Before stepping into Session 2025/2026, I would like to share some reflections and updates on recent initiatives that have been shaping the Institution’s developments.
In early May, our President Ir Eric Ma led a delegation of members on a visit to Sydney and Melbourne in Australia. The delegation’s itinerary encompassed exchanges with Engineers Australia, university leaders, and infrastructure experts, as well as networking events with members based in Australia. In all these engagements, we stressed how important it is to sustain strong international ties—not only for professional mobility, but also for the cross-pollination of ideas in engineering education and innovative technologies. Our younger members also took an active role in these conversations, particularly those participating in the YMC Overseas Delegation.
While our external engagements have been far-reaching, just as much effort has been devoted to strengthening the Institution itself. One significant project undertaken by us throughout this Session has been the Governance Review Study, which examined how decisions are made within the Institution and how our structures might evolve to better serve members and respond to the times. The review produced a set of proposals relating to Council operations, election arrangement, and Committee performance—all aimed at enhancing transparency, responsiveness, and professional standards.
Members may wish to note that several of these proposals will be considered at the upcoming Special General Meeting (SGM) to be held on 24 June 2025 at 6 pm, just before the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 7 pm. Motions to be covered include the delegation of Council powers, changes to Vice President election terms, and the introduction of Adjunct Fellow, a new membership category. Corporate Members are encouraged to attend and participate in this important step toward institutional reform.
On a different front, we are also making progress in upgrading the Institution’s digital infrastructure. The redevelopment of our three core websites—covering the main HKIE portal, Division and Committee pages, and the Member Login Area—is approaching their final stage of development. These enhancements are designed to improve usability, streamline content management, and offer a more intuitive experience for all stakeholders.
Separately, I was honoured to serve as Guest of Honour at the launch of the Construction Industry Council’s “Master Classes on Systems Thinking and Digital Leadership” on 7 May. In my remarks, I spoke about the growing complexity of the challenges we face in the engineering profession—from climate resilience to urban renewal— and why a systems mindset, coupled with digital fluency, is essential for navigating these issues. Engineering leaders should seize to reframe their approach and build capacity in these critical areas.
The transition to the next Session will soon be upon us. While leadership at the presidential and Council level changes annually, our collective commitment is to uphold the continuity of the Institution’s strategic goals and operational excellence. I would like to thank all members—and especially our outgoing President—for their unwavering support and contributions over the past year.
We look forward to welcoming you at the SGM and AGM later this month, and to continuing our shared work in the next Session.
Council Election
On 15 May 2025, the Council elected Ir Alice CHOW Kin-tak as the President of the Institution for Session 2025/2026 in accordance with Article 16 of the Constitution.
At its special meeting on 24 April 2025, the Council resolved to nominate Ir William LUK Wai-lam as candidate for election as Vice President on the day of the 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 June 2025. The re-election of incumbent Vice Presidents Ir Prof Frank CHAN Fan and Ir Rupert LEUNG Kwok-yiu will also be conducted on the same day. There are five vacancies for Elected Ordinary Members up for election on the day of the AGM and the nomination will close on 3 June 2025.
Members are invited to attend the AGM and show your support.
Draft agenda for the Special General Meeting
The Council approved the agenda for the Special General Meeting to be held on 24 June 2025.
Proposed Changes to the Reporting Structure of Construction Dispute Resolution Committee (CDRC)
On the recommendation of the Executive, the Council approved the proposal for HKIE to apply as an Adjudicator Nominating Body under the newly enacted Construction Industry Security of Payment Ordinance, and the proposed changes to the reporting structure of CDRC to report directly to the Council instead of to the Learned Society Board (LSB), for the sake of operational effectiveness under this new arrangement.
Proposed Changes on Membership Fee Review Mechanism
On the recommendation of the Administration Board, the Council approved the proposed changes on membership fee review mechanism.
Renewal of Agreement of Co-operation with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) On the recommendation of the LSB, the Council approved the proposed renewal of Agreement of Co-operation with the ICE.
Renewal of Agreement of Co-operation with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
On the recommendation of the LSB, the Council approved the renewal of Agreement of Co-operation with the IET.
Establishment of Agreement of Co-operation with the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM)
On the recommendation of the LSB, the Council approved the Agreement of Co-operation with the IEM.
Standard Template for Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mainland Counterparts
On the recommendation of the LSB, the Council approved the MoU template with Mainland Counterparts, the proposed white-list organisations and the proposed workflow for processing a standard MoU with Mainland counterparts.
Membership of the HKIE Transactions Committee
On the recommendation of the LSB, the Council approved the extension of membership of Ir Dr Square FONG Kwong Fai and Ir Prof Ray SU Kai Leung in the HKIE Transactions Committee for one more year up to Session 2025/2026.
Renaming of “The HKIE Outstanding Paper Award for Young Engineers/ Researchers”
On the recommendation of the LSB, the Council approved the renaming of “The HKIE Outstanding Paper Award for Young Engineers/ Researchers” to “The HKIE International Outstanding Paper Award for Young Engineers/ Researchers” starting from its next edition in 2026.
Additional Changes in the Issuing of HKIE Physical Membership Card for Selected Members
On the recommendation of the LSB, the Council approved the proposal to set 31 August each year as the cut-off date where Members must have their Health & Safety CPD checked by the HKIE before their physical membership cards are issued.
Accreditation Visits to The Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST)
On the recommendation of the Accreditation Board, the Council approved the recommendation to conduct accreditation visit to the programme of Bachelor of Science, including majors in Computer Science and Software Engineering offered by MUST.