Four Year 1 students (Yip Chun-wa, Lam Ho-yi, Mok Tsz-tung and Sa Yat-sing) from the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, CUHK designed a refuse sorting device using a sound detection system, and won the championship in the First Greater China Design Competition. Hosted by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Hong Kong Branch), the competition was held in the South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, on 24 to 25 March. Contestants were required to design, build, and test an automatic system capable of accurately sorting common recyclable materials, including aluminium, plastic and glass, into specific containers.

The CUHK team, led by Dr. Li Yiyang and technician Leung Yun-yee, had designed a recyclable materials collection box with a sound detector. With its innovative design, high potential for commercialization, and excellent presentation skills, CUHK team outshone other competitors from tertiary institutions from Hong Kong, Macau and China and clinched the championship.