Continuing the Magical Journey Through Engineering Excellence

Full Article in Chinese

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic and Communication Engineering
• Technical Producer, Entertainment, Hong Kong Disneyland

Theme parks possess a mystical allure that captivates visitors, a magic that enthralled Jacky, a graduate of Electronic and Communication Engineering from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). His fascination led to a decade-long career journey in international theme parks, where he honed his engineering and management skills. Now at Hong Kong Disneyland, Jacky integrates diverse technologies into new performances, creating unforgettable memories for visitors.

As Hong Kong Disneyland marks its 20th anniversary with a year-long celebration starting in June, one highlight is the anniversary-only show, new parade, and nighttime castle fireworks show featuring drones. Jacky, a key figure behind the scenes, explains that the drone performance demands technical precision, integrating seamlessly with lighting and music. This show reflects the creativity and dedication of the creative, technical and production teams. During debut performances, Jacky mingled with the audience, observing every detail and gauging reactions. He admits that the awe and cheers, especially from children, are the greatest rewards for the team’s efforts. For Jacky, transitioning from a theme park enthusiast to a technical producer brings immense satisfaction.

Jacky's journey began with a curiosity about machines, nurtured by childhood experiences of dismantling models to explore their workings. He pursued a degree in Electronic and Communication Engineering at CityUHK, impressed by the programme's reputation. "CityUHK's Electronic Engineering Department boasts several academicians, giving me confidence in the quality of education," Jacky remarks. The department's ties with international enterprises assured him of gaining valuable industry insights. An unexpected benefit was the familial atmosphere at CityUHK, where professors engaged with students and seniors guided juniors.

In his second year, Jacky interned at an automotive engineering company in Germany. Immersed in an international team, he interacted with diverse nationalities, broadening his perspective and learning to adapt to cultural differences. This experience boosted his confidence in navigating diverse work environments and assuming managerial roles.

Fueled by his internship and love for theme parks, Jacky spent ten years post-graduation working in theme parks across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. He specialised in designing amusement rides and planning performance projects, blending engineering with creativity. His concepts transformed into magical spectacles, fulfilling his childhood dream of spreading joy to visitors.

"Working in various countries has presented challenges but has also provided invaluable experience," Jacky shares. Designing indoor attractions and nighttime shows to captivate visitors in the Middle Eastern climate taught him the significance of considering the audience's perspective. In Southeast Asia's humid environment, he learned the importance of selecting appropriate equipment to ensure safety. These insights now assist him in overseeing technical design and installation at Hong Kong Disneyland, where he navigates constraints and collaborates with teams to safely deliver innovative projects. By leveraging technology to enhance creativity and evoke emotions, he enables every guest to create unforgettable memories.

Jacky pointed out that Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the largest employers in the local tourism and entertainment industry. He encourages the new generation, who aspire to be part of the theme park industry like him, not to give up on their dreams. He suggests visiting Hong Kong Disneyland’s website, actively participating in career roadshows, and deepening their understanding of various positions by asking questions. This approach will help them identify their interests, prepare themselves accordingly, and seize opportunities. Additionally, he advises not to shy away from hard work and to avoid self-imposed limitations. If they are willing to take the first step, this industry will undoubtedly offer them a magical platform to achieve the extraordinary.

（Published at 4 September 2025）