IVE Graduates Create Automated Systems to Assist Local Mask Production

The systems used for mask production are complex, requiring maintenance technicians to have a thorough understanding of mechanical operations as well as knowledge of computer programming

Perseverance Leads to Success, a part-time work and study student from the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) for ten years before graduating and establishing an automation engineering company. When the pandemic hit earlier this year, he recognized the struggle of citizens waiting in line for masks. In response, he collaborated with local mask manufacturers to provide installation, design, and maintenance services for mask-making machines. Currently, he is working with over thirty mask producers. Despite feeling that he "couldn't excel in academics," he expressed surprise and pride in being able to contribute to society.

High Flexibility for Installation and Maintenance

Forty-one-year-old Lai Shuen Chau (Simon) graduated from the IVE Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering in 2007. In 2013, he founded an automation engineering and consulting company that specializes in modernizing local factories by enhancing the automation of production lines. He admits that he struggled in traditional schooling and dropped out after Form 5, but he has been interested in electronics since childhood. This led him to enroll in a VTC technical certificate program, eventually progressing to the IVE Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering. He worked while studying for ten years, during which he received multiple scholarships and full funding for his education.

Simon (right) encourages students to clarify their goals and choose educational paths based on their interests, with Tony on the left.

Simon noted that many machines used for mask production are imported, involving automation, electrical engineering, and programming. His knowledge in automation engineering are very useful. Due to the pandemic, overseas manufacturers have been unable to send personnel to Hong Kong for machine handling. However, Simon's company, being small yet highly flexible, can assist local companies with installation and maintenance at any time. He emphasized that these processes must be handled by professionals, stating, "Without us, masks cannot be produced at all." As a result, the company has seen significant growth in revenue during the pandemic.

Yeung Ka Ho (Tony), who graduated from the IVE Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in 2018, currently works at Simon's company. He has been passionate about physics and mathematics since childhood. After finishing secondary school, he initially did not pursue further education but later realized that this approach was not sustainable. Although he did not achieve a Level 2 pass in five subjects in the DSE, he scored a Level 5 in mathematics, which led him to enroll in the IVE Foundation Diploma (Engineering) program. He subsequently advanced to the Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, Tony joined Simon's company, where he designs automation systems for clients. He also assists in the maintenance and repair of mask-making machines, which includes writing system software, configuring hardware for automated systems, and using simulators to conduct repeated system tests.