otivation is the key to a good education, notes Prof. Philip K. T. MOK, who recently took up the post of Associate Dean of Engineering (Undergraduate Studies). The student-centered educator views teaching as a quest to nd what res up undergraduates’ interest in engineering, recognizing that individuals di er in their capabilities and outlooks, and such di erences need to be taken into account. That takes patience and persistence. But it is certainly worth it, Prof. Mok believes, when the outcome is next-generation dynamos as lled with enthusiasm for your subject and engineering as you are. Integrated vision Indeed, a er a career rst launched in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering in , Prof. Mok (PhD, University of Toronto) still radiates an abundance of zest for his eld, where the IEEE Fellow focuses his energies on semiconductor devices, integrated circuit design, and power management. When he joined HKUST, only founded in , it was a new university with a research focus, a dynamic and enterprising culture, and a young and energetic faculty. This meant Prof. Mok could focus on teaching and research at the same time, contributing both to the community’s future talent pool as well as innovation. Currently, he also heads the University’s Integrated Circuits Design Center. On the education front, he is a three-time winner of the School of Engineering’s Teaching Excellence Appreciation Award. Productive learning He views School of Engineering education as o ering a productive variety of cutting-edge learning experiences, such as flipped classrooms, experiential learning, local and international student competitions, and undergraduate research opportunities. Such an approach creates flexibility and caters to students with di erent interests and potential. The timely introduction of new degree programs that answer society’s evolving needs, and as elds emerge, is an equally important feature. “It is only if you nd and follow your passion that you will excel” To help young engineers discover their true interest – and hence their self-motivation – he urges students to be curious, con dent, always ready to learn new knowledge, and to verify the know-how they acquire. “It is only if you nd and follow your passion that you will excel.” He is also keen to see School of Engineering graduates aspire to improve people’s lives. Take his own specialization in power management, for instance, which involves green electronics to use energy e ciently, minimize wastage and conserve the environment. “Engineering is essentially an applied science to bene t mankind,” he said. Faculty Insight Learning to unlock potential M 16 IN FOCUS Prof. Philip Mok enjoys spurring students’ enthusiasm for engineering. An education that recognizes individual needs and talents can propel students to excel as engineers, explains Prof. Philip Mok
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