Last month, Financial Times published a feature on how international collaboration is driving innovation in advanced manufacturing (“How Global Partnerships Shape Tomorrow’s Factories,” FT, July 11, 2024). The article explored how engineers from Korea, Germany, and the United States are working together on everything from smart robotics to supply chain resilience, pooling their knowledge to solve increasingly complex problems.
For me, it was a reminder that engineering is fundamentally about connection—not just between machines and systems, but between cultures, disciplines, and ideas. In my school’s international STEM program, I’ve worked with students from Japan, the US, and China, and every project has shown me the power of diverse perspectives. Sometimes, the best solution doesn’t come from the person with the most technical expertise, but from someone who sees the problem from a new angle.
As I prepare for university, I’m determined to build on these experiences and learn from engineers around the world. The future of industry will be collaborative, and I believe the most successful engineers will be those who embrace global thinking, communicate across boundaries, and lead with curiosity. Reading the article, I felt inspired to be part of that next generation—one that uses diversity and partnership to drive true innovation.
Sunho Lee
- South Korea
- Male
- 12th Grade, Cornerstone Collegiate Academy
- Intended Major: Industrial Engineering
- Role: Managing Editor
- Introduction:
Curious about how technology can improve lives, I thrive on building systems that bring people together. As Managing Editor, I enjoy coordinating projects and helping our team grow. I hope to pursue industrial engineering and design solutions that bridge the gap between innovation and real-world needs.