Lingnan's Tech Innovations Build Smarter Healthier Cities

Lingnan University continues to participate in annual innovation and technology event the InnoCarnival 2025 (the Carnival), organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC). As one of the programme partners, Lingnan University is showcasing eight innovative "Smart Healthy City" research projects, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and interdisciplinary research. These projects cover healthcare, transportation, sports training, environmental monitoring, and elderly care, and demonstrate how Lingnan's innovation teams address societal needs and advancing smart city development through technology.

The Carnival runs from now until 26 October at the Hong Kong Science Park. At Lingnan's exhibition booth (D08), scholars and staff explain how these AI-driven innovations enrich daily life, improve urban liveability, and spark public interest in cutting-edge technology, so that visitors can enjoy multiple interactive experiences.

Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, visited Lingnan University's booth this afternoon, 18 October, where Prof Sam Kwong Tak-wu, Associate Vice-President (Strategic Research) and J.K. Lee Chair Professor of Computational Intelligence, showed him Lingnan's trailblazing research achievements, saying "In recent years, Lingnan University has actively promoted AI and interdisciplinary research projects to address pressing societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. The eight projects here allow visitors to experience how advanced technology supports the development of a smart and healthy city, demonstrating its profound impact on society.”

Prof Sam Kwong Tak-wu showed Prof Sun the AI-based Fencing Training and Assessment System, co-developed with Prof Zhou Yu of Shenzhen University. The system acts as an AI personal coach, combining smart bracelets and insoles with a motion-sensing camera to observe and analyse fencers' actual movements, enabling scientific training improving safety and efficiency. An interactive fencing zone at the booth allows visiting students to "try it out" in fencing gear and smart bracelets, with motion-sensing cameras performing the fencing movements. Deep learning AI analyses each action, and provides suggestions for improvement, and the project won a Gold Medal and the Prize of the International Federation of Inventors' Association (IFIA) at the 11th Silicon Valley International Invention Festival 2025.

Hong Kong continues to report new cases of chikungunya fever, and Prof Paulina Wong Pui-yun, Head and Associate Professor (Presidential Early Career Scholar) of the Science Unit, showed the AI Mosquito Diseases Control System, displaying various species of mosquitoes recently captured in Hong Kong. Prof Wong also explained how the system's simultaneous map-based mosquito risk index helps people understand mosquito risks in different areas of Hong Kong, raising awareness about preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

Other Lingnan research projects on display include the Subway Passenger Flow Prediction Model, developed by President S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science, and Dr Liu Yiren, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Division of Industrial Data Science of the School of Data Science; the Direct Air Capture of CO2 to Enrich Agriculture Production project led by Prof Chen Xi, Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Chair Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies; the Emergency Baby Incubator and AI Power-assisted Wheelchair Control System projects led by Prof Albert Ko, Director of the Office of Service-Learning and the Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative (LEI); the AI Road Risk Monitoring System developed by Prof Paulina Wong Pui-yun, Head and Associate Professor (Presidential Early Career Scholar) of the Science Unit; and the Smart Ageing Home Safety Monitoring System, developed by a team of postgraduate students led by Dr Chloe Siu Pui-yee, Senior Lecturer of the School of Graduate Studies. (Table 1).

For more details, please visit https://innocarnival.hk/en.

Lingnan innovative projects' introduction:

Project title Subway Passenger Flow Prediction Model

Scholars Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science
Dr Liu Yiren, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Division of Industrial Data Science of the School of Data Science

Description This project predicts passenger outflow accurately at different stations in a transportation system and a visualisation interface. Its model of passenger travel time and destination station distribution is based on past passenger gate card swipe data, combined with real-time entry flow data. Multi-time-scale modelling distribution predictions can be made a day in advance, and real-time data adjusts these forecasts dynamically, improving accuracy. The invention also integrates artificial intelligence agents to capture hotspot events, enabling real-time monitoring and prediction of subway passenger flow, and assisting in operational scheduling and resource optimisation, which improve the efficiency of the entire transportation system.

Project title AI-based Fencing Training and Assessment System

Scholar Prof Sam Kwong Tak-wu, Associate Vice-President (Strategic Research) and J.K. Lee Chair Professor of Computational Intelligence

Description The smart fencing training system is an intelligent AI personal fencing coach, which uses smart sensors in bracelets and insoles and a motion-sensing camera to watch and analyse a fencer's movements in real time. Unlike older systems that just recognise basic actions, this understands the quality of each move, and can tell if a lunge is well-balanced, a step is efficient, or a strike is powerful. AI supports fencers' physical health, skills, and overall enjoyment of the sport, making training smarter, safer, and more available to fencers.

Project title Direct Air Capture of CO2 to Enrich Agriculture Production

Scholar Prof Chen Xi, Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Chair Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Description The research team has developed a novel material to be used in carbon farming that captures CO2 directly from the air to use as a fertiliser in a greenhouse for photosynthesis and internal CO2 circulation. The CO2 can be captured directly from dry air, and released when the air is wet.

Project title Emergency Baby Incubator

Scholars Prof Albert Ko, Director of the Office of Service-Learning and the Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative (LEI)
Mr Adrian Lo Chun-kwong, Product Design Lead of the Office of Service-Learning

Description INCUVIA, a groundbreaking, modular, foldable, and affordable neonatal incubator is designed to save the lives of premature and underweight infants in underserved communities worldwide. It is portable, modular, easily monitored, transparent and foldable, and can be set up in minutes without tools. The low-cost, plug-and-play design is sustainable with reliable power - a 12V system using batteries and solar energy. INCUVIA has been successfully tested in the Philippines, and proved successful in field conditions.

Project title AI power-assisted wheelchair control system

Scholar Prof Albert Ko, Director of the Office of Service-Learning and the Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative (LEI)

Description CREW is a power-assisted wheelchair control system designed for caregivers, which brings the benefits of powered wheelchairs to users who cannot control them independently. Pressure-sensors in the handles of the wheelchair allow the caregiver easy control, and the wheelchair senses whether to move forward or apply the brakes intelligently without laborious effort, especially on a slope.

Project title AI Mosquito Diseases Control System

Scholar Prof Paulina Wong Pui-yun, Head and Associate Professor (Presidential Early Career Scholar) of the Science Unit

Description This Mosquito Risk Index uses the latest smart technologies, including IoTs, GIS, GeoAI, and Deep Learning algorithms, to geographically monitor, address, and anticipate mosquito-borne diseases in Hong Kong, and is the first system that can forecast mosquito occurrence up to three days in advance. The dashboard displays mosquito hotspots and alerts, and the goal is better disease management with community engagement.

Project title AI Road Risk Monitoring System

Scholar Prof Paulina Wong Pui-yun, Head and Associate Professor (Presidential Early Career Scholar) of the Science Unit

Description This real-time, accurate, all-in-one intelligent transport solution improves driving safety, facilitates fleet management, and improves road convenience and efficiency using autonomous driving technology and GeoAI techniques. It also develops a road hazard and traffic information geodatabase per road segment, allowing public transport drivers and fleet managers to receive immediate warnings and alerts of any hazards, and has a mobile app, dashboard, and dynamic mobility database, and GeoAI predictive capabilities.

Project title Smart Ageing home safety monitoring system

Scholar Dr Chloe Siu Pui-yee, Senior Lecturer of the School of Graduate Studies

Description H-Air is an intelligent home environment monitoring system that integrates electronic nose technology, thermal imaging, and AI-driven big data analysis. It provides effective protection through immediate detection, intelligent early warning, and coordinated response to multidimensional risks, including flammable gas leaks, indoor air quality, and elderly safety, and addresses a critical market gap by providing integrated, preventive, and responsive monitoring systems, thereby enhancing both safety and health management in residential settings. Its core purpose is to offer families and elderly care institutions a unified platform for environmental protection and health care.

Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (middle), visits Lingnan's booth to learn about the AI-based Fencing Training and Assessment System, a project introduced by Prof Sam Kwong Tak-wu (left).

Visitors take part in the AI-based Fencing Training and Assessment System.

Prof Paulina Wong Pui-yun (middle) shows the AI Mosquito Diseases Control System, displaying various species of mosquitoes recently captured in Hong Kong.

Lingnan University highlights eight innovative research "Smart Healthy City" projects integrating AI and interdisciplinary research.

Lingnan University highlights innovative research projects

Lingnan University held its 2026/27 academic year New Student Orientation (NSO) and Official Welcome for undergraduate students at its Tuen Mun campus today (24 August).

Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, officiated at the University’s Official Welcome and greeted incoming undergraduate students from the Hong Kong SAR, the Chinese Mainland, and overseas. This year’s cohort includes students from a wide range of countries and regions, including Russia, Bhutan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Nepal, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and the Philippines.

In his remarks, President Qin said the University is committed to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. He noted that the geographical diversity of the student intake has further expanded this year, with Lingnan admitting non-local freshmen from Ethiopia for the first time, underscoring the University’s diverse, inclusive and international campus.

Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science, officiated at the Official Welcome and stated that the University warmly welcomed the new students from diverse backgrounds and cultures into the Lingnan community.

President Qin said, “I believe that every student harbours unique dreams and potential and looks forward to finding their own stage at the University. Lingnan is committed to providing an interdisciplinary learning environment and diverse opportunities for development, supporting students in pursuing excellence in academics, innovation, and personal growth. Launched this academic year, the Samuel C.C. Ting Elite Class will provide selected students with comprehensive learning resources, including a four-year full tuition scholarship and a full accommodation subsidy, priority access to cutting-edge research projects, and artificial intelligence (AI) training offered by leading global enterprises, culminating in professional certification. The University will continue to refine its scholarships and talent-development programmes to help students chart a suitable formative path at Lingnan and make the most of their strengths.”

President Qin added that demand for Lingnan among JUPAS applicants has grown significantly. For three consecutive years since 2024, Lingnan University has recorded the highest growth in JUPAS Band A applications among Hong Kong’s eight UGC-funded universities, with a cumulative increase of 88%. In the 2026/27 admission cycle, Lingnan’s mean JUPAS admission score increased by 6.7%, the largest increase among all eight UGC-funded universities. The Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in Business Analytics and Innovation programme was the most competitive programme in Hong Kong, with a 77-to-1 application-to-admission ratio. The average JUPAS admission score for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science programme reached 20.8, which is 2.7 points higher than last year. For Chinese Mainland Gaokao students, the highest admitted score at Lingnan was 129 points above the Batch 1 or Special Admission cut-off score across provinces and cities, an increase of 18 points over 2025.

The national flag-raising ceremony is conducted during the Official Welcome.

Lingnan has made significant leaps in international rankings in recent months, reinforcing its position as a leading research-oriented liberal arts university comprehensive in arts and sciences in the digital era. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, Lingnan was in the global top 100 for the first time, and 63rd overall, with first place in the Hong Kong SAR in six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It retained its World No. 1 ranking in "SDG 4: Quality Education", and came first in the Hong Kong SAR in "SDG 1: No Poverty", "SDG 2: Zero Hunger", "SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth", "SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities", and "SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals".

Lingnan also came 84th in its debut appearance in the THE Asia University Rankings, and in the QS World University Rankings 2027 it climbed sharply by over 120 places to 581st, its largest upward leap in recent years.

To help freshmen adapt to university life early and foster a sense of belonging, Lingnan has been running online orientation sessions and activities since mid-July, helping students build social networks and integrate swiftly into campus life. On the day of the inauguration ceremony, it launched the Kaleidoscope Programme, tailored for newcomers with library and campus tours, sports facilities briefings, and workshops on hostel life explaining campus resources and facilities. Themed seminars have covered scholarship applications, academic exchanges, service-learning, and student-led community service, and distinguished alumni have shared inspiring stories, suggesting new students plan their objectives in advance and build up their confidence and preferences.

During the NSO, core administrative units briefed the freshmen, giving them practical information so they could familiarise themselves with university resources, use AI for independent learning, and master learning opportunities. After several specialist sessions, the finale featured performances by the Dancing and Music Societies, sparkling with youthful campus vigour and opening the curtain on a vibrant university life.

Lingnan University held its 2026/27 academic year New Student Orientation and Official Welcome on campus today, welcoming a record intake of about 1,500 new undergraduates into the Lingnan community.

The orientation activities also placed a strong emphasis on community cohesion, with the University arranging for freshmen to interact with departments and societies related to their major subjects and meet their wardens. Representatives from various departmental societies shared tips on subject selection, extracurricular activities, and learning opportunities, fostering interaction among students across different departments. Meanwhile, the University’s Peer Mentoring Programme was launched on the same day, pairing new undergraduates with senior student mentors to help them adjust to university life and actively engage in campus activities.

Lingnan will also host the Campus Life Carnival on the evening of 3 September to encourage freshmen to integrate. Student bodies, sports teams, and several departments will set up over 40 promotional booths providing practical information on extracurricular activities, and recommending ways to expand their social networks to help them settle into the Lingnan community more swiftly.