HK faces shortage of 3,000 engineers

Stacy Shi

Hong Kong is projected to face a shortage of 3,000 engineers over the next five years, according to a forecast by the Construction Industry Council last year.

The shortage will particularly hit the fields of structural, environmental, electrical and mechanical, geotechnical and civil engineering, said Hong Kong Institution of Engineers president Eric Ma Siu-cheung.

In response, he said, the institution will continue to attract, nurture and retain talent through initiatives aimed at enhancing understanding of the profession and the development opportunities available.

"We will continue to drive STEAM education in line with the government's emphasis and launch schemes to connect engineering alumni with primary and secondary school students, while providing schools with advice and support on engineering-related education," Ma said.

He also said the sector could serve as a "super-connector" and "super-value-adder" by facilitating extensive exchanges and collaboration between the mainland and international engineering industries.

Also being proposed is that the terms and conditions of land sales, including reducing requirements on provision of public facilities in small-scale projects and revising vetting and approval procedures to ensure a stable supply of land, be reviewed.

The proposals were included in recommendations to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu for the upcoming policy address.

In terms of talent development and education, it called for government support to set up a platform to promote cooperation between outstanding engineering enterprises and local and mainland engineers.

"We hope authorities will expedite the review and revision of admission requirements for engineering disciplines in universities and secondary school curriculums to prioritize nurturing of local talent," he said.