The CityU X Sino Grand Challenges Scholars Program (the Program), which acknowledges the patronage of the Sino Group, supports 160 engineering and science students at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) in receiving training and mentorship by industry leaders, attending overseas summits, and undertaking summer research projects from 2021 to 2025 to address the most important engineering problems in the world.

The Grand Challenges Scholars Program is initiated by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in the US and supported by a donation of around HK$1 million from the Sino Group to CityU. The Program prepares students to apply knowledge for the needs of society, especially in areas such as sustainability, health, security, and joy of living, through five key components: research experience, interdisciplinary curriculum, entrepreneurship, global dimension, and service-learning.

A sharing session was held earlier by CityU with representatives from Sino Group invited to exchange ideas with students who participated in the Program. Guests including Mr Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation), Sino Group; Ms Vivian Lee, Group General Manager (Corporate Marketing & Communications), Sino Group; Professor Matthew Lee Kwok-on, Vice-President (Development and External Relations); Ms Kathy Chan Yin-ling, Associate Vice-President (Development and Alumni Relations); Professor Daniel Ho Wing-cheong, Former Director of the Program and Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education), College of Science; and Dr Andy Chan Hau-ping, Director of the Program and Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering attended the sharing session.

Students shared their learning experiences and outcomes after joining the Program. “The opportunity offered by the Program is interdisciplinary. I am aware of how engineering solutions may contribute to social issues like containing infectious diseases and rehabilitating disabilities. I also have the chance to integrate my computational techniques into engineering knowledge to solve problems related to infrastructure under the guidance of professional engineers,” said Wijaya Ignatius Alvin, a fresh graduate from the Department of Mathematics and the Gold Awardee of the Program in 2021.

Mr Young said, “Sino Group is delighted to support this meaningful program organised by CityU to encourage engineering and science students in pursuit of profound knowledge and trailblazing solutions to address the pressing engineering issues in the world. This echoes with our vision of ‘Creating Better Lifescapes’, through empowering our community, especially the younger generation, to work together towards a more sustainable future. I look forward to seeing more students benefit from the Program in the years to come, taking on a fruitful journey of innovation and technology, while fulfilling their personal aspirations.” 

On behalf of CityU, Professor Lee presented a terrarium with a mini ecosystem built by our student representatives. It symbolises the spirit of students using their creativity to build a better future. 

About City University of Hong Kong

As one of the fastest-growing universities in the world over the last decade, CityU is recognised as a hub for innovation in research and professional education. Our world-class faculty champion the integration of teaching and research and consistently excel across many key international indicators for research excellence. Focusing on our core mission, we are committed to promoting knowledge and contributing to society through outstanding teaching and research.

Media enquiries: 
Professor Daniel Ho Wing-cheong, College of Science 
(Tel: 3442 8652/ Email: madaniel@cityu.edu.hk)

Dr Andy Chan Hau-ping, CityU X Sino Grand Challenges Scholars Program 
(Tel: 3442 8444/ Email: andy.h.p.chan@cityu.edu.hk)