We are delighted to share that VCare, one of the innovative startup companies incubated by the RIVRT research team, has been featured by leading Hong Kong tech media outlet Unwire.hk for its cutting-edge VR glasses designed to help control childhood myopia!
The product, developed by VCare—a PolyU-affiliated startup—addresses one of the major concerns of parents today: worsening myopia in young children. Unlike traditional solutions, these VR glasses employ a non-invasive and drug-free approach to help slow down the progression of nearsightedness. The technology reflects the successful integration of RIVRT’s core research in virtual reality (VR), human-centric product design, and healthcare applications.
Unwire.hk highlighted the uniqueness and potential of the product as a locally developed innovation, combining immersive VR technology with health-oriented design to offer a fresh solution for myopia management. The media coverage has already sparked considerable interest among parents and health professionals, showcasing the growing impact of research-driven entrepreneurship from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) community.
🎥 Watch the media coverage via the following platforms:
VCare’s achievement exemplifies how RIVRT’s interdisciplinary research in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and immersive healthcare technologies is translating into real-world solutions and commercial success. We will continue working toward socially impactful innovations that merge science, design, and technology.
🔗 Stay connected with RIVRT to explore more of our projects, research areas, and startup success stories!
We are thrilled to announce that our Principal Investigator, Dr. YM Tang of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been recognized in the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List for 2025—marking his third consecutive year on this prestigious global ranking (2023–2025). This continued recognition highlights Dr. Tang’s sustained impact in Information & Communication Technologies, with notable contributions to Education and Environmental Sciences.
2025 Highlights:
Field: Information & Communication Technologies
Subfields: Education; Environmental Sciences
Rank based on composite score: 60,996 (excl. self-citations); 63,508 (incl.)
Composite score: 2.00 (excl.); 2.00 (incl.)
Total citations: 874 (excl.); 937 (incl.)
h-index: 16 (excl.); 17 (incl.)
hm-index: 7 (excl.); 8 (incl.)
Distinct citing papers: 857 (excl.); 895 (incl.)
Self-citation percentage: 6.72%
Single-authored papers: 1; citations to single-authored papers: 0
Single + first authored papers: 25; citations: 374 (excl.), 393 (incl.)
Single + first + last authored papers: 35; citations: 427 (excl.), 449 (incl.)
Context from 2024 (for continuity)
In 2024, Dr. Tang ranked 41st globally in Design Practice & Management (out of 11,034 authors) within the ICT field, underscoring his influence on design practice and environmental sustainability.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Tang on this distinguished, sustained achievement. The RIVRT team is proud to celebrate this milestone and looks forward to advancing impactful research under his leadership.
Third Year of Recognition
This recent inclusion marks Dr. TANG’s third consecutive year on the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List, having also been recognized in 2023 and 2024. His continued presence on this global ranking speaks to his dedication to research excellence and his sustained contributions to his field.
For more details, you can explore the list and search for Dr. TANG’s profile here.
Poster Session Best Presenters Award in ICEMT 2025
ICEMT 2025
Merit Prize in Innovation & IT at the 11th Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition
Silver Award at the 8th Global Competition on Design for Future Education
Achievement:
Awards
Poster Session Best Presenters Award in ICEMT 2025
Merit Prize in Innovation & IT at the 11th Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition
Silver Award at the 8th Global Competition on Design for Future Education
Publications:
Under review
•Early Dyslexia Screening Through Handwriting: A Trustworthy XAI-Enhanced Deep Learning Framewor Author(s): STURM Leo Matthiasa, Justin LAU , Yuk Ming Tang , MW Gedaa
•Metaverse Acceptance Study for Hong Kong University Students (on submitted) Author(s): Justin Lau, Yuk Ming Tang
Published
•Revolutionizing sign language education: A Metaverse-based sign language education platform powered by AI (Abstract Presentation) Author(s): Suet Yi Tse, Hoi Sze Chan, Yun Jie Hei, Chun Hin Choi, Chit Wong, Pan Yi Lam, Chi Pong Tsui, Wai Kit Wong
•Transforming Dyslexia Care: AI-Powered Diagnosis and Personalized Intervention for Early Learning Success (Abstract Presentation) Author(s): Leo Matthias Sturm, Zi Fu YIN, Jianing MAO, Chit Wong, Hoi Sze Chan, Chi Pong Tsui, Wai Kit Wong
Event Background:
This event stems from a commitment to empower secondary and university students through competition-based learning (CBL), which has been shown to boost motivation, creativity, self-esteem, and learning outcomes. By combining mentorship, targeted training, and exposure to international conferences, the initiative promotes experiential, real-world application of knowledge while cultivating students’ attitudes, skills, and knowledge (ASK). Rooted in networked and constructivist learning theories, it emphasizes collaboration, communication, and collective intelligence through team projects that link learners with educators, industry mentors, and researchers. To operationalize this, the event organizes a joint research competition where mixed university–secondary school teams develop projects, with winning teams advancing to submit papers and present at international conferences.
Event Objectives:
This event is designed to create and implement a comprehensive, multi-level competition-based learning framework that connects university and secondary school participants. Its goals are to:
Develop a scalable model of competition-based teaching and learning that bridges theory and practice across different learner stages.
Foster sustained collaboration between university and secondary students to build collective intelligence, spark creativity, enhance problem-solving, and strengthen teamwork.
Integrate research-informed teaching practices into undergraduate curricula and extend these practices to secondary education.
Through mentorship, structured project work, and iterative feedback, the event aims to boost engagement, deepen disciplinary knowledge, and cultivate transferable skills such as communication, leadership, and reflective practice—grounded in constructivist and networked learning principles.
Student Feedback:
Students Shine at International Academic Conference
Our students recently participated in a multi-level, competition-based learning conference with international exposure at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where they gained valuable experience and shared their project work. They described the conference as an exhilarating and enriching experience that broadened their perspectives by allowing them to engage with renowned scholars from top universities. For many, the biggest takeaway was realizing the vastness of academic research and the importance of global collaboration.
Project Reflections and Growth
A central part of the students’ experience was their project-based learning. The students expressed that their teamwork was fantastic and smooth, highlighting clear work distribution and good communication. They felt inspired by their teammates and found that working together reduced their workload and led to creative new ideas. The support from external speakers and mentors was also invaluable. These experts provided new insights and helped them refine their projects and presentations. This mentorship helped the students improve their soft skills, including research, teamwork, and public speaking.
Key Takeaways and Future Improvements
During their presentations, the students received impressive feedback. Judges praised their innovative methodologies and noted the potential for their apps to be developed further. This feedback was highly motivating and validated the effort they put into their work. Looking ahead, students shared what they would improve for future presentations. Several mentioned a desire to be more interactive with judges and the audience to make the Q&A sessions more engaging. They also planned to prepare more rigorously for technical questions and simplify jargon to ensure their presentations are accessible to everyone. Overall, the students left the conference feeling motivated and well-equipped with new skills for their future academic and professional endeavors.
Event Timeline:
Poster Presentation:
Author(s): Leo Matthias Sturm, Zi Fu YIN, Jianing MAO, Chit Wong, Hoi Sze Chan, Chi Pong Tsui, Wai Kit Wong
Author(s): Suet Yi Tse, Hoi Sze Chan, Yun Jie Hei, Chun Hin Choi, Chit Wong, Pan Yi Lam, Chi Pong Tsui, Wai Kit Wong
The team prepares to depart for Beijing, representing PolyU ISE.
The team in front of the official backdrop at Beijing Normal University.
The team proudly won the Silver Award medal and certificates.
We are thrilled to announce that the student team from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has won the Silver Award at the 8th Global Competition on Design for Future Education (GCD4FE), standing out among 30 finalist teams from top universities worldwide!
The competition, co-organized by Beijing Normal University and the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE), was held from July 26th to 28th, 2025, at the Changping Campus of Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China. The event brought together elite teams from renowned higher education institutions, including Peking University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Beijing Normal University, Maldives National University, Sungkyunkwan University (South Korea), University of Saint Louis (Philippines), and Zagreb University of Applied Sciences (Croatia), among others.
The PolyU ISE team — STURM Leo Matthias, YIN Zifu (Ivy), and LAU Ho Wai (Justin) — supervised by Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang, impressed the judges with their project “DyslexAI: AI-powered Dyslexia Diagnosis and Treatment”. Within 48 hours, the team developed an innovative solution for the future of education under a brand-new theme, showcasing exceptional creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technical expertise at the intersection of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and educational technology.
This outstanding achievement not only demonstrates the students’ dedication and talent, but also highlights the Department’s leadership in educational technology research and talent development. We are proud of our students for bringing honor to PolyU on the global stage!
Congratulations to Leo, Ivy, and Justin, and thanks to Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang for his expert supervision and support!
We are delighted to announce that Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang, Principal Investigator of the Research in Intelligence and Virtual Reality Technology (RIVRT) team, has been recognized as a 2024 Top Scholar by ScholarGPS — a prestigious global AI-powered academic ranking platform.
This highly competitive distinction places Dr. Tang within the top 0.5% of scholars worldwide, based on the totality of his scholarly contributions, including research productivity, impact, and citation quality. ScholarGPS evaluated over 30 million scholar profiles across all disciplines to determine these rankings.
🏆 Top Scholar Rankings (Past 5 Years):
#12,597 Overall (All Fields)
#5,179 in Engineering and Computer Science
#82 in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research
#28 in Mixed Reality
#175 in Virtual Reality
These rankings recognize Dr. Tang’s pioneering research in virtual/mixed reality, artificial intelligence, and digital twin technologies, especially in their applications to Industry 4.0 and healthcare. His work continues to influence both academic and applied sectors, advancing knowledge in immersive technologies, sustainable innovations, and AI-driven system designs.
This recognition is an incredible milestone for RIVRT and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s broader research community. It highlights the global impact and relevance of Dr. Tang’s work and the excellence of the interdisciplinary collaborations fostered under his leadership.
👏 Please join us in celebrating this outstanding achievement and in thanking Dr. Tang for his continuous inspiration and contributions to the field!
We are proud to share that a brilliant student team—supervised by Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang, Principal Investigator of RIVRT—has won the Merit Prize in the Information Technology category at the 11th Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (2025)! 🎉
The award-winning project, titled 「讀寫易AI」DyslexAI, leverages artificial intelligence to support children with dyslexia by providing highly accurate, personalized training through an intelligent platform. The system achieves an impressive 99.5% classification accuracy using deep learning models (CNN) and multi-modal data analysis, offering a non-invasive and effective way to enhance learning outcomes, especially for those with special educational needs.
The Award Ceremony
Team photo with the supervisor Ir. Dr. YM Tang (the 2nd from the right, 2nd row)
Team photo of DyslexAI
👏 Congratulations to the talented team members:
Leo Matthias STURM (ISE)
Yin Zifu Ivy (ISE)
Lau Ho Wai Justin (ISE)
Fung Yik Hei
Ho Tsz Ming
Ko Tsun Ming
This achievement would not have been possible without the expert guidance of Ir. Dr. YM Tang, whose research expertise in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and educational technology continues to inspire the next generation of innovators. Dr. Tang’s mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s interdisciplinary approach and impactful innovation.
🧠🔍 The competition, organized by HK Challenge Plus and supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission, is one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious platforms for student innovation. This recognition is a powerful testament to RIVRT’s mission to create transformative, socially meaningful technologies.
ISE Year 4 Students – 1st Runner-Up – “InnovWalk – Innovation + Walking Stick”
Group photo for all of the winners
Panelists: Prof. Sitman X. Wen, Dr Chris Wong, Dr Hans XIAO (from left to right)
We’re excited to share that a team of final-year students from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) achieved 1st Runner-Up in the prestigious Dr. Ching Yuen-kai – IC • U3DP • Product Innovation Prize 2024–25!
Their award-winning project, titled “InnovWalk – Innovation + Walking Stick”, is a socially driven innovation designed to enhance mobility and safety for individuals in need. The team members are:
LEE Chun Lok (Year 4, ISE)
HEUNG Pui Yin (Year 4, ISE)
WONG Yat Chun (Year 4, ISE)
The competition was held on 19 May 2025, and organized by the Faculty of Engineering (FENG) with support from the Industrial Centre (IC) and the University Research Facility in 3D Printing (U3DP). Out of 26 submissions, only 8 teams were shortlisted, and all participants showcased impressive levels of creativity and innovation.
While the champion team from the Department of Applied Physics (AP) took home the top prize and a HK$100,000 PolyU Micro-Fund, our ISE team’s performance was a proud testament to the innovation and impact ISE students are capable of delivering.
👏 Congratulations to our student innovators for their dedication and achievement, and thank you to all who supported them along the way. Their success highlights RIVRT’s mission to drive real-world impact through human-centered design and smart product innovation.
We are thrilled to share exciting developments from our home department — the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — which has been spotlighted in a recent feature by Sing Tao News for its pioneering role in Industry 4.0 innovation and research.
Founded in 1960, ISE has evolved into a global leader in education, research, and knowledge transfer, offering world-class, multidisciplinary programs to develop top talent for the Industry 4.0 era. According to Professor Xiaowen Fu, Head of the Department, the curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and innovation, equipping students with skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) — all key technology pillars that align with RIVRT’s core research directions.
The department focuses on advancing key fields such as:
Smart manufacturing and robotics
Precision engineering and microfabrication
Product innovation and miniaturization
Operations and supply chain management
Aviation and transport logistics
Among ISE’s most significant recent achievements is its collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology to develop the “Surface Sampling Execution Device,” which played a critical role in China’s Chang’e-6 mission — marking the first successful collection of lunar samples from the far side of the moon. This landmark accomplishment showcases PolyU’s global impact in space exploration and precision mechanics.
In terms of academic offerings, ISE provides two highly interdisciplinary undergraduate programs that reflect the department’s commitment to innovation-driven education:
JS3236: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Scheme in Product Innovation and Smart Manufacturing (Product Innovation with Marketing / Smart Manufacturing)
JS3237: BSc (Hons) Scheme in Intelligent Supply Chain and Engineering Management
Both programs integrate engineering, data analytics, design thinking, and business strategy to prepare students for the complex, tech-driven challenges of modern industry.
At RIVRT, we are proud to be part of a department that not only advances groundbreaking research but also cultivates the next generation of innovators and engineers through strategic industry-academic collaboration.
In the article, our Year 3 intern Leo Matthias Sturm highlighted the value of exchange and mentorship opportunities provided by the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), including support from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and career development programmes. These experiences have played a vital role in preparing him for future challenges in the tech-driven workplace.
Our Year 4 intern Wong Chun Wai shared his insights on how the ISE curriculum — with its focus on engineering, innovation, and management — is essential for business operations in the Industry 4.0 era. He also noted how access to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence during internship experiences helps students face real-world technological challenges.
Both students have actively contributed to RIVRT’s ongoing projects in AI, VR/AR, and product innovation, and we are thrilled to see their efforts and growth being recognized in the wider PolyU community. Their perspectives echo the mission of ISE to nurture next-generation talent for the smart industry and align closely with the interdisciplinary goals of our lab
Stay tuned as we continue to showcase RIVRT’s contributions to this dynamic ecosystem of innovation and excellence.
We are proud to announce that VCare Vision Limited, co-founded by our very own Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang and Ms. Celia Chan, made it to the semi-finals of the 2025 Supernova Challenge—the flagship startup competition at GITEX ASIA! Held from April 23–25 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, this event marked the regional debut of GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest and most influential tech and startup forum.
As one of the standout participants among 700+ enterprises and startups, and in front of more than 25,000 tech buyers and 250 investors, VCare Vision showcased its cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) device for personalized vision correction training. The device offers non-invasive, customizable solutions for individuals with myopia, amblyopia, and strabismus, integrating advanced VR technology to revolutionize traditional eye care and rehabilitation practices.
This innovation aligns closely with RIVRT’s mission to apply virtual reality and artificial intelligence to healthcare innovations and immersive device applications. Dr. Tang, also the Principal Investigator at RIVRT, has long championed the use of extended reality technologies in medical and rehabilitation contexts.
While VCare Vision did not bring home the trophy this time, reaching the semi-finals in such a competitive field is a tremendous achievement and a strong validation of the team’s innovation and impact. This experience has further motivated the team to push boundaries and refine their technologies.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Tang, Ms. Chan, and the entire VCare Vision team for their determination, vision, and innovation.
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Yuk Ming Tang’s interview video is now accessible on the Educational Development Centre (EDC) website as part of the Good Practice Showcase! This platform highlights outstanding teaching practices at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), featuring contributions from award-winning educators and innovative researchers.
To further promote this insightful interview, EDC will be sending a mass email to all staff and broadcasting a promotional video on campus TV. These efforts aim to share Dr. Tang’s expertise and contributions to virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and digital twin technologies with the wider academic community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tang for his dedication and passion for education, which continue to inspire both students and fellow researchers. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Research in Intelligence and Virtual Reality Technology (RIVRT)!
