Media Releases

PolyU-Shaoxing Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially inaugurated

Chinese version only

Vice Minister of Science and Technology Mr Chen Jiachang leads delegation to PolyU

Chinese only

PolyU Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation hosts “PolyU Northern Metropolis Future Forum Season 2”

Chinese version only

PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially inaugurated, promoting development of medical and health industry in the two cities

Chinese version only

PolyU honours two distinguished personalities at 31st Congregation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held its 31st Congregation today, presided over by PolyU Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG. At the ceremony held in the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus, Honorary Doctorates were conferred upon two prominent figures, while Doctor of Philosophy degrees were awarded to the graduating students. The two honorary degree recipients were (in alphabetical order of last name; please refer to the Appendix for the recipients’ biodata): Mr HAN Bicheng, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qiangnao Technology - Doctor of Technology honoris causa Prof. Barry James MARSHALL, 2005 Nobel Laureate (Physiology or Medicine); Director of the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, The University of Western Australia; PolyU Distinguished Honorary Professor - Doctor of Science honoris causa Prof. Jin-Guang Teng extended his warmest congratulations to the honorary doctorates and doctoral graduates. In a time when artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are transforming the way people live, learn and work, he encouraged the graduates to embrace technology with curiosity, responsibility and creativity. He added, “PolyU is committed to preparing our students for the AI era. At the forefront of integrating AI into education, the University implemented compulsory AI education for all undergraduates back in September 2022. We also established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January this year to meet the growing demand for talent and expertise in the age of AI and set up the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence in April to propel the University to the forefront of AI research and applications. Looking ahead, we will further leverage AI to transform our educational offerings. We have launched the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative, aiming to integrate AI and smart technologies into a student-centred approach that fosters innovation and promotes the wider use of AI and educational technologies in learning and teaching.” Prof. Teng advised the graduates, “As Hong Kong develops into an international innovation and technology centre and our Nation grows into a global science and technology powerhouse, exciting opportunities await those who are ready to innovate and lead. With the strong foundation you have developed at PolyU, we are confident that you are well-positioned to seize these opportunities and shape a brighter future.” The University is conferring academic awards on a total of 11,519 students this year, including 477 Doctor of Philosophy degree graduates, 204 professional doctoral degree graduates, 37 Master of Philosophy degree graduates, 6,371 taught master’s degree graduates, 4,401 bachelor’s degree graduates, 15 postgraduate diploma recipients and 14 higher diploma recipients.   ***END***

PolyU hosts thematic seminar on “Exploring the Theory and Practice of China’s Diplomacy”, featuring keynote speeches by former ambassadors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture, Confucius Institute of Hong Kong and Mainland Development Office, in collaboration with the China Foreign Affairs University, today hosted the thematic seminar “Exploring the Theory and Practice of China’s Diplomacy” at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre on the PolyU campus. The event drew a full house, attracting over 230 PolyU faculty members, students, alumni and members of the public. Two former ambassadors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were invited as keynote speakers: Ambassador LUO Linquan, former Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China in the Hellenic Republic and in Ireland, Consul General (Ambassadorial Rank) of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco, and current Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association; and Ambassador SUN Gongyi, former Director-General level Counsellor of the Department of African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Mauritius.They shared their insights and first-hand diplomatic experiences while exploring the theory and practice of building a “China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”, guiding the audience through the development of China’s foreign policy. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, remarked, “Through reform and opening-up, China has developed into the world’s second-largest economy. China’s diplomatic endeavours are not only crucial to the Nation’s development but are also closely linked to Hong Kong’s future. With the unique advantage of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, Hong Kong should leverage its role as a bridge between the Chinse Mainland and the rest of the world, fully embracing its role as a ‘super-connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ to contribute to the Nation’s diplomatic efforts. PolyU is committed to nurturing socially responsible students with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, equipping them to drive societal progress and contribute to the Nation’s development. Today’s seminar is a key event of the ‘PolyU Chinese Culture Festival’ and we are grateful to the ambassadors for sharing their experiences, which will deepen our students’ understanding of China’s diplomatic work and strengthen their sense of belonging, recognition and pride.” Ambassador Luo Linquan has held numerous diplomatic posts and possesses extensive experience in foreign affairs. In his keynote speech entitled “Insights into Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: First-hand Diplomatic Experiences”, he noted that throughout his decades-long career as a diplomat, he had experienced and handled many major diplomatic incidents. During China’s large-scale evacuation of citizens from Libya in 2011, as the then-Chinese ambassador to Greece, with the support of the Greek government, he managed to charter three cruise ships in a few hours, helping 13,000 Chinese citizens evacuate from Libya through Greece and return home. “This was the largest, fastest and most effective overseas protection operation for Chinese citizens since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. We acted swiftly and decisively, embodying the principle of diplomacy for the people, putting people first and valuing life above all,” he said. Another keynote speaker, Ambassador Sun Gongyi, studied at the China Foreign Affairs University and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and has rich experience in African diplomacy. Speaking on “The Theory and Practice of Building a ‘China-Africa Community with a Shared Future’”, he highlighted the importance of launching this initiative. “Amid great changes unseen in a century, marked by strategic competition and multilateral struggles, Africa is a key partner China can rely on. For example, in international organisations and multilateral forums, African countries are often the strongest supporters of China’s proposals and assertions. The significance of the China-Africa Community with a Shared Future extends beyond bilateral relations — it contributes to the creation of a new and fair international order, which holds great importance for the entire world,” he stated. During the Q&A session, the response was enthusiastic. One participant Prof. C. C. CHAN, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Distinguished Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, posed questions and shared his insights. He expressed great admiration for the courage of Chinese diplomats in carrying out their duties without fear for their own safety. He also shared that during his visit to Sweden, local officials praised China’s strong diplomacy, which is backed by robust economic and defence capabilities. Ambassador Sun highlighted that the political concept of “Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, proposed by China’s leadership, has been incorporated into UN General Assembly resolutions, reflecting the country’s wisdom in grasping global trends and the trajectory of human destiny. ***END***

PolyU PReCIT hosts inaugural forum of the Global Thought Leaders Forum Series, examining transformation of global political and economic landscape

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and innovative scientific research, with its Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) striving to contribute to the advancement of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world through interdisciplinary policy research. PReCIT has organised the new Global Thought Leaders Forum Series and hosted the inaugural forum today in collaboration with the PolyU Mainland Development Office (MDO) and Student Affairs Office. Featuring a keynote speech on the ongoing transformation of the global political and economic landscape by Prof. ZHANG Weiwei, Director of the China Institute at Fudan University, the Forum attracted over 500 PolyU students, staff and members of the public. The Forum was held at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre and was broadcast live across other venues on the PolyU campus. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President and Director of PReCIT, and Prof. LU Haitian, Director of MDO and Core Member of PReCIT, delivered speeches, while Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), Prof. Horace MUI, Interim Dean of Students and Core Member of PReCIT, and other distinguished guests attended the event. In his welcoming speech, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “In today’s complex and ever-changing global landscape, technology and innovation are not only engines of development but also influence international relations, models of governance and even the development of modern civilisation. With the PReCIT Global Thought Leaders Forum series, we envision creating a platform that gathers influential thought leaders worldwide and promotes informed dialogue on cutting-edge technology and policies.” Themed “A Century of Transformation, Choices of Great Powers,” the inaugural forum explored the strategic choices of the three major powers - China, the United States and Russia - in this historical tide, as well as the profound implications of their choices for the evolution of the entire national order. Prof. Zhang Weiwei emphasised that the world is experiencing unprecedented changes, with the rise of the East and the decline of the West becoming an irreversible historical trend. This transformation is reflected not only in the restructuring of the international political and economic landscape, but also in technological revolutions, competition between systems and transformations in forms of civilisation. Prof. Lu Haitian stated, “PReCIT will continue to invite global thought leaders to serve as distinguished speakers for the Series, focusing on key issues such as technology ethics, innovative governance and sustainable development, aiming to stimulate diverse perspectives, explore solutions, and collaborate in constructing an inclusive and developing a future global blueprint.” Bringing together top scholars, policymakers, industry leaders and innovation pioneers from around the world, the PReCIT Global Thought Leaders Forum Series casts a spotlight on the policy challenges, governance frameworks and future development strategies faced worldwide in the face of technological change. Facilitating interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge sharing, the Forum Series will serve as a bridge to connect international intellectual resources and promote the deep integration of technology and the humanities, driving sustainable development and social welfare improvements.   ***END***

PolyU reshapes AI training paradigm, significantly reducing costs and democratising AI research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) has announced achieving several milestones in Generative AI (GenAI) 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. Significantly lowering training resource requirements, protecting data privacy and removing resource barriers such as graphics processing unit (GPU) monopolies paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible environment for global institutions to participate in AI research. Advances in GenAI research are presently constrained by three major barriers: training foundation models being so computationally prohibitive that only a few organisations can afford it, effectively excluding global academia from frontier model development; domain knowledge and data remaining siloed due to privacy and copyright concerns, particularly for sensitive information in healthcare and finance; and foundation models being static and unable to evolve with emerging knowledge, while retraining each frontier model ab initio consumes an enormous amount of resources and makes rapid iteration impossible. To tackle these challenges, the PAAI team has developed a novel model training framework that enables ultra-low-resource training and decentralised model fusion. The framework is theoretically grounded and has been validated through extensive real-world applications. PolyU is the first academic institution to open-source an end-to-end FP8 low-bit training solution that covers both continual pre-training (CPT) and post-training stages. This approach will set a new standard for training models with FP8 ultra-low resources while maintaining BF16 precision, in turn revolutionising the practice of model training and positioning PolyU among the few institutions worldwide to master this advanced training technique. Compared with BF16, FP8 delivers over 20% faster training, reduces peak memory by over 10% and dramatically lowers training overheads while maintaining performance. The pipeline integrates CPT, supervised fine-tuning (SFT) and reinforcement learning (RL) to achieve BF16 quality while shortening training time and reducing memory footprint. The team has begun exploring even lower-cost FP4 precision training, with initial results reported in academic publications1. In medical applications, the models trained by these pipelines outperform all peer models on diagnosis and reasoning across all key areas2. In research agent application, the models also demonstrate exceptional performance in complex task handling, generalisation and report quality3. Until now, foundation model training has followed scaling laws: more parameters yield broader knowledge and stronger performance. However, centralised training typically requires millions of GPU hours—a resource available to only a few organisations. The PolyU InfiFusion model fusion achieves a key milestone in model fusion research: it uses only hundreds of GPU hours to fuse large models that would otherwise require 1–2 million GPU hours to train from scratch. The team has merged four state-of-the-art models in 160 GPU hours4-5, avoiding million-scale training budgets while delivering fused models that significantly outperform the originals across multiple key benchmarks. The team has published the first theoretical validation of model fusion—a concept championed by Thinking Machines Lab. Through rigorous mathematical derivation, they proposed the “Model Merging Scaling Law,” suggesting there is another viable pathway to artificial general intelligence (AGI)6. Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of PolyU PAAI, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Professor of the Department of Computing, stated, “Ultra-low-resource foundation model training, combined with efficient model fusion, enables academic researchers worldwide to advance GenAI research through collaborative innovation.” The team has also demonstrated the potential of its training pipelines through applications across specific domains, including state-of-the-art medical foundation and cancer AI models that achieve best-in-class performance. With the integration of high-quality domain-specific data, these models can adapt to medical devices for different scenarios, including personalised treatment and AI-based radiotherapy for oncology. In this context, the team is now collaborating with Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong. PAAI has also introduced a leading agentic AI application in deep search and academic paper assistance—a graduate-level academic paper writer with agentic capability that supports a multimodal patent-search engine for end-to-end research and manuscript drafting. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, stated, “AI is a key driver in accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. The newly established PAAI is dedicated to expediting AI integration across key sectors and developing domain-specific models for diverse industries. These initiatives will not only solidify the leading position of PolyU in related fields, but also help position Hong Kong as a global hub for GenAI.” The research project led by Prof. Yang Hongxia is supported and funded by the Theme-based Research Scheme 2025/26 under the Research Grants Council, the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government, and the Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme under Cyberport. It marks a significant step forward for Hong Kong in global AI innovation and accelerating the democratisation and industrial implementation of AI technology.   1InfiR2: A Comprehensive FP8 Training Recipe for Reasoning-Enhanced Language Models,  https://arxiv.org/html/2509.22536v3 2InfiMed: Low-Resource Medical MLLMs with Advancing Understanding and Reasoning, https://arxiv.org/html/2505.23867 3InfiAgent: Self-Evolving Pyramid Agent Framework for Infinite Scenarios, https://arxiv.org/html/2509.22502 4InfiGFusion: Graph-on-Logits Distillation via Efficient Gromov-Wasserstein for Model Fusion, https://arxiv.org/html/2505.13893 5InfiFPO: Implicit Model Fusion via Preference Optimization in Large Language Models, https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.13878 6Model Merging Scaling Laws in Large Language Models, https://arxiv.org/html/2509.24244   ***END***

PolyU research achieves record efficiency in semi-transparent solar cells, advancing the development of building-integrated photovoltaics

Transparent solar cells can be integrated into windows, screens and other surfaces, with immense potential for them to revolutionise the renewable energy sector. However, there are challenges to overcome, one of which is balancing transparency with power conversion efficiency. Semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) that offer the dual advantages of efficient energy generation and visually appealing design are thus attracting significant research interest. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have recently developed an innovative parameter to evaluate the potential of photoactive materials for ST-OPVs. By screening for the most promising materials and their combinations, the research has advanced the development of high-performance ST-OPVs and paved the way for their widespread applications in smart windows and sustainable buildings. With their unique discrete absorption, low-cost production and environmental sustainability, ST-OPVs have very significant development potential in the field of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). To fully realise their potential in the BIPV market and beyond, scientists have combined different materials and leveraged advanced device engineering technologies to enhance the efficiency and stability of ST-OPVs, while ensuring that the colour of the product appears natural under sunlight so that the photovoltaic system does not compromise the building’s visual appeal. Prof. LI Gang, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology and Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, together with Research Fellow Dr YU Jiangsheng, introduced a dimensionless parameter, FoMLUE, to screen a series of classic photoactive materials. It takes into account the materials’ average visual transmittance, bandgap and current density by investigating their normalised absorbance. The researchers found that ST-OPVs based on the ternary materials with the highest FoMLUE values demonstrated enhanced thermal insulation and operational stability compared with their counterparts, and achieved record light utilisation efficiency of 6.05% - the highest figure of merit reported for any semi-transparent solar cell. Their research additionally revealed the influence of geographical factors on ST-OPV performance. To explore the power generation and energy-saving performance of ST-OPV glazed windows, the research team developed a transient model to simulate power output and assess its impact on building space cooling and heating loads. The model, applied in 371 cities across China, has shown that over 90% achieved annual load reductions. Geographical analysis has further indicated that regions with hot summers and warm winters are the most suitable for the installation of ST-OPV glazed windows, with the annual total energy saving in these regions reaching up to 1.43 GJ m ⁻². A paper reporting the research, “Semitransparent organic photovoltaics with wide geographical adaptability as sustainable smart windows,” has been published in Nature Communications. Prof. Li said, “As an emerging solar photovoltaic technology, solar windows offer new possibilities for practical deployment in BIPV, renewable energy vehicles and agricultural greenhouses. Our findings highlight the multifunctionality and geographical adaptability of high-performance ST-OPVs in the construction of sustainable and energy-saving smart windows without compromising the integrity of architectural design, showcasing their highly promising commercial prospects.” Moving forward, the research team will continue to enhance the long-term stability of ST-OPVs and scale up development to large-area solar modules, both of which are essential for achieving commercialisation.   ***END***

PolyU scholars and startups win four awards at HICOOL 2025 Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition

Chinese only