“A clearly-defined goal. Stay hungry, stay foolish.”
Graduated with a higher diploma in applied sciences in 1982, Outstanding PolyU Alumnus Stephen Au is a pioneer in applying 3D technology to manufacturing and construction, and hence a role model for technology entrepreneurs, he is also a very commendable mentor for students.
Stephen believes the use of new technologies and nurturing of talent can facilitate the development of society and progress of the nation, and he takes this as his life goal. Over the years, he has been diligently engaging in research with different departments at PolyU, tapping into the potentials of 3D technology and paving the way for 3D design application in various industries.
Stephen founded MTECH Engineering in 1995 to provide BIM (Building Information Modelling) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) solutions and consulting services for the construction and manufacturing industries in Hong Kong and the mainland with a view to enhancing their competitiveness. MTECH was engaged as a consultant for many big projects including the BIM for the Beijing Olympic Stadium “Bird’s Nest”, it was a stunning victory. Stephen was bestowed “China's Top 100 Innovative Enterprise Leaders Award” (“中國企業創新優秀人物”) in 2007, “China’s Reform Pioneer” (“中國改革先進人物”) and “The Pride of China” (“中國驕傲”) accolades in 2008, for his noteworthy achievements in promoting scientific development and building harmony in community. In 2017, he was honoured as an Outstanding PolyU Alumnus.
Sparing no effort in nurturing talent, Stephen has actively supported the “OPAA Master Class Mentorship Programme" by being a mentor since 2017 and he went on to support the “INSPIRE” Mentorship Programme in 2020. So far, he has taken more than ten students under his wing. Not only does he share his life and work experience with them, he even became a business partner of one of his mentees, Max Lee.
A graduate in aviation engineering, Max is now pursuing his PhD study. He joined the “OPAA Master Class – Mentorship Programme" in 2018 and became a mentee of Stephen. “I have learnt a lot from Mr Au. I am now more mature and more confident in dealing with things and people. Mr Au has also ignited my passion to start my own business.” From mentor and mentee, the duo’s relationship has grown into friends and business partners. Apart from investing money in Max’s start-up “FJ005”, a company specialised in positioning technology, Stephen has devoted much time and effort to teaching Max business planning and management skills. He also helps Max to expand his social network and lay a good foundation for the company. Stephen is calling upon other alumni to serve as mentors and help students to identify their personal goals and realise their ambitions.
Stephen shares his motto for success, “A clearly-defined goal. Stay hungry, stay foolish.” He says that whether it is to support a mentorship programme or establish a start-up, he has set his heart on achieving his life goal, that is to facilitate the development of society and advancement of the nation by developing technology and nurturing talent.
Publishing date: June 2021
