CIBSE’s CEO Ruth Carter and President Elect Dave Cooper MBE recently led a delegation visit to China and Hong Kong, accompanied by members of the CIBSE Hong Kong Region committee. The visit formed part of CIBSE’s ongoing commitment to supporting members internationally, strengthening institutional partnerships, and advancing best practice in building services engineering across global markets.
Over the course of the visit, the delegation participated in a series of meetings, technical engagements, and knowledge-sharing activities with government bodies, industry leaders, engineering institutions, and CIBSE members across the region.
The delegation visited the Zhuhai GREE factory in Guangdong province, learning about GREE’s manufacturing processes and emerging technologies. This provided an opportunity to explore shared areas of interest in advancing building services engineering and reinforced CIBSE’s commitment to international knowledge exchange and collaboration.
In Hong Kong, CIBSE hosted a reception at the British Consulate, bringing together officials, industry leaders, and valued guests. The discussions highlighted CIBSE’s global initiatives, the future of building performance, and the role of innovation and sustainability in shaping the built environment. CIBSE extends its thanks to the British Consulate and all attendees for their support.
The delegation also met with Chairman Zhou and senior representatives from the Department for Cooperation and Exchange at the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology (GPAST), which represents engineers across Guangdong’s population of 70 million. The discussions focused on mutual recognition of members, reciprocal agreements to share best practice, and future opportunities for collaboration.
A constructive meeting with the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) in Hong Kong explored global developments in building services engineering and current challenges. ArchSD expressed particular interest in the work of the CIBSE Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT) and broader sector advancements.
CIBSE leadership also met with Alan Siu Yu Bun, CEO of the Property Management Services Authority (PMSA), to discuss the evolving role of property and facilities management in delivering safe, sustainable, and high-performing buildings. Strengthening collaboration in these areas remains a shared priority.
The delegation continued its engagements with the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), meeting with Ir Prof Frank Chan Fan, Senior Vice President of HKIE. Discussions focused on building services engineering, addressing the skills gap, inspiring more young people to pursue engineering careers, and exploring the role of AI in shaping the profession’s future.
During a dedicated session with the CIBSE Hong Kong Young Engineers Network (YEN), the delegation explored career pathways, emerging technologies, and the evolving role of building services engineers. Insights from young engineers highlighted the region’s enthusiasm, capability, and readiness to embrace AI-driven innovation.
CIBSE leadership also met with the Hong Kong Region Committee to hear updates on local initiatives, membership growth, and technological developments. Dave Cooper shared his career journey from apprentice to President Elect, while Ruth Carter highlighted CIBSE’s global activity and celebrated the region’s achievements and contributions.
The delegation met with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), where Director Raymond Poon and Deputy Director PC Chan, alongside committee members, presented developments in energy efficiency and green technologies. Discussions covered engineering standards, talent retention, and the positive role of AI in enhancing engineering performance. This engagement strengthened an already valued relationship and reinforced a shared commitment to a sustainable future.
CIBSE leaders also attended the CIBSE Hong Kong Joint Symposium 2025, themed Revealing smart, resilient, and sustainable built environment: Innovating wellbeing and decarbonization from design to operation. The symposium brought together local and international experts to explore innovations in building design, resilience, and occupant wellbeing, highlighting CIBSE’s role in driving knowledge exchange and innovation across the sector.
CIBSE’s delegation visit further solidified the institution’s connections across China and Hong Kong, supporting members, fostering international cooperation, and strengthening CIBSE’s global voice in building services engineering. These engagements reinforce CIBSE’s commitment to professional excellence, sustainable development, and sharing best practice worldwide.
CIBSE looks forward to continuing these partnerships and expanding opportunities for collaboration across the region.