1st Prize Winner – Dr Coco W N Yiu

Standing on the shoulders of giants

After obtaining my DPhil in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford, I joined the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, of the HK Government as a Geotechnical Engineering Graduate and embarked on the HKIE Scheme "A" Graduate Training in the Geotechnical Discipline. Not only did I gain valuable practical experience in handling emerging engineering challenges and engaging in activities that contributed to sustainable development, I also learned from many engineering leaders how to promote the advancement of engineering, enhance the profession and serve the community.

Receiving an appreciation letter from Ir Dr Raymond W M Cheung, the Head of the GEO, for my contributions to the review of the slope design approach

During the training, I rotated among different sections covering project stages from planning and investigation, to design, construction supervision, and contract administration. I enhanced my competence in a wide spectrum of technical aspects, including ground investigation, foundation, reclamation, and excavation and lateral support systems. These on-the-job insights helped reinforce my fundamental knowledge and develop my engineering judgement.

Upon completion of the training, I became an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer in the GEO responsible for the Landslip Prevention and Mitigation Programme as a design project engineer. I aligned with the mission of the GEO’s slope-safety initiatives to protect the public. As our community is exposed to increasing landslide risks under climate change, we have strived to enhance engineering technology and community resilience.

I work in a special task force in the GEO to review the slope design approach in Hong Kong to benchmark and rationalise the slope design practice. Our work is envisaged to be incorporated in the next revamp of the slope design guidance document. To enhance community resilience to landslide hazards, I put a lot of effort into raising public awareness of slope safety. As the GEO School Ambassador, I delivered school talks on slope safety. I also facilitated roving exhibitions and workshops for the general public to promote landslide emergency preparedness in our community.

I believe it is valuable to strengthen the network of the HKIE across generations and sectors. To this end, I assisted in organising various GE Division activities for fellow engineers to allow essential training and knowledge sharing, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. I also served in the Young Geotechnical Club of the GE Division for growing professionals to exchange ideas. In addition, I brought together representatives from consultants, contractors, academics and professional bodies in a forum on slope design to discuss the direction of the development. Thanks to the collective efforts made by the committees and helpers, these events provided effective platforms for professional networking and knowledge exchange.

It is my great honour to receive the First Prize in the Trainee of the Year Award 2021. This award will definitely motivate me to become more professional and achieve more as an engineer. I would like to thank the GEO for the well-structured Geotechnical Engineering Graduate Training Scheme. In particular, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ir Lawrence K W Shum (my engineering supervisor), Ir Dr Eric H Y Sze (my training coach), my training tutors in each posting, my colleagues and my peers for their patient guidance and generous support.

Interacting with a young participant in a public workshop on geology and slope safety

2nd Prize Winner – Mr Dominic Y F Fung

Get equipped for future challenges

After graduating from The University of Hong Kong, I joined the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department under the HKIE Scheme "A" Graduate Training.

Thanks to the structured and tailor-made training of the GEO, I was equipped with the technical knowledge for the design and construction of a wide range of geotechnical works. I also gained insights into both local and foreign engineering practices with regard to constructability, sustainability and safety.

Apart from training, I also contributed to the GEO’s slope safety campaign to promote and maintain public awareness of landslide hazards and slope safety. Through engaging the public, I developed strong communication skills.

This award has not only recognised my achievements, but also encouraged me to strive to perform my best in the upcoming professional assessments. In the future, I wish to make my humble efforts in the continuous improvement of slope safety systems to minimise landslide risks for the public.

Last but not least, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my engineering supervisor Ir Lawrence Shum, my training coach Ir Ken Shum and my training tutors for their continuous support and guidance and witnessing my growth from a university graduate to a young professional engineer.

Leading a tour at the Po Shan Drainage Tunnel – Landslide Sci-Tech Chamber of the GEO

3rd Prize Winner – Miss Chloe C Y Yip

Passion, beyond engineering
After graduating from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) with first-class honours as a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Sustainable Energy Engineering, I started my career as a Graduate Trainee at CLP Holdings Limited. This was a 2-year Scheme "A" Graduate Training programme to shadow various job positions. The programme provided all-round technical, leadership and management training, which helped me determine my career path as a power engineer.

To equip myself further, I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Intelligent Building Technology and Management at the HKUST. I was also honoured to be chosen to be one of the President’s Protégés for Session 2021/22 to shadow President Ir Edwin Chung and gain first-hand insights into the industry while contributing to the engineering society.

I was delighted to receive the Third Prize at the Trainee of the Year Award 2021. I would like to express my gratitude to all CLP colleagues who supported me along the way, and especially my Engineering Supervisor Ir Chang Fan and my Training Tutor Ir Ringo Yau. I would also like to thank my parents for always encouraging me.

Chloe at the Black Point Power Station, Tuen Mun