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From engineer to entrepreneur: UM alumnus Ken Cheong charts a path for success
從工程師到傑出企業家 澳大校友張嘉和繪出成功軌跡

2023-12-15|Tags: , , , |

Two decades ago, Ken Cheong was a year one student who just started his studies of electromechanical engineering at the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Macau (UM), with limited knowledge about the field. However, his relentless curiosity led him on a journey of continuous learning, honing his problem-solving skills and logical thinking. He progressed from a part-time drafter to an engineer, and eventually established his own business. Today, Cheong holds the positions of co-founder, chairman, and CEO in a listed engineering company, demonstrating the growth and leadership potential for aspiring engineers.
 
Enduring bonds between professors and students
In 1997, following his graduation from the science stream at Pooi To Middle School in Macao, Cheong set his sights on pursuing higher education in the field of science. He was admitted to the Department of Electromechanical Engineering at UM, which at that time had existed for about seven years and had small class sizes of approximately ten students. Beyond the classroom, the students formed strong bonds, often participating in extracurricular activities together.
 
Even today, Cheong still maintains close connections with his UM classmates and teachers, a testament to the lasting relationships formed during his time at UM. Despite their busy schedules, they try to gather two to three times a year, upholding a cherished tradition. Cheong shares, ‘When I was studying at UM, there were just about a dozen students in my class in the Department of Electromechanical Engineering. I have learned that the class size has now grown to dozens of students, which indicates the increasing popularity of the field. As the number of graduates has grown, alumni from the Department of Electromechanical Engineering have set up a messaging group to connect with one another. Each year, there are new graduates joining the group. Through this platform, senior alumni share the latest industry news and job openings, offering valuable advice and support to our young alumni.’
 
During his university years, Cheong was fortunate to have the guidance of several mentors, with Prof Tam Lap Mou standing out as a pivotal figure. Prof Tam supervised Cheong’s graduation project, leaving a lasting impression on Cheong. ‘Prof Tam consistently addressed my questions with patience and clear explanations. Our relationship has extended well beyond my university days; he often joins me and my former classmates at gatherings. His guidance has been priceless, especially when facing professional challenges. To me, Prof Tam is not just a former teacher; he’s a highly respected elder friend,’ Cheong fondly recalls.
 
From gaining experience to establishing a business
The electromechanical engineering sector in Macao has seen rapid growth over past few decades. Knowledge that was considered cutting-edge twenty years ago is barely applicable in the present day. Reflecting on his learning journey at UM, Cheong says, ‘Back in my university days, our professors emphasised the importance of approaching challenges with the right mindset. They played a crucial role in developing our logical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which have proven to be invaluable in my career. It also highlights the high-quality education I received at UM.’
 
During the interview, Cheong often mentioned that he is a lucky person. When he was still a university student, he had the opportunity to gain professional experience working part-time as a drafter at an engineering company. Following his graduation in 2001, he joined a company as an electromechanical system design engineer, where he was responsible for designing plans and other preliminary work. Two years later, he moved to another company, focusing on construction projects. He also gained experience working in the engineering department of a public higher education institution and a private engineering firm. In 2011, with about ten years of experience in electromechanical engineering, he decided to start his own business and co-founded Kento Engineering Co. Ltd. The parent company of Kento—Macao E&M Holding —was established in 2017, and subsequently listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020.
 
Participation in Macao infrastructure projects 
Cheong has steered his company through a variety of significant projects in Macao, ranging from public housing and entertainment venues to hotels and infrastructure. Among them, the completion of the Guia Hill Pedestrian Tunnel in September 2022 stands out as a remarkable achievement. Linking the Guia Hill, Zape, and Avenida de Horta e Costa, this tunnel has significantly reduced pedestrian travel times, and received positive feedback from local residents. Cheong’s firm played a crucial role in this project; it oversaw vital aspects such as power supply, ventilation system design, and construction. Reflecting on the tunnel’s success, Cheong says, ‘The positive response from the public, evident in the many visitors who went to the tunnel to take photographs, fills us with pride. It is rewarding to see the recognition of our contributions to the city’s landscape.’
 
Learning is the key to entrepreneurship
In the rapidly evolving electromechanical engineering industry, where technology and equipment are continually advancing, Cheong underscores the importance of acquiring new knowledge and skills to stay competitive. He also believes that developing expertise in different fields is crucial for career advancement. Cheong states, ‘General staff members only need to complete the assigned tasks without being concerned about business operations. However, as a manager, I have to be responsible for the company’s financial performance. This leads to a significant increase in my duties and accountability.’
 
Drawing experience from his first forays into business, Cheong notes, ‘Continuous learning is crucial for success in entrepreneurship.’ He admits that he felt overwhelmed when he started his business, as he had to handle everything—from administration to finance—single-handedly. However, the knowledge and experiences he gained from previous positions proved to be beneficial. The operational insight he acquired from former employers and colleagues allowed him to overcome the challenges.
 
‘Zero births one. One creates two.’ Cheong reiterates this motto throughout the interview. Starting everything from scratch, Cheong attributes his success in electromechanical engineering to his diligence and persistence. Operating in the fiercely competitive construction industry in Macao, he recognises the need for his team to work tirelessly to earn client trust. Cheong asserts, ‘To succeed in this industry, it is not enough to just offer fair prices. We must also ensure the high quality of our projects. Only by showing our dedication and sincerity to our clients can we maintain long-term relationships with them and ensure our long-term development.’
 
Outstanding young entrepreneur in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
In September 2023, the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award Ceremony took place simultaneously in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macao. Organised by the Guangdong-HK-Macao Bay Area Entrepreneurs Union, the event drew the participation of over 1300 entrepreneurs competing for the title. Among the contenders, 100 exceptional young entrepreneurs were recognised and honoured, including 14 from Macao. Seven of these awardees are UM alumni, and Cheong is one of them.
 
Feeling honoured and motivated by this distinction, Cheong also expressed his heartfelt thanks to UM. ‘Aside from the honour, this award also brings more responsibilities. It serves to remind me of the importance of making continuous improvement in my work and setting a positive example for the younger alumni.’ 
 
Source: My UM Issue 129
20多年前，張嘉和開始他在澳門大學科技學院機電工程系的學習之路。當時身為一年級生，他對機電工程所知甚少。然而，憑藉強烈的好奇心，他不斷學習專業知識，逐漸掌握工程師的解決問題能力和邏輯思維，並從一名兼職圖則繪圖員起步，成為機電工程師，再創立公司。今日他已成為一家上市工程公司的聯合創辦人、主席兼行政總裁，為有志創業的工程師樹立榜樣。
 
師生情誼代代相傳
1997年，張嘉和從澳門培道中學理組畢業後，決心深造理科相關領域，選擇澳大機電工程系。該系於1990年成立，初時每班學生僅有十餘人。他們不僅共同上課，還經常聚餐和參加各類課外活動，建立牢固友誼。
 
時至今日，張嘉和仍與當年的同學和老師保持密切聯繫，工作再忙每年也會相聚兩到三次，這份情誼更代代相傳。張嘉和表示：「我在澳大就讀時，機電工程系一班只有十多人，現在一班有幾十人，反映出機電工程專業越來越受歡迎，且隨著畢業生增加，畢業生們建立了一個澳大機電工程系校友的社交群組，每年都有新畢業生持續加入。群組內，學長姐會分享行業最新資訊、實習及招聘機會，幫助後輩獲得行業的重要資訊。」
 
在大學歲月裡，張嘉和有幸得到很多老師循循善誘，當中譚立武教授對他的影響最深。譚教授是他畢業項目的指導老師。懷著感激之情，張嘉和回憶說：「不論何時，當我向譚教授尋求指導時，他總會耐心解惑。即便畢業多年，我們仍保持聯繫，他也時常出席我和同學們的聚會。在我的職業生涯中遇到挑戰時，他也總能提供寶貴意見。對我來說，譚教授不僅是老師，更是一位備受尊敬的長輩。」
 
從積累經驗到開創事業
過去數十年，澳門機電工程行業迅速發展，與科技的進步齊頭並進，20年前所學的知識難以完全用於當前環境。回想在澳大的學習經歷，張嘉和感慨地說：「當時老師深入指導我們以正確態度面對難題，使我得到許多鍛鍊邏輯思維和解決問題能力的機會，這些經驗至今仍對我大有幫助，可見澳大能為學生提供高質素教育。」
 
訪問期間，張嘉和常說自己很幸運。大學時，他已在一家工程公司任兼職圖則繪圖員，積累專業經驗。2001年畢業後，他加入了一家公司，擔任機電系統設計工程師，主要負責設計圖則及其它前期工作。兩年後，他轉投另一家公司，專注於施工領域的工作。他又先後在一所公立高等院校的工程部及一家私人工程公司任職。2011年，憑藉在機電工程行業積累的約10年經驗，他選擇創業，與夥伴創立了建滔工程有限公司。到2017年，建滔工程的母公司濠江機電控股有限公司成立，並於2020年在香港交易所掛牌上市。
 
參與澳門基建項目
張嘉和帶領公司參與過很多項目，包括公共房屋、娛樂場、酒店和基礎設施的建設， 其中在2022年9月竣工的松山行人隧道令他印象深刻。該隧道連接松山、新口岸及高士德大馬路，大大縮短步行距離。在此項目中，張嘉和的公司負責隧道供電、通風等方面的設計與施工工作。他表示：「隧道受到市民廣泛好評，很多人還特地前來拍照。看到我們參與的項目受市民認可，令我感到自豪。」
 
學習：創業路上的關鍵
 
在機電工程技術和設備不斷更新換代的當下，張嘉和認為，要在行業中保持競爭力，就必須學習新知識和技能。如要在職涯中取得更大進步，還要學習其它領域的知識。他坦言：「一般員工只需完成上司分配的任務，不必操心太多企業的營運。但成為管理層後，我要對公司的盈虧負責，使我的責任重了許多。」
「若想成功創業，不斷地學習絕對是關鍵。」談及創業初期的經歷，張嘉和說，他曾獨自處理諸如行政、財務等事務，壓力很大。幸運的是，在之前的工作經驗中，他從僱主和同事身上學到許多寶貴的營運知識。
 
「有零才會有一，有一才會有二。」在訪問中，張嘉和反覆強調這點。他坦言自己白手興家，事業上的成就全憑努力一步步累積，關鍵在於勤奮。面對澳門競爭激烈的建造業，他的團隊必須付出巨大努力才能獲得客戶信任：「要在這個行業成功，僅提供合理價格是不夠的；嚴格確保工程質素同樣重要。我們必須讓客戶真切感受到我們的用心和誠意。他們才會與我們長期合作，生意才得以持續增長。」
 
粵港澳大灣區傑出青年企業家
 
2023年9月，第四屆粵港澳大灣區傑出青年企業家頒獎典禮在香港、深圳、澳門三地同步舉行。這項由粵港澳大灣區企業家聯盟主辦的活動吸引了1300多名參評者，其中100位青年企業家脫穎而出，包括14位來自澳門的獲獎者。在這些獲獎者中，七位是澳大校友，張嘉和便是其中之一。
被選為傑出青年企業家，他感到光榮、深受鼓舞，也不忘對母校表示感謝：「獲得這個獎項，讓我感覺自己肩負了更多責任，我必須不斷提升工作表現，繼續為學弟妹樹立榜樣。」
 
來源：《澳大人》第129期

Cheong’s company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020
張嘉和公司於2020年在香港交易所掛牌上市

Cheong (left) was awarded the Outstanding Young Entrepreneur title
張嘉和（左）獲選傑出青年企業家

Cheong (first from left), other award-winning UM alumni, and UM management at the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award Ceremony.
第四屆粵港澳大灣區傑出青年企業家頒獎典禮得獎澳大校友與澳大領導合照，左一為張嘉和。

Cheong believes that continuous learning is crucial for success in entrepreneurship
張嘉和認為若想成功創業，不斷地學習是關鍵。

UM develops novel magnetic soft robots with on-demand hardening
澳大成功研發新型磁控機器人

2023-11-20|Tags: , , , |

A research team led by Xu Qingsong, professor in the Department of Electromechanical Engineering of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Macau (UM), has developed a novel on-demand hardening magnetic soft robot. With the advantages of on-demand hardening and flexible deployment, the robot not only can perform a given task alone with high output forces, but can also be used in conjunction with existing surgical robots, representing a significant advance in the design and application of magnetically controlled robots. The research results have been published in Research, an internationally renowned journal under Science.

Magnetically controlled robots have shown great advantages in medical applications because of their wireless actuation and control characteristics. However, in actual clinical applications, existing magnetically controlled soft robots have limitations, such as limited functions, small output force, and low structural stiffness. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more flexible and adaptive deployment strategies and design methods to fully utilise the performance of magnetically controlled robots and improve their functions. The magnetically controlled soft robot developed by Prof Xu’s research team is capable of switching its stiffness quickly and in a controlled manner, adhering flexibly to the surface of various objects, and providing powerful output forces. The research results offer a promising way to enable magnetically controlled robots to perform more powerful control functions.

The research team’s experimental results show that using a mixture of magnetic particles and non-Newtonian fluidic soft materials to produce magnetic soft robots can achieve programmable hardening, controlled adhesion, soft reconfiguration, and other properties. By applying an external magnetic field, a 1-gram magnetic soft robot can leverage its adhesion and magnetic actuation to pick up an object 300 times its weight. The soft robot can adhere to a variety of object surfaces, enabling the ability of magnetic actuation with improved performance. The soft robot can be used in conjunction with traditional surgical robots to provide precise magnetic navigation and control, as well as a broader range of functions, including adhesion grasping and related operations. In addition, the non-Newtonian properties of the soft robot can be activated by applying a rapidly changing wireless magnetic field. This enables the robot to change between fluid and solid forms in real time and a controlled manner, facilitating swift liquid-solid phase transitions.

The magnetic soft robot developed by Prof Xu’s research team has the following advantages: 1) It has an ultra-soft structure and good adhesion properties that allow flexible deployment, and it can be used in collaboration with existing surgical equipment; 2) Its adhesion properties can be controlled and adjusted by an external magnetic field, which helps perform more functions; 3) It can achieve swift programmable hardening and improve its mechanical strength and stiffness, and provide significant output forces. According to the research team, the realisation of a powerful magnetically controlled robot is of great value for advanced medical applications, and the proposed design ideas and utilisation strategies have reference significance for research in the field.

Prof Xu Qingsong is the corresponding author of the study, and Xu Zichen, a PhD student in the Department of Electromechanical Engineering of UM’s Faculty of Science and Technology, is the first author. PhD student Chen Yuanhe also contributed to the study. The research project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (File no: 52175556), the Science and Technology Development Fund of the Macao SAR (File no: 0102/2022/A2, 0004/2022/AKP, and 0153/2019/A3), and UM (File no: MYRG2022-00068-FST and MYRG-CRG2022-00004-FST-ICI). The full version of the research article can be viewed at: https://spj.science.org/doi/abs/10.34133/research.0262.

澳門大學科技學院機電工程系教授徐青松的研究團隊開發出一種新型磁控可塗抹的按需硬化軟體機器人，具有快速可控硬化和靈活部署的優勢，不僅可以憑藉強大輸出力單獨完成指定任務，還可與現有的手術機器人協同使用，在磁控機器人的設計與應用方面取得重大進展。研究成果已於Science旗下國際知名期刊《研究》發表。

磁控機器人因其無線驅動和控制的特性，在醫療應用中體現出巨大優勢。但在實際臨床應用中，現有的磁控機器人存在功能少、輸出力小、結構剛度小等局限性。因此，磁控機器人急需更加靈活、更強自適應性的部署策略和設計方法，才能充分發揮出其效能。徐青松研究團隊開發的磁控機器人具有自身硬度快速可控切換的能力，可以靈活地黏附在各種物體表面，並提供強大的磁控輸出力。該研究結果進一步實現磁控機器人取得更強大的操控功能。

研究團隊的實驗結果表明，採用磁性顆粒和非牛頓流體軟材料的混合物來製作磁控機器人可以實現可編程硬化、可控黏附、柔軟可重構等特性。通過施加外部磁場，借助磁控機器人的黏附和磁驅動，重量1克的磁控機器人能夠抓起自身300倍重量的物體。該磁控機器人可以黏附在各種物體的表面，賦予其磁性驅動的能力，從而提升操控性能。磁控機器人能夠與傳統手術機器人一起協同使用，為其提供精準的磁驅動導航和控制，以及提供更多樣化的功能，包括黏附抓取等相關操作。此外，磁控機器人還可通過施加快速變化的無線磁場來激活當中的非牛頓特性，使其可以在流體和固體形態之間進行實時可控的切換，從而快速實現硬度切換。

徐青松研究團隊開發的磁控機器人具有以下優點：1. 具有超柔軟的結構和良好的黏附特性，可以實現靈活的部署，並可與現有的手術設備協同使用；2. 其黏附特性可以由外加磁場可控調整，有助於實現更加多樣化的功能；3. 能夠實現快速的可編程硬化，提高自身機械剛度與硬度，並且提供強大輸出力。團隊表示，設計出功能強大的磁控機器人在先進醫療應用方面具有重要價值，所提出的設計思想與應用策略對於相關研究具有重要的借鑒意義。

該研究的通訊作者為徐青松，第一作者為澳大科技學院機電工程系博士生徐子晨，博士生陳遠赫也對研究作出重要貢獻。研究項目獲國家自然科學基金（檔案編號：52175556）、澳門特別行政區科學技術發展基金（檔案編號：0102/2022/A2, 0004/2022/AKP和0153/2019/A3）及澳門大學（檔案編號：MYRG2022-00068-FST和MYRG-CRG2022-00004-FST-ICI）資助。全文可瀏覽：https://spj.science.org/doi/abs/10.34133/research.0262

磁控機器人示意圖

Xu Qingsong (centre in the front row) and his research team
徐青松（前排中）與研究團隊

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