16/04/2025

Exploring Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Energy, Materials, and Environment

I-Connect-U Forum and CBE Industry Engagement cum Alumni Day Fostered Industry-Academia Connections

The second “Industry Connects University” biannual forum and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering’s Industry Engagement cum Alumni Day on March 28, 2025, drew nearly 100 industry partners, faculty members, alumni and students to meaningful exchanges and networking opportunities. [Download Photo]

The School of Engineering’s second “Industry Connects University” (I-Connect-U) biannual forum and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering’s (CBE) Industry Engagement cum Alumni Day on March 28, 2025, attracted nearly 100 industry partners, faculty members, alumni and students to explore the topic of “Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Energy, Materials, and Environment”.

The forum kicked off with a warm welcome by Prof. George YUAN, Associate Dean of Engineering (Strategic Planning and Development), who stressed the importance of close collaboration with the industry. He noted that the I-Connect-U forum series is one of the new initiatives aimed at strengthening this partnership. CBE Department Head Prof. SHAO Minhua then gave an introduction of the department, highlighting its faculty members, research areas, educational programs, funding and start-ups.

This was followed by presentations of two distinguished speakers. Dr. GONG Jiadong, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer of CATL International R&D Institute, discussed “AI and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Energy, Materials, and Environment”. Mr. Eddie LEE, Principal Environment Protection Officer of the Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR Government, also a BEng graduate of the inaugural batch from the CBE Department, spoke on “Innovative Solutions for Air Quality Management in Hong Kong”.

Subsequently, a fireside chat, facilitated by Department Head Prof. Shao, took place. Panel speakers included Dr. Jelan KUHN, Director of Regional Technology for Petrochemicals Asia-Pacific, BASF; Mr. SUN Wenqing, Director of Technology Operations, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific; Mr. Alfred WONG, Partner at Templewater; Mr. XU Zhuliang, Chairman of the Board, King Stone Energy Group; along with Dr. Gong and Mr. Lee.

A research project showcase and mingling session concluded the program, enabling industry professionals, alumni and students to understand about CBE’s innovations and network with one another. The projects included sugar-free craft beer made with natural yeasts, solar-driven advanced membrane technologies, low-cost hydrogen fuel cells and advanced Li-Ion batteries, among others.

Earlier in the afternoon before the forum, lab visits to the Food Technology Lab and CIAC-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Hydrogen Energy* were arranged for SENG’s Industry Engagement Committee members, industry guests and alumni, enabling participants to learn about the latest research conducted by the CBE Department.