Senior Engineer: The electrical and electronic engineering industry is in great demand for talent and has great development potential

The electrical and electronic engineering industry is gaining influence in Hong Kong, and veteran engineer Professor Lok Fa Shing believes the sector has great potential for development. He pointed out that from the beginning of 2022 to July 8, the total amount of engineering projects passed and approved by the Legislative Council was about HK$78 billion, of which at least 10% involved electrical and electronic engineering projects such as infrastructure, industrial and commercial civil buildings and power plants, showing that electrical and electronic engineers play an indispensable role in these projects. According to the “Engineering Industry Manpower Survey and Forecast” released by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in April this year, the amount of mechanical and electrical engineering is expected to increase from approximately HK$4.29 billion in 2021-22 to HK$5.5 billion in 2030-31, indicating that the industry has good development space.

Professor Lok also pointed out that a number of government policies in recent years, such as providing subsidies to owners of old buildings for repairs, increasing housing supply and promoting economic development in northern Hong Kong, have helped promote the steady growth of the electrical and electronic engineering industry.

In order to fulfill its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, the government actively promotes green buildings and encourages contractors to use innovative electrical and electronic technologies to promote smart cities and buildings, so as to achieve energy conservation, carbon reduction and environmental protection goals. The rise of smart cities and the widespread use of innovative technologies in the construction industry will undoubtedly strengthen the demand for electrical and electronic engineering services, and is expected to attract more new talents, indicating a positive outlook for the industry. However, there are currently only about 68,000 electrical and electronic engineering practitioners in Hong Kong, and the talent supply is insufficient. The industry is in urgent need of professional talents.