e-newsletter 2011 (english)

CBMESS E-Newsletter 2011

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The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Students’ Society,

the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Students’ Union,

Session 2011 – 2012

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://ihome.ust.hk/~su_cbme

Facebook: Cbmess, Hkustsu

Mailbox: Mailbox#70, Student Centre, 4/F, Academic Building, HKUST, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon

…………………………………………………………………………………………… Words From Editor

Studying in HKUST is not only about assignments and exams; Studying in CBME, in particular,

earns you a group of great friends and beautiful memories. This semester, CBMESS, HKUSTSU,

together with each of you, has gone through many amazing events, creating tons of precious and

unique memories. I hope reading this newsletter recalls your happy times with your beloved friends.

Now, please turn to the next page and get ready to be cheered.

Debby Lee

mailto:[email protected]

http://ihome.ust.hk/~su_cbme


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Contributing to Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering as the Department

Head for 3 years, Professor Gordon McKay is about to retire after Spring 2012. We invited him to

share with us his experience as our Department Head and his view on the transforming education

system. We truly thank him for his unfailing support to us and we wish Professor McKay the best for

his retirement life.

1. Q:

A:

Throughout the three years of being the acting head of

the department, how do you feel about it?

It is very challenging. Compared with my previous years

as a professor, being the Acting Head requires more to

do on management and admin stuff. Once there is a

good plan, things can then be run smoothly. Changes

have been made during these few years as the 334 is

being implemented and we still need to do research

and prepare the research proposals to get the research

grants. The improvement of the department is my major

motivation.

2. Q:

A:

What is the most memorable experience these days as

our acting head?

It’s hard to say, because there is a lot. It’s mostly

because of the achievement and awards achieved by

the department as a whole. Not only from me, but also

faculty members and students, for example, different

teaching awards from faculty members and also

academic achievements and honours from students.

3. Q:

A:

From the perspective of an acting head of our department, can you comment on the

prospect of chemical engineering (CE) in Hong Kong?

The prospect of CE in Hong Kong is expanding and the industry is employing more and

more chemical engineering graduates. Our department focuses on the major branches of

CE: Environmental, bioprocessing, advanced materials and energy. This offers a great

opportunity to train students to be of great benefit to Hong Kong.

4. Q:

A:

Anything about the new education system?

It’s a 4-year system so it’s better. Students can be trained with more general and broader

knowledge. They can be exposed to some practical work earlier but not just some

theoretical knowledge such as physics and chemistry. The new system can develop the

program more comprehensively as there is sufficient time. This system can satisfy

companies as employers want students to be trained with critical thinking and general

broader based knowledge.


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……………………………………………......

1. Society Paper

We have chosen deep purple for the theme

color of the paper as purple represents

elegance. Line markers were added to

make the paper more user-friendly.

2. Society File

This year we have our brand new society

logo printed on the file.

3. Society T-shirt

A society-logo-like shape design was printed

on the front side, with a glittering “CBMESS”,

meaning every member in our society is

precious.


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4. Society Jaket

Navy blue was chosen to be the color of

our society jacket, giving others a smart

and light impression.

5. Society Tumbler

One of our exclusive welfare products for the

session, with a special design printed on the

bottle, gives you great convenience to drink

anywhere in campus.

6. Society Card and Key Case

Another exclusive welfare product of the

session, helps you to organize your cards

and keys in a systematical way.

7. Membership Card

Free for every member of CBMESS, HKUSTSU,

available to pick up with the shop discount list

at our counter. Shop discount list is also

available online:

Chinese version:

http://ihome.ust.hk/~su_cbme/Docs/WelfareShopListChi

nese.pdf

English version:

http://ihome.ust.hk/~su_cbme/Docs/WelfareShopListEng

lish.pdf

http://ihome.ust.hk/~su_cbme/Docs/WelfareShopListChinese.pdf

http://ihome.ust.hk/~su_cbme/Docs/WelfareShopListChinese.pdf

http://ihome.ust.hk/~su_cbme/Docs/WelfareShopListEnglish.pdf

http://ihome.ust.hk/~su_cbme/Docs/WelfareShopListEnglish.pdf


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The of CBMESS, HKUSTSU,

Session 2011 – 2012 ……………………………… …………………………………………….

This session, we have ‘Dazzling’ as the official

cabinet for the executive committee of CBMESS,

HKUSTSU. The cabinet was named ‘Dazzling’ as it

means deeply impressive and astonishing others

with delight. It also suggests that each member

of the cabinet will do their best to dazzle our

members, and the chemistry within the society

and our cooperative action will give a

synergistic result.

……...………………………. by Anthony Tsang

To celebrate our fellow Year 3 students’ graduation and to recognize their achievements, CBME

Graduation Dinner 2011 was held on 1st June in The Royal Pacific Hotel and Towers. Participants

include 1 guest, 7 professors and around 40 Year 3 graduates. Our Acting Head, Professor Gordon

McKay, together with Professor Edmond Ko started off the night with their thought-provoking

speeches, followed by speeches from 2 representatives of Year 3 graduates. The buffet dinner was

nice, and many expressed satisfaction towards the red wine sponsored by our title sponsor, German

Wines Ltd. The climax of the night was the lucky draw, in which Sunny Chan, one of the Year 3

graduates, won the first prize – 4 Ocean Park admission tickets. We truly thank you all for your support

to make this event successful.

Cheers! Prof. Xijun Hu was lucky. Everyone had a great time.


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…………………………………….… by Yentl Yeung

This year CBMESS Orientation Camp was held on 12-14th August, 2011 and before that, an

Orientation Day was held on 7th August, 2011. The theme of this year is ‘The Miraculous Chemical

Engineering’ and hence each group is named and assigned with a Doraemon’s (The Japanese

animation) miraculous equipment. The aim of this Orientation Camp is to let all freshmen from the

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Engineering-A feel the warmth of the

CBME family and help them to become more familiar with their new environment.

During the Orientation Day and the 3-day-2-night Orientation Camp, not only freshmen have

enjoyed themselves, but also the senior students. They all actively participated in the activities and

had a memorable experience. Through participating in the Orientation Day and Orientation

Camp, freshmen and the senior students have built a strong and close friendship. The most

important thing is that though the CBME family is growing bigger and bigger every year, this family

stays warm, happy and united.

Lastly, we hope everyone can cherish every moment being in part of this lovely CBME family.

Hello, Group 5! The CBME cheer. Game playing on O-Day.

Practicing camp fire dance. Hurray! Off-Campus: On the way.

Cheers for the Pub Night! Working on V-Show. Group 2!!!


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….. by Iris Li & Dexter Lee

The Orientation Week was held from 3rd September to 7th October. The counter was set up in

the Atrium or in LG7 Canteen. During these weeks, freshmen and members applied for our

membership and sub-committee. The coming functions such as Orientation Night were welcomed

all members to apply. For sport lovers, they joined our sport teams and applied for sport

competitions. Also, the welfare products were sold at affordable prices and old books were

available for sale. The most important thing was the counter provided a platform for us to

introduce ourselves and communicate with members. Although the Orientation Week was over,

our counter is still open and all members are welcome to visit.

Buying & selling. Promoting our welfare products.

……………………………………………..… by Debby Lee

Held on 15th September with a total of 100 participants, the theme of the night was a sequel to

the Orientation Camp’s – The Miraculous Chemical Engineering. One of the games was to

‘construct the ideal world’ by building the highest ‘building’ using packaged drinks.

Start planning… Is this going to work? See how tall we can build!

Trying not to let it fall. It looks really tall! A solid base is very important.


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After dinner, another game was played which aimed to ‘enjoy in the ideal world’ by giving out

anything a participant could take in the game. A lucky draw was held as well. Participants took

home a lot of souvenirs and felt satisfied after a reunion with their group mates in the Orientation

Camp.

\

The prizes were ready. Lucky winner. A discussion on strategy.

3, 2, 1! Cheers!

……………………………………..… by Anthony Tsang

The Information Days of HKUST was held on 24th and 25th of September this year. The first day

was for HKALE students while the second was for HKDSE’s. With the help of student helpers, an

information booth and lab tours are organized to provide information concerning the Department

of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the program offered by it to the visitors. It is a great

opportunity to promote and outreach our department to the public.


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Student helpers explaining the

program details.

Signing up for the lab tour. Everyone was curious about

CBME.

………………….… by Agnes Lei

Regarded as one of the biggest events of the year, the final of the singing contest was held on

28th of September 2011. All seven engineering societies joined their effort to organize this event. All

participants showed off their talents and their beautiful voices wandered around the Atrium.

Members of CBMESS performing on stage.


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Numerous CBMESS members joined this competition and audience enjoyed the wonderful

atmosphere so much that we applauded, we danced and we yelled together.

Popular singers, Katherine Mak and Jason Chungwheer as well as Professor Oliver See-yin Lo

were invited to evaluate singers’ performances.

……………..………………………………………………….… by Iris Li

The career talk which was held on 13th October in LT-C. It was our honour that 3 guests

delivered their speeches. They were Mr. Benny Lam from the Environmental Protection Department,

Mr. Lee Hoi Wai Harry from Arup and Ir. Lee Ho Kei Michael from HKUST.

Mr. Lee Hoi Wai Harry (Left), Ir. Lee Ho Kei Michael (Middle) and Mr. Benny Lam (Right) delivering us

insightful speeches.

During the talk, the participants knew more about the career of chemical engineering in

environmental field and in China. Apart from that, they got some useful tips of finding a

government job. After the talk, the guests chatted with the participants in a small group and

shared their personal working experiences. Overall, the participants equip themselves with some

useful information about the career prospects of chemical engineering to prepare for their career.

………..………….… by Yentl Yeung

Department Photo Taking is an important annual function. It gathers professors, staff and

students from different years together to take a nice and unique photo.

This year, it has postponed once due to bad weather and it was held on 27th October, 2011.

The weather was fine and many professors, staff and students attended this meaningful event.

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering has always been a warm and

harmonious family. It was so great to capture everyone’s smile every year and to provide a

chance for everyone to keep an unforgettable photo and memory. Freeze the moment, cheers!


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………………………………………………………………….… by Agnes Lei

In order to let members have an enjoyable and relaxing night after the midterms, a pub night

was held on 8th November. ‘The Choks’ is the theme of pub night this year. Participants were

encouraged to dress up and given an opportunity to perform and ‘chok’ on stage. Performers

followed the rhythm of the provided music and made their poses to impress the audience. Besides,

there was a band show and karaoke section reaching the climax of the night. Snacks, beers as well

as mini-games were provided to let participants enjoy themselves throughout the night.

The 3 ‘Choks’. Enjoying the time. Let’s sing karaoke!

See who got the beer splashing

all over his face!

The amazing band performance

by Route N.

Awesome styling.

….…………………….… by Debby Lee

After almost a month’s preparation, 19 Year 1 members joined hands to organize the

Sub-Committee function ‘The Sole Miraculous Chemical Engineering’. Aiming ‘to battle for the

goddess’, participants completed various challenges including to win the ‘Tetris Battle’ game

online for food. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed themselves in the midst of exams.

Participants getting ready for the battle.


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‘Let me introduce…’ The BATTLE. Winners having dinner.

………………………..……….… by Alice Wong

The Information Session provided a chance for members to know the aims of CBMESS, HKUSTSU

and the responsibilities of each Executive Committee members. A lot of enthusiastic members, from

year 1 to year 3, attended the session and made it unforgettable.

During the Information Session, Executive Committee members introduced their responsibilities

and the journey to become an Ex-Co. The sharing time of the Information Session was the highlight

of the night. Participants were able to raise their questions and concerns of being an Ex-Co of

CBMESS while current Executive Committee members answered by sharing their own experiences

and thoughts. Members had fun sharing ideas and got to know more about the society.

The Chairperson explaining the agenda. One of our ‘Sports secs’, Kairi.

……………………………………………….… by Dexter Lee

Fun Hiking Day was a new function which aimed at providing a chance to for our members to

enjoy outdoor activities. All members could have a chance to go hiking which most of them could

not do during school days. In addition, 4 hours were counted towards the HLTH1010 wellness

activities. Members first had fun and enjoyed barbeque at Sai Kung Country Park. Later on, they


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were led by executive committee to walk through the two hiking routes, Pak Tam Chung Family

Walk and Pak Tam Country Trail. All participants tried their best to finish the routes and had fun.

BBQ fun. Exercising after meal. Continue hiking…

Some rests, then walking again, and some rests.

The hikers.


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………………………………………..………...…….… by Kairi Ho

The Aquatic Meet this year was successfully held on 24th September, 2011 and CBME ranked

5th overall. Congratulations to all winners.

Results of participants from CBME:

Participant(s) Event(s) Result(s)

Cheung Tai Hang (Year 4) Men's 200m Breaststroke

Men's 200m Freestyle

Men's 200m Individual Medley

Champion

1st Runner-up

Champion

Leung Ho Ching (Year 3) Men's 100m Breaststroke 2nd Runner-up

Lei Wai Sum (Year 2) Women's 50m Freestyle 2nd Runner-up

Leung Ho Ching (Year 3)

Lei Wai Sum (Year 2)

Lee Chun Wing (Year 1)

Lee Ka Ho (Year 1)

Inter-Department

Mixed 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay

1st Runner-up


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………………………………………..………...…….… by Kairi Ho

This year’s Campus Run was held on 6th October. Participants started the run with relaxing

paces and returned after completing 1 or 2 laps. We have 7 participants from CBME and Ip Yuen

Man (Year 2) and Andrea Villaroman (Year 2) came 1st and 5th in female’s group.

Running can strengthen our body and we hope to see more CBME participants in this

once-in-a-year event.

1. Q:

A:

How do you feel about winning the event?

Not much special feeling about that. I’m more delighted to

have everyone returning to the finishing line safe and sound

since I am one of the organizers of Campus Run.

Winner of Campus Run

Female Group: Ip Yuen

Man (Year 2)

2. Q:

A:

What do you think about the difficulty of the route?

I think it’s not too hard as I’m quite familiar with it, but some

places were quite humid and slippery, this might be

dangerous to the runners.

3. Q:

A:

Will you consider to time the results and to become the

record keeper?

I just enjoy running with everyone and the result doesn’t

matter.


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………………………………………..………....…... by Dexter Lee

Athletics Meet 2011 was held on 5th November, 2011. The performance of CBME participants

was outstanding. They did an excellent job in both field and track events and came 2nd runner-up

in women overall; Ip Yuen Man (Year 2) came 1st in women overall. Congratulations to all.

Results of participants from CBME:

Participant(s) Event(s) Result(s)

Chong Ho Yin (Year 2) Triple Jump 2nd Runner-up

Tan Steven John (Year 3) 5000m Run 1st Runner-up

Leung Hoi Ting (Year 2) 100m Hurdle 2nd Runner-up

Andrea Villaroman (Year 2) Long Jump Champion

Ip Yuen Man (Year 2) 800m Run

1500m Run

High Jump

Champion

Champion

1st Runner-up

Ip Yuen Man (Year 2)

Leung Hoi Ting (Year 2)

Andrea Villaroman (Year 2)

Yeung Suet Yu Zoe (Year 2)

Inter-Departmental

Women’s 4 x 100m Relay

Champion

Ip Yuen Man (Year 2)

Andrea Villaroman (Year 2)

Wong Ho Yee (Year 2)

Yeung Ying Tai (Year 2)

Women’s 4 x 400m Relay 1st Runner-up


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1. Q:

A:

How do you feel about awarding this title?

I am delighted to be awarded with this title as a CBME student. I

had never thought of winning that.

The Most Valuable

Athlete: Ip Yuen

Man (Year 2) (Left)

2. Q:

A:

How much time did you spend on preparing the events?

I did not do anything extra for this event as I have regular

practices.

3. Q:

A:

This year you mainly focused on long runs, will you consider short

runs in the future, for example, 100- or 200-m events?

I’m not a short distance runner and so I don’t think I will consider

that, but I can still join the 4 x 100 m or 4 x 400 m event.

4. Q:

A:

Which one do you prefer, track or field events?

Both of them are interesting. Field events require techniques

while speed is important in most of the track events. If I am going

to take part in an event, I will choose long run. This is because I

can have great improvement through practicing; this gives me

sense of satisfaction. Short runs require some in-born abilities,

which I may not be capable of.

….....…... by Kairi Ho

Recruited with elites, this year we have an amazing CBME basketball team with their red jersey

showing the team’s enthusiasm and energy. We have a chat with the team captain, Kong Wing

Pong (Year 3), to know more about the team.

CBME basketball team

captain: Kong Wing Pong

(Year 3)

1. Q:

A:

How do you feel being the team captain?

I am very pleased about that, being able to play

basketball with a group of passionate young boys.

2. Q:

A:

Your expectations from the team?

To have good results for sure! But as I always say,

friendship is more important than the match. I don’t want

to see anyone to have hard feelings because of

basketball. I hope all team members are happy about

every match they played.

3. Q:

A:

What are the advantages of the team this year?

The team members are very hard-working and united.

‘Unity is strength’, that’s why our team is very energetic

and powerful.

4. Q:

A:

Any words for other fellow CBME students?

I hope more students from CBME can come and support

our team. Your support is our motivation!


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.…... by Anthony Tsang

The CBME football team captain this year is Vic Ng (Year2) and here is an interview with him

concerning the football.

CBME football team

captain: Vic Ng (Year 2)

1. Q:

A:

The CBME Football team is facing a big challenge this

year, what is it?

Yes, this year a lot of experienced team members,

including PG and UG graduated so the football team

loses lots of weighted players. Fortunately, some new

and skillful year 1 students joined our team. After some

trainings and competitions, their exposure to other UST

football teams has greatly increased. Also, they can be

much more familiar with the kicking style of their team

members now, paving a way to the future success of our

football team.

2. Q:

A:

As for the new team members, some of them are

international players, right? What do you think about

them?

This year, there are seven new players who are not from

Hong Kong and they increased the cultural diversity of

our team. Collaborating with them at the beginning is

really no easy task because of the language barriers. But


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they are very friendly and easy to approach. Very soon,

the whole football team can be synergetic. They are

really good players and their commitment to the

football team is really appreciable.

3. Q:

A:

Any words for other fellow CBME students?

Team members of the football team are really great. Everyone put a great effort on each

game and there is a friendly atmosphere among the team. The main focus this year is to let

our new members be well-equipped and acquire experience during matches so as to

have a good preference in the future games. We are all looking forward to our success in

the future.

….....…... by Dexter Lee

Apart from the excellent performances from the two teams, our badminton team has won

various intramural competitions this year. We invited the team captain, Vivian Yip from Year 2, to

chat with us and tell us more about the team.


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1. Q:

A:

What is the strength of our badminton team?

I think our strength comes from our female members; we could take an advantage over

most of the teams from other departments. Of course, our male team members also did

a great job in the past matches.

2. Q:

A:

On the other hand, is there any room for improvement?

I would say our doubles teams. You know, it needs to take

plenty of time to practice together in order to become a

‘double’, or what you call the team spirit. After

experiencing few matches, I could see our doubles teams

are quite good.

CBME badminton

team captain:

Vivian Yip

3. Q:

A:

Would you like to say a few words on the new team

members?

This year we’ve got few strong Year 1 members. It is

noticeable to say Wilson, Kent and Lou did well in the last

semester. They could be the future key players of our

badminton team. Also, ‘MAN’ (Ip Yuen Man, Year 2) joined

our team as well. All these guys give a great support to our

team. It would be better to recruit more female members.

4. Q:

A:

We will have our intramural competition final rounds in the spring semester, what is your

view on it?

Of course we eye on the champion and we will do our best to achieve it. But to be

honest, our team needs to gain more experience and learn how to make use of our

advantages over others. Last year, we lost in the early stage; hopefully we could enter

the quarterfinals this year.


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.…….…...…... by Kairi Ho

Ip Yuen Man from Year 2 has performed outstandingly in fitness and numerous sports events and

is the founding captain of the Student Woman Soccer Team in HKUST. To recognize her

achievements, the Paul and May Chu Sportsman/Sportswoman of the Year Award Committee

awarded Ip to be Sportswoman (Student) of the year 2010-11. To know more about the

Sportswoman, we had a little chat with her.

1. Q:

A:

Being the Sportswoman, you must be familiar with different

sports. So which one is your expertise?

I’m not familiar with many of them and I didn’t practice

running when I was in primary school. I played table tennis and

volley ball since P4 and football when I entered secondary

school. I really enjoy playing football so I attended the team

selection and started my football life. When I was in F4, I joined

the youth football training scheme and the coach

recommended me to practice with the team. I think I’m not

particularly good at any sport, but my main focus is on football.

2. Q:

A:

How do you practice to strengthen your health?

There are no special practices on it, but I regularly attend

training both on and off campus. I exercise 3-4 days per week

on average.

3. Q:

A:

What’s next on your agenda?

The USFHK Women's Soccer Competition, Cross Country Race

and Hong Kong Women Football League.


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.…….…...……….... by Dexter Lee

In order to provide more affordable academic books to you and a chance for you to sell your

old books, we are going to hold an Old Book Sale in February. Please don't hesitate to drop your

own books at our counter at LG7 Canteen. Details are as follows:

Date: From 1st February, 2012

Time: 09:00 – 18:00

Venue: LG7 Canteen

Contact: Dexter Lee 6978 1475

……………………….....………….…….…….... by Debby Lee

Providing you a golden opportunity to meet professors and alumni from CBME, not only can you

learn more about chemical engineering in the world of work, but also have a wonderful meal after a

day of schoolwork.

Date: 16th February, 2012 (Thursday)

Time: 19:00 – 21:30

Venue: UC Bistro

Fee: Members: $60/ Non-members: $120

Quota: 70 persons

Contact: Debby Lee 6303 8207/ Anthony Tsang 9349 1879/ Agnes Lei 9438 7939

.…….……………………………….....……………….…….... by Alice Wong

This is a valuable chance to pay a visit to a chemical engineering related plant – Dunwell Group.

Dunwell Group has a wide range of business, including used oil and solvent re-finery, lubricating oil

analysis services etc. A visit to Dunwell’s plant provides an opportunity for students to experience a

real life application of chemical engineering and a potential future working environment.

Date: 18th February, 2012 (Saturday)

Time: To be confirmed

Venue: Dunwell Group

Quota: 30 persons

Contact: Alice Wong 6197 2010/ Iris Li 6147 7991


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…………….……...........................

Written by: Respective Function PICs

Edited by: Anthony Tsang, Alice Wong, Debby Lee

Design and alignment by: Debby Lee

Thank you for reading! We hope to see you in our coming events.

e-newsletter 2011 (english)

Documents

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department of chemical

acting head

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debby lee cbmess enewsletter

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new education system