COVER STORY • 封面專題 13 2025 UMAGAZINE 31 • 澳大新語 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. 吳煥淋 Ung Wun Lam 秦梓超 Qin Zichao 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
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