- Gao Hong-ye is currently an undergraduate student at Stanford University pursuing mechanical engineering and computer science
- One of his notable projects was building a cardboard boat, buoyed by his natural curiosity and creativity
Gao Hong-Ye is the first runner-up for the Grand Prize at the Student of the Year Awards. Photo: HandoutThe Covid-19 pandemic was a pivotal point in the life of 18-year-old Gao Hong-ye, an undergraduate student at Stanford University pursuing mechanical engineering and computer science.
“I had more time to myself to think about what I wanted to do, and it helped me a lot,” he said.
Gao’s character is defined by his willingness to challenge the status quo and his relentless pursuit of his goals.
He embodies a spirit that doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries, and these qualities helped the St Paul’s Co-Educational College graduate earn the title of first runner-up for the Grand Prize at the Student of the Year Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
The judges described him as “passionate about engineering and technology and driven to make a positive impact on the world”.
One of his notable projects was building a cardboard boat, a testament to his ingenuity.
“We had some cardboard in our classroom, and I knew our school had some places with cardboard, so we collected those and built a boat,” he said. Though it started as a modest project, it eventually became a larger, functional boat.
Gao has always been inclined to push boundaries, and his natural curiosity and creativity were the driving forces behind the cardboard boat project. “There wasn’t much to do in the classroom, so I started playing around with different things and trying to put them together.”
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After successfully testing a small model of the boat in water, he was inspired to think bigger. However, scaling the project to a full-sized boat capable of carrying a person came with its own set of challenges to overcome.
Despite encountering problems like water ingress and maintaining structural integrity, Gao’s determination and problem-solving eventually led to success: “We failed initially, but eventually, we managed to create something successful.”
Gao’s interest in mathematics and science has significantly influenced his academic and career choices and inclined him to embrace challenges. “If I want to do something, I give it my all, regardless of whether others think it can be done.”
He is also committed to helping special educational needs (SEN) students, which stems from a personal connection. “I have a cousin I have enjoyed playing with from an early age. When he was one year old, he was diagnosed with autism.”
Since SEN students and their families often face difficulties such as resource scarcity and the high cost of specialised education, Gao aims to leverage technology, such as an app, to make resources more accessible and affordable for SEN families.
Driven by empathy and a resolve to prove possibilities, Gao said, “If they think it can’t be done, I’ll prove to them that it can,” showcasing his commitment to transformative solutions.
Looking forward, Gao aspires to use his expertise to better the world. While he is still contemplating the direction he wants to take in life, his overarching goal is to help others through technology and engineering and make a positive impact on the world.