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Distinguished Alumni 2019

Professor Alexander Ping-Kong WAI

Professor Alexander Ping-Kong WAI

Professor Alexander Ping-Kong WAI

1981 BSc graduate

“Never give up!”


Affiliations

  • Designated Deputy President and Provost of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

  • Vice President (Research Development) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • Fellow of The Optical Society (OSA)
  • Fellow of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
  • Member of Council of Open University of Hong Kong
  • Member of Research Grants Council
  • Member of ASTRI University Advisory Council, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) 

 

Biography

Professor Alexander Ping-Kong WAI received his PhD degree from the University of Maryland in 1988, with thesis research focusing on the propagation of nonlinear optical signals in optical fibers. After graduation, he joined Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in United States to work on the Tethered Satellite System (TSS) mission – a joint US-Italy Space Shuttle project to study the release and retrieval of a satellite tethered to the Space Shuttle with a 20-kilometer long cable.

In 1990, Professor WAI returned to the University of Maryland to resume his research on fiber optic communication focusing on transoceanic transmission. In 1996, he joined the Department of Electronic Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and began his research on future optical networks.  He became Chair Professor of Optical Communications in 2005, and served as the Vice President (Research Development) since 2010.  Professor WAI contributed to participation of PolyU in the China space programmes, and the collaboration of PolyU with industrial leaders like Boeing, Huawei, Alibaba, and China Railway.

 

For featured story of Professor Wai, please click HERE.