President's Message

Dear Alumni and Friends,

It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as I assume the Presidency of the HKU Engineering Alumni Association.

Honouring Our Collective Achievements

First and foremost, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to Immediate Past President Michael, our Vice-Presidents, and the entire Executive Committee. Your dedication and commitment over the past year have been truly inspiring. You have steered this Association with excellence, upholding the proud legacy of HKUEAA.

Since joining as Vice-President (Event & Programme) last year, I have fully appreciated the passion behind every initiative. Our diverse events, from the Annual Dinner and mentorship programme to technical visits, career talks, and music jamming, are far more than social gatherings. Our recent study tour to Korea, for instance, offered invaluable exposure to clean energy, smart mobility, and green building technologies. These activities strengthen our bonds, foster professional development, and inspire the next generation of engineers.

A People-Centric Vision

From my time as an HKU Engineering student through my professional career, I have always believed that engineering is not solely about technology, it is about people, society, and the future we shape together. This core belief resonates with HKUEAA's mission: to connect alumni, support students, foster professional ties, and contribute to the engineering community.

At EMSD, I witness firsthand the rapid evolution of our discipline. AI, digitalisation, smart systems, and automation are revolutionising how we design, build and maintain our city. Yet these tools must always serve people— enhancing safety, driving efficiency, championing sustainability, and enriching our community.

This is precisely where HKUEAA plays a distinctive role. We are a fraternity built on shared memories, mutual trust, and genuine friendship—a network dedicated to nurturing the younger generation. I aim to build upon our predecessors' foundation, with many of you here today, ensuring HKUEAA remains a vibrant platform for connection, learning, and professional growth.

Building on Our Legacy: InnoQUEST

I am also excited about the synergies between my role at EMSD and our shared mission. Following the success of InnoQUEST, I am delighted to share that we are taking initiative further.

In partnership with the Faculty of Engineering, we are collaborating with EMSD's InnoChallenge, a specialized in-house technology and innovation competition, and the E&M Young Ambassador programme, a departmental youth and educational initiative, to launch an enhanced InnoQUEST. This initiative will provide HKU Engineering students with hands-on exposure across the full I&T project lifecycle, from pitching and co-creation workshops to proof-of-concept trials. It exemplifies how we can bridge government, academia, and the profession to co-create meaningful opportunities for our youth.

Looking Ahead

Taking on this role is a privilege I do not take lightly. I humbly ask for your trust and active support. In the coming term, I look forward to working with the Executive Committee to:

• Strengthen our engineering alumni network;

• Enhance professional learning and exchange opportunities;

• Foster deeper ties with the community; and

• Continue our unwavering support for students and young graduates.

Let us move forward together, strengthening friendship, nurturing talent, and giving back generously to the HKU Engineering community.

Thank you, and I am eager to embark on this journey with you all.

Ir Raymond KY POON, JP

President, HKU Engineering Alumni Association 2026-27