News Coverage Update: DeepSeek and Mental Health Support Among Chinese Youth Is Gaining Global Attention

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.

DeepSeek and Mental Health Support Among Chinese Youth: Use Cases, Risks, and Broader Implications

1) Bioengineer.org (Feb 16, 2026)
Bioengineer published a dedicated feature on how AI innovations like DeepSeek could revolutionize emotional and mental health support for Chinese youth—discussing stigma, access barriers, 24/7 availability, privacy concerns, and the importance of human oversight in AI-assisted care.
Link: https://bioengineer.org/how-ai-innovations-like-deepseek-are-revolutionizing-emotional-and-mental-health-support-for-chinese-youth/#google_vignette

2) RamaOnHealthcare (via Medical Xpress / Taylor & Francis) (Feb 15, 2026)
RamaOnHealthcare amplified a Medical Xpress/Taylor & Francis news piece summarizing the book’s core message: Chinese youth face a growing mental health crisis, and AI tools like DeepSeek may become an accessible “lifeline”—if implemented with care and responsibility.
Link: https://ramaonhealthcare.com/how-ai-tools-like-deepseek-are-transforming-emotional-and-mental-health-care-of-chinese-youth/

3) GeneOnline
GeneOnline also covered the book’s focus on how AI technologies like DeepSeek may help address rising mental health challenges among Chinese youth, extending the discussion to broader public-health relevance and the need for responsible deployment.
Link: https://www.geneonline.com/ai-technologies-like-deepseek-address-rising-mental-health-challenges-among-chinese-youth/

4) Medical Xpress
Medical Xpress published coverage highlighting the book’s themes: the “silent epidemic,” the role of AI-driven emotional support, and the balance between innovation and ethical safeguards.
Link: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02-ai-tools-deepseek-emotional-mental.html#google_vignette

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

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

New Book Release | DeepSeek and Mental Health Support Among Chinese Youth: Use Cases, Risks, and Broader Implications

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.
DeepSeek and Mental Health Support Among Chinese Youth: Use Cases, Risks, and Broader Implications

🛒 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.

Ir. Dr. YM Tang Recognized as a 2025 ScholarGPS Highly Ranked Scholar

We are pleased to announce that Ir. Dr. YM Tang, our principal investigator of the RIVRT research team, has been recognized as a 2025 ScholarGPS Highly Ranked Scholar – Prior Five Years, placing him among the top 0.05% of scholars worldwide across all fields.

This distinction is conferred by ScholarGPS, a globally recognized scholarly analytics platform that evaluates academic performance using artificial intelligence, data mining, and large-scale citation analysis covering over 30 million scholars, 200 million publications, and 3 billion citations worldwide.

About the Recognition

According to the official ScholarGPS announcement, this recognition reflects:

  • Exceptional research productivity
  • High scholarly impact
  • Outstanding quality of academic contributions

Dr. Tang’s ranking is based on his scholarly accomplishments over the most recent five-year period, evaluated across all fields of scholarly endeavor. His overall global position is ranked at approximately #4,300 worldwide, an achievement that highlights sustained research excellence and international impact.

ScholarGPS Methodology

ScholarGPS rankings are derived from comprehensive bibliometric indicators, including publication volume, citation impact, and h-index–based metrics, analyzed at multiple levels such as overall, field, discipline, and specialty. The platform provides an objective, data-driven assessment of scholarly influence and visibility.

Certificate and Recognition

An official 2025 ScholarGPS Highly Ranked Scholar certificate has been issued, formally recognizing Dr. Tang’s achievement. The certificate highlights his inclusion in the top 0.05% of scholars globally, underscoring the significance of this honor.

This recognition further demonstrates the global research standing of the RIVRT team and reflects our commitment to producing high-impact, internationally visible research across interdisciplinary domains. Dr. Tang’s achievement contributes to strengthening RIVRT’s academic reputation and reinforces our role in advancing research excellence.

We extend our warm congratulations to Dr. Tang on this outstanding achievement.

Ir. Dr. YM Tang’s Research Featured on MDPI WeChat: Cold Chain Logistics and Customer Satisfaction in Fresh E-Commerce

We are pleased to share that a research article co-authored by Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang has been featured on MDPI’s official public WeChat channel, reaching a wide audience of scholars and industry practitioners in electronic commerce and logistics.

Featured Article

How Does Cold Chain Logistics Service Quality Affect Customer Satisfaction in Fresh E-Commerce?
(Published in Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research, MDPI)

Research Background

With the rapid adoption of mobile internet and smart devices, online purchasing of fresh food has become part of daily life for many consumers—especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, fresh products are highly perishable and sensitive to temperature, time, and handling conditions, making cold chain logistics a critical factor shaping customer experience.

Traditional logistics service quality (LSQ) models are largely developed for B2B or general merchandise contexts and are not fully applicable to fresh e-commerce. This study directly addresses that gap by proposing a customer-oriented LSQ evaluation framework tailored specifically to fresh food e-commerce.

Research Focus and Methodology

The study investigates a key research question:
Which dimensions of cold chain logistics service quality most significantly influence customer satisfaction in fresh e-commerce?

To answer this, the research team conducted a systematic empirical study involving:

  • Literature review and dimension development, integrating SERVQUAL theory with fresh product logistics characteristics
  • Expert evaluation, with logistics professionals reviewing and refining the measurement scale
  • Survey-based data collection, yielding 222 valid responses
  • Statistical analysis, including exploratory factor analysis and reliability and validity testing

Key Findings

The final logistics service quality model identifies four core dimensions comprising 19 measurement items:

  1. Reliability – delivery accuracy, timeliness, and information correctness
  2. Freshness – sensory quality and professional handling upon arrival
  3. Convenience – flexibility of ordering, delivery time options, and packaging usability
  4. Personnel Contact Quality – responsiveness, professionalism, and service attitude

Among these, convenience emerged as the most influential factor affecting customer satisfaction, followed by reliability, freshness, and personnel contact quality. The findings highlight that modern consumers value not only product freshness, but also how conveniently and flexibly products are delivered.

Visibility and Impact

The article’s feature on MDPI’s WeChat platform significantly enhances its visibility among Chinese-speaking academic and industry communities, reinforcing RIVRT’s commitment to impactful, practice-oriented research that bridges theory and real-world application.

We encourage colleagues, partners, and readers to share the WeChat article within their professional networks to further increase its reach and impact.

Scan the QR Code on the left to read the full article in English

Wang, L.; Tang, Y.-M.; Chau, K.-Y.; Zheng, X. Empirical Research of Cold-Chain Logistics Service Quality in Fresh Product E-Commerce. J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19, 2543-2556.

📲 Read the full WeChat feature here:
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/7JZ44S9tlSliHZRcAdKcoA

VCare – Featured on Unwire.hk for Innovative VR Glasses for Myopia Control

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!

#RIVRT #VCare #VRGlasses #MyopiaControl #PolyU #HongKongStartup #HealthTech #VirtualReality #Innovation #UnwireHK #DigitalHealth

Congratulations to Dr. YM Tang: Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientist 2025 (3rd Year Running)

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.


很榮幸地我們RIVRT的首席研究員 鄧育明博士 在2025年已連續三年榮登 史丹佛/愛思唯爾全球前 2% 頂尖科學家榜單!這一備受推崇的榮譽表彰了鄧博士在 資訊與通訊技術 領域,尤其是 設計實踐與管理 和 環境科學 領域的持續性貢獻和顯著影響力。

2025主要成就:

  • 主領域:資訊與通訊技術
  • 子領域:教育、環境科學
  • 綜合得分排名:60,996(不含自引);63,508(含自引)
  • 綜合得分:2.00(不含自引);2.00(含自引)
  • 總引用:874(不含自引);937(含自引)
  • h-index:16(不含自引);17(含自引)
  • hm-index:7(不含自引);8(含自引)
  • 不同引用文獻數:857(不含自引);895(含自引)
  • 自引比例:6.72%
  • 單作者論文:1 篇;其引用:0 次
  • 單獨+第一作者論文:25 篇;引用:374(不含自引)、393(含自引)
  • 單獨+第一+最後作者論文:35 篇;引用:427(不含自引)、449(含自引)

2024 背景(作為延續參考)

  • 於 2024 年,鄧博士在「設計實踐與管理」子領域(隸屬 ICT)名列全球第 41 名(11,034 位作者中),展現其於設計實踐與環境永續領域的深遠影響。

連續三年入選榜單

此次入選標誌著鄧博士 連續第三年 榮登 史丹佛/愛思唯爾全球前 2% 頂尖科學家榜單,他也曾於 2023和2024 年 榮登該榜單。他能夠連續兩年在全球這一具有重大影響力的榜單上佔有一席之地,充分體現了他對科研卓越的持久追求和對學術界的持續貢獻。

欲了解更多詳情,您可以在此處查看鄧博士的資料。

我們衷心祝賀鄧博士取得如此卓越且持續的成就,並期待在他的領導下繼續開展更多開創性的研究工作。此次連續三年的榮譽不僅是對鄧博士個人成就的肯定,也是對我們 RIVRT 團隊不斷追求科研卓越的最好見證。

Congratulations to Ir. Dr. Yuk Ming Tang – Named 2024 Top Scholar by ScholarGPS!

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!

🔗 Learn more about ScholarGPS: www.scholargps.com


#RIVRT #TopScholar2024 #ScholarGPS #VR #MixedReality #AI #DigitalTwin #ResearchExcellence #PolyU #IrDrYMTang #GlobalRecognition

ISE Students Win Merit Prize in Innovation & IT at the 11th Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition!

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.

Justin (Left), Supervisor Ir. Dr. YM Tang (Right)

Lau Ho Wai Justin, one of the team member

Project Description Board for “DyslexAI”

📸 Check out the project display and award certificate above!
🌐 Learn more: HK Challenge Plus Official Website


#RIVRT #PolyU #ISE #DyslexAI #HKChallengePlus #Innovation #AI #InclusiveTechnology #StudentSuccess #InfoTech #EdTech #創新創業大賽 #資訊科技優異獎

ISE Team Wins 1st Runner-Up in Product Innovation Prize 2024–25!

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.

🔗 Full competition details: U3DP News – Product Innovation Prize 2024–25

ISE Department at PolyU Leads Breakthroughs in Industry 4.0 Innovation and Research – Featured by SingTao News

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.


📖 Read the full article here: https://www.stheadline.com/ad-edu/3451498/

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.

ISE is also home to cutting-edge laboratories such as, Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Ultra-Precision Machining Technology, Integrated Product Design Laboratory, etc. These facilities provide RIVRT researchers and students with state-of-the-art tools to explore immersive VR/AR applications, AI-driven systems design, and digital twin technologies.

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.


#PolyU #ISE #RIVRT #Industry4_0 #Innovation #VR #AI #SmartManufacturing #DeepSpaceResearch #STEMLeadership