Meet Hong Kong chairman, Arthur Li

What interests you about the industry?

It is very important for me to keep refreshing my mind – when I am trying to develop a system, solving engineering problems and learning new technologies.

How did you get into it?

After graduating from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, I entered the industry directly. There wasn’t even a moment of hesitation.

Can you explain how you got into your current role?

Through practising in engineering. I got used to solving the problems of systems, whether during the design stage or after building. I like to study systems and find out their limitations and advantages, especially paying attention to the thermal section. This led me to help solving design difficulties or running problems of thermal systems.Although these might not have got me money or contracts, they improved my engineering sense and increased my career opportunities.

What’s the best thing you’ve learned?

In the engineering industry, we always need to listen to the clients and learn from operators and users. It is often feedback that improves problem solving and technical knowhow.

Have you got a stand-out moment?

My whole career. I would say I have never stopped improving with the aim of achieving more stand-out moments in my career. This comes with successful projects and time. Over the past 30 years, I have been involved, in different roles, in developing thermal systems for prominent projects – from hands-on design to consultation and supervision. My team grows with our accumulation of experience and knowledge in building steam plants, hot water systems and air heating systems. We give extended guarantee periods up to 10 years because we are confident in the quality of our work.

Would you do it all over again?

Yes. Nowadays I like talking to people of all ages and careers to ensure my thinking is stimulated and that I can learn from others as much as I hope to teach them.

Tell us something people don’t know about you.

When I was a child, I got used to getting broken or failed toys. I repaired them for playing. This built my interest in solving engineering problems, and later led me to studying Mechanical Engineering.

This article first appeared in the Mar/Apr 2019 issue of P&H Engineering, the magazine for members of the CIPHE. Find out how to join here.