HK PolyU FAST: Abundant in real-world opportunities

Defined by its provision of high-quality education and innovative research, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK PolyU) is a recognized force in the global realm of academia.

Ranked 6th overall in the QS Top 50 Under 50 League Table for 2018, HK PolyU has already forged a tradition of excellence, thriving through its offerings of professional education, applied research and partnership for the betterment of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.

Faculty of Applied Science & Textiles (FAST)

Comprised of four constituent departments – the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, the Department of Applied Physics, the Department of Applied Mathematics, and the Institute of Textiles & Clothing –  FAST offers a wide spectrum of programmes and opportunities in science and textile disciplines.  FAST is committed to providing students with quality education in an intellectually-stimulating environment, with emphasis on not only knowledge but also hands-on training. Here, curriculums are unique, diverse and inquiry-driven to nurture student creativity.

FAST pledges multi-disciplinary and comprehensive study. Powered by dedicated educators who understand that experience is important in the workplace, students are given hands-on, work-based opportunities. The Work-Integrated Education programme provides all students with relevant on-the-job training before they graduate, which is crucial in empowering students with the ability to move forward and embrace change in a highly-competitive world.

Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology (ABCT)

Pioneering the fields of Applied Biology with Biotechnology, Chemical Technology, Food Safety and Technology, this Department launched the Undergraduate Research Experience Programme to send outstanding students for six-week to three-month training placements at universities overseas, including Harvard, McGill, Osaka, and Purdue.

“There are a lot of institutions providing different chances [to pursue] overseas internships. They provide placements in international companies, where we can gain some working experience and enrich our résumés. PolyU FAST is one of these institutions,” says Yeung Yiu Wai, third-year student of the BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology.

“I am so glad that my department at FAST gave me this chance as a research trainee at McGill University,” he exclaims. “Apart from this opportunity, the Department provides strong financial support to us, covering my passage, accommodation and daily expenses,” the student adds. “I am very thankful to my Department for this.”

Department of Applied Physics (AP)

Since its establishment two decades ago, AP has flourished into a world-class centre for education and research. The department constantly strives to promote a plethora of practice opportunities, giving students an exemplary platform from which to apply theory to real-world contexts.

“Most of the subjects I took are experimental and practical; I learnt how to do experiments and how to operate instruments,” says Song Linfeng, a final-year student of AP’s BSc (Hons) in Engineering Physics.

Kelly Chung, also final-year student of the same programme, who performed a summer internship on nuclear physics in Kazakhstan, echoes with Song ‘I had a valuable chance to visit the research laboratory of nuclear power. Those equipment and experiments are never seen in Hong Kong.  It really broadens my horizon.’ says Kelly. ‘I am familiar with the basic knowledge about radiations through my studies, and this internship opportunity allows me to apply what I learnt in practical work. I am glad that AP gave me this valuable chance.’

Department of Applied Mathematics (AMA)

AMA provides professional programmes at the undergraduate-, postgraduate- and graduate research-level. Unparalleled industry connections put students face-to-face with the sector’s most influential figures, with collaborations with the Chinese mainland being elevated by the AMSS-PolyU Joint Research Institute, where students and staff actively engage in ground-breaking research.

Tse Yi Ting Yittie, a 2015 graduate of the AMA’s BSc (Hons) Investment Science programme, now works as the Executive Assistant for Investments at the Chinese Estates Holdings Ltd – one of the region’s major investment holdings companies. The former student appreciates that AMA instilled a solid foundation in Mathematics, as well as Statistics and Finance, and equipped her with the professional acumen and academic experience needed to succeed in this role. The up-to-date technology she encountered on the course – like the Bloomberg Terminal – helped hone her skills in financial mathematics, business finance and econometrics.

“One of the highlights of my AMA experience was joining the study tour to South Korea,” she says. “It was an unforgettable experience that exposed me to global cultures, giving me the chance to visit top overseas institutes and also [have] fun with classmates.”

Institute of Textiles & Clothing (ITC)

The ITC is utterly unique in its cross-disciplinary nature. It offers a breadth and depth of programmes that cover fashion and textiles with specialisms in technology, intimate apparel & activewear, design, knitwear design & technology, and retail & marketing. The ITC has organised various events and activities including fashion shows, exhibitions, trade shows, regional and international competitions and summer exchange programmes to showcase student talents.

“In June, I took part in the exclusive VIP event organised by a luxury watch company called CORUM – a Swiss manufacturer in Shenzhen,” says Samantha, a third-year student of the ITC’s BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles, majoring in Intimate Apparel.

“We went to countless shops and chose suitable clothing for the VIP with a limited budget,” she explains. “This internship further strengthened my interest in fashion as I grew to know more about the customer behaviour of high-end company marketing strategies. As China’s economic development is growing incredibly fast and has risen to be a power player in nearly every industry, learning the latest marketing insights in China is crucial.”

Shenyang is the first stop of a series of CORUM VIP events in China. More students would be participating at their events in Changchun, Dalian, Harbin, Hangzhou and Xian this year.

Samantha states that the provision of valuable internship placements is part of what swayed her decision to study at PolyU. The Institute’s renowned international status in the fashion and textile has allowed it to forge partnerships with real-world partners, presenting students with opportunities to gain sought-after real-world knowledge.

“PolyU students are green and creative. They give ideas and recommendations to us on how to improve the event, which is a very good intention,” says David Nam, Managing Director of CORUM.  “In general they are energetic, willing to learn and the working attitude is good,” he adds.

If you seek a world-standard education embellished with professional opportunities like those offered to Samantha and peers, look no further than HK PolyU.

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