In 2023, the KML Foundation, the philanthropic arm of UCP Group, committed HK$5 million to establish the KML Prize at PolyU CPCE’s Division of Science, Engineering and Health Studies. This strategic partnership was designed to do more than fund research; it was to cultivate talent and spark innovation in sustainable concepts and alternatives to plastics. As we reach the mid-point of this ambitious five-year journey, we are taking the opportunity to reflect on the project’s progress and our role as a proactive leader in bridging industry and academia.
The Journey So Far:
Over the past three cycles, the KML Prize has supported nine research projects, tackling everything from plastic waste upcycling to biodegradable electronics. The research enabled by this funding has begun to yield high-impact results. Notable work includes the development of a biodegradable capacitive humidity sensor, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry C, and research into a ZnO-embedded bioplastic film featured in Polymers. These publications demonstrate the quality of the research we are supporting and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Our Role as a Proactive Leader:
Our engagement with PolyU CPCE has always been more than writing a cheque. Our senior leadership serves on the judging panel, providing strategic oversight to ensure the funded research remains relevant to real-world challenges. This active participation reinforces our position as a leader, not a passive observer. As we look toward the next chapter, we are evaluating how to best continue our support for critical, early-stage sustainability research, with the ultimate ambition of contributing to a greener, more sustainable industry for Hong Kong.
