In less than two centuries, Hong Kong has developed from an insignificant fishing port into a modern metropolitan city. She owes her transformation to the competent and dedicated professionals in different areas in Hong Kong over the past years. This book depicts the development of the engineering profession and the institutions representing Hong Kong’s engineers from 1842 to 1975. The evolution of local engineering institutions reflects a significant aspect of Hong Kong’s social development. The book traces the history of each engineering body up to the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, and takes the reader through many phases of the city’s development. In the background of all this is the interaction between the institutions and the society at different periods at large. By telling the stories of these engineering bodies, we wish to pay tribute to their members who have not only made meaningful contribution to their own profession but have also left indelible marks on Hong Kong’s path to prosperity. Introduction 1. Odyssey to the East: Western Engineers in Early Hong Kong 13 An Isle on the Coast of Southern China　14 A Brave New World for Western Engineers　17 Military and Civil Infrastructures in the New Colony　21 British Engineering Institutions and Engineers in Hong Kong　27 2. An Association of Friendship: The Pre-war Hong Kong Engineers’ Institute 33 Some Important Figures　35 For the Interests of the Profession　39 A Professional Body for Shipbuilders　45 Development and Changing of Premises　56 Political and Military Ties　61 Growing Activities　68 Financial Strain and Closure　70 3. Building Professional Strength: The Post-War Engineering Society of Hong Kong　77 Stanley Internee Engineering Corporation Limited　78 A New Society with a Changed Focus　80 Spreading out and Forming Ties　84 Engineers with a Dedication　91 The Link with Britain　99 4. Engineering Education in Hong Kong　107 Promoting Knowledge and Training　108 Sharing Knowledge and Expertise　109 Long-term Commitment to Education　117 Training Programmes for Engineers and Technicians　129 Reforms in Assessment and Training　132 Expansion of Tertiary Education　133 5. 130 Years of Engineering Ventures　137 Achievements in a Century　138 A Wide Range of Military Constructions　141 1　Early Military Works　141 2　Defense Works Covering the WWII Period　165 3　Diminishing of Military Facilities after the War　184 Public Works of a Century　192 1　Early Roads and Piers　192 2　Public Works Constructed up to WWII　200 3　Steady Development after the War　228 6. Continuing the Heritage　255 Capturing the World’s Attention　258 Steering Ahead of Community Needs　260 Achieving Statutory Status　265 APPENDICES 1　Executive Committee Members of the Hongkong Engineers’ Institute (1882-1883)　270 2　Executive Committee Members of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders (1891-1941)　271 3　Executive Committee and Council Members of the Engineering Society of Hong Kong (1947-1975)　285 4　Document on War-time Manpower Distribution in the Public Works Department (Public Records Office of Hong Kong, Reference Number: HKRS308-9-1)　292 5　Balls and Concerts　298 6　Billiard Tournaments　301