香港工程師學會2024高端人才北京交流團由會長馬紹祥工程師帶領,於2024年25至28日訪京。行程緊密,拜訪了內地多個部委及工 程相關機構,包括住房和城鄉建設部、中國科學技術協會、中國工程師聯合體、商務部、中國工程院和國務院港澳事務辦公室。此外, 就2023年推出的職稱認可創新安排,學會今年特別新增拜訪了人力資源和社會保障部。
是次交流團共24名成員,涵蓋多個重要板塊,範圍較往年更為廣 泛、更具代表性。除了學會的執行委員會成員外,還包括工程業界 先驅及行業翹楚,例如工程顧問公司、承辦商、公共事業機構 (包括 電、燃氣、通訊等) 的領導、大學校長、立法會議員、年輕工程師、及對內地和國際事務具深入認識的人員等。交流團由中聯辦教育科技部協助安排,並得葉水球副部長和傅芃芃博士隨同一起出席各項會議和活動。
為使是次訪京得到更豐碩的交流成果,團員們數月前已開始積極備戰,進行了不少內部溝通討論,最終訂立了以下四個重點向各部委匯報、交流,同時讓他們更了解香港的整體現狀:
一. 積極參與國際工程組織,和內地單位攜手走上國際舞台。
二. 爭取擴大職稱覆蓋範圍,讓香港工程師更好地融入國家發展大局。
三. 透過香港工程師學會的人脈和國際網絡,為國家搭建與國際工程組織的資格互認機制。
四. 憑藉香港的海外工程經驗,為中國內地工程師提供海外拓展培訓,幫助他們「走出去」國際市場。
是次交流團共24位成員,成員涵蓋多個工程業界重要界別
2024年8月25日
香港工程師學會北京交流團中午啟程前往北京,到埗後團員繼續積極預備未來幾天的交流內容。
2024年8月26日
交流團上午拜訪住房和城鄉建設部,獲中國城市規劃學會理事長楊保軍、城市建設司副司長楊宏毅、建築節能與科技司副司長張雁等領導會見。
席間雙方就以下議題進行了豐富的討論,包括以香港為橋樑,為內地工程企業提供信息和人才培訓,協助內地企業拓展海外市場、香港工程師如何在城市規劃和建設中發揮更積極的作用、探討香港和內地在城市基礎設施、住房、土地資源等合作機會,以及繼續攜手籌辦內地與香港建築論壇等事宜。
大隊隨後前往拜訪中國科學技術協會及中國工程師聯合體,榮幸獲科協黨組成員、書記處書記王進展親自會見。科協首先就多年前成功加入華盛頓協議,對香港工程師學會的協助表示感謝。其次,王書記強調國家對工程人員的重視,包括今年授予了81位個人「國家卓越工程師」的稱號、50個團隊「國家卓越工程師團隊」的稱號。會上雙方深入討論了工程教育、粵港澳大灣區工程師聯合體、香港年輕工程師內地考察,以及探討協助內地工程師「走出去」的培訓計劃等相關工作。
會後,中國科協特別安排了代表們參觀「中國科學家博物館」。「中國科學家博物館」是中國首個以科學家群體為主題的大型綜合博物 館,集「採集、館藏、研究、展示、教育、宣傳」功能為一體,致力於展示中國科學家形象,弘揚科學家精神,打造科技工作者的精神殿 堂。博物館不僅展示了科學家的珍貴實物和圖片,更通過現代科技手段,如VR展示、AI互動等,讓大家身臨其境地感受科學家的探索精神和創新成果,令代表們大開眼界。
8月26日上午拜訪住房和城鄉建設部
8月26日下午拜訪中國科學技術協會
2024年8月27日
交流團上午前往人社部,獲專技司副司長劉冬梅會見。劉副司長指,人社部多年來和學會在各個場合有不少接觸,但面對面拜訪還是第一次。會上雙方深入探討了學會可如何發揮獨特優勢,透過積極參與國際工程組織的工作,與內地攜手走上國際舞台;同時爭取擴大職稱覆蓋範圍,讓香港工程師有更多機會參與內地工程工作,貢獻國家的建設和發展。
下午,訪問團拜訪商務部。學會表示希望推動及協助香港工程師瞭解內地機遇,使其更能融入國家發展大局。同時也希望加強內地企業和香港工程師的合作,例如共同設立針對年輕工程師和創業者的創新孵化器和加速器,提供資金支持、專業指導和市場接入。
代表團其後前往中國工程院。秘書長陳建峰分享了今年工程院的兩件大事 – 首先在6月召開了建院30週年紀念大會,並發佈了「百項工程和百項咨詢」成果;其次「科技三會」同月在北京人民大會堂隆重召開。
會上雙方探討了青年人才培養等相關工作,工程院介紹了他們與清華大學共同設立的國際工程教育中心,這是世界上唯一以工程教育 為主題的UNESCO二類機構。此外雙方還就智慧製造、人工智慧和新能源等題目作出交流。
8月27日上午拜訪人力資源和社會保障部
8月27日下午拜訪商務部
8月27日下午拜訪中國工程院
2024年8月28日
交流團上午獲國務院港澳事務辦公室室務會成員向斌會見。會長馬紹祥工程師向港澳辦領導匯報了是次交流的四個重點成果,並分享了香港工程界的整體發展及面對的挑戰;多位成員也就其專業領域,向向斌作出了匯報。
向斌聽取匯報後表示,各位團員就如何通過自己的專業貢獻香港和 國家進行了深入的思考,這令他很受感動。向斌又向代表團講述了國家的重要發展方針,包括落實三中全會的精神,同時提出三個叮囑:
一. 從專業角度出發,深入思考如何結合香港的優勢,提出具體化的 舉措。
二. 支持香港特區政府依法施政,對香港經濟發展要有信心。
三. 做好橋樑角色,繼續促進與內地和國際間的交流合作,真正做到 「引進來,走出去」。
是次訪京團對學會未來的工作重點和發展方向起了重要的指引。 馬會長衷心感謝各位團員百忙中抽空參與,出謀獻策。
8月28日上午獲國務院港澳事務辦公室會見
中共二十屆三中全會閉幕,為了讓會員更加準確了解全長二萬多字 的《中共中央關於進一步全面深化改革推進中國式現代化的決定》 (下稱“《決定》”)對工程界的啟示,學會以線上、線下模式舉行簡介會,向會員講解《決定》當中與工程建造、科技、教育、人才培 訓等相關的內容。簡介會於8月21日於學會總部舉行,線上及線下合共有近200名會員出席。
學會會長馬紹祥工程師為簡介會致歡迎詞揭開序幕,緊接是學會理事會增補委員暨第十四屆港區全國政協委員衞炳江教授、工程師, 以及學會副會長暨第十四屆港區全國人大代表陳帆教授、工程師, 為會員詳盡講解《決定》的各項內容。
《決定》提出,到2035年基本實現社會主義現代化目標、重點部署未來五年的重大改革舉措,並提出「七個聚焦」及「六個堅持」,以 及全面深化改革的系統部署,對開創中國式現代化建設新局面意義重大。本次簡介會上,兩位講者從國家為進一步全面深化改革,貫徹落實二十大作出的戰略部署,以及工程科技創新、人才培訓等角度對《决定》的內容作多方面闡釋,會員亦積極發問,務求了解更多。
《決定》中亦有提及到香港要發揮「一國兩制」制度優勢,鞏固提 升香港國際金融、航運、貿易中心地位,支援香港、澳門打造國際高 端人才集聚高地,健全香港、澳門在國家對外開放中更好發揮作用機制。學會相信,充份了解《决定》內容有助會員全面掌握國情和戰 略部署,把握大灣區及國家發展帶來的時代機遇,從而積極為國家發展作出貢獻,共創更美好的未來。
國家主席習近平曾表示,工程師是推動工程科技造福人類、創造未來的重要力量,是國家戰略人才力量的重要組成部份。學會明白工程師對推動社會進步的重要性,並鼓勵會員以專業知識服務社會、回饋社會,理解國家大政方針,建立資訊基礎,是工程師開始服務社會的重要一步。
會長馬紹祥工程師表示,決定中提及的未來產業領域,均與工程界息息相關,學會鼓勵會員了解國家最新的政策方針,以及為工程界所帶來的機遇,更好謀劃自己的事業發展藍圖,並服務社會及國家發展。
(左至右) 薛永恒教授、工程師,衞炳江教授、工程師,馬紹祥工程師,陳帆教授、工程師
On 30 July 2024, Ir Tim Leung, a representative from the HKIE, was interviewed by a group of nine summer interns from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) at the HKIE Headquarters. The purpose of the interview was to provide feedback and guidance from an industry practitioner’s perspective on the interns’ project, which is a training programme aiming to promote integrity and address corruption issues in the construction industry.
During the interview, Ir Leung discussed the importance of considering cultural differences and perspectives in anti-corruption efforts. The contrasting approaches of the East and West were highlighted, with the Western approach tending to have a more open-minded and encouraging attitude towards addressing issues in the construction industry, while Eastern cultures, such as that found in Hong Kong’s construction industry, often adopt a more conservative and punitive approach.
For instance, the Western construction industry often centres on transparency and encourages stakeholders to speak up so that problems can be resolved at an early stage. In contrast, the Eastern approach, particularly in the Chinese context, tends to emphasise the importance of maintaining social harmony and relying on punitive measures to handle issues.
The interns were encouraged to study such cultural dynamics more deeply, as they can significantly impact the effectiveness of anti-corruption initiatives. They were also advised to explore ways to reconcile these differences and develop a balanced approach that recognises the unique cultural context of the construction industry in Hong Kong and the broader region.
As part of the discussion, the New Engineering Contract (NEC) framework, a widely used set of standard contract forms in Hong Kong’s construction industry, was brought up. The NEC was originally established in the UK 30 years ago and was subsequently adopted by the HKSAR Government around 15 years ago. It was highlighted that the NEC promotes a collaborative approach among the client, contractor and other stakeholders, emphasising principles of mutual trust and cooperation.
Ir Leung was of the view that the collaborative spirit of the NEC may at times be at odds with the ICAC’s current position, which tends to take a more adversarial approach to addressing issues, such as assuming the presence of corruption within the industry. The interns were therefore encouraged to investigate how the principles of the NEC, such as mindset, mechanisms, joint problem-solving, and proactive risk management, can be integrated into anti-corruption efforts in a way that fosters a constructive dialogue among industry stakeholders, instead of adopting a confrontational approach.
A comprehensive overview of the key corruption risks and challenges faced by the construction industry was also provided to the interns, emphasising the critical role that professionalism and ethical conduct play in the industry and stressing the fiduciary duties and responsibilities that engineers and other professionals have towards their clients, the public and the industry.
Regarding the training programme designed by the interns, Ir Leung provided constructive feedback on the content, structure, and approach, suggesting ways to make the training more practical, engaging, and relevant for engineers in the construction industry, drawing on his own experiences and lessons learnt in navigating ethical dilemmas and promoting integrity.
Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration among the ICAC, the HKIE, and the construction industry stakeholders to effectively address corruption issues. Ir Leung encouraged the interns to continue building strong relationships and partnerships to drive positive change in the industry and he generously offered to serve as a mentor or resource as they develop their careers.
The interview provided the interns with invaluable insights into, and guidance on, promoting integrity and addressing corruption in the construction industry. By understanding cultural nuances, the NEC framework and its underlying philosophy, the interns gained a deeper appreciation of the complexities involved in this endeavour. It was hoped that the insights offered by Ir Leung will be instrumental in shaping the interns’ training programme and their continued efforts to foster a more transparent, ethical and collaborative industry.
Moreover, with Ir Leung being recognised as a finalist for the Business Leader of the Year award in the NEC Martin Barnes Awards 2024, the commitment of Hong Kong’s construction industry to collaborative and ethical practices has already been demonstrated. This reinforces a culture of integrity and collaboration and underscores the significant potential for further development in this area.
Front row (L to R): Mr Daniel Cheung, Senior Academy Officer (Training & Development) of the ICAC and Ir Tim Leung, Honorary Secretary of the CV Division, Director of Business Development of China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd; Middle row (L to R): Mr Matthew Chu, Mr Wilson Lung, Mr Vincent Cheng, Miss Sharon Lee, Miss Janice Chan; Back row (L to R): Mr Himson Wong, Mr Anthony Tong, Mr Ben Kwok and Mr Angus Sze
The UK Chapter is pleased to have jointly organised two heritage walks in the city of London with the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)’s North Thames Regional Group.
Part 1: Science walk – King's Cross “Knowledge Quarter”
A guided heritage walk around King’s Cross was held on 27 April 2024. Mr Lester Hillman, who has been involved in the development of the area over the past five decades, led and narrated this informative guided walk.
The Saturday morning walk explored fascinating topics such as science, big data, “unicorns”, medical biotech, and key stakeholders like The Francis Crick and Alan Turing Institutes. We also gained insights into future developments in the area.
If you pass by the Francis Crick Institute, you may notice a welcoming sculpture, entitled “Paradigm” which has a stacked, twisting, tapering triangular structural form. Have you wondered how deep is the foundation to support this structure of 14 metres above ground? (Answer: 19 metres below ground)
Lester (with mauve scarf) guiding the heritage walk part 1 on 27 April
“Paradigm” Sculpture outside the Francis Crick Institute
Part 2: Regent’s Canal Towpath Walk
The second heritage walk took participants along the historic Regent’s Canal Towpath on 3 August 2024. The walk was also led by Mr Lester Hilman, who has been involved in the construction of the towpath works five decades ago.
The Regent’s Canal, originally commissioned on 1 August 1820, has a rich history spanning over two centuries. Initially serving as a private dock for barge transportation of construction materials, coal and commercial goods in King’s Cross, the canal played a vital role in the area’s commercial success for nearly 140 years. By the 1960s, however, the area suffered a period of decline and subsequently underwent a series of landuse transformations that continue to shape the landscape today.
Lester guided the participants through the canal area’s evolving vision, marked by intense competition and ambitious planning. Highlights included the construction of the towpath in 1970s, the completion of HS1 (high-speed rail from St. Pancras International to mainland Europe) in 2007, movingin of University of the Arts London in 2011. The adaptive preservation and reuse of Grade II listed structure (namely, gasholder guideframes) into residential, commercial and recreational uses, now known as Gasholder Park, was also featured, along with various redevelopments attracting major tenants like Google, Facebook, Universal Music, and Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD). Additionally, a new onemillion square-foot redevelopment project, currently under construction, aims to provide residential units to support the growing biotech Research and Development (R&D) clusters in the area.
The walk concluded at the towpath near Camden Lock, opposite to the former headquarters of TV-am, famously known as the Breakfast Television Centre or simply “Eggcup House”.
This event was a collaborative effort between the IStructE North Thames Regional Group and our UK Chapter, drawing more than ten enthusiastic participants. At the outset, Lester emphasised the importance of safety, especially concerning the jogging and cyclist traffic along the towpath and the proximity to water. He shared an anecdote about the Mayor of Camden’s accident in 1977, where the Mayor, dressed in his official robes, unexpectedly fell into the canal near the Jubilee Centre!
Regent’s Canal, once busy with barge traffic, has been transformed into various communal, technological, commercial and residential uses
Gasholder Park, with Grade II listed iconic guideframes adaptively reused and preserved into residential, commercial, and recreational spaces
Lester (with red suspenders) guiding at spots of interest along Regent’s Canal Towpath
“Eggcup House” or Breakfast Television Centre, the former Headquarters of TV-am near Camden Lock