The word ‘civil’ in ‘civil engineering’ comes from the Latin word ‘civilis’, meaning ‘relating to citizens’. It is also the root of the word ‘civilisation’. From urban infrastructure and transport systems to environmental engineering and intelligent construction, civil engineering is the backbone of social development. Civil engineers shape the world we live in and construct the foundation of human civilisation. As the world rapidly changes, civil engineering evolves as well, bringing new challenges for professionals in the field. To keep up with these advancements, the University of Macau (UM) has reinvented civil engineering education to align with the industry’s growing focus on smart technologies. Through continuous innovation, the university is committed to cultivating exceptional engineers equipped to lead in the new era.
Industry-Oriented Education Model
Civil engineering is a hands-on discipline. UM’s bachelor’s degree programme in civil engineering was originally designed according to the engineering education system in Portugal. After subsequent reforms, the programme earned accreditation from the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. Prof Zhou Wanhuan, head of the UM Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is responsible for programme evaluation. She notes that the department was one of the first in Hong Kong and Macao to adopt outcome-based education. This approach emphasises building a strong engineering foundation for students and enhancing their practical problem-solving skills.
To ensure students stay aligned with industry needs, the department has developed a comprehensive practice-oriented education system. For example, real-world case studies are incorporated into the curriculum, and industry professionals are invited to share their insights to help students better understand practical challenges and solutions in real-world projects. The department also provides advanced experimental platforms, including a real-time air pollution monitoring system and a civil engineering VR and AR enhanced training platform for construction safety training, enabling students to gain hands-on practice and deepen their understanding.
In addition, the department offers students extensive industry exposure by organising seminars and visits to enterprises. Furthermore, the department’s long-term partnerships with leading construction firms, structural design institutes, and infrastructure construction agencies in Macao and the Greater Bay Area provide students with numerous internship opportunities.
Thanks to his internship at China Road and Bridge Corporation (Hong Kong and Macao), Qin Zichao, a fourth-year student, discovered his passion for on-site construction management. During the internship, he was mainly responsible for cast-in-place pile construction. He also participated in construction monitoring, technical data recording and analysis, as well as assisting engineers in quality inspections and construction approvals. Reflecting on the experience, Qin says, ‘The internship gave me a deep understanding of real-world construction practices. Seeing the construction techniques and quality control standards for cast-in-place piles on site has reshaped how I think about my future career.’
Fostering Programme Innovation Through Cutting-Edge Technologies
With rapid technological advancements, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data models, and the Internet of Things are reshaping the civil engineering industry. These technologies are now integrated into every stage of a project, from planning and design to construction and maintenance. Prof Zhou says, ‘Future civil engineers are required to not only master traditional skills, but also leverage new technologies to enhance engineering efficiency and safety.’ As a result, it is necessary for civil engineering education to keep pace with these developments and continuously update its curriculum.
UM pays close attention to industry developments, regulations and standards to ensure its civil engineering curriculum stays up to date. For example, artificial intelligence and big data applications are incorporated into various courses, including numerical analysis in geotechnical engineering, data analysis in traffic engineering, structural analysis, optimisation algorithms, smart monitoring, and predictive modelling, so as to equip students with the skills needed to use cutting-edge technologies effectively.
Ung Wun Lam, an alumna of the bachelor’s programme in civil engineering, secured a position at the global engineering firm Arup (Macao branch) shortly after graduation. To advance her career, she returned to UM to pursue a master’s degree—a decision she views as essential for her professional development. Ung highlights the rapid development of geotechnical engineering and praises UM’s curriculum for staying up to date with new technologies and aligning with industry needs. With some work experience under her belt, Ung now has a deeper appreciation of how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations. She shares an example, ‘One morning, my supervisor at work taught me how to derive a soil parameter from soil test results. That same evening, my UM professor explained the exact same concept. This synergy not only enhances my learning but also helps me analyse problems more rigorously in my work.’
Enhancing Learning Effectiveness Through Competitions
Prof Zhou notes that civil engineering is a systems science that requires a broad set of skills, including independent learning, teamwork, innovative thinking and problem-solving. To help students develop these skills, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering supports their participation in various civil engineering competitions. Over the past three years, students from the department have achieved outstanding results in high-level competitions for university students such as national bridge design competitions and national structure design contests on information technology. UM students consistently rank among the top performers and, in some cases, are the sole awardees from the Greater Bay Area. These competitions also spark student interest in research. Many participants go on to join their supervisors’ research teams, further enhancing their academic and professional growth.
Diverse Career Paths
‘Civil engineering forms the foundation of social development. Despite rapid transformations in the industry, our graduates consistently find development opportunities worldwide that align with their strength,’ Prof Zhou emphasises. Indeed, UM graduates are highly regarded in Macao’s civil engineering sector. Nearly half of bachelor’s graduates secure positions at engineering firms and contribute to infrastructure development, architectural design, and structural analysis. Over the past three years, one hundred per cent of master’s graduates have secured employment, with many pursuing careers in Hong Kong and abroad. Additionally, about half of the bachelor’s graduates choose to pursue further studies after leaving UM. Many of them gain admission to world-class institutions, including the National University of Singapore, the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Sydney, and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden.
‘While the industry experiences cyclical changes, civil engineering is here to stay. It continues to evolve, and our responsibility is to keep pace with these changes and equip students with stronger competitiveness,’ Prof Zhou adds. UM’s civil engineering education is steadfast in its commitment to serving the community and advancing the industry. The university strives to cultivate professional civil engineers who can seize opportunities amid industry transformations.
Text: Gigi Fan
Photo: Jack Ho, with some provided by the interviewees
English Translation: Gloria Kuok, Bess Che
Source: UMagazine ISSUE 31
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