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Dear members As I sit down to share some reflections with you, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and feelings of optimism that were deeply reinforced during our recent delegates visit to study the National Water Infrastructure, Culture, and Technology in mid-July. Organised jointly by the HKSAR Water Supplies Department, the HKIE, and the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, this journey was more than a technical excursion, it was a vivid reminder of how engineering intertwines with human aspiration, cultural heritage, and the promise of a better tomorrow. One of the greatest privileges of this visit was the opportunity to engage with young students: bright eager minds brimming with curiosity and yet to be tapped potential. The tertiary and secondary school students, industry professionals and young engineers who formed our delegation mirrored the very essence of our profession: diverse in perspective, united in purpose. As we explored hydraulic engineering marvels, from the vast “Crossing the Yellow River Project (穿黃工程)” to the intricate systems at the central dispatch centre of the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (南水北調中線幹線調度中心), I watched the young delegates’ eyes light up with understanding. As I heard from some of them later, these were not just structures to them but, by the end of the trip, they were stories of resilience, innovation and the unyielding commitment to sustain life and enhance livelihoods. What moved me most was watching the younger students encounter these systems with growing awe. They began to grasp how engineering does not just move water–it moves communities from scarcity to abundance, from vulnerability to security. Despite many of these young minds possessing a strong foundation in STEAM, it was the tangible impact of these engineering feats that sparked an intense new flame of interest. Moments like this are why we do what we do. They remind us that our work transcends bricks and mortar; it is about building futures. In my quiet moments of reflection, I am reminded of the connection between our works as engineers and a timeless truth expressed in the Bible. Natural resources that we are given are sustenance, yet our reverence and responsible stewardship of these gifts shape the longevity of our bond with nature. This resonates deeply with our professional calling–for what is engineering if not the meaningful work of creating life-giving systems that sustain communities and nurture futures? Water is life – it sustains, nourishes, and empowers, and so does knowledge, so does opportunity. When we invest in infrastructure, we are not just laying pipes or constructing dams, we are creating springs of possibilities. When we mentor young talent, we are not just teaching skills; we are nurturing wells of innovation that will flow for generations. This is the heart of our mission: together, we build resilience, drive innovation, achieve sustainability, and stride towards equity. As your President, I am endlessly inspired by the collective spirit of our engineering community. Each of you plays a role in this intricate tapestry — whether you are designing systems, mentoring newcomers, or advocating for our profession’s broader impact. The visit reminded me that our legacy is not just in what we build, but in whom we inspire. May I invite you to take a moment to think about how we can, as a community, continue to foster this spirit of collaboration and mentorship, allowing the springs of knowledge and opportunity we create today to become rivers of progress tomorrow. Let’s keep this conversation alive, just as we keep the water flowing – steadily, purposefully, and with a vision that stretches beyond the horizon.
Ir Alice Chow |
