In less than two centuries, Hong Kong has developed from an insignificant fishing port into a modern metropolitan city. She owes her transformation to the competent and dedicated professionals in different areas in Hong Kong over the past years.

This book depicts the development of the engineering profession and the institutions representing Hong Kong’s engineers from 1842 to 1975. The evolution of local engineering institutions reflects a significant aspect of Hong Kong’s social development. The book traces the history of each engineering body up to the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, and takes the reader through many phases of the city’s development. In the background of all this is the interaction between the institutions and the society at different periods at large.

By telling the stories of these engineering bodies, we wish to pay tribute to their members who have not only made meaningful contribution to their own profession but have also left indelible marks on Hong Kong’s path to prosperity.

Contents

Introduction

1. Odyssey to the East: Western Engineers in Early Hong Kong 13

An Isle on the Coast of Southern China　14

A Brave New World for Western Engineers　17

Military and Civil Infrastructures in the New Colony　21

British Engineering Institutions and Engineers in Hong Kong　27

2. An Association of Friendship: The Pre-war Hong Kong Engineers’ Institute 33

Some Important Figures　35

For the Interests of the Profession　39

A Professional Body for Shipbuilders　45

Development and Changing of Premises　56

Political and Military Ties　61

Growing Activities　68

Financial Strain and Closure　70

3. Building Professional Strength: The Post-War Engineering Society of Hong Kong　77

Stanley Internee Engineering Corporation Limited　78

A New Society with a Changed Focus　80

Spreading out and Forming Ties　84

Engineers with a Dedication　91

The Link with Britain　99

4. Engineering Education in Hong Kong　107

Promoting Knowledge and Training　108

Sharing Knowledge and Expertise　109

Long-term Commitment to Education　117

Training Programmes for Engineers and Technicians　129

Reforms in Assessment and Training　132

Expansion of Tertiary Education　133

5. 130 Years of Engineering Ventures　137

Achievements in a Century　138

A Wide Range of Military Constructions　141

1　Early Military Works　141

2　Defense Works Covering the WWII Period　165

3　Diminishing of Military Facilities after the War　184

Public Works of a Century　192

1　Early Roads and Piers　192

2　Public Works Constructed up to WWII　200

3　Steady Development after the War　228

6. Continuing the Heritage　255

Capturing the World’s Attention　258

Steering Ahead of Community Needs　260

Achieving Statutory Status　265

APPENDICES

1　Executive Committee Members

of the Hongkong Engineers’ Institute (1882-1883)　270

2　Executive Committee Members

of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders (1891-1941)　271

3　Executive Committee and Council Members

of the Engineering Society of Hong Kong (1947-1975)　285

4　Document on War-time Manpower Distribution in the Public Works Department

(Public Records Office of Hong Kong, Reference Number: HKRS308-9-1)　292

5　Balls and Concerts　298

6　Billiard Tournaments　301

The Engineering Society of Hong Kong

The Engineering Society of Hong Kong, was founded in 1947 with the aim to bring together engineers of different Disciplines for their common good. The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (the HKIE) was incorporated under the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Ordinance, Chapter 1105 of the Laws of Hong Kong in 1975. The HKIE is the only statutory professional engineering body in Hong Kong. As at May 2014, the Institution has over 31,000 members of whom over 14,000 are in the grade of Corporate Member.

The Institution sets standards for the training and admission of engineers of 21 engineering Disciplines. It also has strict rules governing the conduct of its members and is dedicated to raising the ethical standards of professional engineers in Hong Kong. The 19 Divisions under the Institution regularly organise activities to keep members abreast of the latest developments in engineering and also provide opportunities for continuing professional development.

The HKIE not only nominates its members to serve on various external boards and committees of government departments and higher education institutions, but also provides comments and professional advice on the government’s consultation papers and engineering-related bills in committee meetings of the Legislative Council. In addition, the profession has one seat representing the Engineering Functional Constituency in the Legislative Council through which views of the profession can be expressed to the Government.

The HKIE has signed agreements for reciprocal recognition of professional qualifications and agreements of co-operation with engineering institutions worldwide and is a member of many international engineering institutions.