Chairman's Message

It is my great pleasure to be elected as the Chairman of the Building Division for Session 2007/2008. My predecessors had paid tremendous effort on the development and promotion of the Building Division, thus laying the corner stone for future development. The chronicle of successfully organised events for the continuous growth of the Building Division is testament to this fact. As the new Chairman of the Division, I will try my best to continue my predecessors' legacy for the benefit of the Members of Building Division as well as for the Members of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE).

In the coming Session, we shall continue to keep close contacts with other divisions, professional and academic bodies/institutions to organise joint seminars, conferences and compatible activities on subjects relating to the Building Engineering and Construction Industry.

For insights on the innovation of Building Design and Construction Development, luminaries will be invited to be guest speakers, particularly in the Building Division Annual Seminar normally scheduled in March. Division Members participating in organising Division activities is of paramount importance for the growth of the Division and therefore greater focus and support will be made through organising technical activities corresponding to the Building and Construction Industry and the needs of Building Engineers. The distinctive roles that Building Engineers are making positive contributions to the Building Industry can thus be easily recognised. Interactions and activities are specifically organised for the Building Engineering Graduates/Students. The HKIE Building Engineering Scheme 'A' Training providers will be well supported by HKIE Building Discipline Advisory Panel to further understand the need of Building Engineers in the industry.

Training on Communication Skills in Engineering and Society will be arranged with the HKIE Toastmasters Club. As in the past, a wide range of activities including numerous evening CPD seminars, Technical visits (normally on Saturdays), training workshops, Easter China delegation visit, joint seminars/conferences, the 7th Annual Seminar in March 2008, Fellowship Dinners, Annual Dinner, Annual General Meeting and other activities will be organised in the coming session. The Quality Building Award 2008, comprising eleven professional institutions/bodies in the Organising Committee is currently under preparation. A Technical Visit to the Malaysia Institution of Engineers (Sabah Branch) was undertaken at the end of June 2007. The Building Division Representatives were interviewed and their views were published in South China Morning Post in late July, 2007.

We have another exciting Year ahead and I sincerely invite your support in joining the Building Division, participating in our activities, seeking your input and providing your views for further improvement. I will continuously strive for excellence in the Session to come.

Ir Charles LEUNG Yu Wah
Chairman, Building Division
Session 2007/2008