The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) is proud to announce that two of our distinguished graduates, Mr Kuok Hoi Sang and Dr Nie Yongquan, have received the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award (OPAA) for Professional Achievement from PolyU Faculty of Engineering. This award recognises alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, industrial innovation, and significant contributions to society.
Mr Kuok Hoi Sang
Chairman of Chevalier Group
Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering, Hong Kong Technical College (1972)
Mr Kuok Hoi Sang joined the Chevalier Group in 1972 and rose to become its Chairman. Under his leadership, the company grew into a major multinational conglomerate operating across eight core business sectors, including engineering, construction, and healthcare, with a global workforce of over 6,000 employees.
He drove industry innovation by leading the development of advanced construction systems, including modular footbridge systems, more efficient lift installation, and a patented hybrid building design for high-rise buildings. Beyond his corporate role, he shapes industry standards as the Life Honorary President of The Lift and Escalator Contractors Association and serves on government safety committees for the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). Mr Kuok also regularly participates in EEE department events to share his career experience and mentor undergraduate students.
Dr Nie Yongquan
Director of the Automation Division, Dispatching & Control Center, China Southern Power Grid (CSG)
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (2017), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr Nie Yongquan is a leading expert in power systems and grid automation. His work at CSG has advanced green energy technology and modern grid infrastructure. Dr Nie created a modern cloud-based system that enabled operators complete visibility and control over China’s power grid for the first time, overcoming the limits of older technology. He also designed China’s first Regional Frequency Regulation Ancillary Service Market system that manages over RMB 2.1 billion in annual transactions, serving as a model for national energy market reforms.
Internationally, he led the technical development of the Laos National Dispatching Automation System and supported the China–Laos 500 kV cross-border interconnection, exporting Chinese power automation technology to Southeast Asia and enhancing regional energy security. Dr Nie holds 122 granted invention patents, led the creation of a national engineering standard, and won the prestigious National Science and Technology Progress Award (1st Prize).
The EEE Department warmly congratulates Mr Kuok and Dr Nie. Their achievements show how an engineering degree from PolyU translates into real-world innovation, leadership, and global impact. They stand as excellent role models for our current students.
