Dear Members

Reviewing the progress we have made so far in 2025, I am truly inspired by the immensity of the momentum that we have together built within the Institution.  From exchanges with counterparts to initiatives honouring our professional legacy, this season has brought forth episodes that reaffirm our engineering community’s strength of purpose.

Among these precious moments, I must share the great sense of satisfaction that I felt attending the HKIE Grand 50th Annual Dinner on 3 April.  It was an evening of jovial celebration, where we were joined by Chief Executive The Honourable John Lee, our Principal Guest, and Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Security of the PRC Mr Wu Xiuzhang—not to mention the distinguished assembly of senior officials and over 1,800 guests. The scene forcefully reminded us of how far we have come over the past five decades—and the collective spirit carrying us forward beyond our 50th Anniversary. We owe a special debt of gratitude to our Past Presidents, whose leadership over the years paved the way for this historic moment and made the celebrations even more meaningful.

During that evening, we honoured members whose contributions have elevated our profession and inspired many individuals.  Our newly conferred Honorary Fellows, Ir Dr Andrew K C Chan and Ir Prof Alexander P K Wai, have each demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their respective expertise throughout their extended careers.  We also recognised Ir Stephen W K Chik, whose decades of work in railway infrastructure earned him the HKIE Gold Medal; Ir Duncan W O Wong, recipient of the President’s Award, for his contributions to the Institution and the gas industry; and Ir Dr Zheng Pai, presented with Young Engineer of the Year Award for his achievements in smart manufacturing and robotics.  Each of their engineering stories strikes a resonant chord with me.

The Dinner was also the occasion for announcing the results of the HKIE 50th Anniversary Legacy Award. Through a vigorous selection process and public voting, over 30 projects were honoured for their lasting contributions to Hong Kong’s development. My heartfelt congratulations go to all the projects—particularly to the top three: the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station in the Industrial category, Fibre Optic by Professor Charles K Kao in the Innovation category, and Hong Kong’s First Metro Subway in the Infrastructure category. These projects are prime examples of what engineering can accomplish when guided by vision and perseverance.

Beyond celebration, we have further strengthened our engagement with national developments. On 22 March, the Institution hosted the「工程師2025兩會精神」分享會, where members benefited from in-depth reflections by Ir Prof Frank Chan, Ir Prof Alexander Wai, and Ir Prof William Wong. Their remarks on innovation, economic growth and talent cultivation offered food for thought on how we, as engineers, can contribute meaningfully to the country’s development goals.

In early April, I had the pleasure of attending the「2025年粵港科技界交流酒會」in Guangzhou, alongside Immediate Past President Ir Dr Barry Lee and Vice President Ir Prof Frank Chan. Organised by the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, and with the HKIE as a supporting organisation, the event certainly succeeded in its aim to strengthen ties between professionals in Hong Kong and the Mainland.

As we approach our official anniversary month in December, I invite all members to take part in the exciting array of activities still to come. Whether through celebration or knowledge sharing, each event is a step toward reinforcing the bonds that unite us as a community of like-minded professionals.

Ir Eric MA Siu-cheung
President
The HKIE