Q&A with Jeffrey Yung

 

What is your current role as Head of Operations at JLL?

My current responsibility is as Head of Integrated Facility Department (IFM), Hong Kong and Macau. I am the overall manager of the Risk Management Committee, IFM Hong Kong, overseeing all IFM accounts including various data centres, investment banks, IT industries, advance technology, logistics and transportation accounts for facilities management.

Major responsibilities also include client relationship management, business development and management, critical environment management, engineering management, portfolio management, health and safety and risk management.

I am also a board member of North Asia Critical Environmental Management Board.

Environmental management to ensure the health building and office environment to protect the clients’ investment against increasing energy and environmental scrutiny.

Manage the Engineering Operations Solutions (EOS) team for operations and maintenance management to reduce building operation costs by leveraging higher performance management to fulfil the commitment to sustainability through real estate solutions.

How has engineering helped you progress throughout your career?

Facility management requires extensive engineering knowledge for day-to-day problem solving, decision making and giving prompt responses for client requisition. Solid engineering experience allows me to convince clients of the need for facility improvement projects and the ability to solve workplace problems quickly.

What made you decide to pursue a career in engineering?

I was interested in physics and maths during secondary school. I liked engineering when I was young, and I am proud of my ability to solve engineering related problems.

How important is engineering in a city like Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a commercial world, so the younger generation are less willing to enter the engineering industry; many prefer to pick business related topics. Hong Kong is now facing an engineering staff shortage, both for engineers and technicians. Technical staff are very important – the demand keeps increasing due to the need for modern buildings and infrastructure projects to be finished quickly. The salary range has increased very quickly in recent years, with the intention of attracting more young people to join.

Are you involved in the SOE HK centre? If so, how?

Yes, I worked for SOEHK region from its formation stage as one of the founding members. I held several officer positions for SOEHK, and I was Past Chairman and Past President of SOEHK regional. I am now the Hon Fellow of SOE and committee member for SOE UK IPlantE. I am now the assessor for CEng professional assessment as well.

What made you decide to apply to Engineering Council (CEng / CEnv)?

The CEng is a well-recognised professional qualification in engineering industry throughout the world. CEnv is also an established sustainability related professional qualification and is particularly beneficial to people working in the sustainable facilities management, operation and maintenance and building development sectors. Being a CEng and CEnv keeps me ahead of the game for professional standards and best practice sharing.

Would you recommend a career in engineering to others? ie: young people.

Certainly; I always promote working in engineering industry to young people and encourage them to consider it as a career path. I am always happy to act as a mentor. Our company has graduate technical staff training and mentorship arrangements to help them in the early stages of their career.

Do you believe in sustainable environmental practices at work?

I totally believe in sustainable practices. We support it in difference ways, such as food waste, reduce/recycle/reuse, the use of sustainable material for fit out and the use of less toxic material for cleaning. Recycle and reclaim of refrigerant is also a priority.

How important is sustainability in Hong Kong?

It is very important for sustainability in Hong Kong because solid waste by domestic and office will be charged by government. The city is relatively small but has very high density of people, so to properly handle waste is a huge problem. Natural resources like clean water, food, and natural gas for power generation mainly rely on imports.

What are your future career plans?

My future career plan will be more concentrated in education and training for the next generation. I will manage the department in an efficient way to improve the productivity and reduce waste.

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