Haowei Cheng
- Posted
- Tue, 03 Mar 2026
Haowei Cheng | School of Fundamental Science and Engineering
- Visiting period: Nov.,2025 to Jan.,2026
- Visiting university: Polytechnique Montréal
- Visiting country and region: Montreal, Canada
As my research centers on the intersection of Requirements Engineering, Multi-Agent Systems, and Autonomous Driving, North America’s leading AI ecosystem and scholars can provide valuable insights to further advance my work. I also seek to understand the strong industry–academia synergy that enables cutting-edge AI research to transition into production-ready autonomous driving systems. This experience will help me benchmark my research against international standards, clarify the gap between academic prototypes and industry needs, and develop a more strategic global perspective for my PhD and long-term career.
Over the past three months, I have developed a multi-agent negotiation and collaboration framework, collected relevant datasets, and conducted multiple rounds of experiments. I have completed the first draft of my paper and am currently revising it for publication. In addition, I have established intentions for future collaboration with the local research group and fellow researchers.
Polytechnique Montréal is a distinctive institution. Although the campus is relatively small, with essentially one main building and located about 20–30 minutes from downtown by metro, it brings together students from all over the world. As Montréal is a predominantly French-speaking city, most of the campus notices and announcements are written in French. Students also actively organize their own concerts and small markets, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. It is a university that offers a strong sense of freedom and openness.
International Exchange
My lab includes students from Canada, Egypt, Brazil, Tunisia, China, Uganda, and several other countries. We regularly gathered not only to exchange research ideas, but also to share perspectives about our home countries, cultures, and personal interests. For me, this was a truly unique experience that deepened my understanding of multiculturalism. We also shared stories and experiences from our travels, which further broadened my global perspective.
Residential Environment
Montréal is one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world, with French as its official language. Street signs, government documents, and school announcements are mainly in French. The city’s architecture, café culture, and pace of life all reflect a strong European, especially French influence. It is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with frequent festivals, street art, and a thriving independent music culture. Beyond its cultural richness, Montréal is a major hub for AI research, home to institutions and organizations such as Microsoft, Google, Mila, and McGill University. Altogether, this makes the city exceptionally dynamic and full of energy.
Future Goals After Overseas Experience
In the short term, I will continue refining my current research framework and work toward publishing my paper, while maintaining close collaboration with the professor and members of the lab in Montreal. In the long run, I am committed to advancing research and professional work in artificial intelligence, particularly in the field of autonomous driving. I also aim to actively engage in international collaborations and contribute meaningfully to society through technological innovation.
Conclusion
I am sincerely grateful to SGU for providing me with the opportunity to spend three months conducting research and living in Canada. It has been an incredibly valuable and rare experience in my life. I have learned so much and gained profound insights that are difficult to fully express in words. The influence of an environment is often internalized in subtle ways, and I truly believe that what I have seen, experienced, and felt during this time will guide me to make better decisions and judgments in the future, ultimately enabling me to contribute more meaningfully to society.