Advancing Hong Kong’s New Engineering Contract practice: Meet Francis Leong
Francis Leong has been leading our Project Management team in Hong Kong since 2014. Recognized as an expert and project manager in New Engineering Contract (NEC) practices, he has made significant contributions in advancing NEC adoption within AECOM and across the industry.
One of his notable achievements includes the drafting of a new NEC clause on the application of ECC Secondary Option X20. This clause emphasizes key performance indicators, focusing on timely clearance of site portions and early completion of tree survey reports for a site formation contract with Hong Kong’s Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD).
Francis has also led several award-winning projects recognized for their sustainable, innovative and collaborative practices under NEC frameworks.
How did you come about integrating NEC practices into your professional work and projects?
NEC contracts are renowned for fostering collaborative relationships and effective communication between all parties involved, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. My journey as an Approved NEC Expert by the CEDD of the HKSAR Government began on June 9, 2015. After that, I have been actively involved in advocating for NEC adoption in AECOM projects, as well as training resident site staff and head office staff on the practice. In July 2021, we published AECOM’s NEC Administration Handbook — a key milestone on best practice and internal knowledge sharing. This was followed by a series of training sessions over the subsequent years to ensure that our practitioners are well-versed in NEC practices.
What has been the most rewarding experience in your career?
There’re plenty that I could cite, but a more recent one is our work on the Kwu Tung North and Fanling North New Development Area (NDA) Phase 1 project. We delivered two innovative solutions for this project — Hong Kong’s first bridge rotation over live railway tracks, which set a new benchmark for efficiency and safety by saving three months of construction time; and the world’s first use of ultra-high strength S960 steel in footbridge construction that not only achieved a remarkable reduction in the superstructure’s weight but also enhanced safety for the community.
This project also received the Grand Award in the ‘Demonstrating carbon dioxide reduction initiatives towards net-zero category’ at NEC Martin Barnes Awards 2024, and we’re honored to have been part of this achievement.
You continuously engage with the community to promote NEC. How has this shaped your experience in incorporating NEC principles into your work?
Engaging with the NEC community has profoundly shaped my understanding of NEC and how I applied its principles. Through participation in conferences, webinars and workshops, I have exchanged ideas with industry thought leaders and stay at the forefront of NEC’s evolving best practices and innovations within its framework.
Some highlights from my earliest involvements:
- April 2019: Panelist at Hong Kong Construction Industry Council in April 2019
- August 2021: Shared insights on the evolution of NEC in Hong Kong for Project Management Institute Singapore’s international webinar
- November 2024: Spoke on fostering collaboration (NEC’s core principle of NEC) at the NEC Asia Pacific Conference, where the focus was.
These experiences have broadened my perspective, and I translated my newly gained knowledge into my projects. For example, the Tung Chung New Town Extension – Reclamation and Advance Works project which won NEC Contract Innovation Award in 2020; the Fanling Bypass Eastern Section and the Kwu Tung North & Fanling North NDA projects which received commendations for their excellence in NEC implementation for transportation and sustainability.
These have been great achievements not only for AECOM but also for Hong Kong’s engineering community. As NEC is an evolving practice, constant engagement and collaboration are crucial in advancing its application to enhance innovative and sustainable solutions in the construction industry.
Francis was named Runner-up for the Individual Excellence Award at the NEC Martin Barnes Awards 2025 among strong competition, in recognition of his continued leadership and innovation in NEC applications across Hong Kong.