Zhang Kun, chief expert of China State Construction Engineering Corporation, talks about technological innovation behind China's major construction projects before students of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on Oct 27, 2021. (RAYMOND CHAN / CHINA DAILY)
An engineering expert from the Chinese mainland called on young students of the special administrative region to always keep updated on the latest inno-tech developments, as he gave a speech on the country’s state-of-the-art engineering techniques on Wednesday.
Zhang Kun, the chief expert of China State Construction Engineering Corp and chief engineer of China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Corp, related his personal experience in pursuing knowledge as he sought to inspire students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
“As technology continues to advance, what I’ve learned in school is no longer that useful. But I’ve kept learning new skills and technologies in order to solve new problems at work,” he said.
The veteran engineer, with 39 years in the field, steered technological breakthroughs for iconic skyscrapers in Beijing, including the China Central Television Headquarters and the CITIC Tower. In early 2020, he oversaw the technical aspect of the construction of Leishenshan Hospital and Huoshenzhan Hospital in Wuhan — emergency field hospitals built in 10 days at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak.
While it’s hard to predict the most important technology for the future, looking ahead, he said: “Technologies of the construction industry will turn greener, more intelligent and more industrialized.”
He added: “Attaining the goals of carbon emissions peak and carbon neutrality is of vital importance to China’s future socioeconomic development.”
Abundant opportunities lie in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, he said.
Zhang is a member of the delegation of mainland engineering experts touring Hong Kong this week. His lecture was the third given by the delegation, and will be followed by a similar event at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today.
Q&A with Zhang
The School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is reputable for aspiring students. What suggestions do you have for them?
Both graduate and undergraduate studies are important for future research. During these stages, it’s better to lay a good theoretical foundation and broaden their visions. What technology is needed in the next decade is unclear at present. Therefore, it’s important to continue acquiring new knowledge and catch up with the times.
I graduated from university in 1982 and will be retiring next year. As technology continues to advance, what I’ve learned in school is no longer that useful. But I’ve kept learning new skills and technologies in order to solve new problems at work. I’ve mastered various technologies and continued to innovate through the integration of different disciplines.
I hope you all can keep learning and thinking, stay diligent and love the country. I believe you’ll definitely have a bright future by contributing to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the country.
