Welcoming Dinner for Professor Shu YAMADA

Ex-co members (Dr. Aaron Tong, Mr. C.P. Chow, Dr. K.S. Chin, Dr. Fugee Tsung, Ms. Minda Chiang and Mr. Lotto Lai), had welcoming dinner with Professor Yamada, on behalf of Hong Kong Society for Quality, at Wang Jia Sha (Chinese Cuisine - Shanghai), Shop 1068, Elements, Kowloon Station on 16 Feb 2009.

(Left: Dr. Aaron Tong, Mr. C.P. Chow, Dr. K.S. Chin, Dr. Shu Yamada, Dr. Fugee Tsung, Mr. Lotto Lai and Ms. Minda Chiang)

Dr. Shu Yamada is Professor of Quality Management at Graduate School of Business Sciences (GSBS), University of Tsukuba. His current assignment is the Dean of GSBS.

http://www.mbaib.gsbs.tsukuba.ac.jp/

His research interests include promotion of Total Quality Management, development and application of statistical methods, in particular design of experiments, constructing quality and environment management system and so forth. Dr. Yamada has published more than 10 books, 50 reviewed papers and 100 articles.

Dr. Yamada and Dr. KS Chin visit Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP) on 17 Feb 2009. I as a guide lead them to visit our different laboratories including Product Analysis Laboratory, Wireless Communication Test Laboratory, Reliability Laboratory, Probe and Test Centre and Biotech Support Laboratory, as well as, Solar Energy Technology Support Centre.


After then we visit “Golden Egg” auditorium which is a landmark of HKSTP

Finally, I present HKSQ souvenir to Dr. Yamada.

Walk for Millions and Corporate Social Responsibility

HKSTP supported the New Territories Walk for Millions on 15 February 2009 (Sunday). The route started from Pak Shek Kok Promenade and ended at Tai Po Waterfront Park.

My wife and I joined the walk and finished the mission.

We were the first team to start the Millions Walk, after VIP group.

We met the VIP team and took group photo.

Completed the walk.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR, also called corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship, responsible business and corporate social opportunity) is a concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders, as well as the environment. (Definition from Wikipedia)

There are 7 cores SR in ISO 26000 (WD3).

Organisational governance:
(e.g. Follow corporate code of conduct, ISO 27001 & policy of information, fulfil Hong Kong Law, etc.)
· Inclusiveness
· Ethical conduct
· Disclosure of information
· Respect for the rule of law
· Accountability

Environment:
(e.g. Employ Safety, Heath and Environment Policy, sustainable building design, etc.)
· Pollution prevention
· Prevention of global warming
· Sustainable consumption and land-use
· Preservation and restoration of ecosystems
· Respect for future generations

Human rights:
(e.g. Follow Hong Kong Law, etc.)
· Civil and political rights
· Economic, cultural and social rights
· Fundamental labour rights
· Community rights

Labour practices:
(e.g. Apply SHE policy and OHSAS 18001)
· Occupational health and safety
· Dignified working conditions
· Human resources development
· The worker as a human being

Fair operating practices:
(e.g. Fulfill IP protection and Hong Kong Law against corruption, etc.)
· Promotion of ethical & transparent activities
· Promotion of open competition
· Fair & ethical supply and after-supply practices
· Respect for intellectual and other property rights
· Fight against corruption

Consumer issues:
(e.g. Follow ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 requirements)
· Providing consumers with accurate & adequate information
· Provision & development of socially beneficial products / services
· Provision & development of safe & reliable products & services
· Protection of consumers’ privacy

Community involvement / society development:
(e.g. Participate to society activities including Hong Kong Tree and Walk for Millions, etc.)
· Development impacts
· Community involvement
· Society development
· Philanthropy

HKSTP has been awarded the “Caring Organization 2008/09” by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS). The Caring Company Scheme which has been launched since 2002 is an initiative of HKCSS for cultivating corporate citizenship. For details, please visit the link at http://www.caringcompany.net/en_sixcriteria_intro.html.

懷念父親

我父 黎文耀 於一月廿八日 上午七時十四分於屯門醫院因病離開了我們。
葬禮謹訂於二月廿二日晚上假 世界殯儀館設靈，廿三日下午一時半大殮。

我父好友吳才子贈:
上聯
自忖將不起 至難忘 益友良朋 圍爐舉觴 歡樂平生
下聯
預知騎鶴去 最不捨 家人妻兒 甘苦同嘗 伴我餘年

父親點滴:
據錦叔記憶, 肥爺說過我父什麼行業都做過, 不只七十二行, 直頭到七十四行. 包括司機, 酒樓,小販, 農場, 剪髮, 銷售員, … 等等. 但沒一份工做得長. 後來做了塑膠廠老板, 一做便十多年.
我父最喜歡同一眾益友良朋, 飲酒食煙, 談天說地.

在父親回魂那晚, 我雖準備好父親喜歡的酒 (XO & Whisky). 在夢中, 父親卻對我說想飲啤酒 (頂! 估佢唔到), 和吩咐我叫弟弟在他那裡拿出兩箱酒回家. 羿日我們到父親家裡, 果然有兩箱酒!
在父親家裡, 我們發現父親一些毛筆書法. 有一幅非常好, 但寫了“天下何處無芳草”. (問你點頂! 哈!)

以下一曲說出我父一點心聲.

歌名:杯酒當歌
作曲:許冠傑,

我時常清風兩袖，吊兒郎當最自由，
但得有三餐足夠，為人樂觀好少掛憂，
咪彈人貪新厭舊，愛情如海市蜃樓，
問天賜幾許佳偶，離合悲歡定必有。

飲番杯冰凍啤酒，高歌一曲氣量厚，
無謂再去為情悔疚，你盞心罨得個嬲，
我懷疑天邊宇宙，有神靈管轄地球，
實應要睇通睇透，成敗得失莫追究。

大家要睇通睇透，成敗得失莫追究。

Multi Project Wafer (MPW) Intellectual Property (IP) License and Virtual IP Chamber

I would like to share the seminar entitled “Multi Project Wafer (MPW) Intellectual Property (IP) License using ARM® processor through new service – Virtual IP Chamber of HKSTP” organized by HKSTP & ARM in the forum “Exchange @ Science Park for Electronics Community” on 6 Feb 2009.

MPW IP service is under the partnership between ARM and HKSTP. HKSTP clients will be able to utilize ARM® IP for advanced system-on-chip (SoC) solutions through HKSTP channel.

Firstly, Mr. Ken Hui (VP – M&A, HKSTP) introduced Exchange @ Science Park that is an informal forum for gathering different experts from different technology clusters to exchange ideas.


The first speaker was Mr. Mike Chow (Sr. Engineer – IP Serving Centre, HKSTP). He introduced HKSTP Laboratory service including IC Design, IP integration, Probe & Test, Product and Material Analysis, etc. Then he explained what are Multi Project Wafer (MPW) and IP Servicing Centre’s services such as ARM IP Serving Model, Fujitsu (e-Shuttle) E-Beam Direct Writing (EBDW) technology (support 65nm and 90nm technology) and MPW & LVP service with IBM, etc.

Then, Ms. Lily Yung (Sr. Engineer – IC Design Centre, HKSTP) introduced Virtual IP Chamber. Virtual IP Chamber is:
- Full spectrum of EDA tools
- Encrypted Remote Access
- Encrypted Data System
- Used ISO 27001 Management System

The third speaker was Mr. Louis Wang (Regional Sales, ARM) and his topic entitled “Introduction of ARM MPW IP Program”. He explained Sustainable Business Model and Licensing “Pyramid”. ARM Cortex has three series. They are series A (e.g. for iPhone), series R (e.g. Blue ray controller) and series M (which is lower cost). For Licensing “Pyramid”, it is divided into three layers. The top layer is Architecture License, the middle layer is Implementation License, and the bottom layer is Foundry Program. MPW IP ARM service is in the bottom layer (Foundry Program).

Finally, Lily demonstrated the Virtual IP Chamber and shown security remote access, as well as, the encryption of data.

During Q&A session, one of participants from Shanghai (TSMC) questioned about using IP Chamber if he had already got the license from the vender directly.

Service Quality in Hospital

My father passed away in this Morning. My experience is so bad, which is because not only missing my father but also the arrangement of Hospital in the last week. It makes me to think about the service quality in Hospital and try to determine the gaps through ServQual Gap model proposed by Parasuraman developed in 1985.

I have modified the GAP model as below.


The story of my father (in his last stage) is summarized as follows:

My father was confirmed to have cancer originated at pancreas on 28 Nov 2008. He received bypass surgery on 5 Dec 2008 and discharged on 23 Dec 2008. Then he was sent back to hospital (emergency ward) on 9 Jan 2009 due to infection by “Enterobacter cloacae”. He was arranged to stay in Internal Medicine until 20 Jan 2009, and transferred to Rehabilitation Block. It does not make sense to me and my family that Rehabilitation Block is the suitable place for him. It is because, from our observations in that period, my father needed oxygen supply, his blood pressure was low, and very often we found he was breathless. Moreover, he did not allow eating or drinking. I strongly requested my father to be arranged to “Palliative Cane & Hospice Ward” through a complaint letter on 24 Jan 2009. After transferred to Rehabilitation Block and showering, he cannot speak but write to communicate.


Gap 1: Difference between “Doctors’ Instructions of Patient Needs & Service” and “Patient & Family Expected Service”. In my father’s case, the responsible doctor instructed to transfer my father to “Rehabilitation Block” because there was no response from “Palliative Cane & Hospice Ward”. The service given in Rehabilitation Block is not suitable for patient in his last stage of life.

Gap 2: Difference between “Doctors’ Instructions of Patient Needs & Service” and “Translation of Those Instructions into Treatment & Arrangement”. Nurses and other doctors were followed team lead’s instruction. There is no problem.

Gap 3: Difference between “Translation of Those Instructions into Treatment & Arrangement” and “Service Delivered”, which was the major problem. Front line staffs who took care of my father were found not sympathetic enough such as for showering. It caused my father suffered very much in his end of life. Even though we understand the reason of the responsible doctor to make the decision but the outcome was not satisfactory. When we knew my father was suffering, we employed a registered nurse to look after him (Hospital permitted us informally because of some reasons.) Fortunately, my father felt satisfactory about the special arrangement. (He wrote a Chinese word “順” that means he was satisfactory.)

Gap 4: Difference between “Service Delivery” and “Communications to Patient & Their Family”. Doctors in public hospital were too busy so as it was very difficult to make an appointment with them. We had left message to contact the responsible doctor but no response was received. The problem observed was that front line staffs in Rehabilitation Block did not recognize how the severity of my father was. The situation seemed to be improved after I sent the complaint letter to Hospital Authority and left a copy to the doctor on duty.

Gap 5: Difference between “Patient & Family Expected Service” and “Patient Perceived Service”. This gap depends on the size and direction of the four gaps associated with the delivery of service quality on the hospital's side. In this case, the most important gaps are Gap 1 & 3.

Overall, we appreciate Doctor’s & Nurse’s effort put for my father. I believe their professions. One improvement point of front line staff in hospital is to take care patient’s basic need such as moving, showering, eating, etc. The customer perception comes from the fundamental care and their heart of service.

Reference:
Parasuraman, A., Zeithaml, V.A. and Berry, L.L. (1985), “A conceptual model of service quality and its implications for future research”, Journal of Marketing, Vol.49, No.3, pp. 41-50.

Cancer Prevention and Intestinal Bacteria (II)

Carcinogen-producing bacteria (Digestive system)

Most of the bacteria in the intestine can be divided into two categories: lactic acid bacteria (feed on sugars/carbohydrates) and putrefactive bacteria (feed on proteins).

One theory holds that these intestinal bacteria transform fat into a carcinogen. Another possibility is that – since a person eating meat or egg takes in protein as well as fat – the proteins are being transformed into carcinogens.

Putrefactive bacteria (e.g. Bacteroides, E. coli, Veillonella, and Clostridium) break down proteins into ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, amines, phenol, and indole. Phenol and indole are known promoters of intestinal and other cancers. (They are also components of coal tar.)

A portion of the phenol is reabsorbed by the digestive tract and is detoxified in the liver, either by combining with glucuronic acid or sulfuric acid to form a harmless compound which is then eliminated in the urine; or by being released into the intestines and mixed with bile. The glucuronic acid compound with the bile is reconverted to phenol by the action of an enzyme known as beta-glucuronidase (It is most active in putrefactive bacteria such as E. coli and Clostridium welchii.), which is produced by some intestinal bacteria.

beta-glucuronidase formula

This circulation between the intestines and the liver (It is known as enterohepatic circulation.) indicates that some carcinogens are not eliminated, but remain in the body.

enterohepatic circulation diagram

Bile acids are the main ingredient of bile which aids in the digestion and absorption of fat. However, the remaining bile acids are not absorbed and returned to the liver, but flow into the large intestine. They are converted into secondary bile acids such as deoxycholic acid (deoxycholate) and lithocholic acid (lithocolate) by the action of Veillonella, Bacteroides, and other putrefactive bacteria. When the intestinal wall’s mucous membrane is stimulated by secondary bile acids, it changes appearance. This action is believed to raise the risk of colon cancer.

Lactic acid bacteria feed on sugars to produce lactic acid. Intestine dominated by lactic acid bacteria leans toward acidity that suppresses growth in putrefactive bacteria (which favor an alkaline environment). By weakening the influence of the putrefactive bacteria that produce carcinogens and induce enterohepatic circulation, Lactobacilli can play a significant role in improving the intestinal environment.

(The stool’s color is mainly from bilirubin, a reddish-yellow bile pigment produced in the liver from the hemoglobin contained in old red blood cells. Bilirubin’s color varies with acidity.
Acidic environment: Yellow
Neutral environment: Orange to brown
Alkaline environment: Greenish- or Blackish-brown.)

Reference:

Yoshio Aso (1997) “Lactic Acid Bacteria and Cancer Prevention” Shufunotomo

Cancer Prevention and Intestinal Bacteria (I)

I would like to share what I read from “How the lactic acid bacteria in your daily diet may inhibit cancer?” I will continue to study this topic because my father was found to have pancreatic cancer. It is sad that pancreatic cancer (last stage) cannot be cure but I believe the diet can help to prevent it.

How cancer grows?
Cancer is a mass of tumor cells and each cancer cell is a normal cell that has undergone a transformation.

Growth factors and growth inhibitory factors are proteins that message to multiply, and the latter to stop multiplying, so as to main the certain number of cell.

The so-called accelerator is known as the proto-oncogene that controls the functions of receiving messages at the cell membrane. The gene responsible for applying the brakes to the cellular proliferation process is the tumor suppressor gene.

How genetic malfunction produces cancer cells?
Gene in a normal cell (proto-oncogene):
1. “Antenna” intercepts extracellular message.
2. Messages are correctly transmitted to the cell’s interior.
3. After being scrutinized and processed, messages are transmitted to nucleus.
4. Another gene within the nucleus is activated and initiates and cellular proliferation process.

Malfunctioning gene (oncogene):
1. Malfunctioning “antenna” does not receive messages, but continues to signal cells to multiply.
2. “Antenna” transmits messages not received from outside.
3. Erroneous messages described in (1) and (2) are passed on to the nucleus.
4. The cellular proliferation switch remains perpetually in the “on” position.

The transformation of a normal cell to a cancer cell begins with the process by which a proto-oncogene becomes an oncogene. The process named initiation and anything that sets this process is known as an initiator. (e.g. viruses (hepatitis B & C); radiation; ultraviolet rays; cigarette smoke and automotive exhaust; and the chemical substances present in charred meat or fish.)

The next stage, extending from when a cancer cell develops until it begins proliferating, is considered a separate process. The process called promotion, and anything that instigates the process is known as promoter. (e.g. sex hormones, secondary bile acids, and chemicals such as saccharin, and artificial sweetener.)

Experiments have shown that vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotent (a precursor of vitamin A) weaken the action of initiators, and that beta-carotent and vitamin A combat promoters within a cell.

One cancer cell does not constitute cancer
The smallest tumor detectable by various modern medical equipments consists of about a billion cells, weighs about 1g, and measures about 1 cm in diameter. (A cell weighs one one-billionth of a gram, even a growth of a million cancer cells weighs only about 1mg and is about 1mm in diameter.)

A stressful lifestyle or other factors can reduce the effectiveness of the cellular surveillance, rendering the body more likely to allow cancer to progress.

Reference:

Yoshio Aso (1997) “Lactic Acid Bacteria and Cancer Prevention” Shufunotomo

Quality in Outsourcing

Outsourcing is one of popular quality topics in this year. Mr. Govind Ramu was invited by HKSQ to present a seminar “Quality in Outsourcing” on 10 Jan 09 and the summary is shown as follows.


The Chairman of HKSQ, Dr. Albert Tsang, gave an opening speech and introduced Mr. Govind Ramu. Mr. Ramu is an ASQ Fellow and holds six ASQ certifications including certification for quality manager, quality engineer, Six Sigma Black Belt, quality auditor, software quality engineer and reliability engineer. He has serviced in the quality related functions in different countries since 1985.

Govind introduced “What is Outsouring?” and terminology used for outsourcing. Few of them are given as follows:
i) Outsourcing is the transfer of products, services, and business processes to an external service provider.
ii) Outsourcing involves contracting with an outsourcing partner, which may or may not involve offshoring.
iii) Other terms used in the outsourcing world are “multisourcing”, “nearshoring”, etc.

His second question was “Why Outsourcing?” Four factors were considered:
i) Significantly reduce overall costs.
ii) Reduce “Time to Volume” (TTV) for new products.
iii) Access to an abundance of human resources, localized skills and knowledge, etc.
iv) Supply chain efficiencies when products are shipped directly to customers (Drop Ship) – which related to Lean.

Then he asked “What Does Quality have to do with outsourcing?” He mentioned Quality is applicable to the overall process of creating products and/or services, which all aspects of outsourcing are considered. Without due diligence and appropriate controls, outsourcing could end up being costlier than in-house manufacturing or service, and customer dissatisfaction. Moreover, he stated ISO 9001:2008 version concerned the control over outsourced processes.

After that, he introduced six categories of “Quality in outsourcing BoK” as follows:

i) Quality in Project Management
· Scope Creep, Risk Management & Lessons Learned
· Challenges: IP Protection
ii) Quality in Team Management
· Managing multicultural team and their roles & responsibilities
· RACI or RASCI (Who responsible? Who accountable? Who to be consulted? Who to be informed? Who to be supporter?)
· Challenges: Team Attribute and Virtual Teams
iii) Quality in Communications Management
· Avoid the lost out of listening (using active listening)
· Challenges: Technical Interpretation & Virtual Teams
iv) Quality in Knowledge Management
· Structured Approach: DIKW Chain-the-metaphorical (Link, pace & node of transfer)
· Challenges: Tacit Knowledge (Encourage documenting tacit knowledge by driving out fear)
v) Quality in Supply Chain Management
· Supplier Selection, Performance, Improvement & Service Level Agreement (SLA)
· Challenges: IP Protection
vi) Quality in Engineering Management
· Business Model; Traceability-record Retention and Third Party Surveillance
· Challenges: Failure Cost

During Q&A question, participants were actively involved. “What is the different between outsourcing partner and supplier?” was raised. Two-way communication with outsourcing partner is a crucial factor for success when supplier may be only order taken and product delivered.

Further, a participant (Aaron, HKSQ ex-chairman) shared his opinion to get outsourcing activities success:
i) Avoid to develop competitors via outsourcing partner
ii) Require contingency plan for outsourcing project
iii) Be the major client of the outsourcing partner so as to get the best services
iv) Implement information security system for protection IP
v) Get single source but not sole source
vi) Always keep core competency in your company

Finally, Dr. Albert Tsang presented a souvenir to the speaker for his great presentation.

After the seminar, HKSQ ex-co members had a lunch with Mr. G. Ramu together.

Reference: (Speaker’s paper)
Govindarajan Ramu (2008) “IN THE Know – A BoK dedicated to quality in outsourcing is essential in today’s global marketplace” Quality Progress, Vol.41, Issue 8, pp.36 – 43.

ISO 9001:2008 & Economic Downturn Challenges

The seminar “Upgrade your ISO 9001:2000 to ISO 9001:2008 & Get Equipped to meet the Challenges of the Economic Downturn” was held on 5 Jan 2009, which was organized by The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers – MIE Division and Hong Kong Society for Quality.

The Chairman of HKIE – MIE division, Ir. Dr. Winco Yung, gave an opening speech.


Then Dr. Albert Tsang, Chairman of HKSQ, gave an introduction speech of the seminar. He reminded that it was the forth revision of ISO 9001 standard.

The first speaker was Mr. Cliff Poon, Lead Auditor in SGS and his topic was “Identify the Differences between ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008”.

He shared the history of ISO 9001 and described the main differences between ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001: 2008. He mentioned the important summary of the changes were recorded in Annex B – Table B.1 in ISO 9001:2008.

The second speaker was Mr. Lotto Lai, Vice-chairman of HKSQ and Quality Manager in HKSTP, and presented “Practical Tips to PASS ISO 9001:2008 Audit”.

He shared the experience during ISO 9001:2008 audit. He identified the following points and solutions:
i) Outsourced Process (Solution: ISO 17025 clause 4.5 was employed)
ii) Document & Record Control (Solution: HOKLAS Policy 4.13.H was followed and Electronic Documents System was used.)
iii) Necessary Competence (Solution: ISO 17025 clause 5.2 – Demonstrated Skill)
iv) Infrastructure in IT and Personal Data (Solution: ISO 27001 A.10.6 Network security management and A.15.1.4 data protection and personal information were compiled.)
v) Monitoring Customer Perception (Solution: Design new questionnaire for data analysis and development Fan Club.)
Finally, he concluded most changes in ISO 9001:2008 create value for CUSTOMER.


The last speaker was Ir. Dr. Aaron Tong, ISO/TC-176 Observer, and he presented “Get Equipped to meet the Challenges of the Economic Downturn”.

He compared USA turndown in 1930 and economic crisis in 2008. In 1930, it was worse than now but the worst had not happened yet.
Aaron proposed that the company should be back to fundamental principles such as efficient and effectiveness, faster response to market and quality enhancement, etc. He raised two examples:
i) Michelangelo was asked how to make the sculpture of lion so real? He replied that it was simple to remove all things not like lion in the sculpture.
ii) Taiichi Ohno was asked how to manage Toyota so well? He replied that it was simple to remove MUDA (waste) at all.
Therefore, Lean Business is the trend of the solution to overcome the economic downturn. Another new term suggested was “Force Implement” (挾施). Lastly, he reminded that winter is coming. Are you ready?


The last session was panel discussion. We invited the representation of TUV (Mr. Berry Yeung), SGS (Mr. Cliff Poon), ISO/TC observer (Dr. Aaron Tong), HKIE-MIE (Dr. Victor Lo) and HKSQ (Mr. Lotto Lai) to share their opinions.

Finally, we present the souvenir to all panel members.

HKIE - MIE

ISO/TC 176 observer

SGS

TUV

The presentation files (pdf) have been posted in HKSQ website at http://www.hksq.org/slide.htm .

New Year 2009

Happy New Year for all visitors.

New Year, New Quality Plan!

I hope my blog can share as much quality related knowledge as possible.

Activities Summary 2008

I would like to summarize all quality related activities I attended in 2008 as follows:(YYYYMMDD)

i) Quality Seminar x12; Quality Training x5 and Quality Visit x2;

Seminar:
20080429: Jadeite Jade classification
20080730: How to improve the training effectiveness in cost-effective way
20080801: ISO 9001:2000 UPGRADE to 2008 Version Secure your information with ISO 27001
20080911: ISO 9001:2008 Implementation Seminar
20081018: Solutions for Profits Seminar (I)
20081028: The 6th ANQ Congress 2008
20081106: DuPont Risk Based Process Safety Management (PSM)
20081122: Solutions for Profits Seminar (II)
20081129: Innovation.Technology.2008
20081202: Face-reading & Management
20081212: HKQAA Symposium 2008
20081219: Managing the Design of 2008 Beijing Olympics Projects

Training:
20080516: Certified Lean Master course I
20080521: IRCA OHSAS 18001 Auditor Conversion Training Course
20080620: Certified Lean Master course II
20080720: Certified Lean Master course III
20081016: BCM implementation training

Visit:
20080530: Kwong Sun Hong
20081107: Yakult (HK)

ii) Biotech Seminar x5; Biotech Training x 2 and Biotech Visit x3;

Seminar:
20080311: Biological Waste Management – Anaerobic Digestion, Composting and Vermicomposting
20080313: Medical Devices and Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) Testing
20080704: Considerations for Medical Device Manufacturing – Optimization of materials, applications and sterilization and 2008 Healthcare Innovative Solutions by Advanced Medical Plastics
20080729: Exchange @ Science Park
20081114: Advanced Design & Technology in Healthcare & Laboratory Facilities Training

Training:
20071203: Biosafety Management and Biosafety Level 3 Practices
20081211: Laboratory Biosafety

Visit:
20080407: HKBU’s Biotechnology laboratory and Dangerous Good Storage
20080425: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Instrument Laboratory in CUHK
20080509: Visit to Mainland Factories of Vincent Raya Co., Ltd. and Providence Enterprise Limited

iii) Solar Energy Seminar x4

Seminar:
20080929: Nanotechnology Forum – Solar Energy
20081204: APP International Photovoltaic Reliability Workshop (IPRW)
20081210: InnoAsia 2008 Conference: Enabling Sustainability
20081218: Synopsys TCAD Seminar – Solar Cell Simulation

I hope all of you will have a new achievement in 2009.

Activities Summary 2008

I would like to summarize all quality related activities I attended in 2008 as follows: 

Seminar x16; Training x4, Visit x5 and Conference x6.

Seminar:

(YYYYMMDD)

20080223:             Seminar on “RFID: An Emerging Technology for Physical Asset Management (PAM) and Counterfeit Prevention:

20080311:             Biological Waste Management – Anaerobic Digestion, Composting and Vermicomposting

20080313:             Medical Devices and Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) Testing

20080429:             Jadeite Jade Classification (硬玉翡翠分類)

20080704:             Considerations for Medical Device Manufacturing – Optimization of materials, applications and sterilization (HKIE)

20080729:             Exchange @ Science Park for Life Sciences Community

20080730:             TUV Open Forum on “How to improve the training effectiveness in cost-effective way”

20080801:             Seminar on ISO 9001:2000 UPGRADE to 2008 Version & Secure your information with ISO 27001

20080827:             How to win and keep customers coming back (HKSTP)

20080911:             ISO 9001:2008 Implementation Seminar (HKSQ, HKQAA & HKSTP)

20081019:             Solutions for Profits (ISCEA)

20081106:             Technical Seminar on the Aspect of DuPont Risk Based Process Safety Management (PSM)

20081122:             Solutions for Profits – Part 2 (ISCEA)

20081202:             Face-reading and Management (HKIE)

20081218:             Synopsys TCAD Seminar (HKSTP)

20081219:             Managing the Design of 2008 Beijing Olympics Projects (HKSQ)

Training:

20080517:             Certified Lean Master course organized by International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA)

20081016-17:        BCM introduction and implementation training (BSI)

20081204-05:        APP International Photovoltaic Reliability Workshop

20081211:             Laboratory Biosafety Training (HKTIC)

Visit:

20080226:              Roberto Saco, ASQ President - Elect, Visiting HK

20080425:              Visit to Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Instrument Laboratory in CUHK

20080509:              Visit two Mainland Medical Devices Manufacturers (HKSQ)

20080530:              Visit to Kwong Sun Hong Limited (HKSQ)

20081107:              Visit to Hong Kong Yakult Co. Ltd. (HKSQ)

Conference:

20080930:             Nanotechnology Forum – Solar Energy (HKQAA)

20081029-31:        ANQ Congress 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand (HKSQ)

20081104:             The symposium on “Advanced Design & Technology in Healthcare & Laboratory Facilities” (IHEEM(HK))

20081129:             The Symposium entitled “Innovation.Technology.2008: How Security Technology Protects Our Assets” (iPROA)

20081210:              InnoAsia 2008 Conference: Enabling Sustainability

20081210-12:        HKQAA Symposium 2008 - Green Day

 

Managing the Beijing Olympics Construction Projects

Hong Kong Society for Quality and The Hong Kong Institute of Engineer – MIE division organized a seminar entitled “Managing the Design of 2008 Beijing Olympics Projects” on 19 Dec 2008.

Dr. Goman Ho (Director of Arup China) was invited to share his experience on managing the huge project – The first Olympics Game in Beijing, China.

First of all, Dr. Ho explained the problems they encountered were limited time (it must be finished before Aug 2008) and all related projects (including Water Cube, Bird’s Nest, Airport and hotels, etc.) were running in the same time.

He explained the following challenges one by one:
- Mobilize resources within a short period of time
- Design team with different language, from different culture, in different time zone and with different practices / codes.
- Huge numbers of engineers required
During the project, he experienced the power of Globalization.

The first item of the project he started was the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), having a seating capacity of 91,000. Bird’s Nest was the nickname. Dr. Ho explained the real inspiration behind the Bird’s Nest’s structural form was actually the pattern which was found on the crackled glazes of antique Chinese pottery. The structure design was blur distinction between primary and secondary pillar, so that ordinary people were not able to observe the main structure of Bird’s Nest. Based on the roof geometry, the curve steel needed to be built in shipyard. Moreover, Dr. Ho stated the National Stadium was very environmental friendly in which no air-conditioning system was installed but nature wind is utilized via the particular design.

The second project he introduced to us was the National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube). The 177m x 177m x 31m Water Cube has a gross flow area of 70,000 m2 and seating for 17000 spectators. There are Chinese cultural – the Forbidden City is laid out in squares representing earth. The question for the designers was how to fit this material to a rectangular structure. They used Foam Theory which came from Lord Kelvin.

Then Dr. Ho explained the design idea of CCTV Headquarter that was came from cutting of a pyramid. Then he also described the engineering difficulties in the construction stage.

After than he gave details about the Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3 which was 3 time larger than Hong Kong Airport. The inspiration behind the shape and yellow color of airport were the Chinese character “man” (人) and emperor coat, respectively, implying Chinese people like dragon flying in the sky. The most important to be considered was the logistics of people.


HKSQ members were enthusiastically to participate in the Q&A session.

Lastly, HKSQ Chairman (Dr. Albert Tsang) presented a souvenir to Dr. Goman Ho.

Solar Cell Simulation

Synopsys TCAD Seminar was held on 18 Dec 2008 in HKSTP. One of sessions was Solar Cell Simulation and the speaker was Mr. John Wang (Product Marketing Manager, Synopsys Taiwan Limited). I had summaries some points below.

TCAD is Technology CAD used computer simulation to model semiconductor process and device technologies. The current solar cell technologies are:
· Silicon-based Cells
- Crystalline silicon (c-Si)
- Multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si)
- Amorphous silicon (a-Si)
· Compound Semiconductor
- Single and multi-junction: GaAs, InGaP
- CdTe
- CIGS: Cu(In, Ga)Se2
· Emerging Technologies
- Organic semiconductors
- Quantum well, dots, etc.

Using TCAD in Solar Cell Design can allow designers to optimize efficiency and enable virtual exploration of new cell designs. That process simulation can be applied to silicon-based solar cells. Some applications are shown as follows:
- Fe Concentration
- Advanced Geometric Modeling
- Solar Spectrum
- Anti-Reflection Coating (ARC) Optimization
- External / Internal Quantum Efficiency, etc.

Several research publication:
- Wyatt K. Metzger (2008) “The potential and device physics of interdigitated thin-film solar cells” Journal of Applied Physics, Vol 103
- J. Dicker, et al. (2002) “Analysis of one-sun monocrystalline rear-contacted silicon solar cells with efficiencies of 22.1%” Journal of Applied Physics, Vol 91
- P.S. Plekhanov, et al. (1999) “Modeling of gettering of precipitated impurities from Si for carrier lifetime improvement in solar cell applications” Journal of Applied Physics, Vol 86

Comments from Dr. Kitch Wilson in LinkedIn:

An industry accepted software suite used to simulate the semiconductor physics of a solar cell is available free. It is called PC1D and can be downloaded from: www.pv.unsw.edu.au/links/products/pc1d.asp

Also, a very good tutorial that covers some of the simulation equations can be found at http://pvcdrom.pveducation.org/index.html

HKQAA Symposium 2008 - Green Day

HKQAA Symposium 2008 was held from 10th to 12th December 2008. The theme was called “Social Challenges and Business Opportunities Managing Long Term Success”. I joined one of sessions entitled “Green Infrastructures and Buildings” and summarized as follows.

Firstly, Dr. Mok presented a souvenir to Ms. Anissa Wong (Permanent Secretary of the Environment, the Government of the HKSAR) who gave the Opening Speech.

Ir. C.S. Ho (Chief Building Service Engineer, HKHA) was the first speaker for his topic entitled “Need for Greening”. He explained the growing concern of environmental issues and their consequences. Business and operational strategies went Greening. He also listed the benefits of Greening as follows:
- Demonstrate corporate environmental responsibility
- Reduce operational costs
- Enhance building value and increase profits
- Optimize life cycle performance of buildings
- Open market for new, green technology, products and services
- Reduce pollution
He said we cannot “Green Outside, but Red Inside!”

The second speaker, Mr. Conrad Wong (Chairman, Committee on Environment and Technology, Construction Industry Council) gave a talk called “Green Construction – a New Trend”.
He said “Think Globally, Act Locally”. Then he introduced Construction Industry Council (CIC) which was an information hub for exchange of information, a platform for discussion on different issues relating to industry and community.
He also described Green Construction – New Trends in technical aspects as follows:
i) Low or Zero Carbon Housing Development
ii) New City Planning Methods
iii) Clean Air Technologies & Reduce Green House Gas Emission
iv) Renewable and Green Energy
v) Strengthening the Building Standard & Energy Codes

Ir. Ronald Chin (Assistant Director (Building Services) of Architectural Services Department, HKSAR) was the third speaker and his topic was “Greening of Architectural Design”.

He stated the driver for Greening of Architectural Design through the path:
Climate change → Strong community pressure → To achieve sustainable development → Design for green building in the context of sustainable building

Architectural Services Department (ArchSD)’s Green Building Design and Planning adopted balanced approach, in delivering economically profitable, environmentally responsible, healthy, productive places for people to live and work in the course of developing our sustainable future.
Lastly, he introduced Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) and its major tasks including:
i) Operational Performance Monitoring
ii) Energy Review
iii) Evaluation of New Technology

Then Mr. Alan Kwok (Director of Management Consulting and Sustainability, Arup) presented “Green Olympics”.

He introduced Olympics 2012 in Stratford, London. The commitments to Sustainability were:
“Towards a One Planet Olympic” vision in the bid
Sustainability Policy published in July 2007
Sustainability Plan published in November 2007
Goal: To leave a sustainable legacy
Finally, he said “Sustainability is a culture, not a program.”


Ir Otto Poon (Managing Director, Analogue Group of Companies) was the fifth speaker and his topic was “Energy Efficient E&M Facilities”.

He identified several common words as Energy, Carbon, Climate Change and Sustainable Development. Then he explained several technologies of E&M facilities for energy saving (i.e. Scale Control Technology, Thermal Energy Storage System, Lift & Escalator, etc.).
Finally, he gave 3 prospectives: Economy, Society and Environment, and he mentioned “Lifestyle can save energy by considering 3R (i.e. Rethink, Reduce and Reuse).

The last speaker was Dr. Francisco Vizeu Pinheiro, (1st Vice President, Macau Architects Association) and he presented “Green Works in Macau”.
He said “Concrete surface plus Asphalt is equal to Retain Heat and Pollutant” and showed “Great Wall” (Long line buildings) of Macau. The main consumption of Energy identified by the speaker was the use of air-conditioning.

Panel discussion was at the end.