From Silicon Valley to Nansha: Charting a Pioneering Transition at HKUST(GZ)
Editor's note:
At a critical juncture marked by the accelerated evolution of a new global technological revolution and industrial transformation, China is resolutely advancing the workforce development strategy, while expediting efforts to develop a world-class talent center and innovation hub. As a pivotal part of the international center for technology and innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) has steadfastly embraced an innovation-driven approach, prioritized interdisciplinary integration, and proactively explored diversified talent development pathways and evaluation mechanisms.
In recent years, the University has steadily advanced the substantiation review procedure for faculty members. A cohort of professors has been granted substantiation based on their comprehensive achievements in research, teaching, and university service. This mechanism not only recognizes their sustained contributions but also underscores HKUST(GZ)'s unwavering philosophy of "employing talent beyond conventions, and tailoring education to the individual".
As one of the first batch of faculty members who passed the substantiation review at HKUST(GZ), Professor Yunda WANG graciously accepted the invitation for this exclusive conversation. His professional journey—from a world-leading industrial research lab to a pioneering university founded on interdisciplinary integration—provides a compelling lens. It reflects the expansive platform and rich opportunities that HKUST(GZ) offers scholars from diverse backgrounds and career trajectories. Whether your strengths are rooted in academia, industry, or the intersections between, if you are motivated by innovation and oriented toward the future, this is an environment where talent not only grows but truly thrives.
Professor Yunda WANG is an Associate Professor of the Thrust of Smart Manufacturing, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). He also serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Micro-Nano Integration Lab (MNIL). His research focuses on microsystem integration, micro/nano manufacturing, microLED display technology, and the scalable fabrication and heterogeneous integration of two-dimensional materials. Professor WANG earned his bachelor's degree from Xi'an Jiaotong University, master's from Peking University, and PhD from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder). From 2013 to 2022, he was with the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC, a Xerox Company), where he advanced through the roles of Postdoctoral Researcher, Researcher, and Senior Researcher. He received the "PARC Early-Stage Innovation Excellence Award" in 2019 and the "PARC Golden Acorn Award" for the best patent of the year in 2021. As a first or corresponding author, he has published numerous papers in internationally renowned journals and conferences, including Science, Microsystems & Nanoengineering, Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems (JMEMS), IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (IEEE MEMS), Transducers, etc. He holds over 40 granted patents and patent applications in the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and Europe. His research achievements have been featured by media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency, Phys.org, and LEDinside. He has led and participated in numerous research programs funded by national, provincial, and municipal projects, including general programs of the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Science and Technology Major Project.
As one of the first batch of faculty members who passed the substantiation review of HKUST(GZ), Professor WANG's career exemplifies a path of mutual reinforcement between academia and industry. His journey—from a top-tier research center in Silicon Valley to a new university in Nansha, Guangzhou—demonstrates how experience spanning industry and academia can enrich a scholarly career, providing an inspiring model for young scholars.
From Silicon Valley to Nansha: Seeking "harmonious resonance" in research through integration
"After reaching a certain stage, you naturally desire to find a platform better suited for personal growth," reflected Professor WANG, his tone resolute, discussing his decision three years ago to leave his position at PARC and return to China to join HKUST(GZ). By that time, he had studied and worked in the US for over a decade, serving as a Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator at a leading research center in Silicon Valley, with his career on a steady upward trajectory. Yet, he had gradually come to realize that to tackle more forward-looking and groundbreaking questions, he might need a platform better aligned with his long-term development—one that offered greater room to grow.
"That was a decision with comprehensive considerations," he recalled, "driven both by career aspirations and family factors." During the pandemic, cross-border travel became increasingly difficult, which, to some extent, hindered his connection with family and friends in China and prompted him to seriously consider the possibility of returning to develop his career. More importantly, he recognized the burgeoning innovation ecosystem of the Greater Bay Area and the future embodied by HKUST(GZ)'s commitment to cross-disciplinary integration.
"What attracted me to HKUST(GZ) was its unique interdisciplinary vision and its strategic location within the Greater Bay Area," said Professor WANG. When he first encountered the innovative framework of "Hub" and "Thrust", he keenly sensed that the University's mission to break down disciplinary barriers aligned closely with his own academic background spanning information engineering, microelectronics, and mechanical engineering.
Research path: Finding answers at intersection of disciplines
"In industry, I came to deeply realize that the major challenges our world faces are increasingly complex, and solutions confined to a single discipline are often insufficient," said Professor WANG. This insight reflects the deeper motivation behind his transition from industry to academia.
His academic journey exemplifies cross-disciplinary exploration: a bachelor's degree in information engineering from Xi'an Jiaotong University, a master's degree in microelectronics and integrated circuits from Peking University, and a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. This multidisciplinary training laid the foundation for his innovative achievements in microsystem integration. Since joining HKUST(GZ) three years ago, he has led and participated in numerous research programs funded by national, provincial, and municipal projects, including general programs of the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Science and Technology Major Project. He has also continued translating his industry insights into pivotal directions for cutting-edge academic research.
"Innovation, especially the disruptive kind, is incredibly difficult," he admitted. "It often demands long-term commitment and persistence before a true breakthrough emerges." Guided by this conviction, his team has been steadily advancing research in micro-transfer printing technology. Encouragingly, related research has begun to show promise. In 2024, he and his team received the "Conference Paper Award" at the 19th IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems (IEEE-NEMS 2024).
Teaching and learning: Upholding "primary identity as a teacher"
Despite his deep research and practical experience in industry, Professor WANG approached his teaching with the humility of a new educator when he first stepped into the classroom. "Actually, before joining HKUST(GZ), I had no formal teaching experience," he frankly said. "Presenting at a conference is one thing; standing in a classroom, engaging students, and guiding their thinking—that's an entirely different skill set."
During the interview, Professor WANG reflected that from his very first days at the University, it was made clear to him that a fundamental commitment to teaching was the top priority for faculty. "A professor's primary identity is that of a teacher," he said. This principle was not only clearly conveyed by leadership at the University, Hub and Thrust levels, but also implemented through systematic faculty development programs provided by the University. "If you truly value teaching, you will be willing to invest time in practice, reflection, and improvement," he noted. Driven by this belief and the supportive environment, he has continuously honed his course designs and teaching methods. Over the past two years, his courses have consistently received exceptionally high ratings in student evaluations. "At university, teaching is a paramount responsibility," he stated seriously. "What ensures we are never late or absent? It's that tight string in our minds—knowing there is always a group of students waiting for you in class. It's essential to keep this in mind throughout the entire semester." This deeply felt sense of responsibility is the inner drive behind his continuous pursuit of high-quality teaching.
His classes are not just about imparting knowledge but also about cultivating interdisciplinary thinking. "Our University strongly encourages innovation in teaching over rigid adherence to a single, traditional approach." To this end, he has been actively exploring innovative pedagogies such as project-based learning and flipped classrooms, while transforming his extensive industry experience into engaging, practice-driven teaching content.
Student mentorship: Staying true to original aspiration of personalized education
When talking about the core differences between leading research projects in industry and university, Professor WANG said: "In industry, we collaborate with teams to complete one project after another, with the core goal of pursuing the practical benefits and implementation outcomes of the projects; however, in the university, when we lead students in conducting research projects, the greater value lies in the systematic nurturing of talent and the holistic development of individuals."
Professor WANG also emphasizes that each student possesses distinct personality traits and unique strengths. Therefore, in talent cultivation, he tailors his guidance to individual students. In practice, he customizes personalized development plans that align with each student's unique traits and aspirations. "If a student needs to develop in certain areas, we work together to identify the gaps and address them step by step. At the same time, we respect individual differences and help students advance steadily in directions where they show greater potential."
This student-centered philosophy is a testament to his student group's positive trajectory. Under his mentorship, many of his PhD and MPhil students are driving their projects at a rapid pace, culminating in a steady stream of results presented at premier conferences and published in high-impact journals.
University service: Evolving perception from "duty" to "opportunity"
Professor WANG has taken on a diverse range of service roles within the University. He currently serves as Associate Director of the Center for Heterogeneous Integration of Microsystems and Packaging (CHIP), in addition to serving on several University academic committees. During his early years at HKUST(GZ), he also served as the UG Coordinator in the Thrust of Smart Manufacturing, contributing to SMMG's undergraduate program development. Beyond this, his active involvement in undergraduate recruitment was recognized with the "Best Contribution to UG Recruitment Award" in 2023, supporting the University's development through practical actions.
"We can shift our perspective and view university service as an opportunity," he said. "In the process of serving, we can develop many key skills in communication, coordination, and management." He recalled his experience participating in the establishment of the first batch of UG programs as particularly memorable. "At that time, we had to design programs, develop courses, and assemble the instructional teams within a tight timeframe." That experience, he noted, not only honed his ability to collaborate across teams but also helped him build meaningful connections with colleagues from various Thrusts. "Many of my current collaborations with colleagues in fields like artificial intelligence actually grew from relationships forged during that time."
Resonating with Greater Bay Area: Personal growth and development of young scholars
"Personal development only amplifies one's voice when it resonates harmoniously with the larger environment," Professor WANG reflected. As a researcher who successfully transitioned from industry to academia, he deeply appreciates the unique opportunities offered by the Greater Bay Area's innovative ecosystem. "We have benefited from the development of the Greater Bay Area, and we should also contribute to its progress," he said. He emphasized that HKUST(GZ)'s cross-disciplinary philosophy aligns seamlessly with the region's industrial needs, creating an ideal platform for young scholars to pursue academic excellence while translating their research into real-world impact. Regarding the growth and development of young scholars, Professor WANG emphasized that it is essential to first "establish the right values, and on that foundation, grasp the major trends and opportunities in national and regional development". He highlighted that HKUST(GZ) offers diverse development paths for scholars from different backgrounds, whether transitioning from industry or seeking breakthroughs within a traditional academic trajectory, each can find a suitable space for growth here. "Here, you can have the opportunity to take part in building a future-oriented academic framework and grow together with the University," Professor WANG said sincerely, "I look forward to more like-minded scholars joining us on this vibrant land to jointly explore the boundless possibilities of academia and realize the harmonious resonance between personal aspiration and the mission of our times."
Professor WANG's trajectory is more than a personal success story; it is a case study in how exceptional talent can align individual ambition with the spirit of the times. His journey also vividly reflects HKUST(GZ)'s commitment to establishing itself as a world-class research institution. His experience demonstrates that within a new paradigm of cross-disciplinary synergy and robust industry-academia collaboration, talent development pathways can be increasingly diverse, and the frontiers of innovation can be continually expanded.
Looking ahead, HKUST(GZ) will continue to utilize its unique position in the Greater Bay Area, a global hub of innovation. With an open and inclusive institutional environment, a frontier-focused and interdisciplinary academic ecosystem, and a commitment to addressing the nation's critical strategic needs, we warmly invite outstanding scholars and high-caliber talents worldwide to join us. Here, you will not only pursue academic excellence but also participate in shaping the future of education and research. Partner with HKUST(GZ), advance with the Greater Bay Area, and resonate with the spirit of our times.
