ME Retreat in Dec 2025

The Department of Mechanical Engineering successfully convened its annual staff retreat in Huizhou from December 2 to 3, 2025. The retreat served as a strategic forum to address challenges in curriculum reform and to chart the course for the Department's future development.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Su Zhongqing, who introduced six new faculty members: Prof. Yu Hongyu, Prof. Du Huifeng, Prof. Xu Shengduo, Dr Tong Yu Chee, Dr Xu Nan Nathan, and Dr Yang Lei. Their arrival marks a significant infusion of promising and young talent into the Department. Prof. Su then provided a comprehensive overview of the Department's current status and recent developments.

Subsequent sessions featured detailed academic reports. Prof. Ruan Haihui, Associate Head (Teaching and Learning), and Prof. Jiao Zengbao, Chairman of the Postgraduate Programmes Committee, reviewed undergraduate and taught postgraduate admissions, respectively. Their presentations highlighted a sustained increase in applicant interest and the successful recruitment of high-calibre students across all programmes. Discussions also covered teaching load projections for newly launched programmes and upcoming teaching arrangements.

Prof. Choy Yat Sze, Chairlady of the Publicity Committee, reported on initiatives to enhance the Department's public image and student recruitment efforts. Prof. Tang Hui, Associate Head (Research), facilitated a lively discussion on key research themes, preparations for the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2026, admission policies, and the allocation of departmental resources.

Later in the afternoon, as the first day's agenda drew to a close, Dr Nathan Xu introduced the "Mechanical Engineering Elite Troop" (MEET) initiative and provided a progress update on member recruitment. Dr Curtis Ng, Secretary of the Space Allocation Committee, addressed ongoing space requirements and provided updates on laboratory renovation projects.

The retreat resumed on the second day with an open forum led by Prof. Su Zhongqing, fostering vibrant and constructive dialogue among all staff members. The feedback gathered will provide invaluable guidance for the Department's strategic planning.

Following the formal discussions, the delegation visited the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute and Biel Crystal Manufactory Limited. These visits offered first-hand insights into cutting-edge applied research facilities and advanced precision manufacturing processes, further strengthening the Department's industry-academia collaboration within the Greater Bay Area.

With over 40 staff members in attendance, the retreat was widely regarded as both insightful and productive, setting a positive and collaborative tone for the coming year.

For more photos of the event, please click HERE.