Academicians on Campus: Professor Lee Chack Fan and SFC Students Unlock the Scientific Codes of Major National Projects

2025-11-28

On November 26, the “Academicians on Campus” initiative by The Great Bay Area Association of Academicians (GBAAA) —visited Hong Kong and Kowloon Kaifong Women's Association Sun Fong Chung College (SFC). Professor Lee Chack Fan, an academician of both the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Canadian Academy of Engineering, delivered an inspiring lecture on the history of the Three Gorges Project, blending scientific depth with humanistic warmth. His talk captivated over 350 teachers and students at the college, offering them an immersive experience of the grandeur of China’s landmark engineering achievements and the transformative power of technological innovation.

Professor Lee Chack Fan at SFC

Professor Lee began by addressing the historical suffering caused by Yangtze River floods, illustrating the urgency and necessity of the Three Gorges Project with century-long flood data and vivid descriptions of the unique geographical phenomenon known as the “Jingjiang Perched River.” He then traced the project’s century-long journey—from initial proposals to final completion—and demystified its core engineering design using accessible language. Emphasizing the principle of “harmonizing ecological protection with development,” he also highlighted the cultural preservation efforts and environmental safeguards implemented by scientists and engineers during construction, thereby conveying a holistic vision of “engineering water management plus ecological water management.” This narrative helped students grasp, in a tangible way, the significance and breakthroughs of modern engineering.

Professor Lee Chack Fan

The Q&A session that followed was equally dynamic. Students eagerly asked questions on topics ranging from advancements in sediment dredging and silt prevention technologies, seismic-resistant dam design standards, and the project’s contributions to clean energy, to the future of hydropower in the context of China’s carbon neutrality goals. Drawing on his firsthand experiences with landmark projects like the Three Gorges Dam and the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station, Professor Lee patiently unpacked complex technical concepts and encouraged students to build solid foundational knowledge while remaining attentive to the broader societal and ecological impacts of engineering. He urged them to cultivate cross-disciplinary thinking and innovative approaches to tackle future challenges.

Q&A Session

About the GBAAA "Academicians on Campus" Initiative

As a key platform for nurturing innovation and technology talent in the Great Bay Area, the GBAAA "Academicians on Campus" initiative regularly invites academicians from both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering to visit schools. Through lectures and face-to-face exchanges, these distinguished scientists disseminate scientific knowledge and inspire young minds with the spirit of scientific inquiry. The program not only allows students to experience the excellence of top scientists up close but also deepens their understanding of the nation's achievements in areas such as the energy revolution and automotive innovation. It helps broaden their perspectives on cutting-edge technology, fosters confidence in innovation, and cultivates a new generation of talent to support the development of the Greater Bay Area as an international centre for innovation and technology.