Media Releases

PolyU and CLP Power co-develop smart “Generator Inspection Robot”, spearheading innovative solutions through academia-industry synergy to drive research translation and talent development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) have jointly developed a smart “Generator Inspection Robot”. By integrating robotics with fibre-optic sensing technology for generator inspections, the project overcomes traditional manual inspection limitations, significantly enhancing the efficiency of inspections and operational safety. The project won a Gold Medal and a special prize—Best International Invention & Innovation, from the National Research Council of Thailand—at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. This international recognition testifies to the achievements of PolyU and CLP Power in fostering industry-academia-research collaboration, injecting momentum into Hong Kong’s development in innovative technology and research talent. A highly reliable electricity supply is vital to the city’s social and economic development. As a core facility of the power system, generator inspection and maintenance always require a high level of technical expertise and stringent safety standards. A generator primarily comprises the stationary outer component “stator” and the internal rotating component “rotor”. Traditional inspections require the removal of the rotor that weighs approximately 50 tonnes, a complex process involving heavy lifting operations and extensive logistical arrangements. In light of the unique design of some gas-fired generators at CLP Power’s Black Point Power Station, which incorporate internal ventilation baffles, no suitable robotic inspection solutions had previously been available on the market. In response to this operational need, Prof. TAM Hwa-yaw, Chair Professor of Photonics of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PolyU, led a team of researchers and undergraduates to collaborate with CLP Power’s Generation Business Group to develop a 36‑millimetre‑thick “Generator Inspection Robot” specifically designed to suit the structural characteristics of the generators concerned. The robot can flexibly navigate the narrow air gaps between the rotor and the stator, and cross the ventilation baffles inside to automatically complete major inspection tasks without removing the rotor. These inspections include visual checks of ventilation ducts, assessing the insulation condition of stator core laminations and conducting wedge tightness inspections through tapping. Compared to manual inspection, the robot helps enhance inspection efficiency while optimising long-term maintenance arrangements. The robot is also equipped with a fibre-optic sensing network to monitor the operational status of its own key components. This ensures its operational stability while navigating the generator’s air gaps, ensuring smooth progression of inspection tasks. Prof. Tam Hwa-yaw said, “PolyU is committed to promoting knowledge transfer and driving the translation of the University’s research outcomes into solid benefits for society. To enhance interdisciplinary learning, I founded the Engineering Entrepreneurship Club, offering undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge robotics research and the development of design solutions for industry, thereby cultivating their entrepreneurial spirit. Spanning approximately five years, this project combines PolyU’s research strength with CLP Power’s engineering expertise. Some team members have been involved since their freshman year, fully demonstrating the fruits of PolyU’s commitment to industry-academia-research collaboration and contributing to Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub.” CLP Power Senior Director of Generation Mr Kevin Lau said, “CLP Power actively integrates innovative technologies into the daily operations of power stations and encourages our engineering teams to adopt innovative approaches to enhance operational practices. The generator inspection robot jointly developed with PolyU helps to enhance inspection efficiency and operational safety while supporting the development of more forward-looking maintenance strategies. In the long run, this strengthens the reliable operation of power generation facilities and supports the delivery of a safe and reliable electricity supply to the community. The project has also enabled CLP Power’s engineering teams to participate in the research, development and application of innovative solutions, further deepening collaboration with academia and nurturing Hong Kong’s innovation and technology talent.” The robot can cross the ventilation baffles inside air gaps to conduct three major inspection tasks—visual checks of ventilation ducts, assessing the insulation condition of stator core laminations, and conducting wedge tightness inspections through tapping. The PolyU research team and the CLP Power engineering team tested the application of the “Generator Inspection Robot” at the Black Point Power Station. ***END***  

PolyU-developed, Hong Kong’s first LEO communication–navigation integrated satellite payload successfully launched, powering smart city and low-altitude economy development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has long been deeply and successfully engaged in the field of space technology. The University’s Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering has developed Hong Kong’s first low-Earth-orbit (LEO) communication-navigation integrated satellite payload “LEO CNAV”, which was recently successfully launched aboard the Yuxing-3 No. 05 satellite (also known as “Tech-Innovation-1”) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu. The launch of the satellite payload, which will undergo in-orbit testing, marks a historic milestone for PolyU in satellite technology and space applications. This year marks the first year of the Nation’s “15th Five-Year Plan”. The country is accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces through innovation and technology, creating vast growth potential for aerospace technology and related industries. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is also actively promoting aerospace science and technology development and supporting the space economy. This communication-navigation integrated breakthrough by PolyU highlights Hong Kong’s leading position in home-grown space technology and brings fresh momentum to the development of smart cities and the low-altitude economy. Dr WANG Tianqi, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering and person-in-charge of system integration and testing, said, “From conceptual design and R&D testing to in-orbit operations, LEO CNAV has been developed entirely in-house by the PolyU team, opening a new chapter for independent satellite payload development by local universities. This experience has enabled our team to fully master the end-to-end payload development process, laying a solid foundation for the design of more advanced systems in the future.” LEO CNAV features four major technological advantages—functional integration, high-precision positioning, low-cost deployment and broad application potential—providing comprehensive support for future smart city infrastructure. In terms of functional integration, traditionally, communication and navigation rely on two separate systems operating independently. LEO CNAV removes this limitation by providing communication, navigation and timing services on a single platform. In future, users will only need one receiver to obtain both functions simultaneously, greatly simplifying system design. This breakthrough innovation has gained international recognition, being awarded a Gold Medal at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. The research team has also filed patent applications for the related core technologies. For positioning, LEO CNAV can be used in conjunction with existing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS to enhance positioning accuracy in dense urban environments with high-rise buildings. Traditional GPS satellites operate at an altitude of about 20,000 km, resulting in relatively weak signals that are vulnerable to interference or “spoofing attacks”, posing safety risks for autonomous driving and unmanned aerial vehicles. Operating in low Earth orbit at only a few hundred kilometres above ground, LEO CNAV provides much stronger signals. Combined with a uniquely designed signal scheme developed by the team, it effectively resists interference and spoofing, enabling highly accurate navigation for smart mobility and related applications. LEO CNAV is designed with commercial space needs in mind. The payload consumes only about 23 watts of power, which is less than the power drawn by a typical mobile phone charger, and is compact in size, making it suitable for nano-satellites and other small satellite platforms. Its modular design allows it to “ride-share” on various commercial satellites, requiring only about 30 watts of power and basic interfaces for deployment. By using commercial off-the-shelf components and hardware cost-control strategies, the team has significantly controlled launch costs, laying the groundwork for future large-scale constellation deployment. LEO CNAV represents a major breakthrough in positioning and navigation technologies and can be widely applied in smart city and low-altitude economy scenarios. Potential applications include enabling lane-level positioning for autonomous vehicles, providing precise navigation for UAV logistics and urban air mobility, and supporting urban infrastructure monitoring and emergency dispatch. LEO CNAV payload designer Prof. XU Bing, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, said, “Low-Earth-orbit navigation and integrated space–ground communication-navigation systems are the future direction for global space information infrastructure. Through the satellite technology accumulated from the LEO CNAV project, we hope in the longer term to support Internet of Things (IoT) interconnectivity and the deployment of integrated space–air–ground 6G networks, helping the Greater Bay Area build a world-class cluster of smart cities.” Looking ahead, the team plans to launch additional satellites carrying LEO CNAV to gradually build a LEO constellation network that will support the upgrading of smart transportation. Project leader Prof. WEN Chih-yung, Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, said, “The successful launch of LEO CNAV marks a new chapter for PolyU. We will continue to advance innovation in space technology, nurture talent and broaden international collaboration, contributing to the development of Hong Kong’s commercial space sector and technological advancement in the Greater Bay Area.” In parallel with driving space research and development, PolyU is also committed to talent cultivation. This year, with a view to nurturing a new generation of professionals for the aerospace sector in Hong Kong and around the world, the University has launched Hong Kong’s first Master of Science in Satellite Engineering programme, covering areas such as satellite orbital dynamics, spacecraft systems, payload design and the emerging “New Space” economy.   ***END***

PolyU J.C.DISI hosts “PolyU Northern Metropolis Future Forum Season 3”; Collaborating with the Research Institute of Better China Initiative to promote the vision of a “Better and Beautiful Northern Metropolis”

The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today hosted the “PolyU Northern Metropolis Future Forum Season 3” with the theme of “Co-creating a Better and Beautiful Northern Metropolis.” Mobilising over 500 stakeholders across various sectors, the Forum featured Mr Chris SUN, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government of the People’s Republic of China, and Dr WANG Sha, Deputy Dean of the Research Institute of Better China Initiative of China Academy of Art (CAA), as keynote speakers. It fostered in-depth dialogue on core issues related to creating a more liveable Northern Metropolis, and covered holistic community planning, social welfare infrastructure, cultural belonging and urban-rural integration. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), stated, “PolyU’s core strategy in the Northern Metropolis encompasses establishing a presence in the University Town and advancing the translation of research outcomes to inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s I&T development. The ultimate vision of knowledge transfer is to benefit society at large, including ordinary citizens and vulnerable groups. Through the ‘PolyU Northern Metropolis Future Forum’, J.C.DISI creates a platform for ongoing cross-sector dialogue, ensuring that as the Northern Metropolis develops at speed, community building and humanistic care keep pace, allowing the fruits of development to benefit every resident.”  At the Forum, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between PolyU and the Research Institute of Better China Initiative of CAA (the Research Institute). Witnessed by the Hon. Kenneth FOK, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and PolyU Council Member; the Hon. Perry YIU, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR, PolyU Council Member and Chairman of China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited; and Dr Wang Sha, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao and Prof. LIANG Yu, Deputy Dean of the Research Institute. The two parties will explore joint research to advance the visions of a “Better China” and a “Better and Beautiful Northern Metropolis,” while advocating social innovation and sustainability projects at national, regional and city levels. At the signing ceremony, Prof. Liang Yu presented an appointment letter to Ms Sam LAM, Interim Director of J.C.DISI, engaging her to serve as a Think Tank Expert of the Research Institute. Prof. Liang Yu presented an appointment letter to Ms Sam Lam, engaging her as a Think Tank Expert of the Research Institute. Multi-perspective focus on community planning in the Northern Metropolis Delivering a keynote speech on the planning of social welfare infrastructure in the Northern Metropolis, Mr Chris Sun reaffirmed that the Government is currently planning the integration of social welfare facilities into the development of the Northern Metropolis. He highlighted the focus on implementing services for the elderly, children and families within the region, with the aim of fostering a more liveable and harmonious social environment for the future of Hong Kong.  Dr Wang Sha’s speech centred on urban-rural construction under the “Better China” system thinking. She said, “The Research Institute is committed to using Chinese art to contribute to the ‘Better China’ initiative; J.C.DISI’s ‘Better and Beautiful Northern Metropolis’ initiative aligns perfectly with that. By connecting CAA’s national policy systems design framework with J.C.DISI’s deep-rooted local research and practical experience, our collaboration goes beyond a one-way input of theory; it is an equal exchange of knowledge and co-creation.” Prof. Liang Yu said, “The unique urban-rural landscape of the Northern Metropolis and its future role within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) innovation cluster make it ideal ground for us to explore human-centric community design and social innovations, with the potential to share our experiences with the wider GBA and even internationally.”  In the thematic session, speakers presented a range of recommendations on community planning in the Northern Metropolis. Mr Walter KWONG, Assistant Director of Planning/ Territorial of the HKSAR Government, introduced the “15-minute neighbourhood” concept for new communities in the region, advocating the use of big data analysis to ensure residents can access social facilities within walking distance. Mr Raymond CHOI, Head of the Spatial Data Office of the HKSAR Government, explained how the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) portal serves as the “digital foundation” for community development, empowering the Government, academia, and civil society to support community needs through data. Moderated by Prof. LING Kar-kan, Senior Advisor to the President of PolyU and Chairman of the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), the roundtable discussion focused on the vision for community building, as well as cultural and sports development in the Northern Metropolis. Drawing on the Northern Metropolis Action Agenda and the HKHS’s practical experience, he noted, “Building a truly human-centric community boils down to one question: how do we make residents feel accepted and connected? This vision requires intergenerational design, targeted social services, and the active participation of both incoming and existing residents in community building. Only then can the Northern Metropolis evolve from a mere geographical designation into a home with deep-seated roots, achieving true urban-rural integration.” The Hon. Kenneth Fok pointed out, “The Northern Metropolis holds immense potential to become a vibrant hub where culture, arts and sports converge. This dynamism represents a premier asset in attracting world-class talent to put down roots and make the region their home. Such a development will benefit everyone, from indigenous residents and newcomers to international visitors and students, evolving into a beautiful, modern metropolis that is simultaneously ideal for living, working, visiting and learning.” The Hon. Perry Yiu added, “The Northern Metropolis is endowed with invaluable natural and cultural assets, ranging from wetland ecosystems and mountain landscapes to traditional walled village culture. These provide unique advantages for developing specialised, in-depth tourism offerings. By building a broad consensus across all sectors, we look forward to formulating a clear and forward-looking tourism master plan. This will foster the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, establishing a beautiful Northern Metropolis that is ideal for living, working and visiting, ultimately becoming a new landmark for Hong Kong in attracting international talent and visitors alike.” Other discussion sessions engaged frontline perspectives from social innovation enterprises, NGOs and social welfare organisations. Mr Ted KWAN, Co-founder and CEO of the Fullness Social Enterprises Society, shared how social enterprises use innovative models to bridge social welfare service gaps at an early stage; Ms Ramy CHAK, Assistant Social Services Director (Youth, Family and Community Services) of The Salvation Army, highlighted how reimagining social welfare services can help build social capital in newly settled communities. Drawing on practical case studies, Dr Carmen NG, Director of Social and Elderly Wellness of HKHS and Ms Karen LEE, Senior Manager of J.C.DISI, underscored the vital importance of intergenerational community design for the future development of the Northern Metropolis.  The first roundtable discussion was moderated by Prof. Ling Kar-kan, Senior Advisor to the President of PolyU and Chairman of HKHS (1st from right), and joined by the Hon. Kenneth Fok (2nd from right), the Hon. Perry Yiu (2nd from left), and Dr Wang Sha (1st from left).  Moderated by Prof. Ling Kar-kan (1st from right), the second roundtable discussion featured Mr Walter Kwong, Assistant Director of Planning/Territorial of the HKSAR Government (3rd from right); Mr Raymond Choi, Head of the Spatial Data Office of the HKSAR Government (centre); Mr Ted Kwan, Co-founder and CEO of the Fullness Social Enterprises Society (2nd from right); Ms Karen Lee, Senior Manager of J.C.DISI (1st from left); Dr Carmen Ng, Director of Social and Elderly Wellness of HKHS (3rd from left); and Ms Ramy Chak, Assistant Social Services Director (Youth, Family and Community Services) of The Salvation Army (2nd from left). Ms Sam Lam delivered the closing remarks and stated, “We advocate for an expanded definition of ‘cultural pulse’, one that moves beyond tangible historic buildings to encompass the transformation of strategic spatial nodes, ecological textures, agricultural landscapes, oral histories, the traditional wisdom of walled villages and other forms of intangible cultural heritage. J.C.DISI is now leveraging Geographic Information Systems to tag cultural assets along pilot routes, systematically visualising the distribution of cultural identity, blue-green resources and social capital at every node. With this shared foundational map, stakeholders from different sectors can curate community projects or commercial ventures, sparking a bottom-up ecosystem for community co-creation.” Ms Sam Lam delivered the closing remarks. Launched in July 2025, the “PolyU Northern Metropolis Future Forum” is Hong Kong’s first forum series dedicated to community-building initiatives within the Northern Metropolis. Notably, the proposal for a cultural trail put forward during the first forum was subsequently adopted in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address. Prof. Zijian ZHENG, PolyU Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) announced that J.C.DISI has secured initial support from the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation to launch a pilot project centred on the “Northern Metropolis Cultural Pulse”. This initiative will leverage PolyU’s research excellence to drive development within the region. ***END***  

“PolyU Homecoming 2026: AI．Art” gathers over 6,000 alumni on campus to celebrate PolyU achievements

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) yesterday (12 April) held its annual flagship alumni event, under the banner “PolyU Homecoming 2026: AI．Art”. PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, joined by members of the PolyU Council, members of the University’s senior management team, deans, and representatives from various faculties and schools, as well as the presidents of the Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations and the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association, kicked off the event. This year’s event, themed “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Art”, featured a series of engaging activities that blended AI with the arts, including InnoTech Campus Adventures, Alumni Creative Market, AI x Craft Workshops and the AI Calligraphy Competition. The event attracted over 6,000 alumni, together with their families and friends, as well as staff and students from the PolyU community, who gathered on campus to celebrate their alma mater’s remarkable progress. In his address, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “Over 89 years of development, PolyU has secured a position in the top 100 of the three major global university rankings, achieving 54th place in the QS World University Rankings and making steady progress towards the global top 50. This achievement has been made possible by the tireless dedication of our staff and students, as well as the unwavering support of our alumni. PolyU has nurtured over 500,000 graduates and has an alumni network spanning the globe. As PolyU approaches its 90th anniversary, I sincerely hope that you will all continue to stand alongside your alma mater, remain closely connected and support the University’s various endeavours.” PolyU Homecoming 2026 featured a rich and diverse programme. One of the highlights was the InnoTech Campus Adventures, which was jointly organised by over 40 faculties, schools and departments. Through innovative booths and guided campus tours, it showcased a range of innovative PolyU research achievements, including the Portable AI Retinal Fundus Camera, the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection and the radiation-free 3D ultrasound imaging system for scoliosis assessment. Alumni also had the opportunity to visit campus landmarks such as the University Gallery, the University Library and the Industrial Centre, rekindling fond memories of their student days as they strolled around the campus. Meanwhile, the Alumni Creative Market, AI x Craft Workshops and live music performances brought together more than 20 alumni, who showcased their talents through a variety of cultural and creative activities, including galvanised iron product making, blown sugar art and patterned band weaving, which are items of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage. These activities offered participants unique and engaging experiences, demonstrating some of the diverse and rich talents of PolyU alumni. This year’s Homecoming also featured several competitions, including the PolyU Campus Architecture Photo Contest, the AI Calligraphy Competition and a puzzle hunt game, creating a lively atmosphere on the day. The highlight of the day was the friendly futsal match. In addition to matches between local alumni associations and the Alumni Football Club, Dr Lam Tai-fai led the Fei Yang Alumni Team in matches against the PolyU Pearl River Delta Alumni Network Team and the winning team in a grand finale, bringing the event to its climax. PolyU Homecoming 2026 garnered widespread support from across the University community. In addition to faculties, schools and departments, the event saw active participation from alumni bodies including the Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations, the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association, local alumni associations, Mainland alumni networks, overseas associations and alumni interest clubs. Nearly 200 students and alumni volunteered during the event, demonstrating the unity of the PolyU community in supporting the University’s ongoing pursuit of excellence. Dr Lam Tai-fai led the Fei Yang Alumni Team in the friendly futsal match against the PolyU Pearl River Delta Alumni Network Team and the winning team. All competition winners received awards from the University’s senior management team at the closing ceremony, bringing PolyU Homecoming 2026 to a successful conclusion. ***END***

Safeguarding public health: PolyU pioneers multi-tiered AI model for more cost-effective and smarter sewer system management

Climate change has been driving the rise of extreme weather conditions in recent years, placing immense strain on urban infrastructure such as sewer systems. Compromised sewer systems can lead to leakage, overflow and even flash flooding, threatening public health and safety. To address these vulnerabilities, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a multi-tiered model integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), facilitating more cost-effective and intelligent sewer system management, ranging from predicting exfiltration severity and pinpointing leakage-prone zones to monitoring and forecasting overflow occurrences in high-risk areas.  Currently, closed-circuit television (CCTV) is widely used to assess pipeline conditions, but this method relies heavily on the expertise of trained inspectors; applying it to the entire sewer network is costly and time-consuming. Prof. Tarek ZAYED, Professor of the PolyU Department of Building and Real Estate, led his team in developing a smart management model that leverages deep learning algorithms to analyse sewer pipeline conditions with high accuracy. Utilising these algorithms helps in spotting ageing and defective parts to prioritise locations for CCTV inspections. “In addition to extreme weather, population growth and structural ageing exert pressure on urban drainage,” Prof. Zayed explained. “By adopting a risk-based inspection and maintenance strategy, our AI model is expected to reduce the overall time spent on sewer inspection and maintenance activities by about 25% to 30%. This is primarily achieved by deploying CCTV more precisely and reducing redundant site visits.” A core component of the system is the team’s pioneering Exfiltration Severity Index (ESI) to quantify and model pipe-level exfiltration severity, allowing users to identify leakage-prone segments beforehand. “Sewer exfiltration occurs when sewage escapes from a defective sewer system into the surrounding environment. This can contaminate soil or groundwater with pollutants, such as pathogens and toxic compounds, harming both ecosystems and public health,” he added. The AI model incorporates an array of factors, including pipe characteristics, climatic conditions and environmental impacts, to predict the likelihood and severity of exfiltration, providing insights for prioritising more urgent maintenance activities. The team’s research showed that the system achieved an 85% accuracy rate in severity assessment, significantly mitigating the risk of groundwater contamination. Furthermore, through optimised maintenance scheduling, the predictive model improved operational efficiency by 50% to 60% and reduced emergency repairs by 30% to 40%. The team’s findings have been published in a paper, “Proactive Exfiltration Severity Management in Sewer Networks: A Hyperparameter Optimization for Two-tiered Machine Learning Prediction”, in the journal Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. In addition to leakage, blockage is another cause of operational failure of sewer systems and even flooding in more severe cases. To tackle this problem, Prof. Zayed’s team applies IoT-based technologies to simulate the performance of sewer networks and overflow occurrences under various blockage scenarios. In collaboration with the Drainage Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the team installed water-level sensors across drainage networks in Kowloon district, collecting real-world data with various data mining techniques for case study simulations as well as for model calibration and validation. The IoT-based monitoring system yielded remarkable results, where sewer segments found with blockage issues saw an 85% improvement in their overall performance following targeted cleaning procedures. “Utilising AI and IoT technologies, our multi-tier approach provides a reliable decision-making tool to predict the location and timing of potential sewer failures. It offers valuable insights for effective actions to reduce the number, magnitude and severity of sewer overflow events,” Prof. Zayed concluded. “Overall, our innovative system successfully reduced emergency overflow incidents by 70% to 75% in the monitored areas, thanks to the rapid response enabled by timely and effective monitoring.” A related study, “Performance Assessment of Sewer Networks under Different Blockage Situations Using Internet-of-things-based Technologies”, is published in the journal Sustainability. The research was supported by the Research Grants Council’s General Research Fund, as well as the Environment and Conservation Fund. ***END***

PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles “MA Graduate Fashion Show 2026” debuts at Shanghai Fashion Week; Showcasing diverse and inclusive designs with the theme “Unbroken Thread”

The School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its “MA Graduate Fashion Show” on 1 April at the 800SHOW Creative Park in Shanghai. Themed “Unbroken Thread”, the show featured design collections that blend diverse aesthetics and emerging fashion technologies. Making its debut as part of the official Shanghai Fashion Week programme, the Show attracted over 300 industry experts, as well as members of the press and public from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and around the globe. The theme, “Unbroken Thread”, drew upon the ancient belief that an invisible and infrangible thread connects those who are destined to meet, transcending the limitations of time, space and the physical world. Thirteen graduating students from the Master of Arts (MA) in Fashion and Textile Design presented a diverse collection of ingenious works, through which they revealed the unbroken bonds that have connected and guided them throughout their life journey. Their showcase also served as a nexus, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the shared space connected by the same thread. With diversity and inclusion taking centre stage this year, students were encouraged to think beyond conventional industry standards and embrace broader representations of beauty. A highlight of the evening was a dedicated plus-size collection by graduate Coco YANG Ke, who boldly challenges the fashion industry’s longstanding size boundaries and celebrates body positivity in her designs. Through bold silhouettes and meticulous tailoring, Coco’s work demonstrated that innovative, sophisticated design is for everyone, regardless of body size, conveying a powerful vision where style knows no size. In addition to their distinctive design concepts, students also demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and technological innovation throughout the design process. Three-dimensional design software CLO3D and Blender were widely used by students to minimise material consumption during production and improve the sustainability of their designs. Programme leader Mr Ryan Scott HOULTON, Lecturer of SFT, remarked, “Our programme aims to nurture future industry mavericks who are innovative and have a distinct point of view, and to equip students with comprehensive skillsets that bridge creative expression with traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge digital technologies. The Show’s debut at Shanghai Fashion Week marks an important milestone, providing our graduates with an impactful international platform upon which to shine. I look forward to seeing these talented and ambitious young designers fully demonstrate their creative potential and become a new driving force in the global fashion industry.” The one-year MA in Fashion and Textile Design programme is committed to nurturing the next generation of fashion talents in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. The programme covers design practice, technology and theory, and establishes close collaborations with internationally renowned brands. These partnerships provide students with real-world experience that complements their academic development. In the upcoming academic year, the programme will launch a new Digital Fashion pathway, offering students the opportunities to master 3D design, virtual prototyping and technological craftsmanship.   ***END***

PolyU holds inaugural Qian Weichang International Summit, gathering global scholars to explore breakthroughs in science and engineering

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) reaffirmed its commitment to interdisciplinary research, global collaboration and talent cultivation with the successful conclusion of the inaugural Qian Weichang International Summit (QWIS) on 30–31 March 2026. Organised by PolyU and sponsored by the K.C. Wong Education Foundation, the QWIS was held in honour of Professor Qian Weichang, widely recognised as the “Father of Mechanics” in China. With the theme of “Interdisciplinary Advances in Science and Engineering”, the QWIS brought together distinguished guests and leading academics from renowned institutions worldwide to discuss cutting-edge topics and jointly drive innovation and development in the fields of science and engineering. The QWIS featured eight distinguished plenary speakers from world-renowned universities, including Prof. CHEN Gang, Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Prof. Dario FARINA, Professor and Chair in Neurorehabilitation Engineering at Imperial College London; Prof. GAO Huajian, Xinghua Distinguished University Professor at Tsinghua University; Prof. HU Haiyan, Chair Professor of Mechanics at the Beijing Institute of Technology; Prof. George MALLIARAS, Prince Philip Professor of Technology at the University of Cambridge; Prof. David QUÉRÉ, Professor at the École Polytechnique; Prof. YANG Wei, Professor at Zhejiang University; and Prof. ZHANG Xu, President of the Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology. Their presentations focused on the latest research findings in mechanics, medicine, electronics, energy and materials science, which stimulated interdisciplinary collaboration and fresh perspectives for scientific exploration. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said in his opening address, “The QWIS aims to bring together distinguished scholars from around the world to foster cross-boundary exchange and collaboration, inspire innovative thinking, push knowledge boundaries, and empower the next generation of talent in science and engineering to address global challenges, carrying forward the shared mission of the K.C. Wong Education Foundation and Professor Qian Weichang. The PolyU motto ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’ embodies our steadfast commitment to world-class education and interdisciplinary research that creates meaningful impact for Hong Kong, our Nation, and the world.” The panel discussion, moderated by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of the Graduate School of PolyU, broadened the QWIS’s scope beyond technical topics. The plenary speakers not only discussed academic topics, but also shared insights into balancing research and life, choosing research directions, and the core qualities young scholars should possess, offering practical guidance for early-career researchers in attendance. At the QWIS’s Gala Dinner, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, made the opening speech, saying, “The QWIS breaks interdisciplinary boundaries, marks a significant milestone in PolyU’s mission to foster international academic collaboration, and reinforces our role as a world-class innovative institution, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a dynamic international education hub.” A highlight of the evening was the Qian Weichang Young Scientist Awards presentation. These awards recognise young researchers who have obtained their PhD degrees within the past ten years and have made outstanding contributions to the fields of science and engineering. Prof. Gao Huajian, Chair of the Award Selection Committee, announced the two laureates: Prof. SONG Bai, Associate Professor at Peking University, who won the Science Category Award, and Prof. ZHAO Ruike, Assistant Professor at Stanford University, who won the Engineering Category Award. More than 70 parallel sessions were held on the second day of the QWIS, covering a wide range of interdisciplinary topics, including mechanics and advanced manufacturing, energy science, materials science, data science, smart cities and health sciences. The sessions provided participants with groundbreaking perspectives and fresh inspiration, reinforcing the QWIS’s role as a catalyst for global academic exchange. ***END***

PolyU announces “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year”; Showcasing impactful research driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to spearheading world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. To recognise outstanding achievements with far-reaching impact locally and globally, PolyU has launched the inaugural “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year” selection and voting campaign. From 20 remarkable research and technology translation stories announced in 2025, more than 7,700 members of the public and the PolyU community cast their votes. Combined with the scores of a professional judging panel, ten stories were selected as the final awardees. The winning stories span five PolyU strategic areas – artificial intelligence and data science, life sciences and healthcare, environment and sustainability, materials science, and smart cities – injecting powerful innovation momentum into Hong Kong’s high‑quality development. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, remarked: “These outstanding research stories affirm PolyU’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation that address societal needs. Each achievement also reflects our researchers’ rigorous, truth-seeking spirit and courage to break new ground. By bridging original discoveries with real‑world applications, these projects improve lives, enable industrial upgrading and contribute to the global innovation landscape. PolyU will continue to pursue its mission of delivering world-leading research and innovation for the benefit of society, fostering a dynamic research ecosystem and transforming bold ideas into impactful solutions. In doing so, we will support Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub and help shape a better future for the world.” Prof. Chao also expressed his appreciation for the strong support from different sectors: “We would like to thank all the staff, students, alumni, partners and members of the public who voted and shared their views. Your support is not only a vote of confidence in PolyU’s research strengths, but also a clear reflection of society’s keen interest in innovation and its positive impact. This expectation is a key driving force that inspires our research teams to pursue excellence and keep pushing the frontiers of knowledge.” As PolyU’s first large‑scale public voting campaign dedicated to research, the initiative received an enthusiastic response, attracting more than 7,700 votes from members of the public, staff, students, alumni and partners. The campaign has deepened community understanding of PolyU’s research excellence and innovation capabilities, while bringing well‑deserved recognition to the University’s dedicated researchers. Based on the combined results of public voting and assessments by the professional judging panel, the following stories were selected as the “PolyU Top 10 Research & Innovation Stories of the Year” (in chronological order of announcement in 2025, and not ranked): Principal Investigator Research Topic Research Focus Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. Haimin YAO, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Innovation for self-stimulated ejection of freezing droplets unlocks cost-effective applications in de-icing The research team has invented a self-powered mechanism for ejecting freezing droplets, enabling droplets to shoot themselves away. This innovation could catalyse the development of self-powered methods for a variety of purposes, including de-icing, energy harvesting, and soft robotic applications. Details Prof. Jianli CHEN, Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics Utilising satellite positioning data to track Greenland’s ice sheet melt behaviour and assess its impact on sea-level rise The global research team has integrated various modern space geodetic techniques, particularly satellite positioning data, to monitor the subsidence of vertical bedrock and quantify summer water storage in the Greenland ice sheet. This achievement offers new insights into ice sheets’ role in sea-level rise. Details Prof. Anqi QIU, Director of the Mental Health Research Centre, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar Sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing The team has unveiled research to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and cognitive health in adults. It highlights the dynamic relationship between obesity progression and brain-cognitive health. Details Prof. Larry CHOW Ming-cheung, Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory gives hope to spinal cord injury patients, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub The newly established PolyU Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory will promote precision and personalised medicine through the introduction of advanced therapy products. The team will collaborate with the biopharmaceutical industry to manufacture cell therapy products for spinal cord injuries, and utilise the expert knowledge from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a one-stop approach from precision medicine to rehabilitation. Details Prof. YIN Jun, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics Record 33.89% power-conversion efficiency achieved with novel bilayer passivation strategy in tandem solar cells The research team has pioneered a novel bilayer interface passivation strategy to develop tandem solar cells that achieve a record-high power-conversion efficiency of 33.89%. It unlocks the application potential of perovskite technologies in photovoltaics and renewable energy. Details Prof. Changwen CHEN, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Chair Professor of Visual Computing of the Department of Computing Novel multi-modal agent facilitates long video understanding by AI, accelerating the development of generative AI-assisted video analysis While AI technology is evolving rapidly, AI models still struggle with understanding long videos. The team has developed a novel video-language agent, VideoMind, that enables AI models to perform long video reasoning and question-answering tasks by emulating humans’ way of thinking. Details Prof. Ben KO Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Discovery of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine’s target and mechanism opens new avenues for treating viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease The research team has discovered that tetrandrine works by blocking the transport of sphingosine – a lipid molecule essential for cellular signalling – and inhibiting calcium channels. Their research has revealed the critical mechanism of tetrandrine for the first time, opening new avenues for drug discovery and disease treatment. Details Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Chair Professor of Generative Artificial Intelligence of the Department of Computing PolyU reshapes AI training paradigm, significantly reducing costs and democratising AI research The PAAI team is pushing the boundaries of AI with a novel collaborative GenAI paradigm known as Co-GenAI, which has the potential to transform frontier model training from a centralised, monolithic approach into a decentralised one. Details Prof. LI Gang, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Renewable Energy and Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Prof. YANG Guang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Driving the commercialisation of energy-efficient solar cell technology towards a 40% efficiency milestone Third-generation solar cell technology is advancing rapidly. The research team has reported a breakthrough in their review of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, addressing challenges in efficiency, stability and scalability. Their study aims to raise the energy conversion efficiency from the current maximum of about 34% to 40%. Details Prof. Ai-Qun LIU, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT), Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Global STEM Scholar PolyU successfully completes Hong Kong's first chip-based quantum network and test The research team has successfully developed a quantum communication chip to establish Hong Kong’s first quantum communication network. The team has achieved a breakthrough by successfully conducting a cybersecurity test on the world’s longest optical fibre quantum network, built utilising a quantum chip platform. Details PolyU also announced the three stories that garnered the highest number of public votes, reflecting the community’s strong recognition of their significance and societal relevance. These projects are listed below. Two of these projects are also among the Top 10 stories: Principal Investigator Research Topic Research Focus Prof. Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies, Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles Innovative sustainable personal cooling technologies combat global extreme heat Global warming poses a growing threat to human health and work performance. The research team have been creating intelligent, superhero‑like garments that provide on‑demand adaptive cooling and clinician‑like health monitoring to help address the challenges of extreme heat. Details Prof. Ben KO Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Discovery of Chinese medicine extract tetrandrine’s target and mechanism opens new avenues for treating viral infection and Alzheimer’s Disease (This project has been selected as one of the Top 10 stories. For details, please refer to the table above.) Prof. Larry CHOW Ming-cheung, Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Advanced Therapy Product Laboratory gives hope to spinal cord injury patients, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub (This project has been selected as one of the Top 10 stories. For details, please refer to the table above.) Download photos here.   ***END***

Delegation from the CPC Jinjiang Municipal Committee visits PolyU to support the Nation's development as a sports powerhouse and Chinese Dream of the national rejuvenation

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PolyU researchers pioneer novel multi-energy field-assisted diamond cutting technology, enabling ultra-precision manufacturing for high-performance materials

Machining, involving the precise cutting and shaping of materials, is a key manufacturing process. As industries increasingly adopt the use of high-performance materials with high strength and hardness, traditional machining methods often fall short in delivering the required precision. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a ground-breaking machining technology that combines laser and magnetic fields during diamond cutting, enhancing cutting smoothness and surface quality while reducing a material’s subsurface damage and tool wear. This dual-field approach demonstrates exceptional manufacturing capabilities that surpass existing field-assisting cutting techniques, making possible ultra-precision machining of a range of challenging advanced materials. The innovative and unique multi-energy field-assisted ultra-precision machining technology, known as in-situ laser-magnetic dual-field assisted diamond cutting (LMDFDC), has been developed by Prof. Sandy TO Suet, Professor of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Associate Director of the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology, and her research team. Relevant research findings are published in International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing. Site field machining refers to the application of external energy fields, such as laser and magnetic fields, at the cutting site during the machining process. Existing field-assisting cutting techniques have certain limitations. For example, a laser field helps soften hard-brittle materials and makes them easier to cut, but often causes melting or craters due to overheating; a magnetic field can diminish cutting force and enhance heat dissipation to ease cutting process, but its effect is unstable across different materials and surface scratches caused by the exfoliation of hard particles in high-performance materials like high-entropy alloys (HEAs) cannot be avoided. By combining laser and magnetic fields, LMDFDC synergises strengths of both fields and mitigates their respective drawbacks. The researchers compared this new approach with three other machining methods for HEA workpieces: laser-only, magnetic-only and cutting without any external field. Using a suite of advanced tools, they observed changes of the workpiece at multiple levels—from surface appearance to subsurface features and atomic-scale structures. Results showed that, through thermo-magneto-mechanical multi-physical synergistic interactions, LMDFDC improves machinability to a degree not achievable with either field alone. In particular, the technology produces finished pieces with smoother surface and less damaged subsurface by using a magnetic field to enhance heat transfer and suppress laser-induced thermal damage, while the laser softens hard particles to avoid scratches and improve cutting stability. The dual-field coupling effect also prevents the formation of build-up on tool edges caused by severe friction, and rapid tool degradation from heat, significantly reducing tool wear and extending their lifespan. In 2017, at the forefront of advanced manufacturing technology research, Prof. To led her team to propose the world’s first magnetic field-assisted diamond cutting technique that enhances manufacturability of difficult-to-machine materials. She said, “As time progresses, single-field assisted machining technologies are proving increasingly inadequate for the precision manufacturing of new high-performance materials, especially the emerging HEAs with their excellent strength and stability that are highly desirable for advanced engineering applications in high-ends fields like aerospace and energy. LMDFDC marks a technological breakthrough in machining these new materials, opening up new avenues of ultra-precision manufacturing technology.” In addition to introducing a transformative dual-field assisted machining technology, the research also investigated what occurs, what changes and what improves in the materials when dual fields are applied. This deepens scientific understanding of material transformations during field-assisted processes and their underlying mechanisms, bridging a critical knowledge gap for designing future multi-field machining methods for various advanced materials. “The research is among the first to thoroughly examine how laser and magnetic fields work together during ultra-precision machining, and how this combined action differs from using either field alone,” Prof. To added. “The significance of the findings resides in propelling frontier academic developments in multi-physics coupled manufacturing theories while discovering innovative machining approaches. Currently in the process of patenting the innovative LMDFDC technology, the research team plans to explore additional combinations of energy fields to support the development of more versatile and reliable multi-physics machining approaches. The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China’s General Program, as well as the General Research Fund of the Research Grants Council and the Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. ***END***