President's Message

Dear members

April has been one of the most meaningful months of my presidential year. It has reminded me that engineering is not only about infrastructure and innovation, but also about people, mentorship and the bridges we build across generations and across borders.

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the HKIE, we officially launched the “HKIE 50th Anniversary – Engineering Legacy @ Capital” Exhibition (HKIE 50周年紀念—香港工程傳奇展覽@首都) at the National Communication Center for Science and Technology of CAST in Beijing. Following its earlier showcase in Hong Kong, the exhibition brought a selection of award-winning projects to our nation’s capital, highlighting the excellence and innovation of Hong Kong engineers on a broader stage.

The Launching Ceremony, held on 20 April, was a proud and memorable milestone. We were deeply honoured by the presence of leaders from the HKSAR Government, the China Association for Science and Technology, the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR. Joining them were representatives from HKIE Divisions, national professional bodies, academia, and industry stakeholders. Their attendance signified strong recognition of the remarkable contributions made by Hong Kong engineers over the past five decades.

On the same occasion, the event also featured thematic talks and a high-level expert forum, convening distinguished guests and Members to celebrate our collaborative achievements, deepen professional dialogue, and further strengthen the ties between the engineering communities of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

A particularly touching moment during the ceremony was the premiere of a short commemorative video capturing the journey of Hong Kong engineers across generations. The film illustrates how engineering has shaped our city, improved lives and connected communities, while highlighting our profession’s enduring values of professionalism, integrity and service. Experiencing the premiere together with our guests and members in Beijing was both inspiring and deeply affirming.

What made the Beijing programme especially meaningful to me was that members of my President’s Protégé Scheme (PPS) joined the visit. This session’s cohort has been exceptionally proactive and thoughtful. Bringing them to Beijing allowed them to witness institutional collaboration and professional diplomacy firsthand. They attended the Launching Ceremony, participated in exchanges and observed how long-term partnerships are built upon shared standards and mutual respect. Such exposure broadens perspective and strengthens confidence in ways that cannot be replicated in a classroom.

During the same period, we organised the 高端人才北京交流團 and 分部主席北京考察團, visiting key ministries and renowned institutions including the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Tsinghua University. Our discussions focused on professional qualification pathways, talent mobility and collaboration in innovation and infrastructure development. A highlight was the 京港工程科技交流座談會 at the Beijing Association for Science and Technology, where we signed a cooperation agreement with the Beijing Society of Engineers. This agreement lays a stronger foundation for sustained professional dialogue and closer collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland engineering communities.

Early in April, I had the opportunity to visit Canada and meet with professional engineering organisations and industry leaders. I was deeply encouraged by the warm reception and by how highly Hong Kong engineers are regarded internationally for our professional standards, ethical foundation and global outlook. Our discussions covered accreditation alignment, sustainable infrastructure, digital construction and pathways for talent mobility. There was genuine interest in strengthening collaboration, particularly in areas such as green transition and resilient urban systems, where our shared expertise can make a meaningful difference.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our Canadian Overseas Chapters for their meticulous arrangements and generous hospitality, which made the visit especially fruitful. Through their dedicated efforts, we were able to connect with a wide spectrum of professional bodies, industry leaders and community representatives.

I also had the pleasure of visiting Malaysia earlier to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia. I extend my warmest congratulations and look forward to strengthening our ties further. In line with the Government’s vision of deepening regional collaboration, our International Affairs Committee is actively enhancing connections among Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, fostering closer professional exchanges and broadening opportunities for our members across ASEAN.

These discussions are significant not only at the institutional level, but also for our individual members. When we cultivate mutual recognition and professional trust, we open broader pathways for engineers to collaborate and grow beyond borders. Engineering challenges today — from climate adaptation to digital transformation — transcend geography. Our profession must therefore remain open, connected and forward-looking.

Throughout these engagements, one priority has remained especially close to my heart: nurturing the next generation of engineers. Our EngSeeds initiative, soon to be staged, is currently in the planning phase and aims to inspire secondary school students to explore engineering as a meaningful and rewarding career path. By engaging them early in their educational journey, we hope to cultivate curiosity, build confidence, and ignite a lasting interest in innovation and problem-solving.

At the same time, we are preparing to further strengthen and expand Enginpreneurs, encouraging engineers to integrate innovation with entrepreneurship and transform bold ideas into impactful ventures. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, technical excellence must be complemented by creativity, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Closer to home, our Annual Dinner was held on 17 April, with many Members and distinguished guests in attendance. It was a valuable occasion for Members, partners and friends of the profession to come together in fellowship and camaraderie. The evening was filled with warm exchanges and memorable moments that reflected the strong sense of community within our profession. Please revisit the precious moments here: https://hkie.org.hk/images/PhotoGallery/AnnualDinner/2026. We were honoured that Financial Secretary the Honourable Paul Chan attended as Guest of Honour and warmly engaged with Members throughout the evening, an interaction that was deeply appreciated by all in attendance.

April has shown us the strength of connection — between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, between Hong Kong and the international community, and between generations within our profession. As we celebrate our Golden Jubilee, we honour our legacy while intentionally investing in the future.

Let us continue to build bridges — across regions, across disciplines and across generations — with confidence, care and a shared commitment to excellence.

With appreciation and optimism.