City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has always been committed to innovation and actively engaging with the community to enhance the quality of life through innovative achievements. From 2 to 5 January, CityUHK hosted the "Innovation@Community Carnival" at D2 Place ONE in Lai Chi Kok. The event featured a series of exciting activities, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the innovative spirit and achievements of the start-ups under the University’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme, HK Tech 300, as well as those of the University’s partners and CityUHK alumni, and to learn how these achievements contributed to the local community and addressed global challenges.

Mr Paul Wong Yan-yin, District Officer of Sham Shui Po; Ms Jenny Kwan, LAWSGROUP CFO (Manufacturing); Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, CityUHK Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise); and Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement), attended the opening ceremony on 3 January to witness the innovative achievements of CityUHK's collaboration with the community.

Professor Yang stated, "The ‘Innovation@Community Carnival’ provided a unique opportunity for everyone to experience firsthand how CityUHK's cutting-edge innovation and entrepreneurial spirit translate into impactful solutions that enhanced the quality of life. Through this event, we aimed to bring together start-ups, the University, and the public to drive a culture of innovation."

Mr Wong said, "This carnival is an excellent platform to showcase how innovation could meet societal needs while creating opportunities for interaction and collaboration within the Sham Shui Po district. I hope this carnival would inspire participants to explore new possibilities and ways of cooperation to address real-world challenges."

At the carnival, participants could also taste the fresh milk produced locally by CityUHK Farm. Professor Chan said, "CityUHK milk is the best example of how CityUHK translated scientific research into practical outcomes, reflecting our determination to promote community innovation and progress. CityUHK will continue to contribute its strengths to drive and support local community development to make a positive impact and contribution."

Building on this vision for community progress, a partner of CityUHK’s Institute of Digital Medicine (IDM) offered point-of-care health solutions, allowing visitors to quickly evaluate key health indicators. This effort underscored CityUHK’s dedication to advancing impactful innovations that promote community well-being.

The four-day carnival was rich in activities and was divided into five exhibition areas – Education, Food, Healthcare, Lifestyle, and Sustainability – offering participants a unique experience. Each exhibition area was closely related to the daily life of the general public, combining cutting-edge technology and innovative ideas from laboratories into creative and effective solutions for the masses, bringing participants new perspectives and technological experiences.

The carnival also featured STEAM workshops, interactive games, lucky draws, and performances designed especially for students and families, including game booths designed by graduates of CityUHK's School of Creative Media (SCM). These engaging activities, hosted with the support of LAWSGROUP’s sponsorship of the venue,  further strengthened the connection and engagement between CityUHK students and the community.