(香港，2023年2月22日) 就財政司司長於今天 (2月22日) 發表之2023-24年度《財政預算案》，香港工程師學會 (下稱「學會」) 歡迎政府採納學會早前向政府提交的部份建議，幫助香港克服復常及全球經濟環境不明朗的陰霾。學會對今次的財政預算案，有以下回應：

人才競爭

學會理解到勞工及福利局將更新「人才清單」，並於年中展開新一輪人力資源推算。學會希望指出，工程業界及建造業界的人力資源，對香港未來基建、創科、工業及其他各類發展有着重要影響，希望政府考慮學會早前建議增加工程公司參與香港工程師學會培訓計劃（即工程畢業生培訓計劃/仲會員培訓計劃）的補貼金額及名額，並為聘請海外畢業生的公司提供短期資助，提高聘請畢業生的誘因。同時，學會亦希望政府考慮推出合適計劃，保障及提升在職專業人士待遇以挽留人才，防止進一步的人才流失而令工程行業人手短缺問題急速惡化。在這方面，學會去年3月向政府提交了《關於工務工程合約和顧問合約採購政策研究》報告，建議採取措施杜絕部份業界低價搶標情況。

另外，學會歡迎政府向資優教育基金額外注資6億元，以加強支援香港資優教育學苑及相關校外教育服務，進一步推動STEAM教育。學會期望政府進一步投放資源，在中小學、特別是初中階段推行STEAM教育，學會樂意繼續與教育局及相關部門合作，推動各項相關計劃，長遠為工程專業建立人才庫。

規劃基建發展

學會歡迎政府接納學會建議，計劃成立基礎建設債券計劃，更好管理大型基建的現金流需要。學會認為，基建屬於長期投資，為日後發展創造容量，基礎建設債券計劃有助政府減少相關投放財政資源，亦為機構投資者及市民提供一個優質的投資機會。

同時，學會認為政府需加緊落實北部都會區及交椅洲人工島發展，為相關項目制訂基建發展藍圖，協調各個發展區的規劃及基建，避免互相爭奪資源，這將有助業界健康發展，防止項目進度受阻。

促進土地和房屋供應

儘管政府加快造地，但建屋、發展始終需時。除了興建簡約公屋及檢視法定程序，學會期望政府增加支援滿足一定條件的申請人，在確保質量安全大前提下，政府的角色應除「監管者」外，增加「促進者」角色。為加快項目進度，亦應精簡審批流程。學會去年9月發表相關研究報告並詳列建議：Recommendations on Streamlining Building Works and Infrastructure Development Processes (內容僅限英語)

學會樂見政府接納學會早前的建議，研究及落實加強組裝合成組件供應鏈的措施，並研究成立建築研發及測試中心及興建首座先進建造業產業大樓。學會希望指出，業界及香港整體均面對勞動人口下降的情況，以科技提升效率，有助減輕人手問題，同時促進整個產業鏈的發展，以更少資源做到更好的效果。

促進創科及新型工業化發展

學會支持政府發展數碼基建，推動數碼轉型、鞏固香港科研優勢、培育科技初創公司和人才，以及推動「新型工業化」。學會樂見政府以更大的財政承擔及鼓勵措施，涵蓋數字經濟、第三代互聯網、科研及「專利盒」稅務優惠等。學會認為，措施有助鞏固香港在人工智能、生物科技等相關領域的領先優勢，「專利盒」稅務寬減亦有一定吸引力，有助減輕企業的研發成本，然而相關稅率需要在國際具備競爭力，學會期望政府加緊研究，爭取早於明年上半年提交修例建議。

建設智慧、綠色及具抗禦力的城市

政府預留資源推動各項新能源運輸，包括開展氫燃料電池雙層巴士及重型車輛的試驗，資助渡輪營辦商建造及試驗電動渡輪和相關充電設施，以及提供百分百擔保貸款，鼓勵的士車主更換純電動的士。學會認為，在試驗過後，更應推動後續的廣泛應用，建議政府在賣地及短期租約招標文件條款中，要求中標者或租戶提供一定數量的電動車充電設施。

學會樂見政府與機管局全力推動「機場城市」發展策略，以及完善飛機租賃稅務優惠制度，推動香港成為飛機租賃及服務中心。學會相信措施有助推動本港飛機工程業的發展，繼續鞏固香港國際航空樞紐的地位。

在廢物處理方面，政府增加6,200萬元的撥款，為更多公私營場所收集廚餘，擴大公共屋邨收集廚餘的試驗計劃。學會期望撥出財政資源之餘，政府亦可以增加分配土地予回收行業，鼓勵減少廢物棄置量的同時，亦可刺激回收行業的發展。

把握大灣區機遇

大灣區內經濟充滿創新活力，多個城市在不同產業各有優勢，為了幫助專業人士「走出去」，學會期望政府牽頭與內地有關部門探討專業資格互認，讓更多工程師通過CEPA或其他相關協議在內地執業。

在外圍環境不明朗之下，香港與內地及大灣區的合作將更為重要，香港工程師學會學會及工程界將繼續貢獻專業工程知識和能力，與各界攜手建設更美好的香港。

如欲垂詢，請與香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部聯絡。

電話：2895 4446      

傳真：2882 6825      

電郵：corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF版

(Hong Kong, 22 February 2023) In regard to the 2023-2024 Budget delivered by the Financial Secretary on 22 February, the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (hereafter “the HKIE”) welcomed the Administration’s adoption of some of the recommendations that the HKIE submitted to it earlier, believing that the Budget would help Hong Kong overcome the gloom cast by its return to normality and by the uncertainty of the global economic environment.  The HKIE’s response to the Budget are as follows:

Competing for talents

The HKIE understands that the Labour and Welfare Bureau will update the Talent List and will commence a new round of manpower projections in the middle of this year. The HKIE wishes to point out the profundity of the impact made by the manpower of the engineering and construction industries upon Hong Kong’s future development in infrastructure, innovation and technology, manufacturing, and various other areas.  The HKIE hopes that the Administration can consider its earlier recommendation to increase the governmental subsidy and quota for engineering companies joining the HKIE Formal Training Schemes (Scheme “A” / AM Training) and can incentivise the employment of overseas graduates by offering short-term subsidies to companies that employ them.  At the same time, the HKIE also hopes the Administration will consider launching appropriate schemes to retain talents by safeguarding and enhancing the treatment of working professionals and prevent further talent wastage caused by the rapid deterioration of manpower shortage in the engineering industries.  In this regard, the HKIE submitted the report on the “Research on Procurement Policy Review for Works Contracts and Consultancy Contracts” in March last year, recommending implementation of measures to eradicate certain states of affairs involving unreasonably low bids.

The HKIE also welcomes the Administration’s auxiliary $600-million capital injection into the Gifted Education Foundation (GEF), which strengthens the support for the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) and related services in extramural education, thereby furthering STEAM education.  The HKIE expects the Administration to put in more resources to promote STEAM education in primary and secondary schools, especially at the junior secondary level.  The HKIE stands ready to continue its collaboration with the Education Bureau and applicable departments to advance the relevant schemes, building the engineering profession’s reserve of talent in the long run. 

Planning for infrastructural development

The HKIE welcomes the Administration’s acceptance of its recommendation to map out a plan to set up an Infrastructure Bond Scheme to better manages the cashflow needs of major infrastructure projects.  The HKIE holds that as infrastructure is a long-term investment for the territory, there is a need to build developmental capacity.  The Infrastructure Bond Scheme is of use to the Administration in reducing the relevant investment of financial resources, while providing institutional investors and citizens with a fine investment option.

At the same time, the HKIE holds that the Administration needs to press ahead with the developments of the Northern Metropolis and the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, to formulate an Infrastructure Development Blueprint for the relevant projects, and to coordinate the planning and infrastructure of different development areas so that the competitions for resources among these areas may be prevented.  This will facilitate the wholesome development of the industry and preclude the progress of the projects from being impeded.

Promoting land and housing supply

Despite attempts by the Administration to expedite land production, housing construction and development take time at bottom.  Apart from building Light Public Housing and reviewing statutory processes, the HKIE expects the Administration to step up assistance to applicants who satisfy certain necessary criteria and augment the government’s role as a “regulator”, but also as a “facilitator” provided, of course, that quality and safety are not compromised.  Approval processes should also be streamlined to accelerate the progress of the projects.  Detailed recommendations were made earlier in the HKIE’s report in September 2022: Recommendations on Streamlining Building Works and Infrastructure Development Processes (English only)

The HKIE is glad that the Administration has accepted its earlier recommendation to study and put in place measures that strengthen the supply chain of the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) modules, and to conduct a study on establishing the Building Testing and Research Institute and construct the first advanced construction industry building.  The HKIE wishes to point out that the industry, as well as Hong Kong as a whole, is confronted with a reduction of its workforce.  Employing technology to boost efficiency would mitigate the manpower issue while fostering the development of the whole production chain and attaining the effect of achieving more with fewer resources.

Fostering the developments of innovation & technology and New Industrialisation

The HKIE supports the Administration’s development of digital infrastructure, the promotion of digital transformation, the fortification of Hong Kong’s advantages in scientific research, the cultivation of technological startups and talents, and the advancement of “New Industrialisation”.  The HKIE is pleased that the Administration, with its regard for greater financial affordability, has implemented support measures that encompass the digital economy, Web3, scientific research, and “Patent Box” Tax Incentive etc.  The HKIE is of the view that these measures will help consolidate the leading edge that Hong Kong enjoys in area such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, and that “Patent Box” tax concessions boast a certain attractiveness in their ability to help lower the research costs that businesses need to pay.  Nevertheless, the tax rates involved must be competitive on the international scene.  The HKIE’s expectation is that the Administration will expedite its study and will make every effort to submit the legislative amendments before the first half of next year.

Building a Smart, Green and Resilient City

The Administration has reserved resources for the advancement of various kinds of New Energy Transport.  These advancements include the commencement of trials for hydrogen fuel cell electric double-deck buses and heavy vehicles, the provision of subsidies to ferry operators for the construction and trials of electric ferries and the related charging facilities, and the granting of loans with 100% guarantees to taxi owners to encourage them to exchange their taxis for battery-powered electric ones.  The HKIE opines that, after the trials, their subsequent wide applications should be promoted more.  The HKIE suggests stating, in the terms and conditions of the tender documents for land sale and short-term tenancies, that the successful tenderers or tenants should provide a certain number of electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities.

The HKIE is delighted by the all-out efforts made by the Administration and the Airport Authority Hong Kong to pursue the “Airport City” development strategy and to perfect the Aircraft Leasing Preferential Tax Regime—efforts that give impetus to Hong Kong’s transformation into an aircraft leasing and services hub.  The HKIE believes that the measure would help Hong Kong’s aircraft engineering industry to make headway in its development, consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an International Aviation Hub continually.

Regarding waste management, the Administration has allocated an additional $62 million to food waste collection in a greater number of public and private premises, while extending the food waste collection trial scheme for public rental housing estates.  Beyond the allocations of financial resources, the HKIE hopes that the Administration can expand the provision of land for the recycling industry, which will not only encourage a decrease in waste disposal but also stimulate businesses in the recycling industry. 

Leveraging Opportunities in the GBA

The economy within the Greater Bay Area abounds with novelty and vitality, with many of its cities having their respective edges in different industries.  To assist professionals in “going global”, the HKIE expects the Administration to take the lead in discussing qualification benchmarking and professional practice with mainland authorities to allow more engineers to practise in the Mainland via CEPA or other related agreements.

Given the uncertainty of the external environment, the collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland, particularly the Greater Bay Area, is all the more important. The HKIE and the engineering industry will continue to make contributions with their professional engineering knowledge and capabilities and join hands with all sectors to build a better Hong Kong.

For media enquiries, please contact:

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Corporation Communications Section

Tel: 2895 4446

Fax: 2882 6825

Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF version

「香港工程師學會公眾展覽」為「香港工程師週2023」正式揭幕

藉着嘉年華、國際會議、單車及跑步籌款等連串精彩活動　

全方位推廣工程師專業形象及多元面貌

(香港，2023年2月20日)香港工程師學會(下稱「學會」)一直以推動香港工程的專業水平為己任，學會將於3月3日至11日推出「香港工程師週2023」(下稱「工程師週」)，以「未來 • 一同創造 (Our Future, We Engineer)」為主題，透過不同形式的活動加深向廣大市民以及下一代推廣工程師的專業形象，同時亦凝聚業界一同「說好工程故事」、鼓勵更多年青人投身工程專業、貢獻社會發展。

「香港工程師週2023」將會有連串精彩活動，打響頭炮的是正於中環街市舉行的「香港工程師學會公眾展覽」，透過趣味方式為大家展示21種工程專業及工作內容，不論是一家大小或是好友們，歡迎市民由即日起至2月26日到來參觀，探索自己與哪種類型工程師的特質最相似。

「工程師週」當中的重頭戲「香港工程師週嘉年華」將於3月3日至5日假西九文化區海濱草坪舉行，透過「Σ (食住行) “Our Living, We Engineer”」的生活化主題，深入淺出向公眾展示日常生活的工程應用，同時彰顯工程師對社會的貢獻，並讓大眾學習生活中各類型的有趣工程知識。

嘉年華有近40個來自學會分部及不同行業的企業分享各類工程概念及技術應用，設有多個攤位和活動體驗，主題內容涵蓋大型基建、飛機工程及與市民日常生活息息相關的工程應用等，更有VR設備讓市民體驗最新的工程技術。而在嘉年華的主舞台將有花式搖搖及樂隊等表演，場內更有高約3米、可愛爆燈的學會KOL河助狸（Hally）巨型吹氣模型供市民「打卡」拍照留念。

香港工程師學會會長卜國明工程師表示：「香港工程師學會前身為「香港工程協會」，成立於1947年。學會自成立以來，致力推動香港工程的專業水平，提升業界專業發展和積極鼓勵會員投入公共事務，參與香港社會多方面的重要發展，包括基建、工業以至社會建設。今次『香港工程師週2023』是學會歷來籌備最大規模的活動之一，齊集工程業界及廣大市民的參與，共同推廣工程專業。『工程師週』配合學會今年的主題『以工程師為傲』，不單幫助學會提升作為業界代表的形象，亦希望各位會員都以身為專業工程師感到自豪，一同培育有抱負的年輕人加入專業工程師行列，在未來承傳工程行業對香港城市發展的重要角色。」

為促進工程界的專業交流，3月9日舉行的「香港工程師學會國際會議」，邀請到重量級的專家講者，討論工程專業在綠色未來及智慧生活扮演的關鍵角色，就着環境、能源、物流、生活和基建等範疇作分享及交流。同日更會舉行「香港工程師學會大獎頒獎典禮」，表揚並嘉許香港傑出的工程項目及創新應用。   

「工程師週」將以「香港工程師學會單車及跑步籌款活動」作精彩壓軸活動，於3月11日假將軍澳海濱舉行，活動設有10公里單車遊及5公里跑步賽事，並分個人、家庭及隊際組別，誠邀香港工程師學會所有會員及親友參加，共同享受運動樂趣之餘，籌款培育下一代工程專才。

如欲了解更多詳情，請瀏覽：

香港工程師週2023官方網址：https://hkengineersweek.com/

香港工程師學會Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/TheHKIE

香港工程師學會Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/the_hkie/

圖片	說明
	香港工程師學會將於3月3日至11日推出「香港工程師週2023」，會長卜國明工程師（左）及高級副會長李志康博士、工程師（右）跟學會KOL河助狸（Hally）合照留念，推廣工程師的專業形象。
	「香港工程師週2023」將會有連串精彩活動，打響頭炮的是正於中環街市舉行的「香港工程師學會公眾展覽」，透過趣味方式為大家展示21種工程專業及工作內容。
	不論是一家大小或是好友們，市民可到「香港工程師學會公眾展覽」探索自己與哪種類型工程師的特質最相似。
(效果模擬圖)	「香港工程師週嘉年華」場內有高約3米、可愛爆燈的學會KOL河助狸（Hally）巨型吹氣模型供市民「打卡」拍照留念。
(效果模擬圖)	「香港工程師週嘉年華」將於3月3日至5日假西九文化區海濱草坪舉行，主題為「Σ (食住行) “Our Living, We Engineer”」。
(效果模擬圖)	「香港工程師週嘉年華」有近40個來自學會分部及不同行業的企業分享各類工程概念及技術應用，設有多個攤位和活動體驗。

圖片下載： https://bit.ly/3IBHgU9

新聞稿由偉達公共關係顧問有限公司代香港工程師學會發佈。如有垂詢，請聯絡：

偉達公共關係顧問有限公司

胡康泰(Henry Woo) / 鄺浩華 (Chuck Kuong)  

電話：(852) 9510 1288 / (852) 6173 9977

電郵：henry.woo@hkstrategies.com / chuck.kuong@hkstrategies.com     

香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部

電話：(852) 2895 4446

傳真：(852) 2882 6825

電郵：corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF版

The "Hong Kong Engineers Week 2023"

starts with the launch of

"The HKIE Public Exhibition"

promoting the all-round professionalism

and diverse image of engineers

The event will feature a Carnival, an International Conference,

and a fundraising Cycling & Run

(Hong Kong, 20 February 2023) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (the HKIE) has announced the launch of the "Hong Kong Engineers Week 2023” (the HKEW 2023) from 3 to 11 March, under the theme of "Our Future, We Engineer".

The HKIE is committed to promoting the professionalism of engineering in Hong Kong and the HKEW 2023 aims to strengthen the public’s understanding and knowledge of the various engineering disciplines through a variety of activities.  The Institution also serves as an avenue to bring together the industry to promote successful engineering stories and encourage more young people to join the profession and make a positive impact on society.

The HKEW 2023 will include a series of exciting activities, starting from the inaugural HKIE Public Exhibition at Central Market. The Exhibition showcases 21 engineering disciplines and professions in engaging ways.  From now until 26 February, members of the public can visit the Exhibition and even discover which type of engineering discipline their personality might fit best.

The anchor event of the Week will be the Carnival which will be held from 3 to 5 March at the Harbourside Lawn of the West Kowloon Cultural District.  Under the theme of "Our Living, We Engineer", the Carnival will show how engineering can affect our day-to-day lives in different ways, and highlighting the contribution of engineers to society, while offering the public intriguing snippets of engineering knowledge in simple and accessible ways.

Around 40 corporations from different HKIE disciplines and different industries will participate in the Carnival with booths and interactive zones, where they will showcase engineering concepts and applications such as large-scale infrastructures and aircraft engineering, as well as the latest VR technologies.  The Carnival will also feature entertainment like a yoyo show and live bands.  The HKIE’s KOL mascot “Hally” will also meet the public in gigantic inflatable form.

Ir Aaron BOK, President of the HKIE said, "The HKIE was initially founded in 1947 as “The Engineering Society of Hong Kong”, since our establishment, the HKIE has been committed to promoting the professionalism of engineering and developing the profession in Hong Kong.  We also encourage our members to actively participate in public affairs and development projects in Hong Kong, including infrastructure, industry, and construction.  The HKEW 2023 is one of the largest events we have ever organised, and we are delighted to unite engineering professionals with the wider public to promote the engineering profession.

In line with the HKIE's theme for this year – "Proud to be Engineers" – the Week aims not only to enhance the image of the HKIE as an industry body, but also to empower our members to share their pride in being engineers.  We hope that, through the Week’s extensive programme, more of the next generation can be inspired to join the engineering profession, which will continue to play an essential role in Hong Kong's development going forward."

To facilitate professional exchange within the industry, “The HKIE International Conference” will also be held on 9 March.  The HKIE has invited major guest speakers to discuss topics such as the importance of the engineering profession in ensuring we will all have a greener and smarter future.  Speakers will also share their views on topics like the smart environment, smart energy, smart logistics, smart living, and infrastructure.  On the same day, "The HKIE Grand Award Presentation" will be held to recognise outstanding engineering projects and innovative applications in Hong Kong.

The HKEW 2023 will conclude with the HKIE Fundraising Cyclying & Run" on 11 March at Tseung Kwan O Promenade.  These will consist of a 10 km cycling event and 5 km running events for families, individuals and corporate teams.  It is open to all HKIE members and families, to promote fun through sports while raising funds to nurture the next generation of engineering professionals.

For more details, please visit:

HKEW 2023 official website: https://hkengineersweek.com/

HKIE’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHKIE

HKIE‘s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hkie/

Image	Description
	The HKIE has announced the launch of the "Hong Kong Engineers Week 2023 ("Engineers Week" or “HKEW 2023”) from 3 to 11 March.  President Ir Aaron BOK (Left), Senior Vice President Ir Dr Barry LEE and the HKIE KOL mascot “Hally” will promote the professionalism of engineers in Hong Kong.
	The Hong Kong Engineers Week 2023 will include a series of exciting activities, starting with the inaugural HKIE Public Exhibition at Central Market.  The Exhibition will showcase 21 engineering disciplines and professions in engaging ways.
	Members of the public can visit and discover which type of engineering discipline would most fit their personality.
	The HKIE Public Exhibition introduces 21 engineering disciplines and professions to help  the public understand more about the day-to-day life of an engineer.
(The image is an artist impression.)	The HKIE KOL mascot “Hally” will also meet with the public in gigantic inflatable form.
(The image is an artist impression.)	The Hong Kong Engineers Week Carnival, will be held from 3 to 5 March on the Harbourside Lawn of the West Kowloon Cultural District, under the theme of "Our Living, We Engineer".
(The image is an artist impression.)	Around 40 corporations from different HKIE disciplines and different industries will participate with booths and interactive zones, where they will showcase engineering concepts and applications

Image download: https://bit.ly/3IBHgU9

The press release is distributed by Hill+Knowlton Strategies on behalf of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. For enquiries, please contact:

Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Henry Woo / Chuck Kuong

Tel: (852) 9510 1288 / (852) 6173 9977

Email: henry.woo@hkstrategies.com / chuck.kuong@hkstrategies.com     

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Corporate Communications Section

Tel: 2895 4446

Fax: 2882 6825

Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF version

(香港，2023年2月19日) 香港工程師學會 (學會) 近日就二○二三／二四年度《財政預算案》向財政司司長提出七大範疇方面的建議。學會期望來年之《財政預算案》能支持政府增加對社會的投資和維護香港經濟，並為香港的經濟復甦發揮正面作用。

學會提出的建議重點如下：

1. 人才競爭

• 工程公司參與香港工程師學會培訓計劃（工程畢業生培訓計劃/仲會員培訓計劃）而聘用工程畢業生作為見習生的政府補貼現為5,610 港元，金額已多年未作調整，建議增加至 10,000 港元或以上，增加工程公司聘請畢業生的誘因。
• 為聘請海外畢業生的公司提供為期兩年、每名受僱畢業生約10,000港元的資助，以吸引海外工程人才。
• 審視教育體系、中學課程和大學入學要求，以幫助鼓勵 STEAM 教育並培養本地工程人才庫。
• 推出針對中階工程師專項計劃，以保留人才，緩解人力短缺，促進工程行業可持續發展。
• 學會去年4月發表相關研究報告並詳列建議：Research on Augmenting Engineer Manpower to Cope with the Foreseeable Surge in Demand (內容僅限英語)

2. 仔細規劃基建發展

• 制定詳細的基建發展藍圖，訂立未來二十年各個基建項目的優先次序和執行時間表。
• 有關部門應根據成本效益、需求，和社會的急切性，協調和優先安排各種策略規劃路線圖中的項目，務求有效分配和利用資源。
• 加快實施滯後於實際發展的鐵路和交通項目，並總結過往經驗，加以改進，防止嚴重落後問題再次發生。

3. 土地和房屋供應

• 將隔離設施改造成過渡性房屋或簡約公屋。
• 發展未開墾土地，解決市區老化和重建等社會問題。
• 審慎理財，考慮推出基建融資和證券化產品。
• 交椅洲人工島作為第三個核心商業區，建議研究發展其行人和單車網絡，並盡量使用公眾填料作為交椅洲人工島的填海材料，以減少由運輸引致的碳足跡。

4. 精簡發展流程

• 增加支援滿足一定條件的申請人，加快發展項目審批流程，而政府的角色應在確保質量安全大前提下，除「監管者」外，應增加「促進者」角色。
• 學會去年9月發表相關研究報告並詳列建議：Recommendations on Streamlining Building Works and Infrastructure Development Processes (內容僅限英語)

5. 促進創科發展

• 為本地年青研發人才提供更佳的配套，以吸引《香港創新科技藍圖》提出的「新型工業化」戰略所需的人才。
• 允許在香港取得高級文憑/副學位學歷的內地和海外畢業生在港工作。
• 為發展數據中心增撥土地，提升香港轉型為數據中心樞紐和連接內地與外國橋樑的容量和能力。

6. 建設智慧、綠色及具抗禦力的城市

• 加快安裝電動汽車快速充電設施，並在新發展區和公共交通交匯處預留安裝充電設施的空間。地政總署可以考慮在賣地及短期租約招標文件條款中，加入適當條款，要求中標者或租戶提供一定數量的電動車充電設施。
• 在確保公共安全的首要原則下，放寬氫能汽車在指定區域測試和使用。
• 透過資助回收業或非政府機構，直接或間接處理較低價值的廢物，並把較高價值的廢物交由回收業直接處理。
• 通過撥出財政資源和增加分配土地予回收行業，刺激回收行業的發展。

7. 把握大灣區機遇

• 牽頭與內地有關部門探討專業資格互認，讓更多工程師通過CEPA或其他相關協議在內地執業。

香港工程師學會將繼續貢獻專業工程知識和能力，與各界攜手，建設更美好的香港。

如欲垂詢，請與香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部聯絡。

電話：2895 4446      

傳真：2882 6825      

電郵：corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF版

(Hong Kong, 20 February 2023) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (“HKIE”) has recently expressed views and made recommendations to the Financial Secretary for the coming 2023-24 Budget on seven key areas.  In essence, the HKIE looks forward to a Budget that enables the Government in taking up an active role in increasing investment into the society and safeguarding the economic/financial strength of Hong Kong and supports the economic rebound of the city.

Key highlights of the HKIE’s recommendations are:

1. Competing for Talents

• Increase the governmental subsidy to engineering companies hiring engineering graduates under the HKIE Formal Training Schemes (Scheme “A” / AM Training) as trainees from HK$5,610 (an amount that has not been adjusted for many years) to HK$10,000 or above to provide those companies with a stronger incentive to hire graduates as trainees.
• Offer two-year subsidies of approximately HK$10,000 each to companies that employ overseas graduates to attract engineering talents from abroad.
• Review the education system, secondary education curricula, and university admission requirements to help encourage STEAM education and nurture local engineering talent pool.
• Launch special schemes to support mid-career engineers to help retaining talents, alleviate manpower shortage, and foster the sustainable growth of the engineering industry, which are essential for delivering commitments formulated in the development blueprint.
• Detailed recommendations were made earlier in the HKIE’s report in April 2022: Research on Augmenting Engineer Manpower to Cope with the Foreseeable Surge in Demand (English only)

2. Well-planned Infrastructure Development

• Set out a detailed infrastructure blueprint setting out the priority and timeframe of each infrastructure project for the coming two decades.
• Relevant authorities to coordinate and prioritise projects in various strategic planning roadmaps according to cost-effectiveness, demand, capability to address existing social issues to best allocate and utilise available resources.
• Speed up implementation of railway and transportation projects that are behind actual development, and review previous experiences and bring about improvements to guard against recurrence of serious underperformance.

3. Land and Housing Supply

• Transform isolation facilities into transitional housing or Light Public Housing.
• Develop greenfield sites to solve social problems such as urban redevelopment to cater for the ageing buildings in the downtown areas.
• Devise prudent financial arrangement and consider launching infrastructure financing securitisation products.
• Study a pedestrian and cycle network that links up the CBD3 at Kau Yi Chau (KYC) Artificial Islands Development and use the surplus public fill as construction materials for KYC reclamation as much as is feasible to reduce carbon footprint in transporting materials for disposal.

4. Streamlining Development Processes

• Step up assistance to applicants who satisfy certain necessary criteria to speed up the development and project approval processes, and augmenting the government officials’ role as encompassing not only “regulators” but also “facilitators” on the premise that quality and safety are not compromised.
• Detailed recommendations were made earlier in the HKIE’s report in September 2022: Recommendations on Streamlining Building Works and Infrastructure Development Processes (English only)

5. Innovation and Technology Development

• Implement a better package for local and young people to join the research and development field to secure talent required for the New Industrialisation Strategy proposed in the Innovation and Technology Blueprint.
• Allow mainland and overseas graduates of Hong Kong higher diploma/sub-degree programmes to work in Hong Kong.
• Allocate additional land for data centre development to enhance the capacity and capability for Hong Kong’s transformation into a data centre hub and ridge between mainland and foreign countries.

6. Building a Smart, Green and Resilient City

• Speed up the installation of quick charger facilities for electric vehicles, and reserve space for such chargers in new development areas and public transport interchange. In particular, a clause could be included in the terms and conditions of the Lands Department for the provision of a certain number of electric vehicle chargers for land sale and short-term tenancies.
• Relax the testing and usage of hydrogen vehicle in designated area under the overriding principle of ensuring public safety.
• Handle waste with lower value directly or indirectly through subsidising the recycling industry or non-governmental organisations, and leave waste with higher value to be handled directly by the recycling industry.
• Incentivise and stimulate businesses for the recycling industry by setting aside financial resources and expanding the land provision for the recycling industry.

7. Leveraging Opportunities in the GBA

• Take lead in discussing qualification benchmarking and professional practice with mainland authorities to allow more engineers to practise in the mainland via CEPA or other related agreements.

The HKIE will continue to contribute our professional engineering expertise and join hands with different sectors to support the development of a better Hong Kong. 

For media enquiries, please contact:

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Corporate Communications Section

Tel: 2895 4446

Fax: 2882 6825

Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF version

(香港，2023年2月9日) 建造業議會公布建造業人力預測報告，香港工程師學會 (下稱「學會」) 歡迎報告預測能為業界提供有效、客觀的數據，估算未來工程量對工程專業界別及建造業各人手的需求，對工程業日後的發展更為有利。面對人才短缺，學會認同需要更積極推動創新科技等新興建造技術，精簡審批程序，提升效率，同時吸引更多人才入行、挽留現有人手，以應付未來多項大型基建項目。

根據建造業議會的數字，在2027年，預測專業人員的短缺約6,000至6,500人，其中短缺較嚴重的專業界別包括土木工程師、電機/機械工程師、土力工程師(岩土工程師)、結構工程師及環境工程師。學會估算工程師在2023-2027 五年期間的短缺平均約為3,000人。熟練/半熟練工人在2027年的短缺達到35,000至40,000人。然而，需留意上述數字並沒有計及各項增加人力供應或減低人手需求的措施所帶來的效果。

學會認為，報告吻合並為學會去年四月發表的報告提供量化數據支持。學會相信利用新科技、新工藝、新物料，提升生產力及減少人手需求的措施，不僅是緩解人手短缺的方法，亦是建造業未來發展的重要方向，相關各項措施正逐漸看見成效。

面對工程量上升及整體工作人口下跌所帶來的影響，正如學會去年四月所發表的「關於擴充工程人才庫以應付可見需求研究」的報告所述，「開源節流」有助業界處理這兩大挑戰，並為業界可持續發展的出路。在「開源」方面，須在中學課程、大學學額及收生方面作檢討，以吸引學生修讀 STEAM 及工程學科。學會正與教育局合辦「工程伴理行」計劃，協助學校舉辦 STEAM 活動。另外，學會亦正積極籌辦本月下旬至三月初的「2023香港工程師週」（https://hkengineersweek.com/），向公眾、特別是年青人介紹工程專業的多元性及豐富而具挑戰性的工作內容。然而，培訓一名專業工程師需時較長，在本土培訓的同時，學會亦建議吸引海外及內地工程師及工程畢業生來港工作，有關建議能於短期內增加工程專業人員的供應。另外，學會亦積極參與業界正在推行的「建造業推廣計劃」，以吸引新人加入我們的行列。

至於「節流」方面，透過改善工作環境，精簡各類行政及審批程序，挽留各級人才，緩和退休潮帶來的影響。正如學會去年九月發表的「精簡屋宇及發展審批流程」的研究報告所述，過多行政及審批程序會令人力資源需求的壓力增加。學會建議在不影響質量及安全情況下，精簡審批程序，審批部門除擔當監管者外，也可在公平原則下擔當促進者的角色，以更少資源，達致更高效率和生產力。

學會樂意與政府及業界攜手制定策略，多管齊下，透過加強培訓、推動業界使用創新科技及在有合理理據下引入非本地資源，應對未來人力需求。香港未來有多項大型基建陸續動工，工程界會繼續貢獻其專業力量，建設香港，滿足香港經濟發展及住屋需要。

如欲垂詢，請與香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部聯絡。

電話：2895 4446      

傳真：2882 6825      

電郵：corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF版

(Hong Kong, 13 February 2023) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (“HKIE”) noted and welcomed the Construction Industry Council’s (“CIC”) new release — “Manpower Forecast for Hong Kong Construction Industry” (“the Forecast”).  The projections therein, by providing the industry with potent and objective data, serve as a sound basis for estimating the manpower needs imposed by the future construction volume on the engineering and construction industries, thereby benefiting their future development.  To grapple with the shortage of talents, especially given many large-scale infrastructure projects in the pipeline, the HKIE agrees that it is necessary to strengthen the promotion of innovative technologies and other emerging construction technologies, streamline vetting and approval processes, improve efficiency, and , simultaneously with all these, attract new talents and retain existing manpower for the construction and engineering industries.

According to CIC’s figures, a shortage of about 6,000 to 6,500 professionals in 2027 is predicted; among them, engineers in professional disciplines including civil, electrical/mechanical, geotechnical, structural and environmental figure prominently.  The HKIE estimates that the shortage of engineers will average around 3,000 in the five-year period between 2023 and 2027, whereas the manpower gap for skilled/semi-skilled workers will reach 35,000 - 40,000 in 2027.  It should however be noted that, in the aforementioned figures, the effects of the various measures to increase supply or reduce demand of manpower have not been taken into account. 

The HKIE is of the view that the Forecast is consistent with, and provides quantitative data that support, the “Research on Augmenting Engineer Manpower to Cope with the Foreseeable Surge in Demand” published by the Institution in April 2022.  We believe that the use of innovative technologies, crafts, and materials, together with measures to increase productivity and reduce manpower demand, not only can alleviate the problem of manpower shortages, but also provides an important direction for the future development of the construction industry.  The relevant measures are gradually taking effect.

As suggested in the HKIE’s Research Report published last April, “generating supply” and “managing demand” will help the industry in coping with the challenges brought on by the impacts of increasing construction volume and the decline in the overall working population, paving the way for the sustainable development of the industry.  In terms of “generating supply”, it is essential to review the secondary school curriculum as well as university places and admissions, in order to attract students to enrol in STEAM- and engineering-related programmes.  The HKIE is co-organising the “Engineers on Campus” programme with the Education Bureau, assisting schools in organising STEAM activities.  In addition, the HKIE is organising the “Hong Kong Engineers Week 2023” (https://hkengineersweek.com) from late-February to early-March, showcasing the diversity of engineering disciplines, and the broad scope and challenging nature of engineers’ work to the public, especially the younger generation.  It must be noted, however, that it takes a considerable amount of time to nurture a professional engineer.  Apart from strengthening training at the local level, the HKIE recommends attracting overseas and mainland engineers and engineering graduates to work in Hong Kong, thereby boosting the supply of engineering professionals on a short-term basis.  Besides, the Institution is actively participating in the “Construction Hong Kong” campaign that is currently being implemented by the industry to attract new blood to the engineering and construction sector.  

As for “managing demand”, the impact of the retirement wave could be alleviated by improving working conditions, streamlining miscellaneous administrative and approval procedures, and retaining talents at all levels.  As expounded in the research report “Recommendations on Streamlining Building Works and Infrastructure Development Processes” issued by the HKIE last September, excessive administrative and approval procedures would add pressure to manpower demand.  We recommend, on the premise that the engineering quality and safety are not compromised, streamlining the approval processes.  In addition to being a “regulator”, relevant approving authorities can also act as a “facilitator” (while complying with the principle of fairness) so that higher efficiency and productivity may be achieved with limited resources.

The HKIE stands ready to work with the Government and the industry to formulate strategies that work for and benefit the engineering and construction industry.  A multi-pronged approach that combines strengthening training, promoting the use of innovative technologies within the industry, and importing non-local resources on reasonable grounds will help to meet the manpower demand in the future.  A number of large-scale infrastructure projects are underway, and the engineering industry will continue to make professional contributions towards the construction of a better Hong Kong in which the society’s needs for housing and economic development are met.

For media enquiries, please contact:

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Corporate Communications Section

Tel: 2895 4446

Fax: 2882 6825

Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk

PDF version

(香港，2022年12月23日) 政府公布香港創新科技發展藍圖，定出四大發展方向及八大重點策略，香港工程師學會 (下稱「學會」) 歡迎有關藍圖，認為有助推動香港成為國際創新科技中心。創科發展是需要深耕細作，憑着香港現有科研優勢，加上政府的推動及國家的助力，學會相信本地創科生態圈可以蓬勃發展。

政府的建議涵蓋上游的科研、資金投入、人才培訓，到中游的技術轉化、市場化，再到下游的產業發展，彼此環環相扣。從「再工業化」到「新型工業化」，學會樂見政府計劃加強支援策略產業包括新能源汽車及半導體晶片，這些產業除了帶來可觀的回報，亦是策略性的產業。香港現時在生命健康科技、人工智能與數據科學、先進製造與新能源科技產業的優勢較為明顯，如能加上其他策略性產業，將會成為推動香港經濟發展的新引擎。

學會留意到，政府為發展藍圖定下多項參考指標，希望到2032年，提高本地研發總開支相對本地生產總值比率至2%，並提高科研機構的研發開支佔比等。學會希望指出，政府的投入在產業發展之初具有重要價值，現時香港的創科發展正處於關鍵期，除了政府主動投入，更重要的是促進院校、投資者及市場之間的互動，令初創企業可以自給自足、處於成長期的企業可以因應市場需要自行融資及研發，這才是令創科生態圈可以持續發展的要素。

此外，資金成本往往是初創者在本地創業的重要考量因素，學會建議政府在投資政策上應要更加靈活，例如提供稅務優惠。香港與內地的公司和研究機構關係緊密，深化與大灣區和內地的科創合作，更好的融入國家發展大局，同時為本地創造更優厚的條件。香港憑其獨特優勢，也可作為大灣區乃至內地與國際市場的橋樑。

科技創新，最重要的是擁有及挽留創科人才。學會樂見政府推動充實創科人才資源，除了從海外吸引龍頭企業及相關人才，更要持續推動本地創科人材的培育。與此同時，學會亦正與教育局合作推動「工程伴理行」計劃，為參與計劃的中小學配對工程師，大力推動STEAM教育，學會亦積極在大專院校推廣。事實上，STEAM的概念包含科學、科技、工程、藝術及數學教育，對推動創科發展有着重要影響，學會相信計劃可令更多學生及早發掘自己的才能，充實香港的創科人才庫，希望政府能提供足夠的支援。另外，靈活的簽證模式、增強數據的相容流通、加大子女教育津貼、醫療等配套設施建設也是吸引海外科創人才的關鍵。

學會樂意就香港未來創新科技發展提供專業意見，亦會透過學會的網絡鼓勵各院校、創科及工程公司之間的互動，並繼續積極推動STEAM教育，建立本地人才庫，迎接未來的發展機遇。

如欲垂詢，請與香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部聯絡。

電話：2895 4446      

傳真：2882 6825      

電郵：corpcom@hkie.org.hk

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(Hong Kong, 23 December 2022) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (hereafter “the HKIE”) welcomes the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint promulgated by the Government. The Blueprint sets out four broad development directions and eight major strategies. The HKIE opines that the Blueprint will help elevate Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. I&T development is not a day’s work; but the HKIE believes that, with the Government’s initiative and our country’s reinforcements added to Hong Kong’s existing advantages in scientific research, the local I&T ecosystem would flourish.

The Government’s proposals range from research, capital injection, and talent nurturing in the upstream sector, the transformation and commodification of R&D outcomes in the midstream sector, to industries development in the downstream sector—all these being intertwined with one another. From “Reindustrialisation” to “new industrialisation”, the HKIE is glad that the Government is planning to strengthen its support of strategic industries, including New Energy Vehicles (NEV) and semiconductor chips. Not only do these industries promise handsome returns, but they are also strategic. Hong Kong’s advantages in life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, as well as advanced manufacturing and new energy technology, are relatively more apparent; if other strategic industries come into play, new impetus will be gained to Hong Kong’s economic development.

The HKIE noted that the Government had set various reference indicators for the development blueprint, in the hope of raising the Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) as a ratio to GDP to 2%, the Ratio of R&D Expenditure in scientific research institutes, etc. The HKIE wishes to point out that the Government’s involvement is of great value at the beginning of industries development, Hong Kong’s I&T development being in its critical period; and that apart from its active involvement, even more important is the fostering of interactions between academies, investors and the market so that startup companies can be self-sufficient and companies at its expansion stage can arrange financing and conduct research on their own according to market needs. These are truly the elements required for the I&T ecosystem’s sustainable development.

Furthermore, since the cost of funds is inevitably an important factor for consideration to start-up entrepreneurs when starting their local business, the HKIE suggests that the Government become more flexible in its investment policies, for example by offering tax concessions. Given the close partnership between Hong Kong and the Mainland’s companies and research institutes, deepening the city’s I&T collaboration with the Greater Bay Area and the Mainland at large will better integrate it into the national development framework and simultaneously create better local conditions. With its unique advantages, Hong Kong may also serve as a bridge between the Greater Bay Area (and the Mainland generally) and the international market.

Of utmost importance in technological innovations is the possession and retention of I&T talents. The HKIE is glad that the Government is pushing forward the enrichment of I&T talent resources. Not only is it attracting corporate champions and the relevant talents from overseas, but it must also push forward the nurturing of local I&T talents. At the same time, the HKIE is collaborating with the Education Bureau on "Engineers on Campus” programme, pairing the participating primary and secondary schools with engineers, promoting STEAM education, and popularising the idea in tertiary institutions as well. In fact, “STEAM” encompasses scientific, technological, engineering, artistic, and mathematical education, exercising a huge influence on the promotion of I&T. The HKIE believes that the programme is conducive to students’ timely discovery of their own talents and to the enrichment of Hong Kong’s I&T talent reserve; it hopes that the Government can provide sufficient support. Besides, the setting-up or strengthening of ancillary measures such as flexible visa schemes, data compatibility, subsidies for education for children, and health care is key to attracting I&T talents from abroad.

The HKIE stands ready to offer professional opinions on Hong Kong’s I&T development in the future and encourage interactions between different academies, I&T companies, and engineering companies through its network. Moreover, it will keep up its efforts to push forward STEAM education proactively, thereby building up the local talent reserve to face the developmental opportunities in the future.

For media enquiries, please contact:

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Corporate Communications Section

Tel: 2895 4446

Fax: 2882 6825

Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk

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