1st Prize Winner – Mr Ivan W H Ip

Keep learning, keep growing

In the current fast-paced and dynamic digital age, the endless possibilities of the digital world steered me towards the realm of electronics. This interest became the driving force behind my decision to study electronics engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Upon completing my Bachelor’s studies, I continued my engineering journey as a graduate trainee to undergo the HKIE Scheme “A” Graduate Training at The Hongkong Electric Co Ltd., also known as HK Electric.

During the immersive two-year training period, I underwent rotations across various departments such as Technical Services, Constructions and Maintenance, Operations, and Customer Services. These diverse experiences played a crucial role in enriching my technical understanding in areas like power network design, control systems structure, and engineering safety protocols. The hands-on exposure provided during the training allowed me to grasp the entirety of the power system, spanning a wide range of knowledge from intricate back-end design to frontline operations. Beyond technical expertise, collaborating with seasoned professionals enhanced my soft skills, including interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities.

These two years of training not only broadened my electronics knowledge but also afforded me the chance to delve into different domains. For instance, I have been engaged in innovative projects and have undertaken the responsibility of addressing cybersecurity concerns within HK Electric.

Upon completing the training, I transitioned into the role of an engineer in the Communication Section of the Technical Services Department, which oversees the power system communication network. Our primary objective is to uphold a reliable backbone network for the power infrastructure and ensure optimal power delivery to the general public.

While my organisation has been conducive to my professional development, engaging with the HKIE community has been instrumental in my learning and growth. In 2023, I participated in the HKIE President’s Protégé Scheme, shadowing the then President and gaining valuable insights into the global engineering industry. This experience deepened my understanding of the interplay between engineering and the public. Interacting with peers in the Institution has provided me with insights across various engineering disciplines, which broadened my horizon and reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful societal contribution as an engineer.

The award not only serves as a recognition of my work in the two-year HKIE Scheme “A” Graduate Training, but also motivates me to strive for excellence in my future engineering career.

I am grateful to HK Electric for offering the well-structured Graduate Trainee programme, and I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Ir Wilson Kwok, the Head of Technical Services; Ir Thomas Choong, my engineering supervisor; and Ir Raymond Wong, my training tutor, for their mentorship and support throughout the training period.

Portrait for the HKIE President’s Protégé Scheme 2023/2024

2nd Prize Winner – Miss Venus M T Chan

Stay focused, stay driven

Upon completing my master’s degree in Soil Mechanics with Environmental Geotechnics at Imperial College London, I embarked on my engineering journey at AtkinsRéalis as a Graduate Engineer. The thorough HKIE Scheme “A” Graduate Training equipped me with a strong foundation in both project management and the technical aspects of tunnel and geotechnical engineering. Working on a wide range of complex infrastructure projects enabled me to not only strengthen my engineering expertise but also develop key soft skills, including coordination, problem-solving, and creativity.

The award is an honour, recognition, and a source of encouragement. I am deeply grateful to Ir Wing Law, Chief Executive Officer (Asia) of AtkinsRéalis, for his unwavering support in fostering the personal growth of young engineers within the company and encouraging active involvement in the broader engineering community. I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ir Vincent Chung, my engineering supervisor, Ir Louis Ho and Ir Bryan Chok, my training tutors, and my colleagues from the geotechnical department for their guidance and encouragement throughout my training.

Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ir Dr Barry Lee, the Institution’s Immediate Past President, for selecting me as one of his President’s Protégés. This experience has allowed me to explore the engineering industry beyond my professional realm.

Being presented with Trainee of the Year Award 2024 by President Ir Eric Ma (2nd left), accompanied by Ir Wing Law (2nd right), Chief Executive Officer (Asia) of AtkinsRéalis,
Ir C K Fung (1st right), Senior Technical Director of AtkinsRéalis,
Ir Vincent Chung (1st left), Technical Director of AtkinsRéalis

3rd Prize Winner – Mr Rick C H Law

Learning the ropes, paving the way

After graduating from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Hong Kong, I am grateful to have gained the priceless opportunity to undertake the HKIE Scheme “A” Graduate Training as meticulously structured by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of the HKSAR Government. This graduate training sets the foundation for me to attain my professional qualification.

Rotating across various divisions in EMSD, I was equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of unique engineering systems, not limited to cremation system, filtration plant and pneumatic system. The Scheme “A” Graduate Training also thoroughly enabled me to develop essential soft skills including interpersonal communication and project management capability.

The conferral of this award serves as a meaningful recognition of the training provided by EMSD and my accomplishments during the two-year programme. It also motivates me to continue striving for excellence and serving the public in the future. I am particularly indebted to EMSD for offering such an exemplary and enriching training programme and to Ir William Shum, engineering supervisor and Ir Thomas Cheung, training tutor, for their unwavering support and insightful guidance throughout the entirety of my training tenure.

Working with young engineers in the Municipal Sector Division of EMSD