Prof. Alan Lau Kin-tak, Associate Dean (Industrial Relations) of the Faculty of Engineering, has been elected International Vice President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a professional body with Royal Charter in the UK. It is the first time that a Vice President of the Institution was elected from outside European territories. He has also been appointed Chairman of the International Strategic Board to oversee the operations in regions including North East, South East and Southern Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Prof. Lau has served the Institution for over 10 years. He started the "Asia Pacific Initiative" in which engineering experts share their successful stories and professional skills with young students and engineers. This programme has benefited over 1,000 participants and become the Institution's anchoring activity.