Dr. Bo Bai
Opening and Welcome Speech (08:45 – 09:00, Sep 15)

Bo Bai received the Ph.D. degree in the Department of Electronic Engineering from Tsinghua University, Beijing China, 2010. He was a Research Associate from 2010 to 2012 with the Department of ECE, HKUST. From July 2012 to January 2017, he was an Assistant Professor with the Department of Electronic Engineering, Tsinghua University. Currently, he is an Information Theory Scientist and Director of Theory Lab, Huawei, Hong Kong. His research interests include classic and post-Shannon information theory, B5G/6G mobile networking, and graph informatics. He is an IEEE Senior Member, and has authored more than 130 papers in major IEEE and ACM journals and conferences.

Prof. Angela Yingjun Zhang
Opening and Welcome Speech (08:45 – 09:00, Sep 15)

 Angela Yingjun Zhang received her Ph.D. degree from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She joined the Department of Information Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2005, where is now a professor. Prof. Zhang is a Member-at-Large of IEEE ComSoc Board of Governors. She is now an Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, a member of the Steering Committees of IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, IEEE Wireless Communication Letters, and IEEE SmartgridComm Conference. Prof. Zhang is a co-recipient of 2021 and 2014 IEEE ComSoc Asia Pacific Outstanding Paper Awards, 2013 IEEE SmartgridComm Best Paper Award, and 2011 IEEE Marconi Prize Paper Award on Wireless Communications. As the only winner from engineering science, Prof. Zhang won the Hong Kong Young Scientist Award 2006, conferred by the Hong Kong Institute of Science. She is an Fellow of IEEE and Fellow of IET. Video

Prof. Rui Zhang
Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) Empowered Wireless Networks: Recent Advance and Future Trend (09:00 – 10:00, Sep 15)

Abstract: Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) is a digitally controlled metasurface that can be densely deployed in wireless networks to reconfigure the propagation channels among wireless nodes by dynamically tuning the signal reflection. IRS is able to not only significantly improve the network spectral and energy efficiency for communications, but also greatly enhance the performance for other emerging applications such as wireless power transfer, sensing and localization, etc. The existing research on IRS has mainly considered wireless systems with single-IRS-reflections at the link level, which does not reveal the full potential of IRS for future wireless networks. In this talk, we will focus on the main design challenges in efficiently integrating IRS to wireless networks, including IRS reflection optimization, channel acquisition and optimal deployment, with an emphasis on double-/multi-IRS-reflections. Furthermore, we will present emerging new architectures of IRS and their advantages for future applications. We will conclude the talk by discussing research directions worthy of further investigation in the future.Video, Slide

Rui Zhang (Fellow of IEEE, Fellow of the Academy of Engineering Singapore) received the Ph.D. degree from Stanford University in electrical engineering in 2007. He is now a Principal’s Diligence Chair Professor in School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. His current research interests include wireless information and power transfer, UAV/satellite communication, and reconfigurable MIMO. He has published over 450 papers, which have been cited more than 60,000 times with the h-index over 120. He has been listed as a Highly Cited Researcher by Thomson Reuters / Clarivate Analytics since 2015. He was the recipient of the IEEE Communications Society Asia-Pacific Region Best Young Researcher Award in 2011, the Young Researcher Award of National University of Singapore in 2015, the Wireless Communications Technical Committee Recognition Award in 2020, and the IEEE Signal Processing and Computing for Communications (SPCC) Technical Recognition Award in 2021. He received 14 IEEE Best Journal Paper Awards, including the IEEE Marconi Prize Paper Award in Wireless Communications (twice), the IEEE Communications Society Heinrich Hertz Prize Paper Award (thrice), the IEEE Communications Society Stephen O. Rice Prize, the IEEE Signal Processing Society Best Paper Award and Donald G. Fink Overview Paper Award, etc. He has served as an Editor for several IEEE journals, including TWC, TCOM, JSAC, TSP, TGCN, etc., and as TPC co-chair or organizing committee member for over 30 international conferences. He served as an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer of IEEE Communications Society and IEEE Signal Processing Society in 2019-2020.

Prof. Ross Murch
Creating New Radio Frequency Wave Technology for 6G (10:00 – 11:00, Sep 15)

Abstract:  Radio frequency (RF) waves are a fundamental phenomenon that can carry electromagnetic signals and energy through space and interact with it. Their use in wireless communication has revolutionized our lives and created a mobile information society and new industries. However, RF wave technology can do much more and in this talk I explore new RF wave technologies that can be further exploited for 6G. This includes the way we monitor and image the environment, monitor our health, navigate, transfer energy, harness existing waves and utilize the Internet of Things (IoT). These new applications can broadly be classified as wave shaping, wave sensing and wave characterization. Furthermore, new fundamental breakthroughs in wave theory such as metamaterials, space-time structures, time-reversal and wave sensing can lead to even more developments. While each of these technologies and fundamental breakthroughs are promising, significant further research is needed to exploit the enormous potential of new RF wave technology for 6G. Video, Slide

Ross Murch is a Chair Professor in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and an IAS Fellow in the Institute of Advanced Study both at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). His unique expertise lies in his combination of knowledge from both wireless communication systems and electromagnetic areas. He is the only author worldwide with more than 25 journal papers in each of the journals IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation and IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications (and both are the top journal in their fields). In total his research contributions include more than 175 journal publications and 20 patents on wireless communication systems. His current research interests include the Internet-of-Things, energy harvesting, acoustic systems and MIMO systems with a focus on harnessing ambient RF and acoustic waves. His key research impact is in the area of multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) wireless communications, multi-user orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MU-OFDM) and MIMO antenna design which require a detailed knowledge of electromagnetics and signal processing. Prof. Murch was Department Head at the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering at HKUST for two 3 year terms between 2009 and 2015. He has also been involved in IEEE activities including area editor for IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications and Chair of the IEEE technology committee on wireless communications. He has won several prizes including two teaching awards. He received his Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. He is a Fellow of IEEE, IET and HKIE.

Prof. Kaibin Huang
Memristor Empowered Ultra-fast Baseband Processing (11:00 – 12:00, Sep 15)

Abstract: To support emerging applications ranging from holographic communications to extended reality, next-generation mobile wireless communication systems require ultra-fast and energy-efficient (UFEE) baseband processors. Traditional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-based baseband processors and computing at large face two challenges, transistor scaling and the von Neumann bottleneck. The former is caused by approaching transistors’ physical limits and the latter by energy-consuming data shuffling between memory and processors. Recently, implemented using arrays of memristors (i.e., programmable resistors), in-memory computing, which features co-located storage and computing, has emerged to a promising solution for tackling the two challenges and thereby caused excitements in the areas of ultra-fast AI and scientific computing. In this talk, I will report the first attempt on designing in-memory computing empowered baseband processing for the widely adopted multiple-input-multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) air interface. The key operations, including discrete Fourier transform, linear MIMO detection, and channel estimation, are realized using arrays of resistive random-access memory (RRAM), a popular type of memristor, thereby supporting one-step execution. By prototyping and simulations, I will demonstrate that the RRAM-based communication system can significantly outperform its CMOS-based counterpart in terms of speed and energy efficiency by 10^3 and 10^6 times, respectively. The results pave a potential pathway for RRAM-based in-memory computing to enable UFEE 6G communications. Video, Slide

Kaibin Huang received the B.Eng. and M.Eng. degrees from the National University of Singapore and the Ph.D. degree from The University of Texas at Austin, all in electrical engineering. He is a Professor and an Associate Head at the Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. He received the IEEE Communication Society’s 2021 Best Survey Paper, 2019 Best Tutorial Paper, 2019 Asia–Pacific Outstanding Paper, 2015 Asia–Pacific Best Paper Award, and the best paper awards at IEEE GLOBECOM 2006 and IEEE/CIC ICCC 2018. He received the Outstanding Teaching Award from Yonsei University, South Korea, in 2011. He has been named as a Highly Cited Researcher by the Clarivate Analytics in 2019-2021 and awarded a Research Fellowship by Hong Kong Research Grants Council. He served as the Lead Chair for the Wireless Communications Symposium of IEEE Globecom 2017 and the Communication Theory Symposium of IEEE GLOBECOM 2014, and the TPC Co-chair for IEEE PIMRC 2017 and IEEE CTW 2023 and 2013. He is also an Executive Editor of IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, an Associate Editor of IEEE JOURNAL ON SELECTED AREAS IN COMMUNICATIONS, and an Area Editor for IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON GREEN COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING. He is also a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Communications Society and the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society and a Fellow of IEEE.

Prof. Vincent Lau
Online DNN for Massive MIMO Channel Estimation (14:00 – 15:00, Sep 15)

Abstract: Massive MIMO systems can achieve high spectral efficiency as well as interference mitigation through spatial multiplexing and spatial filtering. Channel estimation (CSIR) and feedback (CSIT) of Massive MIMO systems is a critical but challenging component to realize these potential gains. For instance, conventional channel estimation solution requires pilot overhead, which scales with number of transmit antennas. In order to decrease the pilot overheads, we will need to exploit the underlying sparsity structures of massive MIMO channels. There are many works that consider exploiting different levels of sparsity (such as link level sparsity and multi-user sparsity) in the channel estimation and channel feedbacks. However, these solutions are iterative and cannot be implemented on a real-time basis. Recently, there are some works that utilize DNN to achieve real-time inferencing of these iterative CE algorithms. However, the training of these DNN solutions require labeled data (knowledge of true channel) and hence, they are trained in an offline manner based on the channel samples generated from simulations. As such, the offline training will suffer from potential model mismatch because the actual scattering environment the mobile sees will surely be different from that assumed in the simulation model. In this talk, we introduce an online training framework for real-time implementation of the DNN for channel estimation and feedbacks in massive MIMO systems. We first consider a point-to-point system and extend the framework to multi-user systems. The proposed online DNN can track the actual propagation environment on a real-time basis without prior knowledge of the true channel matrix and therefore, is robust to different propagation models, antenna geometry as well as the underlying non-linearity. Video, Slide

Vincent Lau obtained B.Eng (Distinction 1st Hons) from the University of Hong Kong (1989-1992) and Ph.D. from the Cambridge University (1995-1997). He joined Bell Labs from 1997-2004 and the Department of ECE, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in 2004. He is currently a Chair Professor and the Founding Director of Huawei-HKUST Joint Innovation Lab at HKUST. He is also elected as IEEE Fellow, HKIE Fellow, Croucher Senior Research Fellow and Changjiang Chair Professor. Vincent has published more than 400 IEEE journal and conference papers and has contributed to 50 US patents on various wireless systems as well as 4 IEEE standard contributions. His current research focus includes Stochastic Optimization and Analysis for wireless systems, Massive MIMO Systems, Sparse Recovery, Bayesian Inferencing, Mission-Critical IoT as well as PHY Caching for Wireless Networks.

Prof. Yonghui Li
Extreme Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communications for 5G and Beyond (15:00 – 16:00, Sep 15)

Abstract: The world is currently witnessing the rise of many mission critical applications such as tele-surgery, intelligent transportation, industry automation, virtual reality and augmented reality, vehicular communications, etc. Some of these applications will be enabled by the fifth-generation of cellular networks (5G), which will provide the required ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC). However, guaranteeing these stringent reliability and end-to-end latency requirements continues to prove to be quite challenging, due to the significant shift in paradigms required in both theoretical fundamentals of wireless communications as well as design principles. In particular, a holistic framework that takes into account latency, reliability, availability, scalability, and decision-making under uncertainty is lacking. Addressing these challenges requires the development of new wireless technologies, underlying network protocols, and signal processing techniques. In this talk, we will present the key challenges and potential solutions for 5G and beyond 5G to support URLLC, in terms of error control coding improving reliability, channel access protocols for reducing latency, and multi-connectivity for improving network availability. Video, Slide

Yonghui Li (M’04-SM’09-F19) received his PhD degree in November 2002 from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Since 2003, he has been with the Centre of Excellence in Telecommunications, the University of Sydney, Australia. He is now a Professor and Director of Wireless Engineering Laboratory in School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Sydney. He is the recipient of the Australian Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship in 2008 and the Australian Future Fellowship in 2012. He is a Fellow of IEEE. His current research interests are in the area of wireless communications, with a particular focus on MIMO, millimeter wave communications, machine to machine communications, coding techniques and cooperative communications. He holds a number of patents granted and pending in these fields. He is now an editor for IEEE transactions on communications, IEEE transactions on vehicular technology. He also served as the guest editor for several IEEE journals, such as IEEE JSAC, IEEE Communications Magazine, IEEE IoT journal, IEEE Access. He received the best paper awards from IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) 2014, IEEE PIRMC 2017 and IEEE Wireless Days Conferences (WD) 2014.

Prof. Jinhong Yuan
Delay-Doppler Plane Multi-Carrier Modulation: A Promising Signal Waveform for Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) (16:00 – 17:00, Sep 15)

Abstract: In this talk, we first revisit linear time-varying channel’s representations in the time-frequency domain and the delay-Doppler domain. Then we briefly review recent development of orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) modulation. Motivated by OTFS, we introduce a general multi-carrier (MC) modulation on delay-Doppler plane. A delay-Doppler plane orthogonal pulse (DDOP), which is essential for delay-Doppler plane MC modulation waveform, is presented. We investigate the frequency domain representation of the DDOP, and compare the DDOP-based MC modulation with other modulation schemes. Various low complexity detection algorithms for the DD plane MC modulation are discussed. Interestingly, we show perfect orthogonality property of the DDOP with respect to delay-Doppler resolutions using its ambiguity function, which infers that the proposed MC signal waveform is suitable for integrated sensing and communications (ISAC). Video, Slide

Jinhong Yuan received the B.E. and Ph.D. degrees in electronics engineering from the Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China, in 1991 and 1997, respectively. From 1997 to 1999, he was a Research Fellow with the School of Electrical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Australia. In 2000, he joined the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, University of New South Wales, Sydney, where he is currently a Professor and the Head of the Telecommunication Group, School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications. He has published two books, five book chapters, over 400 articles in telecommunications journals and conference proceedings, over 50 industrial reports and 10 patents. His current research interests include error control coding and information theory, communication theory, and wireless communications. He has coauthored four best paper awards and one best poster award. He has served as the IEEE NSW Chapter Chair for Joint Communications/Signal Processions/Ocean Engineering Chapter during 2011–2014 and as an IEEE Fellow Evaluation Committee member for IEEE VT Society and IT Society. He has also served as an Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Communications during 2012–2017. He is serving as an Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications and IEEE Transactions on Communications.

Prof. Zhiguo Ding
Recent Advances in Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access in 6G Wireless Networks (17:00 – 18:00, Sep 15)

Abstract: With the current rollout of 5G, the focus of the research community is shifting towards the design of the next generation of mobile systems, e.g., 6G mobile networks. Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has been recongized as an essential enabling technology for the forthcoming 6G networks to meet the heterogeneous demands on low latency, high reliability, massive connectivity, improved fairness, and high throughput. The principle of NOMA is to encourage users for spectrum sharing, where multiple users are served in the same resource block, such as a time slot, subcarrier, or spreading code. The aim of this talk is to provide an overview of the latest research results and innovations in NOMA technologies as well as their emerging applications, including ambient IoT, terahertz (THz) communications, intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS), mobile edge computing (MEC), etc. Future research challenges regarding NOMA in B5G and 6G are also presented.Video, Slide

Zhiguo Ding (S’03-M’05-F’20) received his B.Eng from the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications in 2000, and the Ph.D degree from Imperial College London in 2005. From Jul. 2005 to Apr. 2018, he was working in Queen’s University Belfast, Imperial College, Newcastle University and Lancaster University. Since Apr. 2018, he has been with the University of Manchester as a Professor in Communications. From Oct. 2012 to Sept. 2022, he has also been an academic visitor in Princeton University.
Dr Ding’ research interests are B5G networks, game theory, cooperative and energy harvesting networks and statistical signal processing. He is serving as an Area Editor for the IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, an Editor for IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, and was an Editor for IEEE Wireless Communication Letters, IEEE Transactions on Communications, IEEE Communication Letters from 2013 to 2016. He recently received the EU Marie Curie Fellowship 2012-2014, the Top IEEE TVT Editor 2017, IEEE Heinrich Hertz Award 2018, IEEE Jack Neubauer Memorial Award 2018, IEEE Best Signal Processing Letter Award 2018, Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award 2020, and IEEE SPCC Technical Recognition Award 2021. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, a Distinguished Lecturer of IEEE ComSoc, and a Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher in two categories 2021.