About
MPhil Candidate in Urban Governance & Design, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)
I’m Zeyun Deng, exploring next-generation AI for urban science at HKUST(GZ). My current research focuses on computational policy analysis and AI-enhanced urban resilience strategies, mainly focusing on the application of large language models(LLMs) and knowledge graphs(KGs). I also had experience in spatial computing (ArcGIS/GEE) and AI generative urban design (Stable Diffusion/GANs).
As a dual National Scholarship recipient (2021, 2023) and winner of international urban design competitions (WUPENiCITY/Yuanye Cup), I actively bridge academia and practice. My work has been presented at ACSP2024 (Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning 2024 Conference) and exhibited at the 9th Shenzhen-Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale, while also engaging the public through Bilibili and Xiaohongshu. I also maintain student memberships in the Architectural Society of China and the ACM China Council SIGSPATIAL Chapter, driving innovation at the intersection of urban planning and AI.
Education
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (香港科技大学(广州)), China (Aug. 2024 - Current)
- Harbin Institute of Technology(哈尔滨工业大学), China (Aug. 2019 – Jun. 2024)
- Degree: Bachelor of Engineering in Urban and Rural Planning (GPA: 90.59/100)
- Achievements: National Scholarships (2021, 2023)
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden (Aug. 2023 – Jan. 2024)
- Exchange Program in the School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE)
- Highlight: Developed computational and analytical techniques (Artificial Intelligence, Remote Sensing, Resilient Thinking) for global urban challenges.
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen Campus (哈尔滨工业大学(深圳)), China (Aug. 2021 – Jul. 2022)
- Exchange Program in Urban Planning
- Highlight: Merging technical GIS skills with social sensing.
- Advisor: Prof. Yongxi GONG
News
Back to Home Page for more infromation about my projects, research and design!
- [2025-07] I have the opportunity to share my research Leveraging knowledge graph for assessing resilience plans in the 19th IACP (International Association for China Planning) held at Xiamen University - 厦门大学.
- [2025-01] I passed PQA (Proposal Qualification Assessment) for my individual project titled Resilient City Knowledge Graph for Comparative Analysis and Policy Making at HKUST(GZ). The individual project is part of the red bird educational group project Data Analytics over Multi-modal Data Lakes Using Large Language Models with groupmates Yifan WU and Zhongtao RAO. (Project Manager: Prof. Nan TANG, Project Supervisor: Dr. Li CHEN)
- [2024-12] My project Verdant Exchange, aiming at transformming the Red Bird Makerspace into a green paradise, its construction has already been completed on the 5th floor of W1 Building in HKUST(GZ). Thanks for my teammates Miaowei XI (MPhil Student in Intelligent Transporation) and Nan SU (MPhil Student in Innovation, Public Policy and Entrepreneurship), as well as the manager of makerspace Shuyi ZHAO!
- [2024-11] My research Leveraging AI for assessing urban heat plans is presented at ACSP2024 (Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning 2024 Conference), Minnesoda! (Advisor: Prof. Chaosu LI and Prof. Xinyu FU)
- [2024-08] Feel free to explore the USTGZ Linguistic Landscape project integrating spatial analysis with linguistic education, led by Prof. Claire Qingqing XING, where I provided some technical assistance.
Honors & Awards
Fellowships
- National Scholarship, Ministry of Education of China, 2023 & 2021
- Renmin Scholarship, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2023, 2022, 2021 & 2020
Grants
- Innovative Training Project Fund, Harbin Institute of Technology (CNY ¥15,000), 2020-2022
- Excellent Career Planning Fund, Harbin Institute of Technology (CNY ¥2,500), 2022
- Social Work Fund (Key Program), Harbin Institute of Technology (CNY ¥2,500), 2021
- Social Work Fund for Outstanding College Students, Committee of the Youth League of Renhua County (CNY ¥600), 2021
- Freshman Annual Project Fund, Harbin Institute of Technology (CNY ¥1,000), 2019-2020
Awards
- Merit Graduate Student, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2024
- Merit Student, Ministry of Education of Heilongjiang Province, 2023
- 2nd Prize, The 14th Yuanye Cup International Competition, 2023
- 2nd Prize, WUPENiCITY 2023 Competition on Student Course Works of Urban Design, 2023
- Nomination Prize, WUPENiCITY 2023 Competition on Urban Sustainability Research Reports, 2023
- 2nd Prize, Undergraduate Training Programs for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 2022
- 3rd Prize, National University Student Soundscape Design Competition, 2022
- Award of Excellence, ESRI China University Student GIS Software Development Competition, 2022
- 1st Prize, China Creative Challenges Contest, 2022
- Merit Student, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2023, 2022, 2021 & 2020
- 1st Prize, Freshman Yearly Project of Harbin Institute of Technology, 2020
Academic Skills
- Languages: English (TOEFL: 106, GRE: 319); Chinese (Native): Mandarin, Hakka, Cantonese
- Scripting: Proficient in Python, R, JavaScript, skilled in spatial analysis, LLM-based natural language processing, and data visualization.
- Software: Proficient in GIS related software and packages such as ArcGIS, GEE, GeoDa, CityEngine; Proficient in planning and design software such as Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro), Lumion, Visio.
- Research expertise: Survey design, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, geo-database management, natural language processing.
In my spare time, I enjoy creating digital artworks and leveraging my design skills in urban planning projects. I also relish outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking and urban exploration, which not only allow me to appreciate the beauty of natural and built environments but also provide inspiration for my urban planning projects.