Media Releases

PIIRS returns to PolyU campus in Hong Kong, showcasing 21 deep-tech innovations to accelerate research translation and connect capital with industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held the Hong Kong session of its flagship PolyU Innovation Investment Roadshow Series (PIIRS) on campus, bringing together 21 PolyU startup teams to showcase and pitch their deep-tech innovations. The event attracted over 200 guests, including over 100 representatives from investment institutions and industry partners. By connecting research breakthroughs with capital and industry applications, PIIRS provides an effective platform for translating innovation into real-world impact, injecting fresh momentum into the innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystems of Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “Following the successful PIIRS events in Qianhai and Beijing, it is especially meaningful to bring the series back to the University’s home campus. The startup teams presenting today exemplify the PolyU spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Their projects are rooted in cutting-edge research, address industry needs, and demonstrate strong market and commercial potential. Through PIIRS, we bring together stakeholders from across the innovation ecosystem to accelerate the translation of research into impact and unlock greater social and economic value.” Prof. Chao encouraged participating teams to make full use of the opportunity to expand their networks, forge strategic partnerships and bring their innovations successfully to market. The event featured 21 deep-tech projects spanning five key domains: “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy”, “Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Materials”, “Life Sciences and Healthcare”, “Smart City and Sustainable Development”, and “Aerospace and Aviation Technology”. Led by PolyU researchers, these projects highlight the University’s research excellence and innovation capabilities. In addition to the pitching sessions, a dedicated exhibition showcased research outcomes and product prototypes, enabling investors and industry partners to gain deeper insights into the teams’ technological strengths and commercialisation potential while also fostering collaboration opportunities. During the event, Prof. Zijian ZHENG, PolyU Vice President (Knowledge Transfer), introduced the University’s PolyVentures startup ecosystem, which has successfully nurtured over 900 active startups. He remarked, “PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in talent cultivation, scientific research and knowledge transfer while expanding its cross-boundary collaboration network and building diverse innovation platforms. Through closer collaboration among the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors, we will further strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems and contribute PolyU’s expertise and strengths to advancing innovation and technological development in Hong Kong, the Nation and beyond.” Drawing on their experience as investors, in the thematic sharing session titled “From the VC Lens”, Mr Ernest MA, Managing Director of Beyond Ventures, and Dr Gordon YEN, Founding Managing Partner of Radiant Tech Ventures, shared their insights into investment opportunities in deep-tech ventures. Their perspectives helped inspire participating startups and guests, while also facilitating exchange between entrepreneurs and the investment community with a view to exploring potential partnerships and investment opportunities. Committed to serving national development and advancing technological innovation, PolyU has established a robust translational research network in the Chinese Mainland, comprising 12 Mainland Translational Research Institutes in different cities, the PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre, and two research institutes in Shenzhen. As an integrated platform for I&T investment and industry collaboration, PIIRS leverages PolyU’s extensive network and resources in the Chinese Mainland to organise regular events across the Nation’s four major innovation hubs: the GBA, the Yangtze River Delta, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region and Central China. Through project pitches, technology showcases and networking activities, the platform connects PolyU researchers and startup teams with investors and industry partners, fostering cross-sector collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, supporting industrial upgrading and driving socioeconomic development. Startup teams engaged in in-depth discussions with investment professionals, exploring potential collaboration and investment opportunities. ***END***

PolyU presents “Hakka Heritage in the Bay Area: Shaping a Shared Future” — Greater Bay Area Hakka Cultural Joint Showcase; Diverse array of activities showcases Hakka culture, fostering cultural exchange across the Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will hold a two-week “Hakka Heritage in the Bay Area: Shaping a Shared Future” — Greater Bay Area Hakka Cultural Joint Showcase (the Showcase) starting 1 October 2026. Through a series of activities including an exhibition, dance drama, forum and intangible cultural heritage workshops, the Showcase will present the deep-rooted connections between Hakka culture and Hong Kong, while promoting cultural exchange, appreciation of heritage and innovation across the Greater Bay Area (GBA). As a highlight of the third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, the Showcase is generously supported and co-organised by the Overseas Friendship Associations of Huizhou, Heyuan, Meizhou and Shaoguan. The launch ceremony will be held on the morning of 1 October at the PolyU Lam Tai Fai Amphitheatre, unveiling a series of exciting activities. First to take the stage will be the “Exhibition on the History, Culture, and Prominent Figures of Hakka in the Greater Bay Area”, which will run from 1 to 16 October. The exhibition introduces Hakka culture in the GBA, showcasing the profound shared cultural heritage of the four cities of Huizhou, Shaoguan, Heyuan and Meizhou, highlighting the “common origin of the four prefectures”, with a special focus on “Guangdong-Hong Kong solidarity” and “connecting overseas Chinese worldwide”. It also features reproductions of a number of precious overseas remittance letters and other historical materials relating to Hakka communities across the Strait and overseas, bearing witness to the deep affection of the Hakka people for their homeland. At noon, the original dance drama “1942 Through the Blockade Line”, performed by the Huizhou Song and Dance Theatre, will also be staged, presenting on stage the rescue operation undertaken during the period of the Japanese occupation that renowned literary figure Mao Dun hailed as the greatest endeavour in the War of Resistance, rescuing hundreds of cultural figures and patriots from Hong Kong. On 2 October, PolyU will also host a high-level forum on GBA Hakka culture, at which Professor XIAO Wenping, Dean of the Hakka Culture Research Institute at Jiaying University, and Dr LAU Kai Yiu, Lecturer of the PolyU Department of Chinese History and Culture, will introduce the audience to the depth and heritage of Hakka culture. In addition, to allow participants to experience the unique charm of Hakka culture first-hand, intangible cultural heritage workshops will be held on 6, 7, 14 and 15 October, covering “Dragon Style Martial Arts”, “String Puppetry”, “Traditional Zhongxin Lantern Craft” and “Yao Embroidery”, conveying the beauty of intangible cultural heritage through interactive experiences. The PolyU Chinese Culture Festival is a major annual event of the University, promoting Chinese culture through a rich and diverse array of activities. It aims to cultivate a sense of national sentiment and cultural confidence among PolyU staff, students and the public, and to strengthen a sense of national identity, pride and belonging.  “Hakka Heritage in the Bay Area: Shaping a Shared Future” — Greater Bay Area Hakka Cultural Joint Showcase is free of charge. PolyU students, staff, alumni and members of the public are welcome. For details: https://polyu.me/4rnRwUz. Programme introduction and online ticket registration for the dance drama “1942 Through the Blockade Line” (for public): https://polyu.me/4Asrtjl. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The high-level forum on GBA Hakka culture will be held on 2 October, featuring Professor Xiao Wenping, Dean of the Hakka Culture Research Institute at Jiaying University (left), and Dr Lau Kai Yiu, Lecturer at PolyU’s Department of Chinese History and Culture (right), as speakers. The “Dragon Style Martial Arts” intangible cultural heritage workshop will be held on 6 October. The “String Puppetry” intangible cultural heritage workshop will be held on 7 October. The “Traditional Zhongxin Lantern Craft” intangible cultural heritage workshop will be held on 14 October. The “Yao Embroidery” intangible cultural heritage workshop will be held on 15 October. ***END***

PolyU and Fudan University establish Suanova Hong Kong-Shanghai Joint Laboratory for AI in Healthcare, advancing collaborative innovation in artificial intelligence and healthcare

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Fudan University signed a collaboration agreement yesterday (21 September) to establish the Suanova Hong Kong-Shanghai Joint Laboratory for AI in Healthcare. The two universities will work together to advance interdisciplinary research and innovative applications in artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare, nurture AI healthcare talent with a global outlook, and contribute to the Nation’s scientific and technological innovation and the health and well-being of its people. The signing ceremony was held at Shanghai Bay Valley Science and Technology Park. Witnessed by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, and Prof. ZHOU Lei, Vice President of Fudan University, the agreement was signed by Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence, and Prof. ZHANG Wenhong, Head of the Institute of Infection and Health of Fudan University. Prof. Wing-tak Wong and Prof. Zhou Lei then unveiled the Joint Laboratory, marking a milestone in Hong Kong-Shanghai collaboration in AI and healthcare. Through the Joint Laboratory, the two universities will combine their respective strengths in AI, medicine, public health and clinical research to promote innovative research and knowledge transfer, interdisciplinary talent development and academic exchange. The collaboration will also enhance the translation of research outcomes, helping researchers, clinicians and students master cutting-edge AI technologies while supporting the optimisation of healthcare services and improved patient outcomes. Prof. Wing-tak Wong said, “In recent years, PolyU has strengthened its strategic development in AI and advanced frontier research and real-world applications. Fudan University has deep expertise in medicine, public health and clinical research. Leveraging high-level research platforms including the National Medical Centre for Infectious Diseases, it has achieved outstanding results in the prevention and control of major infectious diseases and in healthcare research. The Joint Laboratory will further integrate AI technologies into applications that address medical, clinical practice and public health needs, and accelerate the real-world application of internationally impactful healthcare innovations.” Prof. Zhou Lei said, “AI is changing the way scientific research is conducted, but tools alone do not generate answers. What makes medicine unique is whether innovation can connect real-world problems with new tools. This will determine how far AI can go in medicine.” He expressed the hope that the Joint Laboratory would start with genuine clinical needs and allow real-world questions to guide technological development. He added that Fudan University would fully support the development of the Joint Laboratory by providing the necessary office and research space, experimental facilities and clinical research conditions. The Joint Laboratory has been established with a generous donation from Suanova Technology Limited (Suanova), a subsidiary of Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited, which will provide computing power support. Witnessed by Prof. Wing-tak Wong and Prof. Zhou Lei, the donation agreement was signed by Mr Douglas FANG, Chairman of Suanova Technology Limited and Executive Director of the Board of Directors of Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited, and Ms LIU Li, President of Fudan University Education Development Foundation. Drawing on the strengths of the two universities in scientific research, talent development and academic disciplines, the Joint Laboratory will focus on frontier collaboration in areas including generative AI, infectious disease research, medical informatics and bioinformatics. It will advance the development of key technologies and innovation in core algorithms. The two universities will also support the joint training of postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers and young research talent, promote academic exchange, and integrate research, industry and collaboration resources to accelerate the transition and industrial application of research outcomes, thereby driving innovation in healthcare. ***END***

PolyU Chinese Culture Festival presents Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, bringing staff, students and alumni together to celebrate and promote Chinese cultural heritage

To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and promote traditional Chinese culture, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held the “PolyU Chinese Culture Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival Gala” from 17 to 19 September. The three-night event featured “Lantern Lighting Night”, “Cultural Experience Night” and “Moonlit Lantern Night”, attracting more than 17,000 registrations from students, staff and alumni to celebrate the joyous festival together. Through a diverse range of immersive cultural activities and festive programmes, the PolyU community experienced the rich heritage of Chinese culture, while fostering diversity, inclusion and cohesion on campus. The third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival officially commenced in March. As a pivotal opportunity for the University to promote the excellence of Chinese culture while advancing students’ whole-person development, the Festival featured a diverse range of engaging activities designed to enhance the younger generation’s understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, while strengthening their sense of national identity, pride and belonging.

天津大學香港理工大學深圳未來技術學院舉行2026年開學典禮暨成立儀式 推動深港高等教育合作 培育未來創新科技人才 (Chinese only)

Chinese version only

PolyU delegation visits Nanjing

Chinese version only

PolyU welcomes the HKSAR’s First Five-Year Plan and 2026 Policy Address; Advancing the integrated development of education, technology and talent

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the policy initiatives announced by the Chief Executive in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address. PolyU is pleased to see the Government accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, with the aim of establishing a globally competitive university hub. The comprehensive and detailed development blueprint for the three university towns in San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling clearly sets out their respective functions and development directions, laying the foundation for high‑quality university towns that are suitable for education, research, innovation and living. PolyU also welcomes the Government’s commitment to allocating additional resources to support the capacity expansion and enhancement of post-secondary education, while deepening collaboration among industry, academia and research. Adopting the strategic positioning that integrates the four pillars of “talent cultivation, scientific research, transformation of outcomes, industry development”, the Government is in a bid to achieve the integrated development of education, technology and talent, and further strengthen Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness in higher education and innovation and technology. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, said, “We welcome the Government’s release of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address, which provide a clear roadmap for Hong Kong to seize the significant opportunities arising from the National 15th Five-Year Plan and to advance the development of new quality productive forces. PolyU will fully support the implementation of the Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, proactively align with national development strategies, leverage its strengths in industry-academia-research collaboration, and contribute more actively to the country’s overall development and national needs. PolyU has recently established the Policy Research Institute for Education, Technology and Talents to support the implementation of the Government’s strategic priorities. The Institute will help drive the integrated development of education, technology and talent, while supporting Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for post-secondary education and an international hub for high-calibre talent. PolyU is also fully committed to supporting the Government’s efforts in promoting patriotic education, national education and national security education. We will continue to deepen young people’s understanding of the Nation’s history and culture, development achievements and national security, strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the country, and nurture a new generation of talent with both a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. The Northern Metropolis is set to become a major engine of Hong Kong’s future growth and a key platform for synergising education, technology and industry development. PolyU will actively support the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town and is considering applying for relevant land sites. This will enable us to further advance research commercialisation, nurture innovation and technology talent, and promote industry development, contributing to Hong Kong’s aspiration to become an international innovation and technology centre. Together with stakeholders across sectors, we will seize the opportunities presented by the development of Greater Bay Area and better serve national development.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU is encouraged by the Government’s strong support for innovation and technology development, the promotion of industry-academia-research collaboration, and the expansion of education, research and talent exchanges. The Loop Hong Kong Park, identified as a priority development area within the Northern Metropolis, will bring together leading universities and research institutions from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and around the world, providing a vital platform for research collaboration, knowledge transfer and talent pooling. We welcome the continued enhancement of research and teaching facilities in the Park and look forward to actively participating in its development, working together to advance innovation and technology and strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration. We are also pleased to see the Government support the construction of new integrated teaching and scientific research buildings, which will provide additional resources for nurturing research talent and supporting frontier research. PolyU has long been committed to promoting knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship among PolyU community and industry-academia-research collaboration, while actively aligning with the Northern Metropolis development direction. We have submitted a proposal to establish an institute in the area of life and health technologies in the Loop Hong Kong Park. Focusing on the convergence of artificial intelligence, life sciences and health technologies, the institute will serve as an integrated platform for research and knowledge transfer, accelerating the translation of research outcomes and injecting momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre. At the same time, PolyU is planning to establish a School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to further strengthen the talent pipeline for innovation and technology. The School will nurture more innovators and entrepreneurs with a global perspective for Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the Nation.” Deepening the Integration of Technological and Industrial Innovation PolyU welcomes the Policy Address’s emphasis on deepening the integration of technological and industrial innovation, accelerating research commercialisation and strengthening collaborative innovation among industry, academia and research sectors. As a key contributor to innovation and technology development in both Hong Kong and the Nation, PolyU has built an extensive knowledge transfer network spanning Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas. This includes Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) across 12 cities in Chinese Mainland, the PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Centre, and two Shenzhen-based research institutes. The University has also launched the PolyU Innovation Investment Roadshow Series (PIIRS), which connects technology, capital and industry. In the 2024/25 academic year, PolyU’s total knowledge transfer income reached HK$2.98 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 43% and ranking second among Hong Kong’s higher education institutions. Through its PolyVentures ecosystem, the University has incubated more than 900 start-ups. Many of these ventures, founded or led by PolyU scholars, alumni and students, are actively developing technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, new energy, high-end manufacturing and space technology, with strong potential to become unicorns. In addition, 10 PolyU research projects have received funding under the HKSAR Government’s Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme, demonstrating the University’s strength in translating research excellence into industry impact. Aligning with Key National Strategies in Technology and Planning for Frontier Technological Research Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan highlights the importance of aligning with key national strategies in technology, focusing on core technologies in life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing and new materials, while promoting the “industries for AI” and “AI for industries”. To support these priorities, PolyU has established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), bringing together interdisciplinary expertise to advance research in frontier technologies. Leveraging the strengths of a world-class university, PolyU is helping drive the integration of technological innovation with industry development. The University is also encouraged by the Government’s plans to accelerate the development of emerging industries such as aerospace technology and the low-altitude economy. PolyU is the only university in Hong Kong to have participated in multiple national space missions. In July this year, the University established the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy (PARA), focusing on aerospace, aviation and low-altitude economy research. In addition, PolyU is partnering with the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in the InnoHK Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology, contributing advanced manufacturing and materials technologies to support the development of space technologies. Supporting the Capacity Expansion and Enhancement of Post-Secondary Education and Nurturing Global Innovation Talent Talent is the cornerstone of innovation-driven development. PolyU welcomes measures in the Policy Address to strengthen Hong Kong’s talent pipeline, including a 30% increase in UGC-funded research postgraduate places, increase in annual quota of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, and promotion of the wide adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies across the higher education sector. PolyU has actively supported the HKSAR Government’s initiatives to establish the “Study in Hong Kong” and the “Study Tour in Hong Kong” brands. Upon the increase in admission quota of non-local students, the University has already admitted nearly 1,000 non-local undergraduate students for the 2026/27 academic year. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue expanding recruitment efforts in emerging markets, including Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa, to attract outstanding students from around the world. The University will also introduce programmes aligned with the latest developments in emerging technologies, nurturing globally competitive talent for Hong Kong, the Nation and the wider regions, and providing the skilled workforce needed to support innovation and industry development. ***END***

PolyU and EY renew MoU to advance ESG and sustainability talent development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ernst & Young Advisory Services Limited (EY) have today renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further deepen their collaboration in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability. By strengthening talent development, knowledge exchange and research collaboration, both parties will continue to jointly promote best practices in ESG and sustainability, fostering closer integration between academic research and industry application. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) and Mr Jack CHAN, EY China Chairman and Greater China Regional Managing Partner, the MoU was signed by Prof. Nancy SU, Head of PolyU School of Accounting and Finance and Mr Benny CHEUNG, EY Hong Kong and Macau Managing Partner. Since establishing their collaboration in 2021, PolyU and EY have built a solid foundation in advancing ESG initiatives, knowledge transfer and talent development. Under the renewed MoU, PolyU will promote the exchange of forward-looking academic insights and industry practices through thematic research exchanges and the sharing of research findings. Meanwhile, EY will provide professional guidance and regular engagement opportunities for PolyU School of Accounting and Finance students, helping them apply their academic knowledge in real-world business environments. Dr Laura Lo said, “PolyU remains steadfast in its mission to advance knowledge, foster innovation and serve the community. We are confident that, by implementing this renewed MoU, engaging EY as an industry knowledge partner and providing practical project support to students on our Master of Science in ESG and Sustainability programme, PolyU and EY will continue to lead ESG innovation, nurture the next generation of leaders and jointly contribute to a sustainable future for Hong Kong and the broader global community.” Mr Jack Chan said, “ESG is no longer a specialist topic sitting on the sidelines of business. It is increasingly connected with how companies set strategy, manage risk, allocate capital, strengthen governance and create long-term value. This makes collaboration between academia and industry more important than ever. Through this renewed MoU, EY and PolyU will continue to combine academic excellence with practical industry experience to help develop the next generation of multidisciplinary talent and support Hong Kong’s sustainable development.” Looking ahead, both parties will actively engage in industry forums, professional training programmes and academic seminars to examine key issues including ESG governance, sustainable finance and green technology, thereby advancing ESG development in Hong Kong. They will also explore a broader range of opportunities to nurture high-calibre ESG professionals for the industry, including student internships, talent recruitment and professional development initiatives. ***END***

Inauguration of Zhejiang University–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Joint Institute for Digital and Intelligent Innovation and launch of PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network

The Zhejiang University–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Joint Institute for Digital and Intelligent Innovation (the Institute), jointly established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Zhejiang University (ZJU), was officially inaugurated on 26 August. The Institute will further strengthen PolyU’s research presence in the Yangtze River Delta, open up channels for the flow of innovation between Zhejiang and Hong Kong, help align Hong Kong’s research strengths precisely with the rich industrial base of the Chinese Mainland, and promote multi-dimensional integration and collaborative development between Zhejiang and Hong Kong in education, technology and talent. Meanwhile, the PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network was also inaugurated in Hangzhou. The launch of the two initiatives — a research platform and an alumni organisation – marks a new milestone in PolyU’s deepening engagement in the Yangtze River Delta and its efforts to strengthen Zhejiang–Hong Kong collaboration in science and education. The inauguration ceremony, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang on 26 August, and was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Prof. REN Shaobo, Chairman of the Zhejiang University Council. Other PolyU representatives included Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. LU Haitian, Director of Mainland Development and Ms Dorothy TANG, Deputy Director of Finance of the Finance Office. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated that the establishment of the Institute marked a natural continuation and deepening of nearly 30 years of cooperation between the two universities, elevating their partnership to a new level. He expected the Institute to proactively align with national strategic development goals and pursue forward-looking, original and impactful research centred on digital and intelligent technologies and related frontiers. He also expected the Institute to leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world. The Institute would foster robust synergy among research communities in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and beyond, and contribute to the Nation’s high-level sci-tech self-reliance and high-quality development. Prof. Ren Shaobo said that, since 1997, the two universities had carried out fruitful cooperation in areas such as talent development, scholar and academic exchange, building deep mutual trust. He noted that digital and intelligent technologies are profoundly reshaping the global economic and social landscape, and that ZJU and PolyU each have their own strengths and are highly complementary in the field of digital and intelligent innovation. He looked forward to the Institute pooling the quality research capabilities of both universities to focus on frontier directions such as artificial intelligence, data science and intelligent computing, to drive internationally impactful original research outcomes, to nurture digital and intelligent innovation talent with a global vision, and to drive the translation and application of a range of technological achievements, thereby injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the digital economy in Zhejiang and across the country. The Institute will establish six interdisciplinary research centres in its first phase, focusing on: the digital and intelligent development of culture and tourism; digital and intelligent services; intelligent unmanned systems technology and governance; key technologies for the design, operation and maintenance of new marine energy; embodied intelligent robotics and the low-altitude economy; and “Digital and Intelligent Innovation + X” strategic industrial crossovers. The Institute hosts a Centre for Digital and Intelligent Education Research and Development, the “Zhejiang–Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Human–Machine Collaboration and Organisational Transformation” (a provincial-level international science and technology cooperation platform), and a team of high-calibre full-time researchers. It is committed to building an internationalised, interdisciplinary research platform and high-end think tank, a multi-tiered platform for industry–research–education integration and achievement translation, and a high-level platform for international exchange, cooperation and influence, thereby making positive contributions to building China’s autonomous knowledge system in the field of digital and intelligent innovation and to serving national strategies and major regional needs. The inauguration ceremony and celebration dinner of the PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network were held in Hangzhou on the same evening. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng extended warm congratulations on the establishment of the Network and expressed his hope that it would fully play its role as a bridge between Hong Kong and Zhejiang. Mr ZHOU Guohui, President of Zhejiang Provincial Federation for Science Popularization and a PolyU alumnus representative, said in his address that he hoped the Network would rally the strength of alumni and help build connections between their alma mater and the development of Zhejiang. In his inaugural address, Mr CAO Bin, the inaugural President of the PolyU Zhejiang Alumni Network, said that the Network would focus on serving alumni, integrating Zhejiang and Hong Kong resources, and empowering university–enterprise collaborative development. A memorandum of understanding signing ceremony for the joint establishment of a Special Electromechanical Equipment Safety Technology Laboratory was also held, to empower university–locality collaborative innovation. Prof. Yi-Qing NI, Yim, Mak, Kwok & Chung Professor in Smart Structures, Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) and Director of the PolyU Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute, signed the agreement with China Jiliang University and Sicher Elevator Co., Ltd on behalf of PolyU. Prof. Yi-Qing Ni, Director of the Hong Kong Branch of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre and Director of the PolyU Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute (centre); Prof. Dao-xin Dai, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President (in charge of daily administration work) of China Jiliang University (right); and Dr Dong-liu Li, Chairman of Sicher Elevator Co., Ltd and PolyU alumnus (left), signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of the three parties, to co-establish the Special Electromechanical Equipment Safety Technology Laboratory. ***END***

PolyU and Citybus sign MoU to promote simulated driving training, enhancing training effectiveness and road safety for Bus Captains

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Citybus Limited (Citybus) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Citybus will utilise the “Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System” developed by PolyU, and funded by the Smart Traffic Fund, as a supplementary tool for Bus Captain training. The system uses Extended Reality (XR) technology with a container truck driving simulation platform to provide simulated driving training for Bus Captains, thereby enhancing training effectiveness and safety awareness. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Prof. Xiaowen FU, Head of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) and Chair Professor of Logistics Engineering, and Ms Rebecca CHAN, Administrative Director of Citybus, the MoU was officially signed by Dr Yuk Ming TANG, Senior Lecturer of the ISE, and Mr Roger WONG, General Manager (People and Culture) of Citybus, on behalf of respective organisations. The “Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System” was developed as an outcome of an ISE research project. The System integrates XR technology, AI-driven analysis and a “six-degree-of-freedom” motion simulation platform. In the initial phase of the partnership, the existing container truck driving simulation platform serves as the foundation to pilot a trial to support training for Citybus Bus Captains. The system can simulate various road scenarios such as pedestrians suddenly crossing the road and adverse weather conditions, while recording and analysing the Bus Captains’ driving performance and response to emergency situations. The University will evaluate and refine the simulation based on actual training needs to better reflect daily bus driving conditions; should the trial yield positive results, both parties will explore further optimising the system or transforming it into a platform more closely tailored to the operational characteristics of buses. Prof. Xiaowen Fu remarked, “PolyU is committed to translating research outcomes into practical applications. Supported by the Smart Traffic Fund (Project Ref.: PSRI/37/2204/RA), the initiative aims to overcome the scenario and technical limitations of traditional driver training; by leveraging simulation technology, it provides trainees with personalised, targeted training to enhance their driving skills and crisis response capabilities. The system analyses trainee performance to offer tailored recommendations. At the same time, trainees can repeatedly practise high-risk, low-frequency traffic scenarios in a zero-risk simulated environment, thereby reinforcing emergency responses, building muscle memory and significantly improving their ability to react appropriately on real roads. This collaboration with Citybus enables further application and evaluation of the research findings in real-world training scenarios, with the aim of further optimising and transforming the simulation system. We look forward to partnering with Citybus in translating PolyU research outcomes into practical industrial applications and in supporting the upgrading of talent training in the bus industry.” Ms Rebecca Chan said, “Citybus serves over a million customers daily and prioritises road safety at all times. Keeping pace with the times, we proactively leverage innovative technologies to enhance our professional people development and training, enabling us to adapt to the ever-changing traffic environment. We are delighted to partner with PolyU on this pilot scheme, which utilises the driving simulation system as training aids. Our Bus Captains can practice various driving scenarios in a simulated environment, complementing on-road training, allowing them to enhance their response capabilities in a safe environment. Citybus will continue to harness technology to elevate safety standards. By integrating smart elements into all areas, from talent training and learning development to fleet operations and management, we remain fully committed to providing safer and more reliable bus services for the community.” The pilot scheme for smart driving training officially commenced this July. In the first phase, Citybus has arranged for selected serving Bus Captains to participate in simulated driving training. Subsequently, the teams from PolyU and Citybus will jointly review the training data and evaluate the System’s effectiveness. Both parties hope that practical operational experience will serve as a reference for future bus training models and help continuously enhance public transport safety in Hong Kong. ***END***