SEE Students Gain Global Exposure at KAUST WEP 2026
Three PhD students from the School of Energy and Environment (SEE), City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), participated in the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2026, held at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia, from 13 to 22 January 2026. Themed “Adaptation: Reshaping for a Fluctuating Future”, the program convened global experts and students for keynote addresses, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and cultural exchange activities. For SEE students, it was a unique opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary research, leading technologies, and an international academic community.
Before the trip, the students took part in a pre-departure briefing to prepare for both the academic and cultural aspects of the program. At KAUST, they were exposed to pioneering research and experienced the university’s collaborative ethos, which fosters innovation and scientific exchange across disciplines and cultures. This article shares the students’ experiences with the SEE community, offering insights into their academic and cultural journey at KAUST.
Reflections from Participants
The scientific sessions were a central highlight of the program. Leung Tsz Kei, a PhD student under the supervision of Professor Michael Leung at SEE, found the keynote lecture by Professor Huang Kuo-Wei of KAUST on hydrogen energy particularly inspiring. She emphasized the lecture’s key message: “The future is something we create together.” Beyond the intellectual content, she was also impressed by KAUST’s cutting-edge research infrastructure, highlighting the breadth of advanced instrumentation, which sparked new ideas and offered fresh perspectives for her own research.
Li Huixian, a PhD student under the supervision of Professor Henry He at SEE, described WEP 2026 as “an intellectually enriching and transformative experience,” crediting KAUST’s “environment of open dialogue and collaborative spirit” with broadening her academic perspectives and encouraging deeper engagement with multidisciplinary ideas.
Wen Lan, a PhD student under the supervision of Professor Fatwa Abdi at SEE, similarly characterized the program as both enlightening and personally enriching. She noted that the daily keynote sessions consistently reinforced the importance of fostering a “fair, sustainable, supportive, and inclusive research environment.” Outside the academic setting, she found the cultural tour to Al Balad particularly meaningful, offering firsthand insights into Saudi Arabian heritage and the cultural legacy of the Red Sea region.
A Platform for Growth
Collectively, the participants’ reflections highlight the meaningful impact of WEP 2026 in broadening academic perspectives and fostering global awareness. Beyond the research-focused sessions, the students took part in workshops on communication and career development, along with cultural activities that deepened their understanding of diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Students attended a pre-departure briefing session hosted by Professor Chak Chan (KAUST) and Professor Patrick Lee (CityUHK).
SEE students engaging in academic and cultural activities on the KAUST campus.
An evening of exchange and connection with professors, students, and researchers at KAUST.
Students touring KAUST's research facilities during the visit.
Students taking part in cultural events as part of the KAUST WEP 2026 program.