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Why AI Revolution Needs a Human Touch — The Rising Value of "S" in ESG

[Media Interview] Why AI Revolution Needs a Human Touch — The Rising Value of "S" in ESG Prof. Eric CHUI Wing-hong, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, Associate Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology at PolyU, was recently interviewed by Sing Tao Daily to share his insights on the evolving role of the social dimension (“S”) in ESG. Prof. Chui challenged the common misconception that social responsibility is limited to charitable donations and volunteer services. He emphasized that the true value of “S” lies in integrating social responsibility into daily business operations, corporate culture, and stakeholder engagement. As AI and digital technologies continue to reshape industries, the human-centred aspects of ESG are becoming increasingly important for sustainable business development. Online coverage: Sing Tao Daily - [Link]   【媒體專訪】AI浪潮下「S」含金量不降反升，解碼ESG社會責任的「人情味」密碼 理大應用社會科學系講座教授及系主任、科技及創新政策研究中心聯席主任與環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心副主任崔永康教授日前接受《星島日報》專訪，分享他對 ESG 中「S」（社會責任）範疇未來發展的見解。 崔教授在訪問中指出社會責任不應被簡化為慈善捐款或義工服務等獨立活動，而應融入企業的日常營運、管理文化及持份者參與之中。他強調，在人工智能及數碼科技迅速發展的時代，企業愈需要重視以人為本的價值，將社會責任轉化為推動可持續發展的重要力量。 完整報導: 星島日報 - [Link]    

Building Integrated Operational Configurations to Drive Carbon Reduction in the Circular Economy

[Media Features] Building Integrated Operational Configurations to Drive Carbon Reduction in the Circular Economy Prof. Mike Lai Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Programmes) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics at PolyU, recently published a commentary in Wen Wei Po. In the article, Prof. Lai discusses how businesses can leverage circular economy principles and remanufacturing strategies to achieve both environmental and economic benefits. He highlights the importance of developing integrated operational configurations that enhance resource efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and create long-term value, demonstrating how sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Full Article: Wen Wei Po - [Link] (Chinese Version Only)  【媒體文章】建立完整運營配置，以循環經濟助減碳 理大環境、社會及治理促進研究中心聯席主任、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系暫任系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄教授日前於《文匯報》發表評論文章，探討企業如何透過循環經濟理念與再製造策略，在實現減碳目標的同時提升營運效益及創造商業價值。 文章指出，企業應建立完整的運營配置，善用循環經濟模式提升資源使用效率、延長產品生命周期，並減少碳排放及資源浪費，從而實現環境效益與經濟效益雙贏，推動可持續發展轉型。 完整文章: 文匯報 -  [Link]    

Digital Transformation Empowering ESG: From Commitment to Action

[Media Interview] Digital Transformation Empowering ESG: From Commitment to Action Prof. Mike Lai Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Programmes) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics at PolyU, recently published a commentary in Hong Kong Economic Times. Full Article: Hong Kong Economic Times - [Link] (Chinese Version Only)   【媒體專訪】數碼轉型賦能 ESG 不再紙上談兵 理大環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心聯席主任、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系暫任系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄教授日前於《香港經濟日報》發表評論文章。 完整文章:香港經濟日報 - [Link]    

Why High-Performing Firms Are More Willing to Switch Suppliers: Unpacking the Psychology of Environmental Decision-Making

[Media Interview] Why High-Performing Firms Are More Willing to Switch Suppliers: Unpacking Psychology of Environmental Decision-Making Prof. Mike Lai Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Programmes) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics at PolyU, recently published a commentary in HK01. In the article, Prof. Lai discusses how environmental performance influences supply chain decisions. He highlights that firms with strong environmental performance are often more willing to seek new, greener suppliers and pursue supply chain upgrades, while firms facing environmental challenges tend to focus on improving existing supplier relationships. The article also explores how managerial attitudes toward risk and opportunity shape sustainability-related decision-making. Full Article: HK01 - [Link] (Chinese Version Only)   【媒體專訪】做得好反而更敢換供應商？拆解企業環保決策心理機制 理大環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心聯席主任、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系暫任系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄教授日前於《香港01》發表評論文章。 文章探討企業環保表現如何影響供應鏈決策，指出環保表現較佳的企業往往更積極尋找綠色供應商及推動供應鏈升級；而環保表現未如理想的企業則傾向優化現有供應商網絡。文章亦分析管理層的風險取向如何影響可持續發展決策。 完整文章: 香港01 - [Link]    

Prof. Mike LAI urges Hong Kong to grow high-value maritime services to secure global shipping hub status

Prof. Mike LAI urges Hong Kong to grow high-value maritime services to secure global shipping hub status Against a backdrop of global supply chain restructuring and rising geopolitical risks, Hong Kong’s shipping industry is facing mounting challenges, including cargo diversion, persistently high costs and intensifying competition from regional ports. In his recent op-ed published in Wen Wei Po, Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics, noted that the core challenge confronting Hong Kong’s shipping industry is not merely a decline in cargo volume, but a structural imbalance. He argued that Hong Kong must fully leverage its institutional strengths, international networks and strong financial services capabilities to accelerate its transformation into a diversified and integrated shipping hub. Prof. Lai said that, in line with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong could enhance its overall competitiveness and attractiveness by reducing port and cross-boundary transport costs, promoting direct access for Greater Bay Area lorries to the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, and encouraging green vessels to call at Hong Kong. At the same time, Hong Kong should focus on developing high-value maritime services, including shipping finance, marine insurance, legal arbitration, ship management and green finance, while also expediting the implementation of electronic bills of lading and the enhancement of the recently launched port community system to improve the integration of logistics, capital and information flows, thereby improving overall service efficiency. The article also suggests that the ports of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou should clearly define their respective roles: Hong Kong should focus on international trans-shipment and high-end services, Shenzhen on exports from high-tech manufacturing, and Guangzhou on inland intermodal transport. Through coordination and complementarity, rather than destructive competition, the three ports can jointly strengthen the Greater Bay Area’s strategic position as a new global hub for maritime trade. Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4tnzUaP   黎基雄教授倡香港發展高增值航運服務 鞏固國際航運中心地位 在全球供應鏈重組及地緣政治風險升溫的背景下，香港航運業正面對貨源流失、成本高企及區內港口競爭加劇等挑戰。理大環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心聯席主任、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系暫任系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄，日前於《文匯報》撰文指出，香港航運業當前面對的核心問題，不僅在於貨量下跌，更在於產業結構失衡；香港必須善用制度優勢、國際網絡及金融服務實力，加快轉型為多元化的綜合航運樞紐。 黎教授表示，配合國家「十五五」規劃，香港可透過降低港口及跨境運輸成本、推動大灣區貨車直達葵青碼頭、鼓勵綠色船舶靠港等措施，全面提升整體競爭力與吸引力。同時，香港亦應聚焦發展高增值航運服務，包括航運金融、海事保險、法律仲裁、船舶管理及綠色融資等，並加快推進電子提單及港口社區系統建設，打通物流、資金流與資訊流，提升航運服務的整體效能。 文章亦建議，香港、深圳及廣州三地港口應進一步明確分工：香港主攻國際轉運及高端服務，深圳聚焦高科技製造出口，廣州則發展內陸聯運，透過協同互補避免惡性競爭，共同鞏固大灣區作為全球航運新高地的戰略地位。 網上報導：文匯報 - https://polyu.me/4tnzUaP    

PolyU study: Hong Kong’s shipping industry must shift from throughput-driven competition to high value-added services

PolyU study: Hong Kong’s shipping industry must shift from throughput-driven competition to high value-added services Hong Kong’s shipping industry is at a critical stage of transformation and upgrading.  A PolyU study has found that the city’s shipping ecosystem is gradually evolving from a traditional container terminal-led model towards a new diversified landscape jointly driven by freight forwarding, maritime services, insurance, finance, and cross-boundary collaboration. The study is led by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics.  It notes that, while container terminals remain an important foundation of the shipping system, the core momentum behind the industry’s sustainable development has increasingly shifted to freight forwarders and a range of professional services with stronger digital capabilities and greater efficiency in resource integration.  Amid intensifying port competition within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and uncertainty arising from the restructuring of global supply chains, Hong Kong must move beyond a development mindset focused solely on growth in throughput.  To consolidate its position as an international shipping centre, the city should instead strengthen the connectivity and transformation capacity of its overall shipping ecosystem. Prof. Lai suggests that Hong Kong should focus on three key priorities in the future: accelerating port digitalisation and data connectivity; strengthening collaboration with Greater Bay Area cities in sea-land-air intermodal transport; and further expanding and upgrading high value-added professional services such as marine insurance, maritime finance, compliance advisory, and green finance.  These efforts will help drive Hong Kong’s transition from a “port city” to a comprehensive international shipping services centre. Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4vJKDPf   理大研究：香港航運須從吞吐量競爭走向高增值服務 香港航運業正處於轉型升級的關鍵階段。香港理工大學一項研究指出，本港航運生態正由過往以貨櫃碼頭為核心的傳統模式，逐步轉向由貨運代理、海運服務、保險、金融及跨境協同共同支撐的多元化新格局。 該研究由環境，社會，及治理促進研究中心聯席主任、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系署理系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄教授領導。研究認為，貨櫃碼頭仍然是航運體系的重要基礎，但真正推動行業持續發展的核心動力，已逐漸轉移至數碼化能力較強、資源整合效率更高的貨運代理及各類專業服務。面對粵港澳大灣區港口競爭日趨激烈，以及全球供應鏈重組帶來的不確定性，香港若要鞏固其國際航運中心地位，必須由過往單純追求吞吐量的發展思維，轉向提升整體航運生態的連接能力、協同效應與轉化能力。 黎教授建議，香港未來應聚焦三大方向，包括加快港口數碼化及資料互聯互通、加強與大灣區城市在陸海空聯運方面的協作，以及進一步做大做強航運保險、航運金融、合規顧問及綠色融資等高增值專業服務，方能推動香港由「港口城市」升級為全面的國際航運服務中心。 網上報導：文匯報 - https://polyu.me/4vJKDPf

PolyU secures funding for four cutting-edge projects in Third Round of RAISe+ Scheme

PolyU secures funding for four cutting-edge projects in Third Round of RAISe+ Scheme PolyU has earned funding support for four high-impact research projects in the third round of the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme, administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Spanning areas from advanced manufacturing to artificial intelligence (AI), these projects demonstrate significant potential for industry impact—a testament to the University’s research excellence and translation.  All the funded projects are led by PAIR members. Details of the projects: Project Title and Description Project Leader Forging with Clarity: Intelligent In-Situ Laser Melt Pool Monitoring Technology IntraSpect™ is redefining precision manufacturing with its 3rd-generation intelligent in-situ melt pool control technology. By integrating advanced high-frequency optical tomography with a multi-modal AI engine, the team has developed an “industrial eye” capable of penetrating metal vapour to deliver micron-level 3D real-time monitoring and closed-loop control, effectively eliminating hidden defects such as porosity. This solution matches the performance of top-tier international competitors at half the cost, offering a rapid ROI of less than one year. Closely aligned with the “15th Five-Year Plan” and “China Intelligent Manufacturing 2030”, IntraSpect™ empowers the EV battery and electronics sectors to transition from passive defect detection to proactive quality prevention. Prof. H.C. MAN Founding Director and Member of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Member of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering and Chair Professor of Materials Engineering WiseLaw: Next Generation Agentic AI for Legal Services WiseLaw Digital Technology Co., Ltd is Hong Kong’s first technology enterprise specialising in AI applications for cross-border legal and compliance services. Incubated by PolyU, WiseLaw brings together PolyU alumni and technical experts from leading internet companies in Chinese Mainland. WiseLaw deeply integrates AI with professional legal and compliance expertise, driving the intelligent transformation of legal services and corporate compliance management. As WiseLaw’s core product, “Lawrence” is an AI Digital Employee designed to empower corporations, financial institutions and law firms. Distinct from conventional software tools, Lawrence is built to “work like an employee”. It provides continuous support across cross-border business scenarios, including legal research, compliance review, contract analysis, risk identification, knowledge management and workflow coordination. Leveraging world-leading LLM capabilities and professional knowledge, further enhanced by WiseLaw’s proprietary Harness Engineering and Agentic Memory solutions, Lawrence enables users to improve operational efficiency, reduce compliance costs and mitigate legal risks. It provides enterprises with a more sophisticated and efficient framework for navigating global expansion and international operations. Prof. LU Haitian Management Committee Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Member of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), and Hong Kong Sustaintech Foundation Professor in School of Accounting and Finance ShieldTrade: Multi-layer Defense System for Secure Web3 Transactions The project aims to develop ShieldTrade, a next-generation Web3 security system that prevents users from transacting with blacklisted or sanctioned addresses, malicious or deceptive smart contracts, and phishing or fraudulent applications that attempt to obtain unauthorised token approvals or asset transfers. ShieldTrade provides end-to-end security protection for Web3 users by detecting risky transactions before execution and blocking malicious activities in real time. It analyses wallet interactions, smart-contract behaviours and transaction patterns to identify blacklisted or sanctioned addresses, malicious or deceptive contracts, and phishing or fraudulent “dApps” designed to steal assets or token approvals. Through advanced binary analysis, fuzzing and symbolic execution, ShieldTrade delivers proactive defence against emerging Web3 threats and ensures safer participation in decentralised ecosystems. Prof. Allen AU Man-Ho Member of Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT), Associate Head (Research and Development) and Professor of the Department of Computing New Generation of Miniature Quantum Chip with Embedded System for Cybersecurity In today’s information-driven era, safeguarding data has become an exceptionally critical concern. Traditional encryption methods may prove highly vulnerable in the face of potential quantum computing attacks in the near future, underscoring the need to develop new technological solutions with high security standards. The project aims to develop a new generation of miniature quantum chips with embedded systems that enable secure communication by integrating optical quantum components with classical electronics (ARM and FPGA) on a single chip, often using CMOS fabrication to reduce size and cost. These chip-scale devices support high-speed communication, while allowing easy integration into IoT devices, handheld devices, fibre-optic networks, data centres and other applications. Prof. LIU Ai-Qun Director of RIQT, Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Hong Kong Global STEM Scholar   理大四個前沿科研項目獲第三輪「產學研1+計劃」資助 香港理工大學（理大）於香港特別行政區政府創新科技署的第三輪「產學研1+計劃」中，共有四個具影響力的研究項目獲資助。這些項目具備帶領行業發展的深厚潛力，涵蓋先進製造、人工智能等多個領域，充分印證理大具備卓越科研及研究成果轉化的實力。所有獲資助項目均由理大高等研究院成員領導。 有關研究項目詳情如下： 項目名稱及簡介 項目領導 灼見精工：智慧原位熔池精控科技 IntraSpect™（英特珀激光科技）憑藉第三代智慧原位熔池精控技術，重新定義高端精密製造的質量標準。團隊採用領先的高頻光學斷層掃描結合多模態 AI 引擎，打造能穿透金屬蒸汽的「工業透視眼」，實現微米級熔池內部 3D 實時監測與閉環控制，徹底解決氣孔及虛焊等隱蔽缺陷。 產品性能對標國際頂尖品牌，成本僅需一半，回本期短於一年。為緊貼「十五五」規劃與「中國智造 2030」戰略，項目致力賦能新能源電池及 3C 電子等高增值產業，助力企業實現從「攔截缺陷」到「主動預防」的品質革命。 文効忠教授 先進製造研究院創始院長及成員、體育科技研究院成員、工程學院院長、鄭翼之製造工程學講座教授及材料工程講座教授   智法數科：新一代法律服務智能體系統 WiseLaw 智法數科是香港首家專注於跨境法律及合規 AI 應用的科創企業，由理大孵化，匯聚香港理工大學優秀校友及內地頭部互聯網企業技術專家，致力於將AI技術與法律、合規專業知識深度融合，推動法律服務與企業合規管理智能化升級。 作為WiseLaw 旗下核心産品 ，「Lawrence」是面向企業、金融機構及律師事務所打造的法律合規 AI 數字員工。不同於傳統軟件工具，Lawrence 更強調「像員工一樣工作」，圍繞跨境業務場景持續提供法律檢索、合規審查、合同分析、風險識別、知識管理及流程協同等服務。 依托全球領先的大模型能力、多法域專業知識庫及法律專家的經驗、WiseLaw獨有的Harness工程技術和Agentic Memory解決方案，Lawrence 能夠有效幫助客戶提升工作效率、降低合規成本、規避法律風險，爲企業出海和國際化經營提供更智能、更高效的支持。 陸海天教授 潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院及環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心管理委員會成員、可持續城市發展研究院成員、香港可持續技術基金會教授   ShieldTrade：安全 Web3 交易的多層防護系統 項目旨在開發新一代 Web3 安全防護系統ShieldTrade，其致力於保護使用者免受黑名單或受制裁地址、惡意智能合約，以及企圖獲取未經授權代幣授權或資產轉移之釣魚應用程式的侵害。 ShieldTrade 為 Web3 用戶提供端對端的安全保障，能於交易執行前偵測高風險操作，並即時阻截惡意行為。系統會深入分析錢包互動、智能合約行為及交易模式，藉此識別黑名單或受制裁地址、惡意或具欺騙性的合約，以及旨在竊取資產或代幣授權的釣魚或詐騙類「去中心化應用程式」。透過先進的二進制分析、模糊測試與符號執行技術，ShieldTrade 針對新興的 Web3 威脅提供主動式防禦，確保用戶能更安全地參與去中心化生態系。 區文浩教授 量子技術研究院成員、,電子計算學系副系主任（研究及發展）及教授   新一代嵌入式微型量子芯片及網絡安全應用 在數位化與智能化快速發展的今天，數據及通信安全已成為社會運行和產業發展的核心需求。隨着量子計算技術不斷發展，傳統密碼體系在未來面臨安全考驗，因此亟需發展更高安全等級的新型技術方案。 本項目致力於研發新一代嵌入式微型量子芯片及網路安全應用，通過將量子物理與微電子技術深度融合，將光量子器件與經典電子系統（如 ARM、FPGA）集成於同一芯片之上。基於 CMOS 製造工藝，該技術有望實現芯片的小型化、低成本和高集成度。該量子安全芯片不僅可支援高速安全通信，還能夠進一步嵌入物聯網終端、手持設備、光纖通信網路及數據中心等應用場景，為未來訊息安全提供新一代核心技術。 劉愛群教授 量子技術研究院院長、電機及電子工程學系量子工程與科學講座教授、香港全球傑出創科學人      

PolyU supports seven innovative research projects to advance campus-wide sustainability

PolyU supports seven innovative research projects to advance campus-wide sustainability To proactively address pressing global challenges such as climate change, PolyU launched the Carbon Neutrality Funding Scheme in 2022 to support PolyU researchers in developing impactful technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and translating carbon neutrality research outcomes into practical applications on the PolyU campus, thereby advancing PolyU’s carbon neutrality goals. Under the Carbon Neutrality Funding Scheme 2025/26, seven research projects have been awarded over HK$12.5 million in total.  All funded projects are led by PAIR researchers. Funding proposals are assessed based on three core criteria, including the potential to reduce carbon emissions, effectiveness in addressing societal concerns, and ability to generate tangible University R&D outcomes. Each funded project may receive up to HK$2 million, inclusive of matching funds provided by the respective Faculty, School or Department, and may run for a maximum of two years. Carbon Neutrality Funding Scheme 2025/26 List of Awardees: Principal Investigator Project Title Awarded Amount (HK$) Prof. JIANG Liming Member of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM) and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), Associate Head (Partnership) and Associate Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Building Bring Low-carbon Timber-integrated Design to PolyU Campus Powered by Architecture-driven Timber-3DCPSteel Composite Construction 1,900,000 Prof. Jerry YAN Jinyue Associate Director and Management Committee Member of Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Management Committee Member of RISUD, Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Chair Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Building Accelerating PolyU Campus Carbon Neutrality through Digital Carbon Inventory and Pilot Market 1,880,000 Prof. WANG Yuhong Management Committee Member of RISUD, Member of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), RISE and Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE), Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Development of a Lightweight Roof-top Cool Canopy Based on Climbing Plants for Effective Building Cooling, Energy Saving, and GHG Reduction 1,458,100 Prof. Charles WONG Man Sing Associate Director of RISUD, Management Committee Member of RILS, Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), Associate Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment and Professor of Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics From Data to Credits: Smart Monitoring and Economic Optimization for Carbon Neutrality at PolyU 1,912,000 Prof. XU Zhenglong Management Committee Member of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Member of RIAM, Photonic Research Institute (PRI) and RISE, Associate Professor of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Intelligent Zero-Carbon Mobile Charging Station Enabled by Upcycling Spent Alkaline Batteries into Solar-Rechargeable Aqueous Zn-ion Batteries 1,592,000 Prof. LAU Shu Ping Associate Director of PRI, Management Committee Member of RISE, Member of RIAM, RCDSE, RCRE, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials of Department of Applied Physics On-Site CO2 Capture and Closed-Loop Carbonation for Sustainable Sparkling Beverages 1,900,000 Prof. FEI Bin Management Committee Member of RCRE, Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), PRI, Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF), Professor of School of Fashion and Textiles Smart-Coat PolyU: Retrofitting Campus Envelopes with Cooling Aerogel Skins for Year-Round Decarbonization 1,876,000   理大支持7項創新研究項目 推動校園可持續發展 為積極應對包括氣候變化在內的全球挑戰，理大於2022年推出「碳中和科研基金」，支持校內科研人員開發具影響力的氣候緩解與適應技術，並將碳中和研究成果在校園落地應用，從而支持推動理大實踐碳中和承諾。在「2025/26年度碳中和科研基金」下，7項研究項目合共獲批逾1,250萬港元資助，所有項目均由理大高等研究院學者領導進行。 項目評選以三大標準為核心，包括技術的減碳潛力、回應社會需求的實際效益，以及對推動大學科研成果的具體成效。每項獲資助項目最高可獲200萬港元資助，包括由學院、學系或部門提供的配對資金，為期最多2年。 2025/26年度碳中和科研基金獲資助項目︰ 首席研究員 項目名稱（只有英文） 資助金額 （港元） 江黎明教授 先進製造研究院及可持續城市發展研究院成員、建築環境及能源工程學系副系主任及副教授 Bring Low-carbon Timber-integrated Design to PolyU Campus Powered by Architecture-driven Timber-3DCPSteel Composite Construction 1,900,000 嚴晉躍教授 環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心副主任兼管理委員會成員、可持續城市發展研究院管理委員會成員、潘樂陶慈善基金智慧能源研究院成員、建築環境及能源工程學系能源與建築講座教授 Accelerating PolyU Campus Carbon Neutrality through Digital Carbon Inventory and Pilot Market 1,880,000 王予紅教授 可持續城市發展研究院管理委員會成員、土地及空間研究院、潘樂陶慈善基金智慧能源研究院及碳中和資源工程研究中心成員、土木及環境工程學系教授 Development of a Lightweight Roof-top Cool Canopy Based on Climbing Plants for Effective Building Cooling, Energy Saving, and GHG Reduction 1,458,100 黃文聲教授 可持續城市發展研究院副院長、潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院及旅遊業數字化轉型研究中心成員、建設及環境學院副院長及土地測量及地理資訊學系教授 From Data to Credits: Smart Monitoring and Economic Optimization for Carbon Neutrality at PolyU 1,912,000 徐正龍教授 深空探測研究中心管理委員會成員、先進製造研究院、光子技術研究院及潘樂陶慈善基金智慧能源研究院成員、工業及系統工程學系副教授 Intelligent Zero-Carbon Mobile Charging Station Enabled by Upcycling Spent Alkaline Batteries into Solar-Rechargeable Aqueous Zn-ion Batteries 1,592,000 劉樹平教授 光子技術研究院副院長、潘樂陶慈善基金智慧能源研究院管理委員會成員、先進製造研究院、深空探測研究中心及碳中和資源工程研究中心成員、應用物理學系納米材料講座教授 On-Site CO2 Capture and Closed-Loop Carbonation for Sustainable Sparkling Beverages 1,900,000 費賓教授 碳中和資源工程研究中心管理委員會成員、智能可穿戴系統研究院、光子技術研究院及未來服裝紡織科技研究中心成員、時裝及紡織學院教授 Smart-Coat PolyU: Retrofitting Campus Envelopes with Cooling Aerogel Skins for Year-Round Decarbonization 1,876,000        

PolyU study urges smarter transport governance, with three recommendations to advance smart circular city development

PolyU study urges smarter transport governance, with three recommendations to advance smart circular city development A study led by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics, points out that urban transport governance should no longer be confined to fragmented and reactive management practices.  Instead, it should adopt a more systematic and targeted, tiered policy approach to address transport issues at different levels. The study notes that, in the face of increasingly severe road congestion, road expansion and widening alone cannot fundamentally relieve transport pressure.  If there is insufficient integration among different modes of transport, including buses, the MTR, cycling, walking and shared mobility, increasing road capacity alone is unlikely to bring meaningful improvements to the overall travel convenience for the public. The research further argues that promoting the development of a “circular city” requires going beyond a narrow focus on road congestion when addressing transport issues.  It requires a comprehensive response to six major challenges: traffic congestion, air pollution, inadequate public transport efficiency, poor connectivity between transport links, ageing infrastructure and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels.  Prof. Lai believes that urban transport governance should move away from a fragmented response model towards a tiered strategy based on the nature of different problems, supported by appropriate technological tools to enhance overall governance effectiveness. Prof. Lai added that, compared with tackling congestion in isolation, issues such as air pollution and transport mode integration should be treated as more pressing priorities, as they directly affect the public’s daily travel experience, public health and quality of life.  The study suggests that artificial intelligence can be applied to traffic flow forecasting, real-time monitoring, demand analysis and multimodal connection optimisation.  Blockchain technology, meanwhile, can help facilitate transparent data sharing, emissions tracking, smart contract execution, and the establishment and development of carbon credit mechanisms. At the policy level, the study proposes three recommendations.  First, policymaking should be guided by a problem-oriented approach, with appropriate matching of technologies to identified issues.  Second, a unified data platform should be established to strengthen collaboration across government departments and transport operators.  Third, procurement and performance evaluation mechanisms should be reformed, shifting away from a system that prioritises equipment acquisition to one based on outcomes. Prof. Lai emphasised that cities seeking to advance smart mobility should adopt a pilot-first and progressive implementation strategy.  By integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, transport governance can evolve from a short-term, emergency-response model into a long-term, low-carbon and resilient circular city governance system. Online coverage: Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/3Q9gg4u   理大研究指交通治理須智慧轉型 三項建議推動「循環城市」發展 一項由香港理工大學環境，社會，及治理促進研究中心聯席主任、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系署理系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄教授領導的研究指出，城市交通治理不宜再局限於零散及被動應對的管理方式，而應採取更具系統性及針對性的分層施策策略，以回應不同層面的交通問題。 研究指出，面對日益嚴重的道路擠塞，單靠擴闊道路未必能從根本上紓緩交通壓力。若巴士、港鐵、單車、步行及共享出行等不同交通方式之間欠缺有效銜接，即使增加道路容量，市民的整體出行便利程度亦未必能獲得實質改善。 研究進一步指出，推動「循環城市」發展，不應僅將交通問題視為道路擠塞，而須全面應對六大挑戰，包括交通擠塞、空氣污染、公共交通效率不足、接駁系統不暢、基礎設施老化，以及對化石燃料的高度依賴。黎教授認為，城市交通治理應由碎片化的應對模式，轉向按問題性質分層施策，並配合適切技術工具，以提升整體治理效能。 黎教授續指，相較於單一處理交通擠塞問題，空氣污染及交通模式整合等議題更具迫切性，原因在於該等問題直接影響市民的日常出行體驗、公共健康及生活質素。研究認為，人工智能技術適用於車流預測、即時監察、需求分析及多模式接駁優化，而區塊鏈技術則有助促進數據透明共享、排放追蹤、智能合約執行，以及碳信用機制的建立與發展。 就政策層面而言，研究提出三項建議：第一，政策制定應以問題導向為本，並配合合適的技術方案；第二，建立統一數據平台，以促進跨部門及跨營運商協作；第三，改革採購及績效評估機制，由以往偏重設備採購的模式，轉向以成果為本的制度設計。 黎教授強調，城市在推動智慧交通發展時，應採取試點先行、循序漸進的策略，並結合人工智能與區塊鏈等新興技術，推動交通治理由短期應急模式，逐步邁向長遠、低碳及具韌性的循環城市治理體系。 網上報導：香港經濟日報 - https://polyu.me/3Q9gg4u

Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung: Dynamic capabilities and digital collaboration as key to supply chain competitiveness

Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung: Dynamic capabilities and digital collaboration as key to supply chain competitiveness Amid growing uncertainty in global supply chains, firms that continue to rely solely on internal resources and established operating models are finding it increasing difficult to maintain a long-term competitive edge. A study by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) finds that, in the face of multiple challenges, including geopolitical risks, cost volatility and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, businesses must strengthen the dynamic capabilities of their supply chains, deepen value co-creation mechanisms, and embrace digital transformation to effectively enhance supply chain resilience and overall competitiveness. The study was led by Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Interim Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics. The research identifies three core dimensions of supply chain dynamic capability. The first is sensing capability, that is, a firm’s ability to identify external risks and potential opportunities at an early stage. The second is adaptive capability, i.e., the ability to respond swiftly and make effective decisions during crises or sudden changes in the operating environment. The third is reconfiguring capability, which refers to the capacity to flexibly adjust supply chain resource allocation and operating models in response to shifts in both internal and external environments. The study further highlights that dynamic capabilities do not necessarily lead to innovation performance or competitive advantage. Their impacts must be realised through the process of value co-creation. Specifically, firms need to build closer collaborative relationships with suppliers, customers and logistics partners. Through joint product design, process optimisation and information sharing, capabilities at the individual firm level can be extended across the wider supply chain network, thereby fostering knowledge integration, resource coordination and innovative outcomes. The study also finds that digital transformation plays a significant reinforcing role in this process. The higher a firm’s level of digitalisation, the greater its efficiency in information flows, cross-organisational coordination and supply chain transparency. This, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of value co-creation and further amplifies the positive impact of dynamic capabilities on innovation and performance. In other words, digital technology is not merely a tool for improving operational efficiency, but also a critical enabler of collaborative innovation and strategic transformation across supply chains. The study emphasises that future market competition will no longer be confined to rivalry between individual firms, but will instead centre more on multi-faceted competitions between supply chain ecosystems in terms of collaborative capability, resilience and innovation performance. Firms that can effectively integrate dynamic capabilities, value co-creation and digital transformation will therefore be better placed to build sustained competitive advantage in a highly uncertain external environment and to strengthen their leadership within the wider industrial ecosystem. Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4vpkmpl   黎基雄教授：動態能力與數碼協同成供應鏈致勝關鍵 在全球供應鏈不確定性持續上升的情況下，企業若僅依賴內部資源與既有營運模式，已難以維持長遠競爭優勢。香港理工大學（理大）一項研究指出，面對地緣政治風險、成本波動，以及環境規管日趨嚴格等多重挑戰，企業必須同步提升供應鏈的動態能力、深化價值共創機制，推動數碼轉型，方能有效提升供應鏈韌性與整體競爭力。 該項研究由理大環境，社會，和治理促進研究中心聯席主任、工商管理學院副院長（學務統籌）、物流及航運學系暫任系主任、航運及物流講座教授黎基雄教授領導。研究將供應鏈動態能力歸納為三類核心構面。其一為洞察能力，即企業及早識別外部風險與潛在機遇的能力；其二為應變能力，即企業在危機或環境突變下迅速回應並作出決策的能力；其三為重構能力，即企業因應內外部條件變化，靈活調整供應鏈資源配置與運作模式的能力。 研究進一步指出，動態能力本身並不必然直接轉化為創新績效或競爭優勢，其作用須透過價值共創過程方能實現。具體而言，企業需與供應商、客戶及物流夥伴建立更緊密的協作關係，透過共同產品設計、流程優化及資訊共享等方式，將個別企業層面的能力延伸至整個供應鏈網絡，從而促進知識整合、資源協同及創新成果產出。 此外，研究亦發現，數碼轉型在上述過程中發揮顯著的強化作用。企業的數碼化程度愈高，其資訊傳遞效率、跨組織協調能力及供應鏈透明度亦相應提升，從而有助提升價值共創的成效，並進一步放大動態能力對創新與績效的正面影響。換言之，數碼技術不僅是提升營運效率的工具，更是推動供應鏈協同創新與策略轉型的重要基礎設施。 研究強調，未來市場競爭的核心，將不再局限於單一企業之間的競逐，而是供應鏈生態系統之間在協同能力、韌性表現與創新水平上的綜合較量。因而，能夠有效整合動態能力、價值共創與數碼轉型三者的企業，將更有條件在高度不確定的外部環境中建立持續競爭優勢，並鞏固其在產業生態中的領導地位。 網上報導：HK01 - https://polyu.me/4vpkmpl