Expertise
Project Management, Digital, DesignLocation
Hong KongMy highlights
Making history as the first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer in Hong Kong
Acting as a BIM coach, guiding teams through their digital transformation journeys
Bridging the gap between academia and industry, working on cutting-edge research and hands-on training programmes
What motivated you to become professionally qualified?
What motivated me to pursue Chartered Infrastructure Engineer status goes far beyond professional recognition.
It represents a commitment to excellence in an era where infrastructure must be cutting-edge and climate resilient.
As Hong Kong's first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer, I saw how this credential validates one's ability to deliver complex projects that meet the highest technical and ethical standards.
In today's rapidly evolving field – where AI, digital twins, and sustainable design are reshaping our work – being chartered signals the strategic thinking needed to navigate these transformations.
Ultimately, what keeps me motivated is seeing how chartered status elevates not just individual careers, but entire communities through infrastructure that's safer, smarter, and more sustainable.
Become an Infrastructure Engineer
Beyond the gadgets, I emphasise the 'why' behind digital technology, ensuring every solution aligns with broader goals like decarbonisation, equity, and resilience.
True innovation isn’t about chasing the latest software. It’s about leveraging technology to build infrastructure that serves people and the planet.
Why is it important that the ICE is offering a professional home for a wider family of infrastructure engineers like you?
The ICE’s embrace of infrastructure engineering as a distinct discipline validates the specialised expertise needed to tackle 21st-century challenges, from smart cities to climate resilience.
By creating this professional home, the ICE empowers practitioners like me to pioneer solutions at the intersection of traditional civil engineering and emerging technologies.
This recognition matters because it accelerates innovation by fostering collaboration across disciplines.
We asked Benson…
A day in your life...
My typical day weaves together three core passions: teaching tomorrow's engineers, advancing construction technology through research, and driving real-world industry innovation.
Mornings find me in the classroom, where I transform complex digital engineering concepts into engaging lessons.
Afternoons are for research, whether I'm developing AI applications for safer transport infrastructure or writing my next journal paper.
Evenings often involve industry collaboration. Whether that’s participating in CPD seminars to share the latest building information modelling (BIM) advancements or networking with fellow professionals to bridge academic research with practical applications.
Some days I'm onsite troubleshooting BIM and digital twin implementations. Others find me mentoring students or presenting findings to policymakers.
Every day brings new opportunities to shape Hong Kong's digital construction future.
I would recommend a career in infrastructure engineering because…
I wholeheartedly recommend a career in civil or infrastructure engineering because it sits at the forefront of solving tomorrow’s challenges – today.
Infrastructure engineering is no longer just about concrete and steel – it's about creating smarter, more sustainable cities through technologies like AI, digital twins and BIM.
All while ensuring these advancements truly serve the public. This dynamic blend of technical challenge and social impact continues to drive my work every day.
Which individual project or person inspired you to become an infrastructure engineer?
My passion was sparked while leading an innovative industry-academia project that integrated augmented reality (AR) with BIM for tunnel asset management in Hong Kong.
This experience showed me how infrastructure must be designed with communities, not just for them.
It proved the value of cross-disciplinary skills and taught me that our industry's rapid evolution demands professionals who can bridge traditional engineering with cutting-edge innovation.
Complete this phrase: I’m an infrastructure engineer, but I’m also…
...an AI and machine learning (ML) consultant advocating for human-centred digital transformation in infrastructure.
To ensure emerging technologies enhance – never replace – engineering expertise, my dual role demands a unique blend of digital fluency, strategic thinking, and hands-on construction knowledge.
What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?
Earning my ICE chartered status transformed my career from a technical role to a leadership position where I could influence real change.
The credential gave me the credibility to lead complex projects and advocate for innovative approaches.
ICE status isn’t a finish line. It’s the foundation for a career where you don’t just follow best practices, you define them.
How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified?
I’m deeply grateful to Hazel Sanders and the ICE membership team, whose guidance transformed an uncharted path into a clear roadmap.
Their patience and strategic advice helped me navigate this new qualification.
My employer’s flexibility was equally vital, allowing me to integrate qualification work with internal projects, where I could apply emerging infrastructure engineering principles in real time.
Now, I pay it forward, ensuring Hong Kong’s next young generation of infrastructure engineers have the same opportunities.
How has being a member helped your career?
My ICE membership has been the cornerstone of my professional growth, connecting technical expertise with transformative career opportunities.
Beyond the prestigious credentials, my chartered status helped me lead high-impact projects and paid career dividends through unexpected opportunities and peer support.
What do you value most about being an ICE member?
As Hong Kong's first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer, I've witnessed how the ICE uniquely connects professionals across borders.
The institution paired me with international experts whose insights not only accelerated my projects but also revealed how other nations are revolutionising infrastructure through digital transformation.
Beyond personal growth, the ICE's true power lies in its mentorship ecosystem.
My pioneering journey now allows me to guide emerging engineers, turning hard-earned experience into their career springboards.
How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?
As a Chartered Engineer, I treat climate action as a professional duty and moral imperative.
My role bridges policy and practice. I serve on government committees advising on sustainable infrastructure standards, and guide industry take-up of low-carbon construction methods.
True sustainability isn’t about one-off green projects, but systematically transforming how infrastructure is conceived, built, and maintained.
I’m committed to driving that change from classrooms and construction sites.
How does your role contribute to making the industry more diverse and inclusive?
Promoting diversity and inclusion isn’t just a principle for me, it’s a daily practice.
In my role as an educator and industry professional, I actively mentor female engineering students and graduates, empowering them to take on leadership roles in a traditionally male-dominated field.
I foster open dialogues about discrimination, from gender bias to accessibility barriers. I teach students how to recognise and challenge systemic inequalities in their future workplaces.
Anything else? i.e. personal causes, hobbies
Soccer! It taught me the power of team synergy and strategic adaptation.
Benson's career path
Attending the ICE's Infrastructure Engineer Professional Qualification – Get Started! session is a must.
My pathway has since bridged academia and industry, from earning my civil engineering degree to becoming a Chartered Infrastructure Engineer. All while simultaneously lecturing at the Vocational Training Council and RMIT University to shape future talent.
The ICE qualification framework became my roadmap, and now I hope to help others navigate it.