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Jiannong Cao is the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science and Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing at the Department of Computing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). He currently serves as Dean of the Graduate School and directs multiple research entities including the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), Internet and Mobile Computing Lab (IMCL), and PolyU's University Research Facility in Big Data Analytics (UBDA). Previously, he was the Head of the Department of Computing from 2011 to 2017. Education : BSc from Nanjing University, MSc and PhD from Washington State University Prof. Cao's research focuses on distributed systems , blockchain , wireless sensing , big data analytics , machine learning , mobile cloud , and edge computing . His work includes over 800 publications, 34 patents, and leadership in 130+ research projects with HK$187 million in grants. Recent research trends highlight his contributions to blockchain interoperability , edge AI optimization , secure GPU execution , federated learning frameworks , and IoT-based control systems . These align with his expertise in distributed computing, blockchain, and data-driven intelligent systems. Scientific Awards : PolyU President Award for Excellent Performance/Achievement in Research Ministry of Education Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards – Natural Science (Second Class) China Computer Federation (CCF) Overseas Outstanding Contribution Award IEEE TCCLD Research Innovation Award Silver Medal at Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions Best Paper Awards across multiple IEEE conferences (2011-2021) Prof. Cao has secured over HK$187 million in grants from agencies like NSFC, MOST, RGC, ITC, and industry partners (Alibaba, IBM, Nokia). He has delivered 50+ keynote/invited talks and serves on editorial boards of top journals including IEEE TC, IEEE TPDS, and ACM ToSN. He leads research labs such as RIAIoT and IMCL, focusing on artificial intelligence of things, blockchain integration, and edge computing systems. Current projects include collaborative edge computing, Web3 policies, and secure autonomous cooperation in edge nodes.

• Distributed Systems
• Blockchain
• Wireless Sensing and Networking
• +4 more

Dr. Yupeng LI serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Interactive Media at Hong Kong Baptist University, conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of algorithmic systems and societal applications. His work bridges theoretical foundations with real-world implementations in networked environments. His academic journey includes: Ph.D. in Computer Science from The University of Hong Kong Postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto Research focuses on robust algorithmic frameworks for complex systems, with core emphases: Machine learning algorithms for data classification and decision-making Network science applications in social and information networks Ethical AI development within system health and smart society contexts Theoretical foundations of algorithmic fairness in economic systems Key recognitions include: Rising Star in Social Computing Award by CAAI IEEE INFOCOM Technical Program Committee Distinguished Membership (2022) Dr. LI actively contributes to top-tier computer science venues (IEEE INFOCOM, ACM MobiHoc) while teaching specialized courses including Algorithmic Culture and Social Media Systems. His work maintains strong ties with ACM and IEEE professional communities through technical committee service and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Machine Learning
• Algorithmic Fairness
• Network Science
• +9 more

Akintomide Afolayan Akinsanola is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on climate dynamics, particularly tropical and mid-latitude precipitation systems, monsoon variability, and climate change impacts. PhD in Climate Science (2019), City University of Hong Kong MSc in Meteorology (2015), Federal University of Technology BSc in Meteorology (2011), Federal University of Technology His work spans climate modeling , extreme weather analysis , and land-atmosphere interactions . Key areas include West African monsoon systems, heatwaves, precipitation erosivity, and aerosol impacts on regional climates. Recent publications (2024-2025) highlight intensified winter precipitation in the US , accelerated African heatwaves , and land surface temperature dynamics in West Africa. His research employs CMIP models, convection-permitting simulations, and machine learning techniques. 2018 : Outstanding Academic Performance Award 2018 : Chow Yei Ching Scholarship 2017 : Research Tuition Scholarship 2017 : UGC-funded Research Award Collaborations include institutions in Norway (University of Bergen), China (CityUHK), and Nigeria (Federal University of Technology). He actively contributes to advancements in high-resolution climate modeling and precipitation simulation through projects like CORDEX and CMIP6.

• Climate Dynamics
• Climate Modeling
• Regional Climate
• +5 more

Professor Qingyan CHEN serves as Chair Professor of Building Thermal Science and Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he leads the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering. As Director of PAIR, he oversees 11 research institutes and 6 research centers with over 500 senior researchers and manages more than HK$600 million in annual research funding. His educational background includes a B.Eng. from Tsinghua University (1983), and M.Eng. and Ph.D. from Delft University of Technology (1985, 1988). Prior to his current position, he held academic appointments at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zurich), TNO in the Netherlands, MIT, and Purdue University where he is now Professor Emeritus. Professor CHEN is a world leader in developing healthy and comfortable built environments. His research spans computational fluid dynamics, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency in buildings. He has made significant contributions to low-order turbulence models for CFD, including the indoor zero-equation model and fast fluid dynamics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his research on infectious disease transmission in airplanes and cruise ships gained international attention and was reported by over 80 media outlets worldwide. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on sustainable building technologies, infection control in confined spaces, and advanced computational methods for airflow and contaminant dispersion. The research output shows strong emphasis on practical applications of building science to address climate change and public health challenges. Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences Fellow of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate Willis J. Whitfield Award (2007) John Rydberg Gold Medal (2011) Distinguished Achievement Award from IBPSA (2013) Global STEM Professor (2021) Professor CHEN has secured over US$39 million in research funding throughout his career. He has co-supervised PhD students from multiple international institutions including Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Cagliari, University of Padua, and Queensland University of Technology. As Editor-in-Chief of the journal 'Building and Environment' from 2008 to 2024, he helped grow the journal to publish over 1,000 papers annually. Through PAIR, Professor CHEN directs interdisciplinary research efforts across sustainable cities, health and well-being, and advanced technologies. His work has established significant collaborations with institutions worldwide and has been featured by major media outlets including CNN, BBC, The New York Times, and CCTV.

• Computer Simulations and Experiment Measurements of Built Environments
• Energy-efficient Buildings
• Healthy Buildings
• +6 more

Professor Christian Wagner is a Chair Professor at the School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong, where he has served for nearly 30 years. He has held numerous significant administrative positions including Provost, Associate Provost (Quality Assurance), Chief Information Officer, and Associate Dean in both the School of Creative Media and College of Business. Wagner earned his PhD in Business Administration from the University of British Columbia in 1989, following earlier studies in Industrial Engineering where he obtained both a Diplom-Ingenieur (MSc equivalent) and Vordiplom (BSc equivalent). His academic career began at the University of Southern California before joining CityU. Professor Wagner specializes in creativity support systems, collective intelligence, knowledge management, and the use of computer games for learning. He is particularly renowned for his research on wikis and their impact on organizational performance. His work spans the intersection of information systems, virtual communities, and gamification, with fingerprint analysis showing strong connections to Wiki systems (100%), Information Systems (83%), Knowledge Management (58%), and Gamification (29%). His research contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals. Wagner's recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward the intersection of artificial intelligence and cultural heritage, with significant work examining how large language models impact knowledge creation platforms like Wikipedia, while also exploring the role of generative AI in heritage practices and the dynamics of online communities through different developmental stages. Stanford's top 2% most highly cited scientists (2021-2024) Best Paper Award of HCI International 2018 Professor Wagner has supervised 21 documented research projects and numerous students, including PhD candidate Zijing SONG. His research is supported by multiple projects including "Amateur Esports and Health," "Synthetic Reality Immersion and Its Impact on Knowledge Transfer," and various gamification-related initiatives. With an h-index of 31 on Scopus and 4,666 citations, he maintains an active scholarly presence while continuing to explore the evolving relationship between technology, human collaboration, and knowledge creation. He has been actively involved in conference organization, serving as chair for multiple International Conferences on Human-Computer Interaction, demonstrating his leadership in the field of information systems and human-computer interaction.

• Creativity Support
• Collective Intelligence
• Knowledge Management
• +5 more

Dr. Kara Ka Wah CHAN is an Associate Dean and Professor at the Department of Communication Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). She holds a PhD in Psychology from City University of Hong Kong, alongside degrees from HKU, CUHK, and Rockbridge Seminary. Her research focuses on advertising impact on children/youth, cross-cultural consumer behavior, social inclusion, and health communication. She has authored eight books and over 180 journal articles. Education: BSc (HKU), MPhil (CUHK), MSocSc (HKU), MML (Rockbridge Seminary), PhD (CityU). Research Interests: Advertising Effects, Cross-cultural Studies, Health Communication, Social Inclusion, Youth Consumerism. Her articles explore topics like public service advertising effectiveness, digital divide impacts, and health literacy. Notable works include studies on YouTube endorsements and school-based health interventions. Awards: Five Emerald Literati Awards, HKBU Teaching Awards (2020), UGC Teaching Award finalist (2020), Knowledge Transfer Award (2016). She advised multiple research projects and supervised numerous students, highlighted by the President’s Research Supervision Award (2018). She led editorial roles for Young Consumers (2020-21) and contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations in health and communication fields.

• Advertising
• Consumer Behavior
• Cross-cultural Studies
• +3 more

Chi-Wing FU, Philip is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). He holds dual roles in research and education, including Associate Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications. His research focuses on computer graphics, 3D vision, and human-computer interaction, with over 100 publications in top venues like SIGGRAPH, CVPR, and IEEE Visualization. Education: B.Sc. (1st Hons), Computer Science & Engineering, CUHK M.Phil., Computer Science & Engineering, CUHK PhD, Indiana University, Bloomington Research Interests: Dr. Fu's work spans 3D shape generation, computational LEGO design, AR visualization, and robotic interaction. He has pioneered projects like Make-A-Shape (large-scale 3D modeling) and DreamStone (text-driven 3D creation). His team also develops tools for medical data visualization and hand-object pose estimation. Recent Trends in Articles: Recent work emphasizes AI-driven creativity (e.g., LEGO art, text-to-3D systems) and real-time AR applications. His publications often bridge theory (e.g., generative models) with practical systems (e.g., user interfaces for design). Awards: Postgraduate Research Output Award (2023) MSRA Fellowship Nomination (2022) Best Associate Editor (IEEE CG&A) Outstanding Reviewer (ICCV 2021, CCF CAD/CG 2023) Advising & Grants: Supervised over 40 PhD/Master students and postdocs. Active in securing grants for projects like computational LEGO design (with Autodesk), medical AR visualization, and 3D generative AI. Collaborates with industry partners like Adobe and Huawei. Labs & Teams: Leads the Computational Design and Visualization Lab, focusing on 3D systems, robotics, and creative AI. Key projects include the LEGO Sketch Art toolchain and the HandShadowPoser AR system.

• Computer Graphics
• 3D Computer Vision
• User Interaction
• +5 more

Dr. UEDA Sanae is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Japanese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). She holds a Ph.D. in Language and Culture from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Japan, and M.A. and B.A. degrees in Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language from Osaka University, Japan. Educational Background Ph.D. in Language and Culture, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (Japan) M.A. in Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, Osaka University (Japan) B.A. in Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, Osaka University (Japan) Her research focuses on advanced Japanese writing , textbook development , and oral proficiency assessment . She has contributed to collaborative learning frameworks integrating web-based and SNS technologies, alongside exploring compound verb acquisition in Hong Kong learners. Publication Trends span Japanese language pedagogy, textbook localization, and digital educational tools. Key themes include learner-proficiency evaluation, cross-cultural communication strategies, and technology-enhanced language instruction. Scientific Awards Outstanding Teaching Award 2016 (CUHK Faculty of Arts) Outstanding Teaching Award 2013 (CUHK Faculty of Arts) Enthusiasm in Teaching Award 2011 (CUHK Department of Japanese Studies) Excellence in Teaching Awards (2005-2006, 2010) (CUHK Department) Enthusiasm in Teaching Awards (2003-2004, 2004-2005) (CUHK Department) Dr. UEDA teaches courses such as Advanced Japanese Writing , Japanese Dialectology , and Advanced Spoken Japanese . She co-authored several localized Japanese textbooks, including the Minna no Nihongo Hong Kong Edition series.

• Japanese Language Education
• Applied Linguistics
• Second Language Acquisition
• +4 more

Dr. GUO Yingxia is a Lecturer in the Department of Japanese Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Her academic work primarily focuses on Japanese grammatical structures, contrastive analysis between Japanese and Chinese, and pedagogical approaches to teaching East Asian languages as second languages. She holds a Ph.D. in Japanese Social and Cultural Science from Niigata University, reflecting her expertise in Japanese language education and cross-cultural linguistic studies. Dr. GUO's publications highlight her engagement with Japanese political history, cultural integration in language teaching, and curriculum design. Her research explores the application of standardized frameworks like the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education, while also addressing practical strategies for language learners. Notably, she has contributed to understanding the nuances of Japanese-Chinese grammatical contrasts, particularly in structures like "Noda" and "Shi-De." Her work bridges theoretical linguistics with pedagogical innovation, emphasizing sustainable Japanese language education practices and fostering Japan-Hong Kong academic collaborations. Dr. GUO's research has been published in key venues such as 日本學刊 and 現代社會文化研究科プロジェクト論集 , with topics spanning from cultural pedagogy to grammatical analysis.

• Japanese grammatical studies
• Japanese-Chinese contrastive linguistics
• Teaching Japanese / Chinese as a second language

Yifan Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and affiliate faculty in the Department of Mathematics at Hong Kong Baptist University's Faculty of Science. He joined HKBU in Fall 2023 after completing his PhD in Statistics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2023 under the guidance of Prof. Yun Yang. His educational background includes: B.S. in Statistics from Fudan University (2018), advised by Prof. Juan Shen and Prof. Chenghong Zhang Ph.D. in Statistics from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2023), advised by Prof. Yun Yang Dr. Chen's research focuses on developing efficient algorithms for machine learning, with particular emphasis on non-parametric models and neural networks featuring intensive matrix operations. His work bridges statistical theory with practical computational challenges in modern machine learning systems, especially those involving Transformers (language models) and Graph Neural Networks (GNNs). He approaches machine learning from both theoretical and applied perspectives, seeking to understand statistical structures while addressing real-world computational constraints. His publication record shows consistent output in top-tier venues including ICML, NeurIPS, KDD, and EMNLP, with recent work spanning graph coarsening, optimal transport, efficient language model fine-tuning, and causal inference. His research demonstrates strong mathematical foundations combined with practical applications in AI systems. Among his notable achievements: NSFC Young Scientists Fund (2025) GDSTC General Program funding (2024) RGC Early Career Scheme proposal grant (2024) ICML 2023 Grant Award ($1,500) Dr. Chen actively mentors students through his research group, supervising PhD students and visiting research assistants. He has successfully guided students who have gone on to PhD programs at institutions including Institute of Science Tokyo, HKU, Fudan, and NUS. His teaching includes COMP 7070 Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, which covers core machine learning concepts for AI application research, and COMP 2027 Applied Linear Algebra for Computing. His research group focuses on efficient machine learning algorithms, with current projects spanning graph neural networks, optimal transport, language model efficiency, and causal inference. He collaborates with researchers from institutions including UIUC, Fudan University, and industry labs like Amazon Alexa AI.

• Machine Learning
• Non-parametric Methods
• Computational Methods
• +6 more

Jingcun Cao is an Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong, where he joined in 2020. He holds a Ph.D. in Marketing from Indiana University, an M.A. in Economics and Business from the same institution, and a B.S. in Computational Mathematics from Xiamen University. He also completed visiting programs at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and National Tsing Hua University. His research addresses mobile app ecosystems, online education, healthcare, digital marketing, and environmental policy. Methodologically, he specializes in causal inference, applied machine learning, randomized field experiments, and econometrics. His collaborations with tech firms focus on business intelligence and big data analytics. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Big Data Marketing (MKTG 3530), Introduction to Marketing (MKTG 2501), and executive education modules in MarTech, Business Analytics, and Brand Management. His publications analyze trends in digital platform governance, deep learning applications for consumer behavior, socioeconomic impacts of policy interventions, and mobile app monetization strategies. Research consistently integrates multidisciplinary approaches to solve industry-relevant problems. He is currently recruiting Research Assistants and holds pending patents for machine-learning algorithms related to marketing analytics.

• Mobile App Ecosystem
• Online Education
• Health Care
• +9 more

Professor Daphne Ngar-yin Mah is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and serves as the Director of the Asian Energy Studies Centre. Named as one of the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University in 2022, she has established herself as a leading expert in energy policy and governance in Asian contexts. Dr. Mah received her Ph.D. from The University of Hong Kong, M.Sc. from The University of Nottingham (UK), and BSSc from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both geographical and energy studies with international perspectives. Her research focuses on the social dimensions of energy transitions, with particular expertise in smart grids, urban solar energy, energy communities, and comparative energy governance across Asian cities. Dr. Mah employs interdisciplinary approaches that bridge geography, policy studies, and energy technology assessment to examine how communities and institutions navigate the complex challenges of sustainable energy development. Her work often emphasizes participatory governance models and the role of social learning in energy transitions. Analysis of Dr. Mah's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on understanding the socio-political dimensions of energy transitions in Asian contexts. Her work spans multiple research streams including energy governance frameworks, community engagement in renewable energy adoption, energy poverty and justice issues, and regional energy collaboration in the Greater Bay Area. A distinctive feature of her research is the comparative approach, examining energy transitions across multiple Asian cities to identify transferable lessons and context-specific challenges. World's Top 2% Scientist (2022) (named by Stanford University) Faculty/School of Social Sciences Performance Award in Teaching (Team Teaching), HKBU (2024) Faculty Performance Award in Team Teaching 2023/24 (Faculty of Social Sciences Team) Performance Award in Scholarly Work for the Faculty of Social Sciences (2022), HKBU Faculty Award for Early Career Academic (Research)(2014), HKBU Chevening Scholarship Dr. Mah has demonstrated exceptional success in securing research funding, having led 32 research projects as principal investigator totaling over HK$11.4 million. Her grant portfolio includes significant awards from the Research Grants Council (including General Research Fund and Research Impact Grant projects), Greenpeace East Asia, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and various government bodies. She has established strong collaborative networks across Asia and with international institutions, frequently working with researchers from Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe. Dr. Mah also serves as Chairperson of the Hong Kong Geographical Association (2023-2025) and is actively involved in community engagement through initiatives like the Hong Kong Solar Partnership. As Director of the Asian Energy Studies Centre, Dr. Mah leads a multidisciplinary research team focused on energy transitions in Asian contexts. She is also the founding convener of the Asian Low-Carbon Universities-Cities Network (ALUN), which connects academic institutions with city governments to accelerate low-carbon transitions. Through her role as co-founding editor of the Journal of Asian Energy Studies, she has helped establish an important platform for scholarly discourse on energy issues in the region.

• Smart energy transitions
• Comparative energy governance in Asia
• Smart grids
• +7 more