To provide opportunities for THEi students to learn the latest construction practice in Japan and enhance their knowledge in civil and structural engineering, the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) and Tomakomai National College of Technology (苫小牧工業高等専門学校) co-organized a 7-day exchange programme to Hokkaido, Japan.

From 17 July – 23 July, a group of 20 students from Civil Engineering (CE) Programme flew to Tomakomai National College of Technology in Hokkaido for this summer study tour led by Programme Leader, Dr Simon WONG and teaching fellow, Miss TONG Man Man of CE Programme. Encompassed conference, workshops, nature excursion, museum visits and company visits, the tour not only improved students’ professional knowledge, but also broadened their perspective on environmental and cultural conservation.

During the stay in Tomakomai, THEi students prepared presentations to exchange and share the design considerations on structures, such as the infrastructures in Hong Kong and the earthquake-resistant design in Japan. This allowed students from both institutes to discuss, compare and understand the uniqueness of construction consideration, including local construction practices and safety requirements, in Hong Kong and Japan respectively. A bridge model workshops cum competition was included in the tour to enrich student’s understanding on the development of bridges through classroom activities and hands-on model construction.

The field-trip at Nishimaru-yama and the visit to disaster-prevention center in Chitose City enhanced the student’s knowledge and understanding to earthquake. Students could also gain first-hand experience of earthquake and learn the mechanism, practice and training of disaster preparedness and response in Japan.

Apart from professional knowledge, students also visited Moerenuma Park, Utonai Wildlife Center UTONAI and Nopporo Forest Park, where they could reflect and associate the interaction between natural environment and human development in order to enhance their sense of environmental conservation.