At the forefront of blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, the HKU Racing project stands as a beacon of the Students as Partners (SaP) strategy in action. Under the guidance of founding supervisors like Dr. Match Ko, this initiative brings together a diverse team of over 70 HKU students from Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Business, and Medicine. United by a passion for motorsports and STEM education, the team’s mission is to design and build an electric formula-style race car from scratch, aiming for glory in the Formula Student UK (FSUK) annual competition
Student Involvement and Leadership
The heart of HKU Racing lies in its student-led approach, with the team organized into five technical divisions: Powertrain and Electrical, Aerodynamics & Bodyworks, Suspension, Chassis, Electronics, and Driving Inputs, along with an operation team dedicated to STEM education workshops. Alex Chiu, the Chief Technical Director, alongside Ingrid Wong, Chief Operations Director; Ryan Ka, Deputy Technical Director; and Jan Wong, Deputy Operations Director, exemplify the depth of student involvement. These roles not only showcase the technical and managerial prowess of the students but also their commitment to furthering STEM education through motorsport-related workshops.
Diverse Perspectives Enhancing Learning
The collaboration between Dr. Ko and the student team underscores the transformative power of mentorship and guidance in the SaP framework. Students like Miss Ingrid Wong have harnessed this partnership to refine project management and soft skills, particularly in navigating the diverse personalities and working styles within the team. This experience has significantly bolstered their interpersonal skills, allowing them to tackle challenges and make critical decisions more effectively.
Practical Application Meets Academic Excellence
For mechanical engineering students, such as Ryan Ka, the HKU Racing project has provided a valuable platform to apply classroom theories in real-world contexts, notably in the development of the HKUR-01 and HKUR-02 race cars. This hands-on experience, enriched by Dr. Ko’s immediate feedback on various engineering aspects, has not only enhanced their understanding of the syllabus but also contributed to academic success, as evidenced by top grades in Thermodynamics courses.
A Testament to Student-Teacher Partnership
The success of the HKU Racing project is a testament to the synergy between student innovation and teacher support. The collaboration has created a dynamic learning environment where student ideas are met with expert guidance, allowing for a flourishing of creativity and problem-solving skills. This partnership has proven invaluable in navigating the complexities of such an ambitious project, ensuring not only the achievement of technical goals but also the personal and professional growth of the students involved.
Looking Forward: Empowering Future Innovators
Reflecting on the journey, Dr. Ko and the student leaders advocate for the continued integration of SaP elements in future projects. The reciprocal nature of this collaboration—merging fresh student perspectives with seasoned academic insights—fosters an environment ripe for innovation and growth. As the project moves forward, the commitment to student empowerment and inclusive learning remains central, promising to shape the next generation of engineers and leaders in the field of motorsports and beyond.
