Topical Talk XI

Impressive Engineering/Technological Achievements of China since 1950's

Ir Professor H. C. Man received his Bachelor of Science degree from Queen Mary College, London; Master’s degree from Loughborough University of Technology, UK; and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Imperial College, London. Professor Man’s research career started with fascinating topics related to high power lasers. After his doctorate study, he worked in the industry for a few years researching and introducing high power laser materials processing to the manufacturing industry in the UK. He joined the Hong Kong Polytechnic in 1990. He is currently a Chair Professor in Materials Engineering, Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Director of PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Centre and Director of University Research Facilities in 3D Printing. His research interests are related to high power laser materials processing, advanced manufacturing technologies, additive manufacturing, surface engineering, corrosion and materials technologies. He is a Chartered Engineer; Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, UK; Fellow of the Laser Institute of America; Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering; and Member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.

In this talk, Prof. Man discussed China's historical struggles with wars since the early 19th century, which halted its engineering and technological development for over 150 years, leaving it lagging behind Western countries. However, since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, there has been a gradual increase in the pace of scientific and technological development, gaining significant momentum from the 1980s. The lecture highlighted key engineering and technology projects that have greatly improved the livelihoods of the Chinese population.