The Hong Kong Polytechnic University attracts students looking to address real-world challenges
A cosmopolitan location and strong industry ties ensure that students at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University can translate research into impact
Sponsored by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Graduate School
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s (PolyU’s) strong industry connections and international network motivated doctoral candidate Ying Terk Lim to produce research that has real-world impact. “I have been exposed to valuable research opportunities, international collaborations and industry engagement that have provided a strong platform for my development as an early-career researcher,” he says.
Established almost 90 years ago, PolyU ranked 80th in Times Higher Education’s 2026 World University Rankings. The institution is based in the heart of Hong Kong and boasts a multicultural student body and faculty.
Lim is a recipient of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, a research excellence scholarship for students from around the world. The Research Grants Council of Hong Kong established the fellowship in 2009 to assist candidates pursuing full-time PhD studies.
The scholarship has been instrumental in supporting Lim’s academic ambitions. While it provided financial support, it was also “a gateway to international collaborations, professional development and meaningful research opportunities”.
Having worked in the construction industry in Malaysia and Hong Kong, Lim chose to study at PolyU because of its reputation in the built environment and construction disciplines. “PolyU is internationally recognised for its excellence in construction safety research, particularly for producing impactful research that is translated into industry practice,” he says. “I wanted to learn from researchers whose work has had a tangible impact on both the construction industry and society.”
During his studies, Lim has been part of a project with the Occupational Safety and Health Council of Hong Kong. “It exposed me to real-world occupational safety challenges and practical considerations behind implementing safety measures,” he says. “Seeing research translated into real-world applications has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my PhD journey.”
The university’s location in Hong Kong is also a benefit. “Hong Kong’s strategic position between China and the rest of the world has greatly benefited my research and professional development,” he says. “Working closely with my research peers, including colleagues from Hong Kong and Mainland China, has exposed me to different working styles.” Through daily discussions and collaborations, he has also improved his Mandarin and Cantonese communication skills. “These cross-cultural experiences have prepared me to work effectively in diverse research teams and contribute meaningfully to projects with global relevance.”
His PhD supervisor's research group at PolyU maintains close collaborations with leading Chinese universities and researchers around the world, and this has exposed him to a variety of opportunities. For example, during the first year of his PhD, Lim attended research-sharing sessions with scholars from Chongqing University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. “Coming from Malaysia, these interactions were truly eye-opening, exposing me to different research approaches, academic cultures and perspectives,” he says.
Lim has also collaborated with researchers in the UK. “Working with researchers from different countries has broadened my perspective, strengthened my research skills and taught me to approach scientific problems from multiple points of view,” he says.
Find out more about Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Graduate School.