The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Infiniti Motor Company Limited entered into a cooperation agreement yesterday, centering on the new Infiniti Performance Engineering Academy. HKUST is the sole university in Hong Kong to join this global talent search initiative, which offers top engineering students the opportunity to gain experience with Infiniti Red Bull Racing, a triple Formula One World Championship-winning team, and at Infiniti's European Technical Center in the UK.
Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One team ambassador Mr David Coulthard, Infiniti Formula One Global Director Mr Andreas Sigl, HKUST Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Dr Eden Y Woon, and Dean of Engineering Prof Khaled Ben Letaief officiated at the agreement signing ceremony. HKUST engineering students also engaged in discussions with the Formula One team at the event.
Under the agreement, HKUST top engineering students will have the opportunity to participate in the global selection process for the Academy. Two winners chosen from shortlisted candidates from different regions around the world will enjoy a year-long internship split between Infiniti Red Bull Racing and Infiniti's European Technical Center, with mentoring provided by key team personnel and Infiniti engineers.
"The Infiniti Performance Engineering Academy is a unique opportunity for top engineering talents from around the world to further their learning in the fast-paced environment of Formula One. We are delighted to enter into a collaborative agreement with HKUST in Infiniti Motor Company Limited's home town of Hong Kong," said Mr Andreas Sigl, Global Director of Infiniti Formula One.
Dr Eden Y Woon, HKUST Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, said: "HKUST is the sole tertiary institution in Hong Kong and one of the few in Asia to be invited to be a partner of the Infiniti Performance Engineering Academy. This is a great acknowledgement of the University's world-class education and research, and high-flying engineering students."
The agreement also envisages there will be opportunities to develop future cooperation between HKUST and Infiniti. Dr Woon added: "We hope to work closely with Infiniti in the future on research and applications related to racing and road car technologies, and develop another programs to advance our students' professional knowledge and skills."
HKUST School of Engineering's teaching and research excellence is globally recognized. The School has a strong international reputation and consistently ranks high among major engineering schools around the world. In the 2013-14 QS World University Rankings in Engineering and Technology, HKUST was ranked 19th globally.
Infiniti Performance Engineering Academy applications open and regional shortlisting begins on 1 November 2013. Short-listed candidates for the regions will be confirmed in May 2014. Finalists will then participate in a two-day assessment held in the UK in July 2014. The results will be announced at the British Grand Prix, and the internships will start in September 2014. The work placement includes salary, accommodation and the use of an Infiniti car.
