Since 2002, the Institution has been organising District Council exchange visits every year, with the aim of fostering collaboration and enhancing mutual understanding between the Institution and District Councils. These visits have served as a platform for fruitful exchanges on issues of shared concerns. Unfortunately, due to the constraints imposed by the pandemic, these valuable interactions were suspended. This important tradition has resumed, as we welcomed a delegation from the Islands District Council to our Headquarters, marking the first significant exchange following the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election.
The visiting delegation comprised Mr Yu Hon-kwan, MH, JP, Ms Wong Chau-ping, Mr Jonathan Chow Yuen-kuk, Ms Lau Suk-han, Mr Wan Yeung-kin and Ms Lau Shun-ting from the Islands District Council, as well as representative from the Islands District Office, Ms Ellie Tse Yik-ting. They were warmly received by our Immediate Past President, Ir Aaron Bok Kwok-ming; Vice Presidents, Ir Alice Chow Kin-tak and Ir Prof Frank Chan Fan; and Chairperson of the Public Service Committee (PSC), Ir Mandy Leung Man-yee, along with several Division representatives. Through such dialogues and collaborative efforts, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of residents’ needs and collectively address the challenges faced to contribute to the development of the Islands District.
The Institution looks forward to closer cooperation with all district councils, as we strive to bring about greater well-being and progress to our society. Exchanges like this enable us to forge stronger ties, fostering mutual understanding and synergy to better serve the community. As we navigate the path towards a sustainable future, the Institution remains committed to actively engaging with District Councils and other stakeholders.
The Islands District Council delegation, HKIE representatives, along with Ir Anthony Kwong (back row; 2nd left), Deputy Chairperson of PSC; Ir Mannix Chan (back row; 4th right), Ir Jason Fan (back row; middle), and Mr Tony Tai (back row; 2nd right), respective representatives of the EV, EG, and BM Divisions.
(L to R) Ir Anthony Kwong, Deputy Chairperson of PSC, Ir Mandy Leung, Chairperson of PSC, Ir Aaron Bok, Immediate Past President, Ir Alice Chow and Ir Prof Frank Chan, Vice Presidents welcoming representatives of Islands District Council
Ir Mandy Leung (standing), Chairperson of Public Service Committee introducing the Institution and Public Service Committee
Representatives from the Institution and the Islands District Council engaging in a productive discussion on addressing the residents' needs
Ir Aaron Bok (2nd right), Immediate Past President and Ir Mandy Leung (1st right), Chairperson of PSC presenting souvenirs to representatives of Islands District Council
Subsequent to the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Cyberport and the HKIE, the Enginpreneurs working group (hereinafter “the Working Group”) was formed in May 2023 led by Vice President Ir Alice Chow. The name “Enginpreneurs” originated from the words “Engineers” and “Entrepreneurs”. It symbolises the objectives of the Working Group, which is to encourage more professional engineering talents to join the Innovation and Technology (I&T) industry and to cultivate entrepreneurs from engineers.
Progress and achievements
HKIE Enginpreneurs programme X Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF)
The HKIE Enginpreneurs programme provides support for HKIE members to apply for Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF). Through CCMF, Cyberport sponsors high potential digital technology projects and early-stage start-ups with a HK$100,000 grant and a comprehensive nurturing system to facilitate development over a 6-month project period. Under the MoU between Cyberport and the HKIE, candidates who have passed the vetting by the HKIE will be recommended by it. The Working Group is responsible for setting up the vetting advisory committee, which consists of experts from diversified professional backgrounds. The Working Group would review each candidate’s submission and invite suitable advisors from relevant disciplines to join the vetting panel on a case-by-case basis. After vetting, successful candidates would gain support from the advisors on preparing their formal submission and interview by Cyberport. The advisors would bring out the best potential of the candidates by training them on their presentation skills and helping them polish their presentation materials, such that they could have a higher chance to pass Cyberport’s interview. During the CCMF programme, the Working Group would provide continuous support for their growth, including professional advisory and connections for testing ground. Until May 2024, there have already been two groups of candidates who successfully entered CCMF through the HKIE Enginpreneurs programme, namely “RetroLogic AI” and “Reno VR”.
RetroLogic AI Organising Webinar supported by the Working Group and the CA Division
Reno VR holding booth in Hong Kong Engineers Week 2024, supported by the Working Group and the CV Division
Promotion in universities during Career Fair
The Working Group participated in the Career Fairs during the Hong Kong Engineers Week 2024. Booths were set up by the Working Group to introduce the HKIE Enginpreneurs programme and CCMF. Overwhelming responses were received from the participants. It was a great opportunity to connect with students and researchers and encourage them to turn their innovative ideas into business.
The Working Group participating in Career Fairs in The University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Upcoming
Support Enginpreneurs graduating from CCMF to grow into Cyberport Incubatee
The Working Group will continuously support the above-mentioned two groups of Enginpreneurs. They have successfully graduated from the CCMF programme and are now both preparing their application for Cyberport Incubation Programme (CIP). The Working Group will provide more connections for testing ground and continual diversified professional advisory to help them step up to the next level of growth in their business.
Collaboration with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)
The Working Group is exploring collaboration opportunities with HKSTP. The HKIE could leverage expertise to provide assistance for startup companies such as mentoring and Scheme “A” Training. HKIE Mentors could guide individuals in engineering training and career advancement. By partnering with HKSTP to organise activities such as career fairs and startup incubation programmes, successful commercialisation of innovative engineering solutions is expected. The partnership could also utilise HKSTP’s network to reach out to potential members, particularly among professionals in emerging technology fields.
Collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD)
EMSD InnoPortal strengthens the matching of technological needs from government departments, public bodies and the Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) trade with the scientific research achievements of start-ups, Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the academia. The Working Group is collaborating with EMSD to create a sub-portal under InnoPortal for the HKIE. The aim of this collaboration is to leverage the strength of InnoPortal and expand the platform to other engineering companies in the industry and allow them to express their pain points and seek for innovative solutions from start-ups or researchers. The Working Group will approach the Divisions and/or Disciplines to collect potential pain points and contact researchers from universities to collect solutions.