During the past month, the Institution advanced a broad programme of initiatives in support of the Three-Year Strategy Plan for Session 2026/2027. Under the theme “Connect Minds, Empower Tomorrow”, the Session underscores the importance of collective endeavour in driving engineering progress. The complex challenges facing society require collaboration across disciplines, perspectives and areas of expertise, so that more comprehensive, innovative and impactful solutions can be developed. Meaningful progress also depends on drawing together the wisdom of different generations, the experience of different sectors, and the commitment of professionals to continue listening, learning and working together.
This direction is embodied in the Three-Year Strategy Plan, which is structured around three interconnected pillars: Sustainability, Evolution and Engagement. The Plan provides a practical roadmap for institutional development and a timely framework for the profession to respond to Hong Kong’s evolving needs. In an environment shaped by economic transformation, technological advancement and rising public expectations, engineers are called upon not only to deliver technical solutions, but also to exercise sound professional judgement, uphold integrity and serve the community with dedication.
The Institution has continued to contribute to Hong Kong’s policy development. Members’ views and professional insights have been consolidated and reflected in submissions for the forthcoming Policy Address and Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan. The recommendations cover key areas including the Northern Metropolis, artificial intelligence, infrastructure resilience, decarbonisation, manpower and talent development. Through these submissions, the Institution seeks to provide practical, professional and evidence-based advice in support of Hong Kong’s long-term development, the public interest, and the Administration’s policy consideration.
Recent public discussion on the future of Hong Kong’s engineering profession has provided a timely opportunity to consider talent development, career progression and the profession’s long-term contribution to society. While some sectors are experiencing pressure arising from market adjustments and cyclical works demand, such developments should be viewed in proper perspective. Hong Kong remains a dense, complex and highly connected international city, where engineering expertise is indispensable to infrastructure, public safety, city operations, sustainability and quality of life.
As engineers, we have to continue to support Hong Kong’s development while adapting to new opportunities. The profession is expanding beyond traditional works into areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, medical technology, green energy, gerontechnology, smart mobility, advanced manufacturing and data applications. These emerging fields are opening up broader and more diverse pathways for young talent. The Institution will continue to stand with members, support professional development and nurture the next generation of engineers with confidence and commitment.
The soft launch of EngSeeds represents another important step in cultivating interest in engineering from an earlier stage. As its name suggests, EngSeeds aims to plant the seeds of curiosity, understanding and aspiration in young minds, encouraging students to recognise engineering as a meaningful pathway through which they can contribute to society. Supported by the Education Bureau and the Construction Industry Council, the initiative introduces junior secondary students to engineering through visits to projects, facilities and professional practice, helping them appreciate how engineers address real-world problems, improve lives and serve the community.
Young talent was also strongly represented at ABU Robocon 2026, which returned to Hong Kong as host city for the first time since 2012. Held on 23 August at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, the regional competition brought together university teams from across the Asia-Pacific region to demonstrate creativity, technical competence and teamwork. The President attended the event together with members who supported the occasion. As one of the strategic partners, the Institution was pleased to support this meaningful platform for young innovators. Robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are increasingly important to future engineering practice, and events such as Robocon provide valuable opportunities for young people to apply knowledge, test ideas and build confidence through collaboration and competition.
Regional and international engagement also continued to progress. The Hangzhou visit organised by the Learned Society Board for Division Chairmen from 23 to 25 August, led by Vice President Ir T K CHIANG, strengthened ties among Divisions and provided useful insights into Hangzhou’s innovation development through exchanges with enterprises, universities and professional bodies. The visit also reflected the Institution’s continuing efforts to broaden members’ horizons, promote technical collaboration and identify opportunities for future cooperation beyond Hong Kong.
Further Greater Bay Area exchanges will take place in late November in connection with the 5th Greater Bay Area Engineers Forum, with the aim of strengthening professional ties and supporting collaboration across the region. In October, the Presidential Visit to the UK will also be undertaken, with sustainability among the themes of discussion. These exchanges will enable members to learn from counterparts, share Hong Kong’s experience, and explore areas where engineering knowledge and professional practice may contribute to wider development.
Looking ahead, the Presidential Address will be delivered by President Ir Prof Frank CHAN on 11 September, with live streaming available for members to join from anywhere. In keeping with the Institution’s practice, the Address will provide an important occasion for the President to present his vision, priorities and work plan for the Session, and to engage members in the Institution’s shared direction. Under the leadership of President Ir Prof CHAN and the Officers, the Institution will continue to connect minds, nurture talent, advance sustainability, foster collaboration and contribute professional insight to public policy.
Congratulations go to our members for their achievements in fellowship and sporting activities, which continue to strengthen bonds within the Institution. At the “粵港澳同心，乒乓球傳情” Table Tennis League in Nansha, our members achieved encouraging results, while the Dragon Boat Team also attained first runner-up in the Gold Cup category at the 2026 Kwun Tong Promenade Sunshine Dragon Boat Race. These accomplishments reflect the sporting spirit closely shared by engineers — teamwork, discipline, resilience and the pursuit of excellence.
Engineering is not only about building the city; it is closely connected with technology application, public service and social progress. Hong Kong’s long-term development relies on the joint efforts of different professions, and professional engineers will continue to contribute to infrastructure operation, innovation application, city resilience and sustainable development. In response to public concerns, the Institution will maintain a constructive, open and professional dialogue with society, helping the public gain a fuller understanding of the breadth, contribution and long-term value of the engineering profession.
As Chief Executive and Secretary of the Institution, I will lead the Secretariat to fully support members and take forward the Institution’s work. With humility, professionalism and a sincere commitment to service, the Institution, as the only professional engineering body in Hong Kong, will continue to facilitate collaboration, strengthen engagement and support the engineering profession in empowering tomorrow for Hong Kong and beyond.