A time to change
This July marks a great moment for us as we celebrate the silver jubilee of the HKSAR and the start of a new term of the Government. With the strong conviction manifested by our new Chief Executive and his dedication towards building a more liveable and competitive Hong Kong by a result-oriented approach, we are hopeful of early accomplishments of his novel policies so as to lead us from chaos to prosperity. Among his many new initiatives, we observe with enthusiasm the various commitments made towards streamlining procedures and providing more housing and better living. The Institution has played its role here as we have been advising the Administration the significance of rationalising development-related enactments and removing undue red tape. Readers will also recall that recently we published two research reports about concerns on engineer manpower to cope with surging demand and views on procurement policy for works and consultancy contracts. The Institution’s opinions are receiving positive feedbacks from the respective authorities. In the time to come, we will continue voicing out the profession’s views on strategically important matters.
In recognition of outstanding engineers, the Annual Grand Ceremony cum Award Presentation was staged on 6 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. (Please see details of the event below.) The “Time to Change” Roadmap, being the result of a year-long effort of benchmarking; rigorous research; listening to industry and academic leaders; and most importantly tapping the wisdom of more than 1,500 members via an extensive engagement process, was also formally unveiled during the Ceremony. The Roadmap, which features a total of 45 prioritised enhancement initiatives under five focus areas with scheduled timelines, will guide the Institution through a rejuvenation journey over the next few years. Readers will find the digital version of the Roadmap via this link: https://www.hkie.org.hk/TimetoChangeRoadmap
The more immediate challenge for the Institution is to manage the “present and voting” stipulations in our Constitution for the attendance at, participation in and voting at the AGM and SGM, election voting, and also meetings of the Council and its subordinate Divisions and Committees. This had confronted us earlier this year when the stringent COVID-19 social distancing measures were imposed causing a deferral of the AGM this year for a period of two months.
Since there is always a possibility of regression of the pandemic, a Task Force set up in March has been studying possible measures to address such eventualities. After much research and deliberation, the Task Force recommended some amendments to the Constitution such that the meetings and voting could be conducted by electronic means when the situation demands in future. Legal advice was then sought in drafting the amendments which have now been endorsed by the Council.
The plan now is to obtain approval on the proposed amendments to the Constitution at a SGM to be held on 24 August 2022. Explanatory notes on the amendments together with commentaries and FAQs can be found at this link: https://www.hkie.org.hk/pac/. An on-line session with members of the Institution will be held in early August to address any queries on the amendments before the date of the SGM. So please stay tuned for the details of the session.
The HKIE Annual Grand Ceremony cum Award Presentation
The HKIE Annual Grand Ceremony cum Award Presentation was held on 6 June 2022 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. It was attended by some 200 members and guests.
The Institution was honoured to have the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, The Honourable Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, as our Principal Guest and Ir Prof Teng Jin-guang, President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, as our Guest of Honour for the evening.
Three engineering awards: the “HKIE Honorary Fellow”, “The President's Award” and the “Young Engineer of the Year Award” were conferred on Ir Alfred W K Chan, Ir Martin K K Cheung and Ir Tang Whai-tak respectively during this special occasion. Details of the event can be found at http://www.hkengineer.org.hk/issue/vol50-jul2022/activity_report/?id=16948.
The HKIE Time to Change Roadmap was also officially launched on this occasion and distributed to the guests in a booklet. As a result of an extensive year-long consultation process with HKIE members, the booklet features a five-year plan aimed at preparing the Institution for future challenges.
The HKIE Prize Presentation Ceremony cum New Members’ Reception
The HKIE Prize Presentation Ceremony cum New Members’ Reception was held on 11 June 2022 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. More than 360 newly admitted Fellow Members, Members, awardees and guests attended.
Our newly admitted Fellow Members and Members were presented membership certificates on the occasion. The HKIE Scholarship, the HKIE Prize for Outstanding Engineering Students, the HKIE Innovation Award, the HKIE Innovation Award (Young Member Group) and the Trainee of the Year Award were also presented during the Ceremony. Highlights of the event are reported at http://www.hkengineer.org.hk/issue/vol50-jul2022/activity_report/?id=16950.
Publication of Examiner Reports
The Examiner Reports of the Civil, Geotechnical and Mechanical Disciplines are now available on the HKIE website. The statistics and associated analysis in the Examiner Reports help inform stakeholders including potential applicants and Assessors of the weaknesses of the candidates identified in the previous Professional Assessments (PAs). Such information can facilitate potential applicants to prepare for future PAs. The Examiner Reports of other Disciplines will be uploaded when they are ready. This initiative was proposed by the Task Force on HKIE Membership Applications and approved by the Qualification and Membership Board.