Speech by DCS at HKIS Awards 2024 Presentation Ceremony (English only) (with photos)
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Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) Awards 2024 Presentation Ceremony this evening (July 12):
Deputy Director-General Ye Shuiqiu (Deputy Director-General, Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government), Sr Francis Lam (President of the HKIS), Sr Professor Winnie Shiu (Chairlady of the HKIS Awards 2024 Organising Committee), the Honourable Tony Tse (Legislative Council Member), government colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening to you. It is my pleasure to be here today to witness the presentation of the HKIS Awards 2024, which is indeed the inaugural edition of this award. I am delighted that the HKIS has taken the initiative to organise this meaningful event, which serves as an excellent platform for promoting and recognising the contributions made by the surveying profession to the development of Hong Kong. I would also like to express my warm congratulations to the award finalists for their hard work and outstanding achievements.
The surveying profession is the backbone of the development sector in Hong Kong. Over the years, the HKIS has accomplished a lot in upholding the professionalism of surveying practitioners through standard setting and representing Hong Kong in the international surveying arena. Moreover, the HKIS has been a close partner of the Government and given many a constructive advice to us in our formulation of relevant policies and implementation of projects. To name a few, the new legislation for extending land leases by operation of law (which just came into effect last Friday); the measures for streamlining the processing procedures for development including charging land premium at standard rates; the updating of the compulsory sale regime, and the measures for improving building safety, have all been taken forward with the benefit of the HKIS’ useful and balanced suggestions.
The Institute’s efforts in organising the HKIS Awards 2024 amply demonstrate the HKIS’ passion in echoing society’s needs and promoting good practices in the profession. The theme “Surveying for a Sustainable Future” is indeed visionary, timely and fitting. It echoes the Government’s determination in promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly Hong Kong, as well as the global efforts in attaining sustainable development. As far as Hong Kong, our home, is concerned, the Government published in 2021 Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, which outlined the city’s de-carbonisation strategies in realising the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, alongside the more vigorous interim target to reduce Hong Kong’s carbon emissions by 50 per cent before 2035. Therefore, while the Government has been forging ahead relentlessly with development to expedite land and housing supply by enhancing “quantity”, “speed” and “efficiency”, ensuring and enhancing “quality” is equally important to us. To this end, we have among others been stepping up the adoption of green and smart initiatives in the planning of new development areas, and incentivising sustainable building designs and use of green innovation and technology in private developments.
The Government is fully committed to providing a quality living environment which allows our people to enjoy the place they live and as well attracts outside talent and enterprises to come. We all know this is a mission that requires the joint efforts of the Government, the private sector, industry professionals and other stakeholders. The HKIS is an important partner, and we will continue to work closely with the Institute in the sustainability journey to achieve more for the betterment of our city.
The projects of the award finalists today are great sources of inspiration for promoting sustainable development. They epitomize the innovation, creativity and technical excellence of the surveying profession. I notice that the list of finalists is very comprehensive. It covers a wide range of different types of development projects, ranging from residential, commercial to welfare; the different stages of implementation from planning, construction to post-occupation; and a variety of participants from the private sector, public bodies, government departments and NGOs. All these go to show the solidarity and unwavering endeavours across the entire surveying profession to strive for a more sustainable Hong Kong. Each finalist project team deserves recognition for their exceptional contributions and leadership in the field. I have high hope that this high-quality human capital we have will play an instrumental role in bringing a more sustainable future for Hong Kong.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to also congratulate the HKIS for its 40th anniversary in this year. We are thankful for the continuous support that the HKIS has rendered to the work of the Government all along. Let’s work together to strengthen the Government-HKIS relationship in the years to come. I wish the event tonight great success.
Thank you.