The engineering profession today stands at a pivotal juncture defined not only by rapid advancement, but by profound structural transformation. National development has entered a new phase anchored in technological upgrading, green transition and system-wide innovation. At the same time, Hong Kong is consolidating its strategic positioning within the overall national development framework. In this evolving landscape, engineers must respond with foresight, professional discipline and an unwavering sense of responsibility—upholding standards while embracing change.
April was a month of purposeful engagement for the Institution across national, regional and international fronts. These efforts demonstrate how professional leadership can remain firmly grounded in integrity and service, while aligning proactively with broader development priorities.
A defining milestone was the successful staging of the ‘HKIE 50th Anniversary “Engineering Legacy @Capital”’ (HKIE 50周年紀念--香港工程傳奇展覽@首都) under the theme “回首輝煌五十載，並肩打造新世代” (Reflecting on Five Decades of Glorious Achievement, Shaping Tomorrow's Engineering Legacy Together*). More than a commemorative celebration, the Exhibition served as a professional declaration of the engineering sector’s enduring contribution
to Hong Kong’s modernisation and urban advancement— honouring five decades of achievement while expressing a collective commitment to shaping the next generation of infrastructure, innovation and sustainable development in alignment with national progress.
Through the presentation of the HKIE 50th Anniversary Legacy Award Winning Projects, we showcased landmark achievements that have shaped Hong Kong’s development trajectory. Spanning strategic railway development, crossboundary transport links, major environmental infrastructure and technologically sophisticated urban engineering systems, these projects represent engineering excellence at its highest level.
Each recognised work reflects technical ingenuity supported by rigorous governance, disciplined project management and an unwavering commitment to public safety and sustainability. Delivered through meticulous planning and adherence to internationally benchmarked standards, these projects demonstrate how Hong Kong engineers consistently execute complex, high-impact infrastructure with professionalism and foresight. They have generated enduring social and economic value, reinforcing the city’s resilience and global competitiveness.
Beyond their scale and complexity, the Legacy Award projects underscore the profession’s dedication to quality assurance throughout the entire project lifecycle—from planning and design to construction, commissioning and long-term asset management. They illustrate how Hong Kong integrates international standards with local expertise to address intricate urban challenges. Collectively, they reaffirm engineering’s central role in building a resilient, connected and forward-looking city, while positioning the profession to contribute confidently to national development and regional integration.
Following the Light-up Ceremony on 2 April announcing the commencement of the Exhibition, the Launching Ceremony was held on 20 April in the presence of Ms Bernadette Linn, JP, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government; 中國科協黨組成員、中國工程師聯合體副理事長兼聯席秘書長羅暉女士 (Ms Luo Hui, member of the leading Party members group of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and Vice President and Joint Secretary General of the Chinese Society of Engineers (CSE)); 中央人民政府駐香港特別行政區聯絡辦公室教育科技部副部長葉水球先生 (Mr YE Shuiqiu, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region); Ir Ricky Lau, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) of the HKSAR Government; 中國科技發展基金會副理事長秦德繼先生 (Mr Qin Deji, Vice President of Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in China);中國科技發展基金會副秘書長朱瑾女士 (Ms Zhu Jin, Deputy Secretary-General of Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in China); and other guests including senior government officials and representatives from professional bodies, academia and industry stakeholders, reflecting broad recognition of HKIE’s contributions to engineering excellence over five decades.
During the exhibition period, thematic talks by Ir Prof CHUNG Kwok Fai and Mr Ding Zhi Cheng and high-level expert forum by Ir Danny Hung, JP; Ir Michael Kwok; Prof Y J Shi; Ir Dr Otton Poon; 李威副教授 (Mr Li Wei); 安明喆教授 (Prof An Mingzhe) and和奔流先生(Mr He Benliu) engaged distinguished guests and Members, providing opportunities to reflect on collaborative achievements while deepening professional dialogue and strengthening cooperation between the engineering communities of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
A short film to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Institution was produced and premiered at the exhibition. The film features insightful conversations between four distinguished veterans—Ir Prof Lau Ching Kwong, Ir James Blake, Ir Dr The Hon Raymond Ho, and Ir Prof Chan Ching Chuen—and two promising young engineers, Ir Derek Yu and Ir Carmen Lam. The film illustrates how engineering has shaped our city, improved lives and connected communities, while highlighting our profession’s enduring values of professionalism, integrity and service.
Students from the Vocational Training Council (VTC) also came and joined the Exhibition, gaining valuable exposure to landmark engineering achievements and drawing inspiration from the profession’s legacy and future development.
To further enhance exchange, the Institution organised the HKIE Leaders’ Delegation (高端人才北京交流團) and the HKIE Division Chairmen / Representatives’ Delegation (分部主席北京考察團) to Beijing during the exhibition period, with delegation members also attending the Launching Ceremony to experience this milestone firsthand. The delegations visited leading professional organisations and scientific institutions to discuss accreditation frameworks, professional mobility and emerging technologies.
In addition, the tours visited key ministries and renowned institutions including the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Tsinghua University. A notable highlight was participation in the Beijing-Hong Kong Engineering & Technology Forum(京港工程科技交流座談會) at the Beijing Association for Science and Technology, during which President Ir Alice Chow signed a cooperation agreement with the Beijing Society of Engineers. This development reinforces HKIE’s role as a professional bridge, facilitating meaningful two-way engagement between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the international engineering community.
In parallel, the Institution continues to shape regionally recognised professional standards. As the main drafting unit of the General Specification for the Assessment of Engineering Competence in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (《粵港澳大灣區工程能力評價通用規範》), officially recognised as a Greater Bay Area Standard since 1 January 2026, HKIE remains committed to empowering members to pursue enhanced professional recognition and contribute to cross-border engineering excellence. Building on the Evaluation Mechanism of Mainland “Professional Title” Qualifications (職稱評價制度) for engineers in Hong Kong and Macau introduced in 2023, the Institution has worked closely with the authorities to extend the coverage to members of different disciplines of the HKIE. This year, 暖通工程 (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and 給水排水工程 (Water Supply and Drainage Engineering) have been newly introduced for members of the Building Services Discipline. A Briefing Session (宣講會), held on 25 April with the guidance of the Development Bureau and 粵港澳大灣區港澳工程專業人才高級職稱評審委員會辦公室 (Office of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Senior Professional Title Evaluation Committee for Hong Kong and Macao Engineering Professionals*), provided useful information to members who plan to apply for “Professional Title” (職稱).
International engagement remains a cornerstone of our long-term strategy. Earlier this month, President Ir Alice Chow visited Canada to meet with professional engineering bodies and industry leaders. The visit strengthened partnerships, explored collaboration in accreditation and innovation, and reaffirmed HKIE’s commitment to sustaining strong global linkages. Maintaining an outward-looking perspective ensures that Hong Kong engineers continue to operate within internationally recognised standards while contributing to global knowledge exchange.
The Institution has also been proactive in preparing members for an increasingly interconnected professional landscape. A Sharing Session on the Spirit of the “Two Sessions” (「兩會精神」分享會) was held on 10 April, featuring Ir Prof Frank Chan, Ir The Hon Michael Lee and Ir Prof Alexander Wai. The session provided valuable insights into national policies and emerging opportunities relevant to the engineering profession.
Closer to home, The HKIE Annual Dinner was held on 17 April, bringing together Members, distinguished guests and leaders from across the profession. The evening provided a meaningful platform for fellowship and professional exchange, further strengthening the bonds within our engineering community.
Preparations are underway for the 51st Annual General Meeting, with Council election arrangements proceeding in accordance with constitutional requirements. Transparent governance and orderly succession remain fundamental to sustaining institutional credibility. Alongside governance strengthening, institutional modernisation continues to advance.
While strengthening external collaboration, the Institution is equally committed to internal advancement. At the end of April, HKIE officially launched its newly digitalised membership and service platform. By integrating membership administration, CPD recording, event registration and communications within a unified digital environment, the platform enhances efficiency, transparency and accessibility. Digitalisation represents not merely a systems upgrade, but a strategic transformation that enables the Institution to operate with greater agility and responsiveness.
Members are encouraged to explore the new platform and experience its enhanced functionality. As we mark the Golden Jubilee of the Institution, we are reminded not only of engineering’s transformative impact on Hong Kong, but also of our responsibility to lead confidently into the next era of development. Engineers must continue to evolve as system integrators and strategic contributors, balancing safety, sustainability, costeffectiveness and long-term societal value. The Institution will advance in step with these demands—strengthening digital capability, deepening regional collaboration, reinforcing international engagement and upholding the highest professional benchmarks.
In a time defined by transformation, steady leadership and collective professionalism are essential. Together, we shall move forward with clarity of purpose and confidence in our shared expertise.
*Chinese version prevails
The President's Protégé Scheme has been very successful and well-received since its launch in Session 2009/2010. Over the years, the Scheme has not only provided an opportunity for young engineers to gain insights into the work of senior industry figures, but also offered a valuable opportunity for them to build a solid foundation for their future career development. The Scheme for Session 2026/2027 will be open for application on 6 May 2026. Please refer to the details on the HKIE website.