In a recent episode of i-CABLE News’ program "InnoAction" (智創未來), Prof. ZHANG Qian, Head of Division of Integrative Systems and Design and Tencent Professor of Engineering, shared insights on how human-centric technology can transform personalized elderly healthcare and how project-based experiential learning can cultivate future innovators.

Prof. Zhang discussed the importance of effective home monitoring in addressing the challenges of elderly care services poised by Hong Kong's aging population challenges and showcased a groundbreaking human-centric sensing framework developed by her research team.

The innovative approach leverages millimeter wave (mmWave) radar technology to integrate advanced radar systems with integrated computation, communication, and storage, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, networked mmWave sensors for enhanced coverage, and AI algorithms tailored for mmWave signals to improve accuracy and context-aware sensing. This innovation enables precise and non-contact monitoring, transforming homes into smart environments that can conveniently detect patient’s movements while ensuring their privacy.

Prof. ZHANG highlighted that the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a new mission for universities — to nurture a new generation of innovators with a global perspective and the ability to understand and address emerging challenges. The BSc in Innovation, Design and Technology program (IDT), previously known as BSc in Integrative Systems and Design program, was launched in 2018 at HKUST to meet this imperative as the first experiential learning program in Hong Kong.

The IDT program aims to cultivate a new generation of innovators and technologists through design thinking skills, solid technology knowledge, and an entrepreneurial spirit by adopting team-based and project-based learning for hands-on development. Students are equipped with multifaceted skills in designing products and creative solutions that tackle real-world challenges. Last year, IDT students successfully developed “AeroRelief”, an integrated drone system that enables the swift delivery of essential life-sustaining supplies to rural areas, which received the Gold Award at ASMPT Technology Award 2025.

“How can we develop a global perspective? How can we better understand the user’s viewpoint? How can we utilize an interdisciplinary mindset and knowledge to solve pressing issues? These are the key questions we need to consider in our rapidly evolving world. We hope to nurture talents who can bring new ideas and practice to the world,” said Prof. Zhang.

Watch the full version of Prof. Zhang’s interview here (starting from 9m50s): https://hoy.tv/title/27121

Learn more about IDT (JUPAS code: JS5711): https://isd.hkust.edu.hk/academics/bsc-in-integrative-systems-and-design-isd