29/06/2025
The Institution of Engineering and Technology Hong Kong (IET Hong Kong) successfully hosted the 20th edition of the "IET/MATE Hong Kong Regional of the MATE ROV Competition" from 26 to 27 April 2025 at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Tsing Yi). This annual event was proudly co-organized with the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology and the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Engineering Discipline), marking a valuable collaboration between leading educational institutions.
This year's event attracted approximately 400 participants, including competing teams, volunteer helpers, and attendees of the experience tour, demonstrating the growing popularity of this STEM initiative. The competition provided both junior and senior students with an exceptional platform to demonstrate their engineering skills through the design, construction, and operation of underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), while cultivating teamwork, innovation, and practical problem-solving abilities.
As the proud organizer of this regional competition, IET Hong Kong continues its valuable partnership with the Marine Advanced Technology Education Centre (MATE) in California, USA. The MATE International ROV Competition, conducted in collaboration with the Marine Technology Society's ROV Committee, has successfully engaged educational institutions worldwide for seventeen consecutive years, maintaining its important mission of advancing marine technology and engineering education.
This year's competition welcomed participating teams from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and mainland China across three competitive classes: SCOUT, RANGER, and EXPLORER. The champion team earned the prestigious opportunity to represent Hong Kong at the MATE ROV Competition World Championship, scheduled at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan, USA - a remarkable international platform for our young engineering talents.
Complementing the main competition, IET Hong Kong organized several enriching activities to enhance participants' learning experience. The IET Hong Kong Experience Class provided junior students with foundational ROV knowledge prior to the event. A special demonstration session was held during the competition days which allowed registered organizations to observe advanced ROV operations. They benefited from hands-on learning opportunities, gaining practical insights into underwater robotics. Additionally, technical workshops and networking events connected students with industry professionals, fostering knowledge exchange and career inspiration.
Competition Results:
Explorer Class:
Champion: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Team: EPOXSEA)
1st runner-up: Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Team: Manta Ray)
2nd runner-up: City University of Hong Kong (Team: Seaty)
Ranger Class:
Champion: Fukien Secondary School (Team: Over-Defined)
1st runner-up: Po Leung K*k Ngan Po Ling College (Team: Aquamarine), and
Kwok Tak Seng Catholic Secondary School (Team: KTSCSS)
2nd runner-up: Shek Lei Catholic Secondary School (Team: SLCSS)
Best Innovation Award: Fukien Secondary School (Team: Over-Defined)
Best Team Spirit Award: Wesley College (Team: Europa)
Scout Class:
Champion: Kowloon True Light School (Team: KTLS)
1st runner-up: Christ College (Team: CCST)
2nd runner-up: Wai Chow Public School (Sheung Shui) (Team: 潛能無限)
Best Team Spirit Award: Kowloon True Light School (Team: KTLS)
Special Recognition:
Best New Contester Award: German Swiss International School (Team Vaporeon)