13 years ago, in 2012, I became the Chair of Young Engineers Network of CIBSE HKR. Today, I humbly stand before you filled with deep honor and gratitude as I take on the role of Chair of the CIBSE HK Region. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our past chairs, committee members, and the Young Engineers Network for their exceptional dedication and hard work in bringing us to this point.

I would like to extend a special thank to my good friend, Hyvan, the Chair for the 2024 and 2025 session. He is a charming leader who has the ability to drive excellence in our industry, create meaningful changes and insights for CIBSE HKR, and inspire people both within and outside the committee. I am truly grateful for his outstanding leadership, and I believe he will continue to work diligently for CIBSE HKR in his new role as immediate past chair.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the new committee of the 2025/2026 session for their unwavering support of CIBSE HKR. The committee members of CIBSE HKR are all industry leaders with demanding jobs, yet they remain highly committed and dedicated to serving our organization. Their invaluable contributions have made the CIBSE HKR family stronger and more united, which is a key reason for our success. My journey from chair of the Young Engineers Network to my current role illustrates how CIBSE HKR values young engineers and future leaders as part of our long-term succession plan. I want to express my gratitude to our Young Engineers Network; they are a vital part of CIBSE HKR. Their energy, passion, and talent position them as the future leaders of our industry and within CIBSE HKR.

In the Hong Kong Region, we have over 3,200 CIBSE members, representing approximately 15% of CIBSE's global membership, which makes us the largest international region, a truly remarkable accomplishment! This achievement is something we should take great pride in. Our goal is to focus on the ongoing growth of our membership, building on the solid foundation laid by past chairs and former committee. I firmly believe that, as a team, we can continue to promote CIBSE and make it more successful and influential in the industry.

In the upcoming session, I, along with the committee, will dedicate my efforts to exploring new initiatives. This includes expanding the promotion of CIBSE to neighboring areas such as Macau and the Greater Bay Area, strengthening collaboration with other institutions and organizations, and mentoring the development of our young members. With the strong and united CIBSE HKR family, I am confident that we will have another successful year ahead.

Today, I am proud to continue the legacy of Hyvan and all the past chairs. I would like to express my deepest gratitude once again to Hyvan, all the past chairs, and committee members. Thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to serve as the incoming Chair of the CIBSE Hong Kong Region. I assure you that I will do my very best.

Ethan Poon

Chair

CIBSE Hong Kong Region (2025/26)