Hong Kong

At the Honorary Doctorate Conferment Ceremony 2024 today (5 December), Lingnan University conferred two honorary degrees in recognition of outstanding professional achievements and valuable contributions to society. Renowned mathematician Prof Yau Shing-tung received a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, and distinguished structural biologist Prof Nieng Yan received a Doctor of Science, honoris causa.

Lingnan University held its 55th Congregation for the Conferment of Degrees today (28 November), presided over by Council Chairman Mr Andrew Yao Cho-fai and Deputy Council Chairman Mr Augustine Wong Ho-ming. This year the University conferred degrees on 3,068 graduates, of whom 770 were undergraduates, 2,242 masters, 52 doctors, and 124 postgraduate diploma holders. A hundred and twenty graduates were awarded both a Master of Accountancy and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy.

Lingnan University will confer honorary doctoral degrees on two leading professors in recognition of their outstanding achievements and valuable contributions to humanity. They are renowned mathematician Prof Yau Shing-tung and distinguished structural biologist Prof Nieng Yan.

With the rapid development of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), safety issues arising from the related technologies are gradually surfacing and have attracted widespread attention. The School of Data Science of Lingnan University organised the 2024 International Workshop on Risk and Governance of Generative Artificial Intelligence from 25 to 26 November at the Cordis, Hong Kong hotel, where AI experts and scholars from around the world met to explore through case studies in-depth, original solutions to the possible risks of GenAI.

Trusted, independent data analytics organisation Clarivate has included Lingnan University's Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning, and Prof Sam Kwong Tak-wu, Associate Vice-President (Strategic Research), Acting Dean of the School of Data Science, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and J.K. Lee Chair Professor of Computational Intelligence, on their latest list of Highly Cited Researchers 2024. The two scholars’ multiple frequently referenced papers ranking in the top 1 per cent by citations for their fields and publication year over the past decade have made a significant and wide-ranging impact.

A team of eight postgraduates led by Prof Dong Chengzu, Assistant Professor of Teaching of the Division of Artificial Intelligence, School of Data Science at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, won second prize in the zkWASM Hackathon held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 8 to 10 November 2024.

With the global rise in electric vehicles’ popularity, the demand for lithium-ion batteries has surged, leading to a considerable increase in discarded batteries. The issue of how to efficiently use “retired” batteries has become urgent, and to address this Prof Tang Xiaopeng, Assistant Professor of the Science Unit at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, recently published a groundbreaking research paper titled "Lifespan-based Battery Classification towards Second-life Utilisation", which won the Best Paper Award at the prestigious 2024 IEEE 25th China Conference on System Simulation Technology and its Application (CCSSTA). It was one of only four papers out of 278 submissions to receive recognition.

Lingnan University hosted the QS Higher Education Post-Summit: Asia Pacific 2024 today (8 November) on its campus under the theme "Navigating Futures – Empowering Higher Education for Social and Sustainable Impact". This international education conference brought together about 400 leading academics and key stakeholders from universities in Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China, Australia, and Japan to consider the most pressing challenges and transformative opportunities facing higher education in the Asia-Pacific region.

Lingnan University welcomed Ms Wang Yuyan, Deputy Party Secretary, Head of the Organization Department of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and her delegation on their visit to the Lingnan University campus in Tuen Mun on 4 November. Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science, Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing, Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning), Mr Ernest Chan Chi-man, Vice-President (Administration), Associate Vice-Presidents and the University management met with the guests, and held a seminar, chaired by Prof S. Joe Qin, to explore closer cooperation in research and innovation, and expanding talent cultivation.

Lingnan University co-hosted the QS Higher Education Summit Asia Pacific 2024 from 5 to 7 November at the Macau University of Science and Technology, with the theme “Shifting Landscapes, Collaborative Solutions: Pioneering Innovation in Asia Pacific Higher Education”. The summit marks its 20th anniversary in 2024, and aims to forge valuable partnerships within the higher education sector. Attended by about 1,500 educators, leading thinkers and academics, the three-day summit held dynamic panel discussions on a wide range of pertinent issues, covering key topics such as leveraging the power of AI, fostering lifelong learning ecosystems, and navigating the unfolding higher education landscape.

In light of the Government’s recent Policy Address promoting Hong Kong as an international hub for post-secondary education, and to build the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, Lingnan University gave its annual International Day on 29 October a “Cultural Fusion, Global Vision” theme. The event attracted about 500 faculty members and students for a lively celebration of diversity and cultural exchange.

Themed 'Forging Connections, Cultivating Talents', the opening ceremony for the 2024-25 Lingnan University Mentorship Programmes was held at the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel on 26 October 2024. The following five mentorship initiatives have been in place for long, and were kicked off for 2024-25 en bloc: • Lingnan University Postgraduate Mentorship Programme • Lingnanian Executive Mentoring Programme • Lingnan University Banking & Finance Mentorship Programme • Lingnan University Insurance Mentoring and Scholarship Scheme • Police Mentorship Programme.

City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) researchers have made a remarkable scientific breakthrough in developing next-generation passive radiative cooling technology. Their pioneering work on cooling ceramics, pavements and textiles helps mitigate heat impacts without additional energy consumption. This innovation has promising application potential in buildings, roads and clothing, addressing issues such as urban heat islands and greenhouse gas emissions to combat the challenges of climate change.

An innovative project titled "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Navigation, Control, and Communication Integration Technology and Application" (the project) and led by Prof Yuan Weijie, Assistant Professor (Presidential Early Career Scholar) of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies of Lingnan University has recently received the prestigious Platinum Award for Satellite Navigation and Positioning Innovation Application in 2024 from the GNSS and LBS Association of China. This great accolade recognises Prof Yuan’s valuable contribution to advancing technological innovation in China's satellite navigation and positioning service industry. By integrating communication, navigation, and control systems, the project’s comprehensive solution augments the efficiency and precision of UAV technology in the agriculture sector, and addresses critical technical challenges faced by UAVs in smart agriculture.

Twenty-nine Lingnan University scholars are listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists published in 2024 by US Stanford University. The annual rankings highlight leading scientists across a wide range of fields, based on their career-long citation impact or single-year citation impact in 2023. The recognition underscores the research excellence and academic strengths of Lingnan scholars, and the significant contributions they have made to both academia and society.

Lingnan University held the Honorary Fellowship Presentation Ceremony 2024 today (3 October). Mr Andrew Yao Cho-fai, Council Chairman of Lingnan University, conferred honorary fellowships upon two distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding professional achievements and valuable contributions to the community and the education sector.

Lingnan University held a flag-raising ceremony today (1 October) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The ceremony took place at 10:30 am at the University’s Wing On Plaza. It was attended by Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing, senior management, faculty and students, who all gathered to honour the occasion.

Lingnan University will confer two honorary fellowships on 3 October 2024 to recognise outstanding professional achievements and valuable contributions to the community and the education sector. The recipients are Ms Chiang Lai-ping, Agnes and Mr Augustine Lui Ngok-che.

To encourage the development of innovative and creative design in Hong Kong, Lingnan University partnered with the renowned German iF Design Award ⸻ often referred to as the Oscar of Design ⸻ to co-host the Meet iF in Hong Kong seminar today (24 September) at Lingnan@WestKowloon in the M+ Building in the West Kowloon Cultural District. This sharing seminar, its inaugural collaboration with the local higher education sector, is the first event the iF has held in Hong Kong and was attended by dozens of representatives of leading Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas companies. Among the attendees were Hong Kong’s 2024 iF Design Award winners, including esteemed local interior designers Ms Virginia Lung and Mr Andrew Lam, who spoke about their own distinctive design concepts and styles.

Lingnan University today (20 September) honoured the achievements of 46 faculty members at the Research and Knowledge Transfer Excellence Awards Presentation Ceremony 2024, recognising exceptional performances in academic research and knowledge transfer while highlighting the contributions of Lingnan staff in enhancing community quality of life and societal advancement.

A dedicated team of researchers from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is pioneering cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies on a collaborative innovation network platform, aimed at transforming science, technology and innovation (STI) services to empower research and innovation. This innovative project is set to revolutionise the related service delivery by creating a secure GenAI model and digitally transforming processes, thereby facilitating research development and technology innovation, while enhancing data security and service efficiency.

To help freshmen acclimatise to their new environment and make the most of university, Lingnan University organised the Campus Life Carnival on 11 September being a part of the New Student Orientation. The carnival featured over 40 promotional booths set up by student societies, university teams, and various units, all aiming to help freshmen adjust to university life and foster mutual support network. Freshmen watched wonderful performances by student groups, such as the Lion Dance & Martial Arts Team, Judo Team, and the Music Society. More than 1,000 students participated in this joyful event. Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science of Lingnan University, attended the event and visited the activity booths to meet students.

International academic website Research.com commends Lingnan University in their latest edition of 2024 Best Scientists. Seventeen leading scholars from Lingnan University are ranked among the national best scientists in their respective disciplines, including Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing; Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning; Prof Bradley Richard Barnes, Interim Associate Vice-President (Global Affairs) cum Director of Global Education; Prof Siu Oi-ling, Lam Woo & Co Ltd Chair Professor of Applied Psychology and Head of the Department of Psychology; and Prof Dean Tjosvold, Emeritus Professor at the Department of Management.

Lingnan University has admitted three elite student-athletes through the Direct Entry Stream for Top Athletes (DESTA) for the 2024/25 academic year. The successful candidates cyclist Ng Sum-lui, Wushu Sanda athlete Li Ka-yee, and ice hockey player Patten Lai have achieved outstanding results in their respective sports. Since the scheme was launch in the 2022/23 academic year, Lingnan University has accepted a total of eight elite athletes.

City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) held the HK Tech 300 National Start-up Competition (National Competition) 2nd Award Ceremony and the Launch of the 3rd Competition on 1 September at CityUHK (Dongguan). Twelve start-ups from Hong Kong and the nine mainland cities out of 400 participating teams were awarded for their innovative solutions for a wide range of industries, including digital healthcare, energy sustainability and artificial intelligence applications. The 3rd Competition expands to 12 mainland cities including Dongguan, Hangzhou and Xian for a more robust and wider area innovation development.

Lingnan University held its Postgraduate Student Orientation 2024 today (29 August), welcoming over 3,300 new students. The incoming students for the 2024/25 academic year are pursuing taught postgraduate/doctoral degrees and MPhil/PhD programmes from around the world, and show an approximate 40 per cent increase over last year's 2,400 students, setting a new record. This diverse group hails from many countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Macau, South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands, Mexico, Ghana, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Myanmar.

Incoming freshmen for the 2024/25 academic year at Lingnan University were warmly welcomed today (26 August) to the New Student Orientation (NSO) Programme 2024 and Official Welcome on campus. This year, over 1,300 local, Mainland and overseas undergraduates joined the Lingnan family, and the average Gaokao score of Mainland Chinese students admitted to the first year has increased from last year by 15 points. The University continues to attract outstanding students from around the world, and select the best with the goal of becoming a comprehensive university in arts and sciences in the digital era, focusing on impactful research and innovations.

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used daily in electronic appliances, and with the growing popularity of electric vehicles globally, battery safety has become a mounting concern. The development of battery monitoring and fault diagnosis technologies is therefore crucial. Prof Tang Xiaopeng, Assistant Professor of the Science Unit at Lingnan University, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, and Tongji University, has proposed a small-sample-learning-based, deep learning model to accurately predict the battery electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), making it a low-cost, very efficient and highly accurate battery assessment method. The co-authored paper "Online multi-scenario impedance spectra generation for batteries based on small-sample learning" was recently published in the prestigious international academic journal "Cell Reports Physical Science".

As climate change continues to advance, the need for low-carbon, clean energy alternatives has become more urgent than ever. A research team at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has developed a new generation of printable perovskite solar cells that offer higher efficiency and stability, lower cost and scalability, with a minimal carbon footprint. With funding support from the inaugural Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+ Scheme) of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government, the team aims to establish a pilot production line within one and a half years, paving the way for a sustainable solar future.

The competition in managing short video content on social media platforms and executing online marketing has intensified in recent years. Crafting eye-catching video titles and thumbnails to increase viewer engagement has become a crucial marketing strategy. A recent study by the Department of Marketing and International Business at Lingnan University titled “Clicks for money: Predicting video views through a sentiment analysis of titles and thumbnails” used artificial intelligence (AI) to show that thumbnails expressing strong sentiments tend to attract more views, while strong sentiments conveyed in video titles may have the opposite effect. Additionally, videos with punctuation, capital letters, and emojis in their titles tend to receive more clicks. The Lingnan research team suggests these findings indicate that specific strategies in producing video content can fully leverage their videos’ potential to boost viewership and enhance online marketing efforts.