Dr. Cheuk Wai LUNG Wins the HKIE International Outstanding Paper Award for Young Engineers/Researchers 2026

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Cheuk Wai Lung, HKUST CIVL PhD graduate, and Mr. Jeff M.P. Ng, Engineer at the Drainage Services Department (DSD), won the HKIE International Outstanding Paper Award for Young Engineers/Researchers 2026, under the supervision of Ir Prof. Irene M.C. Lo, Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at HKUST. 

The awarded paper, “Pioneering Up‑Scaling of Photoelectrochemical System for Low‑Carbon Saline Sewage Treatment Coupled with Green Hydrogen Production,” by William C.W. Lung, Jeff M.P. Ng, and Irene M.C. Lo pioneers a scalable, low‑carbon photoelectrochemical (PEC) system that can replace conventional activated‑sludge and disinfection processes to treat real saline sewage while simultaneously producing green hydrogen, thereby transforming wastewater treatment from an energy consumer into a renewable‑energy producer. The chemical-free PEC system reduces carbon emissions by over 50% compared with conventional sewage treatment, advancing a carbon-neutral wastewater treatment technology. This award also recognises an outstanding collaboration between the academia and government. By combining research excellence of Prof. Lo’s research group with DSD’s engineering and operational expertise, the team successfully advanced the up-scaled photoelectrochemical system, translating innovative research into practical, scalable solutions for sustainable water and energy management.

The Award Presentation Ceremony was held on Friday, 11 September 2026, during the HKIE Annual Presidential Address and Dinner. Dr. Lung, as the first author, received the award from Ir Prof. Frank Chan, President of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers for Session 2026/2027. Dr. Lung is also invited to present the awarded paper in a Public Lecture on 17 December 2026 (Thursday) to share his research findings and accomplishments. In recognition of this achievement, the awarded paper will be published in the Award Issue of the HKIE Transactions in December 2026.

Ir Prof. Irene Lo is a Fellow of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) and an Academician of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA) and the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE). As a leading researcher in environmental engineering, she has long dedicated her career to advancing sustainable water and wastewater treatment technology. Her work integrates novel material development with system-scale applications, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world impact. The success of this work reinforces the critical role of cross-sector collaboration between academia and government in addressing environmental challenges.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Lung, Mr. NG, and Prof. Lo on this well-deserved recognition!

Ir Prof. Irene LO and Dr. Cheuk Wai LUNG