Grime has been tasked with helping to build the society’s global presence, with a particular focus on Hong Kong, where membership has already seen significant growth through SOE’s Hong Kong Centre (SOEHK).
“The key to seeing SOE grow internationally ... lies with the society positioning itself as a leading professional engineering institution, [so] adding value to the professional status of local engineers and technicians,” states Grime.
“There is massive potential for an increase in membership, particularly at engineering technician level, and especially in road transport,” he continues.
“Qualifications for skilled technicians in Hong Kong will become mandatory in the not too distant future.”
SOE is now strengthening links with the Hong Kong College of Technology and the University of Macau, as well as the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, with which the society has established a reciprocal recognition agreement for professional and technical qualifications.
“The success of consistently engaging with professionals here lies with SOEHK members and volunteers who currently represent SOE and its professional sectors at a local level,” comments Grime.
“This on-the-ground engagement is pivotal to achieving these aims and, in order to do so, SOEHK will need support from SOE’s headquarters in the UK.”