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PolyU delegation visits Fujian to deepen Fujian-Hong Kong collaborative development

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PolyU 13 projects secure funding of over HK$20 million under NSFC/RGC Collaborative and Joint Research Schemes

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has secured funding for 13 research projects totalling approximately HK$20.3 million under the 2025/26 funding exercise of the Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) and Joint Research Scheme (JRS), jointly administered by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong. Actively promoting high-impact collaborative research with Chinese Mainland researchers, PolyU ranked among the top three Hong Kong universities for funding amounts received under both schemes, reflecting the University’s solid research and innovation capabilities. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are delighted by this recognition of PolyU’s sustained research leadership and collaborative strength. It reflects the dedication and talent of our researchers in addressing critical scientific and societal challenges. We will continue to foster impactful research and strong partnerships that drive innovation and contribute to Hong Kong’s growth as a vibrant centre for technology and knowledge, thereby supporting the Nation’s development.” The two PolyU research projects funded under CRS were both spearheaded by scholars from the Faculty of Construction and Environment. They are “Development of high performance and durable solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) for coupling with Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) reactor for green synthetic liquid fuel production”, led by Prof. NI Meng, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, Head and Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering; and “FRP-Reinforced Concrete Structures for Marine Environments: Material and Structural Innovations for Ductility Enhancement and Prefabricated Construction”, led by Prof. YU Tao, Associate Head (Research) and Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. These projects seek to introduce novel green fuel and marine engineering technologies, paving the way for a more sustainable future. In addition, 11 PolyU projects have received approximately HK$13.2 million in funding support under JRS, ranking second among local universities in terms of the number of awarded projects and the total amount of funding. Spanning a broad spectrum of areas — including biomedical imaging, musculoskeletal health, infrared sensing, superconducting materials, ferroelectric crystals, energy storage, organic photovoltaics, navigation systems and urban resilience — these projects exemplify PolyU’s continued commitment to research excellence across multiple fields to advance technology and address societal needs. For further details on PolyU’s funded projects, please refer to the Appendix. NSFC/RGC CRS supports larger-scale collaborative research across disciplines and universities in the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong with a view to enhancing research output and impact on both sides, while JRS aims to promote collaboration between researchers and research teams in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland on the basis of complementing the existing strengths of both sides. ***END***  

PolyU develops ultra-stable, mucus-inspired hydrogel to boost gastrointestinal wound healing

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed an acid-resistant “ultra-stable mucus-inspired hydrogel” (UMIH), marking a breakthrough in the field of gastrointestinal medicine. Traditional hydrogels—gelatin-like materials that absorb and retain water—are widely used to aid wound healing and extend drug release. However, they usually break down in acidic environments like the stomach. Inspired by the natural properties of gastric mucus, a PolyU research team has developed UMIH, a hydrogel that adheres 15 times more strongly than conventional gastric mucosal protectants, showing considerable potential for wound repair and targeted drug delivery and promising large‑scale commercialisation. The research was carried out by the PolyU team in collaboration with researchers and clinicians from Sichuan University. The research showed that UMIH significantly improved gastrointestinal wound healing in animals and outperformed a clinically approved mucosal protectant used to protect the stomach lining. The study, “Mucus-inspired hydrogels with protonation-driven adhesion for extreme acidic conditions,” has been published in Cell Reports Physical Science. Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of the Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Director of Research Center for Nature-Inspired Science and Engineering at PolyU, who led the study, said, “UMIH shows promise in treating gastroesophageal reflux and gastric ulcers, and in protecting post-surgical wounds. It can also be combined with endoscopic drug delivery for minimally invasive therapy. This research establishes UMIH as a transformative, extremely acid-tolerant platform, with immediate applications in gastrointestinal repair and targeted drug delivery, while also opening avenues for next-generation implantable devices to accelerate translation to the clinic.” Prof. Wang explained that aluminium phosphate gel (APG)—a clinically approved mucosal protectant and antacid—has long been used to treat gastric ulcers and gastro‑oesophageal reflux. The experimental data show that, under simulated gastric conditions (pH 2), UMIH achieved a wet adhesion strength of 64.7 kilopascals (kPa), 15-fold higher than APG; APG fully degraded after three days, whereas UMIH retained about 50% of its structural integrity after seven days. In vitro tests on cultured gastrointestinal cells found no signs of toxicity, while UMIH also inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, indicating antibacterial potential. Like conventional hydrogels, UMIH consists of a meshwork of polymers that absorb water to create a strong but jelly-like consistency. To enhance its acid resistance, the research team integrated three key molecular components into UMIH’s structure: ELR-IK24, a protein that binds hydrogen ions under acidic conditions to reduce local acidity; tannic acid, which boosts adhesion of hydrogel; and HDI, a molecule that stabilises the hydrogel’s structure under acidic conditions. “Our hydrogel is a synergistic combination of three essential molecular components. This multi-crosslinking architecture keeps UMIH firmly intact in strong acid while maintaining softness and injectability—qualities well suited to clinical use,” said Ms Yeung Yeung CHAU, a Research Associate of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering and a member of the research team. “We tested UMIH in pig and rat models of esophageal injury. Compared with control animals and APG‑treated animals, UMIH adhered more firmly to wound faces and improved healing. UMIH reduced  tissue damage and inflammation and promoted the growth of new blood vessels, which is essential for healing,” explained Dr Xiao YANG, a Postdoctoral Fellow of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering and a member of the research team. While clinical trials will be needed to validate UMIH’s safety and efficacy in humans, it holds strong potential for commercialisation. It is low-cost, easy to mass-produce and developed from components with established safety profiles. The material is ready to use both in operating room and on the production line. Looking ahead, the research team plans to integrate UMIH with drug release systems and implantable flexible electronics to create smart gastrointestinal devices capable of real-time treatment and monitoring. ***END***

PolyU hosts Quantum HK 2025, convening global experts to probe frontier advances in quantum technologies

As a pivotal hub fostering international research collaboration between the Greater Bay Area and the rest of the world, Hong Kong serves as a unique intermediary in driving the innovation and translation of quantum technologies. The “International Conference on Quantum Technology 2025” (Quantum HK 2025), hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has recently concluded, having attracted more than 200 experts, scholars, researchers and industry leaders. The Conference fostered in-depth discussion on cutting-edge breakthroughs and future developments in quantum technologies, further expanding the breadth and depth of academic exchange and academia-industry collaboration. The event’s co-organisers were The University of Hong Kong (HKU), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), the Physical Society of Hong Kong, and the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) remarked, “As this year marks the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, quantum technologies have become a key agenda item of global interest. Over the past year, breakthroughs in quantum computer, quantum communication and quantum metrology have laid important foundations for the application of artificial intelligence and secure communications. PolyU has successfully established Hong Kong’s first quantum chip-based communication network, completing a quantum encrypted transmission test that spanned a 55km-long optical fibre network—demonstrating Hong Kong’s leadership in quantum innovation. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to nurture talent, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the translation of quantum technology scientific achievements into societal applications, contributing to global quantum development.” Prof. Ai-Qun LIU, the Conference Co-Chairman, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology, Chair Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Hong Kong Global STEM Scholar, noted, “This conference gathered experts bringing insights from academia and industry, building an interdisciplinary platform for exchange and collaboration in quantum technologies. Moving forward, it will continue to unite diverse stakeholders to expedite research translation and industrialisation, injecting new momentum into the development of quantum technologies in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the Nation.” The Conference was co-chaired by Prof. Ai-Qun Liu, Prof. Oscar DAHLSTEN and Prof. Din-Ping CAI from CityUHK, as well as Prof. Giulio CHIRIBELLA from HKU. There were also multiple keynote talks aimed at facilitating in-depth discussions on quantum computing, quantum information security and metrology. The speakers included: Academician Dapeng YU from the Shenzhen Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering; Prof. Xicheng ZHANG from the University of Rochester; Prof. Guilu LONG from Tsinghua University; Prof. Leong Chuan KWEK from Nanyang Technological University; Prof. Abolfazl BAYAT from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China; Prof. Tim BYRNES from NYU Shanghai; Prof. Yanoar P. SARWONO from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; Prof. Qi ZHAO from HKU; and Prof. Haidong YUAN from CUHK. Meanwhile, representatives from other leading organisations and companies—including Huawei, QBosoN, SpinQ, Tencent Quantum Lab and Xuntai Quantum Technology—engaged in roundtable discussions, focusing on industrialisation of research outcomes. They also offered forward-looking recommendations on standardisation, modularisation and scalability in quantum technologies, while also emphasising the need to accelerate the development of a stable and multi-tier talent pipeline to effectively support innovation and growth in the quantum industry. ***END***

理大首辦科技成果轉化大會暨技術創新研究院首屆年度交流會 15所內地研究院及研究中心齊聚晉江 共築創新創業生態圈

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Three PolyU scholars honoured with iCANX Young Scientists Award

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to nurturing research talent and fostering innovation. Three young PolyU researchers were recently honoured with the 2025 iCANX Young Scientists Award for their pioneering work in advanced materials, wearable systems and healthcare technologies. The Awards were presented at the 2025 Hong Kong International Talent Festival. Seven PolyU scholars advanced to the Grand Final this year, showcasing the University's excellence in research innovation and talent cultivation. Established in 2021, the iCANX Young Scientists Award is an annual award that recognises and honours leading young scientists worldwide for their exceptional achivements.  This year’s awardees from PolyU are: Prof. TIAN Tian, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, was honoured for his research project “Advances in Monolithic Metal-Organic Frameworks: From Development to Applications”. It aims to develop novel nanoporous material platforms that enable efficient hydrogen storage under milder operation conditions. This innovative approach addresses traditional challenges in hydrogen storage systems, providing a safer and more cost-effective solution. Prof. MA Yuan, Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, received recgonition for his project “Sensation by Design: Tailoring Friction for Next-Gen Human-Machine Synergy”. His work revolutionises tactile experiences by leveraging predictive modelling and dynamic control of friction at the finger-material interface. This enables the design of advanced haptic technologies and interactive surfaces, enhancing accessibility, user experience and inclusivity in digital devices through adaptive, multisensory feedback and robust, environmentally resilient tactile cues. Dr Man Ting AU, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, earned praise for her breakthrough research “Revitalising joints – In situ CAR Therapy for Osteoarthritis Treatment”. Her innovative Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) therapy targets senescence in osteoarthritic joints, offering a long-lasting, disease-modifying treatment to halt progression and revitalise joint tissue without the need for surgery. PolyU’s young researchers are making their mark on the international research stage. Prof. WANG Zunkai, PolyU Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of the Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering, said, “These achievements underscore PolyU’s dedication to fostering world-class research talent. We are confident that our emerging scholars will continue to push boundaries and pioneer impactful innovations that shape a better future.” Prof. Wang was also invited to deliver a keynote address at the concurrent Science Talent Forum to share his expert insights on the topic of “AI for Science.” Prof. Wang remarked, “AI has evolved from an auxiliary tool to a core engine for scientific exploration, profoundly reshaping research methodologies from theory to data analysis and experimental design.” ***END***

PolyU wins 18 awards at Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions — Grand Award retained for second consecutive year and startups claim seven

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) achieved noteworthy results at the 5th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong (AEII), taking home 18 accolades from 16 participating projects and retaining the event’s Grand Award for the second consecutive year. The PolyU haul comprised one Grand Award, one Special Award, two Gold Medals with Congratulations of Jury, five Gold Medals, eight Silver Medals and one Bronze Medal. Among them, two winning projects were developed by the InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), a partnership between PolyU and the University of Waterloo. These commendable achievements underscore the University’s commitment to leveraging research innovation to address pressing societal challenges, contributing to Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “We are greatly motivated by the exceptional accomplishments of PolyU researchers and startups at this prominent event, which marks another pivotal milestone for the University. PolyU takes pride in tackling global issues with innovations and cutting-edge technologies. By harnessing our research excellence and knowledge transfer capabilities, we will continue to proactively translate innovative ideas into real-world applications, creating significant societal impact and driving constructive changes globally.” Developed by Prof. Roderick SLAVCEV, Associate Professor of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo and Principal Investigator of CEVR and Prof. HUANG Chien-ling, Associate Professor of the Department of Health and Informatics at PolyU and Principal Investigator of CEVR, the project “Viromids: A Redosable, Low-Cost Gene-Delivery Platform for Ocular Therapy” garnered the Grand Award and a Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury. Viromids is a virome-inspired, redosable gene-delivery platform that offers immune silence, large payload capacity (8–15 kb), and bacterial-scale manufacturability. By enabling single-vector delivery of large genes and repeatable dosing while significantly reducing production costs, Viromids offer a practical, globally accessible solution to preserve and restore sight for patients with inherited retinal diseases. Its scalable production model also positions Viromids as a foundational technology for affordable next-generation gene therapy worldwide. Securing the First Prize of Inventions Geneva Award and a Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury was another project titled “PD-001R – A New Breakthrough for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases”, led by Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen, Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation, Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, and Founder of PolyU startup AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited, in collaboration with Dr ZHAO Chen, Postdoc Fellow at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Chief Technology Officer of PolyU startup AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited. PD-001R is a first-in-class, novel small-molecule drug candidate for Parkinson’s disease (PD), derived from Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus and synthesised as a new molecular entity. Its primary mechanism of action is the promotion of pathological α-synuclein aggregate degradation. Preclinical studies show that PD-001R efficiently crosses the blood–brain barrier and exerts neuroprotective effects in animal models of PD and Alzheimer’s disease. It also exhibits favourable oral bioavailability and safety. The strong performance of the PolyU teams at this year’s AEII embodies the essence of PolyImpact—PolyU inventions and innovations that benefit the world. Among the award-winning innovations, seven were developed by PolyU startups, a testament to the strength of the University’s signature startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, which provides comprehensive support to PolyU startups throughout their developmental phases. It has nurtured over 600 startups to date, including three unicorns and two listed companies. AEII is a prestigious annual exhibition cum competition devoted to innovations and inventions in Asia, organised by The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association in partnership with Palexpo, the organiser of the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. This year the event attracted about 140 projects from around Asia. Project details: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/kteo/docdrive/Press/20251211_AEII_Appendix_Eng.pdf Projects Principal Investigators Awards Viromids: A Redosable, Low-Cost Gene-Delivery Platform for Ocular Therapy Prof. Roderick SLAVCEV Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research   Prof. HUANG Chien-ling Associate Professor, Department of Health and Informatics, PolyU; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research Grand Award   Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury PD-001R: A New Breakthrough for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases   Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation; Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, PolyU; Founder, AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited (a PolyU startup)   Dr ZHAO Chen Postdoc Fellow, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, PolyU; Chief Technology Officer, AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited (a PolyU startup) 1st Prize of Inventions Geneva Award   Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury Intelligent Construction Site Layout Design Platform   Dr WANG Dong Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Building and Real Estate, PolyU; Founder, ICC (Hong Kong) Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal   PolyPi: Edge-AI Empowered Autonomous Robot for Pipeline Inspection and Maintenance Prof. CAO Jiannong Vice President (Education); Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science; Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited (a PolyU startup)   Dr LIANG Zhixuan Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computing, PolyU; Founder and CEO, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal WING: Wireless Infrastructure for Next-Generation EV Charging   Prof. CHAU Kwok-tong Chair Professor of Electrical Energy Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PolyU   Prof. Lucian LIU Wei Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PolyU Gold Medal Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System for Heavy-duty Trucks   Prof. FU Xiaowen Professor and Head, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU   Dr TANG Yuk-ming Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU Gold Medal BodyMate: A Smart Textile-Based Health Monitoring Vest for Continuous Elderly Vital Sign Detection   Ms Sisi TANG PhD student, School of Fashion and Textiles, PolyU; Founder, Leopitorca Global Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal ProMuki - Wearable Ultrasound Monitoring and Analysing of Muscle Activities for Fitness, Sports, and Rehabilitation   Prof. ZHENG Yongping Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering; Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU Silver Medal ORal-motor Assessment and Rehabilitation mobile App (ORAR App)   Dr WONG Wing-sze Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Ltd (a PolyU startup)   Ms YIP Chi-hay Founder, Feelings Group Ltd (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal MetaBridge: A 3D Gaussian Splatting and Blockchain Platform for Cultural Heritage Digital Assetisation and Immersive Experience   Prof. Peter NG Hiu-fung Assistant Professor, Department of Computing and Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, PolyU Silver Medal A Proactive Early Warning System for Structural Health Monitoring of Wind Turbine Blades and Towers Based on Finite Element Simulation, Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing and Reinforcement Learning   Prof. YU Changyuan Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PolyU   Ms MA Zhiqin PhD student, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PolyU Silver Medal Dr. Fresh: Natural and Eco-friendly External Preservation Technology   Mr HE Shuidong Doctoral student, Food Science and Management Department of Food Science and Nutrition, PolyU; Co-founder, Dr. Fresh Biotech Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal PipeInspect: Cutting-Edge Inspection on Water Distribution Network with Fiber-optic Positioning Prof. DING Xiaoli Chair Professor of Geomatics, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, PolyU Silver Medal Automated Freeform Eyeglass for Instant Refractive Control Dr Elie Aymard Jonathan de LESTRANGE-ANGINIEUR Research Fellow, School of Optometry, PolyU   Prof. George WOO Senior Advisor, School of Optometry, PolyU Silver Medal Biomimetics Nanoplatform for the Treatment of Retinal Diseases Prof. DO Chi-wai Associate Professor, School of Optometry, PolyU; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research   Prof. Emmanuel HO Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research Silver Medal Non-invasive, Ultrasensitive and Portable Saliva Glucose Sensors Prof. YAN Feng Chair Professor of Organic Electronics, Department of Applied Physics, PolyU; Co-founder, Intellisense & Cognisense Technology Limited (a PolyU startup)   Dr ZHAO Zeyu Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Physics, PolyU; Co-founder, Intellisense & Cognisense Technology Limited (a PolyU startup) Bronze Medal ***END***

PolyU to hold the 2026-27 Taught Postgraduate Programme Information Week

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to supporting and aligning with the development needs of society and the Nation. By offering a wide range of high-quality taught postgraduate programmes, PolyU aspires to enhance professionalism across various emerging fields, meet evolving manpower demands of society and nurture future ready professionals who will drive social innovation. In the 2026-27 academic year, the University will offer more than 120 taught postgraduate programmes, including the following 7 newly launched programmes: Doctor of Business Administration MSc in Cybersecurity* MSc in Satellite Engineering* MSc in Sustainable Energy MSc in Intelligent Robotics Engineering MSc in Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence Technology* MSc / PgD in Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality * This programme is subject to approval This year’s PolyU Taught Postgraduate Programme Information Week will be held in a hybrid format, featuring both online and in-person events to provide prospective students with the latest admission and programme information as well as personalised consultations. The Academic Registry will host a live broadcast information seminar in Mandarin on 13 December, (Saturday) from 1pm to 5:30pm, during which representatives from the 11 faculties and schools will introduce programme details and latest academic developments. In addition, from 15 to 22 December, individual faculties, schools and departments will organise programme-specific information seminars, where programme leaders and teaching staff will explain programme highlights and admission requirements in detail. For more information about the PolyU Taught Postgraduate Programme Information Week and online registration, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/pg/taught-postgraduate/programme-information-seminars Applications for taught postgraduate programmes for the 2026-27 academic year are now open. For programme details and application procedures, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/pg/taught-postgraduate   ***END***

PolyU honours four outstanding alumni

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce that it has conferred the “Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2025” on four alumni in recognition of their significant achievements in their respective fields, as well as their contributions to their alma mater and society. The Award highlights PolyU’s accomplishments in nurturing leaders for Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The Award recognises distinguished graduates of PolyU, as well as those of its predecessors, namely the Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2025 (in alphabetical order of surname; see Appendix for biographies): Dr Steve CHUANG Tzu-hsiung, JP Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ProVista Group Dr Elton SUN Wu Vice President, Hyatt China; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, UrCove Hotels Ir Tony WONG Chi-kwong, JP Commissioner for Digital Policy, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Mr Eddie WONG Kwok-hing, CSDSM Commissioner of Correctional Services, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China The Award Selection Committee was chaired by Dr LAM Tai-fai, GBS, JP, PolyU Council Chairman. The ex-officio members included Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, BBS, JP, PolyU President; and Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost. Other members included Mr Alex WONG Chun-bong, PolyU Council Member; Ir Arthur LEE Kam-hung, University Court Member; Mr Dennis HO Chiu-ping, President of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association; and Ir YAU Kwok-fai, President of the Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations. Since the launch of the Award in 1996, 113 recipients have been honoured for great distinction in their respective fields, as well as for their dedicated support and contribution to their alma mater and the wider community. The Award Presentation Ceremony will be held on 13 January 2026. ***END***

PolyU establishes Academy for Artificial Intelligence to develop a world-class AI innovation hub

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) Inauguration, demonstrating its support to the Nation’s “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plus” initiative under the 15th Five-Year Plan to support high-quality development across industries. Leveraging PolyU’s cross-disciplinary strengths in computer science, mathematics and data science, the PAAI strives to foster international collaboration and help position Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area as a globally influential AI innovation hub. On the same day, PolyU hosted a series of forums, bringing together experts from around the world to advance cutting-edge AI technologies and their innovative applications in healthcare. The Inauguration took place at the PolyU Chiang Chen Studio Theatre, officiated by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government of the People’s Republic of China, and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU. Prof. Sun Dong remarked, “The country’s Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan reaffirm Hong Kong’s strategic position as the international innovation and technology centre. Our vision to become a global hub for AI development was underscored in the 2025 Policy Address delivered by our Chief Executive, with promotion of AI being top of our agenda, taken forward through multi-pronged measures on key enablers, including talent, data and industry applications.” “The inauguration of the PAAI marks not just a milestone, but a new chapter in our city’s united efforts to expedite the AI development. This Academy will inspire ideas, foster collaboration and fuel Hong Kong's AI ecosystem,” he added. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng elaborated: “Leveraging PolyU’s strong foundation in AI, computer science, mathematics, data science and other globally recognised disciplines, the PAAI will foster interdisciplinary and international collaboration to drive AI development, positioning Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area as a leading AI innovation hub. It will deliver sustainable, efficient and impactful solutions for key sectors – ranging from healthcare and finance to education and beyond. It will also cultivate a talent ecosystem that can drive future innovation by leveraging Hong Kong’s international research environment and its government-industry-academia-research network.” Prof. Qiang YANG, PAAI Director, and Prof. Hongxia YANG, PAAI Executive Director, delivered keynotes on “The AI Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities” and “Co-Generative AI (Co‑GenAI)” respectively, elaborating on the University’s key tasks in advancing AI and how related projects are being translated into real-world applications that benefit diverse industries. Addressing future AI challenges, Prof. Qiang Yang noted that the PAAI will continue to advance key technologies including Co‑GenAI, Federated Learning and Edge Foundation Models, while setting out robust technological roadmaps in the priority fields of healthcare, education, finance and robotics. He highlighted Hong Kong’s dual positioning as an international financial centre as well as an international innovation and technology hub. Together with the extensive clinical networks and strong industry demand in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the PAAI will seek to expand decentralised AI infrastructure, enabling more institutions to use advanced AI technologies under safe and controllable conditions. Prof. Hongxia Yang added that traditional AI training faces hurdles such as high thresholds for computing capacity and data privacy protection. By aggregating the strengths of hundreds of industry-specific models, Co‑GenAI can reduce reliance on centralised computing resources and build high-quality foundation models that better reflect real-world application scenarios. The PAAI is working with various medical institutions to implement the “Cancer GenAI” project, while also exploring the potential of AI in infectious disease prevention and control, robotic systems and finance. In the “International Forum on AI 2025”, moderated by Prof. Qiang Yang and the “Intelligent Oncology Forum” moderated by Prof. Jing CAI, Head of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics, convened leading experts from academia and clinical medicine. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the deep integration of AI and healthcare, innovative applications and cross-disciplinary technological breakthroughs, contributing insights to further propel AI technologies. The PAAI will contribute to building Hong Kong into a global testing ground that drives AI innovation in healthcare and smart city development, fostering world-class technologies and talent. It will also strengthen collaboration with industry, medical institutions, schools and government departments to apply AI solutions in public health and education systems. In ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects announced last month, PolyU ranked first in Hong Kong and 16th worldwide in the newly introduced “Artificial Intelligence” subject area, underscoring the University’s forward-looking strategy and achievements in facilitating AI in education. Officiating the PAAI Inauguration, Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government of the People's Republic of China, said that the PAAI marked not just a milestone, but a new chapter in the city’s united efforts to expedite the AI development. PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said that the PAAI would cultivate a talent ecosystem to drive future innovation by leveraging Hong Kong’s international research environment and its government-industry-academia-research network. During the media interview session, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) Prof. Christopher Chao (2nd from left); PAAI Director Prof. Qiang Yang (2nd from right); PAAI Executive Director Prof. Hongxia YANG (1st from left); and Prof. Jing Cai, Head of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics (1st from right), outlined the PAAI’s strategy and the development and applications of AI across industries. ***END***