HKAES series

November 18, 2025 (Tuesday) 4:00-5:00pm
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the construction industry, driving innovation and efficiency like never before. AI enhances decision-making through predictive analytics, process automation, and real-time insights, while IoT connects devices and systems, enabling seamless communication and data collection. With the introduction of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP), this synergy further optimizes off-site prefabrication, improving precision, reducing waste, and accelerating project timelines. From smart sensors monitoring site conditions to AI-driven schedules, this convergence paves the way for smart, sustainable, and advanced construction solutions.

October 22, 2025 (Wednesday) 4:00-5:00pm
While climate change is a global crisis, its impacts are profoundly and systematically unequal. This talk will confront the uncomfortable truth that the burden of a warming planet is not shared fairly. We will explore how different communities, nations and even people of different sexes are suffering its most devastating consequences.
We will start with first the frontlines of the crisis, then trace the roots of this disparity, highlighting how vulnerable regions are experiencing climate impacts with a severity that outstrips their capacity to cope.
However, this is not just a story of victimhood; it is a call for redefined responsibility. This talk will argue that climate justice must be at the heart of our response. The fight against climate change is inseparable from the fight for a more equitable world.

June 17, 2025 (Tuesday) 4:00-5:00pm
Environmental Analytical Microbiology integrates advanced sequencing, absolute quantification, and standardization to address microbial pollution and antibiotic resistance. This talk traces microbial ecology’s evolution from microscopy to metagenomics, highlighting innovations like cellular internal standards for cross-study comparisons. Case studies demonstrate applications in wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, and microbial risk assessment, emphasizing quantification of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The global resistome analysis reveals anthropogenic impacts on ARG distribution, while frameworks prioritize high-risk genes. Future efforts focus on the Environment–Microbiome–Health axis, advocating for microbiome-informed urban design to enhance public health. By merging cutting-edge technologies with interdisciplinary collaboration, this field aims to mitigate environmental risks and promote sustainable co-evolution with microbial ecosystems.

May 20, 2024 (Tuesday) 4:00-5:00pm
Environmental Analytical Microbiology integrates advanced sequencing, absolute quantification, and standardization to address microbial pollution and antibiotic resistance. This talk traces microbial ecology’s evolution from microscopy to metagenomics, highlighting innovations like cellular internal standards for cross-study comparisons. Case studies demonstrate applications in wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, and microbial risk assessment, emphasizing quantification of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The global resistome analysis reveals anthropogenic impacts on ARG distribution, while frameworks prioritize high-risk genes. Future efforts focus on the Environment–Microbiome–Health axis, advocating for microbiome-informed urban design to enhance public health. By merging cutting-edge technologies with interdisciplinary collaboration, this field aims to mitigate environmental risks and promote sustainable co-evolution with microbial ecosystems.

May 16, 2024 (Friday) 4:00-5:00pm
Transitioning to renewable energy and efficient energy systems is paramount for achieving carbon neutrality, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach. Energy research must encompass a wide array of factors, including temporal aspects, geographical considerations, and data analysis. This discussion delves into the complexities of energy transitions, illustrating their interconnectedness with the global energy landscape. Challenges such as integrating renewable energy sources, managing demand fluctuations, and overcoming research barriers are explored. By forging connections between energy and various sectors, comprehensive and sustainable solutions can be developed. A focus on interdisciplinary research is crucial for advancing future energy endeavors and addressing broader environmental imperatives.

March 18, 2024 (Tuesday) 4:00-5:00pm
Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the creation of diverse nanostructures, which are integral to high-performance biosensors, terahertz (THz) devices, and meta-devices. Nanoimprint technology, when combined with precise dry etching techniques, facilitates the rapid production of three-dimensional (3D) nanodevices with high uniformity and precisely controlled dimensions across large areas.
In this presentation, we will showcase several applications of these technologies:
1. 3D Biomimetic Platforms and Plasmonic Biosensors to control and monitor cells and biomolecules with exceptional sensitivity.
2. High-Frequency Terahertz (THz) Lenses and Antennas utilizing curved or meta surfaces to enhance functionality and performance.
3. Multi-Layered Meta Surfaces with Twist Angles to achieve chiral magic angles for advanced light manipulation.

February 28, 2024 (Tuesday) 4:00-5:00pm
The rapid development of generative AI has ignited a new wave of technological innovations. Breakthroughs like ChatGPT and DeepSeek are opening doors to democratize and accelerate adoption across various industries and countries. This new era presents both challenges and opportunities for institutions of higher education, such as Lingnan University, where research and creativity are integral to daily life. The university acknowledges that knowledge is dynamic and evolving, not static, and disruptive technologies can displace existing professions while creating new ones.
Several open questions to be addressed include:
• Breakthroughs from ChatGPT to DeepSeek
• How will generative AI affect the curriculum?
• What education subjects would be sustained or diminished?
• How can we help students enhance critical thinking skills with generative AI?
• How does the digital revolution affect higher education in terms of skills-based and holistic education?

November 19 2024 (Tuesday) 4:00-5:00pm
Robotics and AI technologies are rapidly advancing in recent years, but intelligence levels of robots are still far below humans’ expectations. One of the major reasons is that a robot is not good at coordinating visual information captured by its vision systems, i.e. eyes, with motions of its arms, hands, and legs or wheels. Accurate, robust and efficient perception and effective use of the visual information is crucial for robots to successfully perform tasks in natural environments. This talk presents technical challenges in vision-driven robotics, our on-going work and latest results in vision-driven robot manipulation and vision-guided robot navigation, and applications of the technologies in manufacturing, logistics and robotic surgery.

October 22 2024 (Tuesday) 4:00-5:00pm
The rapid advancement of mobile communications technology is profoundly reshaping society and paving the way for the future. This talk will first guide the audience through the innovations and adoption progress of 5G technology, highlighting its transformative impacts. The discussion will then shift to ASTRI’s initiatives aiming at addressing critical pain points and customizing applications to enhance user experiences, showcasing how 5G continues to evolve and unlock its full potential. As we transition from 5G to 6G, a new landscape of opportunities and challenges is emerging, driven by academic research and operator requirements. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence in 6G presents exciting possibilities for enhancing everyday life. The presentation will also introduce ASTRI’s research efforts on shaping a connected future, illustrating how these advancements can foster a more integrated and intelligent society.