Captivated by the intricacies of everyday machinery from a young age, Grace Tam has always had a desire to uncover how objects are conceived and constructed from first principles. Her profound curiosity about the mechanics of the world led her to pursue mechanical engineering at HKU, fulfilling a dream she held for over a decade. After graduating, she joined CLP, one of Asia’s largest investor-owned power businesses, driven by a passion to address climate challenges and sustainable future. Grace’s career trajectory has been remarkable. Now serving as Senior Manager in the Development and Asset Management team at CLP, she has also earned her status as a chartered engineer, achieving another long-held goal. Her steady rise is attributed not only to her dedicated work ethic but also to the interdisciplinary training she received during her undergraduate and master’s studies at HKU’s Faculty of Engineering.
2015 CLP Power generation business graduate trainee peers
Grace has never let the traditional perception of the power industry as male-dominated deter her. From her early days as a graduate trainee, to her involvement in the Black Point Power Station’s additional gas-fired generation unit D1 project to her current involvement in managing CLP’s diverse energy portfolios across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, India, Taiwan Region, and Southeast Asia – she has consistently embraced challenges and adapted to change.
“The gender barrier is fading,” Grace shared from CLP’s new headquarters in Kai Tak, Hong Kong. “The rise of STEAM education has empowered women to excel in science. This shift is inspiring the next generation of female engineers to break new ground.” At CLP, women occupy numerous leadership roles, from senior corporate management to analysts, strategists, engineers, and other professionals, reflecting a more inclusive industry.
Hosting a networking event for CLP’s Female Engineering Students Mentoring Programme
Laying a strong foundation
Grace’s professional journey began early in her academic life. When she was a Year 2 undergraduate, she joined the HKU Engineering Alumni Association (HKUEAA) as a student helper, where she forged connections with professional engineers from diverse generations, laying the foundation for her growth. Through the HKUEAA Graduate Mentor Scheme, Grace was paired with an accomplished mentor – a chartered engineer and chartered financial analyst – who encouraged her to always think out of the box, a principle she continues to cherish. Now, as an executive committee member of HKUEAA, she recently organised a delegation of 27 students and alumni to Beijing, fostering collaboration and inspiration. “HKUEAA is a vibrant, cross-generational community that thrives on mutual learning and challenges stereotypes,” she shared. “It’s taught me to embrace change and value the unique perspectives each generation brings.”
Grace as the Event-in-Charge of HKUEAA Graduate Mentor Scheme 2018
Inspiring future engineers during the HKUEAA Beijing Delegation, January 2025
HKUEAA Executive Committee 2024–2025 celebrates 50 years with esteemed guests
Her time at HKU, coupled with her job rotations across CLP’s key business units, laid a solid foundation for her professional success. “My lectures and tutorials at HKU taught me the fundamentals of mathematics and science, as well as teaching me to apply analytical thinking to tackle complex problems,” she recalled. “This approach is essential in my daily work, whether I’m optimising asset performance or conducting root cause analysis to address underlying issues, not just their symptoms.”
Her undergraduate capstone project, where she collaborated with peers from varied backgrounds to develop a wearable sensor for monitoring air quality, was particularly formative. “It honed my ability to work across disciplines, a skill I rely on when tackling challenges involving multiple engineering fields, financial considerations, and resource constraints,” she explained.
Pursuing a master’s degree in energy engineering shortly after joining CLP, Grace deepened her expertise in renewable energy technologies, smart grids, electric vehicles, power systems and energy management. This programme not only aligned with the power industry’s evolving demands but also equipped her with specialised knowledge to navigate emerging trends and support her career growth.
In 2020, Grace’s assignment to the 550MW combined cycle gas turbine project at Black Point Power Station marked a pivotal growth in her career at CLP. This green-field project to add a new gas-fired generation unit significantly advanced Hong Kong’s climate goals. Collaborating with international contractors and suppliers exposed Grace to diverse perspectives, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative problem-solving approaches, significantly enriching her expertise.
Grace at Black Point Power Station’s 550MW gas turbine D1 unit
Boldly embracing changes
As a passionate advocate for sustainability, Grace views herself as a global citizen, committed to addressing climate challenges. Inspired by advancements in the Chinese Mainland’s renewable energy sector, she seized the opportunity to take on a management role with CLP China’s renewable energy business, leading her to work across more than ten cities on the Chinese Mainland.
During her first assignment in Jilin province, Northeast China, Grace encountered a whirlwind of new experiences, from distinct regional accents and unfamiliar cuisine to extreme cold and cultural nuances.
Reflecting on her time at CLP China, Grace said, "It was a transformative growth opportunity. I was privileged to be among the early pioneers in developing and implementing a centralised control model in CLP China's renewable energy high-capacity regions. This initiative enabled CLP China to transition from a dispersed, site-based management to an integrated regional framework, addressing challenges from rapid business expansion through advanced technologies. This shift significantly enhanced operational efficiency, performance, and cost optimisation.” Grace also cherished collaborating with her colleagues on the Chinese Mainland, whom she found remarkably open-minded and supportive. “Their recognition of my commitment created a dynamic, inspiring environment,” she noted. “Our teamwork underscored the power of teamwork in achieving engineering excellence."
Grace encourages Generation Z to pursue their ambitions proactively. “Without a goal, you can’t score,” she emphasised. “Be the driver of your career, not a passenger. Success comes from striving with purpose.”
Inspecting CLP China’s wind farm turbines in snowy Jilin, China
Tackling hillside challenges at CLP China’s solar power station in Liaoning, China
Looking Ahead
Grace’s journey from a curious student to a leader in the energy sector exemplifies perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. As the energy industry accelerates toward ambitious carbon reduction goals, she is determined to lead transformative initiatives. Grace aims to lead projects that advance sustainable energy development, inspire the young to enter the field, and contribute to the global carbon goals.