Recalling his work in the early 1990s, Chan depicts an era when most laboratory equipment was imported from overseas. Communication with manufacturers was challenging in the absence of the internet. “When equipment broke down, we had to send detailed descriptions of the problem by fax to engineers abroad,” he recounts. “Due to time differences, we often had to wait a day or two for a response.” With no comprehensive manuals or online resources available, Chan frequently visited libraries to look for relevant information. Over time, through trial and error and hands-on experience, he developed the skills to diagnose and repair a wide range of equipment.

In those days, laboratory instruments were unwieldy. Chan remembers occasions when door frames had to be removed and a 3-metre-by-3-metre wall even had to be taken down, just to move machines weighing several tonnes into the laboratory. In the light of technological advances, these massive machines were gradually replaced by more delicate devices. Today, experiments have progressed to the nanoscale, incorporating chemical and biological materials.

Throughout his career, Chan has managed an impressive array of equipment, including machines capable of generating two million volts, ultra-low-temperature systems approaching absolute zero and devices reaching temperatures of 1,200 degrees Celsius. His responsibilities also extend to the careful handling of hazardous materials – flammable, carcinogenic and radioactive substances – ensuring their safe use, storage and disposal, creating a safe environment for researchers.