Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) Annual Dinner today (April 17):

Alice (President of the HKIE, Ms Alice Chow), Eric (Immediate Past President of the HKIE, Mr Eric Ma), 葉水球副部長 (Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Ye Shuiqiu), engineers, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening.

     It gives me great pleasure to join you tonight at the Annual Dinner of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. This is always a joyful occasion – a time to celebrate your remarkable contributions, to enjoy the fellowship of fellow engineers, and to reflect on how engineering continues to shape our city and our future.

Engineers as builders of Hong Kong

     I have had the privilege of working closely with engineers throughout my career, since my time as Secretary for Development and even earlier. Across the disciplines: civil, structural, geotechnical, electrical, mechanical, environmental, information and beyond, you have together created the essential fabric of our city. From our world-class transport network and smart infrastructures, to award winning public works projects and greener neighbourhoods, your collective expertise continues to power Hong Kong's progress. 

     In recent years, Hong Kong's engineers have delivered many outstanding examples of technological excellence. Innovations in MIC (modular integrated construction), advanced digital engineering, cleaner low carbon solutions, and many others, are steadily transforming how we design and build a smarter, greener and more resilient and liveable Hong Kong.

     On the part of the Government, we place great importance in the engineering profession, and spare no effort in fostering an enabling environment for innovation. As outlined in the 2026-27 Budget, the Government’s annual capital works expenditure stands at around $130 billion for the coming five years. At the same time, we are stepping up investment in R&D (research and development), promoting innovation and advanced technologies' adoption in public works, so that our projects become platforms for Hong Kong's engineering excellence.

     We are also committed to nurturing a strong pipeline of engineering talent. Through strengthening STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, supporting more internship and apprenticeship opportunities, and building closer ties between the industry, academia and professional bodies, we will help more young people enter the profession and support practitioners upgrade their skills.

     Looking ahead, major infrastructure projects, particularly the Northern Metropolis development, will create new opportunities for engineers across many sectors. This strategic region, as Hong Kong's innovation and technology hub, the platform for collaboration with Greater Bay Area cities, and the powerhouse for Hong Kong's next phase of economic growth, will serve as a "living laboratory" for frontier technology applications, integrating AI, green design, advanced construction technologies and smart urban systems.  

Trends reshaping engineering

     Tonight, I would also like to take this opportunity to share three observations that, in my view, are of significance for Hong Kong’s engineering profession.

     First, artificial intelligence. As you all know, AI is transforming various industries at an unprecedented pace. I believe we have entered the era of digital intelligence, in which universal connectivity, convergence of data systems and the rise of agentic AI will profoundly reshape how we live, work and do business. Engineering will be no exception.

     AI brings huge possibilities and efficiency. For example, digital twins and sensing technologies can help monitor project progress and detect structural or safety vulnerabilities far more efficiently. Predictive analytics are helping to optimise project timelines, resource allocation and maintenance cycles. Robotics are improving safety and precision on site.  

     Of course, this new era demands new skill sets, new mindsets and adaptive thinking. Change is never easy, yet embracing change has always been the essence of progress.

     The Government is pressing ahead with our AI+ Strategy. This is a whole of community effort to harness the power of AI to empower industries. In the Budget this year, we proposed to establish the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy to co-ordinate efforts across sectors. We very much welcome the insights and participation of the engineering community as we take this work forward. 

     Second, green transition. The global drive towards carbon neutrality is reshaping the way we design, build and operate our cities.

     Our engineers are already at the forefront of this transformation. For example, you are applying energy efficient designs and modular construction to reduce emissions, cut material waste, and improve build quality. The wider use of smart, energy saving systems and green materials are helping to future-proof the sustainability of our buildings and infrastructure.

     Here, let me emphasise that green transition is not a constraint on how we build, but a growth strategy for the construction and engineering sector. As green requirements advance globally and consumer demands similarly evolve, it will increasingly be a competitive advantage of your profession to embrace green practices. Our engineers can and should play a more proactive role in driving this transformation. 

     Third, our country's high-quality development. As set out in the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, our country, China, is advancing technological self-reliance and high-level two-way opening up. It is also accelerating the development of a modern infrastructure system, new energy networks, and the modernisation of rural and agricultural areas.  

     For engineers in Hong Kong, this opens up a wide horizon of opportunities. Under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong is the gateway that bridges national and international standards, and brings together global capital, talent and ideas.

     Our engineers can play a truly unique role, as you are the connector and transformer between the two systems. On the one hand, the Mainland will continue to welcome global best practices in engineering, technology and management. On the other, more Mainland enterprises are expanding their footprint worldwide. Wider international recognition of our national standards will support the international use of Chinese technologies and products, creating new business opportunities. To this end, the development of the Greater Bay Area Standards is an important step forward. I am confident that Hong Kong engineers can play an instrumental role in helping our national standards and products go global.

Maintaining the core values

     Amid all these changes and opportunities, one thing remains constant: the core values that define the engineering profession – professionalism, integrity, responsibility and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Because of the critical nature of your work, you are also guardians of public interest. The society relies on your judgment, your ethics and your sense of duty. I am sure you will hold fast to these values, in good times and in challenging times.  These are the bedrock of Hong Kong's long-term development.

     Ladies and gentlemen, the HKIE has long been a vital partner of the Government. Your professional standing, your leadership in standard setting, accreditation and professional training have strengthened public confidence in Hong Kong’s infrastructure, which has enhanced our city's international reputation. 

     Infrastructure is the backbone of our city, and talent is its beating heart – and the HKIE has been nurturing that heart for over 50 years. 

     As we move ahead, the Government looks forward to working closely with the HKIE: to nurture the next generation of engineering talent, and to deliver solutions that are smart, sustainable and resilient, driving the high-quality development of Hong Kong. 

     Before I close, let me extend my warmest congratulations to Alice, the first female President in your history. Engineering has always been about breaking new ground, and this milestone in gender diversity will no doubt inspire the next generation of engineers. 

     I wish you all a most enjoyable evening filled with good company, fellowship and renewed confidence in the bright future that we are building together.

     Thank you very much. 

Ends/Friday, April 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:09

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