Title
Virtual Visit to Towngas – From Operation to Innovation
Co-organizers
HKIE Gas and Energy Division;
IET Hong Kong – Power and Energy Section
Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) Far East District Section
Date: 10th Aug 2021 (Tue)
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Format: Webinar via Microsoft Teams
Registration Fee: Free of charge
Language: Cantonese
Event Highlight
Founded in 1862, Towngas was the first public utility in Hong Kong. Today, Towngas is one of the largest energy suppliers in Hong Kong, operating with world-class corporate management and leading-edge technology and business practices. The visit will feature the digitalized operation in Grid Control Centre and Customer Service Hotline Centre. Towngas emphasizes a culture of innovation. It allows full play to employees’ creativity and foster business growth. The Hall of Innovation exhibits the new engineering inventions in the recognition of Towngas Innovators.
About the Speaker
Ms. Ivy Ko - Learning & Development Manager
Ir Kathy Wong - Senior Grid Control & Strategic Planning Manager
Ms. Doris Tang - Customer Service Hotline Manager
Ir Trevor Tang - Senior Business Innovation Manager
Registration & Enquiries
- The number of participants is limited to 300.
- Prior registration is required. Applications will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis with priority given to HKIE-EG, IET and IGEM members.
- Successful members will be notified by an email with a Teams meeting link closer to the event date.
- Electronic copy of CPD certificate will be sent to successful members through email within one month after the virtual visit.
- Please register via this link: https://forms.gle/TSmg8xHpvbK7K4E26 by 4 Aug 2021.
- For enquiry, please contact Ms. Priscilla Wong at nh.wong@towngas.com
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Rundown of the Virtual Visit
18:00 – 18:20
General Introduction of Towngas
18:20 – 18:40
Grid Control Centre
Towngas have operated a 24 x 7 grid control centre, equipped with a sophisticated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA). With precise instruments installed at strategic locations throughout the network, the system continuously monitors the status of the entire supply network. This greatly enhances operational efficiency and provide a safe and reliable gas supply.
18:40 – 19:00
Customer Service Hotline Centre
Towngas’ Customer Service Hotline (CSH) provides one-stop service that includes handling of billing enquiries and requests for appliance maintenance and installation. The virtual assistant “Tinny” offers instant support on general enquiries about Towngas’ residential service.
19:00 – 19:30
Hall of Innovation
The Towngas Hall of Innovation features the names and photos of Towngas inventors together with their products in recognition of their effort and contribution to the company.
Report 
The captioned event was held on 10 August 2021 via Microsoft Teams and
attracted over 200 attendees. Founded in 1862, The Hong Kong and China Gas
Company Limited (Towngas) was Hong Kong’s first public utility. The culture of
agile innovation allows full play to employees’ creativity and fosters business
growth. Four speakers from Towngas were invited to share the evolution of
Towngas business and digitalized operation.
The event started with a comprehensive introduction, delivered by Ms
Ivy Ko - Learning & Development Manager.
Ir Kathy Wong - Senior Grid Control & Strategic Planning Manager then
shared the real-time monitoring system of the gas network. In case of third
party damage, the geographical information system (GIS) can simulate a sequence
of gas valve on-off for isolation and project the number of affected customers.
It allows seamless communication on-site during emergency handling. Ms Doris
Tang - Customer Service Hotline Manager demonstrated how E-service aids the
workflow in enquiry handling. Ir Trevor
Tang - Senior Business Innovation Manager revealed the secret formula: Growth =
Innovation x Implementation. The event was wrapped up with a virtual guided
tour in Towngas Hall of Innovation. Various creative inventions by Towngas engineers
were exhibited and explained, such as Artificial Intelligent (AI) gas pipe
inspection, smart metering and micro water heater hydropower generator. The
webinar was very informative and inspiring, and ended with a fruitful
question-and-answer session.