Dr Kwong Chi Man awards Research Impact Fund (RIF) 2024/25

We are thrilled to announce that Dr Kwong Chi Man, Associate Professor from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), has been awarded the latest exercise of RIF.

Dr Kwong’s RIF-awarded interdisciplinary project “Hong Kong Historical Spatial Data Platform” aims to transform the way historical spatial data is used through collaboration between history, geographic information technology, and AI to create a historical data platform about Hong Kong’s history from the 18th century to the late 20th centuries for research, education, urban planning, conservation, and tourism purposes. By integrating various historical datasets, the project aims to provide a free and user-friendly online platform for researchers, professionals, and the public to explore Hong Kong’s history. His research team includes Dr Elvan Cobb and Professor Wong Man Kong from FASS, along with Professor Cheung Kwok Wai (Faculty of Science) and others from local universities and the HKSAR government. 

Dr Kwong has been working on using Geographic Information System (GIS) to curate Hong Kong history, and his latest work includes an interactive map about the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong from December 1941 to August 1945.

Dr Kwong Chi Man hosting a public seminar at Jao Tsung-I Academcy on 12 October 2025

The RIF supports local academics in using their research for the greater good of society. By encouraging impactful projects and promoting collaborations with government bodies, businesses, the industry and research institutes, the RIF aims to enhance the societal relevance of academic work and develop practical solutions to contemporary challenges.

Dr Kwong Chi Man (3rd from the left) with audience of the public seminar at Jao Tsung-I Academy on 12 October 2025

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Kwong for garnering this significant funding, which promises to enrich the fields of historical research and public engagement, benefiting both scholars and the wider community.