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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the opening ceremony of Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Centenary Conference this morning (January 24):
President (Sarah) Buck, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It's a great pleasure to join you today on this special occasion celebrating the institution's 100th anniversary.
First of all, I would like to thank the institution for choosing Hong Kong as the host city for this centenary conference. I know that you will find us warm and welcoming hosts – we are most honoured to have you here. I know, also, that Hong Kong is a living laboratory of how to turn ideas into reality, which is the theme for this year's conference.
This magnificent structure that we find ourselves in today is a case in point – as is our airport, and the infrastructure of roads, railways and bridges that serve it. And, of course our famous skyline, which is not just a bar chart of Hong Kong's progress – it is also a vertical tribute to the structural engineers who worked on all of those projects. Our lives are all the better for the expertise you bring to bear. We couldn't have done it without you!
The institution has a most distinguished and reputable history. In the past century, it has been the cradle of international expertise for structural engineering and public safety issues, and it has provided relentless support to fellow professionals around the world. Here in Hong Kong, the institution has contributed tremendously to enhancing the technical competence and overall excellence of our structural engineering profession.
Indeed, structural engineers perform an indispensable role in design and construction because they do really turn abstract ideas into physical reality. You are, rightfully, most concerned about public safety – whether structures will stand the test of time. But other issues such as serviceability, the materials to be used, cost-effectiveness and durability all come into the equation. And, the complexity and innovation of modern design means that you must also stretch your creativity and adapt your knowledge to the limit on a daily basis.
In Hong Kong, we welcome this creativity and innovation. In my Policy Address to Hong Kong last October, I announced that we would push ahead with 10 major infrastructure projects over the next five years – just the type of projects you all love to sink your teeth into. These mega-projects will enhance our transport and cross-boundary infrastructure, and also improve the living environment. They include a bridge, more than 30 kilometres long, linking Hong Kong to Macau and Zhuhai on the Mainland; an express railway line to Guangzhou; the development of new cityscape on the old airport site at Kai Tak; and the development of a new cultural precinct on a greenfield, 40-hectare site at West Kowloon. These and other major developments planned will bring considerable economic benefit, create many jobs, and help consolidate Hong Kong's positioning as Asia's world city.
In that Policy Address, I also explained my vision of a "progressive development" model for Hong Kong. That is, development that is sustainable, balanced and diversified; development that brings overall progress rather than economic development alone; and, development that also benefits culture, society and the environment. This progressive development model can be realised in Hong Kong through a continuous and well coordinated plan for upgrading our physical infrastructure; and by promoting community development through projects that revitalise local communities, conserve or reinvigorate heritage buildings, and protect the environment. Structural engineers will no doubt be a part of this transformation in Hong Kong – as you have been for more than a century.
Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong has never been a place to stand still. That's why – with your help over the decades – we are still standing! We are entering a new phase of development in Hong Kong – a phase that will help transform, once again, the face of modern Hong Kong. It will be a phase of tremendous opportunity, as we consolidate our position as the prime business hub in Asia, as a global financial centre, and as a knowledge bank of best practice for our country. I know that we can rely on structural engineers to be a part of our ongoing success.
I wish you all the best for this conference. I know it will be a great success. I also know that the institution will continue to thrive and prosper, and that cities and communities around the world will continue to marvel at your creativity, and benefit tremendously from your professionalism.
Thank you.
Ends/Thursday, January 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:15
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