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GENERAL |
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The HKIE Forum on the Chief Executive's Policy Address 2009-10
The Policy Address 2009-10 was delivered by the Chief Executive the Honourable Donald Tsang on 14 October 2009. In response to the measures and policies stated in the Policy Address, the Institution organised a forum on 16 October 2009 at the HKIE Headquarters to provide a platform for members to exchange views on the Policy Address. Chaired by Ir Dr Andrew K C Chan, President of the Institution, the forum was well attended by members of the Institution. Members demonstrated enthusiasm in the discussion and shared valuable opinions on issues related to the Policy Address such as infrastructure and economic development, low-carbon economy and environmental concerns, the six industries, research and development and other issues of common concern.
Views and suggestions had been extracted and incorporated into a submission by the HKIE to the Chief Executive for consideration and the full version of the submission is printed herewith for members' viewing.
The 2009-10 Policy Address
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), a professional body representing 19 engineering disciplines, always encourages our members to actively participate in community affairs and is poised to collaborate closely with the Administration to contribute to the betterment of Hong Kong. In response to the issues and policies set out in the Policy Address in October, the HKIE organised a forum to collect views and suggestions from members that are of common concern to the engineering profession and the general public as a whole.
We are in support of the Government's direction to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness and continue to evolve into a high value-added, knowledge-based economy to maintain its leading edge over global competitors and create more quality jobs. We consider this Policy Address by and large pragmatic albeit there are rooms for further review to make the proposed measures achievable. We are pleased to submit herewith our opinions and suggestions on the relevant issues for your consideration.
Infrastructure Development
Whilst we are pleased to see that the Government decided to launch the 10 Major Infrastructure Projects some time ago, it would appear that smooth progress of some of these infrastructure projects is not being achieved due to extended public debates. It is our opinion that progress of these projects should be closely monitored to ensure their implementation follow the set time schedule. We believe there can be further improvement in the efficient implementation of the 10 Major Infrastructure Projects. A firm commitment is needed particularly in this critical moment to reinforce the confidence of the public.
In our submission to you ahead of your Policy Address, we raised, as we did on many previous occasions, the issue of the need for a sustained programme of infrastructure development projects, to avoid the "feast or famine" phenomenon. We urge the government once again that, for the healthy development of the construction industry and the engineering profession, there clearly needs to be a continual commitment from the government in public construction projects beyond the current horizon. Only then will it be possible for the profession to attract and retain quality engineers who are vital to Hong Kong’s sustainable development.
With the closer and accelerated integration between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta very much at the heart of planning for the future of Hong Kong, and with demand for quality living and a more sustainable built environment, we would reiterate our suggestion that it is high time for the government to initiate work on a fresh macro and holistic “Metroplan” that can be the blueprint for Hong Kong with an extended horizon.
Economic Development and Quality life
Optimising Land Use
We are pleased to see the government's move to address the existing constraints on better use of our assets and resources. We applaud in particular the proposed measures to release the potential of the over 1,000 existing or old industrial buildings. We are of the opinion that the proposal is amongst the most crucial policies in recent times and we believe it will have significant and far-reaching positive impact to the economic development of Hong Kong. The HKIE looks forward to contributing our professional expertise in the implementation of this initiative to achieve maximum benefit for the community, through innovative engineering solutions which may require corresponding regulatory adjustments in due course.
Conserving Central
The HKIE supports the proposal for conserving Central. We applaud the comprehensive approach of the strategy that balances conservation and the need for development. We look forward to policy flexibility during its implementation which will facilitate greater creativity in the design and utilisation of elements involved.
Professional Services
Despite the efforts through the past stages of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the HKIE is disappointed at the lack of progress in Hong Kong professional engineering services gaining market access on the mainland. The HKIE urges the government to renew and strengthen its efforts on our behalf and we pledge our full support to any fresh initiatives in professional qualification recognition, registration facilitation and easing in market entry threshold. We believe such initiatives are beneficial not only to professionals in Hong Kong but also to those on the mainland.
The Six Industries
We support the government's policy in promoting the Six Industries, and urge the government to accelerate its supporting action through providing more resources, eg land. The expertise possessed by the HKIE members are the backbone of most if not all of these industries, and we stand ready to contribute to their success.
Pedestrian Subways
We share the view that the enhancement of the utilisation of pedestrian can improve the management of pedestrian flow and reduce the traffic congestion. Examples from Japan and Korea of using the pedestrian subway could be used for reference to explore the potential of better and more effective use of these subways, leading to better quality urban space.
Low Carbon Economy and Environmental Issues
We are pleased to see that the Government has taken heed of our views on environmental issues, specifically our suggestions on the "producer responsibility scheme" and the low-carbon economy. We appreciate the Government's commitment to build a sustainable Hong Kong and we are in support of the implementation of a series of practical and achievable measures to improve our environment.
Promoting the Use of Electric Vehicles
We support the government's initiative in promoting the use of Electric Vehicles and appreciate the current experimental efforts in providing electricity charging infrastructure. It would be equally important if not more so that the government should actively explore the trial of hybrid or electric buses. We are of the opinion that tackling public transport will bring greater benefits in terms of emission reduction and air quality.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
We support the motives behind the proposed replacement of incandescent light bulbs by CFLs, namely, that a low carbon economy achieved through lower energy use, and public education about energy conservation. However, we have reservations whether the proposal is feasible.
We believe there is advantage in adopting a non-prescriptive approach as it has the benefit of promoting a more positive and encouraging environment for engineering innovations and development of a knowledge-based economy. The HKIE understands the administration of a non-prescriptive approach will have greater challenges and stands ready with our talents to advise and assist in revision of the government’s proposal.
Solid Waste Management
We applaud the launch of the public consultation on the introduction of a Producer Responsibility Scheme for electrical and electronic equipment in addition to the plastic bags levy scheme. We suggest that the tax collected from these schemes can serve as funding for future conservation projects.
We are pleased to note and are supportive of the proposed Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMF) and would reiterate our suggestion for the waste-to-energy option to be considered as part of the scheme.
District Cooling
We welcome the introduction of the district cooling system at the Kai Tak Development and we look forward to the extended use of similar system to other areas such as the West Kowloon District and the future New Development Areas.
Education
We concur with the proposal to conduct a review of higher education in Hong Kong and formulate a long term development strategy. We would like to point out that the education and training of engineering professionals at technician level should be given appropriate emphasis.
Research and Development
For a number of years, the HKIE has suggested that the government should actively help local industries by encouraging R&D through tax and cash incentives. We therefore welcome the introduction of the "R&D Cash Rebate Scheme". However, we consider the proposed scheme unnecessarily restrictive for it to become effective. We advise that the application threshold for this scheme should be relaxed and be less restrictive so that more enterprises may be attracted to boost up their research and development commitment. We also urge the Government to increase the amount of cash rebate to commensurate with the high cost commonly incurred in any long-term research. The HKIE is ready to join hands with the Government to help promoting R&D in industries to enhance our competitiveness.
Enhancing Exchanges between Hong Kong and Taiwan
We welcome the strategy for developing and reinforcing relations with Taiwan. We endorse the proposed approach, which we believe will bring benefits to Hong Kong. Over the past five years, the HKIE has increasingly been engaged in exchange activities of professional knowledge and experience with various learned societies in Taiwan and has thereby established a good foundation for taking the cooperative relationship forward. The HKIE is well-placed to assist future Government initiatives to develop the bilateral cooperation between Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Conclusion
We agree with you that, faced with the global recession resulting from the financial tsunami, the community in Hong Kong needs be united to "break new ground together". Whilst we believe more ambitious policies could have been devised to propel Hong Kong towards a low carbon economy at a faster pace, and in the process more quality jobs and a clearer vision could be created, the policies outlined in your Policy Address are pragmatic and if implemented diligently, will allow Hong Kong to make crucial strides forward.
We believe the professional engineers have a leading role to play in the next phase of Hong Kong's development and the HKIE stands ready to work closely with the Government to break new grounds and shape a sustainable Hong Kong.
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Ir Dr Andrew K C Chan, President of the HKIE, chairing the Forum
The Forum was well attended by members
(L to R) Ir Simon Chung, Ir Dr Chan Fuk-cheung, Ir Dr Andrew K C Chan, Ir Leung Wing-kan and Ir Dr Tso Che-wah
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香港工程師學會2009/2010年度執委會訪京團報告
香港工程師學會訪京團在會長陳嘉正博士、工程師帶領下，於2009年11月8至10日到北京訪問。團員包括上任會長黃耀新工程師、副會長朱沛坤工程師、陳福祥博士、工程師、蔡健權工程師、執委會委員梁志明工程師、麥綺華工程師、執委會觀察員何鍾泰博士、工程師、前任會長趙雅各工程師、周明權博士、工程師、盧偉國博士、工程師及盧夫人、秘書長阮高馨女士、資歷審核總監周慶邦先生和學會事務經理林鳳琼女士。行程獲中聯辦協助安排並得李凌副部長及鍾華處長隨行。
訪京團共訪問及出席六個單位活動，包括中國工程院、中國科學技術協會、北京京港地鐵有限公司、北京大學國際關係學院、國家發展改革委員會及鐵道部。
中國工程院
訪京團於2009年11月9日上午拜訪工程院，獲白玉良副秘書長率院內領導接見，在會內就工程人材培養及發展、長江三峽水利新知及水資源及能源政策作出討論。
中國科學技術協會
拜訪工程院後，訪京團隨即訪問科協，並獲科協書記處書記程東紅、國際聯絡部部長張建生接見。雙方回顧合作成果，包括在資格制度、教育評估的交流及各學術活動的合作；在此基礎上雙方將持續深化合作關係。科協每年也訂下重點專題，如節約能源、生態環境等，科協將邀請學會派專家參與。此外，科協提出加強雙方在國際組織的參與和合作，包括學會在國際組織中出任要職之機會。
北京京港地鐵有限公司
訪京團於午宴後拜訪京港地鐵，獲李子文副總經理（項目）帶同管理人員接見，並考察地鐵線之運作。訪京團體會香港工程師在內地工作的成績及香港工程專業優勢在內地的發揮。訪京團期望會員能持續發揮香港工程的優勢。
北京大學國際關係學院
在拜訪京港地鐵後，訪京團隨即到北京大學國際關係學院出席學會國情班同學會獎學金頒獎禮，頒獎禮由學會會長陳嘉正博士、工程師主禮，並獲北京大學國際關係學院院長助理范士明黨委副書記主持，學會國情班同學會主席梁志剛工程師和副主席高志偉工程師亦出席主持此慶典，得獎學生感到非常榮幸，並感謝學會的獎勵。
國家發展改革委員會
2009年11月10日早上，訪京團拜訪發改委，獲資源節約和環境保護司謝極副司長連同部內其他領導接見。雙方就氣候變化的應對及碳排放目標、發展策略的平衡考慮，從追求「快」到「又快又好」、 政策執行與落實的問題、節能燈的使用政策、屋宇節能標準的發展及規管及氣候變化的合作和交流等題目交換意見。
鐵道部
訪京團在與發改委會面後隨即訪問鐵道部，並獲何華武總工程師連同部內五位領導接見，雙方就以下技術課題交換意見：
- 高鐵在內地發展的情況—何華武總工程師介紹高鐵定義及在世界主要先進地區，包括法國、日本、西班牙的發展及其特點。何總工程師亦介紹高鐵工程在內地的考量方法，在內地建高鐵是以總體城市經濟帶動為考量的主體，而不是以一個單一項目作考慮，考量時亦需考慮那些難以量化的因素。
- 磁浮火車的發展—何總工程師介紹磁浮火車在內地的發展應用及其條件限制。
訪問團於拜訪鐵道部後回港，行程圓滿結束。
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學會執委會參觀北京四號線
學會執委會和中國科協代表會面
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New members reception
Over 120 new and familiar faces gathered at the Hong Kong Club for the new members reception held on Friday, 4 December 2009, an occasion for the new members to meet with Council Members, Division Chairmen, Discipline Representatives and Local Representatives in a cosy ambiance.
President, Ir Dr Andrew K C Chan addressed the evening with a warm welcome to our new members to this "Home of Engineers". Following his welcome note, a presentation of Membership Certificates was made to the Fellow Members and Members who were admitted to the Institution in August and October 2009.
To share our joyful moments in the evening, please visit our website at http://hkie.org.hk/images/photogallery/NewMembersReception2009/
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The HKSAR Buildings Energy Efficiency Funding Schemes progress
The HKSAR Buildings Energy Efficiency Funding Schemes (Scheme) under the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) was rolled out in April 2009. A grant for energy-cum-carbon audit shall not exceed 50% of the payments made and subject to a maximum of HK$150,000. For energy efficiency projects, a grant shall not exceed 50% of the payments made and subject to a maximum of HK$500,000. In order to support the implementation, during the period from January to June 2009, the HKIE has prepared some training courses and seminars to over 800 engineers, in particular to enable our engineers of Building Services, Electrical, Environmental and Mechanical Disciplines to become qualified services providers under this Scheme for energy-cum-carbon audit. As of 20 November 2009, we learned from Environment Bureau (ENB)/Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) that 238 engineers have been included in the online register of qualified service provider for the audit. It is a good result as there is now a sufficient pool of engineers who are conversant with the requirements of the Scheme.
For the audit work under the Scheme, 192 applications were received and 62% of which were related to residential building. So far, there were 55 approved cases with a total grant of HK$3.2 million and the remaining cases are still under processing. It should be noted that for this energy-cum-carbon audit, there is a commitment of four years of continual audits under such funding. For energy efficiency projects under the Scheme, there were 705 applications received as at 20 November 2009, of which 94 applications have been approved and the remaining is under processing. The grants to these cases amounted to HK$27.2 million. In these energy efficiency projects, 68% were related to residential buildings. In term of project category, 64% were related to lighting and 12% were related to lift and escalator.
Over the past year, there were many seminars and CPD courses related to the engineering field and energy and carbon audit to raise the awareness. The HKIE firmly believes that our engineers in the related disciplines are competent in carrying out audit and improving project work. Therefore, the HKIE is now discussing with ENB/EMSD to waive the training requirements as qualified service provider for the audit. ENB agreed to review the training requirements in the upcoming Energy Conservation Projects Vetting Sub-committee meeting. Further update on the development will be made in due course.
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Briefing on new railway development in Hong Kong
A briefing to the HKIE Council Members on new railway development by the MTR Corporation was held on 2 December 2009. Our President Ir Dr Andrew K C Chan together with some ten Council Members attended the briefing which covered a number of new railway lines including South Island Line (East), West Island Line, Kwun Tong Line extension, Shatin to Central Link and Express Rail Link. An overview of the development was shown in figure 1 below. During the briefing, we appreciated the engineering difficulties and constraints in design and implementation of these railway lines, in particular, how the social and community expectation could be met. The HKIE would like to express its appreciation to the proactive approach by the MTR Corporation in conveying the railway development.
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The HKIE Council Members attending the new railway development briefing
Figure 1: New railway development in Hong Kong
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Induction sessions for Assessors of Professional Assessment
The induction sessions for Assessors of Professional Assessment were held on 31 October 2009 from 9:30am to 10:45am and 11:15am to 12:30pm at the HKIE Headquarters. The sessions attracted an overwhelming support from the Assessors with a total of 119 attendants. The two sessions were chaired by Ir Wong Chi-kwong, Chairman of Professional Assessment Committee. Ir Chan Chi-chiu, Chairman of Quality Control Committee, was invited as the keynote speaker on issues in regard to the completion of Professional Assessment result sheets. The two sessions brought to the Assessors updated information on the following topics:
• Routes to membership;
• Professional Assessment procedures for the class of Member;
• Highlight of Professional Assessment procedures for Mature Candidates;
• Criteria for selection and assignment of Assessors;
• Review of membership application statistics;
• Issues on the completion of Professional Assessments results by the Assessors; and
• Qualifying requirements and Assessment procedures for the class of Associate Member.
Members shared their views and experience during the question-and-answer session on the following issues:
• The grading system of the Professional Assessment;
• Improvement on the format and content of the Professional Assessment result sheets;
• Whether electronic copies for the assessment forms to be adopted;
• Whether an independent observer could be added to sit the Professional Assessment interview;
• Whether the essay writing test can be computerised;
• Whether a database of essay questions could be compiled for sharing and reference by the Assessors;
• Whether workshops with case studies and training DVD could be provided for Assessors.
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Chaired by Ir Chan Chi-chiu (L) and Ir Wong Chi-kwong, the sessions attracted a full house of audience
Chaired by Ir Chan Chi-chiu (L) and Ir Wong Chi-kwong, the sessions attracted a full house of audience
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Inauguration of Mr Thaddeus Mak as Chairman of Student Section for Session 2009/2010 and member gathering
By Ir Kam HO
The Members and Student Members of the Canadian Chapter met in the afternoon on 22 November 2009 at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel in Richmond Hill, Ontario to mark the inauguration of the Student Section Chairman, Mr Thaddeus Mak.
A total of about 30 members attended with guests from various organisations including Ms Pauline Tsang, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Eastern Canada) Association; Mr Y C Chan, Deputy Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office; and Ms Jane Ng, President of Hong Kong Shue Yan University Alumni Association.
Ir Kam Ho, Chairman of the Canadian Chapter, welcomed everyone at the beginning of the meeting and it was followed by Ms Tsang and Mr Chan's addresses. Ir Ho also introduced the members to Mr Mak who has accepted the appointment as Chairman of the Canadian Chapter Student Section for Session 2009/2010. Mr Mak is currently a 4th year engineering student at McMaster University and is the Head of the McMaster Chinese Engineering Society. Mr Mak gave a summary of the achievements under the leadership of his predecessor, Mr Chris Wong, and outlined his plans for his term. He was very excited that strong links have now been established with engineering students from other universities in Southern Ontario. He indicated that he would endeavour to work towards better partnership between students and practising engineers.
We invited two engineers in senior management position to talk about careers in consulting companies and their bios were shown below. Ir Edward Li of Morrison Hershfield highlighted that consultants hire engineers of different disciplines and consultants provide professional engineering services to a wide range of clients. He also talked about the responsibilities and expectations of a consultant engineer. He concluded his presentation with pictures of major projects he has involved within Ontario and outside the province. Ir Alexander M W Lui, an electrical consultant at the MMM Group, talked about what aspects of consultant work he enjoyed and how to position to be successful in the consultant field. The presentations were followed by a question-and-answer session.
Bios of the speakers
• Ir Edward Li graduated from the University of Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada in 1989. Ir Li has been a consulting structural engineer during his entire career in Canada and has participated in a number of challenging transportation and infrastructure projects, mainly in the Province of Ontario. Ir Li is currently a shareholder of a mid-size consulting engineering company with around 700 full-time employees with offices in major cities in Canada and the United States
• Ir Alexander M W Lui graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic with a Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering in 1980. He attained the UK Chartered Engineer status in 1989, became a HKIE member in 1990 and has been practising as a professional engineer in Ontario since 1995. Ir Lui awarded a Master Degree in Electrical Power Engineering by the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in 1997. He has been practising in the consulting engineering business for approximately 22 years. Currently, Ir Lui is an Associate Partner with the MMM Group Consulting Engineers, heading up the electrical engineering department within their Commercial and Sustainability Division.
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Inauguration of Mr Thaddeus Mak as Chairman of Student Section for Session 2009/2010: Front row (L to R): Mr Y C Chan, Deputy Director of HKETO; Ir Edward Li, the speaker; Mr Thaddeus Mak, Chairman of Student Section; Ir Kam Ho, Chairman; Ms Pauline Tsang, the speaker and HKPU Alumni President of Ontario; Ir Alex Lui, the speaker; and Ir Brian Lee, Secretary
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School talk to HK & Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association Secondary School
By Ir Dr Charles CHENG
On 11 November 2009, the HKIE School Ambassadors introduced the HKIE to the secondary students of HK & Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association Secondary School (the School). The speakers were Ir Dr Charles C K Cheng and Ir K T Cheuk. Mr Leung, Vice Principal, their academic teachers, teachers and other administration staff of the School together with about 200 Form Four students attended the talk.
Ir Dr Cheng conducted a presentation about the basic contents of engineering and introduced the ways to become an engineer in Hong Kong as well as some basic information about the HKIE. When Ir Cheuk shared his experiences with the students, he used an engineering problem-solving case as an example to explain an engineer's daily life. During the sharing, some students discussed with our Ambassadors about their concerns of choosing engineering as their future career.
Some students concerned about the basic income of an engineer; some of them worried if they were not able to enter into the university after finishing their secondary study; and some students expressed their strong interest in engineering and asked us to identify some essential subjects in their present studies so that they could start preparing for their future by working hard on these subjects. The Ambassadors also discussed the graduate engineer's salary trend in the past few years. Since academic qualification requirement is one of the essential assessment criteria of a professional engineer, it is necessary for a student to accomplish university education. However, there are a number of full-time and part-time degree programmes accredited by the HKIE which allows a wide variety of channels for the students to achieve the proper academic standard at different stages. Concerning about the subjects in their secondary education, the students were told that engineering is an applied science which might sometimes adopt natural resources to create enhancement of the human living conditions. Therefore, mathematics and various science subjects are important.
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Reception at the school talk (L to R): Mr C F Leung, Vice Principal; Mr Y H Wan, Academic Master (Science); Ir Dr Charles C K Cheng; Ir K T Cheuk and Ms K Y Cheung, Librarian
Peer discussions on choosing engineering as future career
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