The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) of the University of Macau (UM) is about to undergo a historic restructuring. Starting from AY2026/2027, it will officially split into three independent faculties: the Faculty of Information Science and Technology, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Science. At this pivotal moment of transition and renewal, we are honored to feature Ken Cheong, co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Macau E&M Holding Limited and Advisory Committee Member of the Department of Electromechanical Engineering, an outstanding FST alumnus. Ken reflects on his formative years at UM and shares profound insights on engineering education, career development, and industry transformation.

Looking back over two decades to his early days as a UM student, Ken admits he knew little about electromechanical engineering at the time. Yet, driven by curiosity and perseverance, he gradually built a solid professional foundation. He emphasizes a key distinction between secondary and university education: “Secondary school tends to be didactic, while university offers specialized, systematic learning.” For him, FST provided more than just mathematical tools and technical knowledge—it cultivated logical thinking and the ability to learn independently. “Experiments, teamwork, capstone projects—these experiences taught me how to solve problems independently, a skill critical to my later entrepreneurial and leadership journey.”

Among the mentors who left the deepest impression was Prof. Tam Lap Mou, his final-year project supervisor. “He offered immense academic guidance, and even after graduation—over twenty years ago—we still meet regularly for meals, discussing industry developments and life itself.” This enduring mentor-mentee relationship, evolving into a genuine friendship, became a vital source of support throughout Ken’s career. Though Prof. Tam never explicitly encouraged him to start a business, Ken notes that whenever he faced professional or personal dilemmas, his mentor’s wisdom—born of experience—always pointed him in the right direction. “That ongoing support has been far more valuable than any specific advice.”

For new UM students majoring in engineering-related disciplines, Ken offers two pieces of core advice: “First, ask yourself honestly whether you truly love engineering—don’t follow the crowd simply because it’s trendy or what others choose. Second, don’t fear hard work. Engineering isn’t a comfortable nine-to-five path; it demands continuous dedication, hands-on practice, and lifelong learning.” He stresses that the four years at university should not merely lead to a diploma but serve as a crucial foundation for one’s future. “If you just coast through, that’s when you truly waste your time.”

In today’s era of rapid AI advancement, some students worry their future careers may become obsolete. Ken responds firmly: “Instead of fearing replacement, strive to position yourself where you won’t be replaced.” He notes that his company is actively integrating intelligent technologies, and the industry itself is evolving. Moreover, UM’s expansion of its engineering programs and introduction of cutting-edge disciplines aim precisely to equip students with future-proof capabilities. “Turn anxiety into motivation. Today’s knowledge may be outdated tomorrow—only through continuous learning can you stay relevant in a changing world.”

Regarding FST’s landmark restructuring into three faculties, Ken offers high praise: “This isn’t just an administrative reshuffle—it’s a strategic expansion in both depth and breadth.” He believes the new structure will better align with global technological frontiers such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and advanced manufacturing. “Macao may be small, but our vision must extend across the Greater Bay Area and beyond.” He is confident this reform will significantly enhance UM graduates’ competitiveness and enable the university to deliver high-caliber tech talent to society—fulfilling its core mission of ‘educating for societal progress.’”

As an entrepreneur deeply rooted in Macao while expanding into Hengqin, Ken also highlights the unique advantages of Macao-trained engineers. Those staying local should leverage multilingual skills, networks, and policy support; those heading to mainland China should take advantage of mutual professional recognition mechanisms within the Greater Bay Area, using their internationalized education and English proficiency to adapt quickly. “Barriers that once existed are falling away—now is the best time for Macao youth to pursue careers or start businesses on the mainland.” Using the analogy of “ten people competing for eight chairs,” he illustrates today’s intensifying competition: “In the past, there were plenty of seats; now you must work harder to secure yours.” Yet he insists that a sense of urgency should not paralyze—but propel. “Opportunities always favor those who are prepared, especially those who genuinely love what they do and keep improving.”

From an undergraduate student in the Department of Electromechanical Engineering at UM to an entrepreneur who successfully led a local company to go public, Cheong Ka Ho’s journey exemplifies the profound impact of the FST’s education. As the Faculty undergoes a historic transformation, his story inspires fellow UM students: only by building a solid foundation, embracing change, and never ceasing to move forward can one navigate the tides of our times with purpose and perseverance—and ultimately write their own chapter of aspiration and achievement.

Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at the University of Macau (UM) is about to undergo a historic restructuring—starting from AY2026/2027, it will officially split into three independent faculties—the Faculty of Information Science and Technology, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Science. At this pivotal moment of transition and renewal, we are honored to interview Dr. Zhao Huayong. A 2008 graduate of UM’s Electromechanical Engineering program, Dr. Zhao earned his PhD from the University of Oxford in 2012 and currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in Fluid Mechanics at Loughborough University in the UK. From Macao to Britain, from the laboratory to the lecture hall, he shares with young students a research journey fueled by curiosity.

Why Choose UM

In 2004, Zhao Huayong faced a pivotal decision in his life. Beyond academic considerations, he placed great importance on the language environment and cultivating a global perspective. Given that UM offers instruction entirely in English, this provided a solid foundation for his future applications to top overseas institutions. Furthermore, he specifically reviewed the faculty of the Department of Electromechanical Engineering and discovered that most professors had overseas study experience. Coupled with Macau’s unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures, these factors were highly attractive to students from the mainland. “All these factors combined led me to ultimately choose the University of Macau. Looking back now, I am very glad I made that decision.”

The Laboratory that changed his life

Choosing UM became a new starting point for Zhao, but stepping into Prof. Tam Lap Mou’s laboratory truly opened the door to his academic career. “Before joining the lab, I knew nothing about scientific research,” he recalls. What remains most memorable to this day is his first conversation with Professor Tam: “Professor Tam told me that research is about exploring the frontiers, discovering unsolved problems, and having the courage to try and learn new things.” These words deeply moved him. It was also during this period, after reading Professor Tien Chang-Lin’s book Microscale Energy Transport available in the lab, that he realized: “Undergraduate studies are based on highly simplified theories built on many assumptions, which may not hold true in reality. Only through research can we continuously explore the deepest layers of knowledge.” This experience sparked his initial desire to pursue an academic career and altered his future professional trajectory.

From UM to Oxford

His work in Prof. Tam Lap Mou’s laboratory not only ignited his passion for research but also became the key to unlocking the doors of Oxford. Thanks to UM’s ample resources and Professor Tam’s support and encouragement, Zhao was able to build an experimental setup from scratch and conduct original research. “I applied for a Master’s by Research. During the interview, my supervisor didn’t ask about grand future plans; instead, they focused on my understanding of the problems encountered in my research and the technical details. Most of the questions asked in the interview were topics I had already discussed in project meetings with Prof. Tam. Without my work in Prof. Tam’s lab, I likely would not have secured my place at Oxford.”

After completing his doctorate, Zhao joined Loughborough University in the UK, successively serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher, Lecturer, and Senior Lecturer. Reflecting on this journey, he admits, “Without curiosity, research is incredibly dull and full of pressure.” In the UK engineering sector, the vast majority of graduates eventually enter the industry, with only a minority pursuing research careers. “Therefore, for me, the most important thing is having a genuine interest and curiosity in this field.”

Opportunity for Development

Discussing the upcoming split of the Faculty of Science and Technology into three separate entities, Dr. Zhao views it as a very natural and timely structural adjustment. “Since I graduated, UM has developed extremely rapidly—both in terms of student enrollment and research directions. As resources and manpower in each direction become increasingly abundant, a clearer division of disciplines will facilitate deeper development within each field. The split also provides new opportunities to construct organizational models that are more conducive to interdisciplinary integration.”

Advice for Junior Students

Facing an era where artificial intelligence is sweeping the globe, he offers four sincere pieces of advice to the next generation: “The future will change very rapidly. Five or ten years from now, the overall job market will be completely different from today. First, build a solid foundation in mathematics and physics, and truly understand the principles behind the tools you use. Second, cultivate critical thinking and maintain independent judgment regarding answers generated by AI. Third, embrace change and be ready to pivot your professional direction at any time. Fourth, strengthen soft skills such as communication and collaboration.”

He further encourages students: “The undergraduate stage is the best time to cultivate foundational capabilities. Therefore, excessively chasing hot tools and expecting to rely on a specific tool for your future career is a very risky mindset. What truly matters is understanding the principles behind the tools and possessing the ability to quickly adapt to new ones.”

From the labs of UM to the halls of Oxford, and finally to the lecture stages of the UK, Dr. Zhao Huayong’s academic journey has always revolved around one core: maintaining curiosity about science. As the UM Faculty of Science and Technology undergoes this historic restructuring, Zhao’s story offers inspiration to both faculty and students. In a world that changes in the blink of an eye and where knowledge constantly advances, only by maintaining passion and curiosity can one navigate a volatile environment with stability, ultimately realizing personal ideals.