Chen Ziqiang, Assistant Professor, Advanced Materials Domain, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou):
I consider bringing gallium oxide from academia research into real-world applications a huge achievement, and also a dream of mine as a teacher. Having the freedom to explore a technological breakthrough, and then turning it into something genuinely useful. This is something I can realize here in Nansha within three to five years.

My name is Chen Ziqiang, I am from Penang, Malaysia. After completing my PhD, I went straight to Clarkson University to work as an assistant professor. Very few people get the opportunity to witness a university being built from the ground up. I felt that in my lifetime, it was something I had to be a part of. So I came to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) to continue teaching.

So far, we are probably the only team in the world able to produce p-type gallium oxide via MOCVD. These achievements would not have been possible without our HKUST (GZ) PhD students. When this laboratory was built I made many suggestions. Now, seeing those suggestions implemented, and witnessing the students’ achievements, I feel a great sense of accomplishment.

Gallium oxide doesn’t belong to the first, second, or third generation of semiconductors. It belongs to the next generation of semiconductor technology. One of its key characteristics is the ability to shrink a massive power substation into something the size of a fist. This represents a complete technological transformation.

Our team has three to four members. They also form the core of the company. 

Song Hanzhao, 3rd-Year PhD Student, Advanced Materials Domain, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou):

We have joined the company through technological investment since its establishment in 2022. We need to maintain our role as students while also managing the company’s day-to-day operations.

Our hope for these next-generation semiconductor materials, is to achieve China’s technological independence, and potentially take the lead globally.

Chen Ziqiang:

This piece of equipment is called an MOCVD system. We use this equipment to grow gallium oxide epitaxial thin films. This allows us to develop high-power electronic devices that can withstand voltages of over ten thousand volts. We have been here for almost a year now. The Nansha government has provided us with some rent-free policies.

VO:
At present, 98% of the senior teaching and research staff of HKUST (GZ) come from abroad.

The innovation zone surrounding HKUST (GZ) is strengthening industry–academia–research collaboration. Guided with the purpose of “Transforming technological achievements of Hong Kong and Macao by Nansha for commercial application in the Greater Bay Area”, it aims to position Nansha as the “Silicon Valley of the Greater Bay Area”.

Chen Ziqiang:

Several semiconductor companies are operating here and they are all located nearby. There is indeed a cluster effect for semiconductors here. At this stage, our platform is for small- and medium-scale trials. You can imagine that this equipment would require at least 100 units. But since Nansha still has plenty of land, it is possible to scale up here for larger, industrial-level applications.

Qu Andeng, 3rd-Year PhD Student, Advanced Materials Domain, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou):

Highly convenient transportation, affordable housing, and plenty of talent subsidies. I believe working in the semiconductor industry in Nansha has huge potential for future development.

Our team and Professor Chen get along very well, like friends. He brings in many people to help us, giving us crucial guidance in many areas.

Chen Ziqiang:

I believe that good teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge. It’s about enabling students to put it into practice.

Running a company is difficult, but it allows them learn a wide array of skills, so they can freely choose the life they want to lead.”