(香港，2022年12月2日) 香港工程師學會 (下稱「學會」) 代表團於12月3日至10日訪問英國，會長卜國明工程師率領訪問團拜訪當地多個工程專業團體，包括英國機械工程師學會(IMechE)、英國土木工程師學會(ICE) 、英國能源學會(EI)、英國工程師議會(EC)、英國特許屋宇裝備工程師學會(CIBSE)、英國工程及科技學會(IET)等，加強與海外工程業界的交流，就業內關注議題交換意見，並與英國能源學會續簽署資格互認和合作協議。訪問團亦會考察倫敦的重點基建項目。

是次訪問的行程緊湊，其中一個行程亮點是學會與香港駐倫敦經濟貿易辦事處(經貿辦)於倫敦帝國學院聯合舉辦的座談會，會長及經貿辦處長羅莘桉將會分享香港基建工程及科創發展現況、工程界就業前景及香港吸引人才政策等，並與當地就讀的香港工程系學生及英國本地學生見面。

會長卜國明工程師：「學會希望透過這次行程，鞏固及加深與當地工程專業團體的交流，並響應政府吸引海外人才的政策，歡迎海外有志到港工作的工程師或正修讀工程學的學生來港發展。學會特別感謝駐倫敦經貿辦協助，期待是次訪問能帶來豐碩成果。」

如欲垂詢，請與香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部聯絡。

電話：2895 4446      

傳真：2882 6825      

電郵：corpcom@hkie.org.hk

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(Hong Kong, 2 December 2022) A delegation from The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (hereafter “the HKIE”) will be visiting the UK between 3 and 10 December 2022.  The delegation, led by the President Ir Aaron Bok Kwok-ming, will pay visits to several professional engineering institutions on the ground, including the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Energy Institute (EI), the Engineering Council (EC), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).  In these visits, our dialogue with overseas engineering communities will be strengthened, views on issues that concern the industry will be exchanged, and the continuation of the Reciprocal Recognition Agreement (RRA) with EI will be confirmed.  The delegation will also make site visits to London’s key infrastructure projects.   

The itinerary for this visit is rigorous: one of the highlights is a seminar jointly held by the HKIE and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office London (HKETO London) in Imperial College London.  In the seminar, our President and Mr Gilford Law, the Director-General of HKETO, will be sharing the current status of Hong Kong’s infrastructure projects and its developments in innovation and technology, the career prospects in the engineering industry, and Hong Kong’s public policies on attracting talents, among other things.  They will also be meeting students from Hong Kong who are reading for an engineering degree in the UK and the local students.

President Ir Aaron Bok said that “it is the HKIE’s wish, through this Presidential Visit to the UK, to consolidate and deepen our exchange of ideas with overseas professional counterparts.  Moreover, echoing the HKSAR Government’s talent-trawling policies, we wish to make it known to overseas engineers contemplating a career in Hong Kong, or current engineering students, that they are very welcome to seek professional development here.  The HKIE wishes to thank the HKETO particularly for the assistance, and we look forward to harvesting the fruits of the visit.”

For media enquiries, please contact:

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Corporate Communications Section

Tel: 2895 4446

Fax: 2882 6825

Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk

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(香港，2022年10月19日) 香港工程師學會(下稱「學會」) 歡迎政府發表2022年施政報告，報告積極回應土地房屋短缺、增強香港競爭力等議題，並訂立過百項指標，以監督進度和成效，回應香港發展所需，為未來發展打下堅實基礎。

土地及房屋供應

學會認為，政府利用短期內未有發展計劃的政府和私人土地興建簡約公屋，爭取把公屋綜合輪候時間由現時的六年縮短至四年半，儘管簡約公屋的概念與過渡性房屋相似，但過渡性房屋由非政府組織負責，簡約公屋改由政府牽頭，反映政府願意突破現有框架的思維，以及令市民安居樂業的決心。

學會樂見政府採納學會的意見，使用「組裝合成」(MiC)、「裝配式設計」(DfMA)及「設計及建造」(Design & Build) 模式加快興建公營房屋，並在北部都會區提供組件供應鏈的生產和儲存用地，加強香港建造業在區內採用「組裝合成」的領導地位。學會認為，以往組裝合成技術只見於個別項目，在業界努力推動下日漸普遍，樂見政府在現階段採取措施，令組裝合成普及化，把技術轉化為本地生產力及就業，鞏固香港在相關範疇的領導地位。另外，學會建議政府以合適的項目為試點，例如位於新發展區的項目，把相關平整土地、基礎建設及建造房屋工程的設計和建造工序，集中在一個部門進行，以進一步加快建屋流程。

學會很高興政府推出全新的「私人發展商參與興建資助房屋先導計劃」，在下個財政年度起分批推出三幅土地，並鼓勵發展商申請改劃其擁有的私人土地興建資助出售單位，同時亦會再度推出港人首次置業 (「首置」) 土地。學會認為相關建議善用市場力量，然而政府應詳細考慮相關資助房屋的位置和定位，如何補充及輔助現有的居者有其屋計劃及港人首次置業計劃，並盡快公布詳情，令無力負擔私人樓宇的「夾心階層」可以置業。

學會樂見政府繼續採取多管齊下的方式解決土地短缺的問題，並提出明確時間表，加快發展未來兩大供應來源：北部都會區及交椅洲人工島。政府訂立5年內為北部都會區所有發展項目啟動收地程序、10年內完成各四成的平整新發展土地和落成新增單位的目標；交椅洲人工島則預計在今年內就填海範圍、土地用途、交通基建網絡及財務安排提出建議，填海工程在2025年上馬。學會亦樂見政府採納學會的建議，長遠建立土地儲備，掌握土地供應主導權，而非追落後。

學會認為，相關時間表十分清晰，唯兩項大型發展項目在接近的時間上馬，再加上多項新提出的重點交通基建，將會令工程及建造業界人手更加緊張。為了避免當年推動「十大基建」出現的問題，學會建議政府應制訂基建藍圖或時間表，把各個基建項目的規劃、設計、平整土地、建造等流程盡量有序安排，避免集中在同一時段，以免因人手問題而造成延誤或超支。學會亦建議政府規劃北部都會區及交椅洲人工島時，應考慮所需的社區及交通配套，確保達致職住平衡。

學會樂見政府接納學會建議，落實精簡法定及行政程序，包括研究樹木移除和補種程序、自行核證和獨立審查安排等，於明年年中陸續提出具體建議。屋宇署亦會成立「專責審批組」，以「促進者」思維加快審批大型私人住宅項目的一般建築圖則申請。當局亦會就業界使用「建築信息模擬技術」(BIM) 製作建築圖則呈交予部門審批訂立路線圖，將業界查核圖則是否符合要求的程序自動化。

學會相信建議有助縮短處理下游程序的時間，更樂見政府引入「促進者」的思維，而非過往僅強調監管、把關的角色。學會認為，如要達致約八成圖則可以首次或第二次呈交申請時獲批的目標，部門在審批時以公平、公正、公開的態度提供意見供申請人參考更形重要，學會建議政府進一歩增設「法定申請預審」，申請人可向政府要求提供諮詢形式的工作坊，雙方交換意見，減少項目來回審批的時間。

學會亦樂見政府着力發展棕地及綠化用地，政府將於元朗和洪水橋推出土地興建多層工廈，部分樓面面積以低於市場租金租予受影響的棕地作業者，並在2024年或之前改劃第一批有發展房屋潛力的綠化地帶。學會希望指出，發展與環境保育並不互相違背，用作發展的綠化地帶均經過審視，確保不具生態敏感性，學會希望政府在發展同時，亦相應付出同等努力，積極保護具生態價值的綠化地帶，與此同時，改劃土地用途及市區重建應視乎不同地區及位置需要而繼續推行。

提升香港競爭力

創新科技是香港未來經濟發展的重要引擎，學會歡迎政府在今年內推出「香港創新科技發展藍圖」，其中一個發展方向為完善創科生態圈，實現香港「再工業化」，包括設立100億元「產學研1+計劃」，促進科研成果商品化；吸引生命健康科技、人工智能與數據科學、先進製造與新能源科技等產業落戶落馬洲河套區港深創新及科技園；設立「工業專員」協助製造業利用創新科技升級轉型；以及加快基建設施。

政府訂立目標，希望三年內將科研成果轉化落地，隨後兩年內把科研成果商品化。學會希望指出，生物醫學、創新物料等的研發並非一朝一夕，理解政府希望加快科研成果落地，但亦應保留彈性，令大學科研團隊因無法突破技術瓶頸而被拒之門外。而落馬洲河套區的發展有助發揮兩地「1+1大於2」的協同效應。香港及學會的生物醫學分部匯聚本地及海外的頂尖人才，學會期望政府進一步在法規上拆牆鬆綁，容許生物樣本及數據「過河」，借助內地人口較多的優勢，獲取更多不同疾病的基因樣本，研究癌症、罕見病等不同疾病的篩查及治療方法，本地的科研人才則可發揮他們於研發方面的優勢，為兩地發展創造最大利益。

另一個發展方向為建設智慧香港，提升市民生活質素。除了政府提出的政府服務全面電子化，學會認為政府應檢視與智慧城市藍圖2.0相關的法例修訂，例如噪音管制及科技應用，協助香港邁向智慧城市及可持續發展。基於相同原因，政府應詳盡地介紹公私營合作，以及來自不同專業的企業如何合作，推動智慧城市。

為了壯大創科人才庫，政府改善現有多項輸入人才計劃，優化審批程序、撤銷部份限制或配額、延長簽證年期等，並為海外人才提供全方位的支援，包括在科學園及港深創科園提供更多創科人才住宿，以吸引人才來港發展，擴大人才庫。學會相信措施有助科技公司及其他高端產業，引入科研人才及資金，更重要的是透過一系列的支援措施及較長年期簽證，令這些專業人才可以安心長時間留港發展，令人力資源供應更穩定。

本地人力資源方面，發展局和運輸及物流局將分別檢視建造業和運輸業的勞工短缺情況，正如今年4月學會的報告指出，工程界面臨人才短缺的情況，建造業及運輸業亦正為業內青黃不接的情況尋找解決方法，學會樂見政府正視問題，協助業界解決問題。學會希望政府把握契機，一併檢視投標採購政策，學會早前曾就政府投標採購政策進行研究，業界正面對「投標價過低」的惡性循環，希望政府考慮修改標書評分比重，防止「搶低標」的情況，完善投標採購政策，以期改善公眾對工程界的觀感，吸引年輕人入行成為工程師。學會亦期待政府大力推動兩地專業資格互認，包括但不限於工程專業，令兩地專業界別可以加強交流，專業人士亦可享有更大發展空間。

基建運輸

學會樂見政府提出推展6項重點運輸基建，包括新鐵路線「中鐵線」，接駁元朗錦田、葵涌至九龍塘；延伸至將軍澳第137區的將軍澳線南延線；連接洪水橋和前海的港深西部鐵路，以及沙田繞道、將軍澳—油塘隧道及北都公路的3條主要幹道。政府亦將積極推進北環線支線經落馬洲河套港深創科園接入深圳新皇崗口岸的工作，及加快推展多個規劃中的道路基建項目，包括11號幹線、青衣至大嶼山連接路、屯門繞道、獅子山隧道改善工程等。

誠然，現時興建鐵路與早期已經大相逕庭，隨著香港城市陸續發展，現時政府研究或進行中的項目，大部分為現時鐵路的延綫或加建車站，目的是為了分流，而非創造發展容量。新的「中鐵綫」相信可以做到分流的作用，減輕屯馬綫的負荷。學會建議政府進行研究時，應充分考慮兩大原則，即「基建創造容量」及現時市民的出行模式及習慣 (即運輸署現時正進行的交通習慣調查) ，從全港的發展作布局，考慮新鐵路項目時應充分考慮沿途走線、車站、接駁站及所牽涉的技術難度，為日後發展創造容量之餘，亦顧及現有居民的交通需要。學會希望政府規劃鄰近北部都會區的交通基建時，能考慮本港及鄰近城市的策略性發展、北部都會區及交椅洲人工島的發展，全面審視本港的交通網絡。學會強調，多項大型交通基建聯同兩個重點發展項目—北部都會區及交椅洲人工島陸續上馬，更應謹慎審視人力、財務安排、時間表等，確保項目可以如期完工，同時應該注意對生態的影響，特別是應盡量避免涉及一些重要生態敏感地帶。

在航運及航空發展方面，學會歡迎政府採納學會提出加強多式聯運、推動高增值物流發展等，並建立全新數據共享平台，促進海運及港口業數據共享，提高營運效率，並加強「第三方物流服務供應商資助先導計劃」，推動香港物流業朝向高增值現代物流方向發展。學會具備不少建設「智慧港口」及「智慧物流」的人才，以物聯網、電子方式精簡運作流程等創新科技，提升港口運作效率，進一步鞏固香港作為國際航運中心及國際航空樞紐的地位。

教育及人才培訓

下一代就是我們的未來，學會樂見政府在中小學階段大力推動STEAM教育，以普及化、趣味化、多元化的方式為學生打好基礎，包括強化編程教育、加入創科元素，所有公帑資助學校須每年舉辦或參與具質素和規模的全校、校際、全港或國際STEAM活動，並提高「中學IT創新實驗室」和「奇趣IT識多啲」計劃的參與比率。在專上教育方面，政府將鼓勵大學教育資助委員會資助大學開辦與未來經濟發展有更大關連的課程，期望五年內教資會資助大學的學生當中有35%修讀STEAM學科。

學會樂見政府制訂明確目標，增加對STEAM教育的資源投放，學會將全力支持與教育局合辦的「工程伴理行」，為參與的中小學配對工程師，希望做到「一校一工程師」，說好工程師故事，提升工程師的專業形象，培養下一代對工程業的興趣，栽培未來工程界的「接班人」。另外，學會建議當局應及早檢視學校課程及大學入學要求，以免部份在理科表現出色，但在語文或其他基礎科目一時失手的考生，被大學拒之門外。

可持續發展

為了應對氣候變化及達致碳中和，政府計劃修例把更多家居器具納入「強制性能源效益標籤」、在政府建築物停車位提供充電設施、試行氫燃料電池雙層巴士及重型車輛、管制即棄塑膠餐具及其他塑膠產品、興建現代焚燒發電設施、立法要求部份住宅樓宇分類回收等。學會期望政府在推動轉廢為能的同時，亦應該加強推廣回收的重要性，另外亦應該積極應用碳捕集、利用和封存技術，增加可再生能源的應用，達致可持續發展。

學會對於政府積極在各個領域推動發展感到鼓舞，工程界願意貢獻自身專業力量，現在正是香港開創新局面、實現新飛躍的關鍵期，學會樂意繼續為政府在各個範疇提供意見，共同建設香港。

如欲垂詢，請與香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部聯絡。

電話：2895 4446     

傳真：2882 6825     

電郵：corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF版

(Hong Kong, 23 October 2022) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (hereafter "the HKIE") welcomes the Administration's issuance of the 2022 Policy Address.  The Address actively responds to issues such as the shortage of land and housing supply and increasing Hong Kong's competitiveness, in addition to setting forth over a hundred indicators to monitor the progress and effectiveness for specific tasks, responding to the need engendered by Hong Kong's development and laying a strong foundation for future development.

Land and housing supply

The HKIE sees that the Administration will make use of government and private land with no development plan in the near future to build Light Public Housing (LPH) units and targets to reduce the Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing from 6 years to about 4.5 years.  Although LPH resembles Transitional Housing conceptually, Non-Governmental Organisations are responsible for the latter, while the implementation of the former is led by the Government instead.  This indicates the Administration's readiness to think outside the box and its determination to better citizens' lives and works.

The HKIE is glad to see that the Administration has adopted its recommendations to employ Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), and Design & Build method in streamlining the construction of public housing units. It will also provide available land in the Northern Metropolis for the manufacturing and storage of modules in the MiC supply chain, strengthening the leading regional position of Hong Kong's construction industry in the adoption of MiC. The HKIE is of the view that, whereas in the past MiC had been employed only in individual units, it is becoming more popular with the industry's efforts.  It is glad that the Administration is taking measures at this stage to popularise MiC, transforming it into local productivity forces and employment and consolidating Hong Kong's leading position in the relevant fields.  In addition, in the case of suitable public housing projects, the HKIE suggests the Administration to focus the implementation of site formation/infrastructure works, design, and building works on one single department or entity in order to shorten the time needed for construction.

The HKIE is glad to see at the newly introduced Pilot Scheme on Private Developer Participation in Subsidised Housing Development. From the next financial year, three sites will be put up in batches and developers are encouraged to apply for rezoning of the private lands that they possess to build subsidised sale flats.  At the same time, land for Starter Homes for Hong Kong Residents (Starter Homes) projects will be put forward again.  Although the HKIE opines that the relevant recommendations make good use of market forces, the Administration should consider in more detail the location and positioning of the subsidised flats in question, how they can supplement and aid the existing Home Ownership Scheme and Starter Homes for Hong Kong Residents, and announce the details expeditiously, so that the "sandwich class" who cannot afford private housing can purchase a home.

The HKIE is glad that the Administration continues its multi-pronged approach to tackle the problem of land shortage and proposes a definite timeline to accelerate the development of the two great future sources of supply: the Northern Metropolis and the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands.  The Administration has set the target of commencing land resumption procedures for all development projects in the Northern Metropolis within five years, and of forming 40% of the new development land complete 40% of the new flats within 10 years.  Regarding the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, it is estimated that proposals on the scope of reclamation, land use, transport infrastructure network and financing options will be put forth within this year while the reclamation works will be kick-started in 2025.  The HKIE is also pleased with the Administration's adoption of its recommendations to build up a land reserve in the long run and assume a leading role in land supply instead of catching up with the demand.

The HKIE applauds the precision of the relevant timetable but is concerned that, since the two large-scale development projects will be kick-started in close time proximity and numerous key transportation infrastructures have been newly introduced, the manpower of the engineering and construction industries will be further tightened.  To avoid the problems that plagued "Ten Major Infrastructure Projects" years ago, the HKIE suggests drawing up an infrastructure blueprint or timetable in which procedures such as planning, design, site formation, and building are dispersed over the overall timespan, thereby avoiding manpower issues that would lead to postponement and budget overrun.  The HKIE also suggests that the Administration, in making plans for the Northern Metropolis and the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, should take into consideration the community and transportation facilities needed to avoid jobs-housing mismatch.

The HKIE appreciates the Administration's acceptance of its recommendation to streamline statutory and administrative procedures (including the felling and compensatory planting of trees, self-certification, and independent checking arrangement) and to put forward concrete proposals progressively starting from mid-2023. The Buildings Department will establish Dedicated Processing Units, adopting a "facilitator" mindset to expedite the approval process of general building plans submitted for high-yield private residential projects.  In addition, a roadmap will be devised on the industry's use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in preparing building plans for submission to departments for approval, automating compliance checks of plans by the industry.

The HKIE believes that the recommendation would shorten the time required for downstream procedures and is delighted that the Administration has introduced a "facilitator" mindset instead of insisting on the role of a supervisor or gatekeeper.  It maintains that, if the target of approving about 80% of the plans upon the first or second submission is to be met, it is imperative that departments while in the approval process give applicants advice for their reference with a fair, just, and open attitude.  Therefore, the HKIE suggests adopting a ‘pre-application consultation step', such that the project proponent may request consultatory workshops with the authorities for exchange of views, reducing the time spent on the project's back-and-forth approvals.

The HKIE is also glad that the Administration is striving to redevelop brownfield sites and Green areas.  It will make available plan in Yuen Long and Hung Shui Kiu for development of multi-storey industrial buildings from next year (with a certain portion of floor area to be leased to the affected brownfield operators below market rent) and commence the rezoning of the first batch of "Green Belt" sites with potential for housing development by 2024.  The HKIE wishes to point out that development is not incompatible with environmental conservation, that the "Green Belt" areas designated for development have been reviewed to ensure that they are not eco-sensitive.  The HKIE wishes that the Administration will work as strenuously on protecting Green areas with ecological value as it does on development.  At the same time, the land rezoning and urban redevelopment must be taken forward with the needs of different districts and locations kept in view.

Enhancing competitiveness

I&T provides key impetus for Hong Kong's future economic development.  The HKIE welcomes the promulgation of the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint within this year. One of the four broad development directions is to enhance the I&T ecosystem and achieve re-industrialisation in Hong Kong. $10 billion will be earmarked to launch the "Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme" (RAISe+ Scheme), facilitating the commercialisation of R&D outcomes; attempts will be made to attract enterprises in industries such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence, data science, and advanced manufacturing and new energy technology to the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP) in the Lok Ma Chau Loop; the post of Commissioner for Industry will be created to assist the manufacturing sector in upgrading and transformation by making use of I&T; and the construction of infrastructure and facilities will be accelerated.

The Administration has set itself the goal of transforming and realising R&D outcomes within three years and commercialising them within the subsequent two years.  The HKIE wishes to point out that R&D of Biomedical science and innovative materials are not accomplished in a day, and that although it understands the Administration's wish to accelerate the realisation of R&D outcomes, certain flexibility must be maintained so that university research teams would not be rejected due to their inability to break through technical bottleneck.  The development of the Lok Ma Chau Loop would be instrumental in generating "1+1>2" synergies for Hong Kong and the Mainland. As Hong Kong and the HKIE's Biomedical Division abound with great local talents as well as those from abroad, the HKIE expects further loosening-up of statutory regulations from the Administration in order that biospecimen and data may "cross the river" and Mainland's greater population may be taken advantage of to obtain different diseases' genetic samples, which will assist in researching the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and rare diseases.  In this way, scientific researchers may make full use of their research's advantages to benefit the development of Hong Kong and Mainland to the greatest degree.

Another broad development direction is the development of Hong Kong into a smart city and the improvement of its people's quality of life. Apart from the Administration's proposal to turn all government services online, the HKIE contends that regulations associated with the Smart City Blueprint 2.0, such as noise control and smart technology applications, should be reviewed to help Hong Kong strive towards being a smart and sustainable city.  For the same reason. it should also spell out details of public-private partnership and of how enterprises with different expertise can work together on this front.

To add to our reserve of I&T talents, the Administration has improved the existing talent admission schemes, enhanced the approval procedures, waived some of the limits or quota, made provisions for visa extensions, and provided all-round support for overseas talents (which includes providing more accommodations for I&T talents in Hong Kong Science Park and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park).  All these attract talents to Hong Kong, expanding the talent reserve.  The HKIE believes that these measures will assist tech companies and other high-end industries in attracting I&T talents and capitals.  More importantly, this series of auxiliary measures as well as their extended visa will make professionals feel more comfortable to settle in Hong Kong and develop their career there in the long run, thus stabling the supply of manpower.

Regarding local human resources, the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Transport and Logistics Bureau will review the labour shortage situation in the construction and transport sectors respectively.  As indicated in a report by the HKIE in April this year, a shortage of talents is afflicting the engineering industry; within the construction and transport industries, solutions are being sought to deal with the failure of succession planning.  The HKIE is glad that the Administration has not evaded the issue and has been helping the industries to solve their problems.  It is hoped that the Administration will seize the opportunity to review procurement policy by referencing the research done earlier by the HKIE on the Government's procurement policy.  As the industry is experiencing a vicious cycle involving low tender bids, the Administration is urged to consider revising the ratio established in the marking scheme for bidding documents, discouraging unreasonably low bids.  With the procurement policy perfected thus, the public will have a more favourable impressions of the engineering industry and young people will be more disposed to become engineers.  The HKIE looks forward to the greater effort exerted by the Administration to foster mutual recognition of professional qualifications.  Such recognition includes but is not limited to the engineering profession. Professional sectors of Hong Kong and Mainland can thus strengthen exchange, and professionals may enjoy greater room for development.

Transport infrastructure

The HKIE appreciates the six major transport infrastructure projects proposed by the Administration.  They include Central Rail Link, a new railway line connecting Kam Tin in Yuen Long, Kwai Chung, and Kowloon Tang; TKO Line Southern Extension, which extends to TKO Area 137; Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, which connects Hung Shui Kiu with Qianhai; Shatin Bypass, TKO-Yau Tong Tunnel, and the three main strategic routes of Northern Metropolis Highway.  The Administration is also actively following up on the work relating to the Northern Link Spur Line's connection with the new Huanggang Port in Shenzhen via the HSITP in Lok Ma Chau Loop. In addition, it is expediting the implementation of a number of road infrastructure projects under planning, including Route 11, Tsing Yi-Lantau Link and Tuen Mun Bypass, as well as improvements to Lion Rock Tunnel.

Admittedly, railway construction is demonstrably different from its earlier form.  As urban development in Hong Kong carries on steadily, most of the projects being developed by the Government or progressing are extensions of existing railways or additional stations, whose purpose is traffic diversion but not the creation of development capacity.  The new Central Rail Link is believed to be able to function as a means of traffic diversion and alleviate the load on Tuen Ma Line.  The HKIE's suggestion for the Administration is to sufficiently consider, while researching, the two great principles—"building capacity by infrastructure", and the citizens' current travel patterns and habits (i.e. the Travel Characteristics Survey currently conducted by the Transport Department)—and to sketch a layout for the development of Hong Kong as a whole. When considering a new railway project, the Administration should give sufficient thought to the railway lines en route, stations, shuttle stations, and the technical difficulties involved.  This will not only create development capacity but also take care of current residents' transportation needs.  The Institution would like to see the strategic development of Hong Kong and neighbouring cities, Northern Metropolis and artificial islands of Kau Yi Chau be taken into consideration when planning the transportation infrastructure surrounding the Northern Metropolis, and the Administration's holistic review of the transportation network of the city.  With a number of large-scale transportation infrastructure and two key development projects – Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands – in the pipeline, the importance of a careful review of manpower, financial arrangements, development timeframe, etc. is hereby emphasised.  In order to ensure that the projects can be completed on time, ecological impact should be minimised, and intervention in important ecologically sensitive areas must be avoided.

On the front of maritime and aviation development, the HKIE welcomes the Administration's adoption of our proposal to strengthen intermodal code-sharing services and promote high value-added logistics development, etc., and establishment of a new data sharing platform to facilitate data sharing among maritime and port and enhance operational efficiency.  The strengthening of the "Pilot Subsidy Scheme for Third-party Logistics Service Providers" will hopefully promote Hong Kong's industry towards the development of high value-added modern logistics.  The HKIE has plenty of talents to contribute to the construction of "smart ports" and "smart logistics" with innovative technologies such as the Internet of Things and electronic ways to streamline operational processes.  By improving the efficiency of port operations, Hong Kong's status as an international air transportation and logistics hub should be further consolidated.

Education and Talent Development

The future is in the hands of our next generation.  The Institution is delighted that the Administration is putting great emphasis on promoting STEAM education in primary and secondary schools, laying a solid foundation for students through a populaised, interesting and diverisified way, such as strengthening the curriculum, incorporating I&T elements, requiring all publicly-funded schools to organise or participate in school-wide, inter-school, territory-wide or international STEAM activities of quality and scale every year, and increasing the participation rate of the "IT Innovation Lab in Secondary Schools" and "Knowing More About IT" Programmes.  In terms of tertiary education, the Administration will encourage the University Grants Committee (UGC) to subsidise the provision of university courses that are more relevant to the future economic development, and it is expected that 35% of the students in UGC-funded universities will be studying STEAM subjects within the next five years. 

The HKIE is pleased that the Administration has set clear goals to increase resources for STEAM education.  The Institution gives its full support in co-organising the "Engineers on Campus" programme with the Education Bureau and matches engineers for participating primary and secondary schools, hoping to achieve "One School One Engineer" and tell good stories about engineers, enhancing the professional image of engineers, cultivating youngsters' interest in the engineering field, and eventually train up "successors" of the industry.  Moreover, the HKIE suggests that relevant authorities should review school curriculum and university admission requirements early to avoid rejecting candidates who excel in science but failed language or other core subjects.

Sustainable Development

In order to combat climate change and achieve the goal of carbon neutrality, the Administration plans to amend bills to include more household appliances in the "Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme", install charging facilities in parking spaces of government buildings, pilot hydrogen fuel cell electric double-deckers and heavy vehicles, regulate disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products, develop modern waste-to-energy (WtE) incinerators, explore legislation requiring certain housing buildings to implement recycling programmes, etc.  The Institution hopes the Administration promotes the importance of recycling while promoting WtE conversion, and actively adopts carbon capture, utilisation and sequestration technology to increase the application of renewable energy and to achieve sustainable development. 

The HKIE is excited by the Administration's proactive approach in driving development in a range of fields.  The engineering industry stands ready as always to contribute our expertise at this critical period for Hong Kong to break new ground and leap forward.  The HKIE will continue to provide professional advice to the Administration and join force in building the future of Hong Kong. 

For media enquiries, please contact:

Corporate Communications Section
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Tel: 2895 4446
Fax: 2882 6825
Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF version

(香港，2022年10月14日) 香港工程師學會(下稱「學會」)剛就2022施政報告向政府提供意見。學會亦肯定政府於今年3月向立法會提交精簡與發展相關的法定程序的修例建議，唯建議未有觸及部分下游程序，例如與設計及建造相關的法定和行政程序，而這些程序對發展項目如期落成亦同等重要。學會經詳細研究後，於上月底發表題為「精簡建造及基建發展流程建議書」，主要就設計及建造階段程序作務實可行建議。

在記者會上，會長卜國明工程師表示學會作為代表工程業界的專業團體，在收集意見後，將對施政報告各項建議呈交給當局，包括檢視投標政策、為配合社會發展需要增加工程專業人手、精簡發展審批程序、增加土地及房屋供應、發展創新科技、檢視資助基金的申請程序、融入大灣區發展，以至交通、教育、可持續及智慧城市發展。會長特別強調當局應及早檢視中學課程及大學入學要求，並加強推廣STEAM教育，亦須大力推動兩地專業資格互認，回應社會對創科及工程人才與日俱增的需求。

學會亦建議繼續採取多管齊下的方式解決土地短缺的問題。為了更有效推進交椅洲人工島填海工程，規劃、設計及建造階段均應加快提早展開。學會亦期望政府提出基建藍圖，有序策劃及監督各項土地建議及基建的進度及落成時間表。學會亦提倡把公營房屋項目內的政府、機構及社區設施從住宅樓宇中抽出，全面使用「組裝合成」建築法建造公營房屋，以進一步縮短建造時間。

高級副會長李志康博士工程師就精簡審批程序報告作出補充，包括建議政府指定部門或組織集中處理規劃申請，同時亦要在回覆申請時設定期限；增設「法定申請預審」程序，為申請人預先辨識項目的潛在技術問題，以解決問題為原則，促成各部門的審批及諮詢程序；在符合原已獲批准設計原則和建造方法下，減少因微小改動而須重新審批；鼓勵政府部門除了是監管機構之外，在不影響質量及安全，及公開公平的大前提下，亦需擔當「促進者」的角色。報告亦向政府建議另一公營房屋建造模式，即挑選合適的項目，將平整土地、基礎建設及建造房屋工程的設計和建造工序，集中在一個部門進行，以縮短施工年期。

學會期望政府做到多管齊下，在覓地建屋方面做提速、提效、提量，令市民可以安居樂業。

如欲垂詢，請與香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部聯絡。

電話：2895 4446     

傳真：2882 6825     

電郵：corpcom@hkie.org.hk

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(Hong Kong, 14 October 2022) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (hereafter “the HKIE”) has recently made recommendations to the Administration for its formulation of the 2022 Policy Address. The HKIE endorses the Administration’s legislative proposals (set out in a paper delivered in March 2022 to the Legislative Council) to streamline development-related statutory processes, but holds that some downstream statutory and administrative processes at design and construction stages, while being equally crucial to the timely delivery of development projects, are not being dealt with in them. After thorough examinations, at the end of last month the HKIE issued a report entitled “Recommendations on Streamlining Building Works and Infrastructure Development Processes”, providing practical and feasible suggestions, mainly, on the processes at design and construction stages.

In the press conference, President Ir Aaron Bok said that the HKIE, as a professional body representing the engineering industry, would submit its suggestions on the Policy Address to the Administration after collecting the interested parties’ views. These suggestions include reviewing procurement policy, augmenting manpower of the engineering profession in response to societal development, streamlining development processes, boosting land and housing supply, developing innovation and technology capacity, reviewing funding application processes, integrating into the Greater Bay Area, transportation, education, as well as sustainable and smart development of the city. Ir Bok put particular emphasis on the need on the Administration’s part to review the school curricula and university entry requirements in a timely manner, step up efforts to promote STEAM education, exert greater effort to foster mutual recognition of professional qualifications, thereby coping with the increasing demands for I&T and engineering talents following the city’s development.

In addition, the Institution supports adopting a multi-pronged approach persistently to tackle the shortage of land supply. To take forward the reclamation at the Harbour Metropolis, the planning, design and construction stages ought to be fast-tracked. The Institution also calls for a detailed infrastructure blueprint on the Administration’s part, a blueprint that will specify key milestones of delivery of land parcels and infrastructure works. It also advocates separating government, institutional and community facilities from residential blocks in public rental projects, such that modular integrated construction (MiC) method could be adopted thoroughly to further compress the construction time.

Ir Dr Barry Lee Chi Hong, the Institution’s Senior Vice President, elaborated on the report on streamlining approval processes. He suggested that a specific department or entity should be designated to process plan submissions and must set deadlines in its responses to the submissions. He further suggests adopting a ‘pre-application consultation step’, such that the projects’ potential technical issues may be identified beforehand and the approval and consultation processes may be facilitated under the principle of problem-solving. Provided that the original approved design principles and construction methodologies are observed, the need to seek for consent approval due to minor amendments should be avoided. Government departments should also be encouraged to serve their roles as both regulators and facilitators under the premise that quality, safety, as well as the principle of fairness and openness would not be compromised. In the report is also the proposal for a new public housing project delivery model: in the case of suitable projects, the site formation/infrastructure works, design, and building works would be implemented by one single department in order to shorten the time needed for construction.

The HKIE looks forward to a multi-pronged approach from the Administration. It is hoped that, as regards land and housing supply, a “wholesale enhancement in speed, efficiency, and quantity” will be achieved so that citizens may live and work in ways that meet their preferences.

For media enquiries, please contact:

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Corporate Communications Section

Tel: 2895 4446

Fax: 2882 6825

Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF version

(香港，2022年10月12日) 香港工程師學會(下稱「學會」) 就精簡發展法定程序進行研究，並發表題為「精簡建造及基建發展流程建議書」的報告。

報告基於政府在今年3月向立法會發展事務委員會提交的立法建議，研究如何精簡與發展相關的法定程序。學會肯定政府計劃簡化規劃及發展相關的上游法定程序，但認為建議未有觸及部分下游程序，例如與設計及建造相關的法定和行政程序，而這些程序對發展項目如期落成亦同等重要。

學會作為代表工程業界的專業團體，對於收集業界持份者意見，提供精簡下游發展流程的建議，可謂責無旁貸。報告提出的主要建議如下：

1. 學會建議政府指定一個部門或組織，負責在指定的時限內，集中處理建築及發展項目相關的規劃申請，相關政府部門及公用事業亦須在指定時限回覆規劃申請。

2. 建議在正式申請前增設「法定申請預審」，部門或組織可提供諮詢形式的工作坊，為申請人預先辨識項目的潛在技術問題，以解決問題為原則﹐訂定相關解決方案，以促成各部門的審批及諮詢程序可以同步完成。學會亦期望當局及項目持有人以協作形式，爭取提早獲得批准及竣工驗收流程，尤其是大規模或較複雜的發展項目，盡量減少或避免重新提交申請。

3. 現時取得首次批准後，建築物每一項改動均要再次尋求審批。學會建議只要符合原有核准的設計原則及建造方法，項目持有人可以毋須就每項微小改動尋求審批，唯項目持有人在建築工程完成前，須就相關改動取得最終批准，以作平衡。

4. 鼓勵有關部門除擔任法例監管機構的同時，在不影響質量及安全的大前提下，為整體社會發展利益，擔當「促進者」的角色，在公開公平原則下，為項目發展提供適當意見，以加快流程。

5. 塑造全新的公營房屋建造模式，挑選合適的項目，把相關平整土地、基礎建設及建造房屋工程的設計和建造工序，集中在一個部門進行。

以上建議詳載於學會呈交給當局的2022施政報告建議書，詳情可按此處瀏覽(僅提供英文版)。

鑑於施政報告將於本月19日發表，學會亦向政府提出多項建議，包括檢視投標政策、增加工程專業人手、精簡發展程序、增加土地及房屋供應、發展創新科技、融入大灣區發展，以至交通、教育、可持續及智慧城市發展。意見書的行政摘要如下：

1. 應該杜絕造價顯著偏低的投標，以改善業界生態及吸引下一代的工程界精英，確保工程人才供應可以滿足城市發展帶來的需求。

2. 繼續採取多管齊下的方式解決土地短缺的問題。為了推進交椅洲人工島填海工程，規劃、設計及建造階段均應加快。學會亦期望政府提出基建藍圖，詳列各項土地建議及基建的進度及落成時間表。改劃土地用途及市區重建應視乎不同地區及位置需要而繼續推行。

3. 除了「公屋提前上樓計劃」，學會提倡把公營房屋項目內的政府、機構及社區設施從住宅樓宇中抽出，全面使用「組裝合成」建築法建造公營房屋，以進一步縮短建造時間。學會建議設立組裝合成及預製組件工廠，以應付組裝合成的廣泛使用。為了善用市場力量，當局可以考慮提供更多誘因，吸引承建商參與資助房屋建設。

4. 為了促進創科生態圈發展，當局應檢視資助基金的申請程序及要求，以提升香港的地位及競爭力，擴大人才庫。

5. 大灣區的發展機遇處處，除了加強跨境基建提升與大灣區的連接，當局大力推動兩地專業資格互認亦同樣重要。

6. 針對基建先行的發展概念，學會建議當局考慮本港及鄰近城市的策略性發展，全面審視本港的交通網絡。

7. 當局應及早檢視學校課程及大學入學要求，並加強推廣STEAM教育，回應社會對創科及工程人才與日俱增的需求。

學會期待本月19日公布的施政報告，並期望政府採納學會的建議。

報告全文可於此處瀏覽(僅提供英文版)。

如欲垂詢，請與香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部聯絡。

電話：2895 4446     

傳真：2882 6825     

電郵：corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF版

(12 October 2022, Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) has carried out a study on streamlining statutory processes pertinent to development projects, and is delighted to present the report entitled “Recommendations on Streamlining Building Works and Infrastructure Development Processes”.

The report was prepared in support of the Government’s legislative proposals, set out in a paper delivered in March 2022 to the Panel on Development of the Legislative Council, to streamline development-related statutory processes.  The HKIE acknowledges the efforts expressed therein to simplify the upstream statutory procedures in the planning and development regimes, but considers that the downstream statutory and administrative processes at design and construction stages, which the paper does not discuss, are equally crucial to the timely delivery of development projects.

The HKIE, as a professional body championing engineering excellence, has taken the liberty to study the industry stakeholders’ opinions and offer corresponding suggestions on streamlining the procedures at the downstream ends.  In broad outlines, the major recommendations stated in the report are as follows:

1. An entity should be assigned to act as the centralised processing department for handling and responding to the plan submissions for building and development projects in accordance with a pre-assigned timeframe, which is also to be observed by all the enabling government departments and public utilities.

2. Before formal submissions, a “Draft Statutory Submission Vetting” process, during which consultatory workshops with the Authorities are conducted, is recommended. It would help identify any potential technical issues and facilitate agreement on the principles of resolution, so that the processes of approval and consultation with other departments may proceed simultaneously. A collaborative approach is also proposed, particularly for large-scale or complicated developments, between the project proponents and the Authority to expedite the approval as well as acceptance inspection process with a view to minimising or avoiding resubmissions.

3. Instead of seeking approval for each amendment after the first approval, as is the current practice, project proponents should be spared the need to seek prior approval for minor amendments provided that the original approved design principles and construction methodologies are complied with. For checks and balances, project proponents are required to obtain a final approval for all these amendments before certifying completion of the building works.

4. In discharging their statutory duties, the relevant government officials should act not only as regulators but also as facilitators, though statutory safety and quality requirements should not be compromised. Giving advice in a fair and open manner will eliminate the possibility that the officials will be falsely perceived as offering privileges.

5. A new public housing project delivery model is recommended, according to which the design and construction responsibilities for both site formation/infrastructure works and the building works for suitable chosen sites are vested in one single entity.

The recommendations above have further been incorporated in the HKIE’s submission, recently delivered to the Administration and available here, on the formulation of the 2022 Policy Address.

In anticipation of the Policy Address to be delivered on 19 October 2022, the HKIE also made recommendations to the Administration on reviewing procurement policy, augmenting manpower of the engineering profession, streamlining development processes, boosting land and housing supply, developing innovation and technology capacity, integrating into the Greater Bay Area, transportation, education as well as sustainable and smart development of the city.  The executive summary of our submission is as follows:

1. Significantly low bids from tenderers should be curtailed to improve the ecology of the industry and attract next generations of engineering talents, so that the increasing demands following the city’s development may be met.
2. A multi-pronged approach should continue to be adopted to tackle the shortage of land supply. To take forward the reclamation at the Harbour Metropolis, the planning, design and construction stages are suggested to be fast-tracked.  A detailed infrastructure blueprint specifying key milestones of delivery of land parcels and infrastructure works is also called for. Rezoning and urban renewal projects should be continued, reaping on the advantages of each strategic location.
3. In addition to the Advance Allocation Scheme to be implemented in public rental housing projects, the Institution suggests separating government, institutional and community facilities from residential blocks such that modular integrated construction (MiC) method could be adopted to further compress the construction time. Meanwhile, MiC factories and prefabrication yards shall be set up in line with the increasing application of the construction method. To make full use of the market force, the Administration is suggested to consider offering more incentive to private sectors to support the development of other subsidised housing.
4. To promote the development of innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, the procedures and requirements of the funding application should be scrutinised in order to raise Hong Kong’s status and competitiveness on this front and effectively expand the talent pool.
5. With the vast opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, in addition to the development of infrastructure to enhance connectivity with the area, it is important that the Administration exerts greater effort to foster mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
6. Echoing the idea of infrastructure-led development, we suggest the Administration review the overall transportation networks while taking into consideration the latest strategic development of the city and the neighbouring cities.
7. To respond to the increasing demand for I&T and engineering talents, the Administration needs to review the school curricula and university entry requirements in a timely manner and step up the effort to promote STEAM education.

The HKIE eagerly awaits the delivery of the Policy Address on 19 October 2022 and would appreciate the inclusion therein of any of these recommendations.

The full report is available here.

 For media enquiries, please contact:

Corporate Communications Section

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Tel: 2895 4446

Fax: 2882 6825

Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF version

(香港，2022年9月8日) 香港工程師學會 (下稱「學會」) 對昨日秀茂坪安達臣道房協資助出售房屋項目建築地盤有高塔式起重機 (俗稱天秤) 倒塌，導致三名工程人員死亡和多人受傷深表關注，學會向死者、傷者及其家人致以深切慰問。學會得悉其中兩名死者為工程專業人員，當中一人為學會會員，另外一名學會會員亦正在留醫。學會對意外深感難過和惋惜，將會按機制啟動轄下基金，儘快為家屬提供一些經濟援助，以解燃眉之急。

天秤是地盤內常見的機械設備，這次事故罕見而且非常嚴重，學會留意到政府已向地盤發出暫時停工通知書，並排查全港地盤的天秤。學會呼籲全港建築地盤負責人，立刻安排合資格專業人員檢視轄下有天秤的地盤情況，以排除一切相關安全風險。一般而言，天秤基座由專業工程師根據天秤生產商提供的負重而設計，從設計、安裝、到驗收，均有法定要求，並需由專業人士檢查及驗收後方可運作。天秤的運作過程中牽涉不同專業的人員，學會敦促有關當局儘快調查整個意外成因，若涉及人為疏忽，須全速查找有關持責者之法律責任，並提出改善措施，避免類似事件再次發生。

按現行機制，事件如最終涉及學會會員，學會將嚴肅處理，如發現事件牽涉專業失當行為，學會定當根據會章、紀律及操守規章，採取適當與相應的紀律行動，以確保會員的專業操守及質素得以維持，務求達到廣大市民的期望。

學會認為，香港作為一個發達經濟體，加上建築技術日益改進，學會及業界一貫追求零工業意外，任何嚴重的工業意外均不應該在本港發生，意外反映整個建造業界的安全文化仍有待改善。

學會樂意與業界各持份者合作，認真檢討問題成因，並持續加強工程人員技術培訓、推動地盤安全文化、檢討職安健相關條例的罰則等，以確保工地人員在安全的環境下工作。

如欲垂詢，請與香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部聯絡。

電話：2895 4446      

傳真：2882 6825      

電郵：corpcom@hkie.org.hk

(Hong Kong, 8 September 2022) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) is gravely concerned about the fatal accident that took place yesterday, where a tower crane collapsed at the construction site of a Subsidised Sales Flats (SSF) project on Anderson Road in Sau Mau Ping, causing three deaths and multiple injuries. The HKIE offers our deepest condolences to the deceased, injured and their families. The Institution is also deeply saddened to learn that two of the deceased are engineering professionals and that one of them is a member of the Institution. Another injured person, also a member, is still being hospitalised. The HKIE will take steps, following established procedures, to invoke its Benevolent Fund for offering some financial relief to the members’ families.

Tower crane is a lifting appliance commonly used in construction sites. A total collapse is rare and has dire consequences. The Institution notes that the Authority has already issued a suspension notice stopping all works on site and it will carry out safety inspections of all cranes installed at construction sites in Hong Kong. The Institution appeals earnestly to all persons responsible for site management to arrange forthwith thorough examination of tower cranes on their sites by qualified professionals in order to remove any safety risks. Generally speaking, the foundation of a tower crane is designed by professional engineer on the basis of the crane’s loading requirement which is provided by the manufacturer. The design, installation and final acceptance are all subject to stipulated legal requirements. No tower crane should be operated without prior examination and verification by competent persons. Such operations inevitably involve different professional personnel. The HKIE urges the authorities to undertake immediate investigation to identify the root cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of relevant parties, and make suggestions for improvements to forestall recurrence.

The HKIE will handle the matter seriously if any member(s) of the Institution are found to be involved in the incident. Should there be any findings on breach of professional duties, disciplinary actions will be taken in accordance with the Constitution, Disciplinary Regulations and Rules of Conduct, with a view to both upkeeping members’ professional conduct and standards and meeting the public’s expectations.

The HKIE opines that no industrial accident of such a deplorable nature should have occurred in a developed economy like Hong Kong, especially when construction technology is now more advanced and the goal of the whole industry is “Zero Site Accident”. The accident is a clear indication that safety culture of the construction industry requires much more improvement.

The HKIE stands ready to exchange views with all stakeholders to review the causes of the problems. To secure a safer workspace for all who work on-site, the Institution eagers to assist in exploring with all concerned on brushing up the technical knowhow of engineering personnel, promoting safety culture at construction sites, and reviewing the penalties for occupational safety and health offences.

For media enquiries, please contact:

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Corporate Communications Section

Tel: 2895 4446

Fax: 2882 6825

Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk