Shared Vision, Real-World Impact: PolyU OWS Excellence Showcase
September 1, 2026
The Library is excited to spotlight fresh contributions from the Outstanding Work by Students (OWS) Showcase, where collaboration and creativity are shaping solutions with real-world impact—from energy conservation to supporting special educational needs (SEN) students.
One standout initiative is Smart Buildings, Real Impact: AI-Empowered Digital Twin, created by Tianyou MA, Kan XU, and Amber ZHANG from the Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE). Spearheading a three-year journey, the team reimagined building management by combining artificial intelligence with energy efficiency to keep occupants comfortable while cutting waste. Tested across three sites, their system achieved 15–20% energy savings without replacing existing equipment—proving that innovation can work seamlessly with existing infrastructure. Supported by PolyU professors and departments, their persistence turned research into practical, sustainable solutions for smarter building management.
Equally inspiring is Inclusive Pathways: Through Taekwondo and Music, led by Corliss SZE and her team from the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS). The team investigated whether combining Taekwondo with music therapy could foster social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Involving 77 children aged 6–11, their 10-week programme delivered significant improvements, with music boosting overall engagement and participation. Driven by a passion for martial arts and inclusive education, the team built a structured, supportive environment that overcame scheduling and coordination challenges through resilience and PolyU facility support. Their work highlights how empathetic, cross-disciplinary approaches can empower children with special needs and drive meaningful community inclusion.
Here are the latest inspiring new stories featured in this round’s showcase:
- Faculty of Business – Team of School of Accounting and Finance (AF) and Department of Management and Marketing (MM)
Breaking the Streak: Excelling in Business Case Competition - Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences – Yu ZHOU & Xianwei CHEN
Evolutionary Excellence: Bridging the Gap in Multilingual AI - Faculty of Construction and Environment – Fangzheng LI & Zhe ZOU
Revolutionizing Construction with AI: iOptiCrane - Faculty of Engineering – NuttyShell Team
Code, Collaboration, and Community: NuttyShell - Faculty of Health and Social Sciences – Corliss SZE
Inclusive Pathways: Through Taekwondo and Music - Faculty of Humanities – Lucas PELTONEN
Crossing Cultures: Path from Misunderstanding to Mastery - Faculty of Science – Vivian QIN
Innovating Immunotherapy: Better Cancer Therapies - School of Design – 4Days Campaign Team
Rebranding the industry: The 4Days Campaign - School of Fashion and Textiles – Fiona POON
From Waste to Wonder: Cornzy & Tangle - School of Hotel and Tourism Management – Scott QU
The Art and Science of Ancient Life: Return to Antiquity
These achievements reflect the ingenuity and teamwork that define PolyU students. By tackling issues in sustainability and inclusive health, they show how academic excellence translates into solutions with global relevance.
| Beyond the featured initiatives, the Showcase also highlights award-winning posters from the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS) Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition 2025 and the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) 3MT Competition 2025, presenting pioneering research that shapes future frontiers. |  |
Visit the OWS Showcase on the Library Podium Floor or explore our Online Portal to discover more inspiring student work. Together, we celebrate the creativity and vision of driving real-world solutions and shaping future breakthroughs.