Alice Chow, Arup Fellow and Director, has been honoured with the 2025 World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Leading Women Awards. This prestigious accolade recognises her contributions to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering inclusive workplaces across the engineering sector.

With over three decades of experience, Alice has redefined sustainability in engineering, ensuring it drives decision-making at every stage of project delivery. From developing strategic airport gateways to pioneering smart hospitals, her work demonstrates how engineering can catalyse profound sustainable impact. Through collaborations with the government, academia, and NGOs, Alice plays a pivotal role in reshaping Hong Kong’s sustainable infrastructure policies, propelling the city toward a greener, more resilient future.

As the incoming first female President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), Alice spearheads initiatives to empower women, nurture future engineers, and support startups. She established the institution's first SDG Taskforce, creating a comprehensive guidebook to make sustainable practices accessible to its 32,000 members. Alice also supported the development of educational materials to inspire students in sustainable innovation.

Driven by her belief that innovation and sustainability are inseparable, Alice co-founded the ‘HKIE Enginpreneurs’ programme in collaboration with Cyberport, Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship and incubator for entrepreneurship, managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong government. This initiative empowers startups to integrate sustainability into their business models, fostering scalable engineering solutions that address global challenges such as energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and infrastructure safety. By merging cutting-edge technology with sustainable principles, the programme advances progress toward the SDGs while enhancing community well-being.

Alice’s commitment extends beyond borders. Her hands-on experience in underdeveloped regions like Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Banda Aceh further underscores her dedication to driving positive global change.

Alice Chow, Arup Fellow and Director, said, "In a rapidly evolving world, staying agile is essential — but true progress comes from remaining grounded in our values and the inspiration that guides us. My principle has always been: Heart + Foresight = Achievements. With empathy and a forward-looking vision, we have the power to create lasting, positive change. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to share my beliefs with global leaders. More importantly, I hope this serves as a catalyst for more women to lead in sustainable development, drive innovation, and make a meaningful impact."

The Leading Women Awards, launched in 2016, recognise women who demonstrate exceptional leadership and make significant contributions to advancing SDGs within their companies and communities. These awards support SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.