Award for OUHK applied science students in national competition

Four full-time Year 4 applied science students of the School of Science and Technology have won a third class award in a national competition widely acclaimed as the ‘Olympics’ of technological inventions by university students. Led by OUHK Vice President (Academic) Prof. Danny Wong, Lecturer Dr Fred Lee and Teaching Assistant Ms Katrina Pang, the team — consisting of Thomas Lee, Bodmond Siu, Sammui Ho and William Luk — presented their entry paper entitled ‘The use of coagulation technology for the removal of cyanobacterial blooms’ at the 11th National University Students Technology Challenge Cup held at Beihang University in Beijing in late October 2009. This is the first time that OUHK students participated in the competition, which is held every two years with the support of the Ministry of Education, China Association for Science and Technology and media organizations.

The four winners were interviewed by the student magazine of Beihang University. They were glad to have put what they learnt at the OUHK in their entry. They enjoyed getting the chance to meet more than 1,100 student representatives from 450 universities in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. School Dean Prof. Ho Kin-chung said the award was a fruitful reward for the efforts of OUHK students and staff and encouraged students to take up more exchange opportunities in future to widen their horizons.

Computing and engineering students shine in Web design contest

Five of the 12 awards in a Web design contest for students in local tertiary institutions have gone to OUHK full-time computing and engineering students. The nine OUHK representatives in teams of one or two were among 18 winners who received their prizes at the 2009 eXtreme Web Designer Award ceremony held at Nikko Hotel on 14 January. The competition was organized by the Hong Kong Computer Society with the support of five local universities — CityU, HKU, OUHK, PolyU and HKUST — to encourage Hong Kong students to create high quality websites using good Web standards and accessibility best practices as well as aesthetically pleasing visual designs. Dr Steven Choy, Assistant Professor of the School of Science and Technology, said the contest had motivated students to find the latest developments in website design and come up with creations of their own.

Winning teams

1. Kelvin Wong & Jason Tsang (BComp (Hons) in Internet Technology Year 1)

2. Chow Ho-fai (BComp (Hons) in Internet Technology Year 3)

3. Chung Wai-hung & Tang Kin-man (BComp (Hons) in Internet Technology Year 2)

4. Samuel Cai & Jimmy Yau (BComp (Hons) in Internet Technology Year 2)

5. Sonu Thapa & Ng Wai-ming (BSc in Computer Engineering Year 2)

South Korean nursing students visit OUHK

The nursing team received three professors and 30 students from the Department of Nursing, Sunlin University, South Korea, on 15 December 2009, during which it introduced the OUHK’s nursing programmes, provided a tour of the Clinical Nursing Education Centre and discussed with the visitors the differences in nursing education between Hong Kong and South Korea. The visitors communicated with OUHK students and staff through a translator and used pens and paper, drawings and electronic dictionaries to facilitate the sharing.

Survey finds Wi-Fi networks more secured

A Wi-Fi survey conducted by OUHK full-time communications technology students has found an increase in access points and fewer access points with no security encryption. The annual survey, which began in 2002, was Hong Kong’s most comprehensive longitudinal study on the security level of wireless local area networks.

‘Wi-Fi users have become more aware of the importance of security of wireless networks and 20% of the networks are using the latest IEEE802.11n Wi-Fi standard. The total number of Wi-Fi access points detected this year was 16,297, about 68 times of the number in 2003,’ said Year 3 student Thomas Yuen, who conducted the survey with three OUHK students and four students from Caritas Francis Hsu College.

Data was collected in a van, a tram, a helicopter and on a ferry on 9 November 2009. ‘Apart from the educational value, results from such surveys could have an impact on the development and adoption of wireless technology,’ said Prof. Paul Kwok of the School of Science and Technology.

Radio talk on creative writing

Mr Ben Wong, programme leader of the Creative Writing and Film Arts programme, and author of the book Hong Kong: Mock City (in Chinese), was invited by RTHK Radio 2 to share his thoughts on story writing with listeners on 2 January. The former movie scriptwriter thinks good literature, just like films, should entertain in addition to having philosophical and social significance. There are many ways to tell a story and research on relevant topics will definitely help. The biggest challenge is being true to your conscience and upholding your work’s artistic and commercial value at the same time.

Talk on drama production for Creative Writing and Film Arts students

Hong Kong Repertory Theatre Artistic Director Mr Anthony Chan came to the OUHK on 25 November to share his experience in drama production with students of the Creative Writing and Film Arts programme. Over the last 40 years, Mr Chan has written or adapted over 60 dramas and directed numerous productions. He has also been involved in script translation, costume design and stage management.

Christian Fellowship Christmas Party

The Christian Fellowship organized a Christmas Party on 20 December, during which participants sang songs, played games, shared their thoughts and presented gifts to each other. Regular gatherings are held on the third Sunday of each month. More information is available at www.ouhkcfg.org.

China Law Society forum and national exam study tips

Since its establishment four years ago, the China Law Society has built up connections with student groups outside and within the university to promote academic exchange. For example, it has jointly organized a seminar with the Alumni Association of China Renmin University and set up a law forum (forum.aaouhk.webserver.hk) with the OUHK Alumni Association. On 19 December 2009, the Society and the OUHK Alumni Association invited solicitor Mr Tai Siu-hung to host a seminar. OUHK graduate Barry Wong, who had passed the 2009 China Judicial Examination, shared his study tips on the same occasion. Check out the Society’s future activities at www.ouprclaws.com.

Engineering Society's sound-generating pencil

The first activity of the Engineering Society set up in September 2009 was a welcoming barbecue party for members in Shek O. At the Society’s first seminar in November, 50 participants listened to an I.T. company director, an electronic engineer and a university lecturer talked about their work lives as well as the career prospects and latest trends in their fields. Following the half-day guided tour to electronic shops in Apliu Street, the Society hosted a workshop for students to build ‘Drawdio’ — a sound-generating pencil. And the visit to the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks in December helped students learn more about integrated circuits, radio-frequency identification and photonics. Look out for more exciting activities, such as career talks and visits, at the Society’s website at sct.ouhk.edu.hk/ess or email to ouhk.ess@gmail.com to join as a member.

Dancing Society university performance tour

Members of the Dancing Society toured local universities to give performances in October and November last year, which have won them much acclaim. The Society will participate in more joint activities with peers of other universities this year. The Society’s annual gala in April will feature performances by OUHK students and external dancing groups. Please email the Society at danso.ou@gmail.com or visit its website at ouhk-danso.xanga.com if you would like to become a member.

Learn to make a gift with the Do It Yourself Society

The newly established Do It Yourself Society held two workshops in October and December last year to teach students how to make non-woven fabric products, hand-made lip balms and jelly candles. Another two workshops on folded-paper flowers and environmentally friendly bears will take place in February and April. All students and graduates are welcome to join and share the fun. Please go to www.facebook.com/diysoc.ouhk for details.

Join the Runner Club’s weekly training sessions

Members of the Runner Club took part in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in February last year and all three 5-kilometre races organized by Athletic Veterans of Hong Kong at Wan Chai Gap, Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir and Bowen Road in September and October. Eleven members also registered for the Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon on 6 December. If you are interested in joining the Club’s regular training sessions in Sham Shui Po Sports Ground at 7 pm every Monday, please contact chair Mony Tse by calling 6238 8030 or emailing to s0352068@yahoo.com.hk. You may also visit its website at ourunnerclub.angelfire.com for details.