Submitted the proposal regarding the Policy Address / Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan to the Chief Executive
In August, I submitted a proposal to the CE regarding the 2026 Policy Address / Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan. The proposal focuses on policy measures across multiple areas, including boosting economic development, infrastructure, and people's livelihoods. I urged the Government to increase the scale of infrastructure investment to approximately HK$150 billion per year to stimulate the economy; to take forward the Northern Metropolis Highway and Route 11 especially the Tsing Lung Bridge; to promote a Five-Year Older Infrastructure Replacement/Rehabilitation Plan; to study the feasibility of a fourth cross-harbour tunnel, and to consider expanding the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station in the medium term. I am pleased that Policy Address announced on 16 Sep accepted part of my recommendations and committed to taking forward the NM Highway and Tsing Lung Bridge project at the southern end of Route 11, as well as repairing ageing water mains within five years. CE also accepted my suggestions on optimising the civil service appraisal mechanism to promote clear rewards and penalties. I am glad that the Policy Address proposes nurturing more construction technology talent and technical professionals, and promoting digital education and STEAM education. I will continue to push for the effective implementation of other recommendations.
Released report on “Core Indicators and Implementation Recommendations for Hong Kong's Five-Year Economic Development Plan”
On 12 August, together with other LegCo members, I released a report on Hong Kong's Five-Year Economic Development Plan, in which I put forward a set of concrete recommendations. First, I urge the Government to increase annual infrastructure investment to HK$150 billion within five years to energise the economy and sustain the construction sector. Second, I call on the Government to proceed with Route 11 and the Tsing Lung Bridge—the key north south link between the Northern Metropolis and Victoria Harbour—with construction to begin in 2027 28, and to explore a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for delivery. In addition, I propose a dedicated five year funding programme to repair aging infrastructure. This includes the replacement of water mains over 50 years old, as well as deep refurbishment of tunnels, flyovers, and major roadways across the territory.
LegCo Members visited Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area
On 1 August, together with members of the LegCo Panel on Security and other Members, I visited the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area to learn about the latest preparatory work prior to its opening, including facilities operations and clearance arrangements. Adopting the co-location arrangement and the novel “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode, the overall clearance time will be significantly reduced from 30 minutes to approximately five minutes.
Young engineers visited LegCo for sector-wide policy exchange
On 29 August, young engineers from major consultancies including AECOM, Arup, AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, Meinhardt and WSP visited LegCo for a dialogue with me. The discussion focused on how to accelerate Category D projects, harmonise national and international standards, prepare for GBA professional qualification recognition, and embed a facilitator and trial-and-error mindset within government approval processes, etc. I look forward to more opportunities in the future to exchange ideas with young engineers and jointly drive the development of the engineering profession.
Received engineering professionals at the LegCo
On 22 August, I received members of the China (Hong Kong) Association of Architects and Engineers (CHAAE) and the HKIE Civil Division at the Legislative Complex. We discussed Mainland–Hong Kong engineering standards alignment, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, as well as the young engineers, etc. With the Northern Metropolis and major infrastructure projects rolling out, collaboration between professional talent from both places will broaden. The exchanges gave me a more direct understanding of frontline engineers' experience and concerns, helping me reflect the industry's aspirations in the Council.
