Youngsters should seize opportunities in the construction industry as Hong Kong will welcome another "golden period" with a number of projects launching soon, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho says.

Forty-two youngsters were awarded the Young Lo Pan Award this year - an award that recognizes construction practitioners' contributions, the pursuit of excellence and innovative spirit.

"The government will work with the industry to improve training and attract young people to the business," Linn said at the award ceremony yesterday.

There will be a lot of incredible opportunities for young people who are committed to the construction industry as they engage in numerous large infrastructure projects including the Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands.

Linn also said the Development Bureau has joined with the Construction Industry Council and the industry to promote professional images and development prospects as well as targeted teaching in schools to attract more young people.

"We organize the Young Lo Pan Award to promote the spirit of Lo Pan, which includes two aspects: technical and moral," said Tang Chi-wang, chairman of Hong Kong Lo Pan Kwong Yuet Tong.

Award winner Lee Ho-yan, 28, shattered the stereotype of male-dominated construction sites and showed that women may have a position in the architecture profession based on their strengths.

Lee, who has been in the industry for seven years, said she chose to join the industry as "I feel proud to be a construction worker as my father used to show me many buildings that he took part in."

Chan Wa-keung and Leung Sai-hon won the Construction Award and the Construction Manager Award while Wong Man-him was awarded the Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Award.

Lo Pan Temple, located in Kennedy Town to commemorate the ancient Chinese architect, was built in 1884 and is now classified as a Grade I historic building. And it is about to undergo renovation.

"With the sustainable development of various infrastructure projects the demand for talent in the construction industry will continue to rise and the future is bright," Tang declared.

Tang Chi-wang and Lee Ho-yan

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