IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In conjunction with the World Engineering Day 2026, we speak with Andre Salim about sustainable engineering, learning through mentorship, and why engineering must go beyond calculations to serve communities.

In the Spotlight

Interview with Andre Salim, Graduate Engineer

Q1. What inspired you to pursue engineering?
I was fascinated by skyscrapers and large structures growing up. Seeing my designs come to life motivates me today.

Q2. What surprised you about transitioning from university to real projects?
Real projects rely heavily on coordination, not just calculations. Working with many parties is more complex than expected.

Q3. What project are you involved in now?
I’m working on the East Kowloon Line SGMTS, a modern, sustainable transit system for the hilly East Kowloon area. Being part of an efficient, community‑benefiting project excites me.

Q4. A challenge you faced early in your career?
I learned early on that communication is just as important as technical skill. In one project, the architect questioned a column location and beam depth, but after discussion, I explained that the column could only be placed there and the beam size was necessary to meet the loading and span requirements. Even though the structural solution was sound, the situation showed how important it is to coordinate closely so other disciplines understand the constraints we work with. Since then, I’ve made proactive communication a routine part of my workflow to keep collaboration smooth and efficient.

Q5. How has mentorship shaped your growth?
Mentors guide my thinking, share practical experience, and help me avoid going in the wrong direction.

Q6. How can engineers make a meaningful impact beyond delivering projects?
Engineers can make a meaningful impact by designing with community needs, sustainability, and long‑term value in mind, not just meeting technical requirements. For example, thoughtful structural layouts can help minimise future maintenance, reduce noise for nearby residents, and create safer, more accessible spaces. These decisions don’t change the core engineering requirements, but they help create infrastructure that better serves the community for decades.

Q7. What inspired you to join CSR activities?
I enjoy meeting new people and learning from them. CSR lets me connect with different communities and practice my Cantonese.

Q8. CSR activities you’ve joined and their impact?
I volunteered with ImpactHK, which supports people experiencing homelessness, and it taught me empathy and gratitude. Some activities I joined included Kindness Walks, where we distributed food, drinks, and basic necessities to people sleeping rough and built friendly connections with them. I also helped with meal preparation and distribution at their Kind Kitchen.

Q9. How do engineering and community impact connect?
Good engineering improves daily life. Understanding communities helps us design safer, more inclusive, and more meaningful solutions.

Q10. What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love travelling and being in nature, especially hiking and kayaking around Hong Kong.

Engineers can make a meaningful impact by designing with community needs, sustainability, and long‑term value in mind, not just meeting technical requirements.
Andre C. Salim is a Graduate Engineer at Asia Infrastructure Solutions in Hong Kong. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology and later completed his master’s degree in Civil Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He is currently involved in the design of the East Kowloon Line Smart and Green Mass Transit System, contributing to the structural design of station and depot superstructures as well as foundation systems. His work includes integrated planning and coordination to ensure alignment with multidisciplinary project requirements.

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