We are truly honoured and privileged to have been selected as the Protégés of President Ir Dr Barry Lee for Session 2023/2024. The HKIE President’s Protégé Scheme (PPS) 2023/2024 has proven to be an enriching and fruitful experience, and we extend our sincere gratitude to Ir Dr Lee for his unwavering guidance and mentorship.

Immersed in a diverse array of activities and events, we have broadened our horizons and deepened our comprehension of the multifaceted engineering profession. The PPS has not only provided us with invaluable insights into the inner workings of the HKIE but also afforded us the opportunity to actively contribute to the Presidential Theme, “We Engineer, We Serve.” We have had the privilege of participating in a myriad of initiatives, meticulously curated to achieve meaningful objectives, such as elevating the visibility of engineering, contributing to society’s long-term development, nurturing future engineering talents, and enhancing the recognition of our esteemed profession.

As our tenure as President’s Protégés for Session 2023/2024 draws to a close, we eagerly anticipate joining the HKIE President’s Protégés Club (PPC), where we can continue to lend our support to future Presidents and their visionary campaigns. In the following sections, we share our personal experiences as President’s Protégés over the past year, a journey that has been both invaluable and profoundly rewarding. We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support from the HKIE, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving society, applying the invaluable lessons we have acquired.

12 Protégés having fun in the photo taking session: (Back row from L): Briana Lam, Venus Chan, Ray Lo, [President Ir Dr Barry Lee], Tony Ho, Daphne Chan, Annie Chow, Kenneth Ho; (Front row from L): Eddie Chan, Claudia Ng, Michelle Cheung, Christy Chui, Ivan Ip

Mr Eddie CHAN Dick Long

I am truly honoured and thankful to be one of Barry’s Protégés in this Session. Involved in various activities and events, I have learnt a lot and gained a deeper understanding of the engineering profession. The most unforgettable experience was hosting a primary school company visit at Arup’s office, where a student expressed his aspiration to become a sustainability engineer like me. This moment filled me with immense pride and a renewed sense of purpose.

Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to receive continuous support from the HKIE and my company, Arup, which has been instrumental in my growth. Although this Session will soon conclude, the bonds forged will endure. Once a Protégé of Barry, forever a Protégé – this mantra resonates deeply, reminding me of the lasting impact this experience has had.

Moving forward, I am committed to serving society, applying the invaluable lessons learned. This experience has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the engineering profession and its ability to create positive change. I will continue to strive for excellence, upholding the values and principles imparted during this transformative journey as a Protégé of Barry.

Miss Venus CHAN Man Tseung

Deeply honoured to be selected as one of the President’s Protégés this year, I was given the opportunity to explore the engineering industry beyond my professional realm. This experience has been enriching and transformative, which enables me to not only expand my professional expertise but also foster personal growth.

Participating in the Presidential Visit to the United Kingdom and Delegation to Beijing and Tianjin has been rewarding and fruitful. Through engaging and interacting with engineers and experts from diverse backgrounds, I have had the chance to witness the fusion of varied perspectives in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainability.

Furthermore, serving as the one of the mentors for the Hong Kong Engineers Week 2024 – “Our Dream City” Primary School Design Contest has been equally fulfilling. I was delighted to share my engineering knowledge with the younger generation and their ingenuity and creativity were truly inspiring.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Ir Dr Barry Lee for guiding and supporting us throughout this year and I am extremely grateful to have my fellow Protégés alongside me on this memorable and rewarding journey.

Miss Daphne CHAN Wai Man

Being a HKIE President’s Protégé has been an incredible privilege. The theme “We Engineer, We Serve” resonated deeply with me, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from engineering professionals, engage in meaningful activities, and contribute to the advancement of the profession that embodies this spirit. Emceeing prestigious events, including the HKIE Presidential Address/Dinner, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Symposium on Science and Technology, and the HKIE Prize Presentation Ceremony cum New Members’ Reception, gave me a platform to showcase my communication skills and connect with influential engineering professionals.

Joining the Beijing and Tianjin Delegation was an eye-opening experience that provided me with valuable opportunities to visit various institutions and engage in knowledge exchange with young engineers. The Presidential Visit to Guangzhou offered a unique opportunity to broaden my horizons by understanding China’s development and fostering cultural and professional connections.

Besides, holding the Career Fair Booth at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University provided me with the chance to share my experiences and inspire aspiring engineers on their career paths. The Hong Kong Engineers Week 2024 was a remarkable highlight, where my role was to support the Building Services Division's booth and engage the public to raise awareness and understanding of building services engineering.

This scheme has been an enriching journey that has enhanced my professional development, built valuable connections, and opened doors to new opportunities. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to President for this incredible chance for me to grow and excel in the engineering field.

Ir Michelle CHEUNG Hoi Kui

As a Protégé, I had the privilege of serving as a School Ambassador, during which I delivered career talks to primary schools, inspiring young minds to pursue their dreams. Additionally, I was interviewed by Recruit HK, the Hong Kong Economic Times, and Ming Pao, where I shared my personal career path, experiences, current job duties, and provided tips to young engineers. I also had the honour of being the emcee for the HKIE Annual Dinner, addressing over 900 guests, and for EngHub’s opening ceremony in Kwun Tong. These experiences have provided numerous opportunities for personal growth, and I am grateful for this platform and the support of my seniors. As a result, I have learnt the importance of promoting myself as a role model and utilising social platforms and events to further my reach. In light of this, I have established a new Instagram account, “michelle_thebeaver”, where I share useful engineering knowledge and interesting fun facts about the industry. I invite your support and encourage you to follow me to learn more.

Miss Annie CHOW Ka Yan

It is my pleasure to be one of the Protégés in the President’s Protégé Scheme for this Session; it is an unforgettable experience in my engineering journey

This programme allows us to shadow President Ir Dr Barry Lee, providing me with a great opportunity to learn from an experienced and visionary leader in the engineering field. By participating in various activities such as the Carnival of the Hong Kong Engineers Week 2024 and the President’s Protégés Chill Series, I have broadened my horizons, enhanced my knowledge, and acquired the essential skills to become a professional engineer.

I sincerely thank our President for giving the valuable opportunity to learn and grow as an aspiring engineer. I would also like to take this chance to thank everyone I have met along the way, from seasoned engineers and outstanding leaders in the industry to the junior engineers like me. This meaningful experience would not have been possible without any of you.

Miss Christy CHUI Ka Kiu

I am eternally grateful to be selected as one of the Protégés for this Session, shadowing President Ir Dr Barry Lee. All the experiences that I have gained in this role has shaped me into a better person to serve the society.

One of the most memorable events I have participated in was the overseas delegation to the United Kingdom in last October. Thanks to the Institution, which offered me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the emcee of the International Conference on the topic “Climate-resilience Infrastructure Development” at the Headquarters of the Institution of Civil Engineers in London, I had the opportunity to chat with professionals and have a special Presidential lunch with the distinguished guests. It was an amazing experience and the speakers’ dedication in driving changes to save our planet is truly inspiring.

More than that, I have also joined the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area young engineers exchange tour to Beijing and Tianjin in January. Through this trip, I have built up some connections with engineers in Macau and China. Moreover, the trip certainly helps me to grasp the latest information and opportunities for career development in China. It fosters collaboration with engineering professionals in Mainland China in the future to promote the economic and engineering technology development of the country and Hong Kong.

If you are also a young engineer who is enthusiastic about serving the profession and the society, join us and be the protégé for the next Session!

Mr Tony HO Kin Tung

As a Protégé in the President's Protégés Scheme, engaging in various prestigious roles has significantly enhanced my understanding and leadership within the engineering community. My experiences span from acting as the Master of Ceremonies at notable events like the Cocktail Reception in Guangzhou, the Annual Dinner, and the Grand Award 2024 Presentation Ceremony, to taking a central role in organising, hosting, and facilitating the third instalment of the Protégés Chill Series – “Chit Chat with Secretary for Housing.” These opportunities not only honed my public speaking and organisational skills but also enabled me to engage directly with influential leaders in the engineering sector.

Additionally, my active involvement in community-oriented events such as the Hong Kong Engineers Week Carnival and the “Our Future Engineers” Secondary Student Quiz Contest allowed me to interact with the public and younger students, promoting engineering as a vital and exciting field of study and career path. These experiences were instrumental in demonstrating the practical and societal impacts of engineering.

Overall, these experiences have not only contributed to my professional growth but also reinforced the importance of leadership, communication, and community engagement in engineering. I am deeply grateful for the myriad opportunities provided by President Ir Dr Barry Lee and am committed to leveraging these experiences to advocate for and advance the engineering profession.

Mr Kenneth HO Ying Yin

It is a true honour to be one of the Protégés of the President for this Session. As a member of the President's Protégé Scheme, the year has been fruitful and rewarding.

The twelve of us and our President started our beaver journey with various visits to the HKIE’s counterparts, and the Presidential Address held in September was a great success. The cha-cha dance with our President and Vice President on that night was such a historic funny moment.

Afterwards came the UK Delegation visit, whose delegates I was so thrilled to be part of. It was my first time visiting professional institutions in the UK and taking a part in holding cocktail receptions and conferences. The successful events have really broadened my horizons and marked the footprint of the beaver family.

After returning from the UK, I had another wonderful experience through participating in the Hong Kong Engineers Week 2024. From holding different forums, being both participants and advisors in different competitions, I witnessed the Carnival’s great success, which was the best reward for the sleepless nights.

I am so honoured to be one of the President’s Protégés, and I wish to thank President Ir Dr Barry Lee for giving me a chance to serve him and the Institution. This once-in-alifetime opportunity is truly wonderful and has promoted my growth in the engineering industry.

Mr Ivan IP Wing Ho

I am truly honoured to be selected as one of this Session’s President’s Protégés. It is a privilege to learn from and be mentored by President Ir Dr Barry Lee, who has achieved remarkable success in the engineering field.

Furthermore, being part of this scheme has presented me with incredible opportunities to participate in various events and engagements. During the UK visit, I engaged in meaningful conversations with representatives from renowned engineering companies and societies, which significantly broadened my understanding of the global engineering landscape. These interactions with professionals not only instilled confidence in me but also motivated me to strive for excellence in my chosen field.

Additionally, being a Protégé has provided me with the chance to participate in a wide range of events, such as the Hong Kong Engineers Week 2024 and the HKIE Media Gathering. Through these experiences, I have come to the realisation that engineers today must not only focus on technical issues but also play a crucial role in educating the general public and establishing connections with professionals from different sectors. Engineers have the potential to make a significant impact on society.

In short, the opportunities to participate in diverse events have been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and perspective within the field of engineering. They have also strengthened my resolve to utilise my professional knowledge to contribute to society.

Miss Briana LAM Wing Yu

Being a President’s Protégé has been an incredible journey for me. It has provided me with the opportunity to meet and learn from numerous professionals in the industry, expanding my network and knowledge while enhancing my personal growth.

Joining the Hong Kong Engineers Week 2024 and serving as the emcee of EngHub’s Opening Ceremony, Macau Cocktail Reception and President’s Protégés Chill Series, I have been empowering myself to confidently engage with professionals and fellow engineers. All these experiences have broadened my horizons, enabling me to keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in the industry and the Institution. Besides, I am grateful to be part of the chacha dance during the Presidential Address/Dinner, which is an unforgettable night for me as this allows me to step out of my comfort zone and rekindle my passion for dancing.

I would like to extend my heartful gratitude to President Ir Dr Barry Lee for granting me this chance and my fellow Protégés for the unwavering support throughout this journey. I will be committed to carrying forward the spirit of service to both the community and the industry in the future. By continuing to stay true to our original intentions, we can make an even greater impact together in the future.

Mr Ray LO Wai

Being selected as a President’s Protégé within our esteemed engineering society has been an incredibly enriching experience that I am deeply thankful for. This unique position has afforded me the privilege to engage with a diverse array of individuals, ranging from professionals to students and the public. Each interaction has not only enriched my understanding but also underscored the importance of service in our field.

Contributing to various society events has allowed me to explore new facets of engineering and has provided a vibrant platform for imparting the knowledge I have gained to the next generation of engineers. These experiences have broadened my perspective, enhancing my skills and fuelling my passion for this dynamic field.

I am profoundly honoured to serve as one of President Ir Dr Barry Lee’s Protégés. I sincerely thank him for entrusting me with this opportunity to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact within our Institution. This role has significantly shaped my professional journey, instilling a deeper commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in engineering.

Miss Claudia NG Tsz Yin

Participating in the HKIE President’s Protégés Scheme has been an extraordinary experience that has broadened my perspective on the engineering profession. The Presidential Theme of this Session, “We Engineer, We Serve,” has been a tremendous source of inspiration, emphasising the crucial role of engineers in society.

My involvement in the Hong Kong Engineers Week 2024 was a rewarding experience, with engaging events aimed at creating a positive and lasting impression of engineers on the society. Moreover, I had the honour of serving as the emcee for the media gathering and one of the President’s Protégés Chill Series – “Chit Chat with Secretary for Housing”. Additionally, I was thrilled to be part of the President-led visit to Guangzhou, where I had the opportunity to exchange ideas with professionals from the Greater Bay Area.

I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to our President for providing me with this invaluable opportunity to learn and develop as an aspiring engineer.

List of events attended or organised by the PPS 2023/2024

• EngHub Opening Ceremony (14 July 2023)
• Cocktail Reception @ Macau (22 July 2023)
• Media Interview (8 August 2023)
• Cocktail Reception @ Guangzhou (12 August 2023)
• Launching Ceremony of Consolidated STEAM Programme (18 August 2023)
• President Forum Series: The role of engineers in environmental protection and sustainable development (30 August 2023)
• President’s Protégés Club Mingling Session 1 (7 September 2023)
• The HKIE Presidential Address/ Dinner for Session 2023/2024 (15 September 2023)
• High Level Reception for THEi / HKIE / FHKI (20 September 2023)
• President’s Protégés Chill Series 1 - Vocal Training (25 September 2023)
• President Forum Series: Climate Resilience for Infrastructure Development: How far should we go? (11 October 2023)
• Hong Kong and Shanghai Symposium on Science and Technology 2023 (26 October 2023)
• Presidential Visit to the UK (October 2023)
• President’s Protégés Chill Series 2 - Impromptu Speaking Skills (14 November 2023)
• President’s Protégés Club Team Building (19 November 2023)
• Hong Kong Joint Symposium 2023 (22 November 2023)
• Live Streaming Broadcast of COP28 Exhibition (6 December 2023)
• Primary School Our Dream City Primary School Design Contest - 教師工作坊 (16 December 2023)
• The HKIE Prize Presentation Ceremony and New Members’ Reception (13 January 2024)
• HKIE x ACEHK 內地高校建築工程畢業生迎新分享會 (16 January 2024)
• 粵港澳大灣區青年工程師京津交流學習活動 (19 - 22 January 2024)
• Engineer Alliance (January 2024)
• President’s Protégés Chill Series 3 - Chit Chat with Secretary for Housing (17 January 2024)
• Interview with the Hong Kong Economic Times (24 January 2024)
• President’s Protégés Club Annual Dinner (26 January 2024)
• “Our Dream City” Primary School Design Contest (February 2024)
• “Our Future Engineers” Secondary Student Quiz Contest (February 2024)
• Interview with Ming Pao (2 February 2024)
• Interview with Recruit HK Magazine (23 February 2024)
• Briefing Session - Basic Law Article 23 Legislation (23 February 2024)
• Hong Kong Engineers Week Carnival (March 2024)
• The HKIE 46th Annual Dinner (15 March 2024)
• President Forum Series: How Aircraft is made and certified (18 March 2024)
• The HKIE Career Fairs to Local Universities (March 2024)
• President’s Protégés Club Mingling Session 2 (April 2024)
• HKIE - BSD Annual Dinner (10 May 2024)
• President’s Protégés Club Overseas Delegation to UAE (25 May - 2 June 2024)
• President’s Protégés Club President’s Cup (6 July 2024)
• President’s Protégés Club Monthly Meeting (October 2023 - May 2024)
• Executive Meeting (October 2023 - May 2024)
• Council Meeting (October 2023 - May 2024)
• Learned Society Board, Administration Board and Qualification & Membership Board Meeting (October 2023 - May 2024)

At the HKIE 46th Annual Dinner