They can learn a great deal from the talent and vision of their mainland counterparts, as I found out when I was invited to attend the 2009 Schneider Electric Energy Efficiency Cup competition.

It was there I met Justin, a student from the mainland who is studying for a three-year degree in the electrical engineering department of Hong Kong University.

He and a classmate beat teams from other institutions with their creation, a "high-efficiency, variable-speed drive for asynchronous motors."

Many readers will be puzzled by the long name, as I was at first, but on learning more I was highly impressed by the function and concept behind their design.

Justin said the "high-efficiency, variable-speed drive for asynchronous motors" can improve the energy efficiency of many devices that use this type of motor.

"Though people are not aware of asynchronous motors most of the time, they are widely used in our daily lives. They are used in devices such as escalators, elevators, home appliances and refrigerators," Justin said.

So, he and his teammate wanted to make them energy efficient.

After experimenting for more than five months, they finally designed a low-cost, high-efficiency transformer. If a company renews its software that operates electrical devices, it can cut 10 percent of electricity consumption without the need for any change in hardware. The high-efficiency transformer can flexibly change the speed of asynchronous motors in devices such as elevators, water pumps and electric cars, releasing less carbon dioxide in the process.

The practicality and low cost of the design had helped Justin's group stand out.

Their research was complex, Justin said, because the variable-speed drive is a sophisticated device and it took several experiments to establish the energy-saving parameters.

But the sweat was worth it. Since deciding to enter the competition, Justin's team wanted to develop an energy-saving device, and they succeeded.

Justin believes an energy crisis is imminent, and the world needs more people to be concerned about it and to work to avoid it. So after his graduation next year, Justin will target industries that contribute to energy efficiency.

I think fewer and fewer university students are concerned about society.

Very few of them are willing and have the ability to make changes in society. It seems Hong Kong students not only have to work harder on developing their knowledge but also on their commitment to improving the world in which we live.