Authors

Franklin To

is a civil and geotechnical engineer with 12 years of professional experience in Hong Kong.  His expertise covers planning, feasibility studies, detailed design and site supervision of rock tunnels and caverns.  He specialises in permanent rock reinforcement (i.e. RRA using shotcrete and rock bolts), use of explosives, groundwater inflow control, tunnel excavation in rock/mixed/soft ground, contract specifications and quality assurance. He has served as a Resident Geotechnical Engineer (Caverns) for the project Relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns – Main Caverns Construction), which is the largest rock caverns in Asia using RRA for permanent rock supports. He acted as the GEO/Mines approved Blasting Competent Supervisor (BCS) for underground blasting works (including Mode A Store Entry) and the Category I Supervisor for both Tunnelling Works and Geotechnical Works.

His technical strengths include empirical and analytical analysis, advanced numerical modelling (UDEC, RS2, RS3, PLAXIS 2D/3D), blasting impact assessment, hydrogeological assessment, structural analysis, and geotechnical instrumentation & monitoring.

Usman MAJEED

Geotechnical Engineer specializing in numerical analysis, LS-DYNA modeling, and slope design

Usman is a Geotechnical Engineer with a PhD in Civil Engineering, specializing in numerical analysis, LS-DYNA modelling, and slope design. He has delivered complex projects in debris flow analysis, slope stabilization, ELS works, geotechnical site supervision, and wind farm foundation design. He also served as an Assistant Professor and has published research in leading journals.

Ina WONG

is a distinguished leader in construction innovation and digital transformation, with extensive professional experience in delivering intelligent infrastructure and advancing technology adoption across Hong Kong’s public works sector. She possesses exceptional expertise and notable achievements in driving AI- and IoT-enabled solutions for major infrastructure projects, contributing significantly to the digitalization and modernization of the construction industry. In her role leading innovation and digital initiatives, Ina has overseen the entire lifecycle of technology deployment—from research and development to field implementation—establishing agile frameworks and innovation pipelines that transform conceptual ideas into deployable AI products. She successfully founded and scaled the company’s first integrated technology division, bringing together professionals from engineering, IT, and data science to deliver award-winning digital solutions. With an academic foundation in Political Science, Ina integrates strategic understanding of governance, public policy, and stakeholder dynamics into her approach to technological innovation. She has extensive experience fostering collaboration among government departments, consultants, and global innovators, ensuring that emerging technologies align with public policy objectives and national smart infrastructure goals. Leveraging her proven track record in innovation management, cross-sector engagement, and strategic policy alignment, Ina combines visionary leadership with practical execution capability—providing a powerful driving force for the digital transformation and intelligent development of Hong Kong’s construction and infrastructure sectors.

CHENG Ho Lam Holly

Principal Geologist, C M Wong & Associates Ltd.

• CE32/2024(GE) Identification of Vulnerable Hillside Catchments Affecting Existing Important Facilities on Hong Kong Island and Outlying Islands – Feasibility Study

• Development of Upgrading Works  Cost and Time Estimator for Landslip Prevention and Mitigation Programme (LPMitP)

• Establishment and Pilot Run of Smart Site Safety System for LPMitP

• Inspection of Remaining Dwellings under Non-Development Clearance(NDC) Programme