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Year: 2025

Lingnan AI expert Prof. Xin Yao elected Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering

Posted on by Editorial Team

Prof. Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning at Lingnan University, has been elected a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE) for 2024. The induction ceremony for the 11 new Fellows was held on January 20, 2025. Prof. Yao is the third Lingnan scholar to receive this honor, following Prof. S. Joe Qin and Prof. Sam Kwong Tak-wu.

Prof S. Joe Qin, President of Lingnan University, remarked, “Prof. Xin Yao, a widely recognized leader in Artificial Intelligence, is among the world-class scholars Lingnan University has successfully recruited. He is also the fourth member of the Lingnan faculty elected to the Academy in just over a year, underscoring the quality of our faculty. To nurture interdisciplinary talent, we plan to construct our first dedicated science building on campus, providing additional research offices and laboratories to support teaching and learning comprehensively. We believe these initiatives, led by Prof. Xin Yao and other distinguished scholars, will catalyze innovation and guide Lingnan toward becoming a comprehensive university in arts and sciences in the digital era. Our aim is to contribute to establishing Hong Kong as an international hub for higher education and support sustainable development in society.”

Upon receiving this prestigious award, Prof. Xin Yao stated, “Data science and AI are rapidly advancing global industries. I believe that Artificial Intelligence will be prevalent in the future, and innovation in technology is closely linked to the development of human resources. I look forward to collaborating with other HKAE Fellows to explore and expand the application of AI, generating greater value for the community. Through the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS), I aim to forge partnerships with leading global researchers to address urgent societal challenges. We also aspire to nurture students who are innovative talents and critical thinkers regarding the social implications of technological advancements.”

Prof. Xin Yao is a distinguished international scholar in Artificial Intelligence, having engaged in research on computational intelligence across various fields, including smart logistics and biology. He has taught at multiple renowned institutions, including the Southern University of Science and Technology and the University of Birmingham. He was the first Chinese recipient of the 2020 IEEE Frank Rosenblatt Award and has been listed among Highly Cited Researchers in 2016, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Since 2021, he has consistently ranked among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists in AI and Image Processing.

Founded in 1994, the HKAE promotes collaboration, innovation, and excellence in engineering and contributes to societal advancement and the development of Hong Kong. In addition to supporting education and research, the HKAE conducts policy research and provides expert advice to the government and other organizations in engineering-related fields.

Building the safety net

Posted on by Editorial Team

‘What happens in university, stays in university’. A phrase that has been adapted to various contexts, but its relevance is disturbingly accurate regarding student safety. Alarmingly, 90 percent of students who experienced sexual assault in university did not report the incident to the police, according to findings by Harvard Magazine and the Office for Students.

Harassment, whether it’s unwanted touching, street catcalling or sexual comments, creates an environment of intimidation and humiliation for targeted individuals. Despite the academic and social support universities provide, students – particularly women and non-binary individuals – remain vulnerable. The Office for Students in the UK found that 20 percent of students reported experiencing unwanted sexual behaviour, with women being more than twice as likely to report harassment than men (27 percent compared to 12 percent).

“75 percent of prospective students said ‘safety and a welcoming place’ for international students is one of their top five most important factors when choosing a town or city to study in.”

Annie, a student from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, shared her harrowing experience in the 2015 documentary The Hunting Ground. She recounted that before classes even started, she and her friend was sexually assaulted. The university administrator’s response to her was shocking, comparing rape to a football game and suggesting she consider what she could have done differently.

This crime seems to be a playing field in which victim-blaming thrives and has a silencing effect on survivors. It was reported that many students choose not to report incidents due to a lack of confidence in the support systems, with only 12 percent of those experiencing harassment formally reporting it to their universities Office for Students, underscoring the need for greater awareness and proactive measures. Around the world, students are speaking up on these issues and are even taking matters into their own hands. While institutions are finding themselves having to balance facilitating if it’s worth protecting the brand of the university or ensuring safety and security first.

This calls into question the efficacy of university policies on sexual misconduct. Are current measures robust enough? Are universities doing enough to prevent these incidents from occurring, or are they merely reacting after the fact?

Cry for help

Strut Safe was founded by five Edinburgh University students in the wake of the horrific murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa. Starting out in the capital city, it soon expanded UK-wide, offering a helpline that people can phone when they are walking home.

The rise in public rhetoric that targets people of marginalised genders – including women, non-binary people, trans people and intersex people – corresponds with a reported rise in feelings of insecurity while walking alone at night, Strut Safe data shows.

“Our call numbers usually go up after the clocks go back in the autumn, when the sun goes down earlier, and students are coming home in the dark,” Strut Safe’s Director of Communications Rho Chung tells QS Insights Magazine.

When thinking about what factors are commonly responsible, “Time of day/night, street lighting and identity have all been shown to factor into the decision to change one’s behaviour to feel safer.”

Not only do we need institutions to be aware of these factors, but they should also be working more thoroughly with transport professionals, urban planners, decision-makers and law enforcers, which all have an essential role to play in influencing societal change.

According to the QS International Student Survey 2024, 75 percent of prospective students said ‘safety and a welcoming place’ for international students is one of their top five most important factors when choosing a town or city to study in. Notably, this was a more popular choice among female respondents (80 percent) than their male counterparts (72 percent).

Additionally, 49 percent of prospective female students identified ‘safety’ as one of their main concerns when studying abroad, surpassing the 42 percent response from male students.

These findings highlight the critical need for students to feel exceptionally safe when entering new territories, particularly among female students, who share this global concern. Universities must swiftly develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors that impact and influence safety and recognise when these concerns are most likely to arise.

Effective measures might be simpler than expected. Chung notes that most callers, often in transit, are just seeking a “friendly chat.” For those with additional needs, trained volunteers can recommend alternative or more suitable services. “If calling us helps someone feel safer, then Strut Safe has done its job.”

Read the full article on QS Insights Magazine.

UiTM embarks on an internationalisation project in Japan for academic exchanges and collaborations

Posted on by Syazliyati Ibrahim

A team of four university lecturers from UiTM Kedah Branch, Malaysia, embarked on an academic visit to Japan from 22 September 2024 until 1 October 2024 as part of an internationalisation project aimed at fostering cross-cultural academic exchanges and collaborations. The delegation, representing Special Interest Group – Public Interest Centre of Excellence (SIG PICE) and Academy of Language Studies, UiTM Kedah Branch, Malaysia, visited three key locations in Japan: Tokyo, Akita, and Osaka. The lecturers are Puan Syazliyati Ibrahim as the project leader, Puan Syakirah Mohammed, Puan Mazlifa Md Daud and Puan Robekhah Harun. The initiative was organised to seek inte ational linkages, strengthen institutional partnerships, and promote cultural understanding between their home university and Japanese counterparts.

The visit commenced in Tokyo, where the lecturers had a meeting with the officers at the Malaysian Embassy to Japan. The delegates were entertained by the officers who are Encik Anwar Udzir (Deputy Chief Mission), Encik Imran Yussof (Counsellor-Education) and Puan Nora Azlinda Jaapar (Counsellor). Since Tokyo serves as a hub for networking and setting the foundation for long-term collaborative projects, the university lecturers sought practical advice and suggestions on how to further strengthen imminent international linkages with other universities in Japan.

The next stop was Akita, a city renowned for its innovative approach to rural education and community development. The lecturers visited Akita International University, where they were introduced to unique programs designed to bridge the gap between urban and rural education, and they had the opportunity to observe immersive cultural experiences provided to intrnational students. The serene setting of Akita also allowed for meaningful exchanges on how regional universities can contribute to the global academic landscape. The university lecturers also presented their lectures on internationalisation efforts, critical thinking teaching approaches and community service projects to the post-graduate students from the Graduate School of Global Communication and Language. The lecturers were warmly welcomed by the International Collaboration Officer, Mr. Travis Senzaki and the Dean of Graduate School of Global Communication and Language, Professor Hiroki Uchida. A meeting was also held to discuss future collaborations between the two institutions.

The journey concluded in Osaka, a bustling city known for its vibrant academic and cultural scene. In Osaka, the lecturers attended a meeting with the representatives of Japan Da’wah Centre, Encik Zulkarnain Hasan Basri (President) and Cik Siti Zakira Imana Abdul Rahman (Staff).

The meeting explored collaborative opportunities in student exchange programmes especially inte ship opportunities for UiTM students. The meeting also discussed the impending Memorandum of Agreement to be signed by both organisations to promote the learning of Japanese language and Arabic language in Malaysia and Japan. The academic visit to Japan was hailed as a resounding success, with the lecturers expressing optimism about the potential for future partnerships and the enriched perspectives gained through the experience.

Chula President leads vision for an AI-driven future in education

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

On December 20, 2024, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, delivered a keynote speech at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation titled “Revolutionizing Learning: The AI-Powered Future of Education”. The event, organized by Chulalongkorn University’s Risk Management Center in collaboration with the National Higher Education Strategic Center and the Digital University Network, aimed at exchanging experiences and best practices as well as to deepen technological understanding and foster cooperation while promoting a risk-aware culture in universities. The goal is to prepare Thai universities to become leaders in AI innovation in the region.

In his speech, Professor Dr. Wilert emphasized that the AI-driven future of education presents both challenges and opportunities for higher education. With artificial intelligence (AI) and big data reshaping the landscape of knowledge, universities must go beyond simply transferring information to students. Instead, they must reimagine themselves as dynamic learning hubs focused on “creating learning experiences” that address the needs of the future. This transformation involves prioritizing experiential learning, interdisciplinary integration, and developing diverse, future-ready skills.

Key Insights from the Speech
1. Personalized Learning Pathways: Curiosity as a Starting Point

AI enables institutions to assess individual student potential with greater depth, paving the way for Personalized Learning Pathways. By tapping into each student’s curiosity and unique interests, universities can unlock hidden talents and foster meaningful growth. To achieve this, learning environments must encourage exploration, experimentation, and inquiry, creating experiences that go beyond traditional classroom settings.

2. The New Role of Faculty: From Teachers to Intellectual Facilitators

Faculty members must shift their role from being mere dispensers of knowledge to Intellectual Facilitators. This involves inspiring critical thinking, posing challenging questions, and guiding students toward the practical application of their learning. By focusing on individual strengths and interests, educators can nurture deeper, more impactful learning.

3. Integrating Life Skills with Technology

In an AI-driven world, technical expertise in fields like AI and Big Data is essential—but not enough. Graduates must also possess critical Life Skills, such as analytical thinking, creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, and a strong ethical foundation. Universities have the responsibility to integrate these skills alongside technological education to prepare students for an unpredictable and rapidly evolving future.

4. The Evolving Value of Higher Education in the AI Era

While the relevance of degrees in today’s world is often debated, universities remain vital in shaping well-rounded individuals. By integrating diverse disciplines—science, technology, social sciences, and humanities—universities equip students to tackle the complex challenges of the modern world. These institutions serve as critical spaces for self-discovery, talent development, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Chulalongkorn University: Leading the AI Transformation

Transitioning into the AI era is more than adopting new technology—it’s about reimagining education. Chulalongkorn University is committed to creating an environment where students’ curiosity is sparked, their identities are explored, and their skills are honed to adapt to the digital age.

With the vision to become “Chulalongkorn: The University of AI,” the university seeks to develop graduates with diverse competencies, a strong ethical foundation, and the ability to lead themselves and society toward sustainable success.

“Curiosity and self-discovery are the cornerstones of lifelong learning. They form the bridge to a future where risks are transformed into opportunities for success.”

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/209112/

Thammasat University hosts event on regional transformation in Southeast Asia

Posted on by Thammasat University

The College of Interdisciplinary Studies at Thammasat University organized a workshop on the topic “Regional Economic Cooperation and Social Cultural Changes: The Future of Sino-Thai Connectivity” at Thammasat University, Lampang Campus. The event aimed to exchange knowledge and perspectives on significant related issues, featuring expert faculty members from various disciplines, including linguistics, art, culture, natural resource management and environmental studies, as well as international relations, who participated in this meeting.

Professor Dong Hongjie from Xi’an University, People’s Republic of China, the distinguished
speaker at this event, reported on the latest advancements of the “China Studies Program,” which is overseen by the Chinese Ministry of Education. This program focuses on fostering connections and economic cooperation between China and Thailand, significantly influencing the social and cultural transformations in both nations.

Furthermore, the participating professors exchanged perspectives from their fields of expertise, discussing opportunities as well as challenges regarding the anticipated collaboration between China and Thailand in the future.

Associate Professor Dr. Saifon Suindramedhi, Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary
Studies at Thammasat University, emphasized that this meeting is part of the activities aimed at promoting international academic collaboration, in celebration of the 90th anniversary of Thammasat University and the 25th anniversary of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

This in-depth dialogue serves to strengthen the relationships among interdisciplinary expert
faculty members, while also establishing a crucial foundation for the development of knowledge and international academic collaboration in the future. The College will steadfastly continue to lead in research and innovation within fields that consistently and robustly integrate diverse disciplines. 

Fortified from land to sea: underground engineering and coastal protection drive sustainable growth

Posted on by daphneng

Land and resource limitations are becoming more prevalent as the global population expands. This is especially true in sprawling megacities where millions live within tight geographical boundaries.

Developing underground space could be a solution to address urban land scarcity. Urban subterranean space is often underutilised and its development could uncover new social, economic and environmental possibilities that shape the cities of tomorrow. Innovations that protect coastlines from erosion, prevent low-lying areas from being submerged and create space for urban development, especially in the face of rising sea levels caused by climate change, could be part of the future of coastal cities.

In response to urban challenges, researchers from NTU’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) are diving deep, literally, focusing on both developing space below ground and protecting coastal regions. These projects include new digital platforms to reduce costs and enhance safety in underground construction, and green building materials to stabilise shorelines and adapt to rising sea levels.

Supporting the school’s endeavours is the Centre for Urban Solutions (CUS), a multidisciplinary initiative to provide leadership in research and development of innovative solutions for sustainable living and infrastructure for future cities.

The centre seeks to address urban development challenges by integrating digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), into urban planning and construction.

Eyeing the depths

One area that CUS focuses on is underground engineering. In land-scarce cities, space is being created through not just upward expansion, such as high-rise buildings, but also downward development. This subterranean push fortifies the city for future expansion as well.

Assoc Prof Wu Wei, who heads CUS’ Underground Engineering Cluster, runs cross-functional teams pioneering digital solutions to manage the unpredictable underground. “Digging up to 100 metres deep poses significant engineering challenges, such as managing costs and controlling surface settlement to prevent accidents like the ground collapsing,” he explains, citing a spate of devastating sinkhole incidents that have occurred worldwide during construction projects.

His group has developed methods powered by AI to precisely map underground structures like cavities or boulders, employing machine learning to detect anomalies autonomously.

“Our machine learning algorithms sift through geological data to identify deeper and clearer anomalies compared to existing approaches. This method reduces costs, cuts the need for constant human supervision and greatly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of our underground assessments,” Assoc Prof Wu notes.

CEE researcher Asst Prof Shi Chao has similarly turned to transformative digital solutions for underground and coastal engineering. His research team uses algorithms and digital twins – virtual models that simulate subsurface conditions – to optimise the construction of underground infrastructure. These virtual models accelerate real-world predictions and analyses when assessing the suitability of underground spaces for use, minimising the need for physical testing.

“We harness emerging AI technology to combine geological knowledge and site-specific data to automatically build and update digital twins,” explains Asst Prof Shi, stressing the need for accurate underground modelling to reduce risks in safety and project failure.

His team has successfully applied the digital twin approach in Hong Kong, assessing conditions such as slope stability and the structural integrity of the seabed for land reclamation and tunnelling projects. In cities with limited land resources, digital twins can help mitigate the risks of building on challenging soil conditions.

“The success of our models in solving complex engineering challenges brings us closer to revolutionising civil engineering and integrating advanced technologies to improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of our infrastructure,” adds Asst Prof Shi.

Safeguarding our shores

Meanwhile, cities with low-lying coastlines face the imminent threat of rising sea levels. Singapore’s latest national climate change study projects an increase of up to 1.15 metres in sea level by the end of the century, exceeding previous estimates.

Prof Chu Jian, Chair of CEE and Director of CUS, is leading the charge on two research projects under the Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute Singapore to mitigate this threat: improving shoreline stability and exploring sustainable materials for coastal protection. His work could also support land reclamation projects through novel construction methods and improving soil properties to enhance the stability of reclaimed land.

One such innovation is biocement, a durable and sustainable cement alternative produced from waste byproducts, embodying circular economy principles. The material could be used to build tube-like bunds along the coastline that protect beaches from strong waves and accumulate sediments like sand. In time, the bunds could help restore eroded shorelines and prevent further erosion due to rising sea levels.

“We tested biocement as a solution to prevent beach erosion at East Coast Park in a pilot project carried out with the National Parks Board, a Singapore public agency. Evaluations of the tests are underway,” says Prof Chu.

Currently, about 70% of Singapore’s coastline is safeguarded by coastal protection structures such as seawalls. Now, CUS researchers are working with national coastal protection agency PUB and the industry to develop alternative coastal protection structures using modular floating concrete units with impervious flexible seawalls that can adjust to changing sea levels. These structures could serve as coastal protection solutions that are multifunctional in incorporating roads and recreational spaces within or at the top of the modular units.

The work at CEE and CUS emphasises balancing engineering ingenuity with environmental sustainability. “We are taking a holistic approach to coastal protection and water management strategies. It’s important to design solutions that have minimal impact on the environment, which is why we harness nature-based innovations,” shares Prof Chu.

Prof Chu is optimistic about the research outcomes of CEE and CUS, which are bolstered by strategic collaborations with industry and government. “Most of our research projects are funded by government agencies or industries that address national needs directly,” he says. “All the work contributes to building up a city’s resilience against the changing climate.”

NTU–Harvard Collaboration Reveals Mechanism Behind Meiosis and Genetic Diversity

Posted on by National Taiwan University

Have you ever wondered how our genetic diversity arises? During meiosis, parental chromosomes exchange genetic material, a critical process that fosters diversity within populations. Yet ensuring both precision in this exchange and overall genomic stability has posed a longstanding question in biology. Now, a joint research team from National Taiwan University (NTU) and Harvard University has uncovered a pivotal protein mechanism that could reshape our understanding of meiosis.

A Newly Discovered Regulatory Role

In a study recently published in Nature Communications, the research groups of Professor Hung-Yuan Ji (Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, NTU), Professor Hong-Wen Lee (Department of Chemistry, NTU), and Professor Mara Prentiss (Department of Physics, Harvard University) demonstrated that a protein complex called Hop2-Mnd1 not only stimulates but also selectively suppresses the DNA recombinase Dmc1—depending on the degree of sequence similarity between DNA strands.

Previously, Hop2-Mnd1 was generally regarded as a co-factor that boosts the activity of Dmc1. The recombinase Dmc1 catalyzes DNA strand exchange between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, thereby enabling genetic diversity. If Dmc1 inadvertently promotes exchange of mismatched DNA sequences, the genome can become unstable, potentially leading to mutations and disease. Precisely how the cell ensures correct pairings while maintaining diversity has remained a key puzzle.

Experiment Design and Key Findings

To tackle this question, the researchers produced high-purity Hop2-Mnd1 and Dmc1 proteins, then designed multiple DNA substrates with varying degrees of sequence similarity.

  1. Exact or minimal mismatch: Hop2-Mnd1 enhanced Dmc1 activity, facilitating proper strand exchange.
  2. Low similarity: Hop2-Mnd1 inhibited Dmc1 function, preventing erroneous DNA pairing.

By analyzing protein–protein interactions in detail, the team confirmed that Hop2-Mnd1 exerts this selective control through direct binding with Dmc1. In other words, Hop2-Mnd1 actively “reads” the DNA context and modulates Dmc1 accordingly, ensuring that DNA exchanges occur predominantly between truly homologous sequences.

Significance of the Discovery

This mechanism sheds light on how meiotic cells avert potentially harmful recombination events, safeguarding genomic integrity. Beyond clarifying the process of meiosis, the Hop2-Mnd1 system opens new avenues for exploring genetic diseases, which often emerge when DNA repair and recombination pathways malfunction. The study thereby not only refines textbook knowledge on Hop2-Mnd1 but also suggests possible diagnostic or therapeutic targets for conditions related to recombination errors.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

A notable aspect of this research is its strong interdisciplinary framework. The participants—Ms. Jo-Ching Peng, Mr. Hao-Yen Chang, and Ms. Yu-Ting Sun—brought together expertise from biochemistry, chemistry, and physics. Combining skill sets from NTU’s Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences and Department of Chemistry, along with resources at Harvard University, exemplifies how cross-institutional teamwork can drive breakthroughs in fundamental biology.

Future Directions

While this study targets one specific step in the meiotic machinery, the implications are broader. Understanding how Hop2-Mnd1 selectively guides Dmc1 could eventually help researchers manipulate recombination in agricultural or biomedical applications, possibly enhancing crop genetic diversity or devising novel treatments for genetic disorders. Additionally, the findings open up questions about whether other proteins exhibit a similarly precise mechanism for monitoring DNA sequence similarity. Exploring such possibilities may reveal deeper evolutionary strategies that balance genome stability with the need for diversity.

Publication

The complete research findings are available in Nature Communications:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53641-3