It is a great honour and privilege for me to serve as the Chairman of the HKIE Fire Division for the 2026/2027 Session following my installation on 1 July 2026. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our members for their trust and support, and to acknowledge the dedication of previous Chairmen, Committee Members, and volunteers whose contributions have strengthened our profession and the Division over the years.
The year 2026 has been a particularly challenging one for the fire safety profession. The catastrophic fire at Tai Po Wang Fuk Court has attracted significant public attention and highlighted the vital importance of fire safety in our community. This tragic incident reminds us of our responsibility as fire engineering professionals to safeguard lives and property through sound engineering practices, effective fire safety management, and continuous public education. The Division will continue to serve as a trusted professional platform, sharing knowledge and expertise with the public, industry practitioners, and stakeholders to enhance fire safety awareness and foster a stronger safety culture across Hong Kong.
Another important milestone is the launch of the Registered Fire Engineer (RFE) Scheme by the Fire Services Department of the HKSAR Government. The Division fully supports this significant development, which represents a major advancement in the professionalization of fire engineering services in Hong Kong. We will actively promote the RFE registration pathway and encourage more students and young engineers to pursue careers in fire engineering, helping to nurture the next generation of professionals dedicated to protecting our city from fire disasters.
During the session, the Division will continue to organize a wide range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, technical talks, symposiums, and site visits. These activities will provide members and industry stakeholders with opportunities to learn about frontier technologies, emerging trends, and the latest industry practices. Through knowledge exchange and professional collaboration, we aim to further strengthen the fire engineering profession and contribute to a safer and more resilient Hong Kong.
I look forward to working closely with all members in the year ahead and wish everyone a fruitful and successful session.
Ir Prof. Eric LEE Wai Ming
Chairman, HKIE Fire Division
Session 2026/2027