Ir Prof Alfred SIT

As Session 2026/2027 gathers momentum, the HKIE continues to advance its work under the Presidential theme “Connect Minds, Empower Tomorrow”. Guided by the strategic directions of Sustainability, Evolution and Engagement, the Institution remains committed to strengthening the role of engineers in society, supporting professional development, deepening local, Chinese Mainland and international exchanges, and contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term progress.

October is a meaningful time for reflection and forward planning. National Day on 1 October reminds us of Hong Kong’s role in national development and its contribution to the country’s high-quality growth. As the Nation prepares for the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong’s engineering profession is well positioned to support key areas such as infrastructure, innovation and technology, green transformation, urban resilience, smart city development and Greater Bay Area collaboration.

With a strong foundation in international standards, professional integrity and multidisciplinary expertise, Hong Kong engineers are able to serve not only the city, but also the Nation and the wider region. The HKIE will continue to provide a professional platform for members to seize new opportunities while upholding the values that have underpinned the profession for decades.

Public advocacy remains a key part of our work. During the period under review, the HKIE engaged members and stakeholders on the Government’s development agenda, including the 2026 Policy Address and longer-term economic and social planning. Drawing on expertise across disciplines, the Institution provided views on the Northern Metropolis, innovation and technology, new industrialisation, sustainable finance, carbon management, smart construction, urban resilience, talent development and Greater Bay Area cooperation.

In these submissions and exchanges, the Institution emphasised that strategic planning must be translated into deliverable projects and measurable outcomes. Engineers have an important role in planning, procurement, project delivery, verification and review. The HKIE also highlighted the need to accelerate green and low-carbon transformation, promote wider technology adoption, enhance infrastructure resilience, and create clearer pathways for young engineering talent. Through constructive and evidence-based input, the Institution will continue to support policies that advance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and quality of life.

Engagement with the Chinese Mainland and the Greater Bay Area remains a priority. Preparations are progressing for the 5th Greater Bay Area Engineers Forum, to be held on 21 and 22 November 2026. The Forum will provide a platform for professional exchange, mutual understanding and regional cooperation, enabling Hong Kong engineers to contribute further to Greater Bay Area development. Members are encouraged to stay tuned for HKIE announcements and take part in this important event.

In support of Greater Bay Area professional standards, the Council Chairmen’s Meeting of the Greater Bay Area Federation of Engineering Organisations (GFEO) ( 粵港澳大灣區工程師聯合體理事長會議) and a progress meeting on engineering capability assessment standards were held in Shenzhen on 20 September. Updates were received from the artificial intelligence, civil engineering and electrical engineering working groups. The standards will align with international and Mainland frameworks, with consultation drafts targeted by late November.

Good progress has also been made in recognising professional qualifications and titles in the Chinese Mainland. In 2023, the HKIE signed a Mutual Recognition Framework Agreement with the Guangdong Institution of Engineers（廣東省工程師學會）, followed by supplementary agreements with its associated professional engineering institutions. Under these arrangements, individual members of the HKIE and Guangdong institutions may apply for one another’s membership, while HKIE members may further apply for professional titles（職稱）in Guangdong.

Through this innovative mechanism, HKIE members can apply for professional titles without being employed in the Chinese Mainland. The arrangement has been extended to the Building Services Discipline this year, bringing coverage to nine HKIE Disciplines and 10 professional title professions（職稱專業）. A total of 183 HKIE members were awarded professional titles this year, comprising 53 正高級工程師, 37 高級工程師, 83 工程師 and 10 助理工程師. This encouraging result demonstrates the value of closer professional integration within the Greater Bay Area and creates further opportunities for members to participate in regional development.

On the international front, preparations are underway for the Presidential Visit to the UK from 3 to 8 October 2026. The delegation will meet sister institutions, academic partners and other stakeholders to exchange views on professional training, qualification recognition, engineering education, knowledge transfer and institutional development. These exchanges are important for maintaining the HKIE’s international connectivity and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a professional bridge between the Chinese Mainland and the global engineering community.

The Institution will also strengthen international engagement through participation in the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. Led by President Ir Prof Frank CHAN, the HKIE delegation will exchange views with global stakeholders on climate change, sustainability and carbon neutrality. Members are invited to join the HKIE Cocktail Reception in Antalya on 11 November 2026, which will provide a meaningful platform for engineers, sustainability professionals and distinguished guests to connect. Interested members should refer to the invitation and e-newsletter issued by the Institution and complete registration by 30 October 2026.

Regional collaboration will be further enhanced through the IES60 – HKIE Conference, to be held in Singapore on 26 October 2026. Jointly organised by the HKIE and The Institution of Engineers, Singapore, the Conference will bring together engineering leaders, experts, policymakers and academics to exchange insights on collaborative contracting, innovation, digital transformation, smart construction and sustainable infrastructure. Led by Vice President Ir William LUK, the HKIE delegation will strengthen professional ties with regional partners and explore further opportunities for cooperation.

The Presidential Address, held in late September 2026, provided an important occasion for President Ir Prof Frank CHAN to present his vision for Session 2026/2027. Under the theme “Connect Minds, Empower Tomorrow”, the Address set out the Institution’s priorities across Sustainability, Evolution and Engagement. It also highlighted the profession’s role in supporting Hong Kong’s long-term development, national strategies and regional collaboration. The Address reaffirmed the HKIE’s commitment to upholding professional standards, nurturing young talent, advancing innovation and technology, and promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

Looking ahead, planning has commenced for the 80th Anniversary of the founding of the Hong Kong Engineering Society in 1947, which will be marked in 2027. This milestone will provide an opportunity to honour the Institution’s heritage, recognise the contributions of generations of engineers, and demonstrate how engineering will continue to shape Hong Kong’s future. A commemorative programme of appropriate scale and significance will be developed to engage members, young engineers, students, industry partners and the wider community.

The Institution will continue to support wider public communication. Engineering is closely connected with daily life, public safety, sustainability and long-term development. It is therefore important that professional views are presented clearly, responsibly and constructively. Media engagement will be strengthened through gatherings and exchanges in mid-October to enhance mutual understanding and promote informed public discussion on engineering-related matters. Members are encouraged to communicate with clarity and confidence, and serve as credible ambassadors for the profession.

Young members remain central to the Institution’s future. The Young Members Committee and other member groups continue to organise activities that support professional growth, leadership development, networking and community engagement. These platforms provide young engineers with opportunities to broaden their horizons, contribute fresh ideas and develop a stronger professional identity. The HKIE will continue to nurture young talent and support them in taking up future leadership roles within the profession and community.

In parallel, the Institution continues to promote knowledge sharing and public education through key projects and publications. Initiatives such as the HKIE UNSDGs e-Book and the Building Maintenance Guidebook help demonstrate engineers’ practical contributions to sustainable development, public safety and quality living. These projects also support the HKIE’s objective of enhancing public understanding of engineering and its relevance to the community.

The months ahead will be active and significant for the Institution. Through professional advocacy, Mainland and international engagement, public communication, member development and strategic initiatives, the HKIE will continue to connect expertise and foster collaboration. With members’ support, we will empower the profession to contribute meaningfully to Hong Kong, the Nation and the wider community.