* The interview was conducted in Mar 2004

• University Education
• Employment History
• What is the nature of the training program and what are your responsibilities?
• What is your current assignment?
• Are there any chances for you to apply the theories learned at University in practical ways?
• Since Towngas is expanding its business in Mainland China, do you have to work outside Hong Kong?
• Who are suitable for this career?
• What were the selection exercises?
• Any advice for students?

University Education

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering), HKU, 2002

Employment History

I started working at The Hong Kong and China Gas Co Ltd (Towngas) in 2002 summer as an engineering graduate trainee with the ambition to develop my gas engineering career in both Hong Kong and Mainland China.

What is the nature of the training program and what are your responsibilities?

The two-year comprehensive HKIE Scheme 'A' Training Program provided by the company allows me to participate in various kinds of engineering activities and be involved in a well-organized rotation among different departments. My attachment at the corporate marketing divisions exposed me to certain kinds of pioneering gas applications such as gas air-conditioning, dehumidification system and 2 in 1 dryer / washer. Through working with the product development teams, I performed tests for improving the efficiency of products such as Automatic Meter Reading System (AMR) and inner flame built-in hob. These products impressed me very much as they can achieve our company's goal of helping our customers improve their quality of life.

What is your current assignment?

Currently I am working in the Network Department, my home department, for the last six-month to consolidate the training I have received so far. The scope of duty mainly focuses on the operation and maintenance of the transmission gas pipelines. My present project is to study the stray current corrosion effect of the transmission gas pipelines.

Are there any chances for you to apply the theories learned at University in practical ways?

I have handled some ad hoc projects such as the prevention of telecom manhole pit covers bursting due to the ignition of gas at unknown leakage sources. My technical knowledge such as stress analysis, material science and thermodynamics gained from the University was particularly useful in developing a series of approaches to tackle problems in such challenging situations.

Since Towngas is expanding its business in Mainland China, do you have to work outside Hong Kong?

Yes, I sent three months in one of our China gas business joint ventures, Maanshan City of Anhui Province, working on the City Natural Gas Conversion Project with Mainland colleagues. The experience undoubtedly improved my communication skills, China marketing sense and proficiency in Putonghua. It also gave me some useful experience working with and relating to Mainland colleagues as well as giving me useful practice in site work. I acquired new technical knowledge and project management skills for gas engineering.

Who are suitable for this career?

People with good logical thinking and problem-solving skills, together with sound engineering knowledge who are ready to handle challenging and ever-changing situations, and are interested in the vast opportunities in Mainland China would be suitable for a career with Towngas.

What were the selection exercises?

There were four main stages in the selection procedures:

• First Round - Aptitude Test
  
  
• Second Round - English and Chinese Written Test: The test required candidates to write a proposal and some business letters related to the business of Towngas. Both engineering and non-engineering topics were covered.
  
  
• Third Round - Group Discussions and Presentation: Candidates were asked to discuss current affairs and business topics in Cantonese, English and Putonghua. The discussion was followed by individual presentations.
  
  
• Fourth / Final Round - Interviews with the Human Resources Department: The final round was interviews with senior managers.
  

Any advice for students?

Candidates should be familiar with Towngas' business and future direction. They should also be comfortable with discussing their own views about current affairs, particularly issues relating to public utilities.

Questions are welcome. Send a note to <cepc@cepc.hku.hk>.