The Faculty of Innovation Engineering (FIE) at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) launched its 2026 Spring Distinguished Lecture Series on 5 March, 2026, at the MUST’s LIU Innovation and Technology Center. The series aims to inspire faculty members and students by inviting distinguished experts to share frontier advances and profound insights in innovation engineering and related fields.
The inaugural lecture was delivered by Professor How Yong Ng of Beijing Normal University (Zhuhai) and Adjunct Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore. The welcome address was delivered by Professor Sun Qiao, Dean of the Faculty of Innovation and Engineering at MUST. Attending guests included Professor Ma Yi Bing, Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Visiting Professor Charles Melching, Assistant Professor Wei Yan Fu, Assistant Professors Li Ying and Wu Yang. In addition, FIE graduate students and postdoctoral researchers attended the lecture and explored the importance of interdisciplinary integration and future development directions.
Professor Sun Qiao delivering a welcome address
Professor How Yong Ng delivered a keynote speech titled " Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models: Emerging Tools for Wastewater Treatment ". Digitalization and artificial intelligence(AI) are rapidly reshaping wastewater treatment, driving a shift from conventional frameworks to data-centric digital plants enabled by continuous sensing, real-time monitoring, and integrated control. Machine-learning “soft sensors” now provide early prediction and detection of key process variations in activated-sludge systems, supporting proactive management and enhancing overall reliability. Hybrid models that blend mechanistic knowledge with data-driven AI offer superior accuracy and adaptive control for biological treatment processes, outperforming traditional single-model approaches. Looking ahead, large language models (LLMs) are emerging as powerful tools for advanced analytics, optimization, and decision support, accelerating digital transformation across the water sector. Together, these advances underscore the growing importance of AI-enabled solutions in strengthening the intelligence, resilience, and sustainability of modern wastewater treatment.
Professor How Yong Ng delivering the lecture
The lecture series provides a valuable platform for University’s faculty members and students to engage with world-class scholars, broaden their horizons, and deepen their understanding of cutting-edge developments in innovation engineering. Through this initiative, FIE will continue to invite leading experts, promote academic excellence, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultivate tomorrow’s leaders in science and engineering.
Group photo of attendees
