Dear members

As someone who interacts daily with other engineers, I am constantly amazed by how often our conversations turn to sustainability. Our profession evidently regards sustainability as a responsible engineering practice, something underlying our work. Recently at the HKIE, we too have been advocating the idea that safeguarding a liveable future is an important aspect of what we do. 

On 19 November, we publicly unveiled our eBook Engineered for Sustainability: Hong Kong’s Contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As the first e-publication in Hong Kong to map local engineering projects to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals systematically, it deserves to be called a milestone. For making it a reality, I am grateful to the Working Group, the project contributors, and all other stakeholders. Members are encouraged to consult this repository of engineering achievements from time to time and to share it whenever you can, so that more others will know about our profession’s powerful impact on the city’s sustainability.

With this eBook’s Cover Design Competition, we now have a chance to engage professionals like you in representing sustainability ideas graphically and imaginatively, besides practising them in pursuit of work goals. Submissions are open until 5 pm, 31 December. Endow the publication’s next edition with a cover art worthy of its contents by joining or encouraging others to join.

Another token of our commitment to sustainability, more distant but no less significant, was our venture into COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. From 12 to 15 November, our delegation led by Vice President Ir Prof Frank CHAN engaged with global leaders on climate action, net-zero strategies, sustainable innovations, and youth empowerment. With such universal topics, international events like COP29 are a fitting platform for Hong Kong engineers to share what experience they have. I heartily thank our delegates for setting an example for others in our profession who may be equally eager to contribute to the world’s sustainability agenda as global citizens.

Nearly on the threshold of 2025, we are seeing progress on the preparations for our 50th Anniversary. Submission to its Logo Design Competition, for instance, has been closed. Another engagement opportunity is the HKIE 50th Anniversary Legacy Award, which invites Corporate Members to nominate projects that have shaped our profession’s rich history. Nominations are open until 5 pm, 31 December. Crowning the celebrations is the Anniversary’s Mascot Design Competition, which is accepting entries until 5pm, 3 January 2025. From this event, we hope a distinctive mascot will be born, lovingly crafted by one of our own members, and presenting an endearing face for this emblematic occasion. Join us in celebrating our shared legacy.

For some time now, the Institution has been responding to the government’s public consultations. The 2025-26 Budget will be no exception. As we prepare for a submission of our views, an eForm to gather members’ thoughts has been launched and is open until 10 January 2025. Input from you all will ensure that engineers’ perspectives are well-represented in shaping Hong Kong’s future.

The festive season, now drawing nigh, is naturally the time to gather our thoughts about the past and the future. Whether you find 2024 satisfactory, let us hold out hope that the next will be a step up. With this, may I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Ir Eric MA Siu-cheung
President
The HKIE