Turning ideas into reality
The Institution's Centenary Conference in Hong Kong was a resounding success, attracting around 450 delegates from around the world to this exciting 'city of structure'. Held at the Hong Kong Conference Centre (pictured right), the conference had a high profile start, with Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR, Donald Tsang, attending the opening ceremony and giving the event his blessing. He welcomed delegates, pointing out that Hong Kong was an apt illustration of the conference theme, 'Turning ideas into reality'.
In his address Mr Tsang discussed the distinguished reputation that IStructE has in Hong Kong and China and the contribution the Institution has made in improving the skills of local structural engineers. He also added that his Policy Address in October last year included the announcement of 10 major infrastructure projects that will enhance transport links in Hong Kong.
The attendance of the CEO managed to attract interest from the local press. The conference received a whole page spread in the South China Morning Post, and photographers were present to record the opening ceremony and the welcome given by Mr Tsang. The following day, IStructE President, Sarah Buck, appeared with Mr Tsang, in the same newspaper.
In her opening speech to the conference, the President reminded delegates of the formation of the Concrete Institute in 1908, which became the Institution of Structural Engineers in 1922. 'By 1934, the eminence of the organisation was such that a Royal Charter was granted. The Institution has since expanded and diversified, and now has over 22 000 members in 105 countries.'
Sarah told delegates: 'We are always considering ways of supporting our members even more effectively, wherever they work and at whatever level. We will continue to add value and to extend the range of services we provide to our members. We will consider why there are so few women structural engineers, and make effort to change the balance to be more representative of society.'
The conference lectures consisted of presentations from eminent engineers on sustainability, bridges and transport, education and training, risk, reliability and robustness, disaster mitigation, research and innovation, and building structures.
The lifting the bar ceremony from left - Dr HK Cheng, CE Hong Kong SER Donald Tsang and IStructE President Sarah Buck and CEO Dr Keith Eaton
The President cuts the 100th Anniversary Cake
Click here for an outline of the conference agenda.
A special thank you to the following sponsors of the conference:
Diamond sponsors (HK 100k+)
• Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd
• Chun Wo Development Holdings Ltd
• Hydrotech International Ltd
• Maunsell Aecom Group
• Paul Y. Engineering Group Ltd
Gold sponsors (HK 50k+)
• Hip Hing Construction Company Ltd
• Shui On Land Ltd
• Sino Group
• Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd
• VSL Hong Kong Ltd
Sponsors (HK 20k)
Sponsors (HK 10k)
