Living in HKUST’s residential halls meant dealing with an outdated air conditioning payment system. Students had to preload credits onto their student cards and visit hall offices to activate their units, a process that was inconvenient and disruptive, especially during Hong Kong’s humid summers. With demand for flexibility growing, HKUST sought a solution to simplify payments and enhance control. In 2023, Beautitag Limited was tasked with designing and updating the air conditioning payment system to meet these modern needs.
Beautitag introduced a revamped system, launched in 2023, that revolutionized how students manage air conditioning in their rooms. Replacing the prepayment model, students can now purchase usage credits through a web portal or mobile app, supporting Credit Cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and FPS. Beyond payments, the app integrates with smart power meters, allowing remote activation and deactivation of air conditioners—perfect for pre-cooling rooms before returning from class. This dual functionality blends convenience with energy efficiency.
The rollout required precision and collaboration. Beautitag partnered with HKUST’s Student Housing and Residential Life Office (SHRLO) to integrate the system with existing smart meters across halls like UG Hall I-VIII. The team developed a user-friendly interface (accessible at https://ac.ust.hk/), tested extensively to ensure reliable remote control and secure transactions. User manuals and support resources guided students through the transition, making adoption smooth and swift despite the system’s complexity.
The updated system has been a resounding success. Students now enjoy remote convenience and payment flexibility, no longer tied to physical top-ups or office visits. The ability to activate air conditioning remotely has improved comfort and satisfaction, while diverse payment options cater to all preferences. Beautitag’s innovative solution has streamlined a critical aspect of hall life, reinforcing HKUST’s commitment to smart, student-centric technology.
Ref: https://shrl.hkust.edu.hk/uploads/Hall_Life%3AUser%20Manual%20for%20the%20Smart%20Power%20Meter.pdf