Sustainability is integral to engineers’ work. Diverse in purposes, engineering pursuits like sanitation, affordable energy, and resilient infrastructure share one motivating idea in common: the world’s future is at stake and its welfare depends on our present efforts. Despite sustainability being an increasingly discussed topic within our profession, there remains a need to broaden both our peers’ and the public’s understanding of the extensive role engineers play in the world’s long-term development.
A case in point is the eBook that we had been developing over the preceding few months about the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Now dubbed Engineered for Sustainability: Hong Kong’s Contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (read here), the publication was publicly launched on 19 November. It is the first of its kind in Hong Kong, cataloguing over 40 local engineering projects (from both public and private sectors) and allotting each project to the UNSDG most aligned with its sustainability achievements. This valuable resource’s successful launch is the result of many parties’ involvement. Although I cannot hope to enumerate them all, I wish to especially thank the Working Group on the UNSDGs Booklet and all project owners who have allowed us to compile the accomplishment of their endeavours.
The first edition’s book cover, adopted for the time being only, might soon be replaced in the next edition by the winning entry of our UNSDGs e-Booklet Cover Design Competition. We welcome submissions from anyone aged 15 or above, whether it is you yourself or someone else in your non-professional circle ready to make an attempt at representing SDG ideas graphically. Now that the eBook has made its first appearance, we invite you to it with your unique design. Make your submission before 5pm, 31 December 2024.
Another event the Institution took part in affirmation of the sustainability cause was the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). From 12 to 15 November, Vice President Ir Prof Frank Chan, Chairman of the EG Division Ir Jason Fan, and YMC Chairperson Ms Keiko Kam set off on a delegation to Baku, Azerbaijan to engage with experts coming from across the globe to discuss climate change’s escalation and the possible avenues of its mitigation.
In four brief days, they ran the gamut of COP29’s rich offerings of activities, including meetings with Chinese enterprises’ senior management, conferences at the China Pavilion, and youth-led dialogues. Especially worthy of note were the delegates’ interviews with the local media, in which they discussed engineers’ role in formulating climate adaptation strategies, and Ir Prof Chan’s presentation “Responding to Climate’s Call with Infrastructural Resilience” where he emphasised the need for engineers to integrate sustainability into work practice. For representing the Institution at this important international conference, and for setting another precedent for our continual engagements with the world, the three delegates must be thanked.
Earlier in Hong Kong, on 11 November, a major accomplishment was being celebrated as 207 HKIE members were formally recognised as the first batch of engineering professionals in Hong Kong who had succeeded in applying for professional titles for the Greater Bay Area (GBA) under our pilot scheme facilitating members on this endeavour. For this joyous occasion, we were honoured to have the presence of Secretary for Development Ms Bernadette Linn, JP, Deputy Director- General of Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr Ye Shuiqiu, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) Ir Ricky Lau, JP, and Deputy Secretary (Works) Ir Tony Ho, JP with us at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, witnessing the dawn of a time when, under this milestone’s influence, talents can be circulated more fluidly with the GBA.
On 20 November, we were privileged to host representatives from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) at our Headquarters, shortly after our engagement with them in the UK during the Presidential Visit. The occasion marked the signing of the two institutions’ renewed Reciprocal Recognition Agreement (RRA), solidifying our long-standing collaboration and common pursuits to foster growth and innovation within the field.
On another front, I am pleased to report that Ir Prof P L Yuen and Ir Tang Whai Tak have been elected as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board (ERB), respectively, for the 2024/2025 Session. The ERB, established under the Engineers Registration Ordinance Cap 409, is crucial to maintaining the professional standards of registered engineers, advising on registration matters, and overseeing disciplinary actions. With their leadership and dedication, I have full confidence that the ERB will continue to uphold its mission and contribute to the development of Hong Kong’s engineering profession.
With the approach of 2025, the line-up of activities designed to celebrate our 50th Anniversary is well underway—with submission to the Logo Design Competition being already closed by the time you are reading. I am compelled by the Competition’s favorable reception to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the contestants, who can soon expect to find out who among them has emerged victorious in this exercise of creativity.
On the other hand, the HKIE 50th Anniversary Legacy Award is still open for nominations until 31 December 2024 (5pm). Those with a substantial part in past projects are welcome to join our celebrations of Hong Kong’s engineering legacy by inviting any Corporate Members to have their projects nominated.
Despite our high hopes for the future, a glance at the recent past shows that 2024 has not been an easy year, especially for the construction industry. Under the circumstances, it is important that we all voice our views on public policy vocally and candidly, if only to offer engineers’ perspectives on the current challenges. The 2025-26 Budget presents a golden opportunity. To prepare for the Institution’s submission of its views on the Budget, a platform will be launched in early December to collect members’ opinions on this subject. Your contributions will be appreciated as what they are: a genuine effort to support our industry’s growth and sustainability.
With full knowledge of the challenges ahead, let us still survey the future with an open heart, to greet the coming Christmas in good spirits as a time for repose and renewal. I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Membership fees for 2025/2026
The Council approved the Administration Board’s recommendation to increase the membership fees with the average rate of around 2.5% for 2025/2026.
Early-bird discount for 2025/2026
The Council approved the Administration Board’s recommendation to continue to offer early-bird discount of 2% for membership subscriptions for the financial year 2025/2026, which will only be applicable to members settling their subscriptions by cheques, cash or faster payment system before 1 April 2025.
Mutual Recognition Supplementary Framework Agreement with GDIE and Supplementary Agreements with Guangdong Engineering Institutions
On the recommendation of the Qualification & Membership (Q & M) Board, the Council approved the Mutual Recognition Supplementary Framework Agreement with GDIE, and the Supplementary Agreements with Guangdong Engineering Institutions.
Reciprocal Recognition Agreement (RRA) with BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
On the recommendation of the Q & M Board, the Council approved the RRA with BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.
Financial forecast for financial year 2024/2025 and draft budget for financial year 2025/2026
The Council noted the financial forecast for the financial year 2024/2025 and approved the draft budget for the financial year 2025/2026.