Lingnan University Carbon Emissions Database Supports MUSICO Space Mission for Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

Lingnan University congratulates Hong Kong SAR astronaut Lai Ka-ying who has been chosen for the nation’s next space mission, where she will probably operate the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO), a space-based research instrument led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Prof Li Jia, Director of the Lingnan University Shenzhen Research Institute (LUSZRI), and Associate Professor (Presidential Early Career Scholar) of the Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies (WJYSIS) at Lingnan University, together with her research team, contributed key data from a carbon emissions source database for the project, which will be used to compare greenhouse gas data including carbon dioxide and methane emission sources observed by MUSICO, helping researchers identify emission intensity and distribution patterns of power and industrial facilities across different regions more accurately, thereby providing robust scientific support for China’s carbon-peaking and carbon-neutrality goals.

Prof Li said that currently many satellite monitoring systems worldwide focus mainly on greenhouse gas emissions at the regional level, and identifying carbon emissions from a single large stationary emission source from space remains challenging as relying on the high-sensitivity MUSICO instrument also depends greatly on long-term, ground-based carbon emissions data for comparison.

Prof Li Jia (right), Prof Su Hui (middle), and Dr Wang Fan (left) at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site.

Prof Li said “Our database covers more than half of China’s carbon dioxide emission sources, and records emission volumes from different regions and industrial facilities. It is resolved down to the level of total emissions per square kilometre, with precise geographic coordinates, and functions much like a map and a navigation system, helping MUSICO identify the specific locations, intensities, and operational patterns of emission sources in space. This enables the instrument to observe the large-scale distribution of greenhouse gas concentrations, and also to analyse emissions from individual factories or facilities with greater precision, thereby increasing the accuracy and scientific value of space-based observation data.”

Prof Li continued “As an international financial centre, the Hong Kong SAR is well positioned to use Lingnan’s empirical data to advance the development of the green economy. In future, the database may be applied to carbon emissions verification, emissions reduction assessment, and urban low-carbon management, providing scientific support for low-carbon transformation in the Greater Bay Area and across China.”

For several years now, Prof Li Jia’s team has carried out extensive research on industrial carbon emissions in China, and participated in core national carbon neutrality projects, compiling inventories covering major high-emission industries, such as power generation, cement, steel, chemicals and electrolytic aluminium.

Over the past 20 years, Prof Li’s team has carried out continuous research on carbon emissions from the power and industrial sectors in China and Southeast Asian countries. The team has participated in and led carbon capture and storage planning projects in six Asian countries, and developed emissions inventories covering China’s major high-emission industries, including power generation, cement, steel, chemicals, and electrolytic aluminium. This is consistent with the analysis of individual emission sources such as ground-based power plants and oilfields, and helps verify whether observed measurements reflect normal fluctuations or abnormal emissions.

Between 2022 and 2025, Prof Li’s team collaborated with Tsinghua University and the Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning (CAEP) under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and took part in a first-batch key research project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China on carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, which expanded the database to cover additional major emission sectors.

From left: Hong Kong SAR astronaut Lai Ka-ying, Prof Li Jia.

Prof Li Jia said that the opportunity to participate in space monitoring-related scientific research collaboration on behalf of Lingnan University was made possible by WJYSIS’ continued encouragement of cross-disciplinary integration, fostering collaborative research in environmental science, data analytics, and artificial intelligence; also, while the Chinese Mainland has taken a leading position in large-scale carbon capture and emissions reduction technologies, the Hong Kong SAR has many advantages in international academic networks and well-established research collaboration platforms, which promote scientific exchange, research related to sustainable development, and collaboration between China and the international community.

Council members of Lingnan University visit the Lingnan University Shenzhen Research Institute (LUSZRI).

Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, said that in recent years, Lingnan University has actively promoted its Liberal Arts + Technology development strategy, encouraging faculty and students to conduct interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world issues. Lingnan researchers’ involvement in national space and carbon monitoring projects shows the University’s strong foundation in inter-university and interdisciplinary collaboration, and highlights its academic contributions to public development in environmental science, data analytics, and low-carbon research.

The MUSICO research project is co-led by Prof Su Hui, Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Global STEM Professor at HKUST, and Prof Zhang Limin, Chair Professor and Head of the same department. Prof Zhai Chengxing, Associate Professor of the Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas is the mission system engineer, and other team members are Senior Scientific Officer Dr Rong Pingping, Assistant Professor Zhang Jize, and Associate Professor Wang Zhe from HKUST’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Professor Ning Zhi, Associate Professors Shi Xiaoming, and Gu Dasa from the Division of Environment and Sustainability; Associate Professor Ma Xiaojuan from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Professor Zhu Pengyu from the Division of Public Policy; Professor Gao Meng from Hong Kong Baptist University; and Associate Professor Li Jia from Lingnan University.

Jointly organised by Lingnan University and Yuanpei College of Peking University (PKU), the onsite seven-day intensive training camp (held from 2 to 8 July 2026) amid the third Lingnan-Yuanpei STEM Summer Academy concluded on the Lingnan University campus, showcasing how the next generation of Beijing-Hong Kong talents seamlessly blends cutting-edge scientific innovation with a profound humanistic spirit, and empowering student entrepreneurs to transform creative ideas into socially responsible and real-world business solutions.

The culminating STEM Roadshow Competition saw around 30 students forming five teams pitch viable, tech-driven business models that prioritised social value alongside commercial feasibility.

After rounds of prototyping, pitching and assessment, the team “SenseShield” won the championship. SenseShield is a pioneering menstrual leak emergency system integrated with inclusive design. The “3-in-1” emergency kit is as compact as a pocket-sized tissue pack, making it exceptionally portable. It features three innovative essentials for women: a stylish emergency camouflage half-skirt, a leak-proof sanitary seat mat, and an odour-resistant disposable seal bag. By addressing a previously unmet market need for “post-leak self-rescue”, the project aims to alleviate women’s hidden anxieties and advance equality through accessible products. The team was mentored by Mr Adrian Lo Chun-kwong, Chief Design Lead of the UNU Hub on Humanitarian Innovation and Technology at Lingnan University.

Sharing her joy upon winning the award, Leta Li Xinying, the leader of the champion team and a Lingnan graduating student from the Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management programme, expressed, “We are all incredibly thrilled to win this competition, and we are delighted that our hard work has been recognised. I believe the key to our success was teamwork - every team member approached the competition with dedication and actively shared ideas with one another. Moving forward, we hope to obtain international standards and various certifications for our product, discover investment partners, and bring this project to fruition.” The winning team was awarded a cash prize of HKD$50,000 sponsored by Lingnan Foundation, along with eligibility to receive up to HKD$500,000 from the Lingnan Foundation Prototype Fund to productise their idea.

Other award-winning projects included:

• First runner-up - Fluency Auditor: A Multimodal AI-Driven Linguistic Assessment Platform

• Second runner-up - AI Cognitive Training Device for Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment

• Merit awards - Darlink (AI Matching)

• Low-Cost Intelligent Device and System for Real-Time Mosquito Monitoring

Embodying Lingnan’s motto, “Education for Service”, this year’s summer academy focused heavily on human-centric technology. Elite students from diverse academic backgrounds, including artificial intelligence, data science, arts, business, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies, formed inter-institutional teams to tackle pressing community, health, and environmental challenges. It was attended by Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing at Lingnan University, and Mr Chai Teng, Executive Deputy Secretary of the CYL Committee of PKU’s Yuanpei College, with the judging panel comprising Dr Daniel Chun, Vice President of the Smart City Consortium, Ms Lillian Li, Executive Director of the Social Impact Partners, and Mr Edmond Lam, Senior Manager (AI & Data) of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.

Reflecting on the overall performance of participants, the judging panel remarked, “What set this year’s cohorts apart was their ability to look past pure profitability but code for a cause. We were thoroughly impressed by how these young innovators didn’t just showcase technical brilliance, but deeply researched the human element of their chosen problems. The synergy between Lingnan University and PKU was palpable. They seamlessly combined high-level data intelligence with a practical and community-first mindset.”

Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing at Lingnan University, commended the participants and organisers during his closing remarks of the STEM Roadshow Competition, “It has been a privilege to witness the dedication, creativity, and perseverance of every participant. This cross-institutional collaboration between Lingnan University and Peking University’s Yuanpei College succeeded because of the seamless coordination of our staff and project advisors. To our students: you are all winners in our eyes. You have demonstrated how to harness technology and human values for the betterment of our world. Go forward and become the socially responsible leaders of tomorrow.”

Addressing the competition’s closing with a pre-recorded message, Mr Li Zhe, Chair of the PKU’s Yuanpei College Council, remarked that over the past week, students from both universities had brilliantly integrated the embracement of naturalism and human-centric liberal arts philosophy. They had proven that true innovation is never just about piling up technologies; it is a profound response to the genuine needs of human society. Mr Li hopes that this friendship spanning two cities continues to plant seeds of innovation, and looks forward to seeing these students evolve into visionary leaders equipped with both technological prowess and humanistic literacy.

Since its inception in 2024, the Lingnan-Yuanpei STEM Summer Academy has grown into a vital platform for deep cross-institutional collaboration and talent cultivation. It targets to further enhance the integrated development combining education, technology, and high-calibre talent cultivation, and actively promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand. The winning projects elegantly addressed real social pain points, proving out students’ ability to root STEM knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The champion team “SenseShield” celebrates their victory at the signature competition under Lingnan-Yuanpei STEM Summer Academy 2026 with Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing at Lingnan University (first right), Mr Chai Teng, Executive Deputy Secretary of the CYL Committee of Yuanpei College, Peking University (first left), and the competition judges.

The champion team, “SenseShield”, presents their pioneering menstrual period leakage emergency system, filling a gap in the market for “post-leakage self-rescue” and dedicating themselves to eliminating women’s anxiety.

The champion team, “SenseShield”, presents their pioneering menstrual period leakage emergency system, filling a gap in the market for “post-leakage self-rescue” and dedicating themselves to eliminating women’s anxiety.

The “Fluency Auditor: A Multimodal AI-Driven Linguistic Assessment Platform” team notches up the first runner-up prize from Dr Daniel Chun, Vice President of the Smart City Consortium (first left).

The “AI Cognitive Training Device for Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment” team receives the second runner-up prize from Ms Lillian Li, Executive Director of the Social Impact Partners (first left).

Mr Edmond Lam, Senior Manager (AI & Data) of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (first left) presents merit awards to two teams, namely, “Darlink (AI Matching)” and “Low-Cost Intelligent Device and System for Real-Time Mosquito Monitoring”.

Mr Edmond Lam, Senior Manager (AI & Data) of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (first left) presents merit awards to two teams, namely, “Darlink (AI Matching)” and “Low-Cost Intelligent Device and System for Real-Time Mosquito Monitoring”.

Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing at Lingnan University speaks at the STEM Roadshow Competition.

Mr Li Zhe, Chair of the Yuanpei College Council of Peking University delivers a closing video remark.