The journey of being the HKIE President’s Protégés in Session 2024/2025 proved a highly fruitful and wonderful experience, and we would like to express sincere gratitude to President Ir Eric Ma for his mentorship and unwavering support throughout the past year.

Through this journey, we gained invaluable insights into the inner workings of the HKIE, insights which have enriched our understanding of industry standards, governance, and strategic initiatives. We also had numerous opportunities to engage in a diverse array of activities. These experiences have significantly broadened our horizons within the engineering field, making up a transformative journey that encourages our continuous learning, innovation, and engagement within the engineering community.

To embrace the Presidential Theme of the Session, “Grow the Nexus, Link the Links”, we initiated diverse events which aim to serve as super-connectors to foster rapport in the community. We contributed to the HKIE School Ambassadors Programme to build bridges with secondary schools, cultivating new generations of engineering talents. We also collaborated with The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)’s Future Leaders (their equivalent to our Protégés) for an AI applications conference to foster knowledge exchange and industry insight.

Time flies and we reflect on our journey with gratitude and enthusiasm for the future. Although this chapter ends, we will not stop here. Our commitment to support the HKIE remains steadfast, and we look forward to exploring new chapters of our journey together. We welcome you in joining this journey with our crew, fostering growth and collaboration. Let’s move forward to the exciting adventures ahead!

Below are our personal experiences of being President’s Protégés over the past year.

Miss Anthea CHAN Chi Chai

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for having been selected as one of the Protégés this year. It was such an honour to have the opportunity to work with President Ir Eric Ma and my fellow Protégés. Throughout this year, I have had the golden opportunity to shadow Ir Eric Ma in various meetings and official events, grasping every opportunity to learn from the very best.

Empowered by our Sessional Theme “Grow the Nexus, Link the Links”, I cherished the opportunity to join the Presidential Visit to the United Kingdom, in which I had the chance to expand my network and meet like-minded young engineers from abroad. Thanks to this opportunity, we leveraged these connections to organise an international technical seminar with respected professionals in the engineering industry.

Lastly, I sincerely thank my fellow Protégés for their support and encouragement throughout this journey. I look forward to seeing the impact we will make as we grow and contribute to the engineering field and beyond.

Mr Carson CHAN Chun Hei

It was a tremendous honour to be selected as one of the Protégés and to serve the HKIE alongside President Ir Eric Ma, a sensational and seasoned visionary. This year’s Presidential Theme - “Grow the Nexus, Link the Links” also resembles my memorable experience in this Scheme. From attending official events and meetings to trying out things I never thought I would ever do, it has brought me prestigious opportunities to broaden my horizons and expand my network across various engineering disciplines.

Seizing the opportunity, I joined the Presidential Visit to the United Kingdom to learn from Ir Eric Ma and the delegation to share the bright colours of engineering in Hong Kong on the global stage. I met equally like-minded young engineers and served as the emcee of the Joint International Conference held at the Headquarters of The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Working alongside my fellow Protégés, who are equally devoted and passionate, has been a gratifying experience. Altogether, this Scheme gives me more than I could ever have asked for, and I am proud to be a part of this incredible ride.

Ir Nicky CHAN Pak Yin

I am extremely grateful to have been chosen as one of the Protégés this year, and it was a great honour to work alongside President Ir Eric Ma and my fellow Protégés. Over the course of this year, I had the valuable opportunity to shadow the President, Senior Vice President, and other Executives in various meetings and official events, which allowed me to broaden my perspective and expand my network.

I had the chance to undertake the role of Master of Ceremonies for the HKIE Media Gathering, and engage in the Task Force for The HKIE 50th Anniversary Legacy Award, where I had worked meticulously with the other Task Force members in the prior months leading to the HKIE Grand 50th Annual Dinner. Ultimately, the Legacy Award was a fruitful and memorable event for the engineering industry in Hong Kong.

In addition to these experiences, I also played a role with all fellow Protégés in coordinating events in synergy with the Presidential Theme – “Grow the Nexus, Link the Links”. These programmes strived to Link the Youth, Link the Professionals, and Link the World, including introducing students to the various career paths available to engineers, as well as collaboration with other engineering organisations, locally and internationally.

Overall, my time as a Protégé has been an amazing and fulfilling experience, and I am deeply grateful for the guidance of the President. I am excited to face new challenges and opportunities as a young engineer, and to continue to be proud of my profession. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the HKIE, because the end of this year's Protégé Session only marks a new beginning for me.

Mr Brown CHENG Kam Leung

Participating in the HKIE President’s Protégé Scheme has been a transformative experience for me. Under the mentorship of President Ir Eric Ma, I gained invaluable insights into the engineering profession and its impact on society. A highlight was the delegation to Beijing, which provided a unique perspective on international engineering practices and collaboration. Engaging in various activities, from public outreach to collaborative projects with fellow Protégés, enhanced my skills and broadened my professional network. This journey has deepened my pride in being an engineer and reinforced my commitment to contributing positively to our community.

Miss Leona LAI Long Ching

I am deeply honoured to have served as one of the President’s Protégés for Session 2024/2025 . Shadowing Ir Eric Ma provided invaluable exposure to institutional activities and official events, enriching my understanding of the operations of the Institution through Council, Executive, and Board meetings. Collaborating with fellow Protégés and young engineers from various disciplines broadened my perspective and inspired my career aspirations. Their shared experiences deepened my appreciation for the engineering profession. I sincerely thank Ir Eric Ma and all Officers for their guidance and support, and I remain committed to contributing to the Institution and the wider community.

Mr Adrian MAN Hoa Ming

It has been a tremendous honour to serve as a Protégé in the HKIE President’s Protégé Scheme 2024/2025 under the inspiring guidance of President Ir Eric Ma. This journey has been deeply rewarding, providing opportunities to shadow the President, engage in impactful initiatives, and collaborate with talented peers. Observing meetings of the Institution enriched my understanding of the engineering profession and its critical role in society. Participating in media events, project initiatives, and banquets enhanced my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. This invaluable experience has strengthened my dedication to advancing the engineering industry and contributing meaningfully to society.

Mr Jerry NG Chun Hei

It is my great honour to be selected once again as one of the HKIE President’s Protégés for Session 2024/2025. Building on the transformative journey I experienced last year, I continue to grow into a more mature, resilient, and visionary engineer.

Over the past year, I had the privilege of joining the Presidential Visit to the UK, where I gained valuable international perspectives and witnessed the global impact of engineering leadership. I also co-organised the pioneering collaborative webinar with the ICE President’s Future Leaders, which explored the applications of AI in engineering. These experiences embodied the spirit of this year’s Presidential Theme by fostering cross-boundary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation across disciplines and geographies.

I am especially thankful to Ir Eric Ma for his unwavering support, guidance, and generosity with his time throughout the past year. His mentorship has left a lasting impact on me, not only in shaping my professional mindset but also in helping me understand the true essence of leadership. One key reflection I carry forward, inspired by him, is that no matter how good your technical skills are, non-technical skills are still an integral part of project delivery—without them, a project can never truly be completed. I am deeply grateful for all that I have learnt under his leadership and will carry these lessons with me as I continue my journey in the engineering industry.

Ms Winky POON Wing Lam

A heartfelt thank you to our President Ir Eric Ma for guiding the Protégés along the way and giving us vast opportunities to thrive, not only in the engineering industry but empowering us to grow in a multifaceted way.

Over the year, I have been the emcee for some of the Institution’s events - one of the highlights being the HKIE Grand 50th Annual Dinner, where I hosted the Presentation Ceremony of the HKIE 50th Anniversary Legacy Award that recognised outstanding projects with a lasting impact on Hong Kong. Being one of the delegation members in the Presidential Visit to Australia, I connected with bright industry leaders and was constantly inspired by thought-provoking sharing.

The most invaluable takeaway was to work alongside my fellow Protégés to strive towards a common goal - shaping a better society and cultivating engineering talent. I wish us all a prosperous future!

Mr Roger PANG Hing Wa

As one of the President’s Protégés for Session 2024/2025, I have gained invaluable insights and leadership experience within the engineering community through various esteemed roles. Among my responsibilities, I had the honour of participating in the Task Force for the HKIE 50th Anniversary Legacy Award and serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the HKIE Grand 50th Annual Dinner cum Legacy Award Presentation Ceremony. These involvements have refined my public speaking and organisational capabilities, while also facilitating direct interactions with prominent leaders in the engineering field.

In addition to the valuable experiences I have acquired through external affairs, I had the opportunity to attend various internal meetings at the Institution as an observer. This role significantly deepened my understanding of the organisation’s rulings and constitution. I was particularly pleased to witness the incubation of new measures aimed at streamlining the process of professional assessment, which is of critical importance for the engineering professions within the Institution. Such initiatives not only enhance efficiency but also ensure the upholding of professional standards.

My journey working alongside President Ir Eric Ma and my fellow Protégés has been both rewarding and enlightening. I am wholeheartedly grateful for the opportunities to support Ir Ma and eagerly anticipate the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as a young engineer, proud to represent my profession and contribute to its growth. I look forward to continuing my contributions to both the institution and the engineering sector, furthering the Presidential Theme to “Grow the Nexus, Link the Links”.

Mr Harry WONG Yat Hin

Throughout my journey as one of the President’s Protégés for Session 2024/2025, I have gained profound insights into the Institution and experienced significant personal growth by closely shadowing President Ir Eric Ma, guided by his Presidential Theme, “Grow the Nexus, Link the Links”.

Under the mentorship of the President, I have benefited from various practical training opportunities. Serving as an emcee for several events of the Institution has notably refined my soft skills, particularly in communication and public speaking. Additionally, initiating and hosting webinars and school sharing sessions with younger generations has allowed me to inspire future engineers and effectively advocate for our profession. Dedicated media training further equipped me with essential skills to professionally manage press interactions during the HKIE Media Gathering.

My experience was further enriched by the unparalleled opportunity to attend key Institutional meetings, including Council, Executive, and Board meetings, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of leadership and governance within professional institutions. Shadowing President Ir Eric Ma during major events such as the HKIE Grand 50th Annual Dinner, the Presidential Address / Dinner for Session 2024/2025, and other distinguished ceremonies offered invaluable lessons in leadership and professional etiquette.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to President Ir Eric Ma for his generous mentorship and continuous support throughout this remarkable journey.

Mr YAU Ka Yu

Reflecting on my journey as the HKIE President’s Protégé for Session 2024/2025, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching and challenging experiences, especially leading my fellow Protégés as a coordinator.

Shadowing President Ir Eric Ma has provided invaluable opportunities to participate in prestigious events in person like the Presidential Visit to the United Kingdom and Media Gathering, which have enriched my understanding of the engineering profession and its societal impact.

Additionally, I was also privileged to contribute as an emcee at significant events, such as the Presidential Address / Dinner for Session 2024/2025, and taking the initiatives to get involved in the new modules for the HKIE School Ambassadors Programme to promote engineering and give inspirations among secondary school students.

I am thankful for the mentorship from President Ir Eric Ma, Senior Vice President Ir Alice Chow, Chief Executive and Secretary Ir Prof Alfred Sit and the Officers, and excited to continue my contributions of linking the links for the Institution in the future.

Miss Keely YIP Ning

It has been an extraordinary honour to serve as a Protégé under the distinguished leadership of President Ir Eric Ma. Collaborating with like-minded young engineers who share this passion has been an immensely rewarding experience.

During my Protégé year, I had numerous opportunities to connect with the industry and learnt from various experiences, such as hosting career development sessions, serving as an emcee for several prestigious ceremonies of the Institution, and participating in overseas delegations. These missions offered me valuable insights into sustainable practices, the importance of collaboration across borders, and the diverse challenges faced by the engineering community. Engaging with industry professionals and fellow participants broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the impact of engineering on society.

The opportunity to contribute to the Institution’s international engagements while developing my leadership skills has been truly unparalleled. As I move forward in my career, I carry with me the invaluable lessons learned during this remarkable Protégé year.

List of events or organised by the PPS 2024/2025

• Protégés Club Mingling Event (20 August 2024)

• 香港工程師學會2024高端人才北京交流團 (25 – 28 August 2024)

• HKIE Media Gathering for Session 2024/2025 (9 September 2024)

• The Presidential Address / Dinner for Session 2024/2025 (13 September 2024)

• 「大灣區科技考察技術交流團」暨「二○二四年第三屆大灣區科技 友誼盃足球邀請賽」(28 - 29 September 2024)

• The HKIE Presidential Visit to the UK 2024 (2 – 7 November 2024)

• 首批通過粵港澳大灣區職稱評價 工程專業人才慶祝典禮 (12 November 2024)

• Launch of “Engineered for Sustainability: Hong Kong’s Contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals” (19 November 2024)

• PPC On Air - Episode 1: Chit-chat with HKIE President (28 November 2024)

• President’s Protégés Club Team Building Camp (30 November – 1 December 2024)

• The HKIE Prize Presentation Ceremony cum New Members' Reception (11 January 2025)

• The HKIE President’s Protégés Club Annual Dinner 2025 (21 February 2025)

• 寶安商會王少清中學四十五週年「跨界別持份者 ─ 職業分享會」 (8 March 2025) (as speakers)

• 「工程師2025兩會精神」分享會 (22 March 2025) • PPS Podcast Episode 1 (29 March 2025) (as organiser)

• HKIE x ICE: Joint webinar on AI application in engineering (2 April 2025) (as organiser)

• The HKIE Grand 50th Annual Dinner (3 April 2025)

• Experience Sharing in Fanling Kau Yan College (26 April 2025) (as organiser and speakers)

• PPS Podcast Episode 2 (26 April 2025) (as organiser)

• The HKIE Presidential Visit to Australia (4 – 7 May 2025)

• HKIE PPC - Chit-chat with SVP (28 May 2025) (as speakers)

• The HKIE New Members’ Reception (7 June 2025)

• HKIE Webinar: Engineering Excellence Behind New Railway Lines - Railway Planning & Track Systems in Hong Kong (11 June 2025)

• Executive Meetings (August 2024 – April 2025) • Council Meetings (July 2024 – May 2025)

• Learned Society Board, Administration Board and Qualification & Membership Board Meetings (August 2024 – April 2025)

• President’s Protégés Club Monthly Meetings (August 2024 – April 2025)

• Task Force for the HKIE 50th Anniversary Legacy Award 2025 Meetings

• Task Force on Communal Sports and Social Service Meetings (Session 2024/2025)

The Protégés at the HKIE Grand 50th Annual Dinner

The Protégés during President’s Protégé Scheme podcast recording