Message from the Director

Highlight: Continuous Advancement and Serving the Community

Guided by the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address themed “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together”, the EMSTF accelerated innovation and fostered multipartite collaboration to shape a brighter future for Hong Kong. We made significant strides by securing new and renewed Service Level Agreements with various government departments and public bodies, further enhancing our financial stability and service quality.

Client satisfaction reflects our service excellence, as evidenced by the 2024 Customer Opinion Survey results. The EMSTF achieved record highs in both the Customer Satisfaction Index (7.27) and the Overall Service Competitiveness Index (7.38) on an 8-point scale. Clients praised our flexibility, collaborative problem-solving, customised services and forward-looking approach to innovation and technology (I&T) adoption.

The EMSD’s I&T efforts continued to gain international recognition. We earned 12 awards at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, including the prestigious Prize of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, a great honour first ever awarded to a department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

During the year, the Regulatory Services and the EMSTF collaborated to advance environmental sustainability in the public sector through implementation of energy-saving measures, such as retro-commissioning across government buildings. This initiative contributed to the Government’s “Green Energy Target” of a 6% improvement in overall energy performance ahead of schedule.

To further enhance the energy efficiency performance of buildings, we have revised the Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Building Services Installation and the Code of Practice for Building Energy Audit, raising overall energy efficiency standards by 20% compared to the 2015 versions. We have also assisted the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) in revising the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance to widen regulatory scope, shorten audit cycles, and increase transparency.

In view of increasing occurrence of extreme weather events, the EMSTF has improved its flood monitoring and emergency response mechanisms to protect critical E&M assets, while the Regulatory Services has worked closely with regulated public utilities to enhance preparedness for severe weather conditions through measures like optimising communication systems, updating emergency manuals, and intensifying staff training.

During the year, several major incidents involving power supply interruptions, voltage dips, and railway service delays raised public concern about service reliability. We worked closely with regulatees and stakeholders to identify the root causes and implement improvement measures. Every emergency or minor error can shed light on deeper underlying issues that warrant reflection and learning. We have drawn lessons from each incident and applied the insights gained to similar installations, thereby enhancing the overall robustness of the regulatees’ E&M systems and improving public safety.

“Inno-Transformation” for Advancement

Innovation has been embedded in the EMSD’s culture for decades. Recent examples of our commitment to transformative I&T include support for hydrogen fuel initiatives and the development of the low-altitude economy in Hong Kong.

Regulatory Services assisted the EEB in drafting the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was introduced to the Legislative Council in April 2025 and the Gas Safety (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 was subsequently gazetted in July of the same year. The amended Ordinance establishes the regulatory framework for the safe use of hydrogen as fuel, with comprehensive safety and technical requirements. Meanwhile, the EMSTF has provided technical support for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in piloting hydrogen fuel cell street washing vehicles, promoting the use of clean energy and contributing to Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality target by 2050.

Further to establishing the regulatory framework for using hydrogen as fuel in Hong Kong, we continued to provide professional support for the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel (IWG) to assess and test various hydrogen energy applications. As at March 2025, we have assisted the IWG in granting agreement-in-principle to more than 18 projects, covering cross-boundary hydrogen transportation, supply facilities, local transport and green hydrogen production.

We also began developing the framework for a green hydrogen certification scheme in Hong Kong. Leveraging our technical expertise and strong ties with international and Chinese standardisation bodies, the EMSD is uniquely positioned to help shape standards that align with local, Chinese Mainland (Mainland), regional and global markets.

To advance the low-altitude economy highlighted in the 2024 Policy Address, we collaborated with the Fire Services Department to modify the microwave links of its Terrestrial Trunked Radio communications system. The transition to a frequency band newly assigned by the Office of the Communications Authority will free up spectrum for emerging low-altitude applications such as drone-based emergency rescue, infrastructure inspection, parcel delivery and sky taxi service.

New Priorities to Spur Technology Development

The EMSD is always on the lookout for new technologies with strong potential to create significant value for clients, the E&M sector and our regulatory work. The EMSTF has identified three priority technologies, namely artificial intelligence (AI), Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP), and open Building Information Modelling (open BIM) to expedite their development and scale up their implementation at more client venues.

To meet the growing demand for AI applications, we have deployed our award-winning, in-house-developed ChillStream^® AI-based chiller optimisation solution at 14 client venues, while our first AI-based Air-side Equipment Optimisation solution was successfully piloted at the MacLehose Dental Centre. These projects have demonstrated how AI can take public sector operations to new levels of efficiency, automation and energy saving.

MiMEP has been adopted for installation and replacement of E&M facilities, significantly shortening project timelines by up to 30% to 40% in some cases, while improving works quality and safety. To date, we have completed 29 MiMEP pilot projects, with another 69 projects in the pipeline. To promote the technology to the trade, we hosted the MiMEP Symposium in November 2024 and released the Engineering Guidelines on MiMEP for Repair, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition Projects in 2025.

Another exciting development is open BIM. By using open data formats, open BIM enables seamless interoperability between different BIM software and engineering teams to reduce brand dependence risks. The EMSD has developed tools to simplify open BIM conversion and has shared our requirements and rich experience on various E&M asset information in Hong Kong’s first and largest public buildingSMART Data Dictionary, a useful online resource for the trade as they conduct and verify their open BIM conversions.

Thanks to the team’s efforts, we won the Grand Award (Handover category) at the global openBIM Awards 2024 in Morocco in October last year, and the Technology Solution Grand Award at the Hong Kong openBIM/open GIS Awards 2024, both recognising our contribution to open BIM development.

Meanwhile, the EMSD has been spearheading the development of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and District Cooling System (DCS) technologies in Hong Kong. As announced in the 2024-25 Budget, we conducted the Pilot Scheme on BIPV to foster renewable energy development by exploring PV technology applications on the facades of government buildings, using the EMSD Headquarters Building for initial trials. The pilot scheme aims to assess BIPV’s effectiveness and feasibility for potential extension to other public and private organisations.

Building on the successful commissioning of the Kai Tak DCS Plant No. 3, which meets cooling demand from new facilities in the area like Kai Tak Sports Park, we will continuously leverage our expertise to support the Government’s initiatives. These include, as outlined in the 2025-26 Budget, inviting non-governmental organisations and private developers to independently develop DCS projects. The EMSD will provide technical support, such as detailed design and operational guidelines.

To this end, we are hosting a District Cooling System Innovation Conference in December 2025 for experience sharing on local and international private-sector DCS projects. We also advocate the adoption of Modular Integrated Construction, MiMEP, BIM and AI technologies in DCS projects across Kwu Tung North New Development Area and Tung Chung New Town Extension to optimise operational efficiency and predict cooling demand more accurately.

Upholding Core Values to Enhance People’s Livelihood

Integrity, care, service excellence and a commitment to enhancing public safety and well-being of our community have remained the EMSD’s core values. During the year, we put these values into practice through our support to major incidents and various public-serving I&T initiatives.

In 2024 and 2025, Hong Kong witnessed several major incidents involving power outages, voltage dips, and railway service delays caused by railway engineering trains. We promptly required the relevant public utilities to implement immediate corrective measures, and proactively investigated the root causes of these incidents. At the same time, we urged the regulatees to step up inspections and comprehensively review their systems and procedures. We further made recommendations for improvement to the regulatees for implementation and closely monitored their progress. Moreover, we commissioned third-party independent reviews and audits to provide fresh perspectives for strengthening their maintenance regimes, while proposing I&T solutions to enhance operational safety and reliability.

We also provided multi-faceted support for communities affected by incidents, such as the tragic fire at New Lucky House in Jordan in April 2024. Apart from assisting in the incident investigation, we collaborated with various stakeholders to swiftly restore essential services, such as lift operation, power and gas supplies, ensuring residents’ safety and prompt return to normalcy.

The EMSTF continues to lead clients in deploying advanced I&T solutions to improve operational efficiency. Leveraging AI, data analytics and smart robotics, we reshape how our clients serve the public. Examples include the Intelligent Fall Detection System successfully trialled in accessible toilets under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD); the AI-enhanced closed-circuit television system trialled at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point for the Customs and Excise Department, which strengthens our first-line defence against contraband for greater public safety; and the Outdoor Illuminance Measuring Robot under development, which enables faster illuminance measurement and historical data comparison of lighting in pedestrian bridges and underground walkways for safer and more comfortable public spaces.

Acting before Challenge Strikes

We are committed to fostering a culture of incident prevention and continuously improving the relevant systems and mechanisms of regulatees and clients, so the community may have full confidence in the safety and reliability of the public services of Hong Kong.

In recent years, the increasing frequency of super typhoons and severe rainstorms has prompted us to work more closely with clients to strengthen protective measures for their E&M assets. A powerful tool in this effort is the EMSD Asset Management Portal, our corporate-level digital portal that integrates multiple local control centres. Through a real-time Internet of Things system, the Portal enables remote management, monitoring and optimisation of the operational efficiency and environmental performance of major critical E&M assets.

To safeguard clients’ critical E&M assets, we installed flood monitoring and prevention systems well ahead of severe weather, such as the Smart Flood Detection and Warning System that enhances public safety by alerting people to flood risk at pedestrian subways. The highly effective system will be extended to three critical roads to enhance flood monitoring and response. Additional measures included thorough inspections, testing of backup equipment, and on-site emergency support. During typhoons and severe rainstorms, the EMSD Emergency Control Centre was activated to monitor essential infrastructure, including traffic lights, streetlights, and tunnel installations, ensuring stable operation of public services.

In addition, Regulatory Services maintained close oversight of public utilities, including the two power companies, the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited and the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), to ensure that their E&M facilities were designed to meet standards capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and that strengthened flood protection facilities, real-time flood monitoring systems and reinforced lightning protection measures for overhead power lines were in place. Joint inspections and drills with these utilities were held to confirm that their personnel, equipment and operational procedures were fully prepared for adverse weather events and well supported by emergency handling and response plans. During typhoons and rainstorms, our team closely monitored the public utilities and liaised with them, provided necessary support in the event of service suspensions, and oversaw the recovery work.

Attracting Youth, Nurturing Talents

The EMSD continues to inspire young people to pursue careers in E&M engineering by promoting interest in I&T, digitalisation and decarbonisation through a rich array of outreach activities. Taking our E&M Young Ambassador Programme (EMYA) an as example, following the successful launch of the School Pilot Programme in the 2023/24 academic year, we introduced the EMYA2.0 School Programme in the 2024/25 academic year, aiming to raise students’ interest in E&M safety, energy efficiency and the E&M industry through STEAM workshops, competitions, career sharing sessions and job-tasting activities.

In 2024/25, we launched the “Engineering Opportunities for Wan Chai – Youth Community Facilities Enhancement Programme” in collaboration with the Wan Chai District Office, engaging 170 students from 12 schools in diverse activities. These included a community building competition using technology to improve people’s quality of life, deepening students’ understanding of E&M safety, energy efficiency, decarbonisation and I&T.

A highlight of the programme was a Greater Bay Area (GBA) I&T study tour in October 2024, supported by the Guangdong Association for Science and Technology. Around 40 students and teachers visited various I&T facilities in Dongguan, Guangdong, exploring industries such as robotics, new energy, life sciences and materials science. We will explore the possibility of expanding this successful programme to other districts.

We also trained young talent through various initiatives. For example, we co-organised the inaugural Lift and Escalator Skills Competition with the Vocational Training Council, the Lift and Escalator Contractors Association and the Registered Elevator and Escalator Contractors Association Limited in August 2025. As Hong Kong’s first comprehensive skills competition focused on lift and escalator technology, the event sought to enhance the professional image of the lift and escalator industry, attract more talent and foster technical exchange.

Moreover, through two Memoranda of Co-operation signed with the Guangzhou Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, many EMSD staff have received specialised training in various technician training colleges in Guangzhou. In 2024 alone, 68 Technician Trainees (TTs) were trained in Guangzhou in diverse fields including refrigeration, air-conditioning and electrical engineering, building services and vehicle maintenance.

Notably, our Guangzhou partner has been providing top-notch training and generous coaching to our young TTs preparing for the WorldSkills Competition. Following our two TTs’ participation in WorldSkills Lyon, France in 2024, we are actively gearing up for the WorldSkills Shanghai in 2026, where we are aiming for victories with the advantage of competing on our home ground.

Collaborations and Super Connector

Another exciting mega event on our homeland is the upcoming 15th National Games, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in November 2025. This marks Hong Kong’s first time hosting National Games competitions. Our preparations include upgrading technical systems and equipment at LCSD venues, ensuring reliable power supply and enhancing lighting facilities at government venues, and taking part in rehearsals and event simulations.

The National Games also presented a valuable opportunity to organise a three-day study mission to Shenzhen and Guangzhou in November 2024. The EMSTF delegates explored advanced technologies used in sports and performance venues in the two cities, including several designated National Games competition sites. This was our first exchange of its kind with the GBA, and the experience gained will be instrumental to the National Games and future projects.

During the year, the EMSD strengthened Mainland collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), reinforcing our role in Hong Kong’s integration into national development strategies. A prime example is our involvement in the drafting of national standard - "Green product assessment - Hydrogen", where the collaboration with SAMR enables us to participate in the drafting process to leverage our experience gained from Hong Kong's hydrogen as fuel trial projects for the alignment of national and international hydrogen standards. The collaboration will accelerate our hydrogen development work through cross-boundary data sharing, mutual recognition of approvals for hydrogen pressure vessels, and formulation of a green hydrogen certification framework in Hong Kong.

Our work in monitoring and regulating electrical products and mechanical installations will also benefit significantly from our collaboration with the SAMR, as such collaboration has enhanced our capability to intercept potentially risky E&M products from entering Hong Kong via e-commerce.

Standards harmonisation is another aspect of Mainland collaboration. We worked with GBA entities to develop harmonised standards, including the E&M AI Data Standardisation Guideline, which was successfully piloted during the construction of a state-of-the-art building in Guangzhou.

A milestone in bridging the Mainland with other countries was our hosting of the joint meeting of four expert groups under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Working Group in April 2025, bringing together over 100 delegates from the Mainland and other APEC economies for exchanges on topics such as energy efficiency and sustainable development.

Likewise, we are working with the National Railway Administration and the MTRCL to host the annual conference of International Railway Safety Council 2025 in Hong Kong in November 2025. We will also organise the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2026, further to the success of the 2025 symposium. Both events will gather hundreds of experts of government departments, public organisations, professional bodies and academic institutions from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas regions for experience sharing.

2035-2050 Vision Study Shaping Up

I am pleased to report that the EMSD 2035-2050 Vision Study is progressing well. The study aims to anticipate macro-level changes such as technological advancements and geopolitical shifts impacting Hong Kong and the world between now and 2050, assess our strengths, and develop short-, medium-, and long-term development scenarios. These will inform and guide our future vision, goals, strategies and actions.

Throughout the year, our dedicated team worked tirelessly, drawing on cross-divisional expertise and engaging with management and staff from both Regulatory Services and the EMSTF to gather insights and recommendations. While the strategic roadmap is still in development, the core theme is clear: the EMSD must continue to lead in E&M excellence while re-evaluating and redefining our role for the decades ahead.

The study has analysed seven key areas, namely geopolitical context, national integration, urban infrastructure, energy, lifestyle, work models, and workforce structure, from which we identify critical challenges and emerging opportunities. Preliminary findings suggest that rapid advancements in AI and robotics will fundamentally transform E&M operations and maintenance, shifting from routine inspections to predictive maintenance, and from single-component replacements to smart, green retrofits.

Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population and fiscal constraints also prompt urgent transformation in our workforce structure and service delivery models. At the same time, the rise of the Information Technology Application Innovation industry on the Mainland presents long-term growth opportunities for the EMSD.

Our next steps are to formulate strategies and an action roadmap. Key priorities will include building a resilient workforce through upskilling programmes in AI, robotics, and big data, creating an agile organisational structure, and showcasing the Mainland’s E&M excellence on the global stage. Our team remains fully committed to meeting future challenges head-on.

Message of Thanks and Gratitude

The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the EMSTF, a significant milestone that reminds us to stay true to our founding purpose: to drive innovation and transformation for more efficient, higher-quality services to clients and the community. Innovation, efficiency and quality are also the cornerstones upon which Regulatory Services rely to ensure E&M safety and enhance energy efficiency for the public. The 2035–2050 Vision Study will guide us forward as we remain steadfast in our purpose.

We extend our sincere thanks to the E&M trade, all our clients, professional bodies, academics, and training and research institutions for their enduring support and trust over the years. We are equally grateful to our Mainland and overseas partners for their collaboration and support.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the policy bureaux for their guidance, government departments for their co-operation, and all our colleagues for their dedication and outstanding work. We value the vigilance and feedback from Legislative Council members, the media, opinion leaders, and the public, all of whom contribute to our continuous improvement.

With your unwavering support, we are confident that the EMSD will reach new heights in the coming year, achieving even greater success and helping build a brighter future for Hong Kong and its people.

Poon Kwok-ying, Raymond
Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services
General Manager, Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund