On 7 January 2026, PolyU CPCE’s Division of Languages and Communication (LC) hosted the “West Kowloon Research Collaboration Forum”, convening nearly 30 leading experts, scholars and industry representatives from over ten mainland universities and pioneering ed-tech companies. The forum spotlighted research and collaboration opportunities in AI-enhanced language education, academic English, cognitive science, and cross-cultural communication.
The event was officially opened by Dr Esther Tong, Division Head of LC, who highlighted the Division’s role in fostering a cross-regional, interdisciplinary platform to promote research exchange and drive collaborative initiatives. The forum was chaired by convener Dr Edward Wen, Associate Head of LC, with co-convener Prof. Han Yawen of Southeast University.
Academic presentations featured distinguished scholars including Prof. Chen Xinren, Prof. Ma Dongmei, and Prof. Huang Yan (Nanjing University), Prof. Zeng Tao (Hunan University), and Prof. Xie Zhilong (Jiangxi Normal University), who shared their latest research findings in foreign language pedagogy, cognitive linguistics, and cross-cultural studies. Additional contributions came from Prof. Lei Jun (Ningbo University), Prof. Chen Hao (Beijing University of Technology), Prof. Dong Yan (Zhuhai College of Science and Technology), and Assoc. Prof. Cui Yaqiong (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, online), each outlining their institutions’ strengths and potential collaborative directions.
Industry leaders from Tsinghua University’s XuetangX, Hong Kong Learning In Tech Co., Ltd., and Beijing NewClass Digital Technology Co., Ltd. enriched the dialogue with insights on technology-enhanced language instruction and innovative university–industry cooperation models, offering fresh perspectives on integrating academia, research, and industry practice.
An open discussion explored various collaborative frameworks, including the forming of an alliance for AI-supported academic English, the launch of an academic speech competition, joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, co-designed curricula, future conferences and shared resource platforms. These exchanges laid the groundwork for prospective partnerships and joint initiatives
By reinforcing academic and professional networks between Hong Kong and mainland institutions, the forum opens up new pathways for sustained collaboration in the field of AI-enhanced language and communication studies.
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