The Fire Services Department (FSD) provides many opportunities for professionals with diverse specialised knowledge who aspire to serve the community.
One example is Eric Yuen, a Senior Station Officer in the New Projects Division. Yuen is responsible for reviewing the building plans for new property developments in Hong Kong. He draws on his four years as a civil engineer, mainly in major infrastructure projects, and specialised technical knowledge when he looks at building plans and visualises what they may look like after construction. “I also need to liaise with developers, contractors and consultancy firms. There is always a sense of familiarity, because from time to time I deal with the staff of these companies who are my former colleagues, or other professionals I met when I was a civil engineer,” he says. “This makes me realise that although my former colleagues and I have different roles, we have continued to contribute to our society’s progress.”
A civil engineering graduate from the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, Yuen worked for leading contractors and consultancy firms from 2008 to 2012. He cultivated his interpersonal and communication skills through coordinating projects and collaborating with individuals on all levels – from management executives to foremen and workers at construction sites.
Yuen joined the FSD in 2012. “Since childhood, I have had a passion for serving the community. I embrace a sense of mission that, because I have the capabilities, I’m willing to take the risks and help others,” Yuen notes. “I always enjoy interacting with different people and listening to their stories. I think my attributes are a good fit with the FSD, because the Department emphasises excellent coordination and teamwork. All team members need to make concerted efforts towards the same goal.”
The FSD provides diverse exposure to its committed staff that enhances their versatility and adaptability and nurtures their all-round development. After completing his training, Yuen first worked in operations and was posted in fire stations for five years. “The front-line work is very exciting and calls for impeccable teamwork.”
“At the New Projects Division, I examine building plans and focus on the fire services installation provisions in all types of developments, including residential, commercial, and public buildings. I work on the interpretation of the fire services installations and equipment’s code of practice with other officers within the department, communicate on the coordination of building plan approval and work flow with personnel in the Buildings Department, as well as liaise with executives of the property developers,” he says. “Officers are rotated among the various divisions in the FSD to maximise their exposure to the operations in the divisions and acquire the expertise in different fields. It also enables them to build their network with the personnel in various divisions for future cooperation.”
Yuen derives job satisfaction from his postings to different divisions at the FSD. “We assist people directly on the front-line of operation, whereas my current role in the New Projects Division is to ensure fire safety. These duties enable me to make a contribution to society,” he notes. “I have just completed a Master’s degree programme on fire safety engineering at City University of Hong Kong. My career goal is to continue to enhance my professional knowledge and unleash my full potential in my current duties related to fire safety and protection measures.”
The FSD offers many different positions with diverse responsibilities, he believes. “Because these positions all require different types of specialised knowledge and competencies, university graduates of all disciplines can consider applying. For instance, FSD Officers are required to handle many documents and reports in our communications with other departments and stakeholders, so graduates of language studies are suitable,” he says, adding the Department has been building its various specialisations, which require individuals with sharpened higher-order skills ,as well as critical and analytical thinking.
Because of the emphasis on teamwork, FSD personnel communicate a lot with one another at work. “The prerequisite is that team members should open up themselves and get engaged in sincere interaction and collaboration,” he adds.
University graduates considering applying for positions such as the Station Officer (Operational) at the FSD should have a high proficiency in English and Chinese. “The applicants need to have thorough knowledge about the FSD. It is essential they are psychologically ready for the challenges ahead and have the mindset and commitment to staying in tip-top shape if they are recruited,” Yuen says. “The recruiters could always identify those who have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for the profession and for serving society.”
