse into construction contexts. This initiative also serves as a bridge to strengthen collaboration with PolyU in advancing research projects and fostering joint talent cultivation, thereby establishing a long-term mechanism to nurture an innovation ecosystem driven by industry-academia-research synergy. During the keynote speeches, PReCIT Advisory Committee member Dr CAI Jin, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Sing Tao News Corporation Limited and PReCIT core member Prof. Haitian LU, Director of the PolyU Mainland Development Office, shared insights on how joint talent cultivation and the transformation of research achievements can help Shenzhen-Hong Kong innovation reach new heights, and on the application and practice of PolyU research innovations in Qianhai, respectively. In his vote of thanks, Prof. Christopher Chao emphasised that the unveiling of the two centres represents the culmination of multi-dimensional collaboration among key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, research, and investment sectors, establishing an end-to-end transformation ecosystem that bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and market application. WiseLaw Digital Technology Limited, which was visited today, is one of the PolyU-nurtured start-ups that has successfully established itself in Qianhai, exemplifying how these centres can provide comprehensive support including research and development, commercialisation, expansion and financing, to PolyU’s innovation teams in Qianhai. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (2nd from left, back row); Prof. Christopher Chao (1st from left, back row); Mr Shuhua Yang (2nd from right, back row); and Mr Li JIANG, Deputy General Manager of CSCEC, the MoU between QHRC and CSCEC was signed by Prof. Tommy Wei (left, front row) and Mr Renge LI, Director of CSCEC Innovation Research Institute (right, front row). PolyU QHRC entered into MoUs with three capital ventures firms. The agreements were signed by Prof. Tommy Wei (1st from left), along with Mr LIU Xiang, General Manager of Risk Management Department of Shenzhen Angel Capital Guiding Fund (2nd from left); Mr Xinyu YANG, Director and General Manager of Hony Capital (2nd from right); and Mr ZHANG Wei, Managing Director of Hina Investment (1st from right), respectively. PolyU entered into MoUs with Shenzhen Reform and Opening Up Executive Leadership Academy and HKCPPCC (Provincial) Members Association. The agreements were signed by Prof. Christopher Chao (centre); Mr CHEN Min, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Shenzhen Reform and Opening Up Executive Leadership Academy (left); and Mr WANG Ming Fan, Executive Vice President of the HKCPPCC (Provincial) Members Association and CPPCC National Committee Member (right). The unveiling ceremony for the QHRC and PolyU InnoHub@Qianhai was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (6th from right), Prof. Christopher Chao (6th from left), and PolyU representatives. Dr Cai Jin shared insights on how joint talent cultivation and the transformation of research achievements can help Shenzhen-Hong Kong innovation reach new heights. Prof. Haitian Lu introduced examples of the application and practice of PolyU’s research innovations in Qianhai. ***END***

HKAE and PolyU PReCIT co-organise the Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology Award Ceremony cum Distinguished Lectures, celebrating excellence in engineering innovation

The Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology (HKEST) Award Ceremony cum Distinguished Lectures, organised by the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE) and co-organised by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was successfully held at PolyU campus yesterday. The ceremony was officiated by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, along with Ir Dr Alex CHAN, President of the HKAE and Ir Dr Humphrey LEUNG, Chair of the HKEST Award Selection Committee and Court Member of PolyU, and was attended by Ir Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President of the HKAE, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Co-Director of PReCIT. The event brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, and research sectors to celebrate the awardees’ achievements in the field of engineering science and technology. The third HKEST Award has attracted broader support than in previous years with government departments and more R&D institutions joining as nominating organisations. The number of nominations reached a record high this year, reflecting the growing recognition and interest that the Award has received from the engineering and technology community. Following a rigorous review process conducted by the Selection Committee, six outstanding individuals and teams were recognised for their significant contributions to engineering science and technology. Ir Dr Alex Chan officiated at the ceremony and delivered the welcoming speech. He emphasised the exceptional talent and dedication of this year’s laureates, adding, “It is our hope that the HKEST awards gain more recognition within industry and academia, enhancing competitiveness and fostering a more productive environment.” Prof. Sun Dong then expressed his pleasure in celebrating the success of the laureates during his opening remarks and noted that “This award is much more than just recognition. It plays a pivotal role in identifying the engineering and technology talent and strengthening Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) landscape. This mission aligns seamlessly with the government’s strategic vision of creating a vibrant I&T ecosystem and expanding our talent pool, thereby developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.” Following the award presentation, each laureate delivered a Distinguished Lecture, showcasing their innovative work and its impact in their respective fields. The event concluded with closing remarks by Ir Dr Humphrey Leung, who thanked the nominating organisations, selection panel and supporting partners for their contributions to the success of this year’s Award. Winners of the HKEST Award 2024-25 Winners (in alphabetical order) Organisations Prof. Allen AU Man Ho Professor and Associate Head (Research and Development), Department of Computing The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Jonathan CHOI Chung Hang Professor and Vice-Chairman (Undergraduate), Department of Biomedical Engineering  The Chinese University of Hong Kong Prof. Kevin TSIA Kin Man Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Program Director, Biomedical Engineering Program; Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning - UG), Faculty of Engineering The University of Hong Kong Ir Prof. Edwin TSO Chi Yan Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Outreach) and Associate Professor, School of Energy and Environment; Co-Founder, i2Cool Limited City University of Hong Kong Prof. WANG Han Professor and Associate Head, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Director, Center for Advanced Semiconductors and Integrated Circuits The University of Hong Kong Airport Authority Hong Kong (Team) Ms Nicola LU Yuk Ying Manager, Airport Autonomous Transportation System Mr Jeff LAI Tsz Fai Project Engineer Mr Tom MOK Ying Yiu Assistant Engineer Airport Authority Hong Kong For more information on the HKEST Award 2024-25 and laureate bios, please visit: https://hkestaward.hkae.hk/. About the HKEST Award The Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology (HKEST) Award was established in 2022 to recognize and honour the exceptional accomplishments of young scientists, engineers, and technologists (aged 45 or below) who have demonstrated remarkable talent, dedication, and influence in the field of engineering science and technology within Hong Kong. With the support of the Innovation and Technology Commission, HKSAR, the award has now entered its third round, with a total of 14 outstanding laureates recognized since 2022. All laureates are emerging leaders, talented scholars, engineers, and industrial experts who have made profound impacts in engineering science and technology across various sectors. About the Organiser — HKAE Founded in 1994, the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE) is a prestigious organisation dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the field of engineering in Hong Kong. HKAE aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence in engineering, contributing to the advancement of society and the development of Hong Kong and our Nation. It comprises a distinguished group of Fellows from various disciplines, recognized as leaders in their professions, with remarkable achievements in engineering sciences and applications. For more information, please visit the HKAE website: https://hkae.hk. About the Co-organiser — PReCIT, PolyU The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for impactful research in innovation, technology and policy, recommending actionable solutions to significant societal challenges. This synergises with the HKEST Award’s commitment to honoring young scientists and engineers whose achievements align with HKAE's mission of advancing engineering excellence to create real-world impact. For more information, please visit the PReCIT website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/. ***END***

PolyU research overcomes major obstacle to solar technology development, achieving record 33.89% power-conversion efficiency in solar cells

Significantly surpassing their single-junction counterparts in power-conversion efficiency (PCE), two-terminal perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells have emerged as a game-changer in photovoltaics. However, due to the lack of effective optimisation of the device interface to maximise charge extraction efficiency and reduce energy loss, their widespread application has been limited. Researchers of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have pioneered a novel bilayer interface passivation strategy to develop tandem solar cells that achieve a record-high PCE of 33.89%, representing a milestone in the development of solar technology. Interfacial recombination at the perovskite/electron transport layer interface has long been considered a major obstacle to enhancing the efficiency of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. Prof. YIN Jun, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics at PolyU, and his research team have made a breakthrough in interface engineering towards addressing this critical challenge. They have integrated advanced material design and a device optimisation strategy to develop high-efficiency perovskite/silicon tandem devices. This research was conducted in partnership with LONGI Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd and Soochow University. The findings have been published in the international journal Nature. The team introduced a nanoscale, discretely distributed ultrathin lithium fluoride (LiF) layer combined with a short-chain ethylenediammonium diiodide (EDAI) molecule deposition, inducing field-effect and chemical passivation simultaneously and thereby achieving a bilayer-intertwined passivation. This strategy significantly improved electron extraction and effectively suppressed non-radiative recombination. The researchers then applied the strategy to perovskite stacked on a double-textured silicon heterojunction cell, which featured a mildly textured front surface and a heavily textured rear surface, and successfully constructed the perovskite/silicon tandem devices. This unique design can enhance photocurrent while also maintaining robust rear passivation, effectively optimising both light absorption and power transfer. The resulting perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells have achieved an independently certified PCE of 33.89%, marking the first reported certified efficiency of a two-junction solar cell that exceeds the single-junction Shockley-Queisser limit of 33.7%. In addition to their record-breaking efficiency, the cells demonstrate an impressive fill factor of 83%, an open-circuit voltage approaching 1.97 V, as well as significantly improved long-term stability.  This breakthrough helps overcome long-standing efficiency barriers to improving power-conversion efficiency of solar cells and unlocks the application potential of perovskite technologies in photovoltaics. It also serves as a strong motivation for continued innovation and advancement in solar technology, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. Prof. Yin said, “Our research is driven by the vision of breaking traditional efficiency barriers in solar cells. By integrating advanced materials like perovskites with established silicon technologies, we harness the best of both worlds to redefine solar cell performance. This multidisciplinary approach not only showcases the tremendous potential of photovoltaic technology, but also lays a solid foundation for the development of renewable energy and new quality productive forces.” Prof. Yin has been awarded the Excellent Young Scientists Fund for 2024 by the National Natural Science Foundation of China for his outstanding contributions to materials science. Moving forward, he and his research team will continue to explore the optoelectronic properties of advanced perovskite materials and their applications in next-generation photovoltaic devices. ***END***

Pioneering entrepreneur William Heinecke inducted into School of Hotel and Tourism Management Gallery of Honour

The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that Mr William HEINECKE, Founder and Chairman of Minor International PCL, was inducted into the SHTM Gallery of Honour on 16 May 2025, the same day he was bestowed the esteemed SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala dinner held in his honour. At the gala dinner, Prof. Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President, said, “As an entrepreneur and innovator in the industry, Mr Heinecke’s name has become synonymous with entrepreneurial success and hospitality leadership in the region and around the world. He is a stellar role model for future hospitality professionals and a source of inspiration for all.” Expressing his heartiest congratulations to Mr Heinecke on receiving the accolade, Prof. Kaye CHON, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, said, “A trailblazer and an accomplished entrepreneur, Mr Heinecke’s exemplary achievements have not only played an important role in raising the level of the hospitality business in the region and globally but also helped transform it through his distinctive vision. As a passionate advocate for hospitality and tourism education, he has ardently supported the SHTM and is truly deserving of this award.” Mr William Heinecke remarked, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the SHTM. For me, hospitality is so much more than offering a place to stay – it is about creating transformative experiences that bring people together, spark positive social change, and highlight the unique warmth of every destination. I hope this honour will encourage the next generation of hospitality leaders to push boundaries, embrace lifelong learning, and strive for excellence at every turn.” Mr Heinecke’s leadership of Minor International has spanned close to six decades, guiding what began as a small start-up into one of the world’s largest hospitality groups. His career began at the young age of 17, when he launched his first company while still in high school. In the years that followed, he expanded what became known as Minor Hotels into a diversified global hospitality group to embrace a range of brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana Collection, NH Collection and Tivoli. Under his visionary leadership, Minor Hotels – which now boasts over 600 hotels in 63 countries – was an early pioneer in eco-friendly hospitality in Southeast Asia and has since established itself as a leader in sustainable tourism development. In his role as Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Mr Heinecke also oversees Minor Food, one of Asia’s largest restaurant companies with more than 2,500 outlets globally, and Minor Lifestyle which operates nearly 400 retail stores. Beyond his professional achievements, he has been actively engaged in philanthropic endeavours including setting up the Heinecke Foundation to support education for less fortunate children, the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to seek to improve the welfare of elephants, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation to help rejuvenate the turtle population in the Sirinat Marine National Park in Thailand. He has also been involved in the annual St. Regis Bangkok Charity Gala and Auction, contributing to the fundraising for nominated organisations under Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand. Highly regarded for his exemplary accomplishments in hospitality, Mr Heinecke was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards in 2022 and HOTELS magazine’s Corporate Hotelier of the World 2017. A recipient of the Trailblazer Award at the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards 2013, he authored the book The Entrepreneur: 25 Golden Rules for the Global Business Manager. He was also the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and sat on the Prime Minister’s Foreign Investment Advisory Council. Mr Heinecke’s contributions continue to inspire and transform the industry, making him stand out as a beacon of excellence. “The SHTM prides itself in being a leading force in education and research in hospitality and tourism,” said Dean Chon. “Our commitment to excellence is well supported by industry heavyweights and visionary leaders such as Mr William Heinecke. With steadfast support from our industry partners, our School is committed to nurturing the bright minds who will become future leaders of this dynamic global industry.” The Gallery of Honour is located in the SHTM lobby and displays portraits of the outstanding recipients of the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award, who represent the world’s most successful hospitality organisations and recognisable brands. The School established the Award to honour individuals who have made substantial contributions to the development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, the region and the world, recognising the true leaders who have helped define the global hospitality landscape and advance the industry. ***END***

PolyU JUPAS Consultation Day 2025 coming soon, providing latest information on programmes for JUPAS applicants

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will hold the PolyU JUPAS Consultation Day 2025 on 24 May (Saturday) from 10am to 1pm. During the event, Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) applicants can obtain the latest updates on PolyU programmes, enabling them to re-evaluate and finalise their programme choices by late-July. Registration for the Consultation Day is now open at  https://www.polyu.edu.hk/conday. On the event day, the Academic Registry will host two sessions of talks on “Admission Strategy & Flexible Admission Arrangement” to introduce the latest admission information and JUPAS selection strategies. Professors and faculty representatives will be on hand to provide programme information, while student representatives will share their experiences of campus life and offer interview tips, helping prospective applicants to prepare in advance. In addition, faculties and schools will organise programme seminars, consultation sessions and guided tours to campus facilities to help interested students gain a better understanding of the University’s entrance requirements and features of their preferred disciplines/programmes, while also experiencing a taste of the vibrant campus learning atmosphere. PolyU has adopted a flexible and diverse admissions strategy. For the 2025/26 academic year, alongside the departmental scheme-based admissions and specialised programmes, PolyU is launching seven new bachelor’s degree schemes.  One is the Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies, which breaks through the traditional academic framework by implementing a personalised coaching system. It allows students, with guidance from PolyU’s distinguished professors, to design their own major based on personal interests and aspirations, helping to nurture professionals and leaders with interdisciplinary skills, innovative thinking and a global perspective to address the diverse challenges of future society. PolyU also continues to optimise its flexible admission arrangements. Applicants who fall slightly short of the general entrance requirements for degree programmes, i.e. “3-3-2-A-3-3” (level 3 in both languages, level 2 in Mathematics, “Attained” in Citizenship and Social Development, together with level 3 in two additional electives) can be given special consideration for admission if they demonstrate outstanding performance overall or excel in specific subjects. For details, please visit Study@PolyU: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study. For enquiries about the “PolyU JUPAS Consultation Day 2025”, please email arevents.enquiry@polyu.edu.hk. ***END***

PolyU Foundation hosts luncheon talk exploring how AI revolutionises business innovations

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Foundation hosted a luncheon talk in the PolyImpact Luncheon Series on 8 May 2025, titled “DeepSeek and Beyond: How Generative AI (GenAI) Can Revolutionise Your Business”. Delivering the keynote address, a leading AI expert from PolyU examined the role of AI in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape and how it will refine strategies for business innovation. The event drew approximately 90 guests, including PolyU Foundation members, government officials and industry leaders. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, introduced the newly established Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI). He highlighted how these initiatives will foster collaboration among internal and external stakeholders to advance the development of GenAI through interdisciplinary and multidimensional approaches. Prof. Teng also noted that PolyU had recently recruited several globally renowned experts in AI and data science, and had plans to expand its talent pool by attracting further leading scholars in related fields, reinforcing its pioneering position for cutting-edge AI. The keynote was delivered by Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU PAAI, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Professor of the Department of Computing. Her talk, titled “How GenAI Empowers Enterprises”, traced the evolutionary trajectory of AI, analysed breakthroughs and challenges in AI-powered search engines, and explored how GenAI enhances competitiveness across various industries. With 15 years of experience in AI, Prof. Yang has developed algorithmic systems that have been widely adopted by leading enterprises. She emphasised that GenAI offers transformative opportunities across the healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, media and fashion industries, with applications spanning medical image analysis, fraud detection, predictive maintenance, inventory management, content creation, design and marketing. However, challenges such as limited internet data accessibility and the high costs of open-source models hinder AI advancement. To address some of these barriers, Prof. Yang’s team developed the decentralised Co-GenAI platform. It features domain-adaptive continual pretraining, enabling AI models to become more specialised through learning data from specific domain data. It enables enterprises to obtain their own models, and demonstrates superior performance compared to open-source models. In addition, the system comprises a “Model Fusion” over existing specialised models that significantly reduces centralised computing resource usage. By optimising computational efficiency through small-model fusion, it reduces reliance on the high-end GPU clusters traditionally required for foundation model training. Prof. Yang pointed out that AI-driven medicine and healthcare is poised to achieve significant breakthroughs in disease diagnosis and treatment, particularly in precision medicine for cancer. Her team has developed AI-powered medical models that assist in tumour diagnosis and enhancement of personalised treatment plans. The team is currently collaborating with Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Centre and Peking Union Medical College Hospital to strengthen clinical validation. In addition, the newly established PAAI will serve as a decentralised Co-GenAI platform, fostering collaborative research and applications of GenAI across diverse fields including urban energy, business transformation, smart manufacturing, robotics, intelligent clinical reasoning, grid modernisation, smart construction and smart materials. The panel discussion, chaired by Dr Sunny CHAI, Chairman of the PolyU Foundation, and Prof. Yang, explored Hong Kong’s unique strengths and essential conditions for fostering a robust AI ecosystem. Prof. Yang emphasised that Hong Kong’s five globally top 100 ranked universities, combined with extensive research capabilities and an abundance of AI talent, provide a formidable foundation for advancing AI development. She urged that the City should harness the talent pool, invest in ample, cutting-edge AI infrastructure, and prioritise AI integration into industries where Hong Kong holds competitive advantages. By focusing resources and expertise on strategic priorities, she asserted that Hong Kong could accelerate the widespread adoption of AI across diverse sectors. During the Q&A session, Prof. Yang addressed questions from guests on various topics.  These included the importance of AI in driving business development, strategies for building efficient AI models within enterprises, and the applications and potential challenges of AI in healthcare and philanthropy. The PolyImpact Luncheon Series provides a platform for exchanging ideas and gaining professional insights, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to navigate the future of AI-driven business innovation. This event highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, industry and government in fostering AI development and application. The PolyU Foundation is a committee under the PolyU Council, supporting the University’s mission through fundraising, fostering partnerships and promoting educational initiatives. The Foundation plays a crucial role in enhancing the University’s capabilities in research, innovation and community engagement by securing resources and building networks with alumni, industry leaders and other stakeholders. The Foundation is committed to promoting the University’s contributions to education and research, as well as its impact on society, by organising events such as luncheons and talks that facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen ties between the University and the broader community. For more information about PolyU Foundation, please visit the website. ***END***