A Civil Engineer’s Journey to Transform and Inspire Innovation
With a warm smile and larger than life personality, it is easy to see how Michael Leung leads the charge at his firm – a world leader in design and manufacturing of cutting-edge technologies, software and services for the professional construction industry. A personality that can put anyone at ease, his own journey from a young student growing up in Hong Kong’s own Kennedy Town to being the first Asian to lead a global company in Australia, he attributes much of his career success to his alma mater, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
Michael’s remarkable journey from earning a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering at HKUST to serving as the General Manager of Hilti (Hong Kong) Limited reflects the power of education, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to innovation and leadership. His path demonstrates how a holistic university experience can shape not just a career but also an enduring approach to life.
The decision to forge his own path
For a young Michael, HKUST represented both a challenge and an opportunity. “I was born in Hong Kong and grew up here. Hong Kong is such a small place, so when it was time to go to university, I knew what I wanted,” he recalls. “I wanted to go to the university farthest away from home, and HKUST was my best choice. I had to negotiate this with my parents, of course!”
Putting good humor aside, this decision marked the beginning of a transformative period in his life, one that expanded his perspectives and opened doors he had never imagined. Stepping into university for the first time, he was determined to immerse himself in campus life.
“I wanted to enjoy campus life, make more friends, and be fully immersed in the university environment,” he says.
To this end, Michael’s decision to study civil engineering was a deliberate decision, saying, “I love something tangible. If you can achieve something that you can touch and see, it makes life more lively.” This passion for creating tangible solutions would later manifest in his first major project after graduation as an employee for ARUP: the iconic K11 Art Mall in Hong Kong, a building that transformed the city’s architectural landscape.
Mentorship that made a mark
Reflecting on his own career path, he notes that behind every successful professional were mentors who helped shape their journey. For Michael, his time at HKUST was enriched by the guidance of two remarkable professors. Chief among them was Prof. Neil Mickleborough, who played a pivotal role during Michael’s final-year project which focused on research around pre-stress analysis in collaboration with VSL Hong Kong Limited.
It soon became clear that Prof. Mickleborough’s influence would extend far beyond academics, and this mentorship would turn into a lifelong friendship going far beyond academic influence. “Neil inspired me not just in engineering, but in how to be a good person and how to form my leadership style,” Michael says.
Even after graduation, Michael stayed in touch with Prof. Mickleborough for over two decades, visiting him regularly in Tasmania whilst he was working in Australia. Michael fondly described him as “not just a mentor, but a friend and a highly respected professor”, Prof. Mickleborough’s recent passing in April 2025 was a poignant moment for Michael, as he lost a mentor who profoundly shaped his outlook.
Michael Leung with the late Professor Neil Mickleborough, a mentor who greatly influenced his journey at HKUST and in Australia.
Another influential figure was Prof. Hong Lo, Dean of Engineering of HKUST. Their mutual interest in bridging academia and industry led to one of Michael’s most recent contributions to HKUST: the founding member of the inauguration of the Industry Engagement Committee (IEC) of the School of Engineering. Not only did he leave a lasting impression on Michael, but further motivated him to connect theoretical knowledge to practical innovation with academia and industry.
Thinking back, Michael says: “These professors were not just educators, they were connectors who bridged academic knowledge with real-world applications.” And that was the impact that they brought beyond the classroom.
Hilti management meeting with HKUST professors, showcasing the dedication of Michael (second left) to fostering industry–faculty collaboration. Pictured with Hilti Executive Board member Thomas Hillbrand (second right), Prof. Hong K. Lo, Dean of Engineering, HKUST (first left) and Prof. Zhang Limin, Head and Chair Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, HKUST (first right).
Transforming industry engagement at HKUST
A shining example of this spirit was Michael’s immediate and wholehearted support for Prof. Hong Lo in driving the establishment of the Industry Engagement Committee (IEC), a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the connection between HKUST’s School of Engineering and the professional world. The IEC ensures the university’s educational programs align with industry needs, builds strategic connections with key partners, and facilitates access to experts for practical innovations.
“This is not just a formality,” Michael emphasizes. “The inaugural committee was formed with forward-thinking professionals who are passionate about change and innovation.” Michael’s role as a founding member reflects this commitment. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, the IEC ensures HKUST stays at the forefront of innovation and prepares its students for global challenges.
For over a decade, Hilti has been at the forefront of pioneering bamboo construction technologies, advancing sustainable and affordable housing solutions across Southeast Asia. A key contributor to this initiative is HKUST, through its collaboration with a research team led by Prof. Ilias Dimitrakopoulos. This partnership has culminated in the successful construction of over 1,500 homes in the Philippines and Nepal, showcasing the transformative power of cross-disciplinary cooperation.
Meeting in 2024 lined up by Michael (first left) with Hilti Group Chairman Christoph Loos (second right), Prof. Hong K. Lo, HKUST Dean of Engineering and Chair Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (first right) and Prof. Ilias Dimitrakopoulos, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (second left).
Beyond the classroom
Thinking back, Michael’s years at HKUST were filled with plenty of academic achievements and extracurricular successes. He earned plenty of internship opportunities from leading companies which gave him the insight into the industry into which he would step into one day. His university life was also never confined to just the classroom. As a member of HKUST’s handball team, he competed in tournaments across mainland China and Singapore, demonstrating his ability to balance academics with personal interests. But above all, these activities gave him many soft skills that would help him to excel as a leader later in life.
Michael's team featured in action on the handball court, showcasing his athletic spirit during his time at HKUST. Photo from Apple Daily news coverage.
“HKUST is already a very diversified environment,” Michael says. “We had a mix of students from different countries. It was a great place to practice English, Mandarin, or Cantonese – all mixed together.” This inclusive atmosphere helped Michael develop the cultural adaptability that would later become a hallmark of his leadership style.
From engineer to global leader
After graduating from university, Michael never left HKUST behind. Holding on to his learnings, the values imparted on him, and a strong network, his professional career was marked by bold transitions and significant accomplishments. After starting at Arup, a leading structural engineering firm, he joined Hilti, a global pioneer in innovative construction solutions, where his professional transformation began. “Every time I share this story to my colleagues, they won’t believe how my career and personality have evolved,” he says. “From an introverted engineer focused on building designs, I became an extroverted leader who has grown to enjoy networking and selling ideas to clients.”
In 2016, Michael took on his most challenging role yet: General Manager of Hilti in Australia. “It’s a multiple-fold change – from a city to a country-slash-continent,” he explains. Leading a team during a leadership transition, he successfully navigated cultural differences and earned the trust of his team. “Reputation and respect need to be earned,” he recalls. “It was the first time an Asian was appointed to lead the whole Australian team, so naturally, there were some adjustments. At the same time, I had to prove myself through meaningful contributions.”
In 2016, Michael took his first international assignment in Australia as General Manager of Hilti Australia, relocating his family. Over four transformative years, he applied his engineering expertise, achieving professional success and lasting friendships.
Under his leadership, the business achieved double-digit growth, expanded its portfolio, and strengthened its market position. It was a testament to Michael’s ability to adapt, lead, and innovate.
Michael Leung reflecting on key milestones at Hilti, including impactful projects in Macau and Australia that shaped his career.
A vision for the future
As Michael reflects on his journey, he remains deeply committed to giving back to HKUST, the institution that set the foundation for his success. Whether envisioning himself as a part-time lecturer or mentoring students to navigate an ever-evolving industry, Michael understands the importance of staying connected to the world and honing communication skills in a digital age. “The practicality of the industry is evolving so fast,” he says. “Asking the right questions, active listening, showing respect, staying connected, and valuing human relationships—these are the qualities that keep us irreplaceable by robots.” He believes that the younger generations, including today’s students and his own children, must be prepared to adapt to an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Michael Leung at the 2016 HKUST 25th Anniversary Dinner for Civil Engineering Alumni, co-sponsored by Hilti, bidding farewell to classmates before departing for Australia to begin his role as General Manager.
Michael Leung with long-time faculty member, Chair Professor Irene Lo (third left in front row), and fellow HKUST graduates, now peers in the construction industry, driving innovation and excellence together.
Looking ahead, Michael sees HKUST as a vital force in shaping global innovation. With its unique blend of academic excellence and industry collaboration, he strongly believes that the university has the potential to set benchmarks for others to follow.
“We have a lot of elements that make us continuously successful,” he says. “HKUST can become the lighthouse, showcasing examples to the rest of the world.”
Michael’s remarkable journey—from a curious undergraduate to a global leader—underscores the transformative power of education and mentorship. As he continues to inspire and guide the next generation, his legacy is a reminder that the greatest successes are built on a foundation of purpose, vision, and the drive to make a difference. “There will be a lot of things that AI will replace,” Michael reflects, “but human connection will not be one of them.”