Interview with Ken Cheong: Pursuing Dreams in Macao, Advancing with Resolve — Insights on Faculty Restructuring, Industry Development, and Talent Cultivation
科技學院優秀校友張嘉和訪談: 築夢濠江,篤行致遠 – 學院重組、行業發展與培育人才的分享
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.
2026年,澳門大學科技學院迎來成立三十七週年的里程碑,同時也邁入歷史性的轉型階段——正式拆分為信息學院、工學院及理學院。這一重組不僅標誌著學院對時代變遷的積極回應,更體現了其培育未來科技人才的前瞻佈局。值此之際,我們特別邀請2001年科技學院機電工程本科畢業生、濠江機電聯合創始人、主席兼行政總裁、科技學院機電工程系顧問委員張嘉和校友,回顧他在科技學院的求學歷程,並分享他對工程教育、職業發展與產業變革的深刻見解。
回望二十多年前初入澳門大學的日子,張嘉和坦言當時對機電工程所知甚少,但憑藉興趣與堅持,一步步建立起紮實的專業基礎。他指出,大學教育與中學截然不同:「中學可能是灌輸式的教育,而大學則是更加專業化、系統化的學習。」在他看來,科技學院給予他的不僅是數學與工程知識,更重要的是邏輯思維能力與自主學習的方法。「實驗、團隊合作、專題項目等,這些經歷讓我學會如何獨立解決問題,這對日後創業與管理至關重要。」談及影響最深的師長,張嘉和提到譚立武教授——他畢業專題的指導老師。「他不僅在學術上給予我幫助,畢業後二十多年,我們仍定期聚餐,交流行業工作與人生。」這種亦師亦友的關係,成為他職涯中的重要精神支柱。雖然譚教授並未直接建議他創業,但張嘉和坦言,每當在事業或人生遇到困惑,他總能以過來人的智慧提供指引。這種持續的支持,比任何具體建議都珍貴。
對就讀工程相關專業的澳大新生,張嘉和提出兩點核心建議:「首先要問清楚自己是否真正熱愛工程,不要因為市場熱門或他人選擇而盲目跟風;其次,不要怕辛苦。工科不是朝九晚五的安逸路徑。它需要持續地投入、實踐與不斷學習。」他強調,大學四年不應僅為一紙文憑,而是為未來鋪路的關鍵階段。「如果只是得過且過,那才是真正的浪費時間。」在人工智能迅速崛起的今天,也有部分學生擔憂未來職業被取代。對此,張嘉和態度堅定:「與其擔心被取代,不如努力讓自己站在不被淘汰的位置。」他指出,濠江機電正積極引入智能技術,行業本身也在進化中。此外,學校擴充成為三個全新學院、新增多個前沿學科,正是為了讓學生具備面向未來的能力。「把擔憂轉化為學習動力。今日的知識可能明日就被更新,唯有持續進修,才能立足於變動的時代。」
對於學院拆分為三院的重大改革,張嘉和給予高度評價:「這不僅是形式上的調整,而是深度與廣度的雙重拓展。」他認為,新架構能更精準對接全球科技趨勢,如人工智能、綠色能源、高端製造等新興領域。「澳門雖小,但我們要放眼粵港澳大灣區乃至全球。」他相信,這樣的改革將大幅提升澳大學子的競爭力,並為社會輸送高素質的科技專業人才,真正實現「大學為社會育才」的核心使命。
作為深耕本地並拓展橫琴的企業家,張嘉和也分析了澳門工程人才的獨特優勢。若選擇留澳發展,應善用語言、人脈與政策支持,若赴內地發展,則要把握大灣區資格互認機制,發揮國際化教育背景與英語能力,快速適應當地環境。「過去的壁壘正在打破,現在正是澳門青年北上創業、就業的最佳時機。」同時,他以「十人八椅」比喻當下日益競爭環境:「以前椅子多,現在要更努力才能坐穩。」他再次強調,危機感不是停滯的理由,而是行動的號角。只要你真心熱愛所學,持續精進,機會永遠屬於準備好的人。
從澳門大學機電工程系的一名本科生,到帶領本地企業成功上市的創業家,張嘉和的成長軌跡印證了科技學院教育的深遠影響。在學院邁向歷史性轉型之際,他的故事為更多澳大學子帶來啟發——築牢根基、擁抱變化、永不止步,才能在時代浪潮中篤行致遠,譜寫屬於自己的理想篇章。
Interview with Dr. Zhao Huayong:
A research journey driven by curiosity, from UM laboratories to a British lectern
科技學院優秀校友趙華永博士訪談:
從澳大實驗室到英國講台,好奇心驅動的科研人生
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.
2026年,澳門大學科技學院迎來成立三十七週年的里程碑時刻,同時也邁入歷史性的轉型階段——正式拆分為信息學院、工學院及理學院。這一重組不僅是對時代變遷的積極回應,更體現了大學培育未來科技人才的前瞻佈局。值此之際,學院訪問了傑出校友趙華永博士。他是2008年澳大機電工程本科畢業生,其後於2012年獲牛津大學工學博士學位,現為英國拉夫堡大學流體力學高級講師。從澳門到英國,從實驗台到講台,他與年輕學子分享了一段由好奇心驅動的科研人生。
選擇澳大的原因
2004年,趙華永面臨人生的一次關鍵抉擇。除了專業考量外,他尤為重視語言環境與全球化視野的培養。鑑於澳大採用全英文授課,這為其日後申請海外頂尖院校提供一定基礎。此外,他特意查閱了機電工程學系的師資,發現大部分老師都有海外留學經驗;配合澳門獨特的中西文化交融環境,這些對內地學子都是極具吸引力的條件。「各種各樣的因素加在一起,讓我最終選擇了澳門大學。如今回首,我很慶幸當初做了這個決定。」
改變人生的實驗室
選擇澳大成為趙華永人生的一個新起點,而走進譚立武教授的實驗室,則真正開啟了他的學術之門。「在加入實驗室之前,我對科研一無所知。」至今令他難忘的,是與譚教授初次見面時的對話:「譚教授告訴我,科研就是要探索前沿,去發現那些尚未解決的問題,勇於嘗試和學習新事物。」這番話深深觸動了他。也是在這個時期,通過閱讀實驗室中田長霖教授的著作《Microscale Energy Transport》更讓他領悟:「本科所學僅是建立在很多假設之上的極簡化理論,而這些假設在現實中未必成立,唯有科研才能不斷探索知識的最底層。」這段經歷讓他首次萌生投身學術的念頭,也改變了他未來的職業方向。
從澳大到牛津大學
在譚立武教授的實驗室中的工作經歷,不僅激發了他的科研熱情,更成為敲開牛津大門的關鍵。得益於澳大充足資源以及譚教授的支持和鼓勵,趙華永得以從零搭建實驗台架,開展原創性研究。「我申請的是研究型碩士,面試時導師不問宏大的未來規劃,而是重點關注在對研究中碰到的問題的理解以及技術細節。面試時絕大多數問題我都在和譚老師的項目會議中討論過。若沒有在譚教授實驗室中的工作,我可能很難拿到牛津的入場券。」
博士畢業後,趙華永加入英國拉夫堡大學,先後擔任博士後研究員、講師以及高級講師。回顧這段歷程,他坦言,「沒有好奇心,科研是非常枯燥而且充滿壓力的。」在英國工程學界,絕大多數畢業生最終進入業界,真正從事科研的始終是少數。「所以對我來說,最重要的是自己對這個領域有極大的興趣及好奇心。」
自然之勢,發展之機
談及科技學院即將分拆為三個學院,趙華永認為這是一次非常自然而又及時的結構性調整。「我畢業以後,澳大發展得非常快——不管是學生規模還是研究方向。當每個方向的資源和人力都越來越充足時,更加清晰的學科劃分更有助於各個學科的深入發展。拆分也能提供新的機會構建更有利於學科之間的融合的組織方式。」
給學弟妹的建議
面對人工智能席捲全球的年代,他給後輩提出四點誠懇建議:「未來會變化非常快。五年、十年以後,整體的就業市場會跟現在完全不一樣。第一,打下扎實的數理基礎,真正理解工具背後的原理;第二,培養批判性思維,對AI生成的答案保持獨立判斷;第三,擁抱變化,隨時準備轉變專業方向;第四,加強溝通協作等軟實力。」此外,他也勉勵學生:「本科階段是培養底層能力最好的時機,所以過度追逐熱點工具並期待未來靠某個工具吃飯是非常冒險(risky)的想法。真正重要的是理解工具背後的原理,並具備快速適應新工具的能力。」
從澳大實驗室,到牛津學府,再站上英國講台,趙華永的學術旅程始終圍繞著一個核心——保持對科學的好奇心。值此澳大科技學院迎來歷史性重組之際,趙華永的故事同樣為師生們帶來啟迪。世界瞬息萬變,知識不斷推進,唯有保持熱情與好奇心,才能在多變的環境中行穩致遠,實現個人理想。






