On 1 February, the Institution organised a media gathering to share the views and proposals from the perspective of the engineering sector regarding the formulation of the HKSAR 2024-25 Budget. At the gathering, key measures that we believe can foster economic growth and development of Hong Kong were highlighted and communicated to the media and in turn to the public.

The media gathering was attended by prominent representatives from various media outlets, industry experts, and members of the HKIE. The gathering began with an opening address by President Ir Dr Barry C H Lee, who emphasised the importance of nurturing, attracting and retaining talent in the engineering industry, fundamental to supporting economic growth and addressing current and future challenges in Hong Kong.

During the gathering, the Institution presented proposals in key areas and strategic measures to support economic recovery, maintain Hong Kong’s position as a global financial and innovation hub, and tackle important issues. One of the focal points was talent trawling. Proposals included increasing government subsidies from engineering graduate trainees, enhancing cooperation with the mainland to create more opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, and providing allowances to companies hiring overseas engineering graduates. Furthermore, we expressed our steadfast commitment to promoting STEAM education through different student engagement programmes.

We also highlighted our recommendations in relation to infrastructure development, stressing the need for coordinated planning, optimised resource allocation, and careful examination of project expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness.

The media gathering enabled dialogue between journalists and attendees, and provided an opportunity for us to share our expertise and advocate for measures that can contribute to the betterment of Hong Kong.

For more details on the HKIE's proposals and recommendations, please refer to our submission to the Financial Secretary at https://www.hkie.org.hk/upload/opinion/343/file/65bcd7d70c4a3.pdf.

(L to R): Chief Executive and Secretary Ir Prof Alfred Sit, Vice President Ir Alice Chow, President Ir Dr Barry Lee, Vice President Ir Prof Frank Chan, Executive Member Ir William Luk, and Director Ir Peter Si

Opening address by President Ir Dr Barry Lee

The Security Bureau of Hong Kong commenced a public consultation on the Basic Law Article 23 legislation on 30 January 2024, with the primary objective of safeguarding national security. To facilitate members’ understanding of the proposed legislation, a highly significant briefing session was held on 23 February 2024.

The session attracted almost 300 participants who attended both in person and online, reflecting the importance and interest surrounding this crucial issue of national security. All participants were keen to stay informed and engaged in this legislative process.

The briefing session began with a video message from Mr Chris P K Tang, Secretary for Security, who emphasised importance of legislating Article 23. Following Mr Tang’s message, Mr Simon Wong, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Security Bureau and Mr Vernon Loh, Senior Assistant Solicitor General (Human Rights) provided a comprehensive overview of the principles, justifications, and values that underpin the proposed legislation. Highlighting the significance of safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms, they stressed that Article 23 of the Basic Law serves as a tool for better protection of these rights. Mr Wong and Mr Loh explained the legislation clearly defines the elements of offences, exceptions, and defences, hence ensuring transparency and accountability in the application of the law.

The session offered an invaluable platform for the attendees to gain insight into the proposed Basic Law Article 23 legislation. Participants raised pertinent questions and sought clarifications on various aspects of the legislation. Overall, the briefing session helped disseminate essential information and enhanced understanding among the attendees. It also provided a forum for meaningful dialogue and contributed to a more informed and engaged citizenry.

The Institution appreciates the Security Bureau in supporting the organisation of this event, reflecting its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and soliciting public input in the legislative process.

(L to R): Chief Executive and Secretary Ir Prof Alfred Sit, Senior Vice President Ir Eric Ma, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Security Bureau Mr Simon Wong, Senior Assistant Solicitor General (Human Rights) Mr Vernon Loh, and Vice President Ir Prof Frank Chan

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) participated in the Buildings Department (BD) 30th Anniversary 7-a-side Football Tournament, which was held in January 2024 at the Happy Valley Recreation Ground. The HKIE team was organised by the HKIE Task Force of Communal Sports and Social Service (TFCSSS), which aimed to unite engineers and sports, as well as to promote a healthy and active lifestyle within the engineering community.

The HKIE team, composed of members from various Disciplines and Divisions, showed great teamwork and spirit throughout the tournament. We were pleased to have the President of the HKIE – Ir Dr Barry Lee, and Chairman of TFCSSS – Ir Kelvin Tang, as an integral part of the team, for which they showed their support enthusiastically. We topped our group in the first stage against the BD team A, the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) team and the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) team with a total of seven points and a goal difference of +2.

In the semi-final, the HKIE team faced a tough challenge from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) team. The match was a close contest, with both teams creating chances and displaying skills. The HKIE came out with a lead when we scored the first goal in the second half. However, the HKIA team managed to score two afterwards and secured their spot in the final. The HKIE team did not give up and fought hard for the third place against the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) team. Although the match was a thrilling encounter, the HKIE team managed to score three goals and clinched the bronze medal in the end.

The HKIE team was congratulated by the representatives from the BD, who presented us with the trophy and medals. The Chairman of TFCSSS – Ir Kelvin Tang praised the HKIE team’s performance and spirit and thanked them for representing the HKIE and the engineering profession in the tournament. He also expressed gratitude to the BD for organising the event and fostering a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among the engineers as well as other professionals.

We extend our gratitude to the organisers and all the supporters who cheered us on during the tournament. We also thanked our opponents for the fair play and the friendship. The HKIE team thoroughly enjoyed the tournament and gained valuable experience from the event. TFCSSS is excited to welcome more engineers to join us in the future and participate in similar sports and social activities.

(L to R): HKIS, HKIE, BD and ASD teams

Director of Buildings - Ms Clarice P M Yu, JP (2nd right) with other participants

The “President’s Protégés Chill Series” consists of different leisure activities designed to promote a culture of work-life balance and demonstrate the diverse life attitudes that engineers can handle. We have established a platform for all members of the HKIE to communicate with engineers from different backgrounds, and develop new skills outside of work. In “President’s Protégés Chill Series” Session One, a vocal training programme led by an external singing instructor, Cleo Ko Sun Wai, was organised for members, which demonstrated the other side of engineers outside of work. The “President’s Protégés Chill Series” Session Two, an “Impromptu Speaking” training programme led by a consulting firm, LeadAll Consulting Ltd, was organised for members, which allowed participants to learn to improve their public speaking abilities and build overall confidence after the practice of a real-time press conference with the valuable comments by the trainers.

On 17 January 2024, the “President’s Protégés Chill Series” Session Three – Chit-chat with Secretary for Housing was held. In view of the increasing social awareness of the housing development and policies, we were honoured to have invited the Assistant Director (Project) 3 of the Housing Department, Mr Wong Chi-chung, Max on behalf of the Housing Bureau for chit-chatting with us. There were over 250 participants from different Divisions such as the CV Division, EL Division, EV Division and BS Division. The chit-chat session was led by the President’s Protégés.

The session commenced with an inspiring video recorded by Secretary for Housing, Ir Ho Wing-yin, Winnie, for providing valuable advice for young engineers. Mr Wong then delivered a presentation on the Introduction of the 2023 Policy Address, focusing specifically on housing development and policies. Following the presentation, a chit-chat session was facilitated by the President and three President's Protégés, during which they explored topics such as the latest technology in public estate construction, the management system of current public estates, and the anticipated challenges for young engineers in the face of high-volume housing development. The session concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to gain further insights into the housing policies outlined in the 2023 Policy Address and to enable a direct interaction with Mr Wong. This event provided a platform for open dialogue and engagement, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of housing development and policies while fostering connections among engineers from different Divisions of the HKIE.

President (rear, 5th left) and Protégés with Mr Wong (rear, 6th left)

Mr Wong’s introduction to the 2023 Policy Address

President’s Introductory Speech

President and Protégés chit chatting with Mr Wong (centre)