At an early age, Ir Szeto developed a strong sense of his destiny and journey as a professional. His father, having his own engineering firm, impressed on his young son that he must be capable of taking care of his family. “My father said,” He reminisced, “that I should have technical and engineering background so others can’t simply take over my position.” With these words taken to heart, Ir Szeto earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Getting underway to engineering excellence

Ir Szeto first worked as an apprentice at a shipyard and engineering firm. He enjoyed the experience, but soon found that his proud demeanor was perceived negatively.

On a fishing trip

“One of my seniors said,” he explained, “that I was so proud that no one would teach me the best practice and skill. I changed my behaviour and went on to learn a lot from that senior. I built up my knowledge and skills on how to solve and identify problems in the future.”

Ir Szeto believes that Mechanical Engineering is a discipline covering all aspects as a foundation of engineering. “It is,” he said, “quite general, so I studied and specialised in Marine Engineering to shape my skill, knowledge and experiences.” And specialisation is what he has clearly accomplished. He is a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Marine Engineer, Chartered Mechanical Engineer, and UK Chartered Naval Architectures and Chartered Energy Engineer, plus a Professional Engineer in Mechanical, Marine & Naval Architectures Disciplines.

Achieving a first-rate career

For 32 years, Ir Szeto worked with Shell Hong Kong in many capacities. These include Marine Vessels & Road Transport Maintenance, Oil and Gases and Lubricants Plant Operations, Engineering Projects and Maintenance, Health/Safety/Security/Environment and Technical and SIRE Inspector for DG Tankers, Terminal and Management Review for Global and East Asia Region.

“One of my proudest moments with Shell,” he recalled, “was when I identified and solved the 2nd generation Shell Cylinder issues for ships with MAN B&W 98 two-stroke Main Engine Series. I proved that the super long strokes engine had dynamic unbalanced movement and resulting scarfing. My discovery resulted in MAN B&W compensating the ship owners.” Of another proud moment, he recalls: “I developed the vacuum process for four 850-ton LPG tanks on commissioning that saved 15,000 litres of water and ten earlier days for each tank recommissioning.”

Engaged in fieldwork

Giving back to the profession

Throughout his career, Ir Szeto has dedicated himself to helping engineering institutions. He has been Executive Member of Hong Kong Engineers Registration Board, plus President for East Asia Division and Vice President with Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). For the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, he has been Chairman for Northeast Asia Region since 2015 and currently is Chairman of The International Strategy Board UK.

As Vice President of IMarEST, Ir Szeto built up its strength as an international institution in the UK with many overseas members. “We wanted,” he added, “to develop ‘purpose and strategy’ by analysing current and potential needs and providing benefits for existing and future members all around the globe.”

With the HKIE, Ir Szeto has been Chairman of Mechanical, Marine & Naval Architectures and Chemical (MMNC) Division plus Gas and Energy (GE) Division. “I believe,” he elaborated, “that the HKIE should be well known to the public as a professional and learned society. Our leaders should encourage members and young engineers to speak up and contribute their expertise.”

Hoisting Hong Kong to international standard

Ir Szeto has been on various task force working groups and technical subcommittees that help shape some of Hong Kong’s ordinances/regulations in areas of merchant shipping, lifts and escalators, gas safety Code of Practice (COP) and Building Energy Code (BEC) COP.

He stated that “helping to successfully shape ordinances/ regulations relies on four principles:

(i) Don’t let your expertise bias the desired result;

(ii) We should adopt the rules - Comply, Intervene and Respect;

(iii) Do and don’t theorise; and

(iv) Step changes strategy.”

At the HKIE 46th Annual Dinner

Celebrating 70th birthday

Fitting the bill as expert witness

After retiring from Shell in 2013, Ir Szeto has been an expert witness helping to fight numerous court cases for the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and Hong Kong Police.

He recounts one High Court manslaughter case where an LPG Auto Fuel cylinder exploded, killing three and injuring four. “The technical terminology,” he explained, “was difficult for the court to understand. Therefore, I clearly explained in layman’s terms how and why the incident happened. My testimony helped the police to win.”

Another winning case involved EPD as plaintiff where an underground tank carrying chemicals caught fire due to suspected leakage. The defendant claimed that many ordinances confirmed no leakage had occurred. As expert witness, Ir Szeto proved that in fact the tank had technically leaked, and when applying the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordinance, the defendant had neglected 13 out of 18 parameters.

Being commended by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism for remarkable
contributions to the development of arts and culture as well as creative industrie

Sharing years of wisdom

Ir Szeto has shared his best practice with the public and young engineers throughout his career. He coaches young engineers to be polite and respectful of others, be patient to listen and contribute to the public interest. He also believes it is important to take time to do physical exercise to stay healthy. To be a true professional, he shares, “Don’t believe that you are the greatest and know everything. No one is perfect.”

Being honoured by the publisher "Chinese Today" as one of their Outstanding
Personalities selected for 2017