Chairman's Message

I am very honoured to be elected as the Chairman of Structural Division for Session 2008/2009, serving over 5,400 Division members. Thanks for the good work and achievement of our Past Chairmen and Committee members. They have fostered a supportive working culture and laid down a firm foundation for further development.

Subsequent to the 512 Sichuan Earthquake and in response to the requests from Hong Kong engineers for technical talks to enhance their knowledge on seismic engineering, in particular for those who would like to contribute as volunteers in the coming reconstruction works, we have organised a series of activities on earthquake related topics, including a half-day workshop on 512 Sichuan Earthquake: Field Investigation and Re-construction Strategies of the Stricken Areas held on 30 August 2008.

Apart from our participation in the HKIE Task Force on 512 Earthquake Relief, we have also been actively involved in the HKIE 512 Reconstruction Task Force. Volunteers are required to carry out on-site assessments and to review the school re-construction works together with other non-governmental organisations. It is expected that the task will last for a few years.

We shall continue to organise a wide spectrum of technical activities on topics of common interests and to invite distinguished speakers from local and overseas. The Annual Seminar to be held in May 2009 will be the highlight.

We shall continue to work closely with other Divisions/Committees, professional and academic bodies/institutions to organise joint seminars and functions on subjects of common interests.

The Special Awards organised by the Division since 1999 has been an important event in promoting excellence in structural engineering and achievements by structural engineers. We have also included a Special Award for China Projects since 2005 in recognition of the significant contributions of our structural engineers to China projects.

The Concrete Code Handbook published by the Division in 2006 has been a success and is well received by the industry. We are currently drafting other explanatory handbooks to the new Structural Codes on demolition, pre-cast concrete construction, structural steel and foundation.

On the Reciprocal Recognition Agreement between the HKIE and the National Administration Board of Engineering Registration (Structural) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, a reciprocal recognition assessment was held in Guangzhou on 18-22 September 2008.

It will be an exciting year ahead and I sincerely appeal to your continuous support in promoting our Division and the profession. Feedbacks are welcomed to facilitate us to better serve our members.

Ir CHAN Siu Tack
Chairman, Structural Division

Session 2008/2009