Experts have praised the first batch of Hong Kong engineers to secure professional qualifications on the Chinese mainland.

The development signifies a pivotal step in aligning professional evaluation systems of the two sides, further paving the way for local professionals to seek opportunities across the border.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho revealed that the authorities will strive to standardize the evaluation mechanism and extend it to more construction-related sectors such as surveying and architecture.

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In November 2024, 207 Hong Kong engineers from the public sector, consultants, and contractors passed the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) engineering “Professional Title” evaluation and acquired corresponding professional qualifications on the mainland.

This marks the first time for Hong Kong professionals to obtain corresponding titles on the mainland.

The pilot evaluation program involves five engineering disciplines — civil engineering, geotechnical, highway, electrical and measurement, and control and instrumentation.

The mainland qualifications they obtained include “Professorate Senior Engineer”, “Senior Engineer”, “Engineer” and “Assistant Engineer”.

In a blog post on Sunday, Linn stressed that the successful attainment through the pilot evaluation program by the first group of professionals was a major breakthrough in aligning professional qualifications between the two regions.

She said the development allows professionals to directly offer their services in Chinese mainland cities within the GBA, representing a crucial step for local professionals to integrate into the mainland professional qualification system, demonstrating the support and care extended by the nation.

Having obtaining the title of senior engineer, Long Engineering Limited director Chan Chi-man said that the new title signifies his ability to lead other engineers in solving complex engineering issues, making it easier for mainland peers to understand his professional background.

He added that preparing to obtain the mainland title is full of challenges, adding that he believes that the new evaluation mechanism provides significant recognition and encouragement for Hong Kong engineers.

Jenny Chan, a senior engineer at Binnies Hong Kong Limited, who also received mainland title last year, said that obtaining this recognition could bring more opportunities for young engineers.

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She said holding the mainland qualification will enable her to engage in mainland projects, which is beneficial for her to gain experience and broaden horizons.

Apart from the titles, President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Eric Ma Siu-cheung emphasized the importance of mutual recognition of membership qualifications between professional associations in Hong Kong and the mainland.

Ma, who is also former secretary for development, said engineering institutions in Guangdong and the SAR have signed several membership qualification recognition agreements to facilitate the exchange of engineering talent within the GBA.

Contact the writer at stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com