e-News - Department of Computing - The Hong Kong Polytechnic ...

e-News
January
Vol 2
2010
Message from the
Department Head
01
02-03
04-07
08
09-11
12-14
15-16
17
Special Features
Event Spotlights
Recognition-Staff
Recognition-Students
Research Highlights
Student Corner
Alumni Arena
18 Upcoming Event

01
Message from the Department Head
Dear All,
As another busy year draws to its close, we at COMP can look back with satisfaction to the many
achievements of our staff and students, with successes in international competitions, in collaborative
research and teaching and learning, as well as truly rewarding involvements in community activities
in Hong Kong and China.
Early success came this year when our Dr Allan Wong received Polyu’s PteC Highest Growth
Consultant Award (merit) for consultancy activities. This was followed by Dr Lou Wei and his team
receiving a grant from Zhejiang University's State Key Lab of Industrial Control Technology for their
proposal for secure localization schemes for wireless sensor networks.
The middle of the year saw a further flurry of awards for staff. Prof. Jiannong Cao and his team
received a grant from the Nokia Research Center (Beijing) for a collaborative project on a ubiquitous
searching and browsing framework. My own team, including Dr Lei Zhang and Dr Ajay Kumar,
received a grant from the EU Commission for a collaborative project involving six
EU countries, the USA, India, and China. The work of Dr Jane You and her team
was rewarded with the maximum possible grant under the Tier 3 of the Innovation
and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) of the Innovation and Technology
Fund (ITF) while Dr Henry Chan, too, has had a successful year, also receiving
grants from the ITF Internship Programme and from the Office of the
Telecommunications Authority. In addition, Dr Vincent Ng and his team received
an award from the Beat Drugs Fund Association that genuinely exemplifies the
idea of technology in the service of humanity, for their "No Drugs" Web-based
Interactive Platform project.
Our students also continued to excel in local, regional, and international
competitions. Lau Hiu Fung, now with the Advanced Enterprise Infrastructure Lab,
took the second runner up award in the Amway Pan-PRD Region Universities IT
Project Competition for his project supervised by Dr Henry Chan, and then went
on to take a Gold Award in the subsequent Grand Competition involving
universities and tertiary institutions from nine mainland provinces, Hong Kong,
Macau, and Taiwan. Certificates of Merit in this same competition also went to two
other teams of COMP students working in the Advanced Enterprise Infrastructure
Lab under the supervision of Dr Henry Chan and Ms Cupid Chow. Finally, Mr. Liu
Yang, a PhD student co-supervised by Dr Liu Yan and Prof. Keith Chan, received the Best
Student Paper Award at the ACM’s Internet Multimedia Computing and Service 2009.
For some years now COMP has also been part of the local and mainland communities in both
educational and service roles. Activities such as the iLearn summer camps and the virtual reality
camps encourage the interest of local primary school children in computing and are always very
popular. The value of our community service has been recognized in a number of awards, including
an unprecedented two of the three top awards in the Community Service Learning Programme
Competitions: the Gold Award for a project to provide teaching and IT support to an orphanage in rural
Gansu and the Bronze Award for a project providing IT training, tutoring, and extracurricular activities
for refugee children in Hong Kong, as well as a Merit Award providing IT training and activities for
special needs children. The department is very proud of these achievements and we congratulate and
thank everyone involved.
Individual members of the COMP staff have also received recognition from the University for their
outstanding personal contributions, with Prof. Jiannong Cao receiving the President's Award for
Research and Scholarly Activities (Individual) and Dr Henry Chan receiving the President's Award for
Services (Individual). We at COMP all know how well deserved these awards are.
On a more personal note, I might also mention my own elevation to a fellowship of the IEEE. Of
course, I am very gratified to receive this honor, but I should also say that in my opinion awards reflect
not just the efforts of individuals but also the support and friendship of colleagues. None of us can
achieve anything alone. All of our achievements ultimately depend on “fellowship”.
Prof. David Zhang
Head of the Department of Computing

02
Special Feature
Faculty Dean, Dr Henry Chan, and Dr Korris Chung posing with graduates Chiu Chi Hang, Lau Hiu
Fung, and Cheng Kin Wai and their families at the graduation ceremony.
The
Sweetness of Success
Albert Einstein once told his admirers that success is 99 per
cent perseverance and one per cent inspiration. If that genius
were alive today, he would undoubtedly be pleased to know
that Lau Hiu Fung, a 25-year old computing graduate with
first-class honours from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
is now reaping the fruits of success from his relentless
perseverance and intelligence – despite the constraints of the
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy disease.
“Perseverance is very important – many people have ideas, but
rarely do they persist and work on their ideas until they bear
fruit,” Lau Hiu Fung said wisely, at the graduation ceremony of
the engineering faculty, where he and two of his friends, all
graduates from the faculty, were mobbed by friends, family,
faculty staff, and the media.
Few would doubt the grain of truth in Lau Hiu Fung words, as
the life of the 25-year-old has been a story of constant struggle
and success. Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
disease at the age of eight, he had since been confined to
wheelchair and suffered from deteriorating
health which virtually robbed his limbs of
strength, leaving him barely able to
type or turn a leaf of book.
However, persistence seems to
be a trait that runs in his family
– Lau Hiu Fung completed his
final year project by hitting the
keyboard with chopsticks, letter
by letter. This project, entitled
Lau Hiu Fung and his supervisor Dr Henry Chan.
“RFID/SMS-based Flight Information and Advertisements
System” involves the innovative use of information technology
to develop a practical application. It won a Gold Award in the
2009 Amway Pan-Pearl River Delta Region Universities IT
Project Competition, beating nearly 40 teams from more than
200 universities. Furthermore, his project was awarded a Gold
Award in the Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009
(see another article on page 09). In his three years of university,
his mother escorted him to school and back home, and helped
her son flip through the pages of his textbooks as he studied.
Dr Henry Chan, Associate Professor of the Department of
Computing and supervisor of Lau Hiu Fung final year project,
said that Lau Hiu Fung is one of the cleverest and the most
hard-working students he has ever taught. “He is never late for
class. And when I was his supervisor, he always finished every
single task I gave him, alongside extra work he did on his own.”
Dr Chan said, “It is clear that this young man has a passion for
what he is doing.”
After graduating, Lau Hiu Fung has been working in the
Department of Computing as a project assistant, putting his
knowledge to good use.
“PolyU is a very nice place to study and work – there are lots of
scholars and students from different backgrounds, and the
facilities are good. I want to continue my work here and bring
more innovations in computing. And I know I am now moving
along the right path.”
Outstanding computing graduate Lau Hiu Fung
in front of the Department of Computing after
three years of fruitful study.

03
Special Feature
Smart Decisions -
Graduates Double their Opportunities with a
Computing and Management Double Degree
IT professionals are in great demand in Hong Kong and abroad.
Whether in finance, government, retail, engineering, marketing, or
a thousand other fields, a wide world of career opportunities
awaits any young person with skills in areas such as software
development and programming, commercial system development
and applications, and computer system construction and system
integration.
The Department of Computing offers a Double Degree in
Computing and Management that provides future professionals,
managers, executives, and entrepreneurs with a well-balanced
understanding of both the core elements of computing and
essential knowledge related to management and corporate
administration. The modern worlds of management, commerce,
marketing and finance now depend on IT-enabled technologies
and approaches that every manager must understand. The
flexibility of a double degree in Computing and Management,
graduating with two degrees after four years of study, makes a
great deal of sense both now and for the future.
Rick Tong, a current student in the double degree programme,
says, “The programme covers both computing
and management. It has definitely improved
my problem-solving skills as well as
teaching me technical skills. I am sure that
the skills I have learnt in the programme
will continue to open many more doors in
my future career.”
Dr Hong-va Leung, Associate Professor and
Programme Leader of the department said, “Hong Kong
Polytechnic has a long tradition of striking the right balance
between giving students the theoretical knowledge they need to
grow as future professionals and the technical skills that are in
demand in today’s competitive workforce. And we also
understand that students need programmes that are flexible,
diversified, and up-to-date.”
“Our undergraduate programmes teach
advanced technical skills for solving
the kinds of knowledge management
and decision-making problems that
modern executives and business
people deal with every day. The
technical skills include basics like
software development or programming,
but students also study in more
advanced areas such as commercial decision support systems
and quantitative finance. The marketing and management
content of our courses mean that in the corporate world our
students can play a strategic intermediary role between
departments or as managers. Our courses include a BSc
(Hons) in Computing, BSc (Hons) in Enterprise Information
Systems and BSc (Hons) in Information Technology.”
The Department also offers undergraduate internships in local
or overseas corporations. Kenneth Lo, a student in our BSc
(Hons) in Enterprise Information Systems programme, took up
an internship at the Microsoft Development Centre in
Copenhagen Denmark and is pleased
that he chose our programme. “The
subjects are practical and real world,
and the programme also provides
great opportunities like the
internship programme that gave
me overseas experience with one of
the world’s top IT companies.”

04
Event Spotlights
After some serious discussions, it’s
time for some nice refreshments.
Our department gathering together,
looking up, looking forward!
Our academic and administrative staff review the overall programmes and strategies in a
relaxing atmosphere at Dameisha.
Departmental Retreat
of the Department of Computing
The Department of Computing organized a departmental retreat on 28 and 29 August 2009 at
Dameisha, China. In a relaxing atmosphere, over 40 academic and administrative staff gathered
together to review the department’s overall programmes and strategies, and to discuss the future
work of teaching and learning, and research. The purpose of this review is to enhance the
department’s general teaching standards and to facilitate the department’s operations as a whole.
Major items for discussion were the challenges brought forth by the new 3-3-4 curriculum in 2012,
teaching and learning issues in relation to outcome-based education, research strategies that lead
to technology transfers, and research competence that attracts external funding or grants.
Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2009
Staff members discussing ideas on how to present their
latest projects at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2009,
Asia's biggest electronics trade event.
The Department of Computing has showcased its
latest projects such as the Palmprint Identification
System, Automated Tongue Image Acquisition &
Analysis Systems, and Heterogeneous Advanced
Wireless networks at the Hong Kong Electronics
Fair 2009, Asia's biggest electronics trade event.
Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development
Council, the fair was held in October, and PolyU
was allocated a booth to introduce its latest
creations to an international audience. Over
50,000 buyers from more than 150 countries and
regions every year were attracted to the fair,
making it the largest fair of its kind in Asia and the
second largest in the world.
PolyU's booth at the fair to introduce its latest creations to an
international audience.

05
Event Spotlights
Cherishing this memorable occasion.
Prof. Alexander Wai
Ping-kong, Associate Vice
President and Dean of the
Faculty of Engineering, PolyU,
presented souvenirs to Mr Kenneth
Chen Wei-on and Mr Li Ling.
(from right to left) Mr Li Ling,
Deputy Director-General of the
Education, Science and Technology
Department, Liaison Office of The
Central People's Government in the
HKSAR; Mr Kenneth Chen Wei-on, Hong
Kong Under Secretary for Education; Prof.
David Zhang, Head of the Department of
Computing, Poly U.
The 12th Forum of Department Heads
of Computing Discipline is a big success
with more than 130 participants from
China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Forum of Department Heads of
Computing Discipline Successfully Organized
Aimed at promoting the long-term development of information technology and the related educational endeavours, the
Department of Computing organized the 12th Forum of Department Heads of Computing Discipline, which was co-organized
by seven other universities in China, and held on 6-7 November 2009.
Acting as a platform for the sharing of views and experiences on teaching and learning issues, this two-day forum was
honoured with the presence of the computing department heads from universities in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Prof. Zhao Wei, President of the
University of Macau, delivered a
talk on the forum.
We were grateful to have the following people give speeches of welcome: Mr Kenneth Chen Wei On,
Hong Kong Under Secretary for Education; Mr Li Ling, Deputy Director-General of the Education,
Science and Technology Department, Liaison Office of The Central People's Government in the
HKSAR; and Prof. Alexander Wai Ping Kong, Associate Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of
Engineering, PolyU. Prof. David Zhang, Head of the Department of Computing, Poly U, hosted the
event. Prof. Zhao Wei, President of the University of Macau; Prof. Xiaodong Zhang, Chair of
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Ohio State University; and other computing
department heads delivered talks throughout the day.
With the discussion focusing on China’s computing research and development, the training of
talent, and opportunities and challenges for technology and society; the forum attracted more
than 130 enthusiastic participants.

06
Event Spotlights
Our computing students and
academic staff received many
enquiries about our undergraduate
and double degree programmes.
A full house of prospective applicants concentrated on the in-depth details given at the information seminars.
IT is Full of
Opportunities - Education Info Day
The PolyU Education Info Day was successfully held on 11
October 2009. The campus and our laboratories were open
for visits from the public, including secondary school students,
principals, teachers, and parents. Information technology is
always a hot choice for students, and our department
attracted tens of thousands of visitors to our booth.
Most notably, the two information sessions that gave
prospective applicants in-depth details on the programmes,
namely “IT is Full of Opportunities – Pursuing Studies and
Careers in IT”, were very well attended, with many visitors
queuing up to learn more details. We also received an
enormous number of enquiries about our undergraduate and
double degree programmes.
Apart from the seminars, exhibitions, video shows, and
demonstrations, we also gave our visitors laboratory tours,
including of our biometrics research centre, internet and
mobile computing lab, intelligent home, and e-toy
lab. The success of Info Day would not have
been possible without the great help of many
student helpers and academic staff.

07
Event Spotlights
Congregation
Congregation is truly a moment of celebration, the culmination of many years of hard work and study.
On 3 November 2009, a total of 571 students graduated at the Jockey Club Auditorium. Session 1 commenced at 10:30 am and
Session 2 started at 3 pm.
The Guests of Honour included Mr Jeremy Richard Godfrey, Government Chief Information Officer, The Government of the
HKSAR, and Mr Charles Mok, Vice Chairman, The Professional Commons, who gave the Congratulatory Addresses for the
undergraduates and postgraduates, respectively. Miss Li Kin Ling delivered the Valedictory Speech for the undergraduates and
Miss Law Lai Ming gave the Valedictory Speech for the postgraduates.
The Department of Computing’s new, vastly improved and highly interactive website.
Launch of a New Website and Video
Technology means change. The Department of Computing has taken the initiative to inject new life into its website as a proactive
response to the increased importance of the web as a crucial medium. With this insightful approach, the website has been
transformed into a one-stop source for all information about the Department.
The improved website includes a dynamic photo album, with lively pictures for each section. Different thematic images were also
added, along with a motto for each theme. The improved, super-friendly user interface is now equipped with maximum of three
levels, complete with a crystal-clear structure.
Another feature added to the website is an embedded Corporate Video, which allows for a better understanding of the
Department.

David Zhang’s
Professor
team awarded an EU research grant
Prof David Zhang’s team has received approximately HK$730,000 worth of funding from the
Commission of European Communities, the European Union. The grant, awarded to the Biometrics
Research Centre, will be mainly used to organize "The 3rd International Conference on the Ethics and
Policy of Biometrics and International Data Sharing" to be held in Hong Kong next year.
Nokia Research Center Grant to
Professor Jiannong Cao’s team
Prof. Jiannong Cao and his team were awarded a RMB$200,000 grant by the Nokia Research
Centre, Beijing. The grant fund Professor Cao’s research on a “Wireless Sensor Network-based
Context Pub/Sub Framework for Mobile Applications”.
Anti-drugs project by
Dr Vincent Ng’s team won a government grant
Dr Vincent Ng and his team have been granted a sum of HK$459,000 by the Beat Drugs Fund
Association of the Government for their anti-drugs project, "SunShine Pioneer - A "No Drug"
Web-based Interactive Platform". The aim of the project, spanning from October 2009 to February
2011, is to establish a digital channel that passes anti-drugs messages to students through the
effective use of Web 2.0 technologies that engage students, teachers, social-workers, and parents in
an interactive way.
ITF internship fund granted to
Dr Henry Chan’s team
Last year, Dr Henry Chan obtained an Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) grant of over $4 million
for the project entitled, "Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Hong Kong Air Freight Forwarding
Industry Using RFID and Software Agent Technologies". This year, two internships totaling
HK$261,144 from the ITF Internship Programme have been granted to Dr Henry Chan and his team
to support two interns for the project.
OFTA funding and industry initiatives
in support of Dr Henry Chan’s team
The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) has conferred HK$400,000 of funding to
Dr Henry Chan and his team in support of their project, "SMS-based Services for Airport Travellers
and Tourists". This project has also attracted over HK$80,000 of sponsorship in cash and in-kind
from the industry.
HK$1million of ITF funding for
Dr Jane You’s team
08
Recognition-Staff
The Innovative and Technology Fund (ITF) has granted HK$1,000,000, the maximum amount
possible from the Tier 3 of the Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP), to Dr Jane You
and her team in support of their project entitled, "The Development of a New High Performance Funds
Camera for Automated Medical Diagnosis and Monitoring".
President’s Awards for
Excellence/Achievement
2008/09
Prof. Jiannong Cao and Dr Henry Chan were presented the
President's Awards for Excellence/Achievement in 2008/2009.
Nominations were made based on the two scholars’ outstanding
performance and achievements in their fields. Professor Cao
received the President’s Award in Research and Scholarly
Activities, and Dr Chan the President’s Award in Services. An
awards presentation ceremony was held on 27 November 2009 at
the Jockey Club Auditorium.

09
Recognition-Students
Ms Anna Lin, Chief Executive of GS1
Hong Kong, presenting the U-21 RFID
Awards Certificate of Merits to student,
Liu Yudi.
Dr Henry Chan, Lau Hiu Fung, and
Miss Janet Wong, JP, Commissioner
for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR
Government, posing for a picture.
President of China and South East Asia of
One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Asia Pacific,
Mr Anthony Wong, presenting the U-21
RFID Awards Certificate of Merits to
student, Lam Pak Chuen Burton.
Achievements of COMP Students in
Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009
Hard work pays off! The RFID/SMS-based Flight Information and Advertisements System of The Hong
Kong Polytechnic University's Department of Computing was awarded a Gold Award in the Hong Kong
RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009.
Amidst fierce competition, Mr Lau Hiu Fung, won a Gold Award in the Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID
Awards 2009 with his final year project. Two teams of COMP students participating in the competition also
received Certificates of Merit.
One Certificate of Merit was awarded to a project entitled, "Intelligent Information Provider" and its project
creators, Cheung Tsz Hung, Chiu Chi Hang, Chu Hau Shing, Lam Pak Chuen Burton, and Zhao Chu. The
other Certificate of Merit was awarded to Choi Hin Kwong, Liu Yudi, Wong Cho Tak, and Yang Fan's project
entitled, "Airport Passenger Tracking System Using RFID and SMS".
The award and certificates were presented in November. Lau Hiu Fung and other students were
supervised by Dr Henry Chan and Ms Cupid Chow.

Computing Scholarship Awardees
2008-2009
10
Recognition-Students
John von Neumann Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Performance
Student Name Programme Year
ID
08132926D WONG Nim Sang BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
06227909D CHOI Hin Kwong Double Degree in Computing and Management 3
06244098D TONG Yu Ming Double Degree in Computing and Management 3
06153158D CHU Hau Shing BSC (Hons) in Computing 3
07610530T WONG Ho Yan BA (Hons) in Computing 2
Alan Turing Entrance Scholarship for Undergraduate Computing Students
Student Name Programme Year
ID
08087999D CHAN Sin Lun Thomas BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
08037554D CHEUNG Tsz Kin BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
08193205D LAM Pak Chuen BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
08539153D TSE Kim Chung BSC (Hons) in Computing 1
08571116D SHUM Chi Ho BSC (Hons) in Computing 1
08343575D TSE Yat Sen BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
Donald Knuth Subject Scholarship for Principles of Programming
Student Name Programme Year
ID
08345444D Cheung Ka Yan BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
08250821D Chu Tun Yin Gary BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
08365511D Cheuk Chun Ho Michael BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
08137380D Wong Ke Fang BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
08211320D Wong Pak Hei BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
Edsger Dijkstra Subject Scholarship for Data Structures & Algorithms
Student Name Programme Year
ID
08502621D Tong Man Kin BSC (Hons) in Computing 1
08137380D Wong Ke Fang BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
08356792D Tang Yee Man BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
08237922D Fung Ka Kit BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
08250821D Chu Tun Yin Gary BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
Alan Turing Entrance Scholarship for Part-time Undergraduate Computing Students
Student Name Programme Year
ID
08656277T LEUNG Wing Ho BA (Hons) in Computing 1
08669760T TSANG Yip Wang BA (Hons) in Computing 1
08601868T LI Man Kam BA (Hons) in Computing 1
08663705T CHAN Chi Ho Geo BA (Hons) in Computing 1
08639963T CHENG Man Chun BA (Hons) in Computing 1
08616974T LOO Ka Hing BA (Hons) in Computing 1
08608267T WONG Kwok Ho BA (Hons) in Computing 1
08663324T CHEUNG Ka Keung BA (Hons) in Computing 1
08600386T WONG King Yee BA (Hons) in Computing 1
08601567T CHENG Nang Wai BA (Hons) in Computing 1
E.F. Codd Scholarship for Outstanding Students
Student Name Programme Year
ID
06186741D WAN Hok Man Double Degree in Computing and Management 3
07824415D GUO Tingliang BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 2
08087999D CHAN Sin Lun Thomas BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
07856150D LIU Zhengzhong BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 2
06034390D LAU Yin Mei BSC (Hons) in Enterprise Information Systems 3
06874758D LE Danni BSC (Hons) in Computing 3
07870014D LIU Yong BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 2
07319644D TANG Hiu Nam Double Degree in Computing and Management 2
08137380D WONG Ke Fang BSC (Hons) Scheme in Computing 1
07037155D LAM Pui Shan Double Degree in Computing and Management 2

11
Recognition-Students
The Dean’s Honours List of
Outstanding Students for 2008-2009
The following students in the Department of Computing have satisfied the criteria (based on outstanding academic performance)
for being included in the Dean’s Honours List in the 2008/2009 academic year.
Honours Degree Programmes
CHAN Hon Keung
CHAN Yin On Simon
CHIU Chi Hang
CHU Ka Chun
CHUNG Chi Pang
FENG Ziqiang
HO Wing Hong
IP Ka Shing
LAM Pang Fai
LAM Sze Mei
LAU Chi Wah
LEE Chin Cheung
LI Kin Ling
LIU Yong
LIU Zhengyang
LOO Ka Hing
NG Hon Chung
NG Yik Fei Sapphire
SHEK Wang Hon
SHI Chao
TAM Ka Kin
TAN Yizhi
TSO Tin Lok
TSOI Ka Wai
WAI Hang Kit
WAN Hok Man
WANG Xinchao
WEN Yisi
WONG Ho Yan
WONG Hoi Yi
WONG Nim Sang
WONG Siu Chung
XU Ruifeng
YANG Fan
YIP Wai Yan

12
Research Highlights
Palmprint
Identification
System
The Palmprint Identification System jointly developed by the
Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Harbin Institute of
Technology provides a better option to the existing biometric
personal authentication systems.
Compared to the existing biometric systems, which authenticate
their users through physical traits like their fingerprints, face, and
iris, the system is highly competitive. First, its accuracy is notably
higher - the Equal Error Rate of the Palmprint recognition system
is 0.03 per cent; compared to a fingerprint recognition system of
one to two per cent; and an iris recognition system of 0.5 per
cent. It is also highly efficient, quickly and accurately identifying a
person at a competitive cost.
The system is applicable for use in high security locations such
as bank vaults and customs check-points, as well as for personal
authentication purposes in connection with such matters as
accessing social security systems, and for personal identity
cards.
The system has already received a clutch of awards, including
the Silver Award from the 34th International Exhibition of
Inventions, New Techniques and Products of Geneva (2006),
and a Special Award and Gold Award at the 14th China National
Exhibition of Inventions, The Korea Invention Promotion
Association (2003).
The Palmprint Identification
System was jointly developed
by the Hong Kong
Polytechnic University and
Harbin Institute of
Technology.

13
Research Highlights
Associate Head of Department, Prof. Cao, showcasing the department's research
efforts to the RGC representatives at the Internet and Mobile Computing Lab.
Published academic works by the department staff.
Head of Department, Prof. David Zhang,
demonstrated the department’s latest
research efforts to the RGC representatives
at the Biometrics Lab.
RGC visit to the
Department of Computing
Representatives from the Research Grants Council (RGC) visited PolyU in
June. Staff and research students from the Department of Computing shared
their views and experiences in discussion sessions with the RGC
representatives, as well as in the brief introductory meetings that were held.
Posters and products illustrating the research areas and results of the
department were also displayed.
The spate of research projects funded by RGC
at the department.

14
Research Highlights
Prof. David Zhang (right) received the IEEE
Fellow Award from Prof. Paul Cheung (left), Chair
of the IEEE Medal of Honor Committee and
former Chair of the IEEE Awards Board.
(from right to left) Prof. Alexander Wai, Associate
Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of
Engineering, PolyU; Prof. David Zhang; Dr Henry
Chan, Associate Professor, Department of
Computing, PolyU
Congratulations to Prof. David Zhang –
on receiving the IEEE Fellow Award
One of the many pieces of good news we have to report this year! Our
Head of Department, Prof. David Zhang, received the IEEE Fellow
Award at the IEEE’s 125th anniversary banquet on 21 August 2009. He
was elected in recognition of his contributions to biometric identification
and systems.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) is the world’s
largest professional association advancing innovation and technological
excellence for the benefit of humanity. IEEE fellowship is a prestigious
recognition for those members who have made outstanding
achievements in the field of engineering. This year, the IEEE’s Board of
Directors elected a total of 302 fellows worldwide; only eight fellows
were elected in Hong Kong.
Better Communications
for the Connected Generation
Professor Jiannong Cao, Associate Head of the Department of
Computing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and director of the
Internet and Mobile Computing Lab, alongside with his working team
has won the Bronze Award in the Brussels Innova 2009 for the project
"HAWK: Heterogeneous Advanced Wireless Networks". The awarded
project features a HAWK platform with practical technologies to support
users’ seamless communication and mobility for ubiquitous Internet
access over heterogeneous wireless networks.
Brussels Innova is a yearly event founded by Belgium in 2007. More
than 40 booths from 15 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia
countries were featured alongside PolyU’s booth at Brussels Innova
2009, which was held from 19 - 21 November 2009 in Brussels. The
event included exhibitions and contests, as well as consortiums and
seminars on developing small and medium-sized enterprises. Ideas
were shared about patent and brand issues, and practical tips for
bridging innovations and business.

15
Student Corner
Participants of the VR Camp stop to
pose for a group picture on the steps of
the Polytechnic University.
Students putting their innovative minds to
work at the IO Camp.
Let me try! The IO Camp offers a unique,
hands-on experience for all of its participants.
Look at me! Students sharing and presenting
their finished work of art.
Students concentrating hard on their projects at
the Robotic Camp
Summer Camps
Dedicated to inspiring young minds! Since 2005, the Department has held various summer camps for local primary and
secondary students, with hopes of developing their future potential and promoting higher-level thinking.
The various camps include the i3Learn Group Summer Camp, the Virtual Reality Summer Camp, and the Innovation Odyssey
Entrepreneurial Challenge Camp.
Proud students getting the award and recognition they deserve.

16
Student Corner
Dr Vincent Ng presenting a souvenir to Albert Wong, Manager of Service
Management, Greater China Group, representative of IBM.
IBM Workshop
Knowledge is power! On 17 October 2009, the Department of
Computing, along with IBM, held a Project Management training
course for computing graduates.
The workshop stressed the significance of efficient project
management and its impact on the business world. Presenters
shared essential management techniques based on personal
experience and knowledge.
Workshop participants were given helpful advice and tips on Project
Management by IBM representative.
Visit to the
Hong Kong International Airport
On 24 June 2009, a group of enthusiastic students and staff, led
by Dr Henry Chan and Dr Eric Lo, got the opportunity to visit a
restricted area of the Hong Kong International Airport. The visit
was made possible with special thanks to Cathay Pacific Airways
Ltd and the Hong Kong Airport Services Ltd. The focus of the visit
was to expose attendees to the workings of the RFID-based
baggage processing system and ramp operations.
Orientation Camp 2009
Let’s make friends! A three-day orientation camp for 108
students was held by the Society of Computing studies this
past summer. Sponsored by the Department of Computing,
the camp was a huge success. The camp incorporated
games and team-building activities, encouraging students to
work together and to make new friends.

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Alumni Arena
Excited CAA members take a group photo with HAECO
instructors and trainees in the main lobby during the visit.
CAA HAECO Visit
A GE jet engine being towed to the aircraft hanger for assembly.
Members of the Computing Alumni Association reached for the sky on 5 September, 2009, when
the CAA visited the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO).
CAA members were introduced to the premises and the aircraft hangar model by Mr. Fong, the
Training Instructor. Visitors witnessed many fascinating aspects of the operation, including a GE
jet engine being towed to the aircraft hangar for assembly.
At the end of the visit, a CAA flag was presented to Mr. Fong to show the CAA’s sincere
appreciation and gratitude to the HAECO. A group picture with CAA members and HAECO
personnel wrapped up the visit.
CAA members look at a model while listening to
an introduction of the HAECO premises and
aircraft hanger model by Mr. Fong.
CAA members pause for a general briefing by
Mr. Fong, the Training Instructor, in the main
lobby of the HAECO Administration Building.
Wendy, the CAA’s new Public Relationship
Officer, presenting a CAA flag to Mr. Fong and
the trainees after the HAECO visit.

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Upcoming Event
The 3rd International Conference
on the Ethics and Policy of Biometrics and
International Data Sharing
The Department of Computing is organizing the 3rd International Conference on the Ethics and
Policy of Biometrics and International Data Sharing on 4-5 January 2010 in PolyU.
This conference is focused on developing policy recommendations on the use of
personal/biometric data/technologies, with objective of sharing experiences and developing policy
(recommendations) on legal, ethical, cultural, political, and privacy issues. Relevant EU, US, and
Chinese authorities; regulators, lawmaking bodies, and security-related agencies will be engaged.
More information is available at http://www.comp.polyu.edu.hk/conference/iceb/

If you are interested to know more about the Department of Computing (COMP), please feel free to contact us.
Tel: 2766 7300 Email: enquiry@comp.polyu.edu.hk Website: http://www.comp.polyu.edu.hk/