CUHK Press Releases

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 UTC CUHK presents “Colourful Breeze: An Evening of Chinese Ethnic Minority Arts” featuring Xinjiang Arts University

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 UTC

The Office of the Arts Administrator and the Centre for China Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) presented “Colourful Breeze: An Evening of Chinese Ethnic Minority Arts” at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall on the CUHK campus yesterday (15 October). Faculty members and students from Xinjiang Arts University delivered a vibrant programme of ethnic music and dance performances, showcasing the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Chinese ethnic communities in Xinjiang. Through ethnic music, dance, and a supporting photo exhibition, the event offered CUHK members and the wider public a unique opportunity to appreciate the charm of Xinjiang’s ethnic minority cultures while promoting cultural exchange between young people from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. The event was held under the guidance of Bauhinia Culture Group.

Fostering cross-regional connection

The performance programme, themed “Greetings from Tianshan”, was jointly presented by the School of Dance and the School of Music of Xinjiang Arts University. Featuring national award-winning works, including recipients of the prestigious China Dance Lotus Award and Wenhua Program Award, the repertoire spanned ethnic dances, vocal performances and instrumental music across themed chapters “Dance and Music of Xinjiang”, “Qebiyat Muqam”, “Affection of the Pamirs”, “Harvest”, “Friends”, “Our Beautiful Xinjiang”, and the finale “Meshrep”. Together, the performances vividly portrayed the distinctive traditions, lifestyles and artistic expressions of different ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

Ms Ribble Chung Siu-mui, Arts Administrator at CUHK, said: “The event not only highlighted the rich cultural heritage and artistic achievements of Xinjiang, but also created an invaluable platform for exchanges between young people from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. We hope the event will inspire more cross-regional and cross-cultural dialogue, enabling the younger generation to gain a deeper appreciation of the richness, diversity and contemporary vitality of Chinese culture.”

Experiencing living traditions on campus

The event resonated strongly with the university community. Winnie Zhong Yun-ling, a student in CUHK’s Master of Arts in China Studies programme, said: “The Uyghur dance performances were truly captivating. Through the dancers’ expressive movements and vibrant stage presence, the rich traditions and cultural heritage of their ethnic community were brought vividly to life. I felt fortunate to experience the warm ‘greetings from the Tianshan Mountains’ through the lively rhythms of the music and the dancers’ energetic steps. I look forward to taking part in more intercultural exchanges on campus in the future and continue discovering the unique charm of the diverse ethnic cultures of China at CUHK.”

Complementing the stage performance, the event also featured “Magnificent Xinjiang” Photo Exhibition. Presenting 16 photographs of Xinjiang’s changing seasons, natural landscapes and cultural heritage, the exhibition offered visitors a multifaceted look into the region’s history, diverse cultures and scenic beauty.

Commitment to whole-person education

CUHK remains dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and whole-person education through diverse arts and cultural initiatives. These initiatives broaden students’ horizons and deepen their understanding of Chinese history and culture. The event not only brought a high-calibre ethnic minority arts performance to campus, but also provided an invaluable platform for exchanges between young people from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, fostering mutual understanding, strengthening cultural connections and contributing to the preservation and promotion of Chinese cultures.

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 UTC CUHK uncovers the secret behind the self-renewing protective shield at plant root tips Breakthrough reveals how cells coordinate internal machinery and growth hormones to help root navigate harsh soils

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 UTC

A research team from the School of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has uncovered how SOMBRERO, a protein involved in root cap cell maturation, performs a key role in root survival.

The team discovered that SOMBRERO regulates the local distribution and action of the plant growth hormone auxin at the root tip, and links these growth signals to structural changes inside cells. The findings explain how a genetic regulator coordinates hormone signals and cellular changes to sustain the orderly replacement of protective root cap cells. The research has been published in the prestigious international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

SOMBRERO regulates growth signals to coordinate root cap renewal

As plant roots push through dense soil, their delicate growing tips face friction and potential damage. An outer covering called the root cap acts as a protective shield, enabling roots to navigate soil while sensing gravity and environmental conditions.

To maintain this vital protection, new root cap cells must continually form and mature as older outer cells are shed. While SOMBRERO was previously known to control root cap cell maturation and shedding, the CUHK-led study reveals its underlying regulatory mechanism. SOMBRERO acts as a master transcription factor – a protein that controls gene activity inside the cell’s nucleus – that regulates the spatial distribution and action of auxin (a key plant growth hormone) at the root tip. It directly links this hormone signalling to physical structural changes of the Golgi apparatus (the cell’s internal processing and shipping centre), ensuring the orderly renewal of protective cells at the root tip.

Key Experimental Observations:

Visualising internal cellular changes: The team used powerful microscopes to look inside these cells at different stages of their development. The Golgi apparatus changes shape to reflect how these cells adjust their activities, producing the necessary materials to mature and prepare for shedding.

Gene network mapping: By developing a method to enrich samples for root tip tissue and analysing gene activity through RNA sequencing, the team found that SOMBRERO directly regulates pathways involved in producing, transporting and responding to This creates a highly coordinated pattern of signals across the tissue.

Impact of SOMBRERO deficiency: When SOMBRERO does not function normally, these Golgi changes are disrupted and the protective cells fall away irregularly, disturbing the orderly renewal of the root cap and compromising its protective role.

Hormone distribution coordinates cell maturation

Crucially, the study establishes that root cap renewal relies on the precise spatial distribution (gradient) of auxin across the tissue, rather than its overall concentration. Supplying additional hormone to mutant plants could restore some internal cellular features, but failed to restore normal, orderly cell shedding. This confirms that growth signals must be delivered to exact cellular locations to coordinate cell maturation and keep the protective shield intact.

Unravelling the secrets of root resilience

The research was led by Professor Kang Byung-ho of CUHK’s School of Life Sciences. Professor Kang said: “The study deepens our understanding of how growth signals and changes within cells are coordinated to renew the root’s protective covering. It also provides a foundation for exploring how this renewal helps roots cope with challenging environments.”

The co-first authors of the paper are Dr Wang Pengfei (CUHK), Dr Liu Zhongyuan (Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology) and Dr Zhou Yuling (CUHK). Other contributors include CUHK doctoral student Mr Sun Linjun, Professor He Junxian (CUHK) and Professor Qi Linlin (Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology).

The full text of the research paper can be accessed here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2615485123

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 UTC CUHK leverages culture forum to foster heritage conservation and sustainable rural revitalisation at Kat O’s decennial Jiao Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 UTC

The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School hosted the “MeGoOut Forum on Jiao Traditions and Vegetarian Food Culture” in Kat O on 13 October 2026, bringing academic research into the heart of a local rural community.

Funded by the Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR, the event attracted over a hundred participants to explore village customs, community life and the cultural significance of vegetarian food during Jiao through immersive cultural sharing and a traditional vegetarian poon choi feast.

Supporting Kat O’s decennial festival

The forum coincided with the main celebration day of Kat O’s 27^th On Lung Tai Ping Ching Jiao Festival, a decennial festival with nearly 300 years of history preserving the cultural heritage and collective memories of local Hakka and fishing communities. The five-day festival (11-15 October) attracted more than twenty thousand visitors, reuniting local villagers and overseas diaspora while welcoming public and tourists.

CUHK’s MeGoOut team served as a supporting organisation of this year’s festival, with project lead Professor Lisa Wan Chun-ying, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) of CUHK Business School, invited to officiate at the main ceremony.

Professor Wan also moderated the “MeGoOut Forum on Jiao Traditions and Vegetarian Food Culture”, where Mr Tsang Yuk-on, Vice Chairman of the Sha Tau Kok District Rural Committee, detailed traditional Jiao vegetarian food culture and discussed how the festival sustains community cohesion and its collective memory. Mrs Yau Tsang Kwun-ying, a Kat O villager and seasoned researcher of Hakka cuisine, shared stories behind traditional Hakka vegetarian delicacies such as cha kwo (steamed rice cakes) and puffed rice crackers, illustrating the practical wisdom and everyday traditions embedded in Hakka food culture.

Revitalising communities through tourism

Professor Wan said: “Rural culture depends on villagers passing down their traditions and on public support for their preservation. Our research shows that strong emotional connections with a destination, combined with tours led by local villagers, significantly strengthen visitors’ awareness of countryside conservation.”

“These findings inspired the launch of MeGoOut, a project initiated by the SHTM, CUHK that brings together tourism, food and local culture while empowering villagers to share their own heritage. Meaningful exchanges deepen visitors’ connections with village life and build shared support for protecting local culture and nature. We hope to transform the unique ecological and cultural assets of rural communities into a sustainable driver of tourism that supports both cultural preservation and village revitalisation.”

The event brought the cultural forum beyond the campus and into Kat O, allowing participants to experience first-hand the festive atmosphere and traditions of Jiao. In addition to the sharing sessions, a vegetarian poon choi banquet provided villagers and visitors with opportunities to gather around tables, exchange stories and enjoy vegetarian delicacies together. Through these encounters, local heritage and village narratives were brought to life as multi-sensory experiences that could be heard, seen and tasted. Through similar events in the future, the CUHK MeGoOut team hopes to showcase the richness of rural Hong Kong, deepen public understanding of countryside conservation, and promote the development of ecotourism rooted in local culture and in harmony with nature.

About MeGoOut

Initiated by CUHK’s SHTM and funded by the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme of the Countryside Conservation Office, MeGoOut aims to showcase the unique natural and cultural heritage of three historic villages: Mui Tsz Lam, Kuk Po and Kat O. The project strives to build a premier brand for in-depth ecotourism in rural Hong Kong. By organising immersive village tours and events, it encourages public participation in natural and cultural conservation, promoting sustainable development and generating long-lasting positive impacts on rural communities. The name “MeGoOut” puns on the names of the three villages, Mui Tsz Lam (Me), Kuk Po (Go) and Kat O (Out), reflecting the philosophy of stepping out of the city, journeying between the mountains and the sea, and discovering the many pleasures of Hong Kong’s countryside. For more information on the MeGoOut project and upcoming village tours, please visit: https://www.instagram.com/cuhk_megoout.

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 UTC CUHK secures over RMB30 million in 2026 NSFC funding as 32 young scholars earn prestigious national grants

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 UTC

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has achieved exceptional results in the 2026 National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Young Scientists Fund, with 32 emerging scholars securing over RMB30 million in total. Among the awardees, three scholars received the prestigious Young Scientists Fund (Category A), while seven awardees secured Category B funding, and 22 scholars secured Category C funding across diverse fundamental research disciplines.

Professor Jiang Liwen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & External Affairs) at CUHK, said: “We are immensely proud of our 32 young scholars for earning national recognition from the NSFC. These awards not only affirm their research accomplishments but also reflect their ability to address frontier scientific challenges and pursue original research. Particularly encouraging is that three CUHK scholars have garnered funding under the highest tier Young Scientists Fund (Category A), with one selected through the new assessment arrangement for younger applicants. In addition, CUHK achieved a record-high success rate for Category B applications. These achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of the University’s sustained efforts to nurture research talent at different career stages, and the growing national and international competitiveness of our young researchers.

“In recent years, China has continued to strengthen its support for young research talent and fundamental research, creating more opportunities for Hong Kong researchers to contribute to the national scientific development. CUHK remains committed to fostering a world-class research environment for pioneering exploration and innovation, supporting our young scholars in pursuing original and forward-looking research, deepening collaboration with research partners across the Chinese Mainland and around the world, leveraging Hong Kong’s research strengths within the national innovation system and deploying scientific breakthroughs to serve the nation and society.”

Three scholars secure Category A funding, including one under new assessment arrangement for younger applicants

Formerly known as “National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars”, Category A funding supports outstanding young researchers in conducting innovative research in fundamental science. Each project receives RMB4 million (RMB2.8 million for projects in mathematics and management science) for a period of five years.

This year, three CUHK scholars were awarded Category A funding in Chemistry, and Decisions, Operations and Technology, with one selected through the newly introduced sub-category, highlighting national recognition of the scholar’s research achievements and potential.

Seven scholars receive Category B funding, achieving a record-high success rate

Formerly known as “Excellent Young Scientists Fund”, Category B grants support young scientists who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in fundamental research and are poised to become future leaders in their fields. Each funded project receives RMB2 million for a period of three years. Seven CUHK scholars received Category B funding this year, in Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Electronic Engineering, Management, Marketing and Physics, achieving a record-high success rate for the University. The result reflects CUHK’s strong track record in nurturing the next generation of research leaders.

Twenty-two scholars secure Category C funding, demonstrating emerging research strength

Formerly known as “Young Scientists Fund”, Category C grants support emerging researchers in conducting fundamental research and developing their ability to lead research and innovative projects. Each project receives RMB300,000 for a period of three years. Spanning a wide range of disciplines, the 22 funded projects demonstrate the depth of CUHK’s young research talent pool and its continued contribution to advancing fundamental research and technological innovation.

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 UTC CUHK and Corvinus University of Budapest co-host CogInfoCom 2026 at Hong Kong Science Park to advance the integration of AI, ICT and cognitive science in the Greater Bay Area

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 UTC

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), through its CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute (SZRI) and the InnoHK Centre for Perceptual and Interactive Intelligence (CPII), co-hosted the 17^th Cognitive Infocommunications Conference (CogInfoCom 2026) alongside Corvinus University of Budapest (CUB) on 12-15 October 2026 at Hong Kong Science Park. Marking the first time this premier international conference has been held in China since its inception in 2010, the event convened global leaders from academia and industry to explore the frontier convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), cognitive science and information and communications technology (ICT).

Building an international academic and innovation bridge

The opening ceremony brought together distinguished academic and research leaders from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas. Officiating guests included Professor Anthony Chan Tak-cheung, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Alumni / Community Engagement & Institutional Advancement); General Chairs of the conference Professor Yam Yeung (Director of SZRI), Professor Helen Meng Mei-ling (Director of CPII) and Professor Péter Baranyi (CUB); Dr Lin Huangquan, Director of the Office for Greater Bay Area Developments at CUHK; Professor Vincenzo Loia of the University of Salerno; Dr Huang Dongyan, Chief Scientist of Shenzhen Joylift AI Co., Ltd; Professor Yan Nan of Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Professor András Hajdu and Professor Attila Gilányi of University of Debrecen (UD); and Professor Ádám Csapó of CUB. The event was also attended by renowned international scholars, research partners and representatives of supporting units.

Delivering his remarks, Professor Chan stated that guided by CUHK 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, the University actively promotes interdisciplinary and international collaboration across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the global scientific community, committing to translating academic excellence into tangible societal impact. He highlighted that CUHK’s long-standing engagement in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) through platforms such as SZRI, which connects world-class research with regional industrial capabilities. Co-hosting this international conference with CUB builds an enduring bridge for international academia and innovation.

Professor Yam added that the conference was being held in China for the first time, taking place in the GBA. By gathering top experts in cognitive infocommunications and AI, the conference strengthens industry-academia-research synergy across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the world, advocating for human-centric AI technology that generates long-term global benefits.

Professor Baranyi highlighted the uniquely collaborative and friendly atmosphere that has long distinguished the conference series, while affirming the fruitful research achievements of participating scholars. He emphasised that AI is moving from virtual space to the physical world via robotics and intelligent carriers, bridging the gap between digital and physical realms to forge entirely new lifestyle paradigms and cognitive modes.

Driving next-generation cognitive systems and embodied AI

The hybrid conference focused on interdisciplinary research in the fields of ICT and cognitive science. Discussions centred on how cognitive processes co-evolve with ICT devices, explored technological approaches to transcend physical brain limitations to achieve cognitive augmentation, and promoted the efficient integration of natural and artificial cognitive systems.

The event featured keynote addresses by Professor Meng, Professor Loia and Professor Zeng Yi, as well as invited talks by Dr Huang and Professor Yan, alongside presentations by various experts and scholars. Beyond academic sessions, it also included special showcases such as “AI Transformation Exhibition” and “AI NEXT Exhibition”, displaying cutting-edge research and practical applications in artificial cognitive capabilities, machine learning and deep learning, human-AI interaction, cognitive data visualisation, social cognitive ICT, and embodied and generative cognitive systems.

Strengthening the Sino-Hungarian strategic alliance

The successful convening of CogInfoCom 2026 built on the bilateral strategic cooperation agreements signed by SZRI and CPII with CUB in 2025 and 2026, respectively, establishing an “Academic and Innovation Matrix” (AIM) platform and launching bilateral joint research projects funded by the Hungarian National Research Grant. Building on this strong strategic foundation, all parties continue to strengthen the Sino-Hungarian alliance through industry-academia-research collaboration.

About the International Conference on Cognitive Infocommunications

Since its inception in 2010, the International Conference on Cognitive Infocommunications has successfully convened 16 editions. Possessing a rich academic heritage, it attracts widespread participation from global scholars in cognitive science, AI and related fields. Having previously hosted in countries such as Hungary, Italy, Finland, Japan and Austria, the conference was held in China for the first time this year.