Belt and Road News

PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme Helps Students Expand Their Knowledge of Civil Engineering and Sustainable Development in Thailand

Twenty students from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) embarked on a study trip to Thailand from 7 to 11 January 2024. This educational excursion was supported by the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme, which is administered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO). Through the immersive experience, the students acquired a deep understanding of the latest advances in civil engineering and sustainable development, enabling them to make informed comparisons between the industries in Bangkok and Hong Kong. During the trip, the students visited King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) and various local industry sites and engaged in cultural exploration alongside the KMUTT staff and students.   Below are some comments from the participants. “My study tour in Bangkok was eye-opening. One of the highlights was a visit to the Grand Palace, where I was in awe of the intricate architecture and beautiful design. In addition, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of Thai culture through interacting with students from KMUTT. By engaging in meaningful discussions with professionals, I also expanded my knowledge of civil engineering. Overall, the study tour in Bangkok was a valuable and unforgettable experience!” -- Crement Leung   “My trip to Thailand provided me with valuable experiences that far surpassed what I could have learned in a classroom setting. Being able to explore the country first-hand allowed me to appreciate the buildings and temples that are deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. Moreover, the rapid development of Thailand's transport systems and highways was remarkable. The bustling streets and markets depicted a colourful society...What truly made this journey special were the friendships I made along the way. This experience has left an indelible mark on me.” -- John Enriquez   “One of the most memorable stories was interacting with local students at KMUTT, where each student was working on an individual creative project. I was astonished by their hands-on capabilities in tackling problems and discovering innovative solutions. I was inspired by their willpower and resourcefulness.” -- Chung Cheuk Lun About PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme The PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme aims to support faculties, schools, departments, and student-related offices in organising thematic curricular and extracurricular activities to promote bilateral student mobility and enrich PolyU students’ Belt and Road experience. The Scheme is administered by the Global Engagement Office at PolyU. More details about the Scheme can be found here.

PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences Sign MoU to Establish First Collaboration with a Mongolian Tertiary Institution

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy of the School of Nursing of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 15 January 2024, to strengthen the collaboration of both parties and signify an important step forward in contributing to the Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative.   Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU said in his welcome speech, “We are pleased to announce that the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences is the first tertiary institution in Mongolia to collaborate with PolyU. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences for their efforts in forging connections between the University and Mongolia.”   In May 2023, twelve RS students took part in a study trip to MNUMS to learn about occupational therapy, with the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme administered by PolyU’s Global Engagement Office (GEO). PolyU is confident in expanding and enhancing its cooperation with MNUMS in the future and looks forward to forging closer bonds with other universities in the Belt and Road.   About PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme The PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme aims to support faculties, schools, departments and student-related offices in organising thematic curricular and extracurricular activities to promote bilateral student mobility and enrich PolyU students’ Belt and Road experience. The Scheme is administered by the Global Engagement Office at PolyU. More details about the Scheme can be found here.

PolyU Joined the Alliance of International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) joined the Alliance of International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) as a member at the Alliance’s 3rd General Assembly of 4–5 November 2023.   ANSO was established in 2018 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences with the support of 36 other national academies, research institutions, universities and international organisations from around the world. It is a comprehensive international science and technology organisation, established under the Belt and Road Initiative, that supports the achievement of sustainable social, economic and environmental development. ANSO currently consists of 78 member institutions from 55 countries. By joining ANSO, PolyU will strengthen its collaborations with a global network of national academies of sciences, universities, research institutes and international organisations seeking to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals through science, technology, innovation and capacity building.  

PolyU Students Attend International Summer School in Nanjing Through Belt and Road Funding Scheme

Nineteen students from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) joined the International Summer School on AI organised by Southeast University from 14 to 18 May 2023 in Nanjing. The visit was made possible with the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme administered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO). Lectures gave the students insights into topics such as machine learning, knowledge graphs, and human-computer interaction. They also visited facilities including Hauwei Nanjing Research Center, NR Electric, and Purple Mountain Laboratories, and toured famous sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace in Nanjing. Cultural exchanges involving students at Southeast University also took place. Several students shared their experiences after the visit.   “This tour gave me a fruitful experience in Nanjing. I had the chance to study in a different university, meet new friends, and learn the culture of Nanjing. Moreover, this tour broadened my views about China’s technological development.”    “We learned a lot and experienced the history and culture of Nanjing. I think it was a very valuable experience for us and I am looking forward to more such opportunities in the future to learn more about Mainland China.” “Not only did I visit the scenic attractions, but I also had a chance to broaden my perspectives by communicating with locals. Visiting famous companies in China gave me a deeper understanding of my future career path and how learning about technology influences society.”  About PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme The PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme aims to support faculties, schools, departments and student-related offices in organising thematic curricular and extracurricular activities to promote bilateral student mobility and enrich PolyU students’ Belt and Road experience. The Scheme is administered by the Global Engagement Office at PolyU. More details about the Scheme can be found here.

PolyU Students Explore Business Management in Mainland China Through Belt and Road Funding Scheme

Thirteen students from the Department of Management and Marketing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) took part in a field trip to Dongguan in Mainland China that ran from 5 to 9 June 2023 to bolster their understanding of practical business management. The participants learned about business models and management strategies from senior executives at seven local companies. They also teamed up with final year students from Guangdong University of Science and Technology to carry out market research to formulate their own start-up business proposals. At the end of the trip, the students presented their business proposals to the senior executives of the organisations visited. Several students shared their views of the trip.     “Through this field trip, I have gained valuable inspiration. It not only prompted me to consider sustainable business practices from a business student’s perspective, but also encouraged me to adopt sustainable behaviour in my daily life as a consumer. As a business practitioner, it is essential to focus not only on profit but also on minimising the negative effect on the environment, as sustainable business development can lead to long-term benefits. During the five-day trip, I was impressed by the support from both society and the government for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Greater Bay Area. The experience further strengthened my determination to establish myself as an entrepreneur in the Greater Bay Area.” -- Liang Yuchen Esther   ‘“The most significant experience I had was the insight I gained from exchanges with mainland students. Students and teachers from different departments in the mainland have jointly established an entrepreneurial plan for rural China and successfully progressed it for five years… This made me understand that actions can make people grow, and they have more experience and inspiration, instead of being limited to learning from books.”    -- Yeung Chun Ho    “During the five-day study week, the most impressive experience for me was the visit to Guangdong Dongguan Science and Technology Co., Ltd. In the e-CNY section, there were different electronic payment instruments ranging from the oldest to the most advanced. I was most pleasantly surprised to come across a payment method that I had never seen before…I am optimistic about the business opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. The large market in the Greater Bay Area, coupled with attractive career development opportunities and a vibrant working environment, all these advantages have encouraged me to develop my ambitions in the Greater Bay Area.” -- Cheung Hoi Ying About PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme The PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme aims to support faculties, schools, departments and student-related offices in organising thematic curricular and extracurricular activities to promote bilateral student mobility and enrich PolyU students’ Belt and Road experience. The Scheme is administered by the Global Engagement Office at PolyU. More details about the Scheme can be found here.

PolyU Students Learn About Occupational Therapy in Mongolia Through Belt and Road Funding Scheme

Twelve students from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) took part in a study trip to Mongolia from 14 to 18 May 2023 to learn about occupational therapy (OT). The visit was made possible with the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme, administered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO). The students delivered presentations and conducted workshops at the First Mongolian International Occupational Therapy Conference, during which they exchanged ideas with global OT specialists. In addition, the students visited local rehabilitation hospitals and the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Cultural exchanges with local students were also held as the two parties explored community sites and attractions in Ulaanbaatar together. Below are some comments from the participants.    “I was overjoyed by the amount of knowledge I gained. It was an eye-opening experience to see how occupational therapy can be practiced differently in various cultures. I was inspired by the presentations and workshops, which provided me with practical and innovative approaches to enhance my OT knowledge. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and to collaborate with colleagues from different parts of the world. This trip undoubtedly expanded my horizons and motivated me to continue learning and growing in my field.” -- Chan Weng U   It was an unforgettable and meaningful journey in Mongolia. As an OT student, it was my great honour to attend the First International Conference of Mongolia Occupational Therapy Association. During the conference, we heard from occupational therapists from Mongolia and their efforts in the profession, and researchers from countries such as Japan and Switzerland shared their research. Most importantly, at the post-conference dinner night we were given the valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with participants like professors, local therapists and other healthcare professionals.” -- Lau Hoi Ming Annie   “This conference gave us a chance to listen to professors from other countries, such as Professor Bumsuk Lee from Gunma University and Professor Christiane Mentrup from Zurich University of Applied Sciences. This reinforced my knowledge and enhanced my understanding of the application and effectiveness of different techniques in the community, such as CIMT (Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy) for stroke patients and strategies for treating adult patients with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).”    -- Yau Ka Yi About PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme The PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme aims to support faculties, schools, departments and student-related offices in organising thematic curricular and extracurricular activities to promote bilateral student mobility and enrich PolyU students’ Belt and Road experience. The Scheme is administered by the Global Engagement Office at PolyU. More details about the Scheme can be found here.

PolyU Students Visited Vietnam’s Intimate Apparel Garment Factories through the Belt and Road Funding Scheme

A group of 35 students from the School of Fashion and Textiles at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) gained extensive knowledge by visiting intimate apparel garment factories in Vietnam from 14 to 18 May 2023. This visit was made possible through the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme administered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO). During the visit, the students had the opportunity to join production line tours and exchange with experts from well established companies such as Crystal Martin, Texco Limited, and Regina Miracle. Below are some sharing from the participating students after the visit:    “This trip has bnefited me a lot. It gives me the opportunity to see the operation of the factory and the brand-new manufacturing technology. In addition, because of the epidemic, we have been unable to go out for the past few years, and I am very happy to have this opportunity to study and travel with my classmates.” -- Cheung Man Ying   “It was a pleasure to visit the dressing gown factory. I was able to observe how the manufacturing process was going and gained a deeper understanding than I could theoretically learn. And I want to say thank you to all the professors who made this opportunity possible.” -- Jiyeong Ko   “As a fashion student visiting Vietnam, I gained valuable insights into the global fashion industry. I have observed the material used in producing intimate apparel and the various stages of production, from dyeing to sewing, the processes required numerous responsible workers. If the ones in front make a misstep, then all the ones following will likewise make a misstep. I obtained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field.”    -- Chiu Tsoi Hang Victoria   About PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme The PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme aims to support faculties, schools, departments and student-related offices in organising thematic curricular and extracurricular activities to promote bilateral student mobility and enrich PolyU students’ Belt and Road experience. The Scheme is administered by the Global Engagement Office at PolyU. More details about the Scheme can be found here. 

Belt and Road Funding Scheme Supports PolyU Students on Study Tour to Logistics Hubs in Singapore

Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) organised a one-week study tour for a group of 21 students to visit Singaporean institutions and companies specialising in shipping, logistics, and port operations from 7 to 14 May 2023. With the sponsorship from the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme administered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO), the programme provided students with extraordinary opportunities to gain in-depth insights into the international logistics industry. The tour included visits to Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Maritime Academy of Singapore Polytechnic, eight specialised logistics companies such as DHL and Cogent Container, as well as local cultural landmarks. Several students shared their positive experiences after the study tour.    “Our school organised the tour that gave 21 of us a unique opportunity to gain insight into the logistics and supply chain management industries. After visiting numerous companies in Singapore, we have found that there are some cultural differences between Singaporeans and ourselves. Their attitude towards working and interpersonal relationships with their co-workers is worth learning.” -- Cho Hau Nam   “During the study tour, we visited Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and met local friends studying the same field. Since it was a meeting between students, there was an opportunity for students to learn something different other than meeting with experts. We were able to share our thoughts and experiences about the industry and how our cultural and personal values align with professionalism.” -- Jung Jisoo    “This study tour can train students’ communication skills and enrich their global outlook. It allows us to manage people, plan and think strategically, and learn the operation of logistics and maritime institutions outside Hong Kong…Compared with study tours held in secondary school, the itinerary of this study tour is planned by the students. It includes communicating with target companies for site visit permission, booking hotels and flight tickets, contacting travel agents, etc. We can gain hands-on experience through trip planning.” -- Chiu Ka Chun About PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme The PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme aims to support faculties, schools, departments and student-related offices in organising thematic curricular and extracurricular activities to promote bilateral student mobility and enrich PolyU students’ Belt and Road experience. The Scheme is administered by the Global Engagement Office at PolyU. More details about the Scheme can be found here.  

PolyU hosts Forum of the Belt and Road Alliance Founding Institutions

The Global Engagement Office of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University hosted the Forum of the Belt and Road Alliance Founding Institutions on 7 July 2023 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Under the theme of “Jointly Building the Belt and Road”, the Forum was organised by PolyU’s Global Engagement Office, which brought together 18 scholars from the founding institutions of seven Belt and Road academic alliances to share insights on fostering talent development, knowledge transfer and research development for sustainable advancement of the Belt and Road countries. The alliances include the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR), Association of Sino-Russian Technical Universities (ASRTU), China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Consortium of Universities, University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (UCMSR), Alliance of International Science Organisations in the Belt and Road Region (ANSO), ASEAN-China Network for Cooperation and Exchanges among Engineering and Technology Universities (ACNET-EngTech), and BRICS Universities League (BUL). In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU, said, “By leveraging our strong presence in the Mainland, and our expertise and strengths in education, research and knowledge transfer, PolyU has been playing an instrumental role in supporting the country’s Belt and Road Initiative to bring about positive changes in the region. Through this forum, we aim to exchange ideas and experiences with representatives from those academic alliances, in order to unlock opportunities for academic and research collaborations with Belt and Road universities.” Prof. Geoffrey Q.P. SHEN, Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships) and Chairman of PolyU’s Sub-Committee on Belt and Road Development, said, “PolyU is dedicated to advancing student exchange and academic collaboration with Belt and Road countries. We have co-founded and joined various Belt and Road alliances and are working closely with our partners on initiatives such as cultural exchange, mobility for students and faculty, professional training, and related services. We aim to further strengthen our collaboration with the Belt and Road alliances and their member institutions and contribute to the prosperous development of the Belt and Road.” The speakers included: Prof. XI Guang, Member of the University Council and Vice President at Xi’an Jiaotong University (Founding Institution and President of UASR); Prof. ZHEN Liang, Member of the University Council and Vice President of Harbin Institute of Technology (Founding Institution and President of ASRTU); Prof. FANG Ying, Vice President at Xiamen University (Founding Institution and President of UCMSR); Prof. CAO Jinghua, Executive Director of the Secretariat Office of ANSO; Associate Prof. ZHANG Jiegen, Director of the Pakistan Study Centre at Fudan University (Founding Institution and President of CPEC Consortium of Universities); Prof. SHEN Yi, Director of Centre for BRICS Studies at Fudan University (Founding Institution and President of BUL); and Prof. SU Rongxin, Deputy Dean of School of Marine Science and Technology at Tianjin University (Founding Institution and President of ACNET-EngTech). During the Forum, participants shared their experience and best practice on regional academic exchanges and research collaboration to advance the Belt and Road development. Discussions were made on the future alliance development, industry-academia-research collaboration, as well as inter-university and inter-alliance cooperation. The participating institutions have released the “Joint Consensus of the Belt and Road Alliance Founding Institutions Forum,” committing to collectively work towards the high-quality development of the Belt and Road. The full text of the Consensus is available here (Chinese version only). PolyU has built robust partnerships with tertiary and research institutions worldwide to advance its education, research and knowledge transfer impact around the globe. Actively strengthening its international networks to support the Belt and Road Initiative, PolyU is not only the Co-founder and Vice-President of UASR, but also a member of ASRTU, CPEC Consortium of Universities, UCMSR, and ACNET-EngTech.

PolyU Joined ASEAN-China Network for Cooperation and Exchanges among Engineering and Technology Universities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) joined the ASEAN-China Network for Cooperation and Exchanges among Engineering and Technology Universities (ACNET-EngTech) as a member at the Alliance’s General Assembly on 27 April 2023. Prof Banchong Mahaisavariya, President of Mahidol University (Rotating Chairman Institute), Prof Gong Jinlong, Vice President of Tianjin University (Chairman Institute), Prof Geoffrey Shen, PolyU Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships), and representatives from 23 other member institutes attended the General Assembly. Prof Shen delivered a speech at the meeting introducing the University and the collaboration opportunities with China-ASEAN members in academic exchange, student engagement, and research collaboration.   ACNET-EngTech aims to establish an international network for exchange and cooperation for higher education among China-ASEAN countries, by providing a platform for information sharing and academic exchange in engineering, and promoting the integration of ideas, experiences, information, and achievements among member institutes. ACNET-EngTech has expanded to 26 universities and 8 countries. By joining ACNET-EngTech, PolyU shall strengthen its international presence and promote strategic development in the Belt and Road regions.