“Career as an Engineer”

As a civil engineer with 60 years of professional service, I am a Fellow Member of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), a Fellow of The Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences and was appointed Honorary Professor by The University of Hong Kong. In 2008, I was awarded The HKIE Gold Medal and subsequently became an inductee in The HKIE Hall of Fame 2015 that honours distinguished members whose outstanding achievements have made an exemplary contribution to the Institution, the engineering profession and the wider community. I was also included in the InnoTech Expo 2016 as one of the Celebrated Scientists in Hong Kong.

I grew up in the Pearl River Delta during the war. I had a difficult upbringing and opportunities for education could not be taken for granted. I graduated from St Paul’s Co-educational College in 1951, and won a government Scholarship to study in the Department of Engineering at The University of Hong Kong. Inspired by Dr SUN Yat Sen’s book, “Infrastructure Planning in China”, I chose civil engineering as my career and I have never regretted it. The up-graded, 4-year course had a rigorous selection process, only seven out of dozens of course-mates were able to pass straight though. I graduated with first class honours. The course was first recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers in the UK in 1955.

During my 40 years of service with the Government, I first worked on the construction of the Tai Lam Chung dams, and then later for the Public Works Department. Back in those days, the Hong Kong Government was trying to improve the city’s out of date infrastructure and promoted a visit to Western Europe to introduce modern technology that might be appropriate. In an attempt to put theory into practice, I successfully implemented some new creative ideas, such as pre-stressed concrete bridge construction for the Hong Kong Waterfront Road, a double deck rail road for the aerodynamic design of the Tsing Ma Bridge, the Chek Lap Kok Airport Feasibility Study, marine sand reclamation, accelerated filling consolidation, and I applied the above techniques extensively on new town development and reclamation works in Victoria Harbour. The use of structure, wind tunnel and harbour modelling tests helped me to substantiate technology ideas. I also promoted environmentally friendly new town development plans that encompassed community facilities such as housing, schools, hospitals and recreational facilities for Sha Tin and other new towns that helped to improve the living conditions for three million people.

I managed a wide spectrum of areas including finance, human affairs, legal matters, politics and public relations while serving as the former Head of The Civil Engineering Office and then as the former Director of the Territory Development Department. Throughout my career, I have always been keen on sharing my experience through training, conferences and publications in local and international journals. My book “My Life as an Engineer – 50 years of Infrastructure Development in Hong Kong” was 200,000 words in Chinese and was published by The Hong Kong University Press.

Even after retirement, I continued to participate in numerous academic and community services. I was also a former Hong Kong Affairs Adviser and former President of The Hong Kong Senior Government Officers Association. The HKIE also invited me to participate in the TV series “Hong Kong Engineering and Dreams” with on-site narration of my path towards my engineering dream.

When making a career decision, one should focus on one’s interests and character. The engineering profession has a large variety of works that are both challenging and inspiring. A young graduate can choose to work with the government, consultants or contractors. Outside of work, continuous professional development is necessary to keep abreast of the latest knowledge and advanced technology and to familiarise oneself with other related areas. Hong Kong has offered wonderful opportunities in the past for engineers, and will continue to offer more opportunities in the future.