Full Article in Chinese

• Engineering Doctorate, CityUHK
• Master of Science in Automation Systems and Management, CityUHK
• Higher Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering, CityUHK
• Chairman, Doctoral Think Tank Institute of Smart Manufacturing Technology
• Adjunct Professor, System Engineering Department, CityUHK
• Vice President, CityUHK Engineering Doctorate Society

From embarking on his research journey at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) to completing his Doctor of Engineering and participating in strategic industrial projects, Professor Dr Ray WM Kong has remained dedicated to automation and smart manufacturing. He has successfully led enterprises to secure over 20 patents for automated machinery and instruments, reducing costs and enhancing productivity, thereby giving businesses a competitive edge.

Reflecting on his academic journey at CityUHK, Professor Dr Ray WM Kong recalled that his decision to study at CityUHK was based on his assessment of industry prospects and personal career aspirations. He spent 13 years at the university, completing the Higher Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering, the Master of Science in Automation Systems and Management, and finally the Engineering Doctorate program. "The entire journey was hard, especially since I was simultaneously working full-time in the manufacturing industry, requiring extra effort and perseverance."

Automation systems and management involve knowledge from multiple fields, including electronic engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, and management. Professor Dr Ray WM Kong noted that CityUHK’ s master’s program not only covered these areas but also enhanced his project management, resource allocation, and system optimization skills, laying a solid foundation for his doctoral studies.

"Automation technology plays a crucial role in improving production efficiency, enhancing quality of life, and addressing global challenges such as environmental protection and resource scarcity. It drives industry innovation and societal progress, motivating me to advance these technologies through applied research." He emphasized that CityUHK’ s Engineering Doctorate program focuses on applied research, tackling real-world problems and fostering technological innovation. A key highlight was its interdisciplinary projects in smart manufacturing, green energy, and smart cities, which appealed to him as an industry professional. After earning his doctorate, he also published his first academic book.

Throughout his career in innovative technology research, Professor Dr Ray WM Kong has guided companies in securing over 20 patents for automated machinery and instruments. He attributes this success to four critical factors:

• In-depth exploration of market needs and industry pain points – For example, in industrial automation, traditional equipment often suffers from inefficiency, low precision, or operational complexity. His team conducts customer interviews and market research to identify pressing issues, ensuring solutions are demand-driven. "For instance, while automated sewing machines in the garment industry improve efficiency, they still require manual operation to load fabrics. To address this, my team developed a fully automated system using vacuum suction grabbing technology and robotic arms to handle fabric placement, enabling smart factory operations."
• A strong technical team and interdisciplinary collaboration – This enhances product functionality and intelligence.
• Continuous innovation and refinement – Staying attuned to cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and edge computing, while rigorously testing and improving prototypes for stability and practicality.
• Protecting intellectual property (IP) – "We prioritize patent applications for every new technology, as IP is a core asset for any enterprise."

"CityUHK was the starting point of my research career. The mentorship and collaborative spirit among peers have profoundly influenced my professional growth." Until now, Professor Dr Ray WM Kong remains connected through the CityUHK Engineering Doctorate Society and his role as an adjunct professor, passing on both research ethos and practical experience.

He continues to collaborate with former professors on research projects and technical exchanges. As Vice President of the CityUHK Engineering Doctorate Society, he aims to foster university-industry partnerships, support academic research, and expand alumni networks to create more internship, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities for students. "I believe there are always more solutions than problems. I encourage students, alumni, and my loved ones to take bold steps in tackling challenges and optimizing work and life."

（Published at 24 July 2025）