Dear Fellow Members and Sponsors,

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” (Exodus 23:20)

It is my privilege to be elected as the President of HKOSHA for the 2024/5 term. My heartfelt appreciation for the support of my fellow Executive Council members especially the Immediate Past President Mr Sam SUM and other gurus who set excellent examples to lead the Association. Without them HKOSHA would not have been that successful and prosperous since 1977. They are all “angels” !

When writing this message, a Confined Space tragedy had just happened in Shatin, causing two fatalities and two injuries. It is really sad that similar industrial accidents just happen and happen again albeit the Government Departments, Construction Industry Council, etc. did lots of things. Are we just giving lip service or not doing our job adequately? Fully understand that it is a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, yet we as safety practitioners should have a self-reflection on our roles and responsibilities to improve the plight.

I thought I was not that “old cake” in HKOSHA as I joined in 2015 to enroll for the Technical Visit in Taiwan. Later I found out that I was an Associate Member since 1 August 1996 in order to take the UK’s NEBOSH examination in Hong Kong (see image) !

As a Christian, I have a strong belief that God has guided me to this position. I am grateful yet anxious to take up the presidential role as I am not a strong leader and I don’t think I am competent enough even though I have been working in the safety field for 30 years. I will keep humble to learn from you “angels” – fellow members and the industry partners – when performing this role.

I believe in synergy and teamwork and HKOSHA provides an excellent platform for our fellow safety practitioners to work out and contribute to the community. Some of my wishes during this term of service are:

• Mutual exchange and sharing of OSH experience both locally and internationally;
• Cooperation with other institutions to do good for the OSH field and the community as a whole;
• Expansion of membership and sponsorship of HKOSHA, and
• Addressing OSH issues professionally.

With all your support I am confident that HKOSHA would be even better in the future !

Mr. CHOW Ting Hing, Edward
President (Term 2024 & 2025)