Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) education aims to nurture\nprofessionals in electrical, electronic, and computer engineering. In recent\nyears, the University of Macau (UM) has introduced cutting-edge programmes that\nintegrate interdisciplinary\napproaches to push beyond traditional knowledge boundaries. By incorporating\nadvanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) into courses, the university strives to broaden students\u2019\nprofessional horizons. These initiatives equip UM graduates to succeed as\npractitioners and entrepreneurs in the Greater Bay Area.<\/p>\n\n
Fostering Innovation\nThrough Interdisciplinary Collaboration<\/p>\n\n
In an era of\nrapid technological advancements, transformative technologies such as AI, the\nInternet of Things (IoT), microelectronics, and smart grids are reshaping\nindustries across the globe. In response, UM places strong emphasis on\ninterdisciplinary education. The university\u2019s ECE programmes integrate\nknowledge from diverse fields, including biomedical engineering, electric power\nengineering and automation, microelectronics, wireless communications, IoT, and\nintelligent control systems.<\/p>\n\n
According to Prof Carlos Silvestre, head of the Department of Electrical\nand Computer Engineering, UM\u2019s ECE programmes go beyond traditional engineering\neducation by incorporating emerging technologies. For example, the department\nhas introduced courses on AI principles, data analysis for IoT, and cloud\ncomputing. It also maintains close collaboration with the State Key Laboratory\nof Internet of Things for Smart City and State Key Laboratory of Analog and\nMixed-Signal VLSI, and industry partners to ensure that students acquire both\nfoundational and cutting-edge knowledge while developing a forward-looking\nunderstanding of industry trends. Prof Silvestre explains, \u2018In this era marked\nby rapid technological advancements, our programmes must stay aligned with\nthese developments to ensure that students can effectively apply their\nknowledge in real-world contexts.\u2019<\/p>\n\n
Focusing on Both Theoretical Learning and\nPractical Skills<\/p>\n\n
To enhance students\u2019 practical skills, the Department of Electrical and\nComputer Engineering has established state-of-the-art facilities, including\nlaboratories for embedded systems, control, and wireless communication. These labs are equipped with industry-standard tools such as Python,\nTensorFlow, and MATLAB, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in areas\nsuch as smart system development, control, microelectronics, smart grids, and\nbiomedical engineering. This setup ensures a seamless integration of\ntheoretical knowledge with practical application.<\/p>\n\n
Li Haobo, a third-year student, shares his experience at UM: \u2018Compared\nto universities in mainland China, UM places more emphasis on developing\nstudents\u2019 practical skills. Even undergraduates are encouraged to join\nprofessors\u2019 research teams and\nconduct experiments in the laboratory. This approach significantly enhances our\nhands-on abilities, problem-solving skills, and academic writing proficiency.\u2019\nUnder the guidance of his professor, Li won first place in the preliminary\nround and third prize in the finals of the Youth Group Emotional BCI\nCompetition at the 2023 World Robot Contest (WRC)\u2014Brain-Computer Interface\n(BCI)\u2014Controlled Robot Contest. As he reaches his final year of undergraduate\nstudies, Li plans to continue his academic journey at UM by pursuing a master\u2019s\ndegree.<\/p>\n\n
Each year, approximately 10 per cent of UM ECE students participate in\nlocal, regional, and international competitions, further enhancing their\nacademic abilities and practical skills. Prof Silvestre adds that master\u2019s\nstudents enjoy more opportunities to take part in internships and research\nprojects, while doctoral students work closely with professors to conduct\nresearch and publish their findings. Additionally, the department offers\nextensive internship opportunities in enterprises in Macao and the Greater Bay\nArea.<\/p>\n\n
Supporting the Development of the Greater Bay\nArea <\/p>\n\n
UM\u2019s ECE programmes equip students with expertise applicable to a wide\nrange of engineering fields, including electrical building services, railway\nelectrification systems, power systems, microelectronic integrated circuit\ndesign, wireless communication, and intelligent control. Graduates have secured\nroles in organisations such as Macao Light Rapid Transit Corporation, Companhia\nde Electricidade de Macau, and Teledifus\u00e3o de Macau, working as electrical\nengineers, systems managers, and more. In the 2023\/2024 academic year, the\nDepartment of Electrical and Computer Engineering graduated 32 bachelor\u2019s\nstudents, 32 master\u2019s students, and 17 PhD students. 70 per cent of graduates\nsecured employment within two to three months following graduation, and earn an\naverage monthly starting salary of MOP 15,000, underscoring their strong\nprospects in the job market. On the other hand, some graduates have pursued\nacademic careers as faculty or researchers at prestigious institutions including\nFudan University, Sun Yat-sen University, the University of Electronic Science\nand Technology of China, and Western University in Canada.<\/p>\n\n
Xie Wei, who completed his PhD studies at UM in 2021, exemplifies the\nsuccess of UM graduates. After graduation, he was selected for the China\nAssociation for Science and Technology\u2019s Talented Young Scientist Program.\nCurrently, he is a tenured associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong\nUniversity, where he focuses on research on autonomous control and the design\nof marine and unmanned port systems. Reflecting on his time at UM, Prof Xie\nsays, \u2018UM provides state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, which\nhelped build a solid foundation for my academic development. More importantly,\nUM has exceptional faculty from around the world. They are not only\nacademically accomplished, but also passionate and patient mentors. Now, as a\nmentor myself, I always look to them as role models.\u2019<\/p>\n\n
Some UM graduates have ventured into entrepreneurship and founded tech\ncompanies. One notable example is SinoKru Technology, established in Macao and\nlater expanded to Zhuhai. The company operates a software quality control\ncentre in Zhuhai, offering big data, geospatial information, and call centre\nservices. Another standout example is Laxcen Technology, which was incubated at\nthe Hengqin-Macao Youth Entrepreneurship Valley. The company specialises in IoT applications, including NFC\/RFID hardware, electronic tags, and solutions for sectors like apparel,\naviation, retail, logistics, supply chains, and libraries, serving clients in\nover 50 countries and regions.<\/p>\n\n
As the Greater Bay Area continues to develop, Prof Silvestre emphasises\nthe importance of aligning with regional needs and seizing emerging\nopportunities. He explains, \u2018UM is well-resourced, which is one of its greatest\nstrengths.\u2019 In addition to curriculum reforms, the university plans to launch a\nnew bachelor\u2019s programme in microelectronics and a new master\u2019s programme in\nsmart grids. It will also dedicate more resources to cultivating talent in AI\ntechnologies, smart energy systems, microelectronics, and robotics, with the\ngoal of supporting the Greater Bay Area\u2019s digital transformation and\nsustainable development.<\/p>
<\/p>
Text: Stella Kuan<\/p>
Photo: Jack Ho, with some provided by the interviewees<\/p>
English Translation: Gloria Kuok, Bess Che<\/p>
Source: UMagazine<\/i><\/a> ISSUE 31<\/p> <\/p> Related articles:<\/p> Integrating Engineering and AI: UM\u2019s Innovative Engineering Education<\/a><\/p> Civil Engineering Education in an Era of Transformation<\/a><\/p>