HKUST-MTR Joint Research Laboratory Celebrates
Major Awards
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)-MTR Joint Research Laboratory has achieved remarkable recognition for its innovative public transport ridership simulation project, receiving prestigious awards at both the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2024 and the Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024.
The Joint Laboratory project “Public transport ridership simulation and railway planning - MTR to Keep Cities Moving” was honoured with four awards at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2024, including the Smart Mobility (Smart Transport) Gold Award, the Best Use of AI Award, the Smart Mobility Grand Award, and the highest accolade, the Award of the Year. This project, led by Prof. Hong K. Lo, Dean of Engineering and Director of the GREAT Smart Cities Institute, utilized artificial intelligence and big data to simulate and predict changes in citizens' travel patterns, providing invaluable insights for effective resource deployment.
The dynamic simulation digital twin model integrates daily operational data from MTR, bus routes, trams, and ferries. By simulating various operational scenarios, it predicts changes in passenger flow and facilitates crowd distribution analysis at interchange stations. This supports the implementation of effective crowd management measures, such as deploying additional staff at relevant stations and enhancing passenger information systems, ultimately improving the travel experience for commuters.
Following the success at the ICT Awards, the Joint Laboratory continued to shine at the APICTA Awards 2024, held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, from 4th-7th December. The project was awarded the Winner in the Business Data Analytics category, triumphing over nine other competitive entries from across the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, it secured the Second Runner-up position in the Transport and Manufacturing category, competing against 13 entries.
The HKUST-MTR Joint Laboratory, established in June 2022, aims to foster communication and collaboration in developing smart communities and mobility solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the lab is committed to enhancing the travel experiences of citizens and positioning Hong Kong as a leader in smart mobility.
