W K LO's LegCo Express

Feb 2025

 

1. Responses to the Budget 2025
Financial Secretary delivered the latest Budget on 26 Feb. I welcome the announcement in the Budget to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis, including the allocation of HK$3.7 billion to expedite the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. I hope the government will adopt an innovative public-private partnership model, provide land and tax incentives, and attract enterprises to set up operations. I also welcome the increase in overall public works expenditure to an average of HK$120 billion per year. While I understand the government needs to control project expenditures to address the fiscal deficit, projects beneficial to people's livelihoods and economic development should continue to move forward. I urge the government to formulate a detailed plan, review the investment amounts and project scale list for public works, and make advance preparations for human resources to prevent fluctuations in construction workload.


2. Raised a written question regarding “Evaluation mechanism of Mainland ‘Professional Title’ qualifications for Hong Kong professionals”
Recently, the first batch of more than 200 Hong Kong engineers have successfully passed the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Engineering Professional Title evaluation and obtained corresponding engineering professional qualifications on the Mainland. At the LegCo meeting on 12 Feb, I asked the Government if they have discussed with the Mainland the gradual extension of evaluation of Professional Title qualifications to all engineering professions; whether the authorities will formulate a strategy and timetable for that discussion; whether the authorities will take the breakthrough in the convergence of professional qualifications between Hong Kong and the Mainland as an opportunity to join hands with Mainland government departments and relevant professional sectors to encourage Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to jointly bid for large-scale national and multinational projects, so as to broaden the horizons of and seek more opportunities for the various types of professionals and small and medium-sized enterprises in Hong Kong. Please use the link below to view my question and Government’s reply:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/12/P2025021200412.htm?fontSize=2

3. Approved public works funding projects in the FC and PWSC
On 28 Feb, the FC members approved a funding project of HK$2,133.8 million for the redevelopment of the Shek Kip Mei Health Centre. On 14 Feb, a funding request of HK$41,615.8 million for 2025-26 for the block allocations under the Capital Works Reserve Fund was approved. On 19 Feb, the PWSC members approved a funding allocation of HK$4,758.1 million for Tung Chung New Town Extension – site formation and infrastructure works (Second Phase). This project, along with the others, would be submitted to the FC for final funding approval.

4. Visited a construction site to learn about the advanced technology applications in construction
On 18 Feb, I was invited to visit a construction site in Causeway Bay to learn more about the advanced technology applications in construction. The construction company introduced and demonstrated its Distant Tower Crane Command System at the Lee Garden Eight construction site. This System is a pioneering innovation for the construction industry, which combines Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and high-precision remote control technology. Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) technology is also used extensively at this site. I hope these technologies will further improve the safety and efficiency of the construction industry.
 

5. Invited the HKIE Council members to the LegCo Guest Day Luncheon
On 25 Feb, I invited the HKIE Council members to the LegCo Guest Day Luncheon at the LegCo Complex. The luncheon provided an opportunity for networking while also facilitating discussions on the latest developments in the engineering industry and the Institution. As Hong Kong’s engineering sector stands at a critical juncture, I look forward to working hand in hand with industry stakeholders to address the sector’s needs and promote its long-term, sustainable development.