Region 10 Governor Official Nominee

Portrait of Chao Li

Vision statement

Civil engineering has been experiencing a deep-rooted change and calls for a new generation of engineers who are familiar with not only civil engineering tools but also digital tools including computer methods, AI, BIM and Big Data. Separated sectors of architects, designers and contractors need new ways of integration; design and construction need to be performance-based and purpose-focused. Fundamentally changes are happening to traditional roles of planners, designers, and contractors. ASCE should help Region 10 members to get ready.

I plan to strengthen connection between Academia and Industry by installing more student chapters. With significant challenges and opportunities offered by AI and digital technology, I want to focus on increasing communication / collaboration between civil engineering and other disciplines.

Most Region 10 members use codes other than ASCE Codes. Having studied and practiced internationally, being knowledgeable about codes in various regions, I am in a unique position to address the cultural difference and help Region 10 members to be able to work internationally, by increasing understanding of the differences in design and construction practice across the region. Facing such complexity and challenges, I trust we need to increase leadership training to civil engineers in Region 10 to enable collaborations.

Biographical statement

Education

  • Ph.D., Stanford University, 2000-2004
  • Msc, Stanford University, 1998-2000
  • BEng, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 1993-1998

Certifications and licenses

  • Member of Hong Kong Institute of Engineers
  • Chartered Engineer
  • Chartered Scientist

Work experience

  • China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, Deputy General Manager, Technical Department, Hong Kong, 2017-present
  • China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, Technical Manager, Hong Kong, 2015-2017
  • Gammon Construction Company Ltd, Principal Engineer, Hong Kong, 2014-2015
  • URS Benaim (Now AECOM), Principal Engineer, Hong Kong, 2012-2014
  • AECOM Asia, Senior Engineer/ Project Engineer, Hong Kong, 2007-2012
  • Weidlinger Associates (Now Thornton Tomasetti), Geotechnical and Structural Engineer, New York, New York, 2003-2007

ASCE involvement

Local-level

  • Hong Kong Section
    • Immediate Past President, 2016 and 2018
    • President, 2017
    • Director, 2008-2009; 2010-2016
  • Organizing Committee Chair, 1st ASCE Greater China Conference, 2019-2021
  • Chairman, ASCE Greater China Development Committee, 2016-2019

Other volunteer activities

  • Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Engineers Geotechnical Division, 2015-2017
  • Council Member, Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining, Hong Kong Section 2014-2016
  • Practitioner Advisor for International Student Chapter in Hohai University, Chong Qing University, Southeast University, Dalian University of Science and Technology