President's Message

Dear fellow Members,

To accomplish our shared aspirations under the theme “Connect Minds, Empower Tomorrow”, collaboration, dedication and action are key. Together, we strive forward. Extreme climate and weather events across the globe underscore the importance of sustainable development, and call for concerted action across the globe.

The kick-start of our work on sustainable development is our “International Conference on Global Energy Transition and Decarbonisation – Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and Belt & Road Synergies” scheduled for 10-11 September. It has attracted more than 2,000 participants worldwide and you are welcome to join. The Conference provides a platform to connect minds on energy policies, carbon markets, sustainable finance, hydrogen and new energy, energy efficiency, and regional cooperation. Although Hong Kong is not a major energy producer, it is nevertheless a super connector and a super value adder linking the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.

While looking forward to the announcement of the Policy Address 2026 and the first Five-Year Plan of Hong Kong on 16 September, I would like to report that we have submitted professional views and suggestions for the Government’s consideration. In the process, we consulted fellow Members, and Officers attended consultation sessions in person and online. Through these exchanges, views were consolidated into suggestions covering the Northern Metropolis, artificial intelligence, construction productivity, infrastructure resilience, decarbonisation, talent development and regional cooperation.

Engagement beyond Hong Kong remains important. The Hangzhou visit organised by the Learned Society Board for Division Chairmen from 23 to 25 August, led by VP Ir TK Chiang, strengthened ties among Divisions and provided insights into Hangzhou’s innovation development through exchanges with enterprises, universities and professional bodies.

In October, a visit to the UK has been scheduled, with sustainability being the focus among other topics of common interest among major professional engineering institutions. These visits provide opportunities to learn and share thoughts, identify areas for cooperation and strengthen relationships with counterparts outside Hong Kong. Preparation is also underway for Greater Bay Area exchanges in late November in connection with the 5th Greater Bay Area Engineers Forum, with the objective of strengthening professional ties, promoting technical collaboration and broadening members’ horizons.

Earlier this month, I attended the ABU Robocon 2026 in Hong Kong, together with Officers and Members. As the strategic partner, we provide professional support in defining the competition and our Members serve as judges. The inter-varsity competition brought together students and young engineers from across the region. The participants’ dedication, technical ability and teamwork, together with the support given by teachers, mentors, families and supporters, demonstrate how robotics, automation and artificial intelligence can inspire young minds and help them apply engineering knowledge to real-world challenges. I hope many of them will continue their journey and join the engineering profession in serving society in the years ahead.

In the same spirit, the soft launch of EngSeeds marks another step in nurturing the next generation. Through this initiative, we hope to plant seeds of interest, curiosity and confidence among the teens, and enrich their understanding of engineering as a way to serve society. Three EngSeeds activities were held during July and August, and the response from the schools and participants has been encouraging.

EngSeeds

Members’ participation in social and sports activities is part and parcel of the Institution. At the “粵港澳同心，乒乓球傳情” Table Tennis League held in Nansha, our members achieved the men’s singles championship, women’s singles fourth place, mixed doubles third place, and team overall first runner-up. Our Dragon Boat Team also achieved first runner-up in the Gold Cup category. I warmly congratulate all participating members and teams. Their achievements reflect qualities we treasure as engineers — teamwork, discipline, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.

Preparation is also underway for the Hall of Fame initiative, as part of the celebration programme for the Institution’s 80th Anniversary next year. It traces all the way back to 1947, when the Engineering Society of Hong Kong was founded, to bring together engineers of different disciplines for their common good. The purpose is to honour those who have contributed to serving the profession and Hong Kong over the years.

On Friday 11 September, I will deliver the Presidential Address at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with live streaming available for members who wish to join online. Please join in and let me have your feedback to help Connect Minds and Empower Tomorrow.