FLASS scholars and graduate make waves at iCAN 2024

Four projects headed by FLASS scholars and a graduate grabbed various awards at the 9th International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada (iCAN 2024) in August, showcasing the international recognition of our continued efforts in research and knowledge transfer. iCAN is celebrated as the premier event for inventors in Canada, consistently increasing in prestige since its inception in 2016. This year marked its most competitive edition, with 756 entries from 50 countries and regions, making our achievements even more commendable.

Professor Rudolf Wu Shiu-sun from the Department of Science and Environmental Studies won a Gold Award and the Top 20 Best Invention Awards for his invention “Artificial Mussel: A Novel Device for Monitoring Heavy Metals and Radionuclides in Global Aquatic Environments”. Meanwhile Professor Hung Keung from the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts* won a Gold Medal and a Special Award for his innovative idea “Digital Puppetry System: Connecting Young Generation and Cultural Heritage with Novel Technology”.

Professor Wu’s invention Artificial Mussel (AM) is a passive sampling device designed to monitor heavy metal ions in both freshwater and marine environments. In 2023, the versatility of AM was enhanced to detect a wider spectrum of metal contaminants, including radionuclides.

Professor Hung’s innovative idea merges traditional puppetry with digital technologies, including 3D production, motion capture systems, and original graphic control software. This modernises and revitalises puppetry as a contemporary art form. By doing so, the invention creates distinct puppet performances while engaging the younger generations in preserving endangered cultural heritage.

Mr Wong Chi-on, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology, partnered with Dr Henry So Chi-fuk from the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology to enter the competition with their project “EdUAI: Personzlized Math Learning”. Their invention is an AI-assisted web application that integrates computer vision and advanced language models to analyse student work, identify errors and provide instant personalised feedback. It won a Silver Medal and a Special Award at iCAN 2024.

Research team led by Professor Wong Ming-hung from the Department of Science and Environmental Studies, including team members Dr Li Wai-chin and Dr Man Yu-bon from the same department, received a Silver Medal and a Special Award for their invention “Portable Aeroponic Culture Unit”. This STEM-based aeroponic planting unit allows high school students to explore plant-microbe symbiosis and semi-mass production of symbiotic microbes practically. Equipped with a real-time monitoring function, the portable unit enables users to observe and manage planting outside of the lab.

“I am proud of the remarkable achievements of our colleagues at iCAN 2024. The recognition underscores the impact and excellence of our research and knowledge transfer work. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the award-winning teams for their persistent efforts in using their expertise and creativity to develop innovative solutions that positively impact the broader community,” said Professor Li Wai-keung, Dean of FLASS.

At iCAN 2024, EdUHK garnered a total of 18 international awards, including The Grand Prize, five Gold Medals, four Silver Medals, and eight Special Awards. We made history by becoming the first university in Hong Kong to win the Grand Prize, the highest honour of the event. This distinction was awarded to Dr Anna Kam Chi-shan for her pioneering project, “Automatic Screening System for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia with Auditory Tasks.”

Note*: Due to organisational restructuring, the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts has transitioned from FLASS to the Faculty of Humanities in September.