TEN DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI - PolyU honours
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Spring 2021
PolyU honours
TEN DISTINGUISHED
ALUMNI
President’s Awards for Wearable device helps stroke patients PolyU Artist-in-Residence:
Outstanding Achievement recover arm movement legendary performer Dr Liza Wang
Contents Spring 2021
07 23 43
President’s Message
31
My warmest congratulations to our distinguished
alumni, staff and students, who were recently
honoured with the Outstanding PolyU Alumni
03
Award, President’s Awards for Outstanding
Achievement, and Outstanding Student Awards
respectively. Their achievements are indeed a
17 41
testimony to PolyU’s accomplishments in nurturing
dedicated talents who strive for excellence in their
respective fields and make positive contributions to
society with their passion and perseverance.
While sharing their joy and pride, I believe all
achievements are dependent on hard work
Cover Story 17 Highly permeable, superelastic conductor PolyU Community and good planning. During these past several
shapes future wearable electronics months, the Task Force on Planning Exercise
03 PolyU honours ten distinguished alumni 19 PolyU academic-led start-ups and Staff | Council Members | University Fellow Proposal (PEP), together with all faculties,
researchers win six awards at 33 President’s Awards for academic departments and other colleagues,
Dialogue 2021 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days Outstanding Achievement dedicated enormous effort to the development of
21
PolyU receives national funding to study 39 Welcome to new PolyU Council members our PEP for the 2022/23-2024/25 triennium for
07 Dedicated to expanding PolyU’s reach
urban air pollution in China University Fellow recognised with submission to the University Grants Committee.
and impact
- A conversation with Chairman of the 22
PolyU scientist wins award for research to esteemed accolade The exercise offered an important opportunity
University Court tackle water scarcity 40 Senior staff appointments and promotions for the University to revamp its educational and
research programmes to meet the changing needs
09 Advancing an interdisciplinary framework
to foster education & research of society. The Task Force worked closely with
Knowledge Transfer and Alumni
-A conversation with Deputy President Entrepreneurship faculties and academic departments in drawing up
and Provost 41 Mr Horace Chow Chok-kee, the PEP according to PolyU’s strategic directions,
23 Harnessing technology to monitor Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft China planning parameters and societal needs. The
tree stability – Transforming with Technology
PEP aims to fulfil our aspiration of providing the
Education 25 Transforming elderly care with
Students best holistic education and engaging in impactful
smart solutions
11 Research internships in Canada to broaden research for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation
students’ horizons 43 Bravo to our outstanding students!
and the world.
12 PolyU hosts symposium on learning and Spotlights
teaching in times of crisis 27 PolyU has most top 50 ranked scientists in Spring has brought beautiful blossoms to our campus,
13 Real-time lab enables experiments anytime, HK according to Stanford citation ranking adding liveliness and vibrancy. Let’s stay well and
anywhere 29 PolyU recognised in world university healthy, and embrace the future with optimism.
subject rankings
Research and Innovation Jin-Guang Teng
PolyU 25th and 26th Congregation
President
14 PolyU research projects awarded 30 Educators explore new priorities at
UGC funding USR summit
15 Wearable device helps stroke patients 31 PolyU Artist-in-Residence:
recover arm movement legendary performer Dr Liza Wang
Cover Story
Ms Janet Chen Lijuan
PolyU honours Master of Business Administration, PolyU
TEN DISTINGUISHED
As the Chairman of PolyU Pearl River Delta Alumni Network,
I work towards strengthening the bonding between
my alma mater and Chinese enterprises.
ALUMNI Chairman of Shenzhen Ebeca Beauty Technology
Investment Co., Ltd., Ms Chen is a remarkable player
in the health and beauty industry of Mainland China.
As early as 1983, she introduced the French brand
schools, stem cell anti-aging treatment centres,
organic farms and an investment company focusing
on health and beauty-related opportunities.
Ms Chen has earned countless accolades, such as
W
Ebeca to the China market and successfully acquired Women with Outstanding Entrepreneurial Spirit
ith more than 80 years of proud tradition and ranking the brand in 1992. Since then, she started building in China, and she made it into the China Top 100
among the world’s top 100 institutions, The Hong her empire with a vertically integrated supply chain, Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs and Shenzhen
Kong Polytechnic University has nurtured more than encompassing more than 60 spa salons, a biotech Top 10 Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs.
400,000 graduates, many of whom have become company for own-product development, beauty
leaders in their professions.
In order to pay tribute to our distinguished graduates who have
achieved illustrious accomplishments in their respective professions Mr Tino Kwan Wing-kuen
and have made significant contributions to the University and to Higher Diploma in Industrial Design, Hong Kong Polytechnic
the wider community, PolyU and the Federation of PolyU Alumni
Associations have jointly organised the biennial Outstanding PolyU
Lighting is a visual language that reveals
Alumni Award (OPAA) since 1996. Over the years, more than 80 alumni
in various fields have been honoured.
a city’s unique character.
This year marks the 13th OPAA presentation, and the University takes Founder and Principal Consultant of Tino Kwan the Lifetime Achievement Award from Hong Kong
pride in honouring 10 accomplished alumni. We are proud of their Lighting Consultants Limited, Mr Kwan is one of the Interior Design Association. He was also included
dedicated work and commitment to giving back to society on different most celebrated masters in the world of lighting in Interior Design Magazine China’s Hall of Fame.
fronts. They are excellent testimony to PolyU’s success in nurturing design, and has been a pioneer in green lighting and His avant-garde work is found all over the world.
leaders for the world, inspiring the younger generation to follow their the energy conservation movement since the early Mr Kwan is passionate about passing on his
dreams and to shape the future. 1980s. His unique vision in creating spaces with light knowledge and philosophy to younger designers,
and shadow, and his keen eye for exquisite details and is an active member of PolyU’s mentorship
have earned him countless honours, including programme.
Congratulations to our OPAA 2021 Awardees (in alphabetical order of last name)
Ir Dr Kelvin Leung Kai-yuen
Mr Jack Chan Hoi Doctor in Business Administration, PolyU
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Accountancy, Hong Kong Polytechnic
Master of Corporate Finance, PolyU I strongly believe in the company’s motto –
I have a keen interest in promoting green finance innovation, connecting people and improving lives.
contributing to the development of green industries in China.
Ir Dr Leung, Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer of DHL as the Honorary Chairman of Hong Kong Logistics
Mr Chan is Chairman of China, Regional Managing the early advocates of green finance, helping to Global Forwarding (Hong Kong) Limited, oversees Management Staff Association. He was named CEO
Partner of Greater China, and a Member of The spearhead its development in the Mainland. He the company’s operations in more than 20 territories. of the Year (Logistics) in the Customer Relationship
Global Executive of Ernst & Young. With more than is an advisor for the “Research and Promotion on He has been a leading force in the move to embrace Excellence Awards, was listed in the International
three decades of accounting experience, he has Sustainable Development Goals Impact Financing in new technologies, especially the digitalisation Who’s Who of Professionals, and was shortlisted for the
made significant contributions to advancing financial China” project for the United Nations Development process, and to implement flexible measures to Cambridge Who’s Who Supply Chain Leader of Efficient
services consulting, assurance services and the Programme China and China International Center cope with the unprecedented challenges posed by Consumer Response Golden Circle Awards. He has
adoption of FinTech in the industry. A strong believer for Economic and Technical Exchanges under the COVID-19. Reflecting his commitment to the industry served on PolyU’s departmental advisory committees
in business transformation, Mr Chan was among Ministry of Commerce. and the welfare of its members, Dr Leung serves and has been a frequent speaker at the University.
3 4
Cover Story
Mr Michael Ross Sr Augustine Wong Ho-ming, JP
Higher Diploma in Institutional Management and Catering Studies, Hong Kong Polytechnic Diploma in Building Studies, Hong Kong Polytechnic
Higher Diploma in Surveying (General Practice Surveying), Hong Kong Polytechnic
Advanced Higher Diploma in General Practice Surveying, Hong Kong Polytechnic
A thankful heart is indispensable for scaling new heights. Master of Science in E-Commerce for Executives, PolyU
I work towards enhancing professional and
ethical practice within the industry.
Mr Ross is the Vice Chairman of the Thailand-based went on to win several awards for its innovative retail
conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) models. Mr Ross is not only a seasoned business Sr Wong, Executive Director and General Manager of He is also active in turning residential units pending
and Co-chairman of CP Group’s Commercial Real leader, but also a humanitarian who cares about the the Property Development Department, Henderson redevelopment into affordable temporary housing,
Estate. In 1997, he went to Shanghai and helped community, supporting education, healthcare and Land Development Company Limited, has made and assisted in the implementation of the largest
establish the first hypermarket “Lotus”, which is now disaster relief initiatives in China. In recognition of his a tremendous contribution to local real estate transitional housing project in the New Territories.
a megastore chain with more than 100 branches important contribution, the Shanghai Municipal People’s and housing development. He participated in the Sr Wong has served in various organisations and
across the country. Leading CP’s commercial and Government bestowed Silver and Gold Magnolia Awards formulation of regulations governing real estate advisory committees under the Government. He was
real estate businesses, he initiated the upgrade upon Mr Ross in 2017 and 2020 respectively. He has a agents and the sale of residential properties. Under a Member of the Departmental Advisory Committee
of Shanghai’s Super Brand Mall and established long-lasting bond with PolyU and actively participates in his leadership, Henderson became the most active of PolyU’s Department of Building and Real Estate
a standardised management system. The Mall its student development and alumni activities. player in urban renewal. He is a pioneer in brown and received the Outstanding Alumni Award from
field redevelopment and wet land restoration. the Department.
The Hon. Alfred Sit Wing-hang, JP Dr Alex Wong Siu-wah
Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic Doctor of Business Administration, PolyU
Associateship in Electrical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic
A successful business should meet the needs of the market as
Have faith and trust in people, build good credit over time. well as society, be people-oriented and care for the environment.
Ir Sit has been Secretary for Innovation and actively promoting R&D through encouraging the
Technology of HKSAR since April 2020. He previously adoption of home-grown technologies to tackle the Dr Wong is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of King’s about doing social good, and under his leadership,
worked in the Electrical and Mechanical Services pandemic, and overseeing the provision of hardware Flair International (Holdings) Ltd, a Hong Kong listed King’s Flair has been an avid supporter of charitable
Department (EMSD), working his way up to become and software to enable e-business and e-learning. multi-national group specialising in kitchenware agencies. Dr Wong has also been supportive of PolyU.
Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services. Ir Sit is passionate about serving his professional and household products. Applying a “Virtual He is an Honorary Life Chairman and a Member of
Ir Sit is an ardent advocate of innovative technologies community and alma mater. He is currently Chairman Manufacturing” model, under which he leveraged the Governing Committee of the PolyU Foundation,
and has spearheaded the E&M InnoPortal at EMSD of the Departmental Advisory Committees of PolyU’s the strengths of business partners for quality a former Member of the Departmental Advisory
to forge a closer connection between Government Department of Building Services Engineering and production without owning the factory or facility, Committee of PolyU’s Department of Mechanical
units and the innovation and technology sector. Department of Electrical Engineering. Dr Wong has successfully expanded his business into Engineering, and Chairperson of the PolyU-University
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, he has been key overseas markets and established partnerships Fellows Association Management Committee.
with renowned brands worldwide. He cares equally
The Hon. Tony Tse Wai-chuen, BBS, JP Ms Mary Yu Wah
Higher Diploma in Surveying (General Practice Division), Hong Kong Polytechnic Higher Diploma in Fashion and Clothing, PolyU
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles (Fashion and Textile Design), PolyU
Master of Design (Design Practices), PolyU
I am concerned about the development of young professionals.
Qipao has great potential and is enjoying
Mr Tse is committed to the surveying and property Authority Board, and a Member of the National
rising popularity in foreign countries.
development fields. Currently a Legislative Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Ms Yu, a world-famous fashion designer, created Perspective, the Ten Outstanding Young Persons
Councillor representing the architectural, surveying, Consultative Conference. He also serves on various her own brand upon graduation from PolyU. She is Selection of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Professional
planning and landscaping sectors, he acts as a advisory committees under the Government. He was highly regarded for her creative designs of qipao, Elite Ladies Selection, and Hong Kong Culture and
bridge between practitioners and the administration, named Lifetime Achiever by the Royal Institution blending eastern and western elements, which Creativity Industries Award. She has twice been the
successfully lobbying the Government on policies of Chartered Surveyors. Mr Tse enthusiastically shine on the world stage. Her prolific repertoire also winner of China’s Most Successful Design Awards.
that impact the industry. Mr Tse is a Fellow Member supports PolyU’s mentorship programme and its consists of uniforms, including the chic performance Some of her works are included in the permanent
of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, Chairman of Department of Building and Real Estate, serving apparel seen in the Hong Kong equestrian events collection at the China National Silk Museum. Caring
the Property Management Services Authority, a Non- as a student mentor. He recently received the of the 2008 Olympics. Ms Yu has won countless about nurturing talent, Ms Yu has taught and served
official Non-executive Director of the Urban Renewal Outstanding Alumni Award from the Department. accolades, such as Forty under Forty by the as an adjudicator of contests at PolyU.
5 6
Dialogue
As Chairman of the University Court, can you
explain how the Court helps with the University’s
development?
The Court advises the University on matters of broad
Students should set goals policy and direction, as well as enhancing its profile.
Its members are elites from different sectors. They
for themselves, dare to can provide counsel, share their experiences, and
try and put their heart broaden the University’s network in order to enhance
into whatever endeavour its development. They are also keen to give advice
and help connect PolyU scholars with companies,
Dr Ngan (centre), and (from right) PolyU Council Chairman
Dr Lam Tai-fai, Honorary Court Chairmen Dr the Hon. Victor Lo and
interests them. so that their inventions or research output can be Dr Roy Chung, and President Jin-Guang Teng
commercialised for the benefit of society. To move
with the times, we can also invite leaders from technologies which are changing our world, such as
Dedicated to expanding PolyU’s
emerging fields, such as biotech and fintech, to join artificial intelligence, new materials, automation, and
the University Court. bio-medical technology.
REACHandIMPACT
You became the Deputy Chairman of the PolyU How can young people develop an innovative
Foundation in 2014 and were made Chairman in 2018. mindset and an entrepreneurial spirit?
How have you helped to promote public recognition By setting goals for themselves. By daring to try,
and support for the University in those roles? not being afraid of failure, and having a forward-
PolyU has gained global recognition for its quality thinking mindset. I also believe that students should
A Conversation with education and research, and it has developed close visit enterprises more. Whether it is a small or large
Chairman of the University Court Dr Katherine Ngan ties with business and industry. The University has
nurtured professionals who are highly sought-after
enterprise, there will be crucial lessons students can
learn from it, such as the reasons for its success or
talent in society, such as occupational therapists, mere survival. Students should put their heart into
Dr Katherine Ngan Ng Yu-ying is For more than 20 years, you have been an ardent physiotherapists, optometrists, nurses, and product whatever endeavour interests them, as passion is a
supporter of PolyU. What has impressed you most designers, all of whom have the capacity to contribute key ingredient of success.
a distinguished entrepreneur and
about the University over the years? to the betterment of the community. I have advocated
President of May Cheong Group. The University’s steadfast commitment to producing for the skillsets and competence of the University’s In addition to professional expertise, what
She is also a strong supporter of research and innovation that makes a positive graduates to different sectors, to help them understand personal attributes should be nurtured among
PolyU, serving as the Chairman of contribution to society has always impressed me the how PolyU’s talent can meet their evolving needs. university students?
the University Court since January most. An inspiring example of this is the way in which The ability to get along, communicate with others and
PolyU leveraged its research and scientific expertise The PolyU Foundation also plays a match-making work in a team is incredibly important. Students should
2020 and Chairman of the PolyU
to help the community combat the pandemic. This role, helping the University source funding for specific also have an open mind and seek to expand their
Foundation since 2018. Over the included developing the world’s most comprehensive research projects. Potential donors can visit the personal network. I like making friends with people
years, Dr Ngan had served in several fully automated diagnostic system that can detect disciplines for which the University is famous, and see for of different ages and backgrounds. To me, having
different positions, including Council up to 40 infectious respiratory pathogens, including themselves the many impactful projects that can benefit exchanges with diverse people expands my horizons
Member of PolyU, Director of the COVID-19, in one test within an hour. In addition it different target groups. Over the years, the Foundation and gives me the opportunity to engage in lifelong
used 3D printing technology to design and produce has facilitated contributions from benefactors who learning. It is also important to have an international
Hotel ICON Board, and Chairman of
face fields for local medical professionals. are keen to support PolyU’s development in different outlook, and to stay positive. Successful entrepreneurs
the Organising Committees of Fund- aspects, such as enhancing its facilities, promoting are not easily deterred by setbacks.
raising Dinners of the University. Over the years, I have also been impressed by the new academic and research initiatives, as well as establishing
Her outstanding achievements and facilities at the University that offer students an interactive specialist centres. We are so grateful to our supporters. May Cheong Group has more than 10,000 staff
contributions have seen her win a and dynamic learning environment. For instance, PolyU’s worldwide, what is the secret of your success?
Innovation Tower has become a landmark in Hong Kong How do you think PolyU can assist with Hong What is your motto?
string of honours, such as the
and provides a creative and interdisciplinary setting in Kong’s re-industrialisation drive? My motto is ”Keep challenging yourself, and never give
Hong Kong Young Industrialist which PolyU’s design students can thrive. Hotel ICON, Hong Kong has entered the industrialisation 4.0 up.“ In running my business, I am also people-oriented.
Award, and an Honorary Doctorate of the University’s unique teaching and research hotel, era in which new game-changing industries and By people, I mean both staff and customers. Many of
Business Administration from PolyU. is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and gives technologies are becoming prominent. Due to the my clients have worked with me for decades because
students a valuable learning experience in a real-life pandemic, people’s lifestyles and the business we have established mutually beneficial relationships.
hospitality environment. It is also one of the reasons why environment have also been transformed with I am still passionate about learning and taking on new
PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management is remote working and digitisation becoming the new challenges. Opportunities abound in today’s world, but
ranked among the top in the world. norm. PolyU should step up its research in emerging you have to seize them quickly, otherwise they will be gone.
7 8
Dialogue
mindset. We also encourage students to actively to me. I am dedicated to further promoting an
engage in entrepreneurship. active research culture at the University, not only
We aim to nurture among academic colleagues but also among our
We have a long history and good track record of undergraduates. After all, the responsibility of a
more dynamic producing exceptional talent for different professions. university is not just to pass on existing knowledge,
graduates who are In response to the rapid transformation of the but also to generate new knowledge, which hinges
economy and society, we are keen to further enable on research.
eager to try new things, our graduates to take the lead in the development of
think positive and the new economy over the coming decades. Could you share some words of encouragement for
be creative. young scholars/researchers and students?
The University will change its curriculum structure by Young talent can always be bold, think big and think
introducing programmes that incorporate innovation out of the box in research endeavours, starting
and research-based elements in order to cultivate with identifying a research focus. We can establish
a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and creative outlook a strong foothold after sailing through all sorts
among our students. We will also equip students with of challenges using our intelligence, agility and
Advancing an scientific knowledge in their areas of interest. Besides
this, we encourage students to pursue their own
diligence. Challenges sharpen our mind, strengthen
our skills, and pave the way for success ahead.
INTERDISCIPLINARY
endeavours in research with the provision of various
support measures, ranging from funding incentives How does your previous management experience
to research infrastructure. Ultimately, we aspire for help with your current position as Deputy
our students to be able to translate their research President and Provost?
framework to foster discoveries into products of value to the market and
society. Some of them may take the career adventure
My experience in different positions, from a teacher,
researcher, department head to faculty dean,
EDUCATION & RESEARCH
of forming spin-off companies or their own start-ups. has furnished me with a good understanding of
the concerns across different parties, including
What is your vision for PolyU’s research development? students, colleagues, academics and industry.
A robust framework or structure to foster I understand the importance of aligning the
interdisciplinary research is essential to the interests of and facilitating the communication
A Conversation with Deputy President and University. The President has advocated between different parties, which is instrumental
Provost Professor Wing-tak Wong the establishment of the PolyU Academy for
Interdisciplinary Research. Also, we have recently set
in formulating policies for the development of the
University.
With extensive management experience You joined PolyU in 2009. How has PolyU changed up seven more research institutes covering different
and an in-depth understanding of over the past decade? aspects of life, from healthcare, clothing, food, Do you have a motto that you live by?
PolyU has evolved into a research university with transportation to accommodation, while drawing I find two mottoes most inspiring to me.
PolyU, Professor Wing-tak Wong
a very vibrant academic atmosphere. We have talent from different disciplines. Having the right
assumed the post of Deputy President developed multidisciplinary research areas, and a structure in place will facilitate our synergistic efforts “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
and Provost in December 2020. multicultural student population. We are among the in advancing interdisciplinary research that tackles Albert Einstein
He graduated with a BSc first class first tertiary institutions in Hong Kong to develop important areas of concern to society. We should not aim to be successful only for
honours from The University of Hong connections with the Mainland. Also, we have ourselves, but rather we should aim to ultimately
Kong, and obtained his PhD degree established various regional bases over the years. On the other hand, we need to enhance our academic generate actual value to contribute to society. It
We have furthermore cultivated strong partnerships strength and tap into the resources in Mainland resonates with the University Motto, “To learn and
from the University of Cambridge in with the industry, which reinforce our ability to China, as well as leverage the vast opportunities in to apply, for the benefit of mankind.”
1991. Professor Wong joined PolyU actively translate research outcomes into practical the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
in 2009. Over the years, he has held solutions which address societal and commercial (GBA), as well as the countries and regions under the “Never feel tired of learning or teaching others”
various leadership positions, including needs. This is nicely guided by our University Motto. Belt and Road Initiative. We hope to capitalise on our ( 學而不厭，誨人不倦 ) Confucius
Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, research competence in order to participate in and It reminds me to keep working hard and drives away
What is your vision for the future development of pave the way to lead more projects on a national and any fatigue during teaching, research or work.
and Deputy Dean of the Shenzhen
PolyU’s graduates and academic programmes? international scale.
Research Institute. As the Chair We aim to nurture more dynamic graduates who How do you spend your free time?
Professor of Chemical Technology, are eager to try new things, think positive and be You are currently still leading a sizeable research I enjoy watching movies a lot. Those related to
Professor Wong is an internationally creative. It is important for us to equip students with team. What drives your devotion to research? science fictions are always among my favourites.
recognised scientist with outstanding knowledge in cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, I am always passionate about research and This pastime helps me to unwind and refreshes my
data science and analytics, as well as an innovative discovery. Research brings tremendous fun mind from daily work.
research achievements.
9 10
Education
PolyU hosts symposium on learning and teaching in times of crisis
Guest speakers included Professor Mary Wright,
Associate Provost of Teaching and Learning at Brown
University, USA; Professor David Carless from The
University of Hong Kong; Professor Alexander Taffe
from the University of Applied Sciences Berlin,
Germany; and Professor Irwin King from The Chinese
University of Hong Kong.
The outbreak of the pandemic has accelerated
Professor Mary Wright Professor David Carless
RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS
PolyU’s adoption of technology and new approaches
to teaching and learning. To help teachers and
students adapt to the new pedagogy, the University
IN CANADA
has offered a range of support, including services
such as live eLearning Clinics, a WhatsApp enquiry
Professor Alexander Taffe Professor Irwin King service, online webinars, and a new website with
ample resources on online learning, teaching and
to broaden students’ horizons PolyU was proud to host the Excellent Teachers alternative assessment. Through these services and
on Teaching Excellence Symposium 2021 to share a number of other initiatives, PolyU has explored the
insights on pedagogy and exchange experiences new modality for learning and teaching online. At the
PolyU has recently signed an agreement with Mitacs, institutions offer an excellent opportunity with of best practices. In the face of the COVID-19 Symposium, PolyU academics and students, among
a Canadian not-for-profit organisation offering a funding support for students to acquire valuable pandemic, the theme of the symposium was others, shared their experiences of adapting to this
Globalink Research Internship (GRI) Programme hands-on research skills as well as to gain “Turning Challenges into Opportunities for Learning new mode of education.
with over 70 universities across Canada. According international experience.” and Teaching in Times of Crisis”. More than 400
to the agreement, from 2022 to 2024, as many as academics and students from Hong Kong, Macau, PolyU’s Educational Development Centre has
60 PolyU full-time senior undergraduates of any Dr John Hepburn, CEO and Scientific Director Singapore, Germany, USA and other parts of the organised Excellent Teachers on Teaching Excellence
discipline will have the opportunity to participate in of Mitacs, said, “Mitacs is pleased to embark on world participated in the event. Symposiums since 2009. It is a major platform to
research internships at Canadian top universities, our first partnership with PolyU as we work to celebrate good teaching, and share insights on higher
including McGill University, the University of Toronto build meaningful international networks. These In his opening speech, Professor Jin-Guang Teng, education and teaching philosophies from academic
and the University of British Columbia. connections not only support Canadian innovation, President of PolyU, highlighted how the COVID-19 faculty including the recipients of the President's
but also provide important opportunities for PolyU pandemic had changed the higher education Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching.
In each year of the scheme, up to 20 PolyU Year 3 students to develop skills and competencies that will landscape. He said: “In the new normal, a hybrid
or Year 4 students will travel to Canada during the help them succeed.” mode of teaching and learning activities could be
summer to undertake a 12-week research project employed for the internationalisation of classes.
under the supervision of a professor at a Canadian In the coming round of application, eligible PolyU Local students could attend a class in person,
university. Students can choose their research students can apply for the internship from July 2021. interacting with non-local students from afar via
topics from a variety of disciplines, from science, After the interview and evaluation process, students online channels, fostering a beneficial exchange
engineering and mathematics to humanities and will be offered a project match, and Mitacs will of perspectives between students from different
social sciences. They will also have opportunities confirm the student placements by February 2022. backgrounds. The experience of online teaching
to participate in industry events as well as The first group of selected students are expected to will have an enduring effect, and real-time online
training sessions on entrepreneurship, problem- depart for Canada starting May 2022. teaching will become an important component of
solving, project management, communication, university education after the pandemic.”
and teamwork. Each participating student will Leveraging its extensive network with renowned
furthermore receive CAD$12,000 in funding support. universities, institutions and industry partners The Symposium consisted of four plenaries and
worldwide, PolyU infuses students with a global four corresponding discussions in which a number
“PolyU is delighted to partner with Mitacs through perspective through its academic programmes and of esteemed experts from local and overseas
the GRI programme,” said Professor Ben Young, vast co-curricular activities. Through participating in universities shared their insights. Topics included
PolyU Vice President (Student and International internship, exchange, Service-Learning and leadership what the new normal would be in higher education,
Affairs). “Our students are very often encouraged programmes offered by the University, students gain how to conduct assessments during the pandemic, (Clockwise from top left) Professor Mary Wright, PolyU Interim
Vice President (Research and Innovation) Professor Daniel Shek,
to demonstrate an enthusiasm for research and rich international exposure. These experiences are how to ensure the desired learning outcomes are Dean of Faculty of Humanities Professor Li Ping, alumnus
intellectual curiosity during their studies at PolyU. instrumental for their development into global-minded achieved through online courses, and different Mr Wang Zhihan and student Kaleb Ben Naveed share their
The summer research internships at Canadian leaders and socially responsible citizens. approaches for carrying out practical sessions. insights at the Symposium.
11 12
Education Research and Innovation
Real-time lab enables experiments anytime, anywhere PolyU research projects awarded UGC funding
For science students, conducting experiments in a The University has recently been awarded funding from the University Grants Committee (UGC) for five
laboratory is a key part of their studies but they often research projects, covering topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic, smart buildings, energy storage,
face time, resource and equipment constraints. The as well as live-cell and animal tissue imaging. The total funding granted exceeds HK$26 million.
COVID-19 pandemic has created further challenges
for laboratory classes. Supported by the Quality One-off Collaborative Research Fund Exercise Group Research
Education Fund, a team from PolyU’s Department
Professor Hao Jianhua Multi-level synergistic COVID-19 point-of-care diagnostics based on
of Applied Physics (AP) has provided a solution to upconversion luminescence biosensing platform (HK$8,408,102)
Department of Applied
these issues by creating a web-based lab. Named A diagnostics platform will be designed and fabricated to enable multi-level analysis
Physics
“Borderless Lab 365”, it enables experiments to be of characteristic genes, antigens and antibodies of SARS-CoV-2. The analysis will
conducted anytime, anywhere. provide new insights into sensing techniques for SARS-CoV-2 biomarker detection.
As a tool to guide clinical treatment, infection control and vaccine development, this
platform can facilitate rapid, low-cost and highly accurate diagnosis.
The student-centered lab enables remote
experiments to be set up in PolyU and performed
according to commands given by users, who can “Borderless Lab 365” enables students to operate remotely real
Dr Horace Mui Kwok-wai Effective ventilation strategies for mitigating infection risks in hospitals
monitor the experiments through live cameras, lab equipment set up in PolyU to generate experiment results.
Department of Building (HK$4,429,517)
retrieve data and obtain results in real-time. Nine Services Engineering Computational modelling of expiratory droplet dispersion, transportation and
experiment modules are available in the subjects repeated experiments to consolidate findings and deposition will be employed to evaluate the infection risk in hospitals. The risk of
of physics, chemistry and biology, ranging from strengthen students’ capabilities in data analysis.” exposure to respiratory viruses SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 will be explored and an
exposure assessment indicator will be developed. The findings will help develop
electromagnetic induction, visible spectrum
strategic ventilation proposals for hospitals, balancing cross-infection risk and
and bacterial growth to photosynthesis and the “Borderless Lab 365” has been well received by energy consumption.
greenhouse effect. users, including schools, teachers and students.
It has provided a solution for schools, saving
The innovative platform contributes to PolyU’s efforts them the costs of purchasing and maintaining Collaborative Research Fund 2020/21 - Collaborative Research Project Grant
to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering bulky lab equipment, as well as offering a risk-
Professor Wang Development of next-generation key technologies for smart buildings
and Mathematics) education and facilitate the free lab environment for students. Based on (HK$5,840,000)
Shengwei
learning and teaching of STEM-related subjects at the experimental data and analysis supplied by On the basis of emerging information technology, data science and distributed real-
Department of Building
university and secondary school levels. The free students, teachers can evaluate students’ abilities Services Engineering time optimisation, this project will adopt an interdisciplinary approach to advance
platform has already been used by more than 100 and provide appropriate guidance. Meanwhile, building automation technologies for next-generation smart buildings by means of
secondary school teachers and 700 university and students can apply different parameters to their energy system real-time control optimisation and diagnosis as well as IoT-enabled
building automation. It will develop advanced technologies and engineering tools
secondary school students. Project leader experiments, repeating trials to gather results and
that define the next generation of smart buildings, tapping into the potential of a
Dr C. L. Mak, Associate Professor, Department of practise correct experimental approaches. major increase in energy efficiency and distributed intelligence.
Applied Physics, explained: “Unlike virtual labs
which just simulate experiments, our platform allows The lab development project was awarded the “Asia Professor Ni Meng Durable and high-performance zinc-air flow batteries for energy storage
students to remotely operate the real lab equipment Gold Award” in the Wharton-QS Stars Reimagine Department of Building (HK$4,200,000)
to conduct experiments with the help of a webcam. Education Competition. It is recognised for and Real Estate This project will investigate the effects of flowing electrolyte on the chemical and
Open 24 hours a day, the platform enables self- creating a novel, true-to-life remote laboratory to physical processes of the zinc electrode and air electrode. Advanced in-situ visualisation
techniques and ex-situ characterisations will be applied, and electrochemical tests will
regulated learning anytime, anywhere through enhance students’ understanding of experimental
be conducted. New electrode materials will also be explored. The project will contribute
methodologies and outcomes. to the development of high-performance and durable batteries for energy storage.
The remote lab is part of the centralised
experimental platform developed by the project Collaborative Research Fund 2020/21 - Collaborative Research Equipment Grant
team. The platform also includes three mobile
Professor Thomas A super-resolution fluorescence microscopy platform for live-cell and animal-
apps: “AP Sensor”, “Lab in Your Pocket” and “AR in
Leung Yun-chung tissue imaging (HK$3,577,125)
Physics”. “AP Sensor” turns users’ mobile phones
University Research It is a proposal to acquire a stimulated emission depletion microscope for the
into a portable lab, enabling teachers to co- Facility in Life Sciences University Research Facility in Life Sciences. Its features include multiple depletion
create experiments with students in their everyday lasers to improve fluorescent dye compatibility, time-gated signal detection to
environment. “Lab in Your Pocket” enables students improve lateral resolution, and an additional depletion light path to improve axial
resolution. This super-resolution microscope will support research in cell and
to perform experiments at their own pace and
(Front row, from right) Dr C. L. Mak, Dr C. W. Leung, (back cancer biology, as well as neuroscience and neurological diseases.
manner, while “AR in Physics” makes abstract
row, from right) Dr K. L. Jim and Dr S. H. Choy developed
the “Borderless lab 365” which enhances STEM learning physics concepts easier to understand through using Through its interdisciplinary research, PolyU is dedicated to expanding knowledge, addressing societal
for students. augmented reality (AR) technology. needs and making a positive impact on the world.
13 14
Research and Innovation
Wearable device helps (left) The first-generation ‘remind-
to-move’ wristwatch emits vibration
signals to remind patients to move their
STROKE PATIENTS
hemiparetic arms.
(right) Paired with an app, the second-
generation wristwatch enables patients
RECOVER ARM
to follow videos selected by therapists
to exercise their hemiparetic arms.
MOVEMENT
during exercises, providing feedback for patients and ability to adapt to the environment and adjust based on
PolyU researchers leverage therapists. The new device has been incorporated experience, enabling patients to make a better recovery.
neuroscience, kinematics into the two organisations’ telerehabilitation systems,
which provide remote rehabilitation. On the scientific front, the project will enable
and artificial intelligence to researchers to establish the connection between
develop a smart wristwatch The team has already published 10 papers on the patient's self-initiated movements and external
that stimulates patients to research findings of RTM treatment in reputable journals. assistance provided by the new device. It will
Pr g
move paralysed arms ofe
ssor Kenneth F
on also highlight the development of wearable
Advanced smart wearable device under neuroelectronic augmentation devices for patients
development with impaired motor functions due to neurological
S
With the support of the RIF, Professor Fong is diseases.
trokes are the second highest cause vibration signals at fixed intervals, to remind the exploring how to enhance RTM treatment further
of death and the third highest cause of patient to do exercises as instructed by therapists. through a third-generation device that leverages “The RTM treatment aims to motivate patients to
disability in the world. In Hong Kong, The wristwatch’s built-in sensor detects and records technological advances. Supported by local and help themselves in the rehabilitation process. Our
strokes are among the most common the arm’s movements for therapists to analyse. Mainland industrial partners, he plans to harness ultimate goal is to provide a simple solution for
causes of hospital admissions. Stroke This pioneering treatment enables rehabilitation kinematics, neuroscience and artificial intelligence people suffering from strokes to recover at home
survivors not only account for the highest number to be integrated into patients’ daily lives to achieve to develop a closed-loop wearable device. It will and return to normal life, without the presence of
of days spent in hospital, but 70% of them have maximum outcomes. stimulate the hemiparetic arm based on a machine a therapist,” Professor Fong said.
to live with paralysis or weakness, known as learning algorithm developed by capturing the
hemiparesis, in their arms for the rest of their lives. With patents filed in the US and Mainland China, affected arm’s actual activities and comparing them Alongside benefitting thousands of stroke
the RTM wristwatch is now being used in 16 public with those of the non-affected arm. patients, the science behind the development of
To help speed up the recovery of stroke patients hospitals in Hong Kong, and the Kessler this novel device will lead to further research and
with hemiparetic arms, Professor Kenneth Fong, Rehabilitation Center in the US to treat patients The new closed-loop treatment will facilitate motor breakthroughs in the field of stroke rehabilitation
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has spent with unilateral inattention and trigger upper control in a more natural way and improve the brain’s in the coming decades.
more than a decade developing an innovative limb motor priming. RTM was a completely new
treatment method. Professor Fong recently concept in physical rehabilitation when it was first
received HK$9.19 million from the Research Grants developed, and it has had a big impact on patients.
Council’s Research Impact Fund (RIF) for his project “The treatment has benefitted more than 1,000 Professor Fong will use motion capture equipment (right)
and transcranial magnetic stimulator (bottom) to analyse arm
“Wearable closed-loop neural control ‘remind- patients with hemiplegia, who showed significant movements in the new project.
to-move’ (RTM) treatment for hemiparetic upper improvement in the strength, co-ordination and
extremity in people with hemiplegia after stroke”. functioning of their arms,” Professor Fong said.
Smart wristwatch reminds stroke patients to In 2020, the research team developed a second-
exercise paralysed arm generation device with funding support from the
The RTM treatment was first developed by Germany-based Caspar Health Limited and the
Professor Fong and his research team in 2009. It Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association.
was the first treatment of its kind to promote the use The new device is paired up with an app that enables
of a hemiparetic arm as a result of non-use in adult therapists to set time schedules for patients to
stroke patients or people with cerebral palsy. The exercise. Patients can then follow videos in the app
treatment uses a sensory-cueing wristwatch, which to complete the exercises selected by therapists.
is strapped to the patient’s affected arm and emits The app also records the range of motions achieved
15 16
Research and Innovation
Highly permeable,
superelastic conductor
shapes By coating or printing liquid metal onto an elastic electrospun fibre mat, the resulting LMFM becomes stretchable (left) and highly
permeable (right) at the same time.
FUTURE This novel conductor is called liquid-metal fibre
mat (LMFM). The process of producing LMFM takes
as an electrocardiography (ECG) sensor, a sweater
sensor and an electrothermal heater. The three-
WEARABLE
two major steps. First, liquid-metal is coated or layered sample, with a total thickness of merely
printed onto a fibre mat during a special production 1 mm, performed all three functions effectively. The
method called electro-spinning. The fibre mat has test indicated the stacked architecture of the LMFM
ELECTRONICS
the elastic properties of natural rubber. Second, the suits to make multi-purpose wearables that can be
coated mat is stretched repeatedly until the liquid worn for a long period.
metal forms a porous buckled film hanging among
the fibres. The Hong Kong Scholars Program and the Research
Grants Council of Hong Kong are the main funders
Eutectic gallium-indium alloy (EGaIn) is selected of this project. The research team will continue
to manufacture the LMFM as the conductive to improve the performance of the LMFM, which
Researchers at PolyU have developed a new type of stretchable conductor component for printing on a stretchable mat made shows great potential in health monitoring devices,
of poly(styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene), soft robotics, on-skin electronics and prosthetics.
that is highly permeable and superelastic with good conductivity. The new
or SBS. The team strives to develop various healthcare-
conductor serves as a platform enabling the making of monolithic stretchable related electronic devices and systems, and
electronics that integrate many components in a small area, provide multiple “EGaIn is a type of liquid metal commonly used in prioritises producing wearable electrocardiographic
functions and endure hours for wearing. Potential applications include health soft electronics, such as flexible printed circuit monitoring equipment.
monitoring devices, soft robotics and on-skin electronics. boards,” Professor Zheng said. “It can be maintained
in a liquid state under room temperature and has low
W
viscosity, high conductivity and low toxicity. When
earable technology such as fitness functionalities. Low-permeability devices may exposed to air, it forms a thin solid layer of oxide
trackers and smartwatches are also irritate the skin and cause inflammation and (Ga2O3) rapidly on the surface and becomes soft and
everywhere nowadays. Smart other health issues when wearing the devices for stretchable. And SBS is a material usually used for
glasses and biometric apparel are a long time. rubber products, such as gloves or balloons.”
gaining momentum. Electronic skin
and electronic eye are no longer sci-fi inventions. New type of conductor - superelastic and highly Therefore, the LMFM is super-stretchable and
As the range of wearable technology products permeable highly permeable. A sample made in the laboratory
expands, industry insiders predict wearable gadgets A PolyU research team, led by Professor shows its moisture permeability is 22 times higher
is the next big market after smartphones. Zheng Zijian of the Institute of Textiles and Clothing than a regular medical patch. It also retains stable
(ITC) with interdisciplinary academics from the conductivity in tensile testing. When further
Stretchable electronics are innovating rapidly. Department of Applied Physics (AP) and the tested on rabbit skins, the LMFM showed excellent
Devices with electronic circuits embedded in Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME), biocompatibility without irritation.
substrates are found as skin electonic patches has recently made a breakthrough in a highly
and biomedical implants in the healthcare permeable and superelastic conductor. Their Multi-layered design to serve multiple functions
industry. Currently, stretchable electronics are research “Permeable superelastic liquid-metal The research team also tested the effectiveness of
Professor Zheng Zijian (front) and research team members
manufactured with impermeable elastic thick fibre mat enables biocompatible and monolithic a multi-layered LMFM. The researchers stacked (from left) Dr Huang Qiyao, Research Assistant Professor of
films. This method rules out multi-layered designs and stretchable electronics” was recently published in three layers of printed EGaIn electrical circuits on ITC; Miss Zhuang Qiuna, PhD student; Dr Zhao Xin, Assistant
hinders the development of devices with advanced Nature Materials. monolithic elastic mats. Each layer acts respectively Professor of BME; and Dr Chai Yang, Associate Professor of AP
17 18Research and Innovation
Awards won by PolyU academics
PolyU academic-led start-ups and researchers Smart City Platform: A Comprehensive System for Spatial Data Infrastructure
WIN SIX AWARDS
Principal Investigator: Professor John Shi Wenzhong | Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in
Urban Informatics | Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics
The Smart City platform incorporates a series of the latest patented
at 2021 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days technologies in 3D city modelling, AI-based urban object cognition, as
well as spatial big data analytics and visualisation. The platform can
be used to acquire and process massive urban spatial information,
3D LiDAR data, and multi-scale image data, to create high-precision
smart city data infrastructure. By providing a range of urban sensing,
P
urban computing, and urban analytics functions, the platform can be
olyU’s scholars are committed to translating research outcomes into viable solutions that have a Gold Medal used to support a wide range of smart city applications, such as smart
real-world impact. The University also offers significant support to foster entrepreneurship among governmental policy-making, smart environmental management,
academics and students to advance social and economic developments. smart transport optimisation, and smart citizen services.
At the Special Edition 2021 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days – Virtual Event held in March, PolyU Smart Monitoring System for Urban Tree Management
scholars won three Gold Medals and three Silver Medals for their inventions in the fields of healthcare, Principal Investigator: Dr Charles Wong Man-sing | Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics
environmental monitoring, smart cities and automotive safety. Two of these winning innovations have already
been commercialised through PolyU-supported start-ups led by the University’s researchers. The recognition The system employs smart sensing technology to measure tree tilt Gold Medal
PolyU achieved is not only a testament to the University’s research excellence, but also demonstrates the and displacement. With AI algorithms and Spatial Big Data Analytics,
strength of PolyU scholars in transforming research breakthroughs into real-world solutions. it can evaluate the leaning trend of trees and potential risk factors
correlated to tree failure. The system enables large-scale monitoring
of tree stability, allowing timely and appropriate mitigation action to be
Awards won by PolyU academic-led start-ups taken. (More details on P. 23-24)
CareCoatexTM: A Biomaterial-based Core-Shell Particles for Safe and Effective Antibacterial and A Smart All-electric Antilock Braking System
Antiviral Applications Principal Investigator: Professor Eric Cheng Ka-wai | Department of Electrical Engineering
Principal Investigator: Professor Pauline Li Pei | Department of Applied Biology and Chemical
Technology | Co-founder of Grand Rise Technology Limited (a PolyU academic-led start-up) The research team has developed a smart all-electric Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS). The system takes into account road conditions and
The research team has developed a biocompatible, non-toxic and calculates the maximum tire-road adhesion coefficient needed in order to
eco-friendly antibacterial and antiviral coating, which has been control the angular wheel acceleration and generate an accurate braking
commercialised under the brand name CareCoatexTM. It provides both torque through its electric control unit. Compared with conventional
contact killing and time-release killing for up to six months. With hydraulic ABS, this system provides more reliable, responsive and
proven effectiveness for rapidly killing 99% of common bacteria and accurate braking torque control, effectively shortening both braking time
viruses, the coating is ideal for disinfection, contamination control and Silver Medal and distance.
epidemic prevention. CareCoatex can be sprayed at room temperature
Gold Medal and in normal conditions, making it easy to apply to various surfaces. Biomimicking Photocrosslinkable Nanocomposite Bone Graft
Principal Investigator: Dr Zhao Xin | Department of Biomedical Engineering
Liverscan: Palm-sized Real-time B-mode Ultrasound Imaging Guided System for Liver Fibrosis Assessment Under ultraviolet illumination at 36°C, this novel photocrosslinkable Silver Medal
Principal Investigator: Ir Professor Zheng Yongping | Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering nanocomposite can be expeditiously fabricated into bone graft materials
Department of Biomedical Engineering | Founder of Eieling Technology Limited (a PolyU academic-led start-up) that resemble the natural bone structure. The material promotes
bone regeneration and activates cell signaling pathways to facilitate
The Liverscan is a palm-sized portable tool for conveniently detecting and Silver Medal osteogenesis and angiogenesis, both part of the healing process,
staging liver fibrosis, especially in the early stages of the disease, through simultaneously. It also provides optimal mechanical support to the
taking non-invasive measurements of liver stiffness. It features a PolyU- injured area, accelerating recovery from bone injuries and fractures.
patented technique which uses a real-time image guided process of transient
elastography to enhance the accuracy of measurements. The system The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva is one of the most important annual events in the world
provides a safer, more effective and comprehensive diagnostic solution. devoted exclusively to inventions. This year’s virtual event attracted around 600 exhibitors from more than 20
countries and regions.
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