Research and Travel with the Hong Kong Society of Mechanical Engineers (HKSME)

By: Ian R. McAndrew PhD FRAeS

As Capitol Technology University’s Dean of Doctoral Programs I often travel to engage in the exchange of knowledge between myself and others. I’ve found that as a researcher, it is especially important to be open to new ideas and perspectives on the ever-changing topic of technology. Recently my travels led me back to China where I spent some time with the Hong Kong Society of Mechanical Engineers (HKSME).

The HKSME is an established society that actively promotes research in a wider context and has hosted 76 international events in 16 countries within the Asia area. Their events are both general and specific in nature, but always derive from a mechanical foundation. It has recognized proceedings and indexed publications.

I have been involved in HKSME conferences for several years, supporting these conferences as Chair and keynote speaker. I was first asked through my work with a sister international conference, and jumped at the exciting opportunity to get involved. After all, if offered the chance to fly to Hong Kong and stay over the New Year Celebrations, it’s difficult to decline. In my role with the HKSME I additionally review submitted papers for the conferences I chair and also others that I do not attend.

Having the opportunity to review papers from many different researchers at many different companies allows a wider perspective of what is current and gives me better insight into the quality of research nowadays. As a seasoned academic I believe it is my role supporting research and researchers from their first conferences to advanced work.

I encourage and look to support Capitol’s students to do the same. As the Dean of Doctoral Programs I view it as my responsibility to maintain a global currency that I can ensure our graduates are at the top of their research. With our new PhD’s by research or thesis I expect many more of our students to be writing up their research and publishing. This dissemination of knowledge is critical for both personal growth as a researcher, and also for the university to showpiece its great work, which was one of the reasons I was delighted to offered a position as Dean.

The benefits of conferences like these are many. Apart from travelling to many Asian countries, you become familiar with the focus of regions. For example, Singapore is heavily focused upon Aviation, Malaysia on manufacturing. Unlike the USA with its enormous pedigree of research in technology, research success does not always travel. Advanced manufacturing robotic assembly is good with higher labor costs, and individual countries focus research towards their strengths and possibilities.

What I found most striking is the STEM focus of Asia. Much of their research work is highly mathematical in nature. Whilst there are discussions in USA about how to increase STEM, we at Capitol are lucky to work in the ultimate STEM subjects and see our graduates go and make a real difference in the world.

If you are interested in publishing and would like to discuss how and why, remember the HKSME is an excellent conference and publication institute and aligns with many of our degrees. International sources like this one might not be the first publication you think of, but never be afraid to engage in the opportunities that come your way or to leave yourself open to different points of view.