In my role as a Product Development Scientist at Momentive Performance Materials GmbH, I am tasked with developing products to meet our customers' needs. My Bachelor's degree in Product Analysis and Engineering Design (PAED) endowed me with extensive knowledge and know-how in the realm of product development, proving to be immensely beneficial in my current role. The foundational understanding of different materials, acquired during my Bachelor's, sparked my interest in materials science, particularly in polymers. This drove me to pursue a Master's degree in Polymer Technology in Germany. 

This further education allowed me to garner invaluable hands-on experience in polymer synthesis and characterization, especially during research at prestigious institutions like the Fraunhofer Institute and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing in Germany. The opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. further deepened my understanding and expertise in the field. 

In my current position, it's crucial to develop products that align with market needs and customer desires. The PAED program provided me with a comprehensive overview of the entire product development process and is highly relevant to the demands of my present job. The knowledge and experiences gained from my academic journey form a solid foundation for effectively working on new product development and generating innovative solutions.

My learning experiences in the Product Analysis and Engineering Design (PAED) programme have been instrumental in my role as the director of a surgical robot development company.

PAED equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the product development lifecycle, from concept to commercialization. This knowledge is invaluable in the fast-evolving field of surgical robotics. The programme's emphasis on human-centred design was particularly relevant. It taught me to prioritize safety, efficacy, and user-friendliness in our robotic systems, aligning perfectly with the medical device industry's demands. Interdisciplinary collaboration was another key takeaway. PAED taught me how to manage diverse teams effectively, fostering innovation and teamwork, which is crucial in developing complex robotic systems. Moreover, the programme's focus on market analysis and feasibility studies has been a vital tool in guiding my company's strategic decisions. It enables us to identify promising opportunities in the surgical robotics market.

In summary, PAED has provided me with the skills, knowledge, and mindset essential for leading a surgical robot development company. Its holistic approach to product development, human-centred design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and market analysis has significantly contributed to my career in advancing surgical robotics.

I am an acoustic engineer at an equipment company in Perth, Western Australia, specializing in noise attenuation solutions for heavy machinery, construction sites, and industrial plants.

In my field, flexibility is essential to adapt to customer needs, and effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders is crucial during product development. The PAED programme provided me with a strong foundation in product development skills. Most importantly, it taught me that empathy is vital for understanding customer pain points and potential challenges. Collaborating with diverse group members on various projects further improved my communication and collaboration abilities.

The opportunity to participate in an exchange study programme in France also broadened my international perspective and allowed me to experience different cultures and adapt to challenges. Today, I'm proud to say that my PAED education has empowered me with solid analytical and technical skills that have shaped me into a professional acoustic engineer. I have encountered various industry noise problems, and the knowledge gained from PAED has been instrumental in my career.

Intellect of an engineer, imagination of a designer. The PAED programme taught me to become a multidisciplinary thinker, equipping me to thrive in this era of technological advancement. During my studies in PAED, Randolph encouraged me to proactively explore my areas of interest, and I decided to delve deeper into design. After completing my undergraduate studies in human-centric design, I worked as a UX designer for 5 years, focusing on AI products and services.

My multidisciplinary thinking allows me to confidently define and solve problems from the perspectives of user desirability, technology feasibility, and business viability — all of which were fostered by my experience in PAED. In my previous job, I was honored to receive two iF Design Awards, two Red Dot Awards (including a "best of the best" Red Dot), and a DIA Gold Award. These achievements would not have been possible without the foundation I gained from PAED.

Currently, I am pursuing my new career goal of becoming a scholar, combining my practical experience with academic research. With tools like ChatGPT and AIGC, the boundaries between disciplines are becoming increasingly blurred, and PAED can help you stay abreast of this trend!

I am currently working at Ampd Energy as a full-time mechanical engineer, and my role is to manage, develop and design system components of Battery Energy Storage System products. I have such an exciting opportunity to work in a promising startup company in Hong Kong, thanks to the Product Analysis and Engineering Design (PAED) programme.

During the PAED Co-op Education Scheme, I was given an opportunity to work as a mechanical engineering intern for 6 months at Ampd Energy, where I learned how to apply the knowledge I gained from mechanical engineering studies, and enhanced my engineering skills up to the industry standard. Having an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you gained to the real industry is definitely not something to be underlooked at, as this led me to eventually become a full-time mechanical engineer at Ampd Energy.

Other than the Co-op Education Scheme, PAED also provided courses which strengthened my discipline in mechanical engineering and provided me a deeper understanding in product design, to see things from different perspectives. I feel that the knowledge and skills I've gained throughout the PAED courses were a solid foundation for starting my career as a mechanical engineer, and if you have an interest in product design, joining PAED would be a great starting point to your future career.

I am currently employed at an engineering consultancy firm where I specialize in providing sustainability services. These services encompass tasks such as building design analysis, green building certification, and the development of sustainability and/or carbon strategies for corporate entities or properties. Effective communication and coordination with experts from various disciplines are crucial in ensuring the smooth progress of projects within the working environment.

During my study in the PAED programme, I gained valuable knowledge in different engineering design principles. Additionally, the programme fostered critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling me to assess various products and explore alternative solutions. Collaboration with classmates, internal tutors, and external mentors played a significant role in the development of our projects across different subjects. This collaboration involved evaluating products, seeking alternative designs, incorporating practical features, and refining presentation and marketing strategies.

Throughout the programme, I honed my interpersonal skills and cultivated an engineering mindset that equips me to tackle challenges within the industry. I am grateful for PAED as it has enabled me to enhance my abilities to handle diverse projects and work effectively with different individuals in the workplace.

The PAED programme has offered me both theoretical and practical skills that have enabled me to become a well-rounded programme and project lead in my current career path. One of the key highlights of my PAED experience is the development of project management skills. In my current role, which focuses on workforce management, I am responsible for overseeing the fulfilment of larger organizational goals while managing multiple projects. The knowledge and insights I gained from PAED have inspired me in strategic alignment, maintaining stakeholder engagement, and facilitating change management.

Another significant highlight is the enhancement of my product development skills. In my current work, I am involved in driving the design of new store formats from the discovery phase to the sustainment phase. The skills I acquired through PAED have equipped me with the multidisciplinary and collaborative abilities necessary for tasks such as creativity, research, design, testing, and feedback.

I am truly grateful to have graduated from the PAED programme, as the hard and soft skills I acquired will undoubtedly serve as enablers for shaping my future and advancing my professional development.

My enriching experience with the PAED programme provided me with invaluable opportunities, such as participating in an exchange study programme at the University of Maryland, USA, and completing an internship in Chengdu. Through PAED, I had the privilege of learning from diverse sources of engineering knowledge across the globe.

PAED played a pivotal and inspiring role in preparing me for my further studies at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The program's comprehensive and unique curriculum, combined with its hands-on approach, equipped me with a solid foundation in technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills. This foundation proved to be invaluable in navigating the rigorous academic environment at DTU and later in my career in the field of surgical robotics. It allowed me to seamlessly integrate into advanced courses and engage in cutting-edge research projects.

The teaching approach of PAED is highly relevant to the innovation demands of today's rapidly evolving world. There are numerous challenges in areas such as the environment, healthcare systems, and living standards, where the knowledge gained through PAED can be applied to create solutions for a better world!

I work as an Electrical and Mechanical Engineer at the EMSD, where I am responsible for the operation, maintenance, and project management of electrical, mechanical, air-conditioning, and building services systems in public healthcare facilities. I am grateful for being a graduate of the PAED because it has equipped me with the necessary fundamentals, learning experiences, and qualifications to become a professional mechanical engineer.

The PAED curriculum is well-structured to deliver multidisciplinary knowledge, covering problem identification, design, development, and analysis of engineering solutions. This synthesis of general and specialist engineering knowledge is essential for solving complex problems and is transferable across different industrial contexts.

Moreover, the PAED curriculum offered valuable learning experiences that enriched my portfolio and played a crucial role in securing employment upon graduation. During my studies, I participated in internships at a metal component manufacturer in the Greater Bay Area and a power utility in Hong Kong through the Work-integrated Education programme. Additionally, I joined an academic exchange programme with one of the leading engineering universities in Europe in collaboration with the PAED.

As a Global Product Manager at Belkin, I am responsible for developing and executing a strategic product roadmap that aligns with the company’s goals, which involves in-depth market and technology trends research, analyzing customer needs, considering innovation and sustainability, and working closely with cross-functional team to drive successful product launch.

The Product Analysis and Engineering Design (PAED) programme has played a pivotal role in shaping my career and enabling me to become an all-rounded Product Manager who creates products that bring value to customers, solve user pain points, and make their lives better. With its unique blend of intellect from engineering and imagination from design, PAED has equipped me with the versatility and adaptability needed to thrive in a dynamic and technology-driven world.

I am currently working as a Product Manager for the Asia Pacific region at a globally leading company specializing in damper actuators, valves, and sensor design and manufacturing. In my role, I am responsible for overseeing the entire product life cycle of various product families. This includes conducting market research, defining product specifications, managing manufacturing and testing processes, as well as coordinating product launches and end-of-life management.

The knowledge and skills I gained from the PAED programme at PolyU have been a perfect fit for my job, providing me with engineering expertise and in-depth product knowledge. The mentoring from PAED professors and teaching fellows has been invaluable. Their guidance and inspiration have had a profound impact on me. Overall, my role as a Product Manager and my education in the PAED programme have provided me with a solid foundation to navigate various industries, and I am grateful for the well-rounded skill set and guidance I have received.

In 2008, I began my education at PolyU. I completed a year-long internship at CLP in 2011, which they sponsored, allowing me to finish my studies. After graduating in 2013, I started as a trainee engineer at CLP and steadily climbed the ranks over the next nine years, ultimately becoming a maintenance manager. During this time, I also obtained the qualification of a Chartered Engineer from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in the UK.

All of this journey started with my Bachelor's degree in Product Analysis and Engineering Design at PolyU. Although it may not appear directly connected to heavy industry, some may perceive it as more focused on designing small daily-use appliances. However, I distinctly remember Dr Leung's introduction to the course when I first entered PolyU. He emphasized the course's four keywords: product, analysis, engineering, and design. Through this program, I not only acquired knowledge and theory but also developed a people-oriented engineering mindset. This enlightening period laid a strong foundation for my professional engineering career.

In 2023, I made the decision to leave CLP and assume the role of operation and maintenance manager at Shell's oil terminal. This transition represents an exciting new chapter in my career, and I am eager to apply my skills and expertise in this role. 

Have you ever wondered why something is designed in a certain way? How you could change, improve, or create a product from scratch systematically? 

The Product Analysis and Engineering Design (PAED) program opened me a gateway to unraveling the 'why' behind product engineering designs and the 'how' of creating innovative, sustainable, and effective solutions. It's where my theoretical understanding was constantly challenged and refined through real-world application.

Now as a Product Research Engineer at BYD Europe, a frontrunner in sustainable transportation and energy solutions, the education I received at PolyU is not just a part of my toolkit, but the lens through which I approach every challenge. The multidisciplinary approach of the PAED program didn’t just impart knowledge; it sculpted my thought process, honed my analytical skills, and imbued me with a pragmatic approach towards engineering design and analysis.

As a graduate of the Product Analysis and Engineering Design (PAED) programme, I am confident in stating that PAED has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as an Assistant Project Manager at Lee Kum Kee.

In my current role, I am responsible for managing projects related to production capacity improvement. Additionally, I provide support and consultancy services to various plants within the organization. There are instances where I collaborate with industry partners to design and develop custom-made equipment specifically tailored to our unique packaging processes, which are unavailable in the market.

PAED heavily focuses on key areas such as design thinking, computer-aided design (CAD), product testing and evaluation, manufacturing processes, and project management. Moreover, it places significant emphasis on the development of interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and an engineering mindset. The invaluable knowledge and skills I acquired during my time in PAED have undoubtedly made me well-suited for my current position. My experience in the PAED program has been transformative. It has provided me with the necessary preparation for a successful career in the food manufacturing industry.

During my time as a student in the BEng (Hons) in Product Analysis and Engineering Design (PAED) programme at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, I embarked on an extraordinary journey of learning, innovation, and personal growth. The programme offered fundamental courses such as Industrial Design, Computer-Aided Design, and Fluid Dynamics, which provided me with a comprehensive understanding of Mechanical Engineering. In addition to the theoretical knowledge imparted by experienced lecturers, PAED also offered an exceptional opportunity known as the Co-op Scheme.  

This scheme allowed me to work in a company within the product design industry, enabling me to apply what I had learned in class to real-world situations. My work involved tasks such as market analysis, prototype development, simulations, testing, and presenting findings to industry experts. This exposure to real-world scenarios not only enhanced my technical skills but also improved my collaboration, communication, and project management abilities. 

In summary, PAED provided me with a comprehensive education in engineering principles, product analysis skills, and design sense. The programme's combination of theoretical knowledge, experiential learning, industry collaboration, and emphasis on creativity has shaped me into a well-rounded professional, ready to tackle the challenges of the industry.

Working as the product development manager in Miele - an international home appliances company, my main role is to identify China local market needs, develop country specific products and bring to the market.

PAED synergized the knowledge throughout the entire product life cycle, from how an opportunity is identified and transferred to a product, all the way till its usage and end of life. It allowed me to develop the holistic vision from cradle to grave, as well as solid skills in each step. Keeping all the relevant stakeholders’ interests and the “big picture” in mind, it was much easier to collaborate with cross-functional team, making trade-offs, finding balances and together deliver a successful product.

Another crucial emphasis of PAED is the user centric thinking. During the study we were constantly challenged – which user need are we addressing and is this solution the best fit? Whenever I got carried away by the fast-changing market, these questions always bring me back to focus on users’ true needs and create long lasting products.

I take great pride in being a graduate of PAED, as the programme equipped me with a comprehensive set of knowledge and skills. These have been instrumental in successfully completing numerous design projects that demanded innovative ideas, a systematic design process, effective budget and schedule control, and a persuasive presentation to gain buy-in from top management.

Currently as a Senior Engineer at Towngas, I mainly responsible for the operation and maintenance of underground gas pipelines and aboveground gas pressure regulatory facilities. To enhance operational efficiency and safety, numerous design projects were initiated. These include designing an auto-shut valve for underground pipelines to prevent water ingress and modifying existing excavation tools to reduce the workload of frontline workers. The skills I acquired through PEAD have been invaluable in these design projects, involving creating detailed product drawings and conducting simulations using computer-aided software, fabricating prototypes using various manufacturing technologies, and considering design factors such as material selection, human factors, and environmental friendliness, which have thoroughly prepared me to excel as an all-rounded engineer in the gas industry.

Since my childhood, I have had a strong fascination with dismantling various mechanical devices and exploring how they operate. In 2016, I graduated from the Hong Kong Community College with an Associate in Engineering, achieving excellent grades and demonstrating my passion for the field. As a result, I was admitted to the senior year class at PolyU to pursue a degree in Product Analysis and Engineering Design (PAED).

PAED's unique and interdisciplinary curriculum has provided me with the opportunity to synthesize engineering, technology, design, and business principles. This holistic approach has enabled me to develop innovative engineering products and systems with high value-added potential. Inspired by PolyU's motto, "To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind," I strive to apply my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact.

After completing my studies, I joined CLPe Solutions, a renowned partner in energy and infrastructure solutions. At CLPe Solutions, I have had the privilege of merging products and services to create value-added packaged solutions. These solutions empower our customers to transition to a low-carbon business and lifestyle, aligning with the principles I learned at PolyU.

I am currently a post-graduate student at Technical University of Munich in Germany, pursuing a major in Development, Production, and Management in Mechanical Engineering. This programme aims to train engineers to become experts in the manufacturing sector, providing in-depth knowledge of the entire product development process, from development to production and logistics.

The Product Analysis and Engineering Design (PAED) programme, being interdisciplinary in nature, offers a broader perspective compared to other subjects that are more focused on a single discipline. Studying PAED has equipped me with essential competencies in operational management and has laid a strong foundation for my graduate studies.

During my time in PAED at PolyU, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the product life cycle and industrial processes. It also provided me with valuable insights and goals for my future engineering career. I am grateful for the expertise I acquired during my studies at PAED and I fondly remember my time at PolyU.

As a graduate of the Product Analysis and Engineering Design (PAED) programme, I possess a comprehensive skill set that extends well beyond the traditional boundaries of engineering.

In comparison to other engineering programmes, PAED offers not only the fundamental mechanical engineering courses, but also a wide range of specialized courses that are crucial to product development. These include product safety, design for manufacturing, and industrial design. This unique curriculum has allowed me to explore diverse approaches in tackling multidisciplinary engineering challenges.

Upon completing my studies, I have developed the proficiency to make valuable contributions as a developer within a research and development team. In the realm of product development, it is vital to comprehend the product requirements, evaluate existing and potential solutions to meet these requirements, and strategically select the optimal solution. Furthermore, the programme has equipped me with the ability to analyze the products I encounter in my daily life, comprehend and evaluate their mechanisms, and generate alternative solutions to fulfill the same functional requirements. This mindset of lifelong learning not only enhances my professional adaptability, but also ignites a continuous passion for innovation and creative problem-solving.

Graduating from PAED in 2013, the programme equipped me with a broad spectrum of knowledge in new product development, from design thinking, human-centred approach, engineering theories to manufacturing processes and business considerations. In PAED, we worked in groups on projects, and we learnt very practical skills from hands-on trainings in the Industrial Centre and from collaboration projects with industry leaders.

Then I went to London to pursue further studies in Royal College of Art. After graduation, I worked for Industrial Design Consultancy for nearly 8 years, creating innovative designs and leading usability research for medical, healthcare, and beauty electronics projects. I am fascinated about human-centred design, and the magic to transform sketch concepts to beautifully executed final products. Recently, I joined Diageo as Innovation Packaging Lead APAC, identifying new technology and emerging trends, and developing innovative pack materials and formats for the future.

I am very grateful for what I have learnt from PAED. The understanding of product development process has enabled me to choose the areas to dive in, while having a big picture and working efficiently with other teams and stakeholders.

I am a precision machine designer at KLA Corp, a top 5 semiconductor equipment company. My role involves core machine design for semiconductor processes. Reflecting on my journey, the PAED programme has been a source of inspiration and helped me discover my passion. It has been the most valuable aspect of my experience.

So, how does PAED achieve this? I believe there are two key factors: its interdisciplinary approach and the practical insights shared by industry professionals. The programme not only teaches the technical aspects through calculations, simulations, and experiments, but also fosters critical thinking, first principles, and the product design process, encouraging students to do the right thing.

Additionally, practical skill development plays a significant role. Industry experts are regularly invited by Dr Randolph Leung to share their experiences, providing valuable real-world perspectives from understanding customer needs to phasing out products. These insights give students a clear understanding of what their future career entails and the skills needed to excel in the field.
 
Personally, I have gained immense benefits from the programme, and I hope you will too.