Hong Kong update: branch visit

A unique link between two very different countries is flourishing, driven by the need to professionalise the industry and solve challenges vital for public health.

Hong Kong returned to the control of China in 1997, but its ties with the UK have remained for more than just historical reasons. Housing and office development is needed to support economic and population growth – and with it comes a need for infrastructure and skills.

The image of construction industry workers is slowly improving. Full course costs for training in this sector are now covered by government and some extra financial support is given. Students receive mentoring, counselling and assistance in securing full-time employment.

Hong Kong CIPHE branch members will explore over the coming year how they can collaborate to develop future training courses, and have even greater CIPHE branding at its training centre.

The CIPHE has a growing membership as a result of the need for skilled workers and is also developing a close relationship with the Water Supplies Department (WSD). The WSD is the part of government that not only oversees planning, but regulation and public health too.

Ahead of the annual meeting for local members, I met WSD officials to see how we can work together more closely at both local and international levels.

The meeting could not have gone better. The WSD welcomed the suggestion that CPD be mandated and we will explore this further. The officials were also grateful for the CPD courses arranged by the HK Branch.

Wasted water

There’s a need driving the interest of officials. The WSD is concerned with the amount of water leakage in Hong Kong and is desperate for support from the UK to help with leakage detection and training provision. The officials welcomed a suggestion that the Branch allocate the WSD space in its communications to promote its work and activities. This was the first time that the WSD stated that it sees the CIPHE as being in a unique position as the only chartered body safeguarding plumbing, heating and drainage. The CIPHE’s assistance in influencing public behaviour was welcomed.

A sign of the CIPHE’s growing influence is that the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) has told us it has great respect for the organisation and is keen to collaborate further.

That’s not to say there aren’t challenges. More than 300 people attended the AGM in December 2018, including representatives from the WSD, and it became apparent that the industry is crying out for a higher-level degree course in water engineering.

What’s also clear is that the HK membership process is more complicated than that of the UK, especially due to the Licensed Plumber scheme that is currently under review. We are going to work with the HK membership team to enhance the process. Ultimately though, there are bigger issues at stake and they are what we must focus on.

As CIPHE Hong Kong Branch Honorary Secretary Derek Chan says: “The government is concerned about water quality and skills issues at craft level. The CIPHE will play an important role in providing the necessary training.”