Dear members
As we approach the close of 2025, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made together and to acknowledge a number of meaningful milestones achieved in recent months. These achievements clearly demonstrate the strength, unity and social responsibility of our engineering profession.
Earlier this month, the Legislative Council General Election was successfully concluded. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Divisions and Committees who gathered at Headquarters on Election Day to encourage member participation, as well as to all members who fulfilled their civic duty by voting. I am particularly encouraged to note that the voter turnout rate for the Engineering Functional Constituency reached 59.15%, representing a significant increase from 49.10% in 2021. This positive outcome truly reflects my presidential theme, “Together We RISE”. I warmly congratulate our Past President, Ir Aaron BOK, on his election, and I look forward to working closely with him to advance both our profession and the wider community.
In December, I had the pleasure of delivering opening remarks at the International Conference on Wastewater Treatment Technologies 2025, co-organised by the Drainage Services Department and HKIE. The conference showcased advancements in biological treatment, digital monitoring, energy-efficient technologies and resource recovery, bringing together global experts to exchange innovative and practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
Another significant milestone was the 12th Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area Sustainability Development Conference and Green Science and Technology Innovation Event (第十二屆粵港澳大灣區可持續發展研討會), which concluded on 12 December 2025 under the theme “Sustainable Urban Renewal, Aligning with National Goals” (都市更新舊城永續，融入國家發展大局). As highlighted in my opening remarks, the Greater Bay Area is entrusted with driving technological innovation, promoting green transformation and advancing high-quality development, with Hong Kong playing a vital role as a “super connector” in supporting national development. The conference provided a valuable platform to examine development trends and challenges across major GBA cities, reinforcing the engineering profession’s indispensable role in sustainable urban transformation.
From 11 to 13 December, HKIE hosted an exchange programme at Headquarters for a delegation of assessors from the Chinese Society of Engineers (中國工程師聯合體). During the programme, the delegation gained an understanding of HKIE’s Professional Assessment (PA) mechanism and insights into how HKIE assessors conduct PA interviews through a sharing session led by Ir Derrick LEUNG of the Structural Discipline. They also had the opportunity to experience quiz challenges following the online Assessor Training Programme, observe a Quality Control Committee meeting, and attend PA interviews conducted by the Mechanical Discipline. The programme concluded with a debriefing session hosted by HKIE Senior Vice President Ir Prof Frank CHAN on the final day.
I was also delighted to welcome the President of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia, to Headquarters on 4 December for the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement represents an important step in strengthening professional collaboration and expanding our network across Belt and Road countries. In the same spirit of collaboration, HKIE was proud to serve as a Partner of the International Railway Safety Council Conference 2025. Together with Past President Ir Edmund LEUNG, I shared insights on the vital role engineers play in advancing infrastructure excellence and safeguarding public safety.
The tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po remains a matter of deep concern to us all. I am truly grateful for the solidarity shown by our professional peers worldwide. Letters of support from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) have been deeply appreciated. At times of tragedy, such gestures remind us of the unity, compassion and shared purpose that bind the global engineering community.
As a mark of respect and solidarity, HKIE has cancelled or postponed several 50th Anniversary celebratory events. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to members for their understanding regarding the cancellation of the HKIE 50th Anniversary Cocktail Reception, which was originally intended to provide an opportunity for connection and fellowship amid our busy professional lives. While we may have missed the occasion to gather, the majority of the attendance fees and original production costs saved have been donated to support the victims of the Tai Po fire. A dedicated donation channel has also been established for members who wish to contribute. Although the original plan could not be executed, we chose to transform this occasion into a meaningful act of care and unity.
Regarding the revised arrangements, the HKIE Carnival has been postponed to 14 to 15 March 2026. In addition, “HKIE 50周年紀念—香港工程傳奇展覽@首都” will be rescheduled to April 2026, with the Opening Ceremony to be held on 20 April in Beijing. Please stay tuned for further details. Though we set aside celebration, we chose a more meaningful action, truly embodying the spirit of “Together We RISE”. I sincerely urge us all to stand together with the community during this difficult time.
Working solely for oneself may come easily, but true fulfilment and lasting value are found in serving others. As engineers and as members of society, we should place the well-being of those around us at the heart of our work. Guided by humility, we ought not to measure success by personal accolades, but by the positive difference we make in the lives of others. In moments of reflection, it is worth asking ourselves not what we have achieved for our own advancement, but how we have extended care, support and hope to those in need.
As we conclude the year, I extend my sincere gratitude to every member for your dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment. Together, we will continue to rise, strengthening our profession, serving society and shaping a safer, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Ir Alice CHOW
President
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers