(香港，2023年11月27日) 香港工程師學會 (「學會」) 今日發表聲明，表示全力支持訂立建造業付款保障條例草案及引入審裁機制，以解決建造業長期以來面臨的拖欠付款問題，在保障工程中承建商、分包商等各方權益的同時，保障工程進度和質量水平。擬議的建造業付款保障條例涵蓋所有政府工程和部份達到指定金額的私營界別工程。
拖欠付款問題一直困擾建造業的各個參與者，從業員生計受影響的情況下，難免對維持工程進度和質量造成壓力。為解決這一長期存在的問題，學會多年來一直支持政府就推動建造業付款保障條例的工作，並引入審裁機制提供申索途徑，由獨立審裁員處理拖欠付款爭議，務求工程從業員能按時收到應得款項，從而提高行業的信譽和效率；而假如申索人未能在限期内收到款項，亦有權利選擇暫停工作，以迫使付款方履行其付款義務。
會長李志康博士、工程師表示：「建造業付款保障條例草案和引入審裁機制是行業發展的重要一步，不僅能保護相關工程人員的權益，更能推動行業良性發展。我們歡迎政府和相關持份者攜手合作，確保這一重要法案的順利通過和執行。」
同時，學會呼籲所有各方共同努力，為建造業創造一個公平、穩定的營商環境，促進行業的可持續發展，同時確保工程項目能夠按時完成，提高質量和安全水平。
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
(Hong Kong, 27 November 2023) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (“HKIE”) expresses its full support for the enactment of the proposed Security of Payment Legislation for the Construction Industry (“SOPL”) and the introduction of an adjudication mechanism to address the long-standing issue of payment delays in the construction industry. While safeguarding the rights and interests of parties involved in construction projects such as contractors and subcontractors, this legislation will also help ensure the progress and quality of construction projects. The proposed SOPL covers contracts of all Government works and part of the private sector projects up to specified contract values.
Payment delays have been a persistent issue affecting various stakeholders in the construction industry, exerting pressure on project timelines and quality, and impacting the livelihoods of industry workers. To address this long-standing problem, the HKIE has consistently worked with and supported the Government’s efforts in promoting the proposed SOPL and introducing an adjudication mechanism to provide a means for claims, where independent adjudicators will handle disputes over payments. This ensures that construction workers receive their rightful payments on time and enhances the industry’s reputation and efficiency. In the event that claimants do not receive payments within the prescribed period, they also have the right to choose to suspend work to compel the paying party to fulfill its payment obligations.
President Ir Dr Barry Lee stated, “The proposed SOPL and the introduction of an adjudication mechanism are crucial steps for the development of the industry. They not only protect the rights of relevant engineering professionals but also promote the sound development of the industry. We welcome the Government and relevant stakeholders to collaborate to ensure the smooth passage and implementation of this important legislation.”
The HKIE also calls on all parties to work together to create a fair and stable business environment for the construction industry, fostering sustainable development while ensuring timely completion of projects and improving quality and safety standards.
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
(香港，2023年11月15日) 香港工程師學會（「學會」）一直以拓展工程師專業發展平台為己任，與各地多個工程團體合作，建立資格互認關係。日前，學會與廣東省工程師學會簽訂會員資格互認框架協議，率先以學會的土木、岩土、電機、和控制、自動化及儀器儀表4個工程界別對應內地5個專業作為試點，並將適時擴展到其他工程界別。藉此框架協議，為香港工程專才開拓更大的發展空間，亦能協助填補香港工程人才缺口。
香港工程師學會會長李志康博士、工程師表示：「簽訂資格互認協議是為擴大香港工程師發展的舞台做好準備。我們亦歡迎廣東省合資格的工程師來港，通過合作和良性互動帶動業界整體的發展。」
香港工程師學會與20多個世界各地的工程學會及組織建立合作和互認協議。學會將繼續與各地工程界組織合作，為香港工程師謀求發展機遇，建設未來。
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
會長李志康博士、工程師 (前排、右) 與
廣東省工程師學會執行會長劉桂雄 (前排、左)
簽訂會員資格互認框架協議，
由廣東省港澳辦黨組成員、副主任黃鍛煉 (後排、左一)
廣東省人力資源和社會保障廳黨組成員、副廳長、一級巡視員楊紅山 (後排、左二)、
廣東省科協黨組書記、專職副主席鄭慶順 (後排、左三)、
廣東省委常委、統戰部部長王瑞軍 (後排、中)、
學會上任會長卜國明工程師 (後排、右三)、
香港特別行政區政府發展局副秘書長何英傑工程師 (後排、右二) 及
學會高級副會長馬紹祥工程師 (後排、右一) 共同見證
(香港，2023年10月27日) 香港工程師學會(下稱「學會」) 歡迎政府日前發表的《2023年施政報告》，推動多項民生、經濟、社會發展等範疇的工作，體現對城市發展和市民生活質素的重視。學會認為行政長官提出的一系列措施，不但有利香港整體的可持續發展，更將為我們帶來新機遇。學會今日舉辦記者會，回應施政報告内容。
土地和房屋供應
增加土地供應是改善市民居住環境及生活質素的重要一環。學會樂見政府在施政報告中展示開拓土地，解決土地短缺的決心，並計劃於2024年釋放土地作發展用途，當中包括：前南丫島石礦場約 20 公頃用地，分階段就荃灣及深水埗提出具規模的市區更新大綱藍圖及重整建議，港鐵在2024年底前就重新規劃港鐵紅磡站附近的鐵路設施用地，及改善紅磡和尖東一帶的連接性提交方案，以及開展大嶼山南部作生態旅遊或康樂用途項目的詳細設計工作等。
學會欣喜政府採納學會建議，精簡法定及行政程序，將推出更多精簡程序的行政措施，例如12周內完成處理簡單業權查核個案，加快發放收地補償；放寬停車場樓面豁免安排，容納建於上蓋的停車場等，以加速改善多年缺地的困境。
學會亦樂見政府採用最新工程技術，加快圖則審批，如採用建築信息模擬技術（BIM）改良建築設計及加快施工流程，並將於今年內，公布全面採用BIM製作和審批私人發展項目建築圖則的路線圖，同時利用「組裝合成」建築法的技術，提升建屋質量，提升建屋速度，反映政府積極落實提速、提效、提質建屋的方針。
本港正面對樓宇老化的問題，學會支持政府加強樓宇安全及大廈管理，包括今季開始，向未有遵辦強制驗樓通知並欠缺進度的法團或業主進行檢控，並提出修訂《建築物條例》，簡化針對逾期未遵辦驗樓及驗窗通知、修葺令和勘測令，以及僭建行為和其他違規建築工程的檢控程序、降低檢控門檻及加強罰則。我們相信，有關的措施能促使社會正視樓宇安全問題。
基礎設施和發展
隨著北部都會區、交椅洲人工島等大型項目陸續開展，香港工程界定必面對人手和項目管理的挑戰。學會樂見政府成立「大型發展項目融資委員會」，並設立「大型發展項目融資辦公室」，利用市場力量，槓桿市場資金和效率，為項目的不同投資融資方案提供意見，例如為交椅洲人工島填海、基礎設施及策略性運輸基建提出財務安排建議，讓城市發展在財務上可持續發展。
政府去年已逐步精簡工程審批流程，我們期望政府繼續推出措施，鼓勵有關人員採用「促進者」的協作性思維和工作模式，讓基建設施得以順利起動。
吸引人才
學會樂見政府對人才政策的重視，繼續加大力度投放資源「搶企業、搶人才」，包括即將成立「人才服務辦公室」，為來港人才提供支援；並於明年舉辦「全球人才高峰會暨粵港澳大灣區人才高質量發展大會」，推動區域招攬人才、交流和合作。
同時，學會支持政府擴大「高端人才通行證計劃」大學名單，廣納世界各地人才，以及擴大政府資助專上院校非本地學生限額、推出職專畢業生留港計劃等多項措施，及增加在港留學生學習及增值機會。我們相信此舉有助吸引更多有興趣修讀工程和科技相關學位課程的非本地學生來港留港，成為建設香港的寶貴人力資源。
除要吸引及留住外地人才外，學會期望政府能於本地工程畢業生的培訓方面，增加向提供香港工程師學會工程畢業生培訓計劃的公司的資助金額從港幣5,610元提升至10,000元或以上，並資助名額從272名增加到 1,000名，以鼓勵公司為工程畢業生提供更高的起薪，以吸引和挽留本地人才。
學會亦會繼續加強與内地合作和推動對話，將專業資格互認擴展到更多工程範疇，期望得到政府支持，吸引更多工程專才來港服務。
在搶企業方面，學會欣悉政府會致力吸引「八大中心」企業，當中包括了創新行業，並發展總部經濟，吸引各國及內地龍頭企業到港設立總部、分部及科研中心。
教育
教育是對未來的投資。學會十分認同施政報告提出的「青年興，則香港興」的施政藍圖。學會亦欣然見到政府接納意見，積極培養本地人才，為香港持續繁榮發展建立人才庫。
培育人才，要從小做起。學會歡迎政府在中小學階段大力推動STEAM教育，包括開設小學科學科，在2023/24學年公布課程框架，以及開展數學課程的支援項目，加強發掘和從小培育本地STEAM精英，培養基礎的工程思維和實踐能力。學會早前亦建議政府檢視和修訂現有大學工程學科的入讀要求和中學課程，冀吸引具備多元能力的同學追求工程方面的學術或未來職業發展。
學會亦贊成政府成立應用科學大學，大力提升職業專才教育獲得大學學位地位，並成立香港資訊科技學院，為資訊科技界別提供職前及在職培訓，以及發展「北都大學教育城」，鼓勵專上院校與中外知名院校加強合作，通過區內共享資源和產業聯動提升協同效應，同時支持政府增加「學徒訓練計劃」津貼、加強跨境資歷互認，如推進兩地相互承認副學位程度學歷，包括高級文憑學歷，並以試點方式試行資歷互認工作。
我們認為增加培訓教師在教授當前課程中，引入工程實踐的資源比例，能有助激發學生對科學和工程科目的興趣。在學會方面，我們將全力投入「一校一工程師」及「回母校計劃」等項目，吸引學生對工程學科的興趣，未來將工程學科納入升學考慮。
創新和新型工業化
學會提倡在上游領域進行研究、注入資本和培養人才，在中游領域進行研發成果的轉化和商品化，在下游領域進行工業發展。
學會支持政府成立「新型工業發展辦公室」，推動新型工業化、支援重點企業在港發展、協助製造業利用創科升級轉型及扶植初創企業；成立「香港微電子研發院」，引領和促進大學、研發中心和業界合作；並加快建設超算中心，推動人工智能發展及設立第三個InnoHK平台，聚焦先進製造、材料、能源及可持續發展。我們相信這些措施能進一步推動香港先進製造業高端化、智能化和綠色化。
學會亦歡迎政府支援初創企業成果轉化，透過「產學研1+計劃」，促進大學將科研成果轉化和商品化，並提升每所指定大學技術轉移處的資助上限，讓大學加強支援技術轉移和擴大市場拓展服務，以及吸納更多海內外知名的初創服務機構落戶香港，提供孵化及進一步發展指導服務。學會亦支持政府為保護商品化的科研成果，完善知識產權法律制度及探討《版權條例》以保障人工智能技術的發展。
同時，學會期望政府要注意產業和創科的生態圈，並希望政府能考慮為符合香港新型工業化範疇，向聘請本地工程師和技術人員的領先企業和本地產業，推出優惠政策，同時為本地專業人才提供培訓計劃資助及為初創企業提供資助，以繳付初期租金，以及放寬限制發明者利潤比例的規定，作為誘因，鼓勵創新及初創發展。
智慧城市
推動智慧城市能讓香港持續高效發展。學會支持政府於明年起，推出數字政府及智慧城市「百項方案」。報告亦宣布將全力推動政府服務數碼化，並成立「數字政策辦公室」，推動數據跨境流動，協調各部門推出更多數字服務，同時與廣東省政府協作「數字灣區」，讓香港居民以「智方便」登入廣東省政務服務網。
學會樂見政府繼續加強5G網絡的覆蓋，包括透過資助加快興建鄉郊及偏遠地區的流動網絡基建設施，以及向流動網絡營辦商拍賣更多頻譜，提升網絡傳輸速度。
政府早於2017年起展開「電子道路收費先導計劃」研究，隨著陸續展開三隧分流方案的措施，學會期望政府儘快評估各區的交通情況，以推展「電子道路收費先導計劃」，進一步邁向智慧城市目標。
綠色可持續環境
為了節能減碳，達致碳中和，學會樂見政府修訂《建築物能源效益條例》，將政府建築物的碳審計措施逐步擴展至政府基建，並全力推動新能源使用和供應，於明年上半年制訂《香港氫能發展策略》，展開修訂與製造、儲運和使用氫能相關法例的準備工作，並於2025年向立法會提交草案。同時，政府推動陸上公共運輸綠色轉型，在東九龍、啟德等多個地區建造智慧綠色集體運輸，並接納學會建議，在多方面推動電動車和氫燃料車作為燃油車的替代品：於今年底至明年內繼續試驗更多新能源車輛，包括電動公共小巴、電動重型貨車、電動旅遊巴、氫能雙層巴士和氫能洗街車等，達至2050年車輛零碳排放。
過去一年，社會面對多次天災和意外，學會樂見政府在極端天氣過後，積極在施政報告提出前瞻性預防和策略部署，包括全速推展超過80億元的雨水排放系統改善工程；針對高風險環節，包括氣象預測預警、水浸、山泥傾瀉及交通運輸等，研究如何善用科技如大數據和人工智能；並就極端暴雨引發較大型的山泥傾瀉事故，進行系統性調查和研究。
學會同時建議政府為業界推出誘因，鼓勵採用創新科技。發展能應對極端氣候變化及具韌性的基礎設施，亦十分高興施政報告對此作出回應。
我們期望行政長官在推動智慧城市的過程中，加入更多包括工程師在内的專業人才，制定氣候應付策略和政策工作，相信結合了團隊專長，能共同研究出最適合香港的綠色路綫圖，同時繼續研究在新發展區進行能源或碳排放審核，作為碳排放控制的指標。
我們亦建議政府考慮為中小企在綠色轉型方面提供支援，制定有助推動可持續轉型的法例法規。
與大灣區融合
香港在「一國兩制」下「背靠祖國、聯通世界」的獨特優勢，積極融入國家發展大局，參與及推動粵港澳大灣區（大灣區）建設和「一帶一路」等國家戰略，學會充分支持。香港作為大灣區區域發展的核心引擎，憑藉其國際化的優勢，吸引了眾多國際企業在港設立辦公室，甚至亞洲總部，充當「超級聯繫人」，促進與區內城市的合作，實現互惠互利。
香港高等教育界具有國際聲譽的研發水平，以及培養具國際視野的工程專才的能力，為兩地創新科技發展提供了強大支持。學會已與中國工程師聯合體及廣東省電機工程學會簽署會員資格互認協議，這將為香港工程師提供更多機會參與大灣區發展，投入灣區建設。
學會對於政府積極在多個領域推動發展感到鼓舞，將繼續發揮專業精神，貢獻專業知識，亦樂意繼續為政府在各範疇提供意見，建設更美好、可持續和更具創新能力的香港。
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
(Hong Kong, 27 October 2023) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (hereafter “the HKIE”) welcomes the 2023 Policy Address issued earlier by the Administration, which promotes various initiatives in areas related to livelihood, economic development, and social progress. The Address demonstrates a stringent commitment to urban development and citizens' quality of life. The HKIE believes that the measures proposed by the Chief Executive will not only contribute to Hong Kong’s overall sustainable development but also bring the city new opportunities. The HKIE hosted a press conference today to address the content of the Policy Address.
Land and Housing Supply
Increasing land supply is an important aspect of improving the living environment and quality of life of citizens. The HKIE is pleased to see the Administration's determination to develop land and address land shortage with its Policy Address. The Administration also plans to release land for development purposes in 2024. The plans include: approximately 20 hectares of land at the Ex-Lamma Quarry, planning studies for comprehensive urban renewal masterplans and restructuring proposals for Tsuen Wan and Sham Shui Po in phases, MTR’s submission of proposals by 2024’s end to re-plan the railway facility sites in the vicinity of the Hung Hom Station and to improve connectivity between Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui East, and the commencement of detailed design work of the South Lantau eco-tourism or eco-recreation projects.
The HKIE is pleased to see the Administration adopting our recommendations to streamline statutory and administrative procedures as well as introducing more administrative measures to simplify procedures, such as completing straight-forward title-checking cases within 12 weeks to expedite disbursement of land resumption compensation, as well as relaxing the gross floor area (GFA) exemption for aboveground carparks to speed up the development process. These will help solve the longstanding land supply conundrum.
The HKIE is also pleased to see the Administration adopting the latest engineering technology to expedite the approval of building plans, for example by using Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology to improve building design and speed up construction. A roadmap will be promulgated this year for the full adoption of BIM in the preparation and approval of building plans for private development projects. Additionally, the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) approach will be adopted to enhance building quality and expedite construction. All this reflects the Administration's commitment to speed, efficiency and quality in housing development.
The HKIE supports the Administration's efforts to enhance building safety and management in response to the ageing buildings in Hong Kong. One of these efforts is the initiation of prosecution, from this quarter, against owners' corporations (OCs) or owners who have not complied with notices served under the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBIS) and where there is a lack of progress. Another is to propose amending the Buildings Ordinance to streamline prosecution procedures and lowering the prosecution threshold, as well as raising the penalties against non-compliance with notices served under the MBIS and the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme, repair and investigation orders, unauthorised building works and other illegal building works. The HKIE believes that these measures will encourage the society to address building safety issues more seriously.
Infrastructure and Development
With the implementation of large-scale projects such as the Northern Metropolis and the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, Hong Kong’s engineering industry will undoubtedly face challenges in terms of manpower and project management. The HKIE is pleased to see the Administration's establishment of the Committee on the Financing of Major Development Projects and the Office for the Financing of Major Development Projects. Taking advantage of market capital and efficiency, these two bodies will advise on feasible investment and financing options. For example, they will put forward proposals on the financing arrangements for the reclamation of the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, associated infrastructure and strategic transport infrastructure development, ensuring the financial sustainability of urban development.
Last year, the Administration gradually streamlined the submission and approval processes. The HKIE hopes that it will continue to introduce measures to encourage the adoption of a collaborative, “facilitator” approach in thinking and work models among relevant personnel. This will ensure the smooth implementation of infrastructure projects.
Talent Acquisition
The HKIE is pleased to see the Administration's commitment to talent policies and its continuous, intensified allocation of resources to “competing for enterprises and talents.” These include the approaching establishment of the physical office of the Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE), which provides support for incoming talents, and the organisation of a “Global Talent Summit cum Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High-quality Talent Development Conference”, which promotes regional exchange and co-operation in talent attraction.
The HKIE also supports measures such as the expansion of the coverage of universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme to attract global talents, the increase of non-local students’ admission quota to Government-funded post-secondary institutions, the Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme, and the enhancement of learning and enrichment opportunities for international students. The HKIE believes that these measures will attract more non-local students interested in pursuing engineering and technology-related degree programmes to come and stay in Hong Kong and contribute to its development as valuable human resources.
In addition to attracting and retaining talents from overseas, the HKIE hopes that the Administration will support the training of local engineering graduates specifically by increasing the subsidies from HK$5,610 to HK$10,000 or above and the subsidy quotas from 272 to 1,000 for companies that offer the HKIE Scheme “A” Training. This will encourage these companies to offer higher entry salaries to engineering graduates, thereby attracting and retaining local talents.
The HKIE will continue to strengthen its cooperation and dialogues with the Mainland, expanding the reciprocal recognition of professional qualifications to more engineering disciplines. In this, we hope to receive the Administration’s support so that we can attract more engineering professionals to come and serve in Hong Kong.
In terms of the “Trawl for Enterprises,” the HKIE appreciates that the Administration is committed to attracting enterprises pertinent to the “eight centres”, including those in the innovation industry, and developing “headquarters economy”. This involves attracting corporate champions from the Mainland and various other countries to establish their headquarters, corporate divisions, and research centers in Hong Kong.
Education
To educate is to invest in the future. The HKIE fully agrees with the governance blueprint put forward in the Policy Address, a blueprint based on the principle that “Hong Kong will prosper only when its young people thrive”. The HKIE is also pleased to see the Administration accepting feedback and actively nurturing local talents, thereby establishing a talent pool for the sustainable and prosperous development of Hong Kong.
Talents must be nurtured at an early age. The HKIE welcomes the further strengthened promotion of STEAM education in primary and secondary schools, including the introduction of Science subject in primary schools (with the curriculum framework to be announced in the 2023/24 school year) and the launch of a programme in support of the Mathematics curriculum. Further steps are thereby taken to identify and nurture local STEAM elites, as well as cultivating the mindset and practical skills fundamental to engineers. The HKIE had also previously suggested the Administration to promptly review and revise the admission requirements for university engineering programmes and the secondary school curriculum to attract versatile students to pursue academic or career development in engineering.
The HKIE supports the establishment of universities of applied sciences (UASs) and the raise of the status of vocational and professional education and training to attain qualifications at university degree level. It also supports the establishment of the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology, which provides pre-employment and on-the-job training for the IT sector, and the development of the Northern Metropolis University Tow, where post-secondary institutions are encouraged to strengthen co-operation with renowned Mainland and overseas institutions and create synergy by sharing resources and enhancing collaboration with the industry sector. The HKIE is also in favour of increasing allowance of the Apprenticeship Scheme, enhancing cross-boundary mutual recognition of qualifications by e.g. arranging mutual recognition of sub-degree level qualifications including higher diploma qualifications, and putting the arrangement on trial for selected pilot areas.
The HKIE believes that increasing the proportion of resources dedicated to introducing engineering practices in current teacher-training curriculum can help stimulate students' interest in science and engineering subjects. As for the HKIE, it will commit itself fully to initiatives such as “One School One Engineer” and “Back to School Programme” to enhance students' interest in engineering as a subject and encourage them to consider it as a viable option for further education.
Innovation and New Industrialisation
The HKIE advocates for research, capital injection, and talent cultivation in the upstream sector; transformation and commercialisation of R&D outcomes in the midstream sector; and industrial development in the downstream sector.
The HKIE supports the establishment of the following: the New Industrialisation Development Office, which promotes new industrialisation, supports strategic enterprises to develop their businesses in Hong Kong, assists the manufacturing sector in upgrading and transformation by making use of I&T, and provides support for start-ups; the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, which leads and facilitates collaboration among universities, R&D centres and the industry; a supercomputing centre to foster AI development; and the third InnoHK cluster, which focuses on advanced manufacturing, materials, energy and sustainable development. The HKIE believes that the transformation of Hong Kong's advanced manufacturing industry into a more high-end, intelligent, and green phase can be further promoted by these measures.
The HKIE welcomes the Administration’s support for transforming start-ups’ R&D outcome. Through the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme, the transformation and commercialisation of universities’ R&D outcomes will be promoted. The maximum funding provided for the Technology Transfer Office of each specified university will be increased, enabling universities to strengthen their support on technology transfer and expand marketing services. More renowned Mainland and overseas start-up services agencies will be attracted to set up their operations in Hong Kong for providing incubation services and development guidance. The HKIE also supports the enhancement of the intellectual property (IP) legal regime, which serves to protect commercialisation’s R&D outcomes, and further exploration of the Copyright Ordinance enhancement to protect AI technology development.
Meanwhile, the HKIE hopes the Administration will attend to the ecosystem of manufacturing and I&T, as well as consider pursuing a preferential policy for leading enterprises and local industries that fulfil the scope of Hong Kong’s New Industrialisation for recruiting local engineers and technicians. Additionally, the HKIE suggests offering subsidies for training programmes to local professionals and providing financial support for startup companies to cover their initial rental costs. Furthermore, relaxing the regulations that limit the proportion of profits going to innovators can serve as an incentive to encourage innovation and start-up development.
Smart City
The furtherance of smart city helps sustain Hong Kong’s high-productivity development. The HKIE supports the Administration's launch, starting next year, of over a hundred digital government initiatives to promote digital government and the smart city. The Address also mentioned pressing ahead with the digitalisation of government services, setting up the Digital Policy Office, promoting cross-boundary data flow, coordinating with departments to offer more digital services, and collaborating with the Guangdong Provincial Government to develop the “Digital Bay Area” so that Hong Kong residents can log into the Guangdong Government Service Network with “iAM Smart”.
The HKIE is glad to see that the Administration is continually enhancing the coverage of 5G networks by expediting the expansion of mobile network infrastructure in rural and remote areas through subsidies, and supplying more spectrum to mobile network operators by auctions, with a view to improving the transmission speed of 5G networks.
As early as 2017, the Administration initiated the research on “Electronic Road Pricing Pilot Scheme”. With the implementation of the next stage of Time-varying Toll Plan in the three Road Harbour Crossings, the HKIE hopes that the Administration will promptly evaluate the traffic conditions in various districts to further the “Electronic Road Pricing Pilot Scheme” and work towards the goal of turning Hong Kong into a smart city.
Green, Sustainable Environment
The HKIE is pleased by the Administration’s amendment of the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance, which expands the carbon audit measures for governmental buildings to governmental infrastructure and aims to enhance energy conservation and decarbonisation, and ultimately to achieve carbon neutrality. The Administration is also promoting the use and supply of new energy, formulating the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong in the first half of next year, and commencing the preparatory work for the necessary legislative amendments pertaining to the production, storage, transportation and application of hydrogen fuel with a view to introducing a bill into the LegCo in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Administration is spearheading the green transformation of land transport, constructing smart and green mass transit in East Kowloon, Kai Tak, and other areas. It also accepted the HKIE’s recommendation to promote electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles as substitutes for petroleum vehicles via disparate approaches: Between the end of this year and next year, tests will be continually conducted for more new energy vehicles, including electric public light buses, electric heavy goods vehicles, electric coaches, hydrogen double-deck buses and hydrogen street washing vehicles, with a view to achieving zero vehicular emissions by 2050.
Over the past year, our society has faced multiple natural disasters and unforeseen incidents. The HKIE is pleased to see that, after extreme weather incidents, the Administration actively proposed the adoption of a more pre-emptive and strategic approach in the Policy Address. The approach includes taking forward expeditiously the $8 billion drainage improvement works projects; exploring ways to use big data, AI and other technology for aspects of more uncertainties, such as meteorological forecast and alerts, flooding and landslide hazards, transport and traffic; and conducting systematic investigations and studies on major landslide incidents triggered by extreme rainstorms.
The HKIE recommends incentivising the industry to adopt innovative technologies and develop climate-resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather; we are pleased to see this issue being addressed in the Policy Address.
The HKIE hopes the Chief Executive, in the process of furthering Smart City, will engage more professionals, including engineers, in the formulation of climate strategies and policies. It is believed that combining the expertise of a diverse team in this way can lead to the development of a green roadmap most suitable for Hong Kong. Energy or carbon audits should continue to be conducted in New Development Areas projects as indicators for carbon emission control.
The HKIE also suggests the Administration to consider providing support for small and medium-sized enterprises in their green transition efforts and formulating regulations that facilitate long-term sustainability transition.
Integration with GBA
With its distinctive advantages under “One Country, Two Systems,” and blessed with the strong support from the motherland and close connection to the world, Hong Kong is proactively integrating into our country's development, participating in and promoting such national strategies as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative. The HKIE fully supports this. As a regional core developmental engine of the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong, with its advantage of being internationalised, has attracted numerous international enterprises to establish offices and even their Asian headquarters in the city. As such, Hong Kong can serve as a “super-connector” that facilitates the cooperation of cities within the area and helps them achieve mutual benefits.
Hong Kong’s higher education sector possesses internationally renowned research capabilities and the ability to nurture engineering talents with an international perspective, providing strong support for the development of innovative technologies in both Hong Kong and the Mainland. The HKIE has already signed Reciprocal Recognition Agreements with the Chinese Society of Engineers and the Guangdong Society of Electrical Engineering, which will provide engineers in Hong Kong with more opportunities to participate in the development of the Greater Bay Area and contribute to its integration.
The HKIE is heartened by the Administration’s proactive efforts in promoting development across multiple sectors. It will continue to uphold professionalism, contribute its expertise, and is eager to continue providing advice to the Administration in various areas to build a better, more sustainable, and more innovative Hong Kong.
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
Presentation Slides for Press Conference (Chinese only)
(香港，2023年10月20日) 政府宣布將於12月17日展開三隧分流方案的「分時段收費」措施，香港工程師學會（「學會」）歡迎政府有關計劃，利用科技優化城市交通管理，透過分時段收費方式，達到將繁忙時段交通需求分流到非繁忙時段的效果，以紓緩困擾市民多年的過海交通擠塞問題。
學會一直推動香港實施智慧出行 (Smart Mobility)，當中包括利用電子科技管理交通。學會欣悉政府自五月起順利於大部分隧道實施「易通行」電子隧道收費。另外亦利用收回西隧的契機，在八月實施「633」收費方案，拉近三條過海隧道收費，吸引部分駕駛人士轉用西隧，使紅隧和東隧的交通擠塞壓力稍為得以紓緩，達到整體地理上的分流。據觀察所得，繁忙時段紅隧的交通流量有所下降，而西隧則見增加。當中，在劃一的士隧道費用後，的士由紅隧分流至西隧的效果更為顯著。「633」方案證明了交通工程學上「經濟誘因」是可以改變部分駕駛者的出行習慣。
政府現決定12月實施下一階段的「不同時段不同收費」措施，預計將進一步提供經濟誘因，改變部分駕駛者（主要是私家車車主）在繁忙時段出行的習慣，從而達到每天時間上的分流，這將更有效調整繁忙時段高峰期的交通流量。至於一般商用車輛，在劃一收費下，的士及貨車可按目的地選擇過海隧道，減少繞路，從而節省行車時間和燃油消耗，幫助改善環境。
學會預計整體交通流量將會增加，因此鼓勵更多駕駛者盡量選擇在非繁忙時段使用隧道，從而更有效運用社會資源。
另外，學會建議政府在總結三隧分流方案經驗後，長遠研究在其他主要隧道或道路實施類似的收費計劃。隨着「易通行」的廣泛使用，更有利將不同時段、不同收費的技術應用在一些非隧道的繁忙路段。學會建議政府適時審視電子道路收費系統的技術及使用，以進一步協助紓緩香港道路網在繁忙時段的擠塞情況，學會樂意與政府當局分享相關的專業意見。
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
（香港，2023年10月6日）香港工程師學會（以下簡稱「學會」）留意到近日發生多宗致命工業意外，當中涉及工人在密閉空間工作時不幸身亡，再次引起公眾對工業安全的關注。工業安全，攸關性命，學會安全工程專責事務委員會特召開記者會，講解風險評估的方法，以及預防事故發生的智慧技術。
要防範不幸工業事故的發生，業界須謹守4S，並倡議施行4D系統。
4S 就是「安全智慧工地」系統（Smart Site Safety System），是一種揉合人工智能 (AI)、物聯網 (IoT)、雲端系統等技術，實時收集數據，即時傳送到工地的一站式管理平台，讓工程團隊即時掌握工地狀況，提高工地安全。該系統可收集和分析工地中各種數據，包括人員位置、設備狀態、環繞數據如密閉環境監控、安全監控等，並對可能發生的安全風險進行預警。
4D 分別是：
Define – 確定建築物中的密閉空間
Develop – 製訂進入密閉空間工作的「維修手則」
Deploy – 委任工程專業人士協助維修及管理
Design for Safety – 利用「安全設計」概念，從源頭阻截危險發生
要滿足4S及4D的需求，須多項工程科技相互協作以達成。除上述人工智能、物聯網、雲端技術外，更包括無線感測器以監測密閉空間的氧氣和有毒氣體含量、實時位置追蹤技術如無線射頻辨識（RFID）或全球定位系統（GPS）等科技繁數十種。
學會會長李志康博士、工程師指出：「勞工處現行的《職業安全及健康條例》規管各種涉及工人安全的要求，然而，大多數工作情況只按法例提供基本保障，未全面顧及工人的安全，這往往在事故發生時導致悲劇。因此，學會鼓勵會員，應更好地利用工程師的專業知識和智慧技術，以「生命至上」為工程的首要考慮。」
學會將繼續關注工業安全，倡導相關法規和標準的制定和實施，鼓勵工程師積極將技術創新應用於設計安全系統及評估風險中，並與建築師、技術人員等其他專業人員密切合作，培訓和教育系統操作員，制定緊急應變計劃。透過將創新的科技和更完善的安全措施注入整體工程過程中，為工人提供更安全、更可持續的工作環境，保障他們的生命和健康。
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
會長李志康博士、工程師(中)、
安全工程專責事務委員會主席戚務堅教授、工程師 (左二)、
安全工程專責事務委員會前任主席劉國昌博士、工程師(右一) 、
安全工程專責事務委員會委員榮譽秘書區偉恩工程師(左一) 及
安全工程專責事務委員會委員何賜明博士、工程師(右二)
出席記者會
