A survey was conducted in June-July 1998 with the aim to seek a collective view from professionals active in highways and transportation, on the formation of a new local institution to represent the highways and transportation profession in Hong Kong. Some 250 questionnaires were sent to engineers engaged in the profession of highways and transportation, and seventy-two (72) questionnaires were completed and returned. Sixty-three (63) of the questionnaires received indicated support to the formation of a local institution of highways and transportation, and also indicated intent to join this new institution.

A Preparatory Committee was set up on 2 September 1998 to pursue actions and procedures for establishing this new local institution.

The Preparatory Committee consists of:
Ir Dr. C K Lau, Deputy Director of Highways Department
Ir Albert T N Cheng, Assistant Director of Civil Engineering Department
Ir Alan Y L Wan, Capital Projects Manager of KCRC
Ir Albert C H Cheung, Director of Scott Wilson (Hong Kong) Ltd
Ir Henry K C Liu, Project Manager of Binnie Black & Veatch HK Ltd
Ir Reuben P K Chu, Director of Meinhardt (C&S) Ltd

Summary of Actions

1.

Conducted monthly meetings to monitor progress of actions

2.

September 1998 to June 1999 – drafted, circulated, commented and finalized the Constitution

3.

September 1998 to April 1999 – prepared the Business Plan of the Institution

4.

2 September 1998 – confirmed that the name of the Institution in English is “Hong Kong Institution of Highways and Transportation. The name is Chinese is “香港公路學會”

5.

6 January 1999 – Agreed donation of Founder Member being HK$30,000 and HK$2,000 for “Organisation” and “Individual” respectively

6.

13 April 1999 – Nominated the following persons to serve the first Council:

President – Ir H S Kwong
Vice President – Ir Dr C K Lau
Hon. Secretary – Ir Alan Y L Wan
Hon. Treasurer – Ir George Tedbury

Other Council Members:
Ir Albert T N Cheng
Ir Reuben P K Chu
Ir K S Lau
Ir Ho Wing Hong
Ir Kenneth K H Lau
Ir Henry K C Liu

7.

13 April 1999 – Agreed that the Council should have not more than sixteen (16) members inclusive of the four (4) office bearers

8.

May to August 1999 – recruitment of Individual and Organisation Founder Members

9.

4 August 1999 – first review of application for Individual and Organisation Founder Membership

10.

18 August 1999 – second review of application for Individual and Organisation Founder Membership