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.