EDGE 8 9 HKUST Alumni Going to the next level STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning is becoming increasingly important to society. We learn more about what is happening at HKUST… On campus at Clearwater Bay, deep in the lab of the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD), students are working furiously away on their projects. At the center of it all, Prof. Chi Ying Tsui, professor and founding head of the Division of ISD re$ects on decades at the University and the importance of learning STEAM for children growing up in Hong Kong high schools and universities. “STEAM is of critical importance to the future of Hong Kong and its competitiveness,” says Prof. Tsui. A legend at HKUST Having worked on campus since 1994, Prof. Tsui’s wide variety of research interests include the design of integrated circuits and very-large-scale integration (VLSI) architectures for energy-efficient embedded machine learning, smart embedded sensing and systems, energy-efficient VLSI design for wireless applications, and power management system design for embedded portable devices. “We are confronted with a huge variety of challenges, from climate change, energy shortages, to arti"cial intelligence, and need to cultivate a new generation of innovators and technologists who can bring knowledge from diverse "elds, collaborate with experts, and approach problem-solving with a human-centered perspective,” Prof. Tsui says. Grabbing the bull by its horns ISD was established at HKUST in 2017 to nurture students to become innovators and technologists, and what he calls “generating disruptive ideas.” Thinking about how to make change in society starts from an early age, the reason why Prof. Tsui is a founder and acts as Director of the Academy for Bright Future Young Engineers (ABFYE). Inaugurated in 2016 under the School of Engineering (SENG) at HKUST with generous support from Dr. Roy Chung, the Academy brings school students together with the purpose of building meaningful change in society. “We needed to provide an innovative and studentcentered platform to engage primary school and secondary school learners in authentic engineering experiences and inspire them to embrace an engineer’s habits of mind,” says Dr. Chung. “Students must start thinking in terms of building resilient problem-solving skills and execute like engineers,” Dr. Chung adds. Dr. Chung is no stranger to innovation and entrepreneurialism, having founded Techtronic Industries Company Limited, a Hong Kong-based multinational company that designs, produces, and markets power tools and outdoor power equipment. Dubbed “The King of Power Tools” by local media, Dr. Chung has made several signi"cant donations to support both ABFYE and HKUST, providing resources for a startup research fund and setting up research labs. Building the next generation of superstars Together Dr. Chung and Prof. Tsui are helping develop the next generation of engineering superstars at the Academy. “As the largest engineering school in Hong Kong, HKUST SENG is igniting young minds to foster new generations of engineers in Hong Kong,” says Prof. Tsui. “We have the history – engineering is at the heart of our city and our future, transforming ideas and materials into global infrastructure, products and services to boost the wealth and health of our economy and society,” he adds. ABFYE features a range of programs, most of which are for students, but some are intended to train teachers in the realm of STEAM. Aside from the “WeCan X HKUST STEAM” initiative and the Electric Vehicle Program, there are workshops on airships and drones; electric bicycles; gra%ti robots; baking biscuits and bread; and modules on mathematics. Robots in the world of football A highlight at ABFYE includes an annual "Bright Future Cup - Robo-soccer Competition" that has been very popular with students and university sta# alike. While the robots don’t exactly ‘Bend it like Beckham’, the students are absolutely enthused with the challenge of making a robot that can play in a soccer game. “This looks like a mere game, what we are teaching is teamwork, execution, and developing prototypes. These are essential skills for young people who want to change the world with their innovations and ideas,” says Dr. Chung. Other competitions are a strong attraction for students, with an Underwater Robot Competition, Paper Towel Challenge and Electronic Circuit Challenge proving popular. On top of all this, a Student Academic Conference a#ords the opportunity for young people to learn and demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired. “I see a whole younger generation that is bright, enthusiastic and ready to learn. These students will form the bedrock of the next entrants and disruptors, who will be able to bring advancement and betterment to society,” says Prof. Tsui.
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