- 3 December 2025
Showcasing Faculty Development Scheme (FDS) Accomplishments
At the Poster Session, five HSUHK scholars presented their FDS research projects, embodying the University’s core values of driving innovative, impactful research and contributing to vibrant academic discussions.
Dr Chris Ma Yu-tak introduced “Securing Smart-City Infrastructure using Markov Game”, an inventive framework that integrates Markov Decision Processes with Game Theory. This research illuminates the complex dynamics between cyber defenders and malicious actors, enabling more nuanced and strategic decision-making to protect the sophisticated networks underpinning tomorrow’s cities. Dr Ma’s approach exemplifies how theoretical ingenuity can directly enhance the resilience of urban infrastructure, offering vital tools for stakeholders tasked with safeguarding Hong Kong’s future.
In her project, “Low-rank Matrix Optimization via Nonconvex Regularization with Applications”, Dr Carisa Yu Kwok-wai unveiled a groundbreaking suite of nonconvex regularisation techniques paired with advanced algorithms. Her work transcends the limitations of traditional data analysis by delivering superior accuracy and scalability in recovering essential low-rank structures from sprawling, incomplete, or noisy datasets. This advancement paves the way for robust, high-performance solutions in academia and industry, meeting the urgent demands of an increasingly data-driven world.
Dr Howard Song Zhaoxun’s timely study, “Acculturative Stress, Coping Strategies, and Social Support: A Cross-cultural Comparative Study of ‘Hong Kong Drifters’ and ‘Northward Drifters’ in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area”, offers a nuanced examination of the adaptation journeys and support systems of two distinct mobile populations. By uncovering both critical differences and shared experiences, Dr Song’s findings provide policymakers and organisations with essential evidence to foster talent retention, mental well-being, and regional cohesion – issues at the heart of Hong Kong’s integration with the Greater Bay Area.
Dr Tom Ng Wai-leong shared his project, “Inference for Multiple Change-Points in Piecewise Locally Stationary Time Series”, advancing statistical science with a robust methodology for pinpointing abrupt shifts in evolving data. The framework accurately detects the number, locations, and characteristics of change-points, and delivers reliable confidence intervals – greatly enhancing forecasting, anomaly detection, and risk assessment for real-world, complex datasets. Dr Ng’s work empowers researchers and practitioners with sharper tools to navigate and interpret dynamic environments.
Dr Belinda Yau Ling-na’s “What do Expanded Audit Reports Tell? Initial Evidence from the United Kingdom” brings unprecedented clarity to the audit process. By investigating the impact of mandatory Key Audit Matters (KAM) disclosures, her study reveals new dimensions of auditor accountability and transparency. The project equips auditors to benchmark their practices, supports investors in evaluating audit quality, and informs regulators on the effects of audit partner rotation – ultimately strengthening trust and integrity across the financial reporting landscape.
Keynote Insights from Dr Linda Wang Chang
In the workshop session, HSUHK Scholar, Dr Linda Wang Chang, was invited as one of the honourable guest speakers in recognition of the success of her FDS project. Rather than simply presenting research findings, Dr Wang’s sharing centred on her journey as a researcher, offering fellow academics practical insights drawn from her experiences. She reflected on the challenges and milestones encountered during her FDS project. Dr Wang’s talk not only highlighted the value of perseverance and collaboration in research but also provided encouragement and guidance for colleagues navigating similar paths in the academic community.
Strengthening the Research Ecosystem
The Research Grants Council (RGC) has been forthcoming in supporting worthy research projects of the self-financing degree awarding (SF) sector as they play an important role in building Hong Kong as a higher education hub. The RGC’s support has been found to be useful in enhancing SF universities and institutions’ research capability and supporting the institutions in amassing strategic research clusters.
HSUHK remains dedicated to nurturing a vibrant research culture and delivering innovative solutions that address both local and global challenges. By actively engaging in meaningful research collaborations, the University continues to elevate its contributions to Hong Kong’s knowledge economy and inspire the next generation of scholars.
For more information on HSUHK’s research initiatives, please visit https://research.hsu.edu.hk/.
Media Report:
Research@HSUHK | HSUHK Showcases Innovative Projects and Fosters Academic Exchange at RGC Competitive Research Funding Schemes Event | 03/12/25