Honorary University Fellows
Ir Mak Chai Kwong is a civil engineer by profession and was a civil servant for 37 years. He has served as Permanent Secretary for Environment, Transport and Works (Works) (2006-2007), and as Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) from 2007 to 2010.
Since joining the government in 1973, Ir Mak has made enormous contributions to the development of Hong Kong’s railway system, in leading large infrastructure projects to meet the needs of the territory’s population growth and economic development, and in pursuing initiatives for promoting good industry practices and site safety. Recognizing the importance of quality development, Ir Mak lent his leadership to the formulation of works and heritage conservation policies for Hong Kong. Following the Sichuan 512 earthquake in 2008, he has been involved in the HKSAR’s reconstruction efforts in the earthquake stricken areas, and has been appointed Team Leader of Sichuan Reconstruction in the Development Bureau since retirement in 2010.
Ir Mak graduated from HKU with a BSc in Engineering in 1973 and an MSc in Urban Planning in 1985. He was the first Honorary General Secretary of the HKU Engineering Alumni Association in 1976 and was the President of the University Graduates Association in 1984 and 1985. Since 1982, he has been a part time lecturer in the Civil Engineering Department of HKU and in 2007, he was appointed Honorary Professor in the Department. He is a Founding Member of the HKU Foundation and was a Mentor of the University’s Mentorship Scheme. Currently, Ir Mak is a member of the University Engineering Advisory Committee, the Vice-Chairman of the Management Committee of the Centre of Infrastructure and Construction Industry Development , and a member of the Editorial Board of the HKU Centenary Impact Study.
In 2010, Ir Mak was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star. In 2011, he was appointed a Director of the HK Science and Technology Parks Corporation and a non-official Justice of the Peace.
Citation delivered by Professor Leslie George THAM, Dean of Engineering
Ir Mak Chai Kwong is a civil engineer by profession and was a civil servant for 37 years. He has served as a Permanent Secretary for Environment, Transport and Works from 2006 to 2007, and as a Permanent Secretary for Development from 2007 to 2010.
Ir Mak graduated from HKU with a BSc in Engineering in 1973 and an MSc in Urban Planning in 1985.
He joined the Hong Kong Government in 1973 and his early career was closely associated with the modernization of the Kowloon-Canton-Railway, contributing to the transformation of the single-track diesel-electric railway into a completely modernized commuter system.
Such would be his leadership contributions over the subsequent decades that the Hong Kong model of railway development has become regarded as one of the most successful models for urban transport development.
In 2000, he was promoted to the rank of Principal Government Engineer, and took up the position of Project Manager in the then Territory Development Department. In that capacity, he spearheaded the planning, supervision, management and co-ordination of infrastructure projects in Tseung Kwan O, Sha Tin and Ma On Shan.
In 2002, he was appointed Director of Highways when he played a pivotal role in expanding Hong Kong’s road and railway networks to cater for population growth and economic development.
After he was appointed Permanent Secretary in charge of the works policy in 2006, he chalked up an impressive performance in formulating effective public works policies, monitoring timely implementation of infrastructure development projects, fostering consensus among key stakeholders and promoting good industry practices.
Recognizing the importance of quality development, Ir Mak has more recently lent his leadership to the formulation of works and heritage conservation policies for Hong Kong. He believes that as a mature economy, Hong Kong has moved from a stage of high-speed growth to a state of quality development.
Following the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, he has been involved in the HKSAR’s reconstruction efforts in the earthquake stricken areas, and has been appointed Team Leader of Sichuan Reconstruction in the Development Bureau since his retirement in 2010.
Ir Mak is an active alumnus and has maintained a close association with the University throughout his life.
Since the early 80's, when he took up teaching assignments at HKU, he has lectured on railway engineering, transportation infrastructure, transport planning and policy and acted as a dissertation supervisor.
In 1999, he was appointed Adjunct Professor, and in 2007, Honorary Professor in the Civil Engineering Department of the University.
He was the first Honorary General Secretary of the HKU Engineering Alumni Association in 1976 and was the President of the University Graduates Association in 1984 and 1985.
He has shared his experience and insights with our students as a Mentor and supported our research endeavours through the HKU Foundation.
Currently, Ir Mak is a member of the University Engineering Advisory Committee, the Vice-Chairman of the Management Committee of the Centre of Infrastructure and Construction Industry Development, and a member of the Editorial Board of the HKU Centenary Impact Study.
In 2010, Ir Mak was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star. In 2011, he was appointed a Director of the HK Science and Technology Parks Corporation and a non-official Justice of the Peace.
It gives me great pleasure, Mr Pro-Chancellor, to present Ir Mak Chai Kwong for the Honorary University Fellowship, in recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong and academia.