Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) held its second “Talk of the Metropolis” of the year today (25 April). Ir Aaron Bok Kwok-ming, President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, was invited as guest speaker to share his experience in the infrastructure and public works projects of Hong Kong and his insights into the opportunities facing the city's engineering industry on the topic “From Barren Rock to Metropolis; to Greener, Smarter and Happier”.
Starting with his own experience, Ir Bok shared the evolution of urban development and engineering construction in Hong Kong. With Hong Kong's success in transforming from barren rock into a metropolis, Ir Bok explained that infrastructure construction is a crucial foundation for urban, social and economic development. He said, “Infrastructure projects and the work of engineers are closely related to the daily life of the general public,” he said. “From mega projects such as the Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and Central-Wan Chai Bypass, to small items such as mobile phones, video games, paper and pens, all are the magnificent works of engineers. Their work is right at the heart of city development and human civilisation; it is diversified, vibrant, full of challenges and satisfaction.”
As a number of mega projects in Hong Kong will commence soon, Ir Bok said he believed both the Northern Metropolis and the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands would increase land reserves. Engineers can adopt sustainable, green and innovative strategies for these urban development projects to create a smart, eco-friendly and livable place for Hong Kong people.
Ir Bok analysed the trends and opportunities for future engineering projects and shared his vision for building Hong Kong into a happy and smart city. He pointed out that the engineering profession would continue to prosper and that engineers would stay true to their original aspiration of pursuing excellence and continue to provide quality engineering services for the community, building Hong Kong into a beautiful and happy city together. He called on young people to join the engineering industry, which he said is full of challenges, opportunities and prospects.
HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung and President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing expressed their gratitude to Ir Bok for his insightful sharing. In his welcome speech, Dr Wong praised Ir Bok for his devotion to the engineering industry of Hong Kong over the years. The participants found the talk inspiring and enlightening and enthusiastically asked questions and exchanged views with Ir Bok on the infrastructure development of Hong Kong during the question-and-answer session.
Ir Bok is a registered professional engineer in civil engineering with nearly 40 years of experience. He started his engineering career with the Government in early 1980s and has served in various departments and bureaus, including the Highways Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, and the Development Bureau. Ir Bok has participated in multiple significant infrastructure projects, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and the IEC Link.
The “Talk of the Metropolis” series aims to provide a platform for people from all walks of life to be inspired by the views from experts and scholars, thereby having a positive impact on social development. All talks in the series will be broadcast on the University's “Knowledge for All” programme every Sunday morning on TVB Pearl. To learn more about the public lecture series or watch past videos, please visit https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/pao/talk-of-the-metropolis/.
