As the forerunner among tertiary education institutions in the region, City University of Hong Kong’s applied research endeavours consistently produce an array of low-cost and innovative high-tech products that enjoy keen interest from the industrial sector. Nearly 100 applied research projects were on exhibit on 29 April in the Faculty Industrial Day (FID) organized by CityU’s Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE). The Industrial Day also featured a cheque presentation by nine industrial companies, which together donated over HK$8 million in support of the FSE’s teaching and research activities, followed by a Lecture Theatre naming ceremony.

 

Kicking off FID, CityU President Professor H K Chang said, “Today’s event fully demonstrates CityU’s commitment to its role as a provider of professional education with special emphasis on applied research. We can take pride in the fact that our applied research also has

won the recognition and support of industry.” Also officiating at the opening ceremony were Dr Lui Ming-wah, JP, Legislative Councillor, and Mr Raymond Leung, Vice Chairman of SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd and Chairman of the FID Advisory Committee. “I am delighted to see that CityU and the industry sector are working so closely for the future of high-tech industry of Hong Kong and the region,” Dr Lui remarked.

 

SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd donated HK$3 million to the University and has had a CityU Lecture Theatre named after the company. Mr Raymond Leung, Vice Chairman of SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd, said, “One of the objectives of applied research is to improve quality of modern life. Applied research works conducted in universities need to be transferred to the industrial sector in order to benefit society. The close collaboration between CityU researchers and industry partners has enabled us to develop readily applicable products highly relevant to the needs of society.”

 

Some companies donated to show their support to CityU’s continuing effort reaching out to the industry. Mr Paul Yao, President (Greater China) of Intertek Testing Services Hong Kong Ltd, commended on the unique services CityU’s Centre for Electronic Packaging and Assemblies, Failure Analysis and Reliability Engineering (EPA) offers to the industry sector. Intertek has sponsored EPA to conduct research on “green electronics”, to better equip the electronics industry meeting future legislative requirements. Mr S L Fong, Chairman of Fong’s Industries Co. Ltd, has donated to the Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management (MEEM) to show his appreciation of MEEM’s provision of laboratory equipment and consulting services to enhance competitiveness of local industry. “I think CityU has done a good job bridging understanding of the academia and the industry,” said Mr Fong.

 

Three local industrialists and one mainland company made donations to support the FSE’s new applied research initiative in radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs). The three local industrialists are: Mr Eric Yu of Chequers Electronic (China) Ltd, Mr Johnny Yeung of Fujikon Industrial Holdings Ltd, and Mr Measure Hung of Mobicon Group Ltd. Notably, Chengdu GoldTel Industry Group Co. Ltd, represented by Ms He Qiong at the cheque presentation ceremony, was the first mainland company to have donated towards research efforts at CityU.

 

Some companies specifically donated in support of teaching and professional training at CityU. Mr Y K So of A V Concept Holdings Ltd donated towards the FSE’s education development, while Elite Industrial Holdings Ltd, represented by Mr Jimmy Liu at the cheque presentation ceremony, donated to support the Department of Electronic Engineering to train radio frequency engineers.   

Some of the projects displayed on the FSE’s Industrial Day included: a compact, low-cost Doppler-Radar ideal for measuring the speed of athletes in running, skiing or cycling; light weight concrete which is 25 to 35% lighter than conventional concrete for building and construction; and a Rehab System that helps to restore postural stability in elderly and arthritis patients. In addition to the display of research prototypes, project demonstrations and information panels, FSE professors and researchers also introduced their research through lectures.   The lecture “What you must do to get ready for WEEE and RoHS directives” has attracted an audience of more than 300.