First, I would like to express my appreciation to the members for your support of the Branch over the past year. It has been a great pleasure to once again be able to engage and interact with our membership and to showcase some of Hong Kong’s excellent aviation industry organizations.
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the members of our committee for their ongoing support for the RAeS Hong Kong branch. Our Committee members have generously volunteered their time and their energy to provide support and guidance to the society and our members. I would also like to thank John Kinsman who stepped down this year after many years of service to the Society. John’s contribution and dedication is highly appreciated.
Events summary
Since the last AGM in June 2024 we have had a full and varied lecture program and Society activities. In Hong Kong, I think we “punch above our weight” when it comes to the lectures and events the society hosts. I doubt there are many branches who can host the variety nor draw the depth of expertise from the industry to present.
In August 2024 held a “virtual” lecture titled: “The Rolls-Royce Power Gearbox” by Sonja Nachitgal – RR Chief Project Engineer The fabulously attended JK Swire Annual Dinner and Lecture in November was warmly welcomed by our members with the event being sold out. Those attending had the privilege of hearing the story of Concorde and the crash investigation as told from the perspective of former British Airways Chief Pilot, Mike Banister.
That was followed by a lecture by Joël Rocker, Chief Engineer of the A350F covering the A350 Freighter and its journey from market need to product definition. The year closed with the traditional young members’ Christmas Quiz which was kindly sponsored by HAECO.
Our lecture programme for 2025 kicked off with a site visit to Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited. HAESL provides world-class aero engine and component repair services to many of the world’s most respected airlines.
In May, we had a lecture titled Innovation in aircraft design and technology for fuel efficiency” by Dr Cyrille Schwob – Head of Research and Technology in APAC from Airbus.
And today in conjunction with our AGM, thanks to our kind hosts, Cathay Pacific Airways, we have another wonderful opportunity to “look behind the curtains” with a visit to the Cabin Safety Training Centre.
Looking ahead through to the end of the year, we have 8 further events arranged including fascinating lectures from Boeing, Airbus, CFM and fascinating lecture on Lunar Base Construction from Professor Zhao from Polytechnic University. We also have an aircraft visit to HAECO and of course our JK Swire Annual Dinner.
I will conclude with a short recap for members of our purpose here in Hong Kong. The Society, its lecture programme and its facility visits provides a great opportunity to promote and advance aviation in Hong Kong and around the world - raising awareness, helping people understand how the industry works and the many opportunities it offers. The Society provides the chance to share knowledge and experience amongst our membership, encourage the highest professional standards and provide a forum for people in our industry to talk about the work they do, the things they are passionate about and explain why it means so much to them.
The aviation industry in Hong Kong was hit hard but the rebuild is over and we are now focused on the bright and exciting future. With the Three Runway System now in full operation and Terminal 2 Concourse opening shortly, the industry continues to offer a range of fantastic opportunities for people in Hong Kong.
Membership Report
A year ago, the committee was particularly concerned with the low numbers of students signing up for membership, but with the return of the Christmas Quiz last year, and the fee waiver, we have seen a healthy resurgence in our student member numbers – around 150 new student members since last AGM, up from a low of 13. I also believe this is a positive sign reflecting the recovery of the wider industry in Hong Kong. The focus now is to retain these new members and encourage them to stay with the branch, and the industry, post- graduation.
As of today, the branch membership stands at 342, comprising 182 full members and 160 student members, an overall increase of 67% from this time last year. This is an encouraging sign and a situation which we believe will only keep improving, supported by our full calendar of events.
We will also be looking at new ways to bolster full member numbers in the coming year to ensure we have a vibrant, diverse and thriving community. We recognize that our ability to attract and retain members will be heavily predicated on the value they place being a member and in turn on us delivering an interesting and educational range of lectures and events for them.
We are determined to do so, as you can see from the full calendar of events, already planned through the remainder of the year - please keep an eye out for the new events being advertised.
In closing I would like to thank you all again for your support this year and especially to the comittee members who make the viability of the society possible. It is great that we have been able to enjoy a busy 2024/25 and we look forward to continuing to interact, engage, inform and entertain our membership over the remainder of the year.
Good afternoon everyone. It has been an honour serving as the young members chairperson. I have been grateful for the chance to take on this role and for all the support and encouragement I have received during my first year. Today, I would like to share a recap of some key moments since our last Annual General Meeting.
Meeting with HKUST Aero Team - October 21, 2024
On October 21, 2024, we had the pleasure of having a mingling session with the HKUST Aero team. We have seized this opportunity to reach out and promote our society within the HKUST community. During this meeting, we exchanged knowledge about industry trends and career opportunities within the aviation sector. Their enthusiasm and dedication to advancing in this field were truly remarkable, leaving us confident in their potential to make significant contributions to the future of aviation.
Annual Christmas Quiz in Aviation - December 13, 2024
The Annual Aviation Christmas Quiz took place on December 13, 2024. Eight teams, representing a diverse mix of industry participants and educational institutions, enjoyed the night in this friendly contest. Participants had the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and strengthen professional relationships. The event proved to be an excellent platform for fostering connections within the industry, making it a memorable highlight of the festive season.
Attracting student members has been challenging in recent years, but our recent promotion and committee efforts have significantly improved the situation. We now have a higher level of student participation. We will continue to promote the society to young people and encourage their involvement in lectures and activities.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, we have several exciting events planned that we hope will increase engagement among our younger members. In October, we will host the Design Build and Fly event, followed by the annual Christmas quiz in December. Members are encouraged to attend these events. Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm.
In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve as your young members chairperson for the first year. I look forward to continuing my involvement with this organization in the coming year.