Media Releases

PolyU and University of Macau launch Joint Laboratory of Robotics and Embodied Intelligence and dual PhD degree programme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Macau (UM) today signed collaboration agreements to inaugurate the Joint Laboratory of Robotics and Embodied Intelligence—the first joint laboratory between Hong Kong and Macau universities that is co-funded by both institutions—and to formalise a new dual PhD degree programme targeting young innovative talents in emerging fields such as robotics, embodied intelligence and autonomous systems. This cross-regional collaboration marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong and Macau’s endeavours to promote cutting-edge research and nurture young high-calibre talent, enhancing the competitiveness of the technology industries in both regions. The signing ceremony was held at the University of Macau. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Yonghua SONG, Rector of UM; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; and Prof. Wei GE, Vice Rector (Research) of UM, the Joint Laboratory Agreement was signed by Prof. Wen-Hua CHEN, Interim Head of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering of PolyU, and Prof. Cheng-Zhong XU, Dean of Faculty of Science and Technology of UM; while the agreement for dual PhD degree programme was signed by Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of Graduate School of PolyU, and Prof. Pak Kin WONG, Dean of the Graduate School of UM. Distinguished guests from both universities then attended a plaque unveiling ceremony held to celebrate the official establishment of the Joint Laboratory. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng stated, “The collaboration between PolyU and UM to establish the first joint laboratory between Hong Kong and Macau and to launch a dual PhD programme demonstrates our shared vision to advance frontier research in robotics and embodied intelligence, foster cross-regional research collaboration, and nurture elite talent who will contribute to the development of the Greater Bay Area. These two initiatives not only address strategic regional imperatives but also aligns closely with our Nation’s long-term goals in technological innovation and socio-economic advancement. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU has decades of experience in translating research outcomes into real-world solutions. Through this partnership, interdisciplinary teams from both universities will work in synergy to produce high-impact research, pioneer transformative technologies, and facilitate knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, Macau, and the Nation.” Prof. Yonghua Song said, “The Joint Laboratory brings together UM’s strengths in interdisciplinary research, artificial intelligence and engineering with PolyU’s expertise in applied science and engineering practice. It will advance fundamental research and promote technology transfer in cutting-edge fields such as intelligent robotics and embodied artificial intelligence. In addition to building on the two universities’ long-standing research collaboration, the laboratory will serve as a strategic platform for cultivating high-quality innovative talent. The four-year dual PhD programme features joint supervision by faculty members from both institutions. This initiative aims to synergise the disciplinary and technological strengths of both institutions and establish an internationally competitive doctoral training model for the Greater Bay Area, thereby supporting China’s high-quality development and the development of world-class research hubs.” The Joint Laboratory draws on the disciplinary strengths and robust research resources of PolyU and UM to accelerate research and knowledge transfer in intelligent robotics, artificial intelligence-driven technology and other relevant fields. It will serve as a critical collaboration platform for strengthening research, academic exchange and talent development between the two universities. The dual PhD degree programme adopts a four-year structure with co-supervision by academics from the two universities. Leveraging PolyU strengths in engineering and technology and UM’s comprehensive disciplinary breadth, the programme provides students with opportunities to conduct research projects and take classes at both institutions. Upon graduation, students will be awarded two separate PhD degrees from both universities.   ***END***

PolyU develops third-generation intelligent in-situ laser melt pool monitoring technology, deepening industry-academia-research integration to empower advanced manufacturing in Greater Bay Area

A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed “IntraSpect™”, a third-generation intelligent in-situ laser melt pool monitoring technology that marks a breakthrough in high-end precision manufacturing. During welding, high-energy heat sources melt metal to form a micro-scale molten zone known as the melt pool. Its internal condition directly affects welding quality, yet conventional technologies are unable to monitor it in real time during processing. By combining Optical Coherence Tomography with a multi-modal artificial intelligence engine, IntraSpect™ creates an “Industrial Eye” capable of monitoring the melt pool’s internal condition in real time with micron-level precision, capturing three-dimensional morphological changes during welding to address the long-standing industry challenge of welding defects at source. The project has established partnerships with multiple industry leaders in the Greater Bay Area and is advancing commercialisation, with potential applications extending to medical devices, aviation, aerospace and other sectors demanding exceptionally high welding quality. The IntraSpect™ project is led by Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering and Chair Professor of Materials Engineering; and Prof. Xiewen WEN, Assistant Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Prof. Man has devoted forty years to the field of high-power laser welding, accumulating extensive industry collaboration experience and a deep understanding of industry pain points and practical needs. Prof. Wen specialises in precision optical instrument design and micro-scale dynamic capture technology. Their interdisciplinary collaboration and complementary expertise have ensured that the development of IntraSpect™ has been closely aligned with industrial application scenarios from inception. Prof. H.C. Man said, “Conventional welding monitoring relies primarily on surface observation or post-process inspection, making it difficult to capture the melt pool’s internal condition in real time during processing. The consequences range from product scrapping and economic losses to, at worst, safety incidents. IntraSpect™ intervenes at the source, identifying and correcting defects at an early stage. This transforms reactive post-process inspection into proactive prevention, dramatically reducing scrap rates while significantly enhancing production efficiency and product reliability.” Prof. Xiewen Wen explained, “IntraSpect™ is like equipping welding machinery with an ‘Industrial Eye’. Within one-millionth of a second, it can penetrate the arc flash, metal vapour and spatter generated during welding to directly measure the three-dimensional depth and morphology inside the melt pool, achieving micron-level, real-time navigation. This enables the machine to self-correct during welding, achieving closed-loop process control.” Testing has validated that the IntraSpect™ system’s detection data deviates by less than two percent from destructive testing results, with technical specifications reaching internationally leading standards. Compared to similar imported products, the system costs approximately half as much, with investment recoverable in less than one year. The team estimates that this technology can replace up to 70% of destructive testing processes, substantially saving material and time costs while achieving 100% comprehensive monitoring and establishing a complete quality traceability record for every weld. IntraSpect™ will initially focus on precision welding processes for new energy vehicle batteries and 3C electronic products such as smartphones. The team is collaborating with industry partners on pilot testing to transform the technology into practical industrial solutions. In the long term, the technology has additional potential for extension to medical devices, aviation, aerospace and other sectors with extremely stringent welding quality requirements. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, remarked, “IntraSpect™ fully demonstrates PolyU’s unique strengths and potential in deep industry-academia-research integration. We are committed not only to achieving original breakthroughs in frontier technologies, but also to translating research outcomes from campus to industry for the benefit of society. The National 15th Five-Year Plan continues to emphasise the development of new quality productive forces, and intelligent manufacturing is the core engine driving industrial upgrading through technological innovation. PolyU will continue to actively align with national strategies and the HKSAR Government’s new industrialisation policies, contributing to the upgrading of high-end manufacturing in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and further consolidating Hong Kong’s unique position as an international innovation and technology hub.” The team aspires to combine Hong Kong’s research strengths with the Greater Bay Area’s industrial ecosystem to build a safer, more efficient and more intelligent high-end manufacturing system for the Nation, while injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s high-quality economic development.   ***END***

PolyU holds inauguration ceremony for Master of Technology Entrepreneurship programme, nurturing next generation of entrepreneurial leaders

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to nurturing innovative talent and entrepreneurs, translating research outcomes into practical innovations that benefit society. Last month, PolyU launched the Master Technology Entrepreneurship (MTE) programme. Through its 12 Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) established in major cities across the Chinese Mainland, the programme enables students to implement entrepreneurial projects and helps them to transform innovative ideas and cutting-edge research into successful startups. The inaugural MTE cohort comprises over 50 students from diverse backgrounds, spanning sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, architecture, media and e-commerce. Among them are research and development professionals, startup founders, corporate executives and individuals seeking a career change, reflecting the programme’s core emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The PolyU Graduate School hosted the Inauguration Ceremony cum Gala Dinner for the MTE programme on 30 January. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); Prof. QIU Anqi and Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Deans of the Graduate School; Prof. HE Mingguang, MTE Programme Director; and Prof. Sylvia LIU, MTE Deputy Programme Director, attended the ceremony. The event also featured a masterclass delivered by Prof. WANG Jian, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BGI Group. In his speech, Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “The MTE programme is a new flagship initiative of the PolyU Graduate School, designed to nurture leaders in technology entrepreneurship and drive the translation of creative ideas into societal impact through interdisciplinary training. This aligns closely with the innovation-driven strategy of the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and reinforces Hong Kong’s vital role in the Greater Bay Area’s innovation and technology landscape. In recent years, PolyU has been actively expanding its research presence in the Chinese Mainland, establishing 12 Translational Research Institutes in various cities. These Institutes provide extensive resources and platforms for MTE students. I hope all our students will embrace exploration and innovation, accelerating their growth through learning and practice. Together, we will shape the new era of technology entrepreneurship.” During the ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao presented Prof. Wang Jian with an appointment certificate as an Honorary Professor of the Graduate School. Prof. Wang Jian then delivered a masterclass titled “Omics for ALL”, sharing, from a scientist’s perspective, how BGI transcended binary thinking and drove continuous innovation. He also recounted the various challenges encountered on his own entrepreneurial journey. Drawing on his extensive experiences in scientific innovation and entrepreneurship, he encouraged students to embrace interdisciplinary thinking and pursue excellence. The MTE programme breaks through traditional academic frameworks by placing hands-on entrepreneurship at its core. The programme cultivates entrepreneurial talent with both technical expertise and business acumen, helping students turn their startup ideas into operational ventures. Adopting a cross-regional teaching model that integrates Hong Kong’s international advantages with the industrial resources of the Chinese Mainland, the programme enables students to broaden their global perspectives. In addition to masterclasses delivered by industry leaders, the programme leverages PolyU’s MTRIs to provide students with exclusive practice opportunities, connect them with industry networks, and provide exposure to real-world industrial landscapes and relevant policy resources. Students are required to establish a technology startup through one of the PolyU MTRIs or other reputable entrepreneurship platforms before graduation. PolyU aims to converge these market-ready entrepreneurial outcomes to create a distinctive brand that defines the new era of technology entrepreneurship, laying a solid foundation for students to embark on their journey as technology entrepreneurs. For programme details and application procedures, please visit: https://polyu.hk/NcCKT ***END***

PolyU launches International Summer School and Summer Institute, fusing innovative courses with multicultural experiences to nurture future leaders

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to nurturing socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. The University actively promotes diverse learning experiences to prepare students for an ever-changing future. In July and August this year, PolyU will host the International Summer School (ISS) 2026 for undergraduate students as well as the Summer Institute (SI) 2026 for high-school students. These programmes welcome students from around the world to experience PolyU’s excellent learning and teaching culture as a global top 100 university, alongside a wide range of local tours and cultural experiences. This year, the ISS is launching a seven-day PolyU Summer Discovery for the first time, while the SI has further expanded its range of subjects to provide students with fresh and enriching learning experience. Now in its tenth year, the ISS is a five-week programme designed for undergraduate students. It features three thematic learning tracks that align closely with global development trends: “Chinese Language, Culture and Society”, “Science, Technology and Creative Design” and “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Global Impact”. The PolyU Department of Applied Physics will, for the first time, offer a course on astronomy, covering basic knowledge of celestial motion, light and matter, the solar system, stellar evolution and the large-scale structure of the universe, as well as methods of observing astronomical phenomena. There will also be other courses such as multilingual societies in Hong Kong, smart wearables and smart living, and renewable energy for a sustainable world. The ISS has been well-received by students worldwide since its launch. Daisy DAI, a participant from the Chinese Mainland, said, “The ISS has broadened my horizons. Interacting with students from around the globe has been immensely rewarding. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and fulfilling summer experience.” Sofia FELLINGER, a participant from Germany, said, “The courses here are well-organised, making it easy to access information and connect with others. This fulfilling and meaningful learning experience has motivated me to consider pursuing further studies at PolyU in the future.” The newly introduced seven-day PolyU Summer Discovery offers students in-depth experience of local culture and campus life, free from academic pressure. Activities include guided campus tours, local cultural explorations, workshops on intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and international networking events. These will enable students to gain a comprehensive understanding of PolyU, be introduced to Hong Kong’s multiculturalism and expand their intercultural exchange networks. PolyU ISS 2026 and PolyU Summer Discovery are now accepting undergraduate student applications until 23 March. For details, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/summerschool/. The SI welcomes high-school students from around the globe, bringing together students from diverse cultural backgrounds to experience campus life at PolyU. During the five-day residential camp, students will live in the University’s student halls and take part in day-long attachment activities organised by PolyU faculties and schools, as well as visits to local companies and organisations. These experiences aim to inspire them to learn more about different academic disciplines and related career prospects, better preparing them for future studies. The SI will offer an expanded selection of subjects this year. During the five-day programme, students can choose from 16 credit-bearing or non-credit-bearing subjects in areas such as business, applied social sciences, computing and artificial intelligence, engineering, construction, science, humanities, design, fashion and textiles. This allows them to explore their interests in depth and plan their future study pathways. Students who successfully complete the credit-bearing subjects may apply for credit transfer upon later admission to PolyU, subject to prevailing academic regulations. The PolyU SI 2026 is now open for applications from high-school students. Deadline for non-local applicants is 31 March, and for local applicants is 31 May. For details, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/summerinstitute/. ***END***

PolyU appoints Mr Cheung Leong as Vice President (Administration and Development)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announces the appointment of Mr CHEUNG Leong as Vice President (Administration and Development) with effect from 4 May 2026. As Vice President (Administration and Development), Mr Cheung will provide strategic leadership in fundraising, public affairs, and alumni engagement. He will also oversee internal governance and the operational efficiency of central functions, including Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Risk and Compliance, Internal Audit, the University Health Service, and university subsidiaries. He will play a leading role in the transformation of the College of Professional and Continuing Education into a new private university. Mr Cheung has a distinguished track record of leadership across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Most recently, he served as Chief Strategy Officer of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Exchange Fund Investment Office, where he led investment operation, digital transformation, and sustainable investment initiatives. Prior to that, as Executive Director of Charities and Community at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, he was responsible for its charitable initiatives, managing Asia’s largest philanthropic portfolios, driving strategic shifts towards societal impact-focused projects, and pioneering digital innovations in social services and education. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said: “Mr Cheung’s outstanding record in strategic leadership, cross-sector collaboration and transformative change makes him well placed to advance PolyU’s mission. His strong commitment to societal impact, together with his extensive networks and operational acumen, will be instrumental in further enhancing our institutional resilience, global reputation, and community engagement.” In addition to his full-time professional roles, he has been actively involved in the development of social enterprises and educational institutions. He currently chairs the Committee on Reduction of Salt and Sugar in Food under the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and has held advisory and academic appointments at leading local and global universities. Mr Cheung holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Download Mr Cheung Leong’s portrait here. ***END***

AI-powered companionship: PolyU interfaculty scholar harnesses music and empathetic speech in robots to combat loneliness

Loneliness has a critical impact on the mental health of citizens, particularly among the elderly. Robots capable of perceiving and responding to human emotions can serve as heart-warming companions to help lift the spirits. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has discovered that the combined power of music and empathetic speech in robots with artificial intelligence (AI) could foster a stronger bond between humans and machines. These findings underscore the importance of a multimodal approach in designing empathetic robots, offering significant implications for their application in health support, elder care, education and beyond. The research project, A Talking Musical Robot over Multiple Interactions, was led by Prof. Johan HOORN, Interfaculty Full Professor of Social Robotics of the School of Design and the Department of Computing at PolyU, in collaboration with Dr Ivy HUANG at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The study investigated how music and empathetic speech could enhance the emotional resonance of on-screen robots, revealing that music can act as a powerful adjunct to empathetic speech. As part of the study, the team examined how Cantonese-speaking participants interacted with empathetic robots across three interactive sessions. The findings showed that combining music and speech significantly increased the participants’ perceived empathy of the machines. “Our data indicate that the presence of music continued to enhance the robot’s resemblance to humans in later sessions,” explained Prof. Hoorn. “One interpretation is that music made the interaction feel more like a real conversation with a personality, something human counsellors might do by playing music to comfort their clients, which in turn made the robot seem more lifelike or socially present.” However, the research pointed out that the impact of music could diminish over time when the participants became attuned to the music after repeated sessions, highlighting the importance of tailoring interaction strategies to individual users’ needs to sustain effective human-robot interaction. The study suggested that empathetic robots should be designed to adapt their responses to user feedback and context, for example, by adjusting various musical elements or gradually personalising dialogue content to maintain sustained relevance of empathy. Prof. Hoorn emphasised: “Our research points to the significance of multimodal communication encompassing music, speech and more through empathetic robots. It holds considerable promise for application in real-world settings, particularly in the fields of mental health support and elderly care. The integration of empathetic robots capable of delivering tailored musical experiences and engaging in sensitive conversation could provide meaningful companionship and emotional support to individuals who may experience loneliness or social isolation.” Prof. Hoorn is leading another project, “Social Robots with Embedded Large Language Models Releasing Stress among the Hong Kong Population”, which has received funding of over HK$40 million from the Research Grants Council Theme-based Research Scheme. Concurrently serving as Associate Director of the PolyU Research Institute for Quantum Technology, Prof. Hoorn is set to explore quantum-inspired models of human affect to better capture and respond to the inherent vagueness and ambiguity of emotional experience. Unlike traditional computational systems that struggle with the fluid and context-dependent nature of affective responses, quantum models can represent emotional states as probabilistic superpositions, reflecting the genuine uncertainty and complexity of human feelings. “What excites me the most is the possibility of developing social robots that not only recognise the complexity of human affect but also embrace it. These robots could offer support that is adaptable, open-ended and compassionate, similar to the individuals they are designed to help,” added Prof. Hoorn. The study has been published in ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction, a leading peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal in the field. ***END***

PolyU collaborates with University of Toronto to explore establishment of joint research centre, driving gerontechnology innovation in response to ageing population

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Toronto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday to explore the establishment of a Joint Research Centre on Healthy Ageing and AgeTech. In response to the challenges brought about by global ageing, this initiative aims to promote the development and application of gerontechnology, and enhance the quality of life and care for older adults. The partnership will foster in-depth cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Toronto in research innovation, knowledge transfer and talent cultivation in the field of gerontechnology, benefitting the elderly populations of both cities and beyond. Held on the PolyU campus, the MoU signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. ZHANG Ming, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering. The MoU was signed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU and Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS, Associate Vice-President, International Partnerships of the University of Toronto. Under the MoU, the PolyU’s Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering will work closely with the University of Toronto Institute of Biomedical Engineering and its institutional strategic initiative, AGE-WELL National Network (AGE-WELL), to explore setting up the joint research centre. They will also jointly develop application-oriented gerontechnologies, and co-organise staff and student exchange programmes as well as international conferences to strengthen research and education. The two universities aspire to build a bridge between elderly care support in Hong Kong and Toronto through technology, with particular attention to the needs of Cantonese-speaking older adults and their families. Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “PolyU is firmly committed to addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary innovation, with population ageing being one of the most pressing issues of our time. By joining forces with the University of Toronto – a global leader in biomedical engineering and gerontechnology – we aim to co-develop solutions that have real-world impact, enabling older adults to live longer, healthier and more independent lives. This collaboration will not only drive technological breakthroughs but also foster closer connections between Hong Kong and Toronto in advancing smart ageing, creating an influential international innovation platform.” Prof. Alex Mihailidis said, “The University of Toronto, together with AGE-WELL, has long been dedicated to developing technologies that enable older adults to age well and with dignity. This MoU with PolyU marks an important step towards a truly global ecosystem for gerontechnology innovation. By combining our complementary strengths in biomedical engineering, clinical research and community-based innovation, we will be able to accelerate the development, evaluation and deployment of technologies that support better care, independence and quality of life for diverse older populations – including Cantonese-speaking communities in both cities.” PolyU possesses strong research capabilities in smart ageing, rehabilitation technology and biomedical engineering, with multiple research and service units, including RISA, from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds. The University of Toronto holds a leading position in gerontechnology, biomedical engineering and community-based innovation, while its AGE-WELL has a nationwide network across Canada. Their collaboration will enable development of a robust international platform for gerontechnology that will advance translation of research outcomes and nurture a new generation of talent in relevant fields. In addition, the two universities will seek support from the communities in both cities, and, through the joint research centre, continuously innovate and promote the use of gerontechnology in community, with the vision of bringing older adults a “HAPPI” life: Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent.   ***END***  

Eight PolyU research projects receive support from Environment and Conservation Fund, driving sustainable development through interdisciplinary collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing interdisciplinary research and translating research outcomes into innovative, impactful solutions that foster sustainable development. Eight PolyU projects have received support under the first-round funding exercise of the 2025/26 Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF). These projects cover areas including low-carbon construction materials, wastewater treatment, electric vehicle infrastructure, greenhouse gas monitoring, air quality assessment, coral reef restoration and eco-cultural tourism, with total funding of approximately HK$6.45 million. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), congratulated the research teams and said, “We sincerely thank the ECF for supporting and recognising PolyU’s interdisciplinary research efforts. PolyU is committed to tackling climate change, achieving carbon neutrality and promoting sustainable development through education, research and policy studies. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU will continue to address global challenges with world-leading research and innovation, contributing to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and sustainable future for Hong Kong.” Funded PolyU projects: Principal Investigator Research Project Awarded Amount (HKD) Faculty of Construction and Environment Prof. Joseph AWANGE Professor Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics AI-powered Sky Scans: Revolutionising Hong Kong’s Greenhouse Gas Monitoring with GNSS-RO 348,000 Prof. LENG Zhen Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering   Associate Director Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality Dual-phase VOC Reduction of Waste Tyre Modified Low-carbon High-performance Asphalt Pavements through Reactive Extrusion 1,316,000 Prof. LIU Tao Assistant Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Reconfiguring Saline Wastewater Treatment to Remove Phosphorus and Nitrogen via Innovative Pathways 500,000 Prof. MA Wei Associate Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering EVChargeMap: An Integrated Geospatial Database of Public and Private EV Chargers in Hong Kong 500,000 Prof. Charles WONG Associate Dean (Teaching & Global Engagement) Faculty of Construction and Environment   Professor Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics   Associate Director Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development Unravelling City-wide Vertical Aerosol and Particulate Matter, a Remote Sensing Study in Hong Kong 600,000 Faculty of Engineering Prof. CHAU Kwok Tong Chair Professor of Electrical Energy Engineering Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Next-generation ChaoJi Chargers and AI driven Intelligent Infrastructure Siting Strategy for Electric Vehicles 1,000,000 Faculty of Science Prof. James FANG Associate Professor Department of Food Science and Nutrition 3D-printed Artificial Reefs from Oyster Shell Waste for Coral Restoration: Technology Demonstration and Community Education 1,593,200 School of Design Prof. WANG Xiaolu Assistant Professor School of Design Commons-based Smart Ecological Stewardship in Mirs Bay: Integrating Technology, Eco-cultural Tourism, and Community Governance 594,400 The ECF was set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China to provide funding support for educational, research and other projects and activities in relation to environmental protection and nature conservation matters. It aims to encourage the public to change their behaviour and lifestyle to achieve sustainable development, and to develop or introduce innovative technologies and practices to improve the environment and conserve resources. ***END***

PolyU develops novel antibody targeting fat cell protein, offering new approach to treating metabolism-related liver cancer

Liver cancer is one of the three deadliest cancers worldwide, and metabolic dysfunction-related cases have become increasingly common in recent years. A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has identified a protein secreted by fat cells that promotes cancer growth and has successfully developed a novel antibody that neutralises this protein, marking a significant breakthrough in impeding the progression of liver cancer. The research findings have been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, currently affects around a quarter of the global population and is an important risk factor for liver cancer. In affected individuals, fat cells induce insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, leading to excessive fat accumulation in the liver. This ultimately impairs liver function and may progress to liver cancer. Treatment options for MASLD-induced liver cancer remain limited and the effectiveness of current immunotherapies is suboptimal. A breakthrough study led by Prof. Terence LEE, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and his research team has revealed that an adipocyte-derived protein, known as fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a key driver that accelerates tumour growth. Through mass spectrometry, the team confirmed that patients with MASLD-induced liver cancer had markedly elevated FABP4 levels in their serum. Further investigations showed that FABP4 activates a series of pro-proliferative signalling pathways within cells, causing cancer cells to multiply and grow more rapidly. Prof. Lee’s team has successfully developed a monoclonal antibody that neutralises FABP4. This antibody not only inhibits the growth and proliferation of FABP4-driven cancer stem cells, but also enhances the ability of immune cells to combat cancer. Prof. Lee said, “This neutralising antibody against FABP4 demonstrates significant potential in inhibiting tumour growth and activating immune cells, providing a complementary approach to current immunotherapy strategies. Our findings highlight that targeting adipocyte-derived FABP4 holds promise for treating MASLD-induced liver cancer.” Prof. Lee added that gaining deeper insights into how adipocyte-derived FABP4 affects liver cancer cells helps to explicate the disease mechanisms of liver cancer, particularly in obese individuals. Intervening in the relevant signalling pathways could provide effective methods to combat this aggressive malignancy. Prof. Lee believes that, as this adipocyte-targeted immunotherapy continues to mature, it will bring more treatment options to MASLD patients. He remarked, “If its efficacy can be proven in clinical trials, it could offer new hope to many affected individuals.” The research is supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. PolyU has filed a non-provisional patent for the developed antibody and is continuing to optimise its binding affinity to facilitate future clinical applications. ***END***

PolyU and HKSH Medical Group forge strategic collaboration to cultivate new generation of dietetic professionals, providing clinical placements for master’s students in dietetics

In response to the growing demand amid Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population for healthcare professionals such as dietitians, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has launched the Master of Science (MSc) in Dietetics programme in the 2025/26 academic year to nurture a new generation of dietetic professionals. PolyU today signed a collaborative agreement with HKSH Medical Group to provide clinical placement opportunities for students of the programme. This collaboration marks a significant step for both parties in nurturing dietetic professionals equipped with both specialised expertise and practical experience for the local healthcare, food industry, research, education and public health sectors, benefiting the community. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Daniel SHEK, PolyU Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme); Prof. WONG Man-kin, Associate Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Science; Dr Joseph CHAN, Chief Medical Officer of HKSH Medical Group, Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, and Director of HKSH Institute for Innovation and Professional Development; and Dr CHOW Shew Ping, Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. The agreement was signed by Prof. CHEN Sheng, Head of the PolyU Department of Food Science and Nutrition, and Dr Walton LI, Chief Executive Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. Prof. Daniel Shek remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing professional talents, and continues to enhance its curriculum to best meet the needs of society and the industry. As the first local university to offer a MSc in Dietetics, PolyU pledges to provide students with diverse placement experiences. This close collaboration brings together PolyU’s academic excellence and HKSH’s clinical expertise to further optimise the programme design, setting a new benchmark for nutrition education in Hong Kong.” Dr Walton Li stated, “HKSH and PolyU have jointly offered Hong Kong’s first Master of Nursing programme since 2008, providing theoretical teaching and clinical placement opportunities. Today, the collaboration between HKSH and PolyU will extend to the allied health field of dietetics, offering clinical placements for the first local MSc in Dietetics programme. This marks a more comprehensive step forward in our joint efforts to promote the development of healthcare professionals and cultivate a new generation of outstanding dietetic talents for the continuous enhancement of healthcare services.” Dr Joseph Chan said, “HKSH endeavours to apply numerous advanced technologies in clinical practice, which requires substantial research work and talent training as support. With HKSH Institute for Innovation and Professional Development being one of the training hubs for local medical talents, we believe that this collaboration with PolyU can provide dietetics students with a unique platform for practice and research, helping them master cutting-edge knowledge and skills, and making substantial contributions to the long-term development of the nutrition profession in Hong Kong.” Beginning in the 2026/27 academic year, HKSH will offer students from the PolyU MSc in Dietetics programme exceptional hands-on professional training opportunities in a leading private clinical setting. Through structured clinical placements at HKSH, students will be able to apply their academic knowledge. Direct mentorship from experienced dietitians at HKSH will provide invaluable guided exposure to advanced dietetic practice. This will include participating in nutrition screening and consultations for inpatients and outpatients, allergy testing, health assessment, and in the provision of personalised nutritional advice before and after treatment for patients undergoing various cancer therapies, further honing their professional competence. In addition, registered dietitians from HKSH will serve as mentors for students completing their capstone projects, and provide guidance in research and clinical audit to help lay a solid foundation for students to pursue careers in the local medical and healthcare industry.   ***END***