Regis Chee Lap-gee joined the MTR Corporation as a construction engineer two years after obtaining his chartership in civil engineering. He is currently involved in building the West Kowloon Terminus of the Express Rail Link. Having been brought up in Hong Kong, he takes great pride in contributing to the city through infrastructure projects. He talks to Wong Yat-hei.
What is your academic background?
I graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a bachelor’s degree in civil and structural engineering.
How do you start your day?
I love to start my day by getting to the office 15 to 30 minutes early so that I can freshen up my brain for a new day of working, schedule my tasks and brew a coffee. Daily team briefings and other routine workshops kick off once the clock hits official working hours.
What does your job entail?
As a construction management engineer, my daily work involves planning, co-ordination, supervision and implementation of construction works in partnership with contractors as well as other stakeholders, to ensure that they are delivered smoothly, on time and within budget.
What are the major challenges you’ve encountered so far?
Everything on the construction site happens quickly and all decisions have to be made immediately yet precisely. It’s a challenge to ensure good communication among stakeholders, with the right messages and instructions being delivered to the site.
What are your plans for the future?
In light of the fact that the industry is current prospering, I would like to continue enhancing my project-management skills and technical knowledge, as well as striving for a further chartership in the geotechnical engineering discipline in the next two to three years.
In the long run, I would like to contribute to the industry as a capable project manager involved in major infrastructure projects which will be beneficial to Hong Kong citizens. Having been brought up in Hong Kong in an environment of blessings and opportunities, there is nothing more meaningful to me than building a sustainable future for the city and our next generation.
What advice do you have for those interested in the industry?
Engineering is an extremely interesting profession that requires lifelong dedication. There is just too much to learn in the industry. Each new day is a new chance to learn. The more you learn, the more eager you are to explore. Be open to new challenges, and be ready to enjoy witnessing your dream projects come true.
