Focusing on Applied Research, Actively Contributing to Society

Full Article in Chinese

• Doctor of Philosophy, College of Engineering, CityUHK
• Professor and Doctoral Advisor, School of Electronics and Information, South China University of Technology

For Che Wenquan, now a professor and doctoral advisor at a well-known mainland university, embarking on the path of scientific research was an aspiration gradually solidified through her learning journey. Her experience studying for a PhD in Engineering at CityUHK had a particularly profound impact. It prompted her to devote herself to applied research while also striving to nurture more outstanding scholars aspiring to drive social progress.

Scholars engaged in research generally possess the ambition to make the world a better place, and Che Wenquan is no exception. She states frankly that this belief drives her to lead her team in focusing on practical research projects related to mobile communications, microwave and millimeter-wave wireless power transfer, among others. "As early as ten years ago, I was already leading my team to start projects on near-field wireless power transfer. Now we are collaborating with industries like the power sector to develop wireless charging devices for inspection drones and online monitoring sensors. Although there's still some distance from practical application, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Speaking of entering the vast world of scientific research, Che Wenquan said it wasn't pre-planned, but rather she "unconsciously found herself on this path." From entering university to completing her master's degree and then teaching at the same institution, rising from teaching assistant to associate professor, she recalls always having a desire to continue delving deeper into academic study and further improve herself. A doctoral program was undoubtedly the ideal choice. "My connection with CityUHK began when Professor Rong Qining, then Head of the Department, visited Nanjing and toured the laboratory where I worked. Through this meeting, I learned that CityUHK had a suitable doctoral program. I applied to CityUHK, was admitted, and this became a turning point in my life and career development."

Reflecting on her life as a PhD student and research assistant at CityUHK, Che Wenquan describes it as one of the most fulfilling periods of her life. "CityUHK had a strong academic atmosphere and outstanding reputation in the fields of electromagnetic fields and microwave technology. At that time, it had gathered many renowned professors from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other places, and its internationalization level was already quite high. Furthermore, CityUHK arranged numerous lectures and academic exchange opportunities for students outside the classroom, helping us broaden our horizons."

"CityUHK brought me many 'firsts' in life, including my first trip abroad to attend an international conference in the US, a six-month exchange to Canada, and receiving a full scholarship. These experiences were like guiding me to gradually open the door to the world." Che Wenquan explained that the academic exchange experience in Canada had a particularly significant impact, allowing her to discover a novel research direction. She continued in-depth exploration in this field after returning to China, and later received the " the Chinese Young Women in Science Fellowship (中國青年女科學家獎) " and the " the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (國家傑出青年科學基金)"; a considerable portion of her achievements originated from this research direction.

She also remembers Professor Rong's high achievements in the scientific research field. While he had very high requirements for research outcomes, he trusted students greatly in setting directions and scheduling, giving her considerable freedom. "His open-mindedness also left a deep impression on me and provided me with multiple opportunities to attend international conferences, enhancing my international perspective."

To this day, she mentions that she still maintains close contact with former classmates and professors. They not only meet occasionally at academic conferences in the mainland, Hong Kong, and overseas but have also established close cooperative relationships. "I hope to strengthen the connections and interactions among alumni in the Greater Bay Area through various exchange opportunities in academia, technology, industry, etc., to facilitate more chances for cooperation, and even enhance the collaboration with CityUHK, promoting the continuous increase of CityUHK's influence in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao region."

Regarding the honors of being elected " Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow" and receiving the "CityUHK EE Annual Award," Che Wenquan expressed feeling deeply honored. She hopes to continue striving in areas such as scientific research and talent cultivation in the future, to achieve valuable research outcomes, and to serve as a bridge for cooperation and exchange between CityUHK and the mainland. On the other hand, she aims to strengthen cooperation with CityUHK scholars in scientific research and domestic and international exchanges, contributing to CityUHK's sustained development and growing reputation.

From PhD student to doctoral advisor, her advice to students keen on joining the ranks of scientific research is not only to maintain a passion for learning, aim for cutting-edge directions, and pay attention to international trends but, crucially, to be pragmatic and persistent. Breakthroughs in research don't come from sudden flashes of inspiration but from gradual accumulation. As a research scholar and also a National People's Congress Deputy, she firmly believes that academic and social responsibilities can complement each other. "The greatest value of scientific research lies in promoting technological progress and making society better. Whether it's promoting policies or cultivating talent, it's a form of contribution."

（Published at 27 November 2025）