We are delighted to announce that Ir. Dr. Tang Yuk-ming, Principal Investigator of the Research in Intelligence and Virtual Reality Technology (RIVRT) team, has been recognised as one of the Top 10 STEAM Teachers in the Tertiary Category at the 2026 DESEA Final Judging Results.
The award was presented under the 第八屆大灣區數字教育STEAM卓越獎2026（香港）教師組・大專大學 category, organised by the Hong Kong New Emerging Technology Education Association (HKNETEA). This recognition celebrates outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and leadership in advancing STEAM education.
Ir. Dr. Tang, from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been actively promoting the integration of emerging technologies into education and research. Through RIVRT, his work focuses on areas including virtual reality, artificial intelligence, intelligent systems, immersive learning, and digital transformation, supporting the development of future-ready learning experiences and innovative research applications.
This award highlights Dr. Tang’s continuous dedication to nurturing students, driving interdisciplinary STEAM education, and applying advanced technologies to solve real-world challenges.
The RIVRT team warmly congratulates Ir. Dr. Tang Yuk-ming on this well-deserved achievement.
We are excited to share another milestone for RIVRT: our new book, DeepSeek and Mental Health Support Among Chinese Youth: Use Cases, Risks, and Broader Implications (CRC Press, 1st Edition, Copyright 2026) has been picked up by multiple news outlets and is quickly gaining viral attention online.
Co-authored by Dr. Olive K. L. Woo (clinical psychologist) and Dr. Yuk Ming Tang (AI expert; Principal Investigator of RIVRT), the book examines how AI tools such as DeepSeek can provide scalable, culturally sensitive emotional support—while also highlighting critical risks, ethical concerns, and policy implications for responsible adoption in mental health care.
5) EurekAlert EurekAlert! has published an official news release (Taylor & Francis Group) covering our book DeepSeek and Mental Health Support Among Chinese Youth: Use Cases, Risks, and Broader Implications and the wider discussion around AI-driven emotional support for young people in China. Link: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1115440
Learn More / Book Link
If you’d like to explore the book, view its table of contents, or share it with colleagues and students. 🛒 Available now from Routledge: 👉 Order the book here
We are proud to announce the release of DeepSeek and Mental Health Support Among Chinese Youth: Use Cases, Risks, and Broader Implications, co-authored by our Principal Investigator, Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang, in collaboration with clinical psychologist Dr. Olive K. L. Woo.
Published by CRC Press, this timely book offers a unique interdisciplinary perspective on the growing intersection of AI technology and mental health intervention in modern China. It explores how tools like DeepSeek—an emerging AI-driven emotional support system—are transforming the landscape of adolescent mental health care, and provides vital analysis of ethical concerns, social implications, and future directions of AI in mental wellness.
🔍 Key Highlights of the Book:
A critical discussion of the mental health crisis among Chinese youth, including societal taboos and systemic obstacles.
Real-life case studies showing how the DeepSeek AI has been applied in practice.
In-depth insights into the technological underpinnings of DeepSeek and its potential to complement traditional mental health services.
Exploration of ethical, regulatory, and policy issues surrounding AI-based emotional support.
Practical guidelines for integrating AI into healthcare responsibly.
🛒 Available now from Routledge (PRE-ORDER: Ships after Feb. 16, 2026): 👉 Order the book here
Whether you’re a mental health professional, policymaker, AI researcher, or public health advocate, this book is an essential read for understanding the complex nexus of technology and human care.
Stay tuned with RIVRT as we explore transformative solutions at the intersection of intelligence, empathy, and technology.
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
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 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)!
We are excited to share that Jump@MingPao has featured The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) in their recent article. The feature highlights the department’s comprehensive undergraduate curriculum revamp, which aims to cultivate the next generation of innovation-driven, problem-solving leaders equipped to face the challenges of Industry 4.0.
In the article, Dr. Tang Yuk Ming, Senior Lecturer and Supervisor at PolyU’s Integrated Product Design Laboratory, shares insights on the essential skills that modern industrial engineers need, from mastering AI and robotics to integrating IoT and big data into production processes. The article also showcases the department’s efforts to provide immersive learning experiences through cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR), CAVE systems, and the metaverse.
We are proud of the recognition PolyU’s ISE department has received and are grateful to Jump@MingPao for the opportunity to showcase the innovative strides being made in engineering education.
Thank you again to Jump@MingPao for this wonderful feature! You can read the full article here.
For more information on PolyU’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, visit their official website: www.polyu.edu.hk/ise.
Mr. Terrence Kwok, RIVRT researcher (Left); Mentee from high school (Middle), Mr. Hadyn Ng, RIVRT researcher (Right)
Learning and experiencing VR with medical applications
Learning and experiencing VR with science applications
Learning and experiencing VR with science applications
Learning and exploring metaverse with AI LLM
Learning and exploring metaverse with AI LLM
RIVRT recently welcomed a group of enthusiastic secondary school mentees to the Integrated Product Design (IPD) Laboratory at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 22 Jul, 2024. The visit provided the mentees with a unique opportunity to explore and experience the latest advancements in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Metaverse.
The visit was part of an ongoing mentorship program aimed at inspiring young students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The mentees, eager to learn about the practical applications of these emerging technologies, were guided through a series of interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities.
One of the key highlights of the visit was the VR setup, where mentees donned VR headsets and were transported into immersive digital environments. They engaged in various simulations, allowing them to understand how VR can be used for training, education, and product design.
The students also explored AR and MR technologies, which blend digital information with the real world, providing a rich, interactive experience. They were particularly fascinated by the potential of these technologies in fields such as architecture, engineering, and medical training.
AI and the Metaverse were also major points of interest during the visit. The mentees were introduced to AI-driven applications and discussed the growing importance of AI in automating processes, enhancing decision-making, and creating intelligent systems. They also delved into the concept of the Metaverse, learning how it represents the future of interconnected virtual worlds and the potential it holds for social interaction, commerce, and entertainment.
Throughout the visit, the mentees were encouraged to ask questions and explore their curiosities. The hands-on experience not only provided them with a deeper understanding of these technologies but also sparked their interest in pursuing further studies and careers in the tech industry.
The event was a resounding success, with the mentees expressing their excitement and appreciation for the opportunity to experience these cutting-edge technologies firsthand. The visit underscored PolyU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of technologists and innovators by providing them with early exposure to advanced research and practical applications.
RIVRT looks forward to hosting more educational visits and continuing to inspire young minds to explore the limitless possibilities of technology.
For more information about our mentorship programs and upcoming events, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Learning immersive technology through VR Head-mounted device
Learning immersive technology through VR Head-mounted device
Learning immersive technology through Metaverse
Learning immersive technology through Metaverse
Learning immersive technology through Metaverse
RIVRT is delighted to report the success of a recent visit by a group of enthusiastic secondary school students to the Faculty of Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). The visit was part of a two-day (17-18 Jul, 2024) “University Experience Programme” titled “From Physics and ICT to Engineering,” aimed at inspiring young minds and providing them with hands-on exposure to the world of engineering.
The event saw the participation of over 100 students from various secondary schools. The visit was meticulously organized to offer the students a glimpse into the cutting-edge research and educational opportunities available at PolyU’s Faculty of Engineering. Students engaged in various interactive activities, including demonstrations of virtual reality (VR) and 3D modeling technologies, which are at the forefront of RIVRT’s research.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to explore the CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) system, an immersive VR environment that allows users to interact with 3D simulations. This experience provided them with a deeper understanding of how VR can be used in engineering and industrial applications. The students also participated in a hands-on session where they learned the basics of 3D modeling and virtual simulations, sparking their interest in the potential of these technologies.
The faculty members, along with RIVRT researchers, guided the students through various labs and facilities, explaining the real-world applications of engineering principles. The sessions were designed to be both informative and engaging, encouraging students to ask questions and explore their interests in engineering and technology.
The visit concluded with a group photo session, capturing the excitement and enthusiasm of the students who left the campus with a newfound curiosity and inspiration to pursue careers in engineering and technology.
This event underscores PolyU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and innovators. By providing students with early exposure to advanced technologies and research environments, RIVRT and the Faculty of Engineering aim to inspire and empower them to contribute to the future of engineering.
We look forward to welcoming more students to our campus in the future and continuing to foster a passion for engineering and technology among young learners.
For more information about our outreach programs and upcoming events, please visit our website or contact us directly.
