Studying at PolyU has been an enriching experience, offering me the opportunity to learn from a diverse array of world-class experts hailing from different parts of the globe. The unwavering support and guidance provided by our dedicated teachers has been instrumental in shaping our academic journey, instilling in us a sense of passion and perseverance to observe problems and solve them as an engineering student.

Furthermore, the academic curriculum at PolyU is thoughtfully designed to not only impart theoretical knowledge but also provide ample opportunities for practical learning. Armed with the knowledge gained from our lessons, we can establish a robust foundation for our chosen career paths. Through a series of engaging practical experiments and industrial training programs, we students are empowered to apply our classroom learning in real-world scenarios, hone our skills, and become prepared to face the challenges of the professional engineering landscape and thus perform better in internship training.

In addition to academic pursuits, my involvement in the HKIE student chapter committee during the 2023/24 session has been invaluable in terms of broadening my perspective on the field of professional engineering. Exposure to a diverse range of experiences has not only enriched my understanding but also inspired me to aspire to greater heights in my chosen career path.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering provides abundant opportunities to facilitate well-rounded development. I had the privilege of founding the PolyU Smart Mobility Student Chapter and contributing to our team’s achievement of the first runner-up prize in the ESRI Young Scholar Award competition (Group Application). These experiences not only honed my leadership abilities but also kept me connected with the evolving developments in our field.

My involvement with a research team focused on low-carbon concrete and 3D printing of concrete was particularly rewarding. This was a valuable opportunity to engage in research that emphasises sustainability – an essential consideration in today’s engineering practices.

The support I received from the department also has been instrumental to my growth outside PolyU. The opportunities to serve as chairperson of the HKIE Student Chapter and to lead initiatives with Engineers Without Borders Hong Kong have enriched my experience and allowed me to contribute to the community.

Most recently, I completed a year-long exchange program and my final year project at Imperial College London under the guidance of Prof. Jamie Standing. This experience, which included visits to the Central Line of the London Underground and a collaboration with Arup London, helped me to gain insights into global practices in construction and deepen my understanding of geotechnical engineering.

These experiences have significantly shaped my perspective and skills. I encourage you to embrace the diverse opportunities that await you in the CEE programme.

While completing my four-year degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU, I was captivated by the dynamic interplay of the various disciplines that shape the built environment. From structural design and geotechnical analysis to hydraulic design and transportation planning, I gained a holistic understanding of how these different disciplines work together to deliver infrastructure projects.

The hands-on learning opportunities were a particular highlight. Whether I was conducting soil tests in the lab, designing a building project in a group, or participating in a construction project during my internship, I was able to seamlessly translate the theory learned in the classroom into practice.

Since graduating in 2023, my career has taken an exciting turn. As a civil engineering graduate now working for the Hong Kong Government, I am helping to strengthen the city’s infrastructure. I've had the opportunity to rotate among various departments, ranging from the Highways Department to the Drainage Services Department, where I have applied my academic knowledge and hands-on experiences in my daily work. Applying the skills and expertise developed during my studies towards meaningful projects that benefit the community has been a deeply rewarding experience.

My journey at PolyU has been an incredible adventure, filled with experiences that have truly shaped my academic and professional dreams. One of the most exciting aspects of my study at PolyU has been participating in courses related to artificial intelligence and data analytics (AIDA). These courses have not only expanded my knowledge but also provided me with the tools to apply these concepts within the sector of smart mobility, which I have chosen as my secondary major. The curriculum is designed to be cutting-edge, ensuring that students are always at the forefront of technological advancements. Additionally, field trips and camps, such as the civil engineering surveying camp, have given me hands-on experiences to bring classroom theories to life. Being part of the Smart Mobility student chapter has been amazing; it has allowed me to connect with industry professionals and gain insights I never thought possible. One of the highlights of my academic journey was a study tour to Bangkok, Thailand, where I took a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s construction projects and even had an exclusive visit to the Rama IX Bridge. Another unforgettable experience was my summer exchange at NTU in Singapore, where I learned about advanced transportation systems and was inspired by Singapore’s incredible infrastructure. The scholarship opportunities made available by PolyU and the department have lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and personal growth throughout these two years. As I look forward to my upcoming internship, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the chance to further deepen my knowledge and skills in the field of civil engineering.