20 Jan 2023

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Cybaverse Academy Limited (Cybaverse Academy) signed a Memorandum of Establishment to jointly set up the “PolyU and Cybaverse Academy Joint Lab on Law and Web3” (Joint Lab).

Prof. Allen AU Man-ho, Professor of PolyU’s Department of Computing, will be the Director of the Joint Lab. Dr Daniel LUO Xiapu, Associate Professor of PolyU’s Department of Computing, and Mr Paul Li from Cybaverse will be the Co-Directors of the Joint Lab.

With the vibrant development of Web3 and blockchain technologies, governments around the world are now acting to provide a facilitating regulatory environment. This Joint Lab will be the first research lab in Hong Kong to focus on the intersection of law and Web3, encompassing the research and development of technological solutions and the exploration of relevant legal and industry standards.

PolyU and Cybaverse Academy will collaborate to promote the safety, security and protection of privacy in the areas of Web3 and blockchain. The Joint Lab aims to provide regulators and other stakeholders with essential tools to enhance protection for the investment community and the general public.

PolyU is well-recognised for its expertise in blockchain technology by CoinDesk, ranking in the top position in the “Best Universities for Blockchain 2022” list. Leveraging the University’s excellence in blockchain technology education and research, the Research Centre for Blockchain Technology of PolyU, which is the first research centre in Hong Kong to cover research in full-stack blockchain technology, will provide a training programme related to Web3. The Centre also draws expertise from various fields including computer science, finance, logistics and maritime studies, and industrial and systems engineering to carry out interdisciplinary research in blockchain.

Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Mr Johnny MOK SC, Co-founder of Cybaverse Academy; and Dr Winnie TANG, Co-Founder of Cybaverse Academy, the Memorandum of Establishment was signed on 17 January by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Paul LI, Managing Director of Cybaverse Academy.

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU is pleased to collaborate with Cybaverse Academy in the Web3 industry. Combining PolyU’s strength in blockchain technology education and research and Cybaverse Academy’s experience in R&D and Web3 development, I believe this synergy of academia and industry will generate a big positive impact in the near future. PolyU’s leading blockchain research is going to be translated into practical use to deliver innovative solutions for the Web3 industry and will benefit the development of Hong Kong into a virtual asset hub.”

Mr Paul Li said, “We are excited to partner with PolyU to explore the frontiers of law and Web3. By combining world-class research capabilities and industrial experience, the Joint Lab will provide a solid foundation for a better Web3 ecosystem.”

Visit here to view the press release from PolyU.