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Dear members
As I write this final President’s Message at the close of Session 2025/2026, I do so with a full heart — grateful, humbled and deeply appreciative of the trust you have placed in me. Serving as your President during the HKIE’s Golden Jubilee Year has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional journey. This year marked fifty years since the enactment of the HKIE Ordinance in 1975. Beyond commemorating a date, it reminded us what those fifty years truly stand for — professionalism upheld, public trust earned, and generations of engineers quietly shaping Hong Kong’s development with dedication and integrity. A Golden Jubilee is not merely a celebration of longevity. For me, it has been a moment of reflection and renewal. We celebrate not only achievements and milestones, but the enduring values that define us: integrity, competence, service and care. When I assumed office, I introduced the theme “Together We RISE” — Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability and Equity. Yet as the Session unfolded, one word consistently anchored our work: care. Care for safety in our designs and regulations. Care for standards in our professional assessments. Care for sustainability as we plan for generations yet unseen. And care for one another as members of one professional family. That spirit was beautifully reflected in our “Together We RISE” Carnival. For one memorable weekend, engineering moved beyond technical drawings into the community. Children explored with bright curiosity. Students engaged with enthusiasm. Artificial intelligence demonstrations sparked imagination. Members even took to the stage in song — reminding us that behind every structure and system is a human story. Our 50th Anniversary Exhibition, travelling from Hong Kong to Beijing, carried the same message. It celebrated engineering excellence, but more importantly, professional purpose. The HKIE Legacy Award honoured achievements grounded in responsibility and public trust. The commemorative film and Journal Supplement captured not only landmark projects, but the people behind them — individuals who gave their time, talent and heart to the profession. While celebrating our past, we also strengthened our foundations for the future. Council approved revised Competence Standards aligned with international benchmarks and sustainability principles, reinforcing our global standing. We introduced the Adjunct Fellow class to recognise distinguished leaders whose contributions advance engineering and society. In early June, we signed a Reciprocal Recognition Agreement with the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals, opening a new chapter for collaboration within the Environmental Discipline. We also deepened partnerships with tertiary institutions, including the signing of an MoU with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), fostering stronger academic and professional alignment. Through our collaboration with Cyberport and local universities, we continued to bridge engineering and innovation. Enginpreneurs empowers engineers to translate ideas into impactful ventures. EngSeeds, to be launched with the support of the Education Bureau and partner institutions, aims to nurture curiosity and interest in engineering among younger students. These initiatives reflect our commitment to sustaining the profession through talent development and innovation. The Institution has also continued to make its voice heard on matters of public interest. During the year, we published the Recommendation Report on Enhancing the Contracting, Supervision, and Regulatory Framework for Residential Building Maintenance and Renovation, alongside professional reports on MiMEP best practices, smart site safety systems, and carbon management. Through these initiatives, we have contributed our professional expertise to strengthening regulatory practices and enhancing public safety. These efforts reflect our responsibility not only to our members, but also to the wider community. Under the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the engineering profession is poised to play an increasingly significant role as technological integrators and system designers. Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as a “super-connector,” the Institution is preparing a proposal to the Government in anticipation of Hong Kong’s first five-year development plan, ensuring that engineering perspectives contribute meaningfully to shaping a sustainable and forward-looking future. Meanwhile, under our Time to Change Roadmap, we advanced digital transformation to enhance transparency, efficiency and member services — strengthening the Institution from within. Earlier this month, we welcomed newly admitted members and their guests at our Second New Members’ Reception. Witnessing members take the inaugural Pledge was particularly moving. Membership is not merely a designation — it is a promise to uphold professional honour and safeguard public safety. As we approach the Annual General Meeting on 23 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, I warmly encourage all Corporate Members to attend. The AGM is not only a constitutional duty, but also a valuable opportunity for us to gather, reflect on our progress and look ahead together. If you are able to do so, please come tomorrow and cast your vote, as your participation strengthens our governance and affirms our shared commitment. On a personal note, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Council, the Executive, the Secretariat and to each of you who offered time, counsel and encouragement throughout this journey. Your support has made this presidency both possible and profoundly rewarding. Although my term as President is drawing to a close, my connection with HKIE remains steadfast. I look forward to continuing to serve in different capacities and to witnessing the Institution grow from strength to strength. Thank you for the privilege of serving you. Ir Alice CHOW |
