Mr Tam Wing-fan, Edmund 譚榮芬 (BArch 1956; Riccian) was a member of the first cohort of students at HKU’s Department of Architecture when it opened in 1950 under the Faculty of Engineering.  More than 60 years later, he and his wife Mrs May Tam 譚麥美燕 donated over HK$100 million for the creation of the Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing.

Edmund always treasured his experience at HKU. What he learnt at his alma mater, he carried all through his life. He wanted future generations to have the same privileges. The Innovation Wing will be wonderful, and he will always be proud of it.

Mrs May Tam
Dedication Ceremony of Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing
April 27, 2018

Located at G/F and LG/F of the Hui Oi Chow Building, the two-storeyed Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing 譚榮芬創科翼 covers over 2,400 sqim of floor area. Being one of the world-class integrated makerspaces in Hong Kong as well as in Asia, the Innovation Wing is fully equipped with comprehensive prototyping facilities and equipment of all engineering natures under the same roof. 

The makerspace offers a spacious assembling area that can accommodate more than 100 students to work on their projects at the same time. Numerous workshops are equipped with state-of-the-art digital controlled facilities such as 3D printing machines, laser cutting and engraving machines, waterjet cutting machine, measuring tools, hand/power toolsets and specialised electronic workbenches, etc. Students and student interest groups can use the computer-aid design studio, multimedia and soundproof studio, AR/VR studio to turn ideas into reality.

The Innovation Wing encourages knowledge exchange and peer learning. Apart from the poster hallway, project wall and social media sharing platform for displaying and sharing of inventions, ideas and achievements, students can also brainstorm and exchange ideas in a relaxing area. A selection of inspirational books, magazines, journals and user manuals of machines/equipment are placed in the “Dream Chamber” to stimulate creative thinking.

The Innovation Wing houses “Thematic workshops” where professors can showcase their research outcomes from pioneering Engineering projects. These workshops cover various themes such as healthcare technology, advanced and new materials, smart technology for better living and aviation.

I came with my husband Edmund to the dedication ceremony on April 27, 2018. It did not seem that long ago, but so much has changed.

Edmund passed away earlier this year. I am sad he does not get to witness this event. It would have meant so much to him.

Look beyond today, this building is a symbol of what is possible tomorrow.  This is the Innovation Wing and you must Innovate!

Mrs May Tam
Opening of the Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing
December 2, 2020

The Innovation Wing is also an incubator for creativity and innovation. With the funding support from Mrs May Tam, the Faculty established an Innovation Academy for nurturing future innovators to generate impactful ideas and products.

The Innovation Academy serves as a magnet to attract new talents to work together on innovative projects through a series of programmes and activities, which are designed to capture three goals: Inspire, Equip and Showcase. it is dedicated to providing a platform to connect students from all ten faculties at the University for cross-disciplinary collaboration and to prepare them for addressing the grand challenges of the world.

Professor Norman Tien
Vice-President (Institutional Advancement), Taikoo Professor of Engineering and Head of Innovation Academy

The Innovation Wing is not only a makerspace, but also a place to connect students with advanced technologies. This micro-precision 3D printer is based on innovative projection micro-stereolithography technology which is designed for production of high resolution, highly precise parts for prototyping and short run production with photosensitive resins and ceramic.