PolyU: PolyU Main Entrance Unveiling Ceremony marks a key milestone in the University’s history Embarking on a new journey to education, research and knowledge transfer excellence

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today unveiled its iconic main entrance near Core A on Cheong Wan Road to celebrate the University’s 85th Anniversary.

The high-profile unveiling was officiated by Mr John LEE Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Chancellor of PolyU, and witnessed by dignitaries including Mr Eric CHAN Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration; Dr ZHANG Zhihua, Director General of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government; Members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council; Mr Carlson TONG, Chairman of the University Grants Committee; and chairmen and presidents of other local universities. They were joined by about 600 community leaders, PolyU alumni, staff, students and other distinguished guests who gathered to celebrate the joyful occasion.

From a humble government trade school to a world-class university, for 85 years PolyU has made impactful contributions that have advanced the development of Hong Kong. The completion of the main entrance marks another significant milestone in the University’s development.

The Ceremony commenced with a chorus of the national anthem and the PolyU 85th Anniversary theme song. The Chief Executive and the Chief Secretary for Administration were joined by PolyU’s Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai; President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG; Deputy President and Provost Prof. Wing-tak WONG; and Executive Vice President Dr Miranda LOU to unveil the main entrance. The main entrance highlights PolyU’s determination to take talent development, technological innovation and knowledge transfer to a next new level for the advancement of the Nation and the world, leveraging the University’s strengths in research and education.

The design of the new entrance, which reflects the proud heritage of the University enriched with a touch of contemporary style, blends our signature red brick architectural style with classical colonnade features. On the side of the portal, a vertical green wall displays the PolyU logo floating on a reflective pool. Above the main stairs is a hanging white slatted ceiling. The main entrance is more than just a new landmark – it manifests PolyU’s continuous pursuit of excellence, taking its world-class education and research to a new era.

In the new academic year, PolyU will launch an integrated and innovative undergraduate curriculum with new elements in “Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics” and “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” to cultivate future-ready leaders. The University has also newly established the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme (STARS) Residential College to facilitate the all-round development of our students with special talents, while continuing to foster the next generation of researchers and innovators through the College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI) and the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS).

To support the development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology hub, the University has launched the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, the largest research platform of its kind in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to foster interdisciplinary research, partnership with world-renowned scholars and technological advancement. Construction of new campus facilities and development of a more inspirational environment is also underway to support education, research and knowledge transfer in various specialised areas, including healthcare.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU’s Chairman of Council, said, “This is a momentous year as we mark the 25th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the 85th Anniversary of PolyU. Throughout the years, PolyU has grown and thrived with Hong Kong, a journey during which the concerted efforts and shared goals of PolyU stakeholders and supporters have been indispensable – as signified in our 85th Anniversary theme of ‘We Are PolyU • Together We Excel’. As a 1981 graduate of the Hong Kong Polytechnic, I have witnessed the progress the University has made in cultivating talents who have positive values and a strong sense of national identity, who are socially responsible and willing to shoulder greater responsibilities for the betterment of their fellow citizens, Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. This is a testament to how PolyU has been living up to its motto of ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’. Today’s unveiling of the University’s main entrance marks the beginning of another stage of development and the start of a new chapter for PolyU. I am confident that with the HKSAR Government’s support and PolyU members’ strenuous efforts, the University will continue to scale new heights.”

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU’s President, said, “PolyU relentlessly pursues excellence in academic research. At the same time, the University has placed great emphasis on the societal impact of its research breakthroughs. We are committed to nurturing a large number of innovation and technology talents for Hong Kong, while making value education an important part of our students’ development. Besides including national education into the curriculum, PolyU also makes the study of Chinese history and culture mandatory for undergraduate students. Looking forward, PolyU will continue striving for excellence and march forward, helping Hong Kong become an international innovation and technology hub, and making new contributions to the science and technology advancement of the Nation.”

PolyU’s 85th Anniversary celebrations commenced in November last year, with signature events including the PolyU InnoTech Open Day, and the “Art and Culture Series” concerts and performances featuring the Federation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Alumni Associations Chinese orchestra, Youth Outreach street dance and alumni band.

The University will continue to mark its anniversary with a series of upcoming conferences and activities. These include two distinguished public lectures hosted respectively by PolyU’s President Emeritus Prof. POON Chung-kwong and Dr Louis NG, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum; and the Sportathon for alumni, staff, students, and their families. An anniversary gala dinner in November this year will conclude the celebrations on a high note.