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PolyU announces recipients of Young Innovative Researcher Award 2026, honouring six rising scholars for high-impact, interdisciplinary research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the recipients of the University’s Young Innovative Researcher Award (YIRA) 2026, recognising six rising scholars for their research excellence. The awardees’ transformative research spans a wide range of cutting-edge fields, including energy and sustainability, life sciences, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, underscoring the University’s unwavering commitment to advancing research and innovation and its strong capabilities in interdisciplinary research. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), commended the awardees for their exceptional achievements and said, “PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university and is committed to addressing societal needs and contributing to the community through world-leading research and innovation. These six young scholars fully exemplify the innovative potential of the next generation of researchers, as well as their capabilities and commitment to developing practical solutions to complex global challenges. We have immense confidence in their work and look forward to seeing them continue to excel and break new ground, making lasting contributions to human well-being and a more sustainable planet.” The research projects of the six awardees all focus on addressing major global challenges and cover a number of forward-looking and high-impact areas. These projects focus on: an atomic-precision design of low-cost nanocatalysts for large-scale green hydrogen production through water electrolysis; circular, net-zero wastewater systems through integrated carbon management, in-situ resource recovery and system-wide technological innovation; a culturally calibrated AI chatbot to provide scalable, personalised dietary coaching using image-based food logging and behavioural skill training for chronic disease prevention; the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy to aid the evaluation and identification of developmental dyslexia in Chinese-English bilingual children; a brain-inspired modelling framework that combines the brain’s efficient computational principles with modern deep learning architectures to improve memory capacity and reduce computational costs for sustainable AI development; and an intelligent magnetic microcatheter system for superselective endoluminal interventions. Now in its fifth year, YIRA aims to recognise young researchers under the age of 35 who exhibit exceptional potential, supporting them in pursuing high-impact, interdisciplinary research through dedicated funding and personal recognition. The accolade empowers these young researchers to translate academic theory into practical solutions that align with the evolving needs of society. The support serves not only as an honour for their research achievements, but also as a catalyst for their academic and professional development, enabling them to emerge as future leaders in global research and innovation.  The recipients of YIRA 2026 (in alphabetical order): Awardees Project Title Project Description Prof. Jingjie GE Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Designing Low-cost, High-efficient Anodic Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production Atomic-precision design of low-cost nanocatalysts for large-scale green hydrogen production through water electrolysis Prof. Tao LIU Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Net-Zero Wastewater Management through Circular Resource Utilisation Developing circular, net-zero wastewater systems through integrated carbon management, in-situ resource recovery and system-wide technological innovation Dr Rui SHE Research Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences An Explainable, Theoretically and Culturally Grounded Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Chatbot for Personalised Dietary Behaviour Intervention Developing a culturally calibrated AI chatbot to provide scalable, personalised dietary coaching using image-based food logging and behavioural skill training for chronic disease prevention Prof. Xin SUN Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology Brain Basis of Dyslexia in Chinese-English Bilinguals: Phonological and Morphological Assessments Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Utilising functional near infrared spectroscopy to enhance the identification and evaluation of developmental dyslexia in Chinese-English bilingual children Prof. Yujie WU Assistant Professor, Department of Computing Scaling by Smarter Neurons: A Neural-Inspired Foundation Model Framework for Enhanced Long-sequence Understanding and Energy-Efficient Computation Abrain-inspired foundation model framework that combines biologically efficient computational principles with modern deep learning architectures, improving memory capacity and reducing energy costs to support sustainable AI development Prof. Lidong YANG Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Trustworthy AI-assisted Magnetic Microcatheter (AI-M2) System: An Enabling Paradigm for Intelligent Superselective Endoluminal Interventions An intelligent magnetic microcatheter system for superselective endoluminal interventions ***END***

Data explosion in AI era: PolyU leads breakthroughs in protein-based data storage, delivering high storage capacity, strong stability and encryption capabilities

Massive volumes of digital data are generated every day from AI training, big data analytics and smart devices. As conventional hard drives and cloud storage are increasingly constrained by high costs, limited capacity, high power consumption and short lifespans, molecular data storage has emerged as a breakthrough storage alternative. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have pioneered a method that uses engineered proteins to store digital data and, for the first time, completed the full process from data storage to data retrieval in de novo designed unnatural proteins. This demonstrates the potential of establishing a protein-based storage framework with sustainability, high storage capacity and high stability, offering a promising solution to the explosive AI-generated growth in data globally. Spanning the fields of protein engineering, synthetic biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry and computer science, the interdisciplinary team is led by Prof. Zhongping YAO, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. Other members include Dr Cheuk-chi NG, Research Assistant Professor of the same department, and Prof. Chung-Ming Francis LAU, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Engineering and Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The findings have been published in Nature Communications. All digital files—including texts, images and videos—are stored in computers as sequences of bits comprising 0s and 1s. Molecular data storage typically works by assigning different types of monomers in a large molecule to specific bit sequences, thereby “translating” the data into monomer sequences that can later be decoded and read. Commonly used medium DNA (nucleotides as monomers) consists of only four types of nucleotides, resulting in relatively low storage capacity, and is also prone to degradation. Prof. Yao’s team previously developed peptides (amino acids as monomers) as an alternative. Peptides can be made of 20 types of natural amino acids, as well as many non-natural amino acids, offering much higher storage capacity. They can also be optimised to achieve very high stability. However, peptides have limited storage efficiency due to their short molecular sequences, and are produced mainly through chemical synthesis, which is costly. The research team has innovatively proposed using proteins as data carriers. Proteins have much longer amino acid sequences than peptides, delivering even higher storage efficiency and capacity. In addition, proteins can be readily expressed by biological systems like bacteria and animal cells—i.e., by injecting genetic information that prompts the cells to make designated proteins—enabling large-scale and low-cost generation of data-bearing proteins. Proteins can also be preserved with greater stability in powder or solution form in various environments.  However, protein-based data storage faces two major challenges. First, the amino acid sequences of data-bearing proteins appear highly random and variable, which can compromise their stability and solubility, making such proteins difficult to design and express. Second, the protein sequencing technique is currently used primarily for protein identification, where only a part of the protein sequence is needed to match against existing protein databases; however, to fully retrieve the encoded data, the entire sequence must be accurately rebuilt. The research team devised innovative strategies to overcome these challenges. Inspired by the sequence pattern of collagen—a natural protein known for its long-term stability—they designed a protein template as the “backbone” to enhance structural stability and resistance to degradation. By embedding the data-bearing amino acid sequences that were able to encode several files into the collagen-like template, they successfully expressed these proteins via E. coli.  For data retrieval, these proteins were then digested and analysed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, which separated all the peptide fragments produced and identified their amino acid sequences one by one. The team further employed self-developed algorithms-driven software to reconstruct the full sequences and successfully convert them back into bit strings. An error-correction scheme was also utilised to recover minor incorrect or missed sequences, achieving accurate and efficient data readout.  The team’s previous work on peptide-based data storage had demonstrated its stability and suitability for space exploration in China’s next-generation manned spacecraft in 2020. This new approach delivers significant improvements in multiple aspects. Prof. Yao said, “As data carriers, proteins have many advantages over DNA and peptides. The protein samples in our research achieved 30 times the storage density at only 10% of the cost of the peptide-based method. In addition, compared to the data-storing DNA that had been quickly degraded in solution form or in strong acid, the proteins remained readable for very long durations, demonstrating superior stability.” Beyond basic data storage, the research team further “functionalised” the proteins to enable random access and cryptographic protection. With non-functionalised proteins, specific segments of data cannot be retrieved without decoding the entire dataset. By attaching specific affinity tags to the proteins carrying required data segments, the team successfully used corresponding antibodies to “capture” the target proteins during purification, achieving random access. The team also leveraged these functionalised proteins to encode secret messages and proved that the messages could only be retrieved by the known affinity compound, showcasing the data encryption capabilities of proteins. “The inherent stability, ease of preservation and high storage capacity of proteins make them excellent carriers for the long-term storage of large volumes of data. Their favourable biocompatibility even opens up the possibility of storing digital data in living organisms,” Prof. Yao concluded. “Moving forward, we aim to achieve mass storage capabilities, faster data writing and reading speeds, and further reductions in protein production costs, while designing diverse protein templates to achieve new functionalities to protein-based data storage.” This research was supported by the Collaborative Research Fund and Research Impact Fund from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council.   ***END***

PolyU International Future Challenge 2026 launched to drive innovative ventures through cross-border network of Mainland Translational Research Institutes

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held the Launch Ceremony of the PolyU International Future Challenge 2026 (PolyU IFC 2026), a flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition, yesterday (13 May). With eight competition regions spanning Hong Kong and strategic Chinese Mainland cities, PolyU IFC 2026 invites local and global innovators and entrepreneurs to participate, converting their ideas into impactful ventures that address real-world challenges in these regions. The Launch Ceremony featured an insightful fireside chat and a sharing session with last year’s participants, drawing the keen participation of industry experts, scholars and startup representatives. In his opening remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, stated, “PolyU IFC reflects our deep commitment to driving innovation and nurturing top-quality talent for societal benefits. This year’s Challenge has been strategically aligned with the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and focuses on the ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI)+’ initiative. Leveraging the robust network of PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs), it connects local and global innovators to regional industrial clusters, offering market opportunities across key industry domains spanning life sciences, advanced manufacturing, fintech, smart cities and aerospace.” He encouraged global talents to seize this invaluable opportunity to contribute to the social development of the competition regions while achieving personal growth. Building on the success of the inaugural PolyU IFC last year, the competition returns with eight competition regions, spanning Shenzhen Qianhai, Jinjiang, Nanjing, Wuhan, Hong Kong, Hefei, Hangzhou and Wuxi. It aims to empower innovative talent to dream and deliver, supporting them in creating opportunities for the future of innovation while leveraging the cross-border network of PolyU MTRIs. All those who believe in the unlimited potential of AI+ and pursue technology-driven social impact are encouraged to turn their dreams into reality on the PolyU IFC 2026 stage. Participants will earn the chance to win a wealth of rewards and opportunities, including up to HK$120,000 (Hong Kong Region) or RMB100,000 (each Chinese Mainland region) for regional champion teams, who can then compete for greater honours and awards at the Grand Final. In addition to monetary prizes, participants will also have the opportunity to connect with Chinese Mainland markets via the University’s MTRI network, join local and overseas entrepreneurial visits, secure commercialisation support from the PolyVentures startup ecosystem, access PolyU’s established network of investors and corporate leaders, receive mentorship from industry experts and obtain tuition sponsorship for the PolyU Master of Technology Entrepreneurship programme. Moreover, all participants will be entitled to join the “KT&E Skills Acceleration Hub” training series to enhance their innovation and entrepreneurship skillsets. With AI+ at its core and the vision to bring positive impact to local industries and societal wellbeing, PolyU IFC 2026 strategically focuses on five industry domains: Life Sciences and Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics, Digital Economy and FinTech, Smart City and Green Living, as well as Aerospace and Aviation Technology. The focus domains of each competition region are outlined as follows: Competition Regions Industry Domains Life Sciences and Healthcare Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics Digital Economy and FinTech Smart City and Green Living Aerospace and Aviation Technology Qianhai ✓ ✓   ✓ ✓ Jinjiang ✓ ✓   ✓   Nanjing ✓ ✓   ✓ ✓ Wuhan ✓ ✓       Hong Kong ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Hefei ✓     ✓ ✓ Hangzhou ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   Wuxi ✓ ✓   ✓ ✓ PolyU is in discussion with government authorities, enterprises and institutions across Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland to secure their participation as sponsors, strategic partners and supporting organisations of the Challenge, offering them enhanced brand visibility, cross‑border market exposure and access to top innovative talents. By building a robust cross-border innovation platform, PolyU and its partners will jointly drive innovation and create long-term value for society by leveraging synergistic collaboration. During the Launch Ceremony fireside chat, Mr Albert WONG, former CEO of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue with Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences; Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence; and Chair Professor of Generative Artificial Intelligence. The speakers explored a range of topics that included the innovation ecosystem, tomorrow’s ventures and talents, AI democratisation, and translational research, from both industry and academic perspectives. This exchange marked the start of the competition, inspiring everyone with an aspiration for innovation and entrepreneurship. Local and global applications are now open for all IFC 2026 competition regions, with the official application deadline set for 14 June. Regional finals will run from August to November, while regional top teams will compete at the Grand Final in January next year. For details of the Challenge, please visit the official website. ***END***

Hubei Provincial Government delegation visits PolyU

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PolyU showcases startup incubation and knowledge transfer excellence at Asia Summit on Global Health, advancing Hong Kong’s development into international health and medical innovation hub

Ageing populations and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases means demand for healthcare services continues to rise. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is leveraging its strengths in interdisciplinary research by bringing together expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare and biomedical engineering to drive research and knowledge transfer, and support Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub. On 11 and 12 May, PolyU scholars, startups and research teams participated in the Asia Summit on Global Health (the Summit), engaging with experts, academics, investors and industry representatives from around the world through thematic forums, the InnoHealth Showcase exhibition and startup pitching sessions. The event provided a valuable platform for showcasing PolyU’s innovative research achievements in life sciences and healthcare technologies. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, served as the panel chair for the thematic session “Unlocking Growth in Silver Health: From Precision Medicine to Smart Ageing Innovations”. Together with industry experts from around the world, the panel shared their views on how precision medicine and smart technologies can be harnessed to improve quality of life for the elderly and to address social and economic challenges arising from an ageing population. Prof. Christopher Chao said, “Our participation today reflects PolyU’s steadfast commitment to becoming a global powerhouse in health technology. By combining our research excellence with a strong startup ecosystem, we are not just imagining the future of medtech—we are building it.” Prof. MA Cong, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, joined the session “Transforming Healthcare through Digital Health and AI Innovations”. He shared insights into AI-driven drug discovery, including the key bottlenecks and potential risks in the field, and offered professional perspectives on how digital health and AI can drive healthcare innovation and facilitate the translation of research outcomes from the laboratory to clinical application. During the Summit, seven PolyU startups, three research teams, and The InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research showcased a range of medical technology projects and startup achievements at the InnoHealth Showcase. These covered areas including ophthalmology and vision health, innovative therapeutics, biomedical treatment, smart medical devices, home-based rehabilitation and sports technology, as well as skin repair and medical aesthetic technologies. The exhibits highlighted PolyU research excellence in healthcare technology innovation and the University’s achievements in knowledge transfer. Meanwhile, three PolyU startups were invited to join dedicated pitching sessions to present their innovative technologies and application solutions to healthcare professionals, investors and business leaders. The sessions highlighted the commercial potential and development prospects of their projects, while also enabling participants to gain deeper insights into the practical value and societal impact of PolyU research outcomes. PolyU is dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship development that benefits the world. Through PolyVentures, 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. Through these efforts, PolyU strives to accelerate the commercialisation and industrialisation of research outcomes, thereby contributing to the advancement of healthcare technologies in Hong Kong and beyond. ***END***

PolyU presents Lifetime Achievement and Early Career Contribution Awards to two distinguished scholars at 2026 Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Science

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) proudly presented the 2026 Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Science at a presentation ceremony held on 8 May. Prof. Brian MACWHINNEY, Theresa Heinz Professor of Cognitive Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, and Prof. Charles B. CHANG, Fellow of the Psychonomic Society, were bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Early Career Contribution Award respectively for their remarkable achievements in and outstanding contributions to the field of language science. Initiated and hosted by the PolyU Faculty of Humanities (FH), the Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Science (the Chao Prize) is awarded on a biennial basis. Named in honour of the late Prof. Yuen Ren Chao, widely regarded as the father of modern Chinese language studies, the Chao Prize commemorates Prof. Chao’s interdisciplinary legacy and recognises scholarly excellence that advances language research and education. Addressing the ceremony, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, noted, “The Chao Prize is perfectly aligned with PolyU’s motto, ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind.’ It reflects the University’s pursuit of excellence in education and research, as well as its commitment to making positive impacts on Hong Kong, the nation and the world. At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming how people communicate, learn and create knowledge, language science plays a foundational role in helping us understand how people acquire and use language. The University recently established the Division of Artificial Intelligence and the Humanities under FH, reflecting our strong commitment to harnessing technology to enrich its humanity disciplines.”  This year, the Chao Prize is generously sponsored by PolyU Technology and Consultancy Company Limited (PTeC). Representing the patron, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), stated, “The Chao Prize reflects PolyU’s strong commitment to research that is both scientifically rigorous and socially relevant. By translating academic excellence into practice, PTeC aims to create value beyond the University and make a lasting difference to industry and society.” Prof. HU Guangwei, Interim Dean of FH, highlighted the broader academic vision underpinning the Chao Prize and said, “This occasion is not only a celebration of the work of two outstanding scholars, but also a reflection of PolyU’s shared belief that humanistic knowledge is essential to innovation in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.” The two 2026 Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Science laureates are both internationally renowned scholars who have made significant contributions with far-reaching impact on language science research worldwide. Prof. Brian MacWhinney has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifetime of distinguished contributions to language science, encompassing integrative theoretical innovation, research infrastructure development and lasting international impact on the study of human language. At the forefront of language science research for over five decades, he pushes forward research addressing the complexity of human language by integrating experimental methods, large-scale data resources and theoretically motivated computational approaches. He is also the founding Director of the Child Language Data Exchange System and TalkBank, the world’s largest open-access integrated repository for spoken-language data. Prof. Brian MacWhinney has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for this year’s Chao Prize. Prof. Charles B. Chang has been awarded the Early Career Contribution Award in recognition of his outstanding early career contributions to the study of bilingual speech and language development, as well as his demonstrated leadership and international impact in advancing language science. Through meticulous experimental phonetic analyses, he has demonstrated that a speaker’s first language can change under the influence of a second language within a relatively short period of time, leading a breakthrough in language science at the international level. His research continues to investigate factors that drive language change when multiple languages interact in the bilingual and multilingual mind, advancing understanding of cross‑linguistic influence, heritage language speech and the dynamic nature of multilingual sound systems. Prof. Charles B. Chang has been awarded the Early Career Contribution Award for this year’s Chao Prize. For biographies of the two laureates, please visit the website of the Yuen Ren Chao Prize in Language Science.   ***END***

PolyU Community Mental Health Support Programme Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony Concluded Successfully

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has dedicated significant efforts to supporting residents affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. The School of Nursing formed a multidisciplinary volunteer team, mobilising faculty members, students and alumni to reach out to the community, offering tangible assistance and mental-health support to residents. In recognition of the team’s selfless contributions, the School organised a Community Mental Health Support Programme Volunteer Appreciation event on 30 April, aiming to encourage the University community to leverage its expertise and strengths for the benefit of society. The Ceremony was held on the PolyU campus and officiated by Dr LAM Ching-Choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health (ACMH) and Non-Official Member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government of the People’s Republic of China; Mr Horace LIT, Executive Manager, Charities (Health; Older Adults) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) of PolyU; Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); and Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS). During his speech, Prof. Daniel Shek said, “We offer our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the residents of Wang Fuk Court. In the face of adversity, our community has come together to demonstrate care and resilience. It is truly moving to see the projects’ implementation today as an excellent demonstration of PolyU’s motto: ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’. We have always believed that academic excellence only finds its true meaning through civic responsibility and compassionate action.” Prof. David Shum remarked, “The Community Mental Health Support Programme has demonstrated the power of collaboration, bringing together healthcare professionals, community partners, housing-site operators and volunteers to provide holistic care.” The PolyU volunteer team comprised over 100 FHSS alumni—including psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and social workers—exemplifying the University’s strong interdisciplinary strengths. In addition to distributing over 1,000 relief supply packages to affected residents, the volunteers leveraged their professional expertise to offer immediate and comprehensive health, emotional and social support in helping affected residents to rebuild their lives. Prof. Vivian HUI, Assistant Professor of the School of Nursing, the Community Mental Health Support Programme Leader and a member at ACMH, expressed her gratitude to the volunteers for their professional support and selfless contributions. She said, “We are grateful for the support of the PolyU team that includes professionals from different fields. They have leveraged their knowledge and rich experience to give back to society. With their shared efforts, we have been able to provide residents with timely and comprehensive care, addressing their physical, psychological and social needs. The Programme also equipped the team with valuable hands-on experience, further enhancing their professional competencies and fostering personal growth.” Since mid-December last year, the School of Nursing has partnered with seven government and non-governmental organisations to organise volunteer visits to 12 rehousing sites, including transitional housing and residential units managed by the Hong Kong Housing Society, providing support to over 1,200 residents. Over the past three months, the volunteer team has addressed residents’ needs through community outreach. Occupational therapists offered advice on lifestyle adjustment and routine reconstruction by, for example, enhancing fall-prevention awareness among older adults in response to changes in their home and living environments. Social workers advised residents on essential coping skills to help them manage the challenges brought about by life changes while maintaining mental well-being as they integrate into new communities. Psychiatric nurses identified residents experiencing negative emotions, insomnia or related difficulties, and provided counselling and follow-up support. In view of the significant impact of the first Community Mental Health Support Programme, the Programme will continue in 2026-2027. This new phase will focus on monitoring and provide transitional mental health support for residents through a tiered-service model, while also formulating long-term mental health support strategies through data analysis. The aim is to strengthen society’s resilience in navigating major incidents in the future. To date, around 300 residents have completed comprehensive mental health screenings. The team has also organised 10 workshops on topics such as insomnia and psychological resilience, and has referred more than 10 cases to clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness for follow-up. Three volunteers representing psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and social workers, respectively, together with a housing operator from the Hong Kong Housing Society, shared their service experiences. The PolyU multidisciplinary volunteer team posed for a group photo. ***END***  

PolyU hosts Hong Kong New Energy Development Symposium, uniting academia, industry and researchers to chart a future development blueprint

Amid global efforts to combat climate change, Hong Kong is positioning itself within the Nation’s “Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality” strategy and the green development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). To support Hong Kong’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality before 2050, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)’s Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), together with its Research Centre for Electric Vehicles (RCEV), today hosted the Hong Kong New Energy Development Symposium. The event brought together leading experts, academics and industry representatives to discuss a systematic development blueprint for key areas including electric vehicle (EV) adoption, smart charging, hydrogen infrastructure, and the low-altitude economy. Experts emphasised that Hong Kong must progress from the pilot phase to scaled delivery as it aims to become a key hub for green transformation in the GBA through grid upgrades, collaborative standard-setting, and industry chain cooperation. In his opening address, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, stated that Hong Kong’s new energy transition must be centred on the carrying capacity of the power system to enable a comprehensive rollout. Prof. Chao highlighted that the widespread adoption of EVs is the most visible aspect of the energy transition, yet it faces bottlenecks such as uneven charging experiences and grid load pressure. He proposed three key strategies: first, adopting a demand-driven approach to “address regional gaps”, setting clear targets and timelines for areas with charging shortages or rapid growth, and ensuring fairness between fast and residential charging; second, promoting “smart charging and demand-side management” to alleviate peak loads through off-peak charging and grid coordination; and third, accelerating the “coordinated deployment of green power and energy storage” to increase the proportion of local zero-carbon electricity and ensure verifiable emission reduction benefits. During the keynote session, Prof. CHAU Kwok-tong, Co-Director of RCEV of PolyU and Chair Professor of Electrical Energy Engineering, analysed the competition among global charging standards and the trend towards wireless charging. He emphasised that infrastructure and interoperability would be key to EV adoption. Prof. Chau noted that global EV penetration was accelerating rapidly, yet charging infrastructure lags and remained uneven. Competition among standards reflects fragmented global approaches. Meanwhile, wireless charging, though less mature, promises convenience and autonomy compared with wired systems. Dr Oscar CHAN Ka-chung, Research Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and PReCIT, further pointed out that transitioning to new energy vehicles was not only about vehicle replacement—it is a transformation of infrastructure and systems engineering. Battery EVs are well-suited for light‑duty use, but for heavy‑duty, high‑intensity operations, Hong Kong should balance battery and hydrogen options based on real-world duty cycles. Smarter planning of charging locations and capacity is needed—leveraging GIS, demand data and dynamic load management—while accelerating the provision of cleaner electricity and grid upgrades. Through coordinated policy and engineering efforts, emissions can be cut and transport efficiency improved together. Prof. LIU Chunhua, Chair Professor in Electrical Energy Engineering of School of Energy and Environment at City University of Hong Kong, showcased Hong Kong’s Research and Development strengths in electric motor systems for low-altitude aircraft. He believes that with innovation, technology, and policy support, the low-altitude economy and robotics industry can be advanced within the GBA. Prof. Liu conducted in-depth analysis of the topologies and application characteristics of various novel motor systems, and further explored their application prospects in propulsion systems for low-altitude aircraft, as well as the opportunities and development trends in robotic joint actuation. Mr David SO, Executive Director of CCIAM E&E Engineering Limited, expressed his view that EVs are a key pathway for Hong Kong’s transition towards low-carbon mobility. Their development depends not only on wider vehicle adoption, but also on the maturity of charging infrastructure, energy management, policy support and user behaviour. In the face of both opportunities and challenges, a more practical and innovative approach should be taken to build a more efficient, convenient, and sustainable EV ecosystem. A panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Alfred SIT Wing-hang, Professor of Practice (Electrical Engineering) of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Advisory Committee Member of PReCIT, focused on “Technology Commercialisation and Industrialisation”. Participants agreed on the need to refine its policies and infrastructure, and build a new energy supply chain encompassing upstream production and downstream application to enhance energy security and industrial competitiveness. In his closing remarks, the Hon. Duncan CHIU, Member of the Legislative Council (Technology and Innovation Constituency) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, referred to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which highlight the pressing challenges facing Hong Kong's energy security and green transition. He argued that, whilst the Government must refine its policies and infrastructure, industry had to establish an extensive supply chain, spanning from upstream production, midstream distribution and storage, to downstream applications; only through coordinated efforts could the widespread adoption of new energy be achieved. The Symposium underscored that Hong Kong’s energy transition is not merely a matter of technological upgrade, but a systematic evolution in development philosophy and urban governance. From grid-coordinated charging layouts and green power-storage integration to regional supply chain collaboration, participants outlined a scalable pathway for Hong Kong that is rooted locally and synergistic with the GBA. PolyU remains committed to fostering cross-sector collaboration to support Hong Kong’s development into a green, smart and resilient international exemplar city. ***END***

PolyU implements innovative, personalised healthcare pedagogies with AI and frontier technologies to advance the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative

In response to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and a changing educational landscape, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has launched its PolyU Education 4.0 initiative, aiming to transform learning and teaching by integrating frontier technologies including AI, the metaverse and immersive experiences into a student-centred approach that fosters innovation and promotes the widespread use of AI and cutting-edge educational technologies in learning and teaching.   In the field of healthcare education, there is a growing global shift towards competency-based and interprofessional education, creating a pressing need for more effective and innovative educational models. The PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics (HTI) is proactively leveraging AI and various frontier technologies to reshape healthcare technology education and implement the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative. Prof. CAI Jing, Head and Chair Professor of Medical Physics and Intelligent Oncology of HTI, said, “The PolyU Education 4.0 initiative represents a major shift in how we approach education, emphasising personalised, interactive and flexible teaching that enables students to achieve autonomous learning. Transformative technologies like AI are fundamentally reshaping healthcare education and clinical training. We are committed to integrating these cutting-edge technologies into learning and teaching to overcome the limitations of traditional clinical education and to elevate both the effectiveness and quality of healthcare technology training. Our goal is to nurture a new generation of healthcare technology professionals who combine technical expertise with innovative thinking and practical capabilities — graduates who will drive sustainable advancement in the healthcare technology sector across Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.” Among the Department’s initiatives is the AI-powered Learning Activity Management System (LAMS), led by Prof. WONG Chi-ming, Associate Professor of HTI. LAMS transforms the traditional approach of providing identical materials to all students by offering personalised, syllabus-aligned learning pathways for each student. The system maintains full instructor control throughout the entire teaching process, from defining learning outcomes to approving materials, while leveraging AI to generate personalised content, provide real-time performance analytics, and offer automated feedback and progress tracking. This enables students to study independently, collaborate with peers or receive AI-guided tutoring while enabling teachers to maintain comprehensive oversight of the learning process. Early evaluation indicates that LAMS effectively enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. In the realm of immersive pedagogy, the Metaverse Imaging Anatomy Gallery, created by Prof. Helen LAW Ka-wai, Associate Head of HTI, is reimagining anatomical education. The platform harnesses the metaverse, dialogue and gamification to transform passive study into an active, three-dimensional virtual reality experience that facilitates authentic collaborative learning, breaking through the limitations of traditional two-dimensional online learning. Students can explore an interactive digital learning environment at their own pace, moving beyond static diagrams to engage with educational content in innovative ways. For instance, they can navigate through the medical imaging anatomy module, visualising the human body layer by layer in ways impossible with textbooks. The platform features an integrated AI chatbot that serves as a 24-hour guide, answering questions and providing instant feedback. This innovative approach is enhancing student engagement and deepening their understanding of complex anatomical concepts. The Metaverse Imaging Anatomy Gallery, developed by Prof. Helen Law Ka-wai The Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (HiVE CPR) Drill, jointly developed by Prof. Shara LEE Wee-yee, Associate Professor of HTI, and a research team of the PolyU Industrial Centre, challenges the common misconception that immersive environments are unsuitable for large-scale practical skills training. This immersive skills training system provides a highly realistic simulation of a mass casualty traffic accident on Nathan Road, complete with ambient street noise and up to eight wireless manikins, each with individually configurable physiological conditions. This innovative approach enables a cohort of 120 students to complete high-quality, hands-on CPR practice within a single two-hour session by rotating through multiple training stations in small groups, achieving a scale of clinical training that conventional approaches simply cannot match. Students must complete multiple tasks in simulated emergency and high-pressure scenarios, including calling for emergency assistance, performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator. Upon completion, the system displays real-time performance data immediately and provides each student with individualised feedback on their compression depth, rate and interruptions. Participating students report that the simulation effectively enhances their confidence in performing CPR and significantly increases their willingness to voluntarily assist casualties in future emergencies. This attitudinal shift holds great significance for safeguarding public health and safety. The Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment CPR (HiVE CPR) Drill, jointly developed by Prof. Shara Lee Wee-yee and a research team of the PolyU Industrial Centre HTI focuses on academic excellence in its “4M” core educational areas: medical laboratory science, medical imaging and radiation science, medical physics and medical data science. With state-of-the-art teaching facilities and advanced technologies, the Department is fully committed to enhancing teaching quality and strengthening clinical education, providing solid support for the transformation of healthcare education and continuing to implement the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative through multiple innovative pedagogical approaches. Prof. Cai added that all innovative teaching initiatives implemented by the Department were driven by clear educational objectives, aimed at extensively applying emerging technologies to improve the quality and effectiveness of learning and teaching. The Department will continue to deepen the practical application of the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative, further refine its teaching facilities, platforms and pedagogical approaches, provide exemplary practices for the future development of healthcare and clinical education, and make greater contributions to nurturing the next generation of healthcare technology professionals.   ***END***

PolyU honours Harbin Institute of Technology President and Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Prof. Han Jiecai at its 32nd Congregation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its 32nd Congregation (May Session) today, presided over by PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai. At the ceremony held in the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus, the degree of Doctor of Engineering honoris causa was conferred upon Prof. HAN Jiecai, President of the Harbin Institute of Technology and Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (please refer to the Appendix for the recipient’s biography), while 301 graduates were awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng extended his warmest congratulations to Prof. Han and all the PhD graduates. In a time when artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies are reshaping the world at an extraordinary pace, he encouraged the graduates not merely to keep pace with change, but also to help shape it in ways that bring meaningful benefits to humanity, carrying forward the PolyU spirit of innovation and excellence, and making a positive difference in the world. He added, “As an innovative world-class university, PolyU not only pursues world-leading basic research but also aims to be a world leader in translating its research into impactful solutions and innovations that address pressing societal challenges. To fulfil this goal, the University has established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI). At the same time, the University has also established a network of 12 Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) in key cities across the Chinese Mainland to translate PolyU research outcomes into high-impact solutions that meet local industrial and societal needs. Looking ahead, the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy (PARA) will be established this year, strengthening PolyU’s role as a pioneer in cutting-edge aerospace solutions and reinforcing Hong Kong’s standing as a leading international aviation hub.” Prof. Teng stated that the University was determined to lead and to innovate in the realm of education and had launched the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative, which transforms learning and teaching by integrating AI and smart technologies into a student-centred educational model that fosters innovation, enables personalised learning, and empowers students to succeed in an AI-driven world. Prof. Teng noted that PolyU will soon celebrate its 90th anniversary. To mark this historic milestone, the University has launched a major recruitment drive to attract 90 world-class scholars who lead in frontier fields to join PolyU over the next three years. This is a bold investment that will further strengthen the University’s talent base and reinforce PolyU’s standing as an academic institution that is home to some of the world’s leading minds. This Congregation Session (May Session) was held for the presentation of awards to PhD students who graduated between October 2025 and March 2026. The Congregation Sessions for PhD students who graduated between April and September 2026, as well as for graduates of all other award levels, including professional doctoral degrees, Master of Philosophy degrees, taught master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas will be conducted from late October this year. ***END***