Four HKUST students on the Dual Degree Program in Technology and Management (T&M) have developed a business proposal on trucking logistics in Mainland China through using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies. The proposal has won very high acclaim from two international enterprises which sponsored the project.
Sponsored by Orient Overseas Container Line Limited (OOCL) and Sun Microsystems of California Limited (SUN), the project is part of the Enrichment Program designed to provide T&M students with real life business exposure.
Sixteen T&M students went to Shanghai in March 2007 and studied the operation of OOCL's logistics center there and investigated the challenges trucking companies and drivers are facing in China. After the visit, they had to develop a proposal to OOCL and Sun suggesting possible business opportunities in the logistics industry with the use of RFID, GPS and other high technologies.
Their business proposal on "Trucking Logistics in Mainland China" suggested that a new company is to be established to provide a SMART Platform equipped with "Vehicle Monitoring System" which will help to check truck location, monitor cargo condition, and provide SMS reports of transportation status through the use of RFID, GPS Star Map services, and SUNSPOT Technology to ensure a cost-effective and high quality operation.
The winning team members, Li Ming Yeung, Tse Kin Hang Chris, Wong Wai Shing Frank and Yip Man Fung expressed their gratitude to the sponsors for giving them a golden opportunity to learn from real life business operations. "It is generous of OOCL and Sun to give us this learning opportunity. They render good services not only to their customers, partners, shareholders, but also to the communities as part of their commitment to corporate social responsibility." The champion team remarked.
Speaking at today's closing ceremony, OOCLs Chief Executive Officer Mr. Philip Chow said, "We are very impressed by the team's thorough analysis of the trucking logistic industry in Mainland China, and the advanced information technologies suggested to provide superior transport and logistics solutions for their customers. Moreover, we are very happy that we can provide a chance for our youth to apply their skills and knowledge in a real business world. We recognize that the communities which we live and work contribute to our success, and we focus our community efforts on education for young people."
Mr Benjamin Kwok, Managing Director, Hong Kong/Macau, Sun Microsystems of California Ltd said, "This project has fully demonstrated the students' capabilities in applying learnt theories and technologies to real life business scenarios."
Speaking at the closing ceremony, HKUST's Acting President Prof Roland Chin expressed total satisfaction with this partnership, saying that it represents the marriage of excellence between bold-thinking student teams with a sense of entrepreneurship and a top-quality corporate sponsor with a lofty sense of commitment to the community.
As a conclusion to the ceremony, Prof Chi Ming Chan, Co-Director of Dual Degree Program, said that it was, indeed, an invaluable opportunity for dual degree students to observe the business operation of OOCL and Sun at close quarters with insiders' guidance. "The program not only strives for academic success but also all-rounded excellence. Through a series of enrichment programs, T&M students are also encouraged to develop innovative thinking and entrepreneurship skills, thereby sharpening their competitive edge in the international job market."
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Luk Kam Wing
Tel: 2358 6306
Email: kluk@ust.hk
Shirley Tang (Dual Degree Program)
Tel: 2358 6964
Email: egtang@ust.hk
