As a young engineer, Ir Dr Kwok has already achieved admirable accomplishments in his roles as a civil engineer, scholar, educator, mentor, and entrepreneur. “As Young Engineer of the Year,” he vowed, “I will keep advancing and cultivating leadership, professionalism, passion, and dedication for our industry and the next generation of engineers.”

Achieving academic excellence

Growing up in the global metropolis of Hong Kong, home to many skyscrapers, Ir Dr Kwok said he was inspired to study civil engineering. He attended Imperial College London for his undergraduate degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. In his final year, many students he knew joined the finance industry which again sparked his thirst for knowledge. He went to Columbia University to earn a Master’s Degree in Mathematics of Finance.

Graduating at Imperial College London with his master’s degree

“After working for a few years as a civil engineer in Hong Kong,” he observed, “I came to understand the importance of innovation and cutting-edge technology to our sector. When PolyU established a part-time doctorate in International Real Estate and Construction, I had to apply. I expanded my knowledge in digital construction while expanding my professional network. I was the youngest graduate of the inaugural cohort.”

Graduating at PolyU with his doctorate

“As an entrepreneur, amalgamation of knowledge has helped me make wise choices,” he explained, “My degrees together give me a strong basis for my current roles as an engineer and entrepreneur, giving me skills and expertise to deal with people from varied backgrounds.”

Embracing prefabrication and digital technology

Ir Dr Kwok is Wah Tung Façade's Head of Operations. With 60 years’ history, Wah Tung has spent decades working on building façade products and structural steel Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) projects in Hong Kong and Mainland China. He is applying to the Buildings Department for a pre-accepted steel MiC System for Wah Tung in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum is Wah Tung’s most iconic façade project because of how well the project turned out. “We received many compliments,” he enthused, “from the consultants, the main contractor and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. Construction during the COVID-19 pandemic was exceedingly difficult, but my teams worked well together to make the impossible feasible through use of virtual communication and accessible digital technologies. This experience affirmed prefabrication should be adopted and digital technology should be developed in the construction industry. I’ll keep pushing for their adoption to improve the industry's sustainable development.”

On Wah Tung’s visit to the Hong Kong Palace Museum

Developing civil engineering skills

Working for Atkins, Ir Dr Kwok worked on several large-scale infrastructure projects in Hong Kong and overseas. He was the design engineer on the Express Rail Link project, responsible for detailed structural engineering design of several ventilation buildings and associated structures. He was also involved in the detailed structural engineering design of Doha Metro’s Airport City North Station. “Under the guidance of experienced engineers,” he said modestly, “I continued to expand my engineering knowledge as a graduate engineer.”

At Atkins’ Annual dinner

Becoming an entrepreneur

Ir Dr Kwok bravely stepped outside his comfort zone to found high-tech start-up InnoWah, which focuses on digitalised fabrication process for building materials to enhance operational efficiency, product quality and promote off-site construction. “Luckily, because of my research and development regarding prefabrication and involvement in prefabrication projects, I had the prerequisites for establishing this business.”

Publishing research on digital technology and prefabrication

Ir Dr Kwok’s research has been published in international journals. Digital construction is his research interest, so the common themes are digital technology adoption and prefabrication in Hong Kong from the perspective of multiple stakeholders.

He hopes his upcoming publication Comprehensive Evaluation of Digital Technology’s Effects on the Supply Chain of Prefabricated Construction will have the most impact. “This research is,” he explained, “the first attempt to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of digital technologies on prefabrication projects’ supply chain. The outcomes are useful for MiC adoption in Hong Kong, with clear guidance for industry participants when selecting and investing in digital technologies. In my role as a scholar, I am pleased to contribute to the engineering industry by making recommendations and providing guidance for research direction and practical application.”

Inspiring and mentoring young people

Ir Dr Kwok is an inspiring role model. “In engineering, success and recognition are earned with perseverance, hard effort and dedication to excellence. Young engineers must embrace continuous learning and cultivate strong technical skills through practical experience,” he commented.

He also mentors young people as a HKIE school ambassador and a mentor of PolyU’s and FHKI’s mentorship programme plus as founder of his non-profit Insquare Foundation. “I thought of setting up Insquare,” he explained, “when I was a volunteer teacher. I believe prevention or relief of youth poverty in Hong Kong can be supported by providing STEAM classes. In my roles as mentor and ambassador, I aim to improve the whole educational experience and support overall growth. Ambassadors provide information and guidance, assisting young people in better understanding the career path of an engineer.”

Taken for the FHKI’s Job shadowing mentorship programme

During a free Python class offered by Insquare Foundation

Thanking those supporting achievements

Ir Dr Kwok appreciates the ongoing support, guidance and encouragement from the many people that he has been fortunate to know, including his mentors, friends, seniors, colleagues, teams, former employers, nominator and other engineering professionals. “I could never have developed into the person I am today without this help and support. Lastly, I must express my loving gratitude to my parents and wife for their never-ending backing.”