My name is JIA Kanghao, and I obtained my MSc degree in Electronic and Information Engineering in 2017. Since graduating, I have worked as an engineer in the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), responsible for the system design of 5G cellular networks. Throughout my 2 years of study at PolyU, I fulfilled my goals, not only developing a broad and detailed knowledge of signal processing and communication technology, but also gaining valuable research experience through writing a dissertation.

During my studies I enrolled in seven courses, most of which were on telecommunications and artificial intelligence. What impressed me most was that each course basically involved a mini project. Through accomplishing these projects, you will not only better understand the meaning of those complex formulas and theories, but also gradually learn how to use the knowledge to solve practical problems.

After the first semester spent gaining fundamental knowledge, I was able to undertake a dissertation in the field of autonomous driving in the second and third semesters under the supervision of Dr Ivan Ho, who helped me a lot and gave me a lot of valuable advice during my research. In particular, our weekly group meeting enabled us to get inspiration from each other. In some ways, choosing my dissertation was a bit challenging. However, looking back after a year, I can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions that I have made, and it prompted me to make significant progress in developing my research abilities. Overall, I am sure that my study experience at PolyU will be a great asset to my future.

Jia Kanghao

I joined the part-time MSc in Electronic and Information Engineering programme at PolyU after earning my undergraduate degree. At the same time, I spent a year working as an engineer in the industry. Working and studying at the same time was not a comfortable way to live, but I was determined to live outside my comfort zone, which prepared me for the challenges ahead.

I enjoyed my two years as an MSc student at PolyU, and found the programme to be meaningful and worthwhile.

During the two years, I gained experience of state-of-the-art technology in different fields and subjects. I also met foreign classmates with different cultural backgrounds, and some experienced industry locals. As a result, my social network expanded. In addition to what I had learned from the subjects taught, I worked on a research project. Although I faced numerous challenges, I enjoyed working on the project, as it enhanced my research experience and skills. That will definitely be of benefit to my future PhD studies.

Chu Kai Fung

My time in the MSc in Electronic and Information Engineering programme was both busy and fruitful. Apart from the language of instruction, the main differences between EIE/PolyU and my mainland education were that in the EIE programme there were more group projects, more collaboration among students and more continuous assessment – all of which really helped to consolidate my learning.

Apart from taking taught subjects, I chose the dissertation track, and the Department very generously granted me a studentship to support my work. Learning a topic via writing a dissertation is quite different from course-based learning. Rather than simply attending lectures and finishing assignments, a dissertation involves more interaction between you and your supervisor. It also requires you to articulate your ideas clearly, both orally and in written form. Thanks to the patient guidance and encouragement of my supervisor, I was able to produce some good results and present an international conference paper at the end of my MSc study. We also received an invitation from the conference organiser to submit an extended version of the conference paper to a special issue of an international journal.

During my time working on my dissertation, I really enjoyed doing research work, and the academic environment in the EIE programme was congenial and vibrant. Therefore, after graduating from the MSc programme, I decided to continue my EIE research as a research assistant and started my PhD study in August 2016.

LIN Weiwei

The MSc in Electronic and Information Engineering programme provides a good opportunity for students with a background in engineering to undertake further postgraduate studies. The programme offers a wide choice of subjects in electronics, telecommunications and multimedia technologies. The dissertation is also a good option for students who want to gain more research experience.

During this programme, I had the opportunity to attend lectures delivered by extremely capable and knowledgeable academics. I have acquired a strong foundation in advanced engineering technologies and practical problem-solving skills through coursework, laboratory exercises and mini-projects. The 9-credit dissertation has equipped me with research experience, critical thinking and independent learning ability. I was also delighted to receive a studentship from EIE for taking the dissertation and was honoured to receive the EIE Alumni Scholarship and Type I Scholarship from the Faculty of Engineering.

I am satisfied with my study life at PolyU, which turned out to be full of knowledge and challenges. I feel honoured to be an MSc in EIE graduate and I very much treasure this intensive and diverse learning experience.

Pang Xiaomin

After graduating from the MSc in Electronic and Information Engineering programme, I joined a start-up company in Beijing, where I am responsible for research and development in the field of computer vision algorithms.

In my first semester at PolyU, I took five subjects in the field of digital signal processing and pattern recognition. The lectures were theoretical and helped me to form a firm basic knowledge structure. The lab sessions also helped me to keep pace with state-of-the-art techniques and products. I found them very useful when I tried to understand and implement complicated algorithms later on in my study and work.

In the second and third semesters, I was devoted to my research and writing my dissertation. My supervisor, Dr Daniel Lun, guided me well, always ready to help me solve research problems. Students also held a meeting every week and took turns giving presentations. I could show what I was doing and ask for suggestions, and frequently gained inspiration from other group members. Such an environment of mutual learning helped me progress rapidly. I not only gained professional knowledge from studying at PolyU, but also developed communication skills and gained research experience.

Liu Xinmin, Simon

During my two years of study at the Department of Electronic and Information Engineering, I have gained a lot from the classes and my research work. Through great effort, I earned a 3.9 GPA in the first semester and won the chance to write a thesis with full studentship support in the latter 3 semesters.

Study life here is totally different from what I experienced in mainland China: it emphasises understanding rather than just remembering equations. Courses here train a person to think logically and critically, and to solve problems. Research here also tests a student’s creativity and perseverance. After your time at PolyU, you will find yourself more mature, confident and intelligent, and you will be proud of what you have achieved.

Chen Jieshi, Jessie

I am a 2018 graduate of the MSc in Electronic and Information Engineering programme at PolyU. The subjects I took covered a broad range of engineering fields, including communication system design, multimedia technologies and artificial intelligence. At PolyU, students are encouraged to interact with professors both in and after class. Great opportunities are offered to students who are interested in addressing real-world engineering-related problems through well-designed mini projects.

I was offered a studentship to undertake a dissertation under the supervision of Dr M.W. Mak. Unlike coursework-based study, in which learning is passive, doing research requires both strong initiatives and learning capabilities. In the process of completing my dissertation, I encountered many issues. However, it was these tough challenges that forced me to dig down to the roots of my problems and taught me how to think about the same problem from different perspectives. Through this valuable research experience, I have realised that it is of great importance for me to keep learning, to enable me to fully adapt to rapid advances in new technologies. I strongly recommend that new students choose to work on a dissertation if they are really interested in doing research.

Yao Qi, Michael

I am Wang Peifeng, a 2019 graduate of the MSc in Electronic and Information Engineering programme at PolyU. I took seven taught courses on artificial intelligence and information security, combined with a dissertation. During my two years in the Department of Electronic and Information Engineering (EIE), I gained not only knowledge obtained in class but also the ability to think independently to solve problems. The learning formats of subjects are different in EIE, including class teaching, programming, group projects, oral presentations and laboratory courses. The Department often hosts competitions for the students to participate in. Creative thinking is encouraged for every student at EIE.

After my first semester, when I received a high GPA, I had the opportunity to engage in the MSc Studentship Project Scheme with my MSc dissertation. For the subsequent 1.5 years, conducting research project and writing the paper were my main tasks. Compared with course-based study, academic research requires stronger self-learning and problem-solving skills. I spent lots of time going through relevant papers and understanding the principles and algorithms. When facing an issue, I split it into several aspects and resolved them step by step with guidance from my supervisor at EIE. That was a valuable academic experience, and I am proud of myself for making the decision to carry out a research project at that time.

I obtained language assistance from the English Language Centre and obtained interview guidance offered by the Office of Careers and Placement Services at PolyU, which help me a lot both in my study and career. I am very grateful for the generous dedication and consistent support of PolyU and EIE during my study.

Wang Peifeng

My name is Wang Yixin, and I graduated from the MSc in Electronic and Information Engineering programme in 2019. Thanks to the programme, I have recently found a job relevant to my MSc study in Zhejiang. At the beginning of my study, I set myself the goal to do research. Therefore, I decided to gain sufficient knowledge first, and then choose my dissertation. I participated in seven courses, basically in the areas of communications and artificial intelligence. In these courses, in addition to learning different theories, students engaged in experiments and tests. These gave me a much better understanding of the theories. Students were also encouraged to ask questions in class, and to discuss issues with their subject lecturers after class.

After studying hard in the first semester, I had the opportunity to do my dissertation with a studentship under the supervision of Prof. Lam. Prof. Lam helped me a lot with my problems throughout my dissertation, and offered me much constructive advice. In addition, the group meeting held every week helped me to keep up with the latest research. Also, I was given a chance to present an interesting paper at a research group meeting, which allowed me to practise speaking in public. During my dissertation, I encountered problems from time to time, which puzzled me for a while. Nevertheless, I forced myself to work through the problems, which nurtured in me the valuable habits of reading and thinking.

The academic atmosphere in EIE is strong and I have been greatly enriched in terms of knowledge and working ability. I especially appreciate this learning experience, which taught me how to be positive and face up to challenges. It is definitely a worthwhile experience, and new students are always welcomed in EIE.

Wang Yixin