On the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), the Faculty of Innovation Engineering (FIE) hosted the "Engineering Without Borders: Innovation, Diversity, and Future" forum on March 20, 2026. Themed around "Innovation, Diversity, and Future," the forum placed special emphasis on fostering diversity within the engineering and technology sectors. It aimed to break down gender barriers, encourage greater participation of women in engineering and technology, and cultivate an inclusive industry ecosystem—aligning with the global trend toward gender equality and the recognition of women's contributions, thereby injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the engineering field.
Distinguished guests in attendance included: Ms. Wong Mei Na, Acting Head of the Division of Education Planning and Facilities, Education and Youth Development Bureau; Mr. Cheong Hung Fat, Deputy Curator, Macao Science Center; Ms. Kong Kei, Council Member, Associação Geral das Mulheres de Macau; Prof. Leong Man Wai, Associate Vice President, MUST; Prof. Fang Quan, Associate Vice President, MUST; Prof. Sun Qiao, Dean, Faculty of Innovation Engineering; Associate Professor Yang Lei, Director of undergraduate studies (Outreach), Faculty of Innovation Engineering; as well as teachers and students from Hou Kong Middle School, Keang Peng School, Sacred Heart Canossian College, Pui Ching Middle School Macau, Chan Sui Ki Perpetual Help College, and MUST.
Group Photo
In her opening address, Prof. Leong Man Wai, Associate Vice President of MUST, noted that engineering serves as a common language for humanity to address challenges. However, she pointed out that the current low representation of women in engineering and STEM fields represents a missed opportunity for the industry to benefit from women's diverse creativity. She emphasized that women's participation leads to more comprehensive and inclusive engineering solutions. The "Without Borders" theme of this forum, she explained, extends beyond physical boundaries to encompass gender, thinking, and opportunity. She expressed hope that more women would join hands with men to build a boundless future for engineering, thereby enhancing industrial competitiveness and responding to societal needs.
Prof. Leong Man Wai, Associate Vice President of MUST, making the opening remarks
Following this, Prof. Sun Qiao, Dean of FIE, delivered a speech. She emphasized that "Engineering Without Borders" is not only the theme of the forum but also the core belief guiding the faculty's educational mission. The faculty's goal is to create a truly "boundaryless" environment for learning and research, where every young person passionate about engineering can find their place. She elaborated that "without borders" is manifested in three aspects: first, breaking down disciplinary boundaries to promote interdisciplinary integration and drive innovation breakthroughs; second, deepening the integration of education and industry to achieve win-win outcomes; and third, ensuring equal opportunities for students. This is achieved through initiatives such as establishing entrance scholarships for female engineering students and advocating that "ability is the only criterion," providing all students with a fair environment to pursue their dreams.
Prof. Sun Qiao delivering her address
After the opening addresses, Prof. Fang Quan, Associate Vice President of MUST, presented souvenirs to the keynote speakers on behalf of the university, expressing gratitude for their valuable insights and their role in the successful convening of the forum.
Prof. Fang Quan, Associate Vice President of MUST, presenting souvenirs
The keynote session featured three female leaders from academia and industry, who shared their insights on innovation and diversity in engineering from multiple perspectives. Prof. Huang Yan, President of China Three Gorges University, delivered a talk titled "The Highest Good is Like Water: The 'Boundaryless' Journey of a Female Engineer." Drawing from her career, she shared her deep engagement in water resources, her work in advancing the digital twin of the Yangtze River, and her efforts to promote industry-education integration as a university president—showcasing the resilience and strength of female engineers.
Ms. Linda Yin, CEO of Xia Ding Technology Co., Ltd., gave a presentation on "The 'Me' in the Age of AI: Building an Irreplaceable Foundation of Confidence through Four Core Competencies." Drawing on her own cross-disciplinary career journey, she shared insights into practicing four key abilities—creativity, integration, and others—emphasizing that while AI is a tool, it is the fusion of these core competencies that enables individuals to realize their value in the context of Greater Bay Area development and the AI wave.
Ms. Linda Yin delivering her keynote speech
Ms. Jill Tang, Founder and Community Co-builder of She Rewires, delivered a talk titled "Innovation, Diversity, and the Future: How Communities and Diverse Forces Drive Innovation and Social Capacity Development." Focusing on opportunities for the development of female engineers and community practices, she highlighted the increasing opportunities for women in the AI era, advocating for a spirit of cooperation and win-win collaboration within the industry, and underscoring the significance of community and women's power in driving innovation in the engineering field.
Ms. Jill Tang delivering her keynote speech
A roundtable discussion, moderated by Associate Prof. Yang Lei, Undergraduate Program Coordinator (Outreach) of FIE, followed. Participants including Prof. Sun Qiao, Prof. Huang Yan, Ms. Linda Yin, Ms. Jill Tang, and Ms. Rona He engaged in an in-depth dialogue centered on the forum's core themes of innovation and inclusivity in engineering. They shared their own motivations for pursuing careers in engineering or technology, as well as their experiences in overcoming gender stereotypes and related challenges. The panel also discussed concrete measures that academia and industry can take to promote diversity, break down gender barriers, and increase women's participation, offering valuable insights for the diverse and innovative development of the engineering field based on their experiences and industry perspectives.
Roundtable discussion
The "Engineering Without Borders: Innovation, Diversity, and Future" forum is one of the events celebrating the 26th anniversary of MUST. Moving forward, the Faculty of Innovation Engineering at MUST will leverage this forum as an opportunity to deepen collaborations across various sectors, stay attuned to cutting-edge trends in engineering, and cultivate outstanding engineering and technology talent—with a special focus on unlocking the potential of female talent. The faculty is committed to contributing to the innovative, diverse, and high-quality development of the engineering industry in Macau, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.
