Interview with Outstanding FST Alumnus – Sio Hon Pan, Curator of the Macao Science Centre

University of Macau is a Pivotal Starting Point in Life

Dr. Sio Hon Pan, the Curator of the Macao Science Centre, graduated from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at the University of Macau (UM), where he studied in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (formerly the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering) in 1998. He holds a Master of Laws and a Ph.D. in Data Science. He is a licensed government engineer, a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) in the United Kingdom, and a professional mediator in the International Commercial Mediation of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission. He has been recognized with prestigious accolades such as being named one of the “top ten outstanding youth of guangfu people in the world” and receiving “the 2nd national innovation pioneer award”.

Dr. Sio also has extensive experience in planning and managing large-scale venue facilities. After graduating, he participated in several major projects, including the Coloane Power Plant B, the Macau University of Science and Technology, the Government Harbor Building, and the Government Headquarters. From 2002 to 2007, he joined the Macao Organizing Committee of the East Asian Games and was involved in the main work of the 4th East Asian Games, the Lusophone Games, and the 2nd Asian Indoor Games. During this period, he was responsible for planning, coordinating construction, and managing the operation of several large venues, including the Macau Polytechnic Institute Sports Hall, the Macau International Shooting Center, the Bowling Center, and the Tennis School. He also served as the first director of the Macao East Asian Games Dome and the director of Macao Olympic Aquatic Center. Since assuming the role of the Curator of Macao Science Center in 2012, Dr. Sio has consistently driven the center to actively promote scientific popularization activities not only in Macau but also in Mainland China and various other countries, achieving remarkable results.

In an exclusive interview with FST, Dr. Sio reflected on how his university education significantly influenced his career development. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I sincerely thank UM, especially FST, for providing me with the opportunity to study electrical and electronic engineering. This not only equipped me with the foundational qualifications to become a power engineer but also served as a pivotal starting point in my professional journey.” He underscored that the university life taught him how to systematically acquire new knowledge and apply learned technologies to solve real-world problems, embodying a disciplined yet open-minded approach to learning that has profoundly impacted his subsequent work experiences.

Application of University Knowledge in Practice

Dr. Sio highlighted that the specialized knowledge and systematic learning methods he acquired during his university years played a critical role both in his initial job designing transformers and later when serving as the director of multiple large-scale venues. He shared a memorable incident from his tenure as the director of the Macao East Asian Games Dome, where the ice skating rink suffered from melting due to programming errors in the air conditioning system’s main unit. Faced with the prospect of a two-week wait or more if the manufacturer were to come to Macau for repairs, Dr. Sio and his team promptly applied their university-acquired knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to identify and rectify the issue within just four hours. This experience vividly demonstrated to him the practical value of university education in real work scenarios.

Moreover, during his time as the director of the Olympic Aquatic Centre, he encountered technical challenges, including a Dutch-imported pool floor lift mechanism that was unique to Macau and its surrounding areas. On the eve of a diving competition, this complex system malfunctioned, and Dutch engineers could not immediately arrive to resolve the problem. Leveraging his university-taught expertise and engineering mindset, Dr. Sio led his team to dismantle the equipment, pinpointed issues involving the PLC control logic, and successfully repaired the imbalanced hydraulic axis control of the lift’s limbs. By reprogramming and adjusting the control system, they ensured the diving platform operated accurately to the required depth, eliminating the technical hurdle for the impending event. He emphasized that many industrial applications he encountered resembled concepts he had studied at university, although their relevance was not fully recognized until faced with real-life situations. The university not only imparted solid technical skills but more importantly, cultivated the ability to tackle practical problems.

Reflecting on other aspects of his academic journey at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr. Sio mentioned participating in a young researcher paper contest organized by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) at City University of Hong Kong. This experience further deepened his understanding of the research process and enhanced his proficiency in paper writing and the overall research workflow. Additionally, he chose to intern at Macau’s largest telecommunications company, gaining insights into the genuine demands of technology companies and translating theoretical knowledge into practical ICT solutions, which greatly influenced his future career path. His part-time work at the university library also honed his information processing skills and organizational management abilities. He stressed the importance of part-time jobs for students, as these hands-on experiences contribute significantly to their holistic development and have a positive impact on his future career.

Challenges and Opportunities in Scientific Popularization

Regarding the role and value of science centers in today’s society, Dr. Sio explicitly stated that the core mission of a science center is to enable the public to understand, experience, and apply science, thereby enhancing the general scientific literacy and promoting societal progress and human advancement. In the era of information overload, promoting scientific popularization faces challenges like dwindling public attention and diverse, customized content requirements. Dr. Sio advocates using new media tools, interactive lifestyle activities, and experiential teaching methods to cater to different age groups and backgrounds with tailored science popularization content, sparking their interest and curiosity in science. It is crucial to maintain credibility in science popularization content by ensuring it is verified and reviewed by professionals, thus establishing a trustworthy brand.

Looking ahead to the future development of the Science Center, Dr. Sio envisions it becoming a favored destination for youth to engage in scientific inquiry and inspire more young people to join the technology industry, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that cherishes science and pursues technological advancements.

Words of Wisdom for Current Students

While sharing his experiences and challenges at the Science Center, Dr. Sio did not forget to offer valuable advice to the current students at FST and UM. He encouraged them to cherish their time at the university, be bold in exploration and innovation, and actively participate in internships and research projects to gain invaluable experience and broaden their horizons. He reminded them, “In the rapidly evolving technology era, nurture a strong thirst for knowledge and curiosity, constantly learn new knowledge and technologies, and enhance interdisciplinary research capabilities to confront the complex and ever-changing challenges of the future.”

Furthermore, Dr. Sio underscored the significance of teamwork, encouraging students to build robust networks and leverage the resources provided by the university while supporting and growing together with peers. He advised, “As you strive for professional success, do not underestimate the power of networking; it will be an indispensable asset in your career journey.”

In conclusion, Dr. Sio Hon Pan earnestly hopes that every student will uphold the spirit of a scientist characterized by patriotism, dedication, pragmatism, innovation, collaboration, and nurturing talents. He believes that through persistent efforts and determination, the new generation of scientific and engineering talents will shine brightly in their respective career paths, contributing to the advancement of science and technology in Macau and beyond. He trusts that with unwavering effort and commitment, each student will create their own successful story in the realm of science and engineering.

Source: FST