Interview with Prof. Iu Vai Pan, Former Dean of FST

Rooted in Macao, Facing the World – Reflecting on 37 Years of Development

The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at the University of Macau (UM) is about to undergo a historic restructuring—starting from AY2026/2027, it will officially split into three independent faculties—the Faculty of Information Science and Technology, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Science. At this pivotal moment of transition and renewal, we had the privilege of interviewing Prof. Iu Vai Pan, former dean of FST. As a key architect and witness to the faculty’s journey from its founding to maturity, Prof. Iu shared vivid recollections of FST’s grassroots beginnings and offered profound insights into its future and the broader development of higher education in Macao.

Starting from Scratch — A Steady Foundation

When FST was established in 1989, Prof. Iu joined as UM’s first Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering and served as the inaugural programme coordinator for civil engineering. In 1997, he became dean of FST, and two years later, he was appointed Rector of the University of Macau. Reflecting on his proudest achievements as dean, Prof. Iu displayed his characteristic pragmatism and humility—‘Everything started from zero when FST was first founded.’ He recalled that the faculty initially offered only undergraduate programmes; master’s programmes were gradually introduced as the first cohort of students progressed through their studies. This was an incremental process—hiring enough faculty to cover a full four-year curriculum in the first year was impossible, and laboratory facilities and equipment could not be built overnight.

Take civil engineering as an example—the original campus layout had no designated space for civil engineering labs. To address this urgent need, the faculty initially borrowed the ‘Civil Engineering Laboratory of Macao,’ jointly operated by the Macao SAR government, for student use. However, this was clearly not a sustainable solution. ‘We needed our own laboratories, but all the space had already been allocated,’ Prof. Iu admitted frankly. The team then adopted a resourceful approach—erecting makeshift tin-roof sheds on vacant plots and converting the ground floor of a parking structure at the far end of the old campus into laboratory space. Through such perseverance and ingenuity, FST gradually established comprehensive programmes in civil engineering, electrical and electronics engineering (now Electrical and Computer Engineering), software engineering, and mechanical engineering (now Electromechanical Engineering), along with seven core laboratories. ‘From FST’s founding in 1989 to around 1994–1996, our faculty, curriculum, and labs finally stabilized,’ Prof. Iu summarized. Since then, the faculty has continuously refined its programmes, achieving international accreditation—including recognition from the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and signatory status under both the Washington Accord and Seoul Accord.

A Talent Incubator — Training One-Third of Macao’s Engineering Workforce

When asked about FST’s most significant contribution to Macao society over the decades, Prof. Iu answered without hesitation—‘Talent development.’ He estimates that ‘at least one-third of practicing engineers or individuals holding engineering qualifications in Macao today are graduates of FST.’ Behind this figure lies the mission of Macao’s flagship public university. ‘Our original goal was to train local engineering professionals. After Macao’s handover, that mission expanded to nurturing talent for the nation as well.’ This impact is evident not only in numbers but also in the quality and diverse career paths of its alumni.

Many outstanding graduates have returned to UM after completing advanced studies abroad, becoming pillars of the faculty itself—such as Prof. Lo Kin Ho (Electromechanical Engineering), Prof. Tam Kam Weng, Prof. Wong Man Chung, and Prof. Vai Mang I (Electrical and Computer Engineering), and Prof. Kou Kun Pang and Prof. Lam Chi Chiu (Civil Engineering). There are even ‘second-generation academics,’ like Prof. Kuok Sin Chi, who studied under Prof. Kou Kun Pang and now teaches the next generation, continuing the academic legacy.

Beyond academia, numerous graduates have pursued doctoral studies at top global institutions and now hold faculty positions internationally, demonstrating strong global competitiveness. Others remain rooted in Macao, taking leadership roles in engineering firms or serving in key government agencies—such as the Public Construction Bureau and the Environmental Protection Bureau—where FST alumni occupy critical posts. ‘Their success requires time to accumulate expertise,’ Prof. Iu said with pride. ‘Looking back over 37 years, talent cultivation remains our core achievement. These alumni continue to exert influence and will contribute to Macao society for years to come.’

Challenges and Turning Points — From Scarcity to Innovation

Yet the path of development was never smooth. Prof. Iu candidly acknowledged early struggles—securing lab space, funding equipment purchases, and attracting high-quality faculty. A turning point came in 1991, when the former University of East Asia was officially restructured into the public University of Macau, receiving direct government funding. ‘Our salary structure became aligned with the government’s, significantly improving our hiring conditions and enabling us to recruit internationally,’ he explained. This marked the beginning of a diverse and globally competitive faculty.

On research and innovation, Prof. Iu offered a pragmatic perspective. He believes the essence of engineering education in universities lies not merely in teaching students how to do something (How) or what to do (What), but in guiding them to understand why (Why). For FST, the deeper purpose of education is not necessarily to produce disruptive innovations directly, but to cultivate high-caliber talent with strong research capabilities. ‘Universities cannot compete head-to-head with global tech giants like Google or Microsoft in specialized R&D,’ he noted. ‘Our primary role is to serve as a “talent pipeline” for these companies and national research institutions.’ The process through which students deepen knowledge, develop technical skills, and improve efficiency during their studies is itself a vital form of capacity-building and innovation preparation. With the establishment of the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund in 2004, FST gained more stable research funding—supporting consumables, equipment upgrades, and graduate scholarships—thereby creating a virtuous cycle between talent development and scientific research.

Looking Ahead — Embracing the Greater Bay Area While Upholding Educational Values

Regarding the upcoming restructuring, Prof. Iu sees it as a natural evolution, especially in light of UM’s new campus in Hengqin, which unlocks greater academic and spatial potential. Given Macao’s limited local pool of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students, the new structure will enable the faculties to effectively expand recruitment and training across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, better aligning with national regional development strategies. He anticipates that the new faculties will launch cutting-edge programmes—such as artificial intelligence—and deepen collaborations with Greater Bay Area enterprises to create cross-border internships, joint R&D opportunities, and diverse career pathways, helping students truly integrate into the region’s dynamic growth.

When reflecting on the future of the faculties, Prof. Iu returned to his identity as an educator. He emphasized that while universities generate new knowledge, their fundamental mission is to transmit knowledge and nurture talent. ‘We must look beyond metrics like publication counts or research targets. What truly matters is whether students have genuinely learned and grown through the process of achieving those goals.’ In his view, university education should be a ‘refining process’—ensuring that students, regardless of their starting point, graduate with solid professional competence and well-rounded character. ‘Research and education must go hand in hand, but the latter is more fundamental. We must also strive to enhance students’ humanistic literacy and moral character.’

Prof. Iu’s reflections not only chronicle the remarkable journey of FST—from tin-roof labs built on empty lots to three new faculties poised for takeoff—but also offer profound contemplation on the essence of higher education in Macao. Despite continuous expansion in scale and ambition, one thing remains unchanged—the unwavering commitment of generations of UM educators to nurture talent for Macao and the country.