Dear members
As we enter the year ahead, I reflect on the important role our profession plays in serving the community. Amid rapid technological and societal change, engineers continue to make a meaningful difference to the well‑being of society. The Institution will continue to support our members, uphold professional excellence and engage closely with stakeholders, working together to contribute to Hong Kong's sustainable future.
Engineering is a profession rooted in practical application. By responding to real‑world challenges, engineers deliver solutions that support societal needs and long‑term sustainable development.
Engaging constructively in public policy is an important part of this responsibility. Earlier this year, through the Institution's platforms for collecting views, members shared valuable insights from across the engineering sector. These views were further reinforced through direct dialogue during the Budget Consultation Sessions organised by the HKSAR Government. Together, the Institution participated actively in the HKSAR Government's 2026–2027 Budget consultation, ensuring that the professional voice of engineers is thoughtfully and clearly reflected in policy discussions shaping Hong Kong's future.
I was also pleased to meet with the newly appointed Legislative Council Member, Ir Hon Aaron Bok, our Past President, to exchange views on matters of shared importance. Our discussion covered professional development, infrastructure planning and the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. We shared a common understanding of the importance of sustained dialogue and close collaboration in supporting the long‑term development of both the profession and the industry. Member participation was encouraging, with a positive level of support reflected through an active voting rate.
In addition, I was delighted to welcome representatives from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) during their visit to Hong Kong earlier this month, which provided a valuable opportunity for professional exchange and further strengthened ties between our institutions.
Recent events have underscored the significant responsibilities borne by engineers. In response to the Tai Po fire incident, the Institution acted promptly to initiate a professional review from an engineering perspective, covering planning, execution and statutory regulatory requirements. Drawing on the collective expertise of our members, the review is developing practical and actionable recommendations to improve safety practices in building maintenance and repair work. The review is progressing steadily, and a consolidated report will be completed within six months, reflecting HKIE’s steadfast commitment to public safety, professional accountability and continuous improvement.
It was also my pleasure to join members at the HKIE Prize Presentation Ceremony cum New Members’ Reception on 17 January 2026. We were delighted to welcome around 400 newly admitted members, award recipients and guests for an afternoon celebrating engineering excellence. Members were honoured for attaining 50 years of continuous membership, while membership certificates were presented to new Adjunct Fellows, Fellows, Members and Associate Members admitted between April and December 2025. The presentation of the HKIE Scholarship, the HKIE Prize for Outstanding Engineering Students 2024/2025 and the Trainee of the Year Award 2025 further highlighted the depth of talent within our community. I extend my warmest congratulations to all new members and awardees, whose dedication and achievements give me great confidence in the future of our profession.
Looking ahead, nurturing the next generation of engineers remains central to our long‑term mission. School engagement continues to be a strategic priority, as interest in engineering must be fostered from an early age. A range of initiatives are being developed to promote STEM literacy and introduce engineering concepts in engaging and accessible ways. Through closer collaboration with schools, teachers and parents, we aim to inspire curiosity, creativity and a deeper understanding of how engineering contributes to society. At the same time, the Institution will continue to engage with universities across the region, working closely with faculty and professional staff to support students and prepare them for meaningful and fulfilling engineering careers.
As we approach the Chinese New Year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families for good health, happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Horse. With unity of purpose and professional resolve, I am confident that our engineering community will continue to rise to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Looking forward, as Hong Kong's sole statutory professional engineering body, the HKIE will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and innovation. By working closely with government, industry and society, we will move forward together to build a safer, smarter and more sustainable future.
Ir Alice CHOW
President
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers