A team of BBA students—Jason KO, Wendy LI, Kaelyn LU, Maggie SHENG, and Christine YIU—embarked on a journey to tackle long A&E triage wait times in Hong Kong. After brainstorming over 50 ideas, they developed an AI-powered triage kiosk to automate initial patient assessments and optimize nursing workflows. During the intense five-day competition, the team leveraged each member’s strengths, from financial analysis to ESG alignment, collaborating daily in the library.
Support from PolyU faculty and the Library’s resources was invaluable, helping them refine their concept and presentation. They overcame disagreements through active listening and consensus-building, and learned to manage time under pressure. Winning First Place validated their teamwork and innovation. This experience deepened their cross-disciplinary skills, resilience, and confidence for future healthcare and technology challenges.

Mr. KO Chun Hin Jason
Ms. LI Wenxin Wendy
Ms. LU Ka Yin Kaelyn
Ms. SHENG Jiaqi Maggie
Ms. YIU Tsz Yi Christine
Faculty of Business
Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies
The team gained insight into how hospitals manage patient intake and triage, especially in high-pressure environments like A&E departments. They learned to analyze bottlenecks, optimize patient flow, and apply supply chain principles to healthcare, reframing medical triage as a process that can be streamlined for efficiency and improved outcomes.
One member focused on the financial aspects, including cost structure and pricing models for the AI triage machine. This involved demonstrating how hospitals could save money by automating initial assessments, which is crucial for convincing stakeholders of the solution’s value and sustainability in a competitive healthcare market.
The project required integrating advanced technologies—AI, Big Data, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Blockchain—into the triage workflow. The team learned how to design system architectures that leverage digital tools to automate processes, enhance data accuracy, and support decision-making in healthcare settings.
The team applied strategic thinking to identify an underserved pain point (A&E triage delays) and developed a solution tailored to local needs. They analyzed feasibility, innovation, and scalability, considering how their product could be expanded regionally (Greater Bay Area, ASEAN) and aligned with ESG and sustainability frameworks for broader impact.
Addressing missing data challenges in the project reflects expertise in statistical modeling. Choosing appropriate techniques for handling missing values involves mathematical considerations, ensuring accurate and unbiased analysis.
The team demonstrated adaptability by pivoting quickly when initial ideas were not feasible or innovative enough. They learned to adjust their approach, divide into smaller groups to resolve differences, and refine their project direction based on feedback and new information—an essential skill for lifelong learning in dynamic environments.
Throughout the competition, team members improved their ability to articulate ideas clearly, actively listen, and respond constructively to feedback. They maintained a respectful and collaborative atmosphere, even during disagreements, which is crucial for successful teamwork and ongoing personal and professional development.
Faced with the challenge of narrowing down broad themes and identifying meaningful pain points, the team applied structured thinking to analyze problems, evaluate feasibility, and design targeted solutions. This skill enables lifelong learners to tackle complex issues and innovate across disciplines.
Working under a strict five-day deadline, the team learned to break down tasks, set clear priorities, and allocate responsibilities according to individual strengths. Mastering time management under pressure is vital for lifelong learning, especially when balancing multiple commitments.
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Communication and Presentation Skills
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving