Dr. William C G KO, SBS

Founding President

Dr. Ko is the Founding President of the Environmental Technologies Foundation. He is responsible for realising the mission of the organisation - to conserve natural resources through environmental technology innovations, and promote knowledge communication and public support for environmental initiatives. Recognized for his outstanding contribution to the International Water Association (IWA) and to the water sector, in 2006 Dr. Ko became the first – and hitherto the only – Chinese person to receive the Honorary Membership Award from the Association.

Joining the Government in 1968, Dr. Ko made a meritorious contribution to the national Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Extension Project; he participated in the capacities of Engineer, Senior Engineer, Assistant Director and Director in the 4-stage extensions to the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply System in 1978 to 2001. Dr. Ko is being honored as the “Mr. Dongjiang Water” for his pioneering work in the project.

During his 5-year tenure as the Director of Water Supplies, William embarked upon revolutionary capital projects that safeguard quality water services for Hong Kong, including the $10B Water Mains Replacement and Rehabilitation Programme and the $8B Dongjiang Water Distribution and Treatment Programme. He also introduced the Quality Water Recognition Scheme for Buildings to enhance people’s confidence in the public water supply.

Graduated with a civil engineering degree from the University of Hong Kong, Dr Ko also holds a MSc in Water Engineering from the University of Birmingham as well as a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the Ocean University of China. He is currently a permanent adjunct professor at Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Graduate School. He was observed as an Adjunct Professor and Advisory Board Member on HKU, HKUST, CITYU, OUHK, THEi, IVE and OUC. In recognition of his extensive contribution to the development of Hong Kong, Dr. Ko was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1994, and was awarded a Silver Bauhinia Star in 2006. Besides, he is now an Honorable President of Hong Kong Licensed Plumbing Professionals Association Ltd and an Honorary Advisor of The Hong Kong Institution of Plumbing and Drainage Ltd. Moreover, he also acts as a Convenor for Water Engineering Educational Development of the five water engineering related trade associations in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Plumbing & Sanitary Ware Trade Association Ltd, The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering - Hong Kong Branch, The Hong Kong Institution of Plumbing and Drainage Ltd, Hong Kong Licensed Plumbers Association Ltd and Hong Kong Water Works Professionals Association Ltd.)

Dr. Ko lectured widely on the subject of environmental technologies, with an aim to foster public environmental responsibility for a healthier Hong Kong and sustainable developments.


Ms. Samantha Chau, Project Executive