More women are being recruited into engineering. So why is progress still slow?

As Hong Kong presses ahead with a wave of transport, urban and sustainability projects, its engineering firms are competing for talent in an increasingly technical and competitive labour market. Yet women still account for only around 9% of the city’s engineers – a gap that points to a structural challenge for the industry rather than a simple shortage of candidates.

To mark International Women in Engineering Day, HRM Asia spoke with Cindy Chiu, Human Resources Director, Asia at AtkinsRéalis, about why progress on gender parity remains gradual and what it will take to change that. Based in Hong Kong, Chiu leads the firm’s people and culture strategy across Asia, with a focus on workforce transformation, leadership development and building future-ready engineering capability. In this first part of a two-part series, she discusses whether the challenge lies in the talent pipeline or in how engineering careers and workplaces are designed – and shares her message to young women considering a career in the field.

For years, organisations have focused on attracting more women into engineering. Yet progress remains gradual in many markets. Do you believe the challenge is primarily a talent pipeline issue, or does it reflect a broader need to rethink how engineering careers, workplaces, and leadership pathways are designed?
Cindy Chiu: Progress remains gradual because this is both a pipeline challenge and a broader structural one.

Women account for just 28.2% of the global Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce, and the pace of change shows that attracting talent alone is not enough – we also need to rethink how engineering careers, workplaces, and leadership pathways are designed.

Addressing the pipeline starts with education and early exposure. It is critical to ensure that young people, especially girls, have access to STEM learning while building confidence and sparking interest from an early age. This means making engineering careers more visible and relatable, so that the next generation can truly see themselves thriving in these fields.

At AtkinsRéalis, our School of the Future programme focuses on youth engagement, sustainability education, and talent pipeline development. It encourages students aged 14 to 16 to design innovative school concepts centred on sustainability, technology, and future-ready skills. Since 2024, over 12,000 students in the Middle East have completed the programme, and we are now scaling it across Asia-Pacific, including pilot programmes in Hong Kong and South-East Asia by Q4 2026.

At the same time, sustainable progress requires us to rethink how careers and workplaces are structured, as these elements are deeply interconnected. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but it starts with fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong.

Our global programme, Different Makes a Difference, reflects our commitment to building an inclusive environment where people can be their true selves and thrive. By embedding inclusion into everything we do, we create a workplace where employees feel respected, accepted, empowered to speak up, and inspired to take action. It unlocks new possibilities and enables equal opportunities at every stage of the career journey.

We also recognise that change requires collective effort. Through strong leadership commitment and open dialogue, we work to remove barriers and share learning across the organisation and industry. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a key role in this. These employee-led communities foster belonging across teams and regions, develop talent through connection and leadership opportunities, amplify diverse voices, and drive meaningful change in how we collaborate and innovate.

Ultimately, advancing gender parity in engineering is not just about increasing representation. It is about redesigning the ecosystem to unlock the full potential of every individual, inspire the next generation, and create a more inclusive and sustainable future for the industry, community and society.

On International Women in Engineering Day, what message would you like to share with young women considering a career in engineering, and with employers seeking to create more inclusive workplaces?
Chiu: My message to young women is that engineering offers a unique opportunity to shape the future – the communities you and your loved ones live in, and the planet we all call home. You have the power to turn imagination into reality, to solve complex human challenges, and to create meaningful impact through your work. Your perspective, creativity, and voice are needed more than ever.

Be curious, build your confidence, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – because that is where growth happens. The future will be shaped by you, who create it, and your role in that is invaluable. We need you.

To employers, it is our responsibility to create environments where females and every individual can truly thrive. People are at the heart of every organisation. Our people bring purpose to life, turn ideas into action, and make meaningful impact possible.

By fostering supportive and inclusive workplaces, we enable individuals to come to work with a sense of purpose, contribute with confidence, and feel proud of what they have achieved. This creates a positive environment where people feel energised, valued, and inspired every day.

Employers play a vital role in shaping cultures where people can thrive – driving positive energy within organisations and creating meaningful impact across communities and society we serve in every sector.