From left to right in the front row: Executive Council Member of HKSAR, Dr Eliza Chan; Executive Director of HKTDC, Margaret Fong; Secretary for Transport and Logistics, HKSAR, Lam Sai Hung; Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, HKSAR, Christopher Hui; Meinhardt China CEO, Reuben Chu; Chairman of HKTDC, Dr Peter Lam; Meinhardt Group Executive Chairman, Dr S Nasim; HKSAR Chief Executive, John Lee; Meinhardt Group CEO, Omar Shahzad; Deputy Financial Secretary, HKSAR, Michael Wong; Meinhardt Singapore Managing Director, Go Yang San; Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, HKSAR, Algernon Yau; Meinhardt Singapore Chief Operating Officer, Dr Eugene Seah; Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR, Prof Sun Dong; Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, HKSAR, Carol Yip, and Global Head & CEO/Managing Director, Meinhardt EPCM Group, Vinesh Natali, with the members of the HKSAR delegation.
Mr Lee was joined by five of the most senior members on his governing team including Mr Michael Wong Wai Lun, Deputy Financial Secretary; Mr Christopher Hui Ching Yu, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Mr Algernon Yau Ying Wah, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; Mr Lam Sai Hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, and Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry.
In his remarks, Mr Lee cited the successful experience of Meinhardt in using Hong Kong as a springboard to tap into the Mainland and global markets, stating that it could inspire other Singaporean and ASEAN enterprises to follow suit. He also encouraged Meinhardt Group to participate in major development projects currently promoted by Hong Kong, including the development of the Northern Metropolis.
He applauded Meinhardt's commitment to inclusivity, and attracting multi-cultural and multinational talent, factors that he considers crucial to maintaining Hong Kong's competitive edge in the global economy.
Mr Lee commented that Meinhardt is a global company with significant experience in building teams from different cultures and religions. He said that Meinhardt can seize opportunities to work on lots of infrastructural projects and build Hong Kong together, underscoring Meinhardt's expertise in infrastructure and urban development across diverse geographies.
He reiterated the great potential for both Hong Kong and Singapore to further strengthen their partnership, particularly in the areas of finance, professional services, innovation and technology.
Dr S Nasim, Executive Chairman of Meinhardt Group, welcomed the esteemed delegation. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the shared attributes and complementary strengths of Hong Kong and Singapore.
Executive Chairman - Meinhardt Group
Your presence underscores the important relationship between our two island cities: Hong Kong and Singapore. Our strengths are complementary, and the potential for collaboration between our two cities is exponential. Together, we can address challenges and opportunities in areas like infrastructure development in various parts of the world including ASEAN, Middle East and BRI markets; aviation; ports; urban development, and smart cities. We are keen to continue to work closely with you, to identify and capitalise on areas of collaboration.
Said Dr Nasim: “I am proud to say that our roots in Hong Kong have only strengthened over time. With a team of 1,200 dedicated professionals in Meinhardt China, we offer fully integrated engineering, project and construction management services for urban and infrastructure developments.”
Mr Lee and the delegation were given a detailed briefing by Mr Omar Shahzad, Group CEO of Meinhardt, on the Group’s operations and growth strategy.
Founded in Melbourne, Australia, in 1955, Meinhardt has been operating in Hong Kong since 1974. In 2010, following an MBO led by its Chairman, Dr Nasim, the Group incorporated its ultimate holding company in Hong Kong. Today, the Group has more than 5,000 professional staff operating across 55 offices globally, making Meinhardt the largest privately owned independent design, engineering, project and construction management firm in Asia. The firm is also ranked as one of the largest engineering design firms globally.
CEO - Meinhardt Group
We thank the Hong Kong SAR Government for its wholehearted support and enabling environment for Meinhardt to become a global player. Meinhardt will deepen and expand its presence in Hong Kong. The Group plans to set up new business lines and set up new centres of excellence focused on sustainability and smart city solutions. The Group, through its MGI Capital platform, will also leverage its international network amongst developers, financiers and EPC players to set up consortiums to undertake Design-Build-Finance and Operate (DBFO) bankable projects in Hong Kong
Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of HKTDC, extended an invitation to Meinhardt Group to play a bigger part of the Hong Kong business community, emphasising the appeal and ease of doing business. The delegates discussed how to partner with HK Inc. – an initiative aimed at promoting Hong Kong's business environment and opportunities to international partners – and make use of Hong Kong as a centre for project financing.
Chairman of HKTDC
No currency risk, attractive schemes, and a renowned financial hub; Meinhardt should leverage more opportunities available in Hong Kong.
In concluding the visit, Mr Lee underlined the opportunities for both cities and the wider region under the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development, and highlighted the immense opportunities for all sectors, in particular, infrastructure, which will arise from the Northern Metropolis development in Hong Kong and its integration into the GBA. He also stressed Hong Kong's role as a conduit between this emerging economic powerhouse and the rest of the world.
The GBA is an emerging economic powerhouse, covering nine major cities in Guangdong Province, plus the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao. It has a total population of over 86 million, with a high proportion of middle-class families - all of them being potential consumers and investors.
The visit ended on an upbeat note, with both parties looking forward to enhanced collaboration and synergies.
Meinhardt Group is committed to strengthening its strong historical presence in Hong Kong. By hosting the top-tier delegation from Hong Kong, the Group has taken another step in consolidating its position as a leader in the engineering consulting services sector, and a trusted partner for governments and businesses worldwide.