It has been an ongoing effort of the Institution to make voices of engineers heard, promulgate the significance of the profession towards the city’s development, and uplift and enhance the image of engineers. Particularly in this Session with “Proud to Be Engineers” in the core of our initiatives, it is important that we capture and leverage media opportunities to reinforce public understanding of the engineering profession.

A media gathering was held on 25 October 2022 to build closer ties between the Institution and the media. Over 15 experienced journalists were warmly welcomed by President, Officers, Executive members, and President’s Protégés. Attendees were enthusiastic in discussing various topics, such as the HKIE’s recommendations on streamlining building works and infrastructure development processes, Policy Address 2022, recent incidents that engineers may help resolve, upcoming activities and advocacies of the Institution, etc.

“The engineering profession has so many fascinating stories to offer but left untold. While we are taking a step forward in promoting the profession via social media, traditional media will continue to be a hugely influential storytelling channel, enabling the public to know the goods, roles, and expertise of engineers.”

President Ir Aaron Bok added, “Collaborating with industry partners and the Education Bureau, we are aiming to achieve ‘one school, one engineer’ with the ‘Engineers on Campus’ programme.” Taking this opportunity, President also invited media friends to help spread the word about the "Hong Kong Engineers Week 2023" to be held next March, so that both the public and themselves can get a direct glimpse of the vitality and dynamic nature of the engineering profession.

President Ir Aaron K M Bok introducing his presidential theme and insights with the media

President, Officers, Executive members, and President’s Protégés of Session 2022/2023 attending the HKIE Media Luncheon 2022

Members and journalists at the HKIE Media Luncheon 2022

Ir Hon Chi-keung, Chief Executive and Secretary of the HKIE (2nd right) delivering the Closing Speech at the Luncheon

To speak in front of the camera or a crowd confidently, media experience and knowledge of the subject are both essential. As we aim to tell good stories about the engineering profession, a high degree of firmness, belief and passion must also enter the equation.

On 29 October 2022, the Institution arranged an executive media training as it did in every past Session. President, Officers and nominated delegates participated in the training session where veteran specialist Ms Elizabeth Wong shared her insights into the latest media landscape, media behaviour, and the journalistic mindset. Advice on anticipating and facing media crisis, and tips on handling sensitive interviews were also given.

Participating members were given tasks to practise what they learned. After studying a given topic, participants had to think about the possible questions that the press might raise and engage in a mock interview. They were also required to prepare for an interview about an accident to try handling questions that they might feel uncomfortable to discuss.

To continue strengthening the responsiveness of the Institution towards media enquiries, similar training sessions will be organised for spokespersons nominated by Divisions and Committees in due course.

President, Officers and nominated delegates attending the Executive Media Training 2022