As we approach the Chinese New Year, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest wishes to all members for good health, happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Horse. This festive season offers a timely moment for reflection and renewal, and for reaffirming our shared commitment to advancing the engineering profession in service of society. With unity of purpose and professional resolve, I am confident that our community will continue to rise to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
I am pleased to share that several anniversary activities will proceed in the months ahead. The “Together We Rise” Carnival is scheduled for 14–15 March, while the Beijing Exhibition will take place in April, with the opening ceremony tentatively planned for 20 April. In parallel, commemorative anniversary merchandise is being rolled out. Together, these initiatives represent not only celebration, but also resilience, unity and the enduring spirit of the engineering profession. Members are encouraged to stay connected for further updates.
January was marked by a meaningful gathering at the HKIE Prize Presentation Ceremony cum New Members’ Reception held on 17 January 2026. The event brought together around 400 newly admitted members, award recipients and guests to recognise professional milestones and academic excellence. Longstanding dedication was acknowledged through the honouring of members with 50 years of continuous membership, while membership certificates were conferred on new Fellows, Adjunct Fellows, Members and Associate Members. The presentation of scholarships, student prizes and the Trainee of the Year Award further highlighted the depth and diversity of talent within the Institution.
Innovation and entrepreneurship were further showcased at the “Enginpreneurs Connect: Showcase & Strategy Gathering – Engineering Innovation in Action” held on 19 January. Bringing together around 60 participants from the engineering and innovation communities, the event explored how engineers can be supported and empowered to pave their path towards entrepreneurship as enginpreneurs. Seven Enginpreneur teams presented solutions spanning sustainable buildings, AI applications, VR-enabled BIM training and advanced materials. The exchange underscored the growing industry readiness to support this transition through collaboration, proof-of-concept trials and structured development pathways.
School engagement remains a strategic priority for HKIE, as inspiring interest in engineering must begin well before career choices are made. Through closer collaboration with primary and secondary schools, teachers and parents, we aim to nurture curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills, while helping young people understand how engineering contributes to society. Looking ahead, HKIE will continue to expand its outreach to schools through structured programmes, talks and experiential activities. A number of initiatives are currently under development to promote STEM literacy and introduce engineering concepts to students at an early stage.
A constructive exchange was held with the newly appointed Legislative Council Member, Ir Hon Aaron Bok, together with the Institution’s Officers, on matters of shared importance. The discussion covered professional development, strategic infrastructure planning and the opportunities presented by emerging technologies. There was a shared recognition of the importance of sustained dialogue and close collaboration in supporting the long-term development of both the engineering profession and the wider industry.
Engagement with public policy remains a core responsibility of HKIE. Earlier in January, the Institution conducted an online consultation to gather members’ views for the HKSAR Government’s 2026–2027 Budget. Valuable insights were received on key areas such as sustainability, innovation and technology, new industrialisation and the low-altitude economy. These professional perspectives will inform HKIE’s submission and contribute constructively to policymaking that shapes the long-term development of Hong Kong.
The HKIE also advanced industry best practices through the forum “The Readiness of MiMEP for the Construction Industry”, organised by the Excellence and Standardisation Taskforce on 29 January. The Forum brought together representatives from government, industry and the profession to share practical recommendations covering the full project lifecycle. Emphasis was placed on standardisation, digital integration, quality assurance and site safety, reinforcing HKIE’s role in promoting innovation, productivity and professional excellence.
Looking forward, the Institution is progressing steadily with its Three-Year Rolling Strategic Plan for 2026/2027 to 2028/2029. The Plan provides both continuity and flexibility, enabling HKIE to remain responsive in a rapidly evolving professional landscape while reinforcing its role as a responsible, forwardlooking and globally connected professional body. Further details on the Plan’s strategic priorities, implementation roadmap and member engagement initiatives will be shared in stages in the coming months.
The past year has underscored that engineering excellence is inseparable from public responsibility. The tragic fire incident at Wang Fuk Court profoundly affected the community and called for a measured and responsible response. In solidarity, the Institution cancelled or postponed certain 50th Anniversary celebratory events and established a dedicated Task Force to conduct a professional review. The Task Force is advancing its work diligently and will consolidate recommendations within six months, reinforcing HKIE’s commitment to public safety, professional accountability and continuous improvement.
As we continue into 2026, I look forward to sharing further progress on a number of initiatives, including follow-up work in Tai Po, where school-based engagement and communityfocused engineering activities will continue to support sustainable development and inspire the next generation. Together, through professionalism, collaboration and innovation, we will continue to strengthen the Institution and contribute positively to society.
Vice President Nomination
On the recommendation of the Executive, the Council approved the proposed changes to the Guidelines for Election of Vice President, and the Procedures and Guidelines for Re-election of Vice President, in accordance with the constitutional amendment.
In preparation for the Vice President election for Session 2026/2027, the Council noted the “Procedures and Schedule for Vice President Nomination”. The nomination period for election of Vice President for Session 2026/2027 is from 3 February to 13 March 2026. A Council meeting (Special) will be held on 16 April 2026 for the candidate(s) to make a presentation to the Council Members before the Council finalises its nominations of Vice President for election by Corporate Members on the day of the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Details of the information and the nomination form are available on the Institution’s website at www.hkie.org.hk during the nomination period.
Election of Honorary Fellows
The Council resolved to elect Ir Prof Philip CHAN Ching Ho and Dr Roy CHUNG Chi Ping as Honorary Fellows of the Institution in recognition of their distinguished achievements and contributions to the engineering and the Institution.
Membership fees for 2026/2027
The Council approved the Administration Board’s recommendation to increase the membership fees with the average rate of around 2.4% for 2026/2027.
Financial forecast for financial year 2025/2026 and draft budget for financial year 2026/2027
The Council noted the financial forecast for the financial year 2025/2026 and approved the draft budget for the financial year 2026/2027.
Annual Funding Allocation to YMC
On the recommendation of the Administration Board, the Council approved the proposal on calculating the annual allocation to the YMC and the associated guidelines for monitoring its deliverables, following the earlier approval to automatically designate all HKIE members aged 35 and under as Young Members.
Increasing the age limit of young members in Divisions’ Committee
On the recommendation of the Learned Society Board, the Council approved the proposal to raise the age limit of young members serving on Division Committees (as defined in Clause 7.2(d) of the Division Rules) from 35 to 40 years, and the proposed amendments to the Division Rules.
Unpaid Annual Subscription
The Council resolved to strike off a list of members who have not paid their annual subscriptions for the year 2025/2026 pursuant to Article 13(2) of the Constitution.