image: PolyU scholar honored with the Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology Award for contributions to Web3 and digital economy
Credit: © 2025 Research and Innovation Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. All Rights Reserved.
Scholars from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) are committed to pioneering research excellence and providing innovative solutions to the ever-changing needs of society and technology. Prof. AU Man Ho Allen, Professor and Associate Head (Research and Development) of the Department of Computing at PolyU, has been recognised with the prestigious Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology (HKEST) Award 2024-25 for his outstanding contributions to the Web3 ecosystem and the digital economy.
Prof. AU has made significant contributions to information security, applied cryptography, and blockchain technology, pioneering innovative research in these fields. His work focuses on developing practical, secure, and privacy-preserving cryptographic solutions for Web3 and the digital economy.
Prof. AU’s research is vital to enhancing the security of digital transactions, decentralised finance, and identity verification in the digital economy. His inventions have been widely recognised and adopted by leading IT companies and blockchain platforms. As a founding member of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Expert Group, he is dedicated to establishing industry standards and forward-thinking strategies that support the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s digital asset ecosystem.
His contributions to science and technology have been highly acknowledged, earning him the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize in FinTech, two consecutive ZPrize awards, and multiple Best Paper Awards. Over his distinguished career, he has published more than 200 research papers, accumulated over 11,200 citations, and achieved an h-index of 59, highlighting the profound impact of his research in the academic community.
Prof. AU said, “This recognition is not only a personal milestone, but also a testament to the collective efforts of my research team and the unwavering support from PolyU. It encourages us to continue pursuing impactful innovations that address real-world challenges. We remain committed to advancing the development of Web3 and digital finance through secure, privacy-preserving technologies that empower both individuals and the industry.”
Established by the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE), in collaboration with the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), the HKEST Award aims to recognise the exceptional accomplishments of young scientists, engineers, and technologists who have showcased remarkable talent, dedication, and influence.