Group photo of all participants
Jointly organized by the Faculty of Innovation Engineering of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the Macao Science Center, with support from Hou Kong Middle School, the seminar " Women in Engineering: A Journey of Innovation and Inclusion " was successfully held at the Macao Science Center on April 1, 2025. The seminar featured a keynote speech by Prof. Sun Qiao, Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Calgary, Canada and Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering. Over 150 participants from Hou Kong Middle School, Premier School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School, Colégio de Santa Rosa de Lima - Secção Chinesa, Santa Rosa de Lima English Secondary School, Escola Luso-Chinesa Técnico-Profissional, Macau Anglican College, and the student of Macao Science Center's Program for the Development of Scientific Innovation Talent of Youth Science and Technology Village gathered to explore gender equality and technological innovation in engineering.
President Joseph Hun-wei Lee delivered a speech
Chair Prof. Joseph Hun-wei LEE, Vice Chancellor and President of MUST, reviewed the growth of the MUST since its establishment in 2000 and has now become the largest and the most comprehensive university in Macau. MUST has been ranking among the top 300 world universities by Times Higher Education for six consecutive years. The Faculty of Innovation Engineering (FIE), established in 2022 as an interdisciplinary faculty, brings together a team of professional teachers from different fields to provide students with comprehensive engineering learning and practice. The theme of this seminar is closely related to the founding purpose of the FIE, which is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and interdisciplinary learning environment, and has introduced the Innovation Engineering Scholarship to encourage more young individuals to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Dr. Sio Hon Pan delivered a speech
Dr. Sio Hon Pan, Curator of the Macao Science Center, highlighted Professor Sun's inspiring journey during his speech, emphasizing her role as a trailblazer in engineering and her commitment to breaking barriers for future generations. He acknowledged the ongoing challenge of gender diversity in STEM fields. Reaffirming the Macao Science Center’s commitment to inclusivity, Dr. Sio linked the event to the Center’s mission: to inspire future innovators, regardless of gender, through role models like Professor Sun. This forum aimed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create equitable opportunities in STEM.
Prof. Sun Qiao delivered keynote speech
Prof. Sun Qiao shared her personal journey—from an early fascination with smart machines to pursuing an engineering education and leading impactful projects in the field. Through the stories of pioneering women scientists and engineers, audiences explored the contributions of women in shaping technology and advancing society. She highlighted inspiring initiatives and success stories that demonstrate progress, offering encouragement to young women considering careers in STEM.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, leaving participants with deeper insights into women's contributions to engineering and renewed enthusiasm for STEM careers. It not only has positive implications for the academic and professional development of the participating students but also sowed seeds of innovation, diversity, and inclusivity, inspiring the next generation in Macao to redefine boundaries in technology and society.
