Congratulations to Ir Prof Lau Ching Kwong, an alumnus and board member of Hong Kong Chu Hai College, on being elected as an “Honorary Fellow” by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) in recognition of his remarkable services to the HKIE and the engineering industry. His achievements not only bring pride to the college but also inspire students to strive for excellence and contribute to society.

Ir Prof Lau Ching Kwong is a highly experienced civil and structural engineer. After receiving his Diploma in Building from Hong Kong Technical College in 1965 (now The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), he continued his extensive knowledge journey. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Hong Kong Chu Hai College, Master of Science in Bridge Engineering from University of Surrey, and finally, Doctorate in Engineering from Tsinghua University. He is proudly the first Hong Kong engineer to receive this doctorate.

Ir Prof Lau’s distinguished civil service career spanned more than 35 years. He began with the Hong Kong Government in 1966 as Assistant Engineer. In 1994 and 1996 respectively, he was promoted to Government Engineer and Principal Government Engineer. He became Deputy Director of Highways Department in 1997. In late 2000 until his retirement in 2002, he was Director of Civil Engineering Department (now the Civil and Engineering Development Department (CEDD)).

In Hong Kong, Ir Prof Lau earned the title of “King of Bridges” for his knowledge and experience in planning, designing and building large-scale infrastructure projects. He is particularly well-known and praised for his work on Hong Kong’s three world-class cable supported bridges that grace Hong Kong’s skyline - Tsing Ma Bridge, Kap Shui Mun Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge. While Director of the CEDD, he was instrumental in the early planning and design of Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park after the government approved construction in 1999.

Ir Prof Lau Ching Kwong (L), the HKIE Honorary Fellow 2024, with the President of HKIE.

In 1999, he received “Mao Yisheng Bridge Construction Grand” and “Tien-yow Jeme Civil Engineering Prize” for his outstanding contribution to the Hong Kong and Mainland China engineering field.

Upon retiring in late 2002, Ir Prof Lau was engaged in 2003 as Executive Director of Transportation by AECOM Asia Co. Ltd. In this role, he managed and coordinated construction of Sutong Bridge, Shanghai Yangtze River Crossing /Tunnel and Bridge and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

In recognition of his significant contribution to the engineering profession and society, Ir Prof Lau is a fellow of the HKIE, Hong Kong Institution of Highways and Transportation, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institution of Civil Engineers, and Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences. He was elected President of the HKIE for Session 2002/2003 and to this day remains involved in its initiatives.

With more than 40 years of experience and knowledge to share with fellow and future engineers, he is currently a valuable mentor to the teaching team in the Department of Civil Engineering at his alma mater Hong Kong Chu Hai College. Additionally, he has been a part-time professor at Tsinghua University since 2004 , facilitating academic and student exchanges in Civil Engineering between Hong Kong Chu Hai College and Tsinghua University.