An Engineer with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), Ir Mimi Kot Yee Mei has led a range of initiatives spanning smart technologies, climate resilience, and engineering training. Her work reflects a strong commitment to applying engineering solutions that deliver tangible and lasting benefits to society.

A purpose-driven path to engineering

Ir Kot’s interest in engineering was shaped early by strong aptitude for mathematics and physics, combined with a desire to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. She explains, “I did not want to stop at numbers and theories but wanted to apply what I learned to something that people can feel in their daily lives and makes a real difference.”

Receiving the Certificate of Appreciation from the Chief Secretary for Administration for contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Innovative project receiving international recognition at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

This motivation led her to pursue Mechanical and Automation Engineering, where she was drawn to the process of transforming ideas into working systems. “You design it, test it, fix it, and finally it works,” she elaborates, describing the satisfaction of engineering practice.

Her academic path later expanded to Environmental Engineering, reflecting her growing commitment to sustainability. From an early age, she had already been concerned about environmental challenges and sought to contribute beyond individual actions.

Responding to public need in times of crisis

Ir Kot’s early career at EMSD provided a strong grounding in public sector engineering, particularly in managing complex facilities and infrastructure. This experience proved critical during COVID-19, when engineering expertise was required to respond to urgent societal needs.

During the pandemic, she worked across multiple government departments to establish quarantine centres, support mask production, and conduct school ventilation assessments. The scale and urgency of the work required close coordination, flexibility, and a strong sense of shared purpose.

She states that this experience reinforced a fundamental belief: “Engineering is not abstract—it can directly protect lives and benefit communities in times of need.”

Innovating for practical impact

Ir Kot has initiated and led more than ten innovation projects—including IoT-enabled smart flood monitoring, selfdeploying drone system, patented robotic arm—several of which have received international recognition. A strong focus on societal impact underlies her approach, where success is not just evaluated in technical terms, but on broader public benefit.

This perspective is reflected in her work across public health response, climate resilience initiatives, and smart engineering solutions. She emphasises that engineering outcomes must ultimately be adopted, trusted, and beneficial to the community, reinforcing the profession’s responsibility to serve society. Explaining, she says, “I enjoy innovation because it turns academic knowledge into practical solutions… discovering a pain point, exploring ideas, and refining the solution through continuous testing.”

Among her projects, the development of a self-deploying drone system for tower inspection is the most memorable. This project addressed longstanding safety and logistical challenges associated with manual inspections in difficult terrain. The successful implementation of this solution has contributed to safer and more efficient operations. She affirms, “That is why I value work that helps government services become safer, more responsive, and more future-ready.”

Innovative project receiving international recognition at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

Nurturing engineering talent and addressing human needs

Ir Kot is currently involved in developing engineering talent, overseeing training for a large cohort of graduate engineers and technician trainees. She places value on nurturing growth and confidence in young professionals.

She has led efforts to modernise training by incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, and immersive learning tools. These initiatives are designed to ensure that young engineers are equipped with the skills required for future public service and smart city development.

She explains, “My current role in engineering talent development is important to me because I believe that developing people is one of the most sustainable contributions an engineer can make. It gives me the opportunity to help shape their technical growth and professional mindset.”

Delivering a Professional Assessment online sharing session for young engineers

Through her involvement with HKIE, Ir Kot also mentors students and contributes to outreach initiatives aimed at promoting engineering as a profession.

Her broader community service, including support for the elderly and underprivileged youth, reflects a belief that engineering should contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. These experiences reinforce her view that engineering extends beyond infrastructure and technology to address human needs more holistically.

Ir Kot encourages aspiring engineers, especially women, to remain resilient and committed to innovation, while recognising the broader impact of their work on society. She advises, “Treasure the people who support you, be open to asking for advice, and remember to express your gratitude to those who have guided you along the way.”

She wishes to express her sincere gratitude to her supervisors at EMSD—Ir Raymond Poon Kwok Ying, JP; Ir Vincent Chow Hau Keung, JP; Ir Eric Lee Chi Leung; Ir Janet Lam Sze Mei; Ir Ryan Chu Wan Fung and Ir Kevin Ling Chun Fung—for their invaluable mentorship in her professional growth and responsibilities. She is also thankful for the guidance of her Scheme “A” tutor Ir Kenny Wong Wai Chung and her first senior engineer Ir Chan Yiu Hon, JP, who provided her with a strong foundation in her professional development.

Celebrating the successful completion of Scheme “A” engineering graduate training at EMSD

Ir Mimi Kot Yee Mei (R) being presented by President with Young Engineer of the Year Award 2026 at the HKIE Annual Dinner