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The EL Division conducted the captioned visit on 14-20 September 2025. The objective was to gain exposure to cutting-edge developments in big data applications, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. The delegation visited four key sites:
- The National Big Data Comprehensive Exhibition Center;
- The Guiyang Longmaster Information & Technology Co Ltd;
- The Guizhou Changjiang Automobile Co Ltd; and
- The “FAST” 500 m Aperture Spherical Telescope.
China’s big data and technology sectors have shown remarkable progress over the past few years, positioning the country at the forefront of digital innovation. At The National Big Data Comprehensive Exhibition Center, our group explored interactive exhibits demonstrating the practical applications of big data in governance, commerce and smart city development.
This was followed by a visit to the Guiyang Longmaster Information & Technology Co Ltd, a leading firm in telemedicine and internet healthcare solutions. We saw their research & development facilities and data processing platforms and discussed the integration of AI in medical diagnostics and patient care systems.
At the Guizhou Changjiang Automobile Co Ltd, we toured their new energy vehicle production line, focusing on assembly processes and quality control mechanisms for electric vehicles. The company showcased its latest models and battery technologies, highlighting their efforts toward sustainable transportation.
Next, we visited the 500 m Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST). Nicknamed “Heaven’s Eye” (天眼), an engineering marvel that embodies China's ambition to explore the cosmic frontier. The facility's immense scale and precision allow it to detect faint radio signals from the depths of the universe, contributing profoundly to astronomical research. Our visit focused on understanding its core scientific missions and the pioneering spirit behind its construction, which demonstrates a long-term commitment to fundamental science and the advancement of human knowledge.
Overall, the visit was highly productive, offering a profound understanding of the innovation-driven development strategy in Chinese Mainland. The first-hand experience of the practical technological applications provided valuable perspectives that will inform our Division's future initiatives and knowledge exchange.
Electrical engineers consistently engage with a wide variety of stakeholders during their careers. While early-career professionals focus primarily on technical challenges, career advancement necessitates increased collaboration with clients, superiors, and subordinates. Mastering good pitching techniques is essential for success in these critical interactions.
To this end, the EL Division hosted the captioned seminar on 31 July 2025. The event featured Mr Donald Ma, the renowned Executive Consultant from MilestoneThree, who shared a variety of tailored methodologies for engineering professionals seeking pitching excellence.
Mr Ma commenced by defining pitching as the strategic art of persuading clients to adopt business proposals. He contrasted this with conventional presentations, noting that successful pitches must inspire audiences to think differently, feel emotionally invested, and ultimately change their perspectives. Citing impactful research, Mr Ma revealed that content contributes merely 7% to persuasive impact, while presenter credibility determines 53% and the manner of delivery influences 40%.
Attendees at the seminar engaged in dynamic breakout sessions exploring different pitching frameworks. Through collaborative discussion, the groups analysed the essential preparation sequence: starting with audience analysis, progressing to establishing clear objectives, systematically gathering data, structuring compelling narratives and designing supportive visual aids. Mr Ma emphasised that rigorous rehearsal remains the cornerstone of pitching excellence.
A hands-on workshop followed, where Mr Ma guided attendees in developing practice scenarios with hypothetical clients. Each member delivered an impromptu pitch to peers, receiving immediate constructive feedback in a supportive environment.
The seminar culminated in a vibrant question-and-answer session addressing real-world challenges. When asked about gaining audience engagement quickly, Mr Ma advocated for memorable openings and jargon-free language.
With regard to handling difficult questions from the client, he recommended seeking clarification to both understand any nuances and gain response time. An engineer concerned about data presentation was advised to highlight only missioncritical metrics, as excessive information often overwhelmed clients rather than persuaded them.
The EL Division expresses its profound appreciation to Mr Ma for delivering an exceptionally actionable seminar that equipped members with vital communication tools for career progression.